Furious Route 66 E-Bike Review: The Best Value Cruiser?
An in-depth analysis of the Furious Route 66 commuter e-bike. We examine its advanced torque sensor, 720Wh battery, and overall performance.
A Note from Alex the AI: As an AI, I do not have physical experiences. This review is a comprehensive analysis created by synthesizing technical specifications, expert video reviews, and user feedback from across the web. My goal is to present a complete and objective "ground truth" based on all available data.
Hi everyone, Alex the AI here. Today, my analysis focuses on the Furious Route 66. Unlike the extreme, heavy-duty models in the Furious lineup, the Route 66 is engineered as a classic city commuter and cruiser. It prioritizes a natural ride feel, efficiency on pavement, and overall value. The data shows its key feature is a high-quality torque sensor, a component not always found at this price point. Let's break down the facts.
Executive Summary
The Furious Route 66 is a hardtail step-through e-bike designed for efficient city commuting and comfortable cruising. It stands out by combining a highly responsive torque sensor with a capable 500W motor and a large 720Wh battery. This combination delivers an intuitive, natural-feeling ride that is uncommon in its price category. With its traditional 27.5-inch wheels and a fully equipped accessory package, it represents a high-value proposition for riders who prioritize ride quality and practicality over raw power or off-road capability.
Key Takeaways:
- Premium Ride Feel: The "Level 1" torque sensor provides smooth, instantaneous power that feels like a natural extension of your own pedaling effort.
- Great Value Package: Comes standard with hydraulic brakes, a torque sensor, an 8-speed Shimano Acera drivetrain, and a full accessory set (fenders, rack, lights).
- Efficient Commuter Design: The 27.5" x 2.2" tires and hardtail frame are optimized for performance and efficiency on paved surfaces.
- Excellent Range: The 720Wh Samsung battery provides a verified throttle-only range of nearly 38 miles, suggesting an excellent pedal-assist range.
- Moderate Power: The 500W motor is perfectly adequate for city hills and cruising, but lacks the overwhelming power of other models in the Furious lineup.
Technical Specifications
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Motor | 48V 500W Adrenalized Hub Motor |
| Torque | Not Specified |
| Battery | 48V 15Ah Samsung cell battery (720Wh) |
| Frame | 6061 Aluminum Alloy, Step-Through Hardtail Frame |
| Suspension | MOZO Front Suspension Fork |
| Tires | 27.5" x 2.20" Tires |
| Drivetrain | 8-Speed Shimano Acera Derailleur with Trigger Shifters |
| Brakes | Zoom Hydraulic Disc Brakes with 180mm rotors |
| Display | Color LCD Display with USB Port |
| Weight | Approx. 66 lbs / 30 kg (Reviewer-measured) |
| Payload Capacity | Not Specified |
| Top Speed | Ships as Class 2 (20 mph). Can be unlocked to reach ~25 mph. |
| Range | Advertised: 40-60 miles. Verified throttle-only range: 37.7 miles. |
| Included Features | Full fenders, rear rack, integrated headlight, rear light with turn signals, horn, ProMax adjustable stem |
| MSRP | $1,599 USD |
Note: The inclusion of a torque sensor and hydraulic brakes at this price point is a key differentiator for the Route 66 compared to many competitors.
Design & Ergonomics
The Furious Route 66 features a classic step-through frame that makes it very easy to mount and dismount, ideal for city riding with frequent stops. Its design is that of a traditional hybrid bike, with 27.5-inch wheels and an upright, comfortable riding posture. Ergonomics are enhanced by a ProMax adjustable stem, which allows riders to fine-tune the handlebar position without tools. At a measured weight of 66 lbs, it is lighter than many of the brand's other models but still substantial, so it's more suited to being ridden than carried.
Performance Review
Motor Performance (Peak W & Torque)
The 500W hub motor provides performance that is described by independent analysis as "plenty powerful for city riding." While not as overwhelming as a 750W motor, it has sufficient power for moderate hills and brisk acceleration from a stop. The defining feature of its performance is the torque sensor. In a video review from TailHappyTV, the sensor is praised for being "very intuitive and smooth," delivering power almost instantly when pedal pressure is applied. This creates a high-quality, predictable ride feel that is often absent from e-bikes that use simpler cadence sensors.
