Ride quality can be easily summarized as a measure of a bike’s overall feel and operation. The subject is complex and multifaceted; we’ll explore many of the elements that relate to ride quality in this section of our review. Overall, the Cikada Touring felt well put together, though we identified some areas with room for improvement.
A bike’s frame design and sizing are two significant factors influencing its ride quality. The Cikada Touring has two frame sizes: a medium for riders between 5’ 2” and 5’ 9” and a large for those from 5’ 5” to 6’ 4”. We tested the larger of the two, and at 5’ 11”, I found the bike well-proportioned and comfortable to ride.
The bike features a seatpost with around 4.5 inches of height adjustment, allowing me to reach proper, efficient leg extension when pedaling. I found the slim, performance-oriented saddle to be on the firm side, but considering that saddle preference is highly personal, I don’t consider this a fault. I also appreciated the step-thru frame’s 17.5-inch standover height, which made mounting and dismounting a breeze.
Another major element of its comfort was an adjustable stem that changes handlebar height, reach, and the bike’s riding position. I set the handlebars fairly high for a relatively upright and relaxed position, but those who prefer a sportier feel might opt for lower handlebars and a longer reach.
Speaking of handlebars, the Touring’s slightly-swept, ergonomic handlebars and rubber grips felt great. In combination with the bike’s mid-weight frame and 27.5” wheels, they provided excellent steering control that contributed to the bike’s nimble handling.
For comfort, the bike includes a coil suspension fork with 60mm of travel, which is sufficient for absorbing bumps on paved roads and paths. While there is no rear suspension, the Touring’s uncommonly-wide 2.8” tires are large enough to provide some cushioning in addition to making cruising and cornering feel stable and balanced.
I’ve discussed the natural and responsive feel of the Touring’s motor, which I consider a highlight of the bike’s feel and performance, but it came with a couple of drawbacks. First, while I’m not often one to complain about motor noise, I (and the Electric Bike Report team) found the Bafang mid-drive uncommonly loud.
Additionally, while I was never in situations where it was a problem, riders should be aware that the motor has relatively significant overrun, meaning that it supplies power for a period of time after the rider stops pedaling.
Another consideration is the right-hand half-twist throttle, which can be easy to engage when shifting or casually riding. Again, I did not find this to be a problem during my testing, but it could result in reduced range/energy efficiency if the rider unknowingly activates the throttle while pedaling.
A feature I liked was the bike’s 8-speed Microshift drivetrain, which felt satisfyingly snappy and is operated by a trigger-style shifter on the right handlebar. The drivetrain’s gearing range felt sufficient for the Touring’s speed capabilities and most hills, though some steeper grades may require more effort than others.
The bike’s user interface is relatively straightforward, consisting of a small combination display/control panel mounted on the left handlebar. I would have preferred a color screen instead of the black and white display, but the readout showed speed, battery charge, PAS level, etc., in an easy to read manner, and the buttons were intuitive and simple to operate.
We typically prefer percentage-based battery charge indicators to the display’s bar-based readout, but those who feel similarly can take advantage of the Cikada app. The mobile app, which pairs via Bluetooth, has a customizable dashboard that presents ride data. It can also track rides over time, sync with optional tire pressure monitors, and provide maintenance-related messages and reminders.
The tire pressure sensors are just some of the accessories that the Touring can be equipped with. While Cikada’s website does not have the items listed for purchase at the time of our review, the company plans to offer cargo baskets and a front cargo rack to expand the bike’s carrying capability. Our contact told us that the rack is also compatible with Thule’s Yepp 2 Maxi child seat.
Along with the cargo rack, the bike ships with integrated lights, including an LED headlight and a tail light that functions as a brake light and fenders. Our test bike was also equipped with a bungee for the cargo rack.
All in all, the Cikada Touring is comfortable, functional, maneuverable, and easy to operate, with solid ride quality that makes it enjoyable to ride.
