2023 Magnum Bikes Ranger 2.0 Review

The Magnum Ranger 2.0 is a big e-bike for big humans! It's immensely comfortable to ride and the tool-free adjustable stem makes it easy to share between differently sized riders. Capable of 28mph speeds (with some pedaling help) and outfitted with a full loadout of accessories, this is an excellent choice for city commuters everywhere.

Video Review

Written Review

Hey howdy, welcome to Electrified Reviews! Today I spent some time testing out the Magnum Ranger 2.0. Overall I had a blast and really love this e-bike, and I'd recommend it if you're in the market for a big city commuter / cruiser hybrid.

Magnum is a solid brand when it comes to electric bikes. They've been in this industry for a long time now, and their products are very popular with e-bike dealers. This is a testament to their product quality and also great news for prospective buyers, because you should have no problem locating a Magnum dealer for test rides and after-purchase support.

Design: A Big Bike for Big Humans

When I saw the Ranger 2.0 my first thought was "finally, a bike in my size!" I'm 6ft 3in and sadly most e-bikes just don't cut it for me in the size department. I found the Ranger 2.0 to be absolutely perfect and loved being able to fully extend my legs while pedaling. It's worth noting that the Ranger 2.0 only comes in one frame size, so if you need something smaller you should check out some of their other models.

The Ranger 2.0 excels as an all-purpose utility cruiser, with integrated lights, fenders, and a sturdy rear rack complete with a bungee tie-down strap. While it can handle some light trails, it's really intended more for pavement adventures, with big slick fat tires that provide great rolling efficiency.

Comfort: A Fully Adjustable Cloud

When it comes to comfort the Ranger 2.0 has it in spades. Even though it's a big e-bike you can adjust it to fit a wide range of riders, thanks to the tool-free adjustable stem that can be set at just about any angle. The fat tires have a large volume of air which provides a surprising amount of cushion, and the suspension fork does a great job of smoothing out rough roads. It's a fairly basic spring fork with 70mm of travel, but it is adjustable so you can crank up the preload if you're on the heavier side.

Electronics: A Bit Dated, But Configured Well

A lot of modern e-bikes are equipped with torque sensors but the Ranger 2.0 is still rocking a 12-magnet cadence sensor, which means it isn't as responsive and there's a noticeable delay between when you start pedaling and when the electric assist actually kicks in. I don't think that's a big deal, though; There's a throttle for a reason! Just use the throttle for a few seconds to get rolling and then pedal away. Magnum has the throttle configured for full power in any assist level, which is the best configuration; it means you can be riding along in "Eco" mode (the lowest assist level), and then hit the throttle to quickly accelerate without needing to fiddle with display controls.

The display itself is a grayscale LCD with all the important information front-and-center, and it's incredibly easy to see, even in direct sunlight. The integrated lights are great to have, but they're pretty much the bare minimum; they definitely help people see you at night but don't illuminate a lot, and they're tough to see in the daytime. There's also no premium features like brake activation or turn signals... but hey, at least they're actually integrated and easy to operate!

The 750-watt rear hub motor is fairly loud and middle-of-the-road in terms of power; slow off the block, with decent mid-range acceleration, and capable of 28mph speeds on pedal assist. Yes, there's a throttle, but it's capped at 20mph, making the Ranger 2.0 a Class 2 / Class 3 hybrid e-bike.

Rides Like a Bike

The pedaling drivetrain is a fairly basic Shimano Altus setup with a seven-speed twist shifter, but it's tuned well and feels great to pedal, even without electric assist. That's one thing that sets Magnum apart from some of the newer brands; they know how to make a good bicycle rather than slapping electronics onto some cheap frames. The drivetrain is complete with derailleur & chainring bash guards, as well as a sleek-looking top chain guard to help keep you pant legs from getting chewed up. The 14-28 tooth freewheel won't win any awards for gearing range, but I was able to get up to 28mph without feeling like my legs were going too fast for comfort.

Closing Thoughts

While the Ranger 2.0 may not have as many bells and whistles as other 2023 models, it has the basics covered, and it executes those basics very well. Plus you've got Magnum's years of expertise in the industry, wide dealer network, and solid extended warranty options! If you're in the market for a plus-sized city cruiser it's definitely worth a closer look.