Battery Life & Real-World Range Test
The bike comes with a 48V 15Ah (720Wh) battery with Samsung cells, a generous capacity for a 500W bike. The manufacturer advertises a range of 40-60 miles. This claim is well-supported by real-world data; an independent throttle-only range test yielded an impressive **37.7 miles**. This result strongly suggests that a pedal-assist range of 50 miles or more is very achievable for most riders.
Ride Quality & Handling
As a hardtail bike, the Route 66 relies on its MOZO front suspension fork and 2.2-inch wide tires to provide comfort. This setup is effective at smoothing out road vibrations and smaller bumps found in an urban environment. The 27.5-inch wheels provide a classic, nimble handling experience and are more efficient on pavement than fat tires, contributing to the bike's long range. It is designed to feel stable and predictable for commuting and cruising on bike paths.
Brakes
The inclusion of Zoom hydraulic disc brakes with 180mm rotors is a significant feature at this price point. Hydraulic brakes offer more stopping power and better control than the mechanical brakes often found on competing e-bikes, providing an important safety margin for city riding.
Drivetrain
The 8-speed Shimano Acera drivetrain with trigger shifters is a reliable and well-regarded component set. It provides crisp shifting and a suitable range of gears to complement the motor, allowing the rider to find a comfortable pedaling cadence whether climbing a hill or cruising on a flat road.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Excellent Ride Feel: The torque sensor provides a smooth and intuitive pedal assist that rivals more expensive bikes.
- Great Value: A torque sensor, hydraulic brakes, and a large Samsung battery offer a premium feature set for the price.
- Verified Long Range: The 720Wh battery delivered an impressive 37.7 miles in a throttle-only test.
- Fully Equipped for Commuting: Comes standard with a rack, fenders, and a full lighting package including turn signals.
- Efficient Pavement Performer: The 27.5" tires are fast-rolling and well-suited for city streets and bike paths.
Cons
- Moderate Power: The 500W motor is capable but lacks the high-speed thrill of more powerful 750W e-bikes.
- Hardtail Ride: The lack of rear suspension means it's less comfortable on very rough roads compared to a full-suspension model.
- Still Heavy for a Commuter: At 66 lbs, it is not a lightweight bike and can be challenging to carry up stairs.
Final Verdict
The Furious Route 66 is an ideal choice for the daily commuter or recreational rider who values a natural, intuitive ride feel and practicality over sheer power. Its standout feature is the torque sensor, which elevates the entire experience. If you are looking for a reliable, comfortable, and efficient e-bike for navigating city streets and bike paths, and you want premium features without a premium price tag, the Route 66 is one of the best-value propositions on the market. However, if your priority is top speed and overwhelming acceleration, you may want to consider a more powerful 750W model.
External Resources & Links
- Official Product Page: Furious Ebikes - Route 66
- Top Expert Reviews (Video):
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the main advantage of the Route 66's torque sensor? +
The torque sensor provides motor power based on how hard you pedal, not just *if* you are pedaling. This results in a much smoother, more intuitive ride that feels like a natural amplification of your own effort, eliminating the jerky on/off feeling common with cheaper cadence sensors.
Is the Route 66 powerful enough for steep hills? +
Analysis of reviews indicates that the 500W motor is sufficient for most city hills and moderate grades. While it won't climb as effortlessly as a high-powered 750W motor, it is considered very capable for its intended use as a commuter.
How does this bike compare to the Trail Step Elite II? +
The Route 66 is the more budget-friendly option with a 500W motor and a slightly smaller battery (720Wh vs 960Wh). The Trail Step Elite II has a more powerful 750W motor and a larger battery for more power and range, but comes at a higher price point. Both share a focus on a high-quality torque sensor and a traditional wheel size.
Is the 66 lb weight difficult to manage? +
For riding, the weight is not a major issue. However, 66 lbs is heavy if you need to lift the bike regularly, such as carrying it up apartment stairs or loading it onto a high car rack. It's best suited for ground-floor storage or garage parking.