Testing the Heybike Hero E-Bike in Jackson WY | Photo Connor Burkesmith Mountain Weekly News
The Heybike HERO is a new kind of all-terrain e-bike that’s poised to change the game. This soon-to-be-released model has upped the ante, elevating itself above other fat tire e-bikes with a lightweight T800 carbon frame and the option of a high-performance mid-drive motor. To see if this batmobile-esque e-bike is truly ready to swoop in and save the day, I tested the new Heybike HERO prototype and have dropped my in-depth review below.
I test rode over 60 e-bikes in 2023. And the Heybike Hero is standing out amongst the competition for 2024.
Mountain Weekly News Founder Mike Hardaker talks about the Heybike HERO E-Bike
All-terrain Carbon Bike Frame
The Heybike HERO Carbon Fiber All Terrain E-Bike embraces a recognizable build suitable for riding over a variety of terrain with a full suspension package and beefy 26 x 4.0” fat tires. That said, the major twist is the lightweight carbon fiber frame that shaves grams and boasts chiseled tubing shapes that aren’t possible on aluminum frames. I tested the step-thru model, but the Hero will also be available in a “Trapeze” or mid-step version. Heybike claims the carbon frame is 36% lighter than its aluminum counterpart and I’d say that serious savings seems right considering the average frame weight saving from carbon— frame weight on e-bikes is a rarely listed spec, so it’s difficult to source exact comparative data.
The frame of this Heybike E-Bike is made from high-quality t800 carbon fiber frame and weighs just 2.8 kg, quite impressive considering its large silhouette that houses the rear linkages and the downtube battery. The benefits here of a carbon frame include saving a bit of weight and adding strength and durability, tuned for rough riding on off-road trails. The frame is only available in one size but it does a great job fitting a large range of riders, although it’s still a big e-bike compared to your standard bike— the step-thru model is recommended for riders between 5’3” and 6’6”.
Full Suspension Electric Bike
The Heybike HERO doubles down on off-road performance with a full-suspension setup that effectively soaks up the biggest bumps and bruises on the trail. We’ve tested our fair share of e-bikes with full-sus packages that feel more like deadweight than an actual advantage, but I could really feel and enjoy the HERO’s plush suspension which enhanced the ride experience. The adjustable rear air shock was satisfyingly responsive and is definitely ready to take on MTB trails.
The burly HERO is still a little bigger and heavier than I would like for a true full-suspension eMTB, but Heybike is surely moving the needle with the lighter carbon frame. Actual “lightweight” eMTBs are all the rage these days as they deliver natural handling that’s closer to that of analog mountain bikes, but, given its convincing value and carbon frame, the Hero is an exciting new option in the mix.
Heybike HERO Top Speed
The speed demons out there will be more than satisfied with the HERO’s blistering top pace of over 35 mph. Although your local trail’s e-bike restrictions will likely limit your speed to well below that number, it’s great to have the ability to race cars in the city or truly send on wide-open dirt tracks. The HERO will be available with two motor options: a 1000W rear hub motor or a 750W mid-drive unit— I tested the former as the mid-drive version isn’t out yet.
Heybike HERO Torque sensor
We noticed that the HERO’s premium torque sensor is quite sensitive, so be ready for the bike to get going fast… and I mean fast! The rear hub motor has 100Nm of torque whereas the mid-drive model is slated to boast 160 Nm for even more powerful hill-climbing prowess. Within the five pedal assist levels, the first mode already clocks in at nearly 17 mph and incrementally approaches 35 mph on PAS 5. You barely have to put in much pedal effort at all which makes sense considering the Hero’s monstrous top speed and eagerness to deliver power.
Heybike HERO Battery
The mighty sidekick powering up the Heybike HERO is an 18Ah battery housed inside the bike’s large downtube. It’s easy to remove for on- or off-bike charging and even features a handy USB port if you need to recharge a smaller device— you’ll need to take the battery completely out of the bike for that, though. The battery pack is rated for 60 miles on a single charge if you ride solely in the lower levels of pedal assist. It’s also worth mentioning that the battery meets the UL2849 certification, an industry standard that confirms electrical and fire safety. My favorite detail is the lightning-fast 4-amp charger that can fully charge the high-capacity battery in just 4.5 hours— just when 3-amp was becoming the norm, Heybike has cranked it up a notch with the 864wh battery and it’s 60 mile range.
