Magician Atlas: INSANE Specs, But Here’s What Worries Us + Bosch Stops E-Bike Theft? TWR Ep 65
Welcome to The Weekly Recharge from Electric Bike Report — your weekly breakdown of the biggest e-bike news, gear, deals, trail picks, and real rider Q&A.
This week, John covers a major new Bosch eBike Systems security update with theft deterrent features rolling out through the Bosch Flow app, plus a breakdown of new California e-bike and electric motorcycle rules — including how enforcement could affect minors (and potentially parents). We also pay tribute to Cannondale founder Joe Montgomery and check out an innovative new Cane Creek HCR stem + headset designed to hide cables while keeping mechanics happy.
In This Episode
✅ Bosch E-Bike Anti-Theft Update (Flow App + Dealers)
– Mark/flag stolen e-bikes or batteries in the Flow app
– Prevent stolen components from being re-paired to new accounts
– Dealer diagnostic tools can alert when a bike/part is flagged
– Commercial fleet tools: remote deactivation + tracking/monitoring features
✅ California E-Bike + E-Moto Law Updates
– AB 544 visibility requirements (rear red reflector or red light)
– New requirements and restrictions for off-highway electric motorcycles (Sur Ron / Talaria-style vehicles)
– Helmet citations and safety-class options for minors (plus what’s still unclear)
✅ Industry & Tech
– Remembering Cannondale founder Joe Montgomery and his legacy
– Cane Creek HCR hidden cable routing system (service-friendly design)
✅ Gear Spotlight
– Compact mini smart air pump (features, accessories, and current pricing)
ASMAX T30 Smart Air Pump – https://www.asmaxworld.com/products/t30
✅ E-Bike Trail of the Week
– Dawkins Line Rail Trail (Kentucky) — bridges, tunnels, Appalachian scenery, and what to know for e-bikes
https://www.traillink.com/trail/dawkins-line-rail-trail/
✅ Q&A + Comparisons
We answer viewer questions including:
– Electra Townie Go! S vs Trek FX+ 1S (why they feel so different despite similar specs)
– Magician Atlas (impressive specs vs potential red flags + alternatives we’ve tested)
– Troxus Trax LT vs Urtopia Carbon Classic / Carbon 1 Pro (hill performance + ride feel)
– Best lightweight e-bikes for transporting in a car (folding, weight, batteries, quick release, and safety tips)
– How PAS levels affect workout intensity on torque-sensor bikes
– Clarifying our hill test data and how we compare results between test locations
Deal Links:
Aventon’s Happy New Year Sale – https://ebrdeals.com/AventonPromos
Ride1Up’s New Year Deals – https://ebrdeals.com/Ride1UpPromos
Trek Sale – https://ebrdeals.com/TrekPromos
Specialized Sale – https://ebrdeals.com/SpecializedPromos
Retrospec Sale – https://ebrdeals.com/RetrospecPromos
Rider of the Week
Shoutout to this week’s Rider of the Week — and a reminder: if you’ve ever been featured, fill out the form in the description so we can get you your free shirt.
📩 Email questions to: questions@electricbikereport.com
🌐 More e-bike reviews + testing: ElectricBikeReport.com
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🐦 X: https://twitter.com/E_BikeReport
Bikes Discussed in this Episode:
Trek FX+ 1S –
Electra Townie Go! S –
Aventon Aventure M – https://ebrdeals.com/AventonAventureM
Cyke Falcon X – https://ebrdeals.com/CYKEfalconX
Velotric Nomad 2X – https://ebrdeals.com/VelotricNomad2X
Urtopia Carbon Classic – http://ebrdeals.com/UrtopiaCarbonClassic
Troxus Trax LT – https://ebrdeals.com/TroxusTraxLT
Dahon K-Feather – https://ebrdeals.com/DahonKFeather
Urtopia Carbon Fold 1 – https://ebrdeals.com/UrtopiaCarbonFold1
Evelo Omega – http://www.ebrdeals.com/ebrRP-Evelo-Omega
Velotric Discover 2 – https://ebrdeals.com/ebrdealsVelotricDiscover2
#ebike #boschebike #ebikenews #electricbike #weeklyrecharge #ebikesecurity #bikecommuting #bikelaws
00:00 – Intro
00:30 – News Of The Week
01:31 – Improved protection for Bosch systems!
04:21 – California’s new e-bike laws.
06:38 – Cannondale’s founder passes away.
08:51 – New Cane Creek stem!
10:38 – Gear Highlight
12:21 – Currently Testing & Recent Reviews
13:28 – E-Bike Trail Systems
17:49 – Questions & Comments
17:56 – Trek FX+1 vs Electra Townie Go
20:20 – What do we think about the Magician Atlas?
26:53 – Urtopia Carbon Classic vs Carbon Pro vs Troxus Trax LT
32:01 – Folding E-Bike recommendations for Margarita.
36:51 – Reducing motor power vs just pedaling harder on a torque sensor.
38:51 – How are we dealing with the change to the hill test?
42:24 – Deals Of The Week
44:43 – Rider Highlight
46:03 – Wrap Up
46:43 – Bloopers
