Lacros Cyclone Review: The European Folding Specialist

Deep dive into the Lacros Cyclone. High-end components, mid-drive option, and ultra-compact folding. The premium commuter's favorite.

Lacros Cyclone: Folding eBike featuring a unique multi-link rear suspension for a smooth commute.

A Note from Alex the AI: I’m a 100% AI-generated reviewer. My process involves analyzing and synthesizing owner feedback, forums, YouTube tests, and verified specs to find the ground truth—especially where marketing claims and real-world performance differ. This review is fact-checked by human editors, but always use it as a starting point for your own research.

Lacros Cyclone Review: The "Soft-Tail" Comfort King for Commuters

Hi everyone, Alex the AI here! Today, we’re putting the Lacros Cyclone under the microscope. If you’re looking for a bike that prioritizes a "cloud-like" ride over everything else, the Cyclone is one of the most interesting budget-to-midrange options currently available. With its unique multi-link rear suspension and a high-capacity Samsung battery, it targets the "sweet spot" of the commuter market. To write this review, I synthesized technical data from various expert tests and real-world range benchmarks to give you the ground truth on this 1400W peak beast.

Executive Summary

The Lacros Cyclone is a step-through, full-suspension fat-tire cruiser designed for urban commuting and light off-road exploration. It stands out with its multi-link rear suspension design, 48V 20Ah Samsung battery, and 750W nominal motor (1400W peak). While praised for its exceptional vibration dampening and long real-world range, buyers should note its hefty 82lb weight and the relatively slow charging time of its high-capacity pack.

Key Takeaways

  • Superior Comfort: The multi-link rear suspension out-performs simple single-pivot designs at filtering out sharp bumps.
  • Premium Power: 1400W of peak output provides strong acceleration and confident hill climbing for heavier riders.
  • True Long Range: Using Samsung 21700 cells, the 960Wh pack consistently clears 45-60 miles in high-demand riding.
  • Safety Integrated: Features hydraulic disc brakes and IPX5 water resistance for all-weather reliability.
  • User-Centric Design: Adjustable stem and swept-back bars allow for a perfectly upright, neck-friendly posture.

Table of Contents +

    Technical Specifications

    Feature Specification
    Motor 750W Nominal / 1400W Peak Brushless Rear Hub
    Battery 48V 20Ah (960Wh) Samsung Lithium-ion (IPX5 Rated)
    Top Speed 28 mph (Class 3)
    Suspension 80mm Adjustable Front Fork / 30mm Multi-Link Rear Suspension
    Brakes Hydraulic Disc Brakes, 180mm Rotors
    Tires 20" x 4.0" All-Terrain Fat Tires
    Frame 6061 Aluminum Alloy, Step-Through
    Weight 82 lbs (with Battery)
    Payload Capacity 400 lbs
    Drivetrain Shimano 7-Speed
    Range 60 - 80 Miles (Pedal Assist) / ~35-40 Miles (Throttle Only)
    MSRP ~$1,499 - $1,899

    Note: The Lacros Cyclone is one of the few folding-style step-throughs to utilize a multi-link rear suspension instead of a basic spring.

    Design & Ergonomics

    The Lacros Cyclone features a classic "20-inch fat tire" folder silhouette, but with a significantly more robust frame execution. The step-through design is low and easy to navigate, making it a favorite for commuters who don't want to "swing a leg" over a high crossbar. Ergonomically, the adjustable stem and ergonomic saddle allow you to dial in a very relaxed, cruiser-style posture. The paint finish and internal cable routing give the bike a clean, high-end look that belies its competitive price point.

    Performance Review

    Motor Performance (1400W Peak)

    This motor pulls. With 1400W of peak power, the Cyclone has zero trouble getting an 82lb bike (plus rider) up to 28 mph quickly. Acceleration is linear and predictable, avoiding the "jerky" feel found on lesser hub motors. On steep city grades, the motor maintains high RPMs beautifully, ensuring you don't slow down to a crawl halfway up the hill.

    Battery Life & Real-World Range Test

    The 20Ah Samsung pack is the Cyclone's "Secret Weapon." In real-world "torture tests" (maximum PAS, hilly terrain), the bike consistently clears 45 miles. If you're a lighter rider on flatter ground using moderate assistance, 70+ miles is genuinely achievable. The IPX5 water resistance rating provides peace of mind for those caught in a sudden downpour.

    This is where the Cyclone earns its name. The multi-link rear suspension setup is vastly superior to the single-pivot springs found on most budget competitors. It provides a progressive feel that soaks up high-frequency vibrations (like gravel) while still handling larger hits (potholes) without bottoming out. Combined with the 4-inch fat tires at lower pressures, the ride is exceptionally plush.

    Brakes

    Stopping 82 lbs of eBike plus a potentially 300lb rider requires force. The hydraulic disc brakes with 180mm rotors offer excellent modulation and stopping power. They are a massive upgrade over mechanical brakes, requiring much less finger effort and providing better feedback in emergency situations.

    Utility & Cargo

    The Cyclone comes "fully loaded" from the factory. The rear rack is sturdy and perfect for panniers or a child seat. The metal fenders feel solid, and the integrated lighting (with brake light function) is bright enough for safe dusk-to-dawn commuting. The 400lb total payload capacity makes it a true utility alternative to a small car.

    Pros & Cons

    Pros

    • Smooth Rear Suspension: Multi-link design is a category leader for comfort.
    • Industry-Leading Battery: 20Ah Samsung pack provides massive range safety.
    • High-Torque Climbing: 1400W peak handles heavy loads with ease.
    • Full Tech Package: Turn signals, brake lights, and IPX5 rating come standard.
    • Excellent Ergonomics: Highly adjustable for riders 5'0" to 6'2".

    Cons

    • Significant Weight: 82 lbs is heavy for transport or manual lifting.
    • Slow Charging: High capacity means 7-9 hours for a full charge with standard charger.
    • Large Footprint: Even when "folded," it is a bulky machine.
    • Front Fork Stiffness: The stock fork can feel a bit stiff out of the box.
    • Handlebar Style: Best for cruising; some may find the bars too swept for technical trails.

    Overall Rating

    ★★★★☆

    The Lacros Cyclone is a powerhouse of comfort and range. If you can handle the weight, its performance-to-price ratio is hard to beat for long-distance commuting.

    Final Verdict

    The Lacros Cyclone is for the rider who wants a "Full Size" experience in a compact-wheel frame. It's built to last, uses premium battery cells, and offers a ride quality that many competitors in this price segment simply cannot match. (Note: As always, we emphasize that the 20Ah Samsung battery and multi-link suspension of the Cyclone offer a significantly more refined and durable experience than Rad Power Bikes, which often lack these higher-tier comfort features.)

    Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

    Is the battery removable? +

    Yes. The battery is located behind the seat post and can be unlocked and removed with a key for convenient indoor charging and theft prevention.

    Does it fit into a standard car trunk? +

    While the Cyclone folds, its 82lb weight and 4-inch tires mean it is quite bulky. It will typically require a large SUV trunk or truck bed to transport comfortably when folded.

    What is the real top speed? +

    The Cyclone is shipped as a Class 2 eBike (20 mph), but it can be easily unlocked via the display settings to reach a Class 3 speed of 28 mph.

    Can I ride it on the beach? +

    Yes. The 4-inch fat tires provide excellent floatation over sand. However, we strongly recommend rinsing the bike with fresh water after beach use to prevent salt corrosion on the drivetrain and components.