2023 Denago Commute Model 1 Review

Video Review

Written Review

INTRO

Welcome to our review of the Denago Commute Model 1 Top Tube electric bike. This bike is a swift lil’ thing, built for commuting with a 28mph top speed, and a 45-mile range. It's lightweight, durable, and has a comfortable riding position, which is an important aspect when deciding if this is the vehicle I want to spend time on every day! It also comes with integrated lights and LCD display, so it’s perfect for those who want to get around quickly and efficiently.

COMPANY OVERVIEW

The Denago Commute Model 1 Top Tube electric bike is priced at $1,799 USD and comes with a 2-year warranty. Denago is based out of Texas, which was surprising because I thought only cattle came out of Texas. Well, you learn something new, everyday folks. 

MOTOR

The Denago Commute Model 1 Top Tube electric bike is equipped with a powerful 500-watt rear-hub motor from Shengyi. 500 watts is usually in the goldilocks zone for power and efficiency on electric bikes. Especially because we’re viewing this as a commuter, you’ll most likely be pedaling the whole time, which will greatly increase your efficiency. Denago’s official specs for the Commuter Model 1 show it has a top speed of 28 mph, but I was only able to get it up to 27.5, looks like i need to eat my wheaties more often! The top speed can be reached using the cadence-sensing pedal assist in conjunction with the throttle.

BATTERY

The Denago Commute Model 1 Top Tube comes equipped with a 625-watt-hours battery that is lockable and removable. The convenience here is you can take the battery to charge inside, while the rest of the bike stays in the garage…WHERE IT BELONGS. It's a standard 48V and 13.6Ah battery which is a little on the smaller side capacity-wise, but definitely enough to tackle most commutes. It has a decent capacity that allows for an estimated range of 45 miles in ideal conditions when using pedal assist level 1. However, real-world range will depend on factors like rider weight, terrain, and assist level, and based on our estimates, you can expect to get around 30-35 miles on average.

FRAME

The Denago Commute Model 1 has an all-aluminum frame. The bike features a high-step frame design, with a standover height of 30 inches, and a reach of 15 inches. The standover height is a bit on the higher side, so if you’re in need of a step-through, this wouldn’t be the ticket, but if you’re a good fit in that regard, the 15-inch reach is very accessible and will open this up to a variety of riders. The Model 1 measures a total length of 72.5 inches and weighs about 66 pounds…pretty standard. When it comes to what you tote around with you, this Ebike has a weight limit of 335 pounds, making the Model 1 a great choice for carrying extra cargo on the rear rack on your daily commute.  

SUSPENSION

The Denago Commute Model 1 Top Tube comes equipped with a front fork suspension from Zoom that will make your ride feel like you're gliding on a cloud. It's got 80 millimeters of travel, which means you can tackle rough terrain and still feel like you're riding on a fluffy pillow. It's also adjustable for preload, so you can customize it to match your weight and riding style. And for extra comfort, the bike also comes with a seat post suspension, that will make sure your behind feels as good as it looks, or even better in some cases. 

WHEELS AND TIRES

The Denago Commute Model 1 Top Tube comes with wheels that are big enough to make you feel like you're on a magic carpet ride. These 27.5-inch wheels are wrapped in Denago tires that are wider than your average road bike tires, providing extra stability and grip. It's like having your own personal off-road adventure vehicle. The tires have reflective sidewall striping and puncture protection, so you can tackle dirt, gravel, and even light mud with ease. These tires won't let you down, you can be sure that they'll get you through most of the conditions you'll encounter on your daily commute, and maybe even some you weren't expecting.

BRAKES:

Listen up folks, the Denago Commuter Model 1 is equipped with some serious stopping power. These Zoom hydraulic disc brakes will keep you safe and in control no matter the weather. Plus, they offer more "whoa" for your "go" than traditional mechanical disc brakes. And, in case of emergency, the bike also has a motor inhibitor brake lever that cuts off power to the motor when you hit the brakes. So you can come to a smooth and controlled stop, even if you’re braking in a hurricane. And let’s be honest, who hasn’t had to slam on the brakes while riding during a hurricane? 

GEARING:

The Denago Commuter Model 1 is equipped with an 8-speed drivetrain, which means you'll have a wide range of gears to make your way across a multitude of terrains. The bike has a 1x8 setup, which is a single chainring in the front and 8 cogs in the rear, this is a common setup for Ebikes, and it offers a good balance between simplicity and gear range. 

COCKPIT:

This setup is pretty cozy, going back to our riding on a cloud analogy, so comfortable you'll be tempted to nap on your commute. But don't, because safety first, am I right?

The controls on the bike are located on the left side of the handlebar, like a fancy sports car. There's the throttle, the pedal assist levels, and the display. The throttle is a thumb throttle, so you can easily control the speed of the bike with just your thumb, like a tiny little speed demon. The pedal assist levels are controlled by a button, so you can customize the power output of the motor to your liking, whether you're feeling lazy or ready to conquer the world.

And finally, the display. It's located in the center of the handlebar, like a dashboard on a spaceship. It provides important information about your ride, such as speed, distance, and battery level. The display is easy to read, even in bright sunlight, so you can keep track of your progress without squinting like a pirate. 

EXTRAS

Next, let’s chat about some of the little extras that come with the Denago Commute Model 1 - Top Tube. It's like they read our minds and knew exactly what we needed to make our commutes just a little bit more enjoyable.

We mentioned the built-in LCD display that shows you all the important information like speed, battery life, and pedal assist level. But, get this, it even has a USB port built into the display so you can charge your phone or other devices while you're out on the road. Talk about a game-changer.

But that's not all, this baby also comes with a kickstand and a bell. I know what you're thinking, "Logan, a kickstand and a bell? How exciting." But trust me, it makes all the difference in the world. It's the little things that make life worth living. Granted, I don’t know if the kickstand and bell combo here is the reason to get out of bed in the morning, but hey, it helps. 

One of the features I'm particularly fond of is the front and rear fenders. It's like they knew we were all sick of getting splashed with mud and debris while riding in wet conditions. And let's not forget the built-in headlight and taillight, a must-have for those early morning or late night rides. Fenders, Lights, Rack. All of these extras are the main reasons we call this a true commuter Ebike. 

FINAL THOUGHTS:  

The Denago Commute Model 1 seems like a solid choice for anyone looking for a reliable and comfortable commuter Ebike. It's got a sturdy frame, a smooth ride, and plenty of features to make your commute more enjoyable. Plus, with a top speed of 28 mph and a range of up to 45 miles, you'll be able to zip around town in no time. And let's be real, who doesn't love feeling like they're flying down the street on a bicycle? No one, that’s who! The added extras like the fenders, headlight, and taillight are just the cherry on top of an already great Ebike sundae. So if you're in the market for a new ride to make your daily grind a little more enjoyable, think about giving the Denago Commute Model 1 a spin.