Weight
The HERO’s lightweight carbon fiber frame helps keep the e-bike’s overall weight down, but the all-terrain model is still a hefty 75 lbs. beast. That stat still impressed us, though, especially considering the full-suspension system and fat tires— many similar e-bikes these days are pushing 100 lbs.!
Having a decent amount of weight behind it contributes to a stable, smooth ride feel and it can support a maximum payload of 400 lbs. This adventurous model runs with the likes of the QuietKat Apex or Surron e-bikes that approach dirt bike territory— ideal for hunting, fishing, hauling gear, or other backcountry explorations.
Components
The Heybike HERO E-Bike is a mountain bike-inspired e-bike that relies on a Shimano Altus 9-speed drivetrain and has 180mm RSX hydraulic disc brakes for excellent stopping power. A solid trigger shifter is always better than an outdated SiS shifter in my bike so I was glad to see this upgraded groupset, complete with a couple of extra gears compared to most of the 7-speed e-bikes out there. The comfort-oriented seat is a big one with plenty of squish, too. Our model had a large central headlight at the front that is powered by the main e-bike battery.
The new, large LCD screen is an impressive highlight on the handlebars and I like the horizontal orientation that makes more sense to me, similar to a motorcycle or car dashboard. The screen is bright and colored for easy reading of all your current ride metrics— the e-bike is also compatible with Heybike’s branded app. Heybike mentioned that the eventual final HERO will have an integrated one-piece handlebar with a built-in display which would offer a super-sweet aesthetic and clean look. They have some renders of that prototype design, but we’ll have to wait to see it in person later on. The brand is in the midst of its Indiegogo campaign to drive investment and interest in the Heybike HERO model— you can check out the live campaign page here: https://bit.ly/heromtw
Heybike Innovation
Heybike’s current offerings prioritize power and speed, delivering serious pace at an excellent value that outperforms many similar e-bike brands. The new Heybike HERO follows this precedent and sets out to provide the power and rugged trail performance of premium eMTBs, but at a more competitive price.
Carbon fiber electric mountain bikes from Trek and Specialized can push upwards of $10,000 with all their bells and whistles— and while not a direct competitor per se, Heybike is combining accessible e-bike tech with a premium carbon frame to achieve the best of both worlds.
Not many recreational e-bike brands have tackled this challenge so it’ll be great to see how the upcoming Hero model is received by the industry.
Heybike HERO E-Bike Pros:
- Lightweight Carbon Fiber Frame: Makes the bike lighter than most full-suspension e-bikes.
- Full Suspension: Provides a comfortable ride and handles rough terrain well.
- Powerful Motor: Two options available, including a 750W mid-drive motor and a 1000W rear hub motor (tested).
- Fast Top Speed: Over 35 mph.
- Long Range: Up to 60 miles on a single charge (with lower pedal assist levels).
- Torque Sensor: Provides a natural-feeling assist.
- Hydraulic Disc Brakes: Powerful and reliable braking.
- Large Capacity Battery: Removable for charging on or off the bike.
- High Weight Capacity: 400 lbs.
- Large, Bright LCD Display: Easy to read ride metrics.
- Comfortable Seat: Provides a plush ride.
- USB Port on Battery: Can be used to charge other devices.
- Fast Charging: 4-amp charger can fully charge the battery in 4.5 hours.
- Multiple Gears: Shimano Altus 9-speed drivetrain.
- Headlight: Powered by the main e-bike battery.
Heybike HERO E-Bike Cons:
- Heavy: Still weighs 75 lbs despite the carbon fiber frame.
- Price: Price point not mentioned in the review, but expected to be under $3,000.
- Not Available Yet: Currently in the Indiegogo campaign stage.
- Mid-Drive Motor Not Yet Tested: Review only covered the rear hub motor option.
- Large and Bulky: May not be suitable for smaller riders or those who need to store the bike in a tight space.
Overall Impression
The upcoming Heybike HERO is causing waves and stirring up interest due to its creative combination of carbon fiber frame and attractive sub-$3,000 price point. As a potential underdog competitor to the industry’s biggest bike brands, Heybike is certainly making a name for itself and leading the charge with the HERO all-terrain e-bike. For the moment, interested riders can follow the Heybikes latest journey on its Indiegogo campaign https://bit.ly/heromtw and stay up to date with this highly-capable e-bike.
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