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Electric-assist bicycles are growing and growing in popularity. In 2019, our crew spent a lot of time on a Rambo bike and a Bakcou bike (pronounced backoo, formerly called Backcountry eBikes) on our spring hunts and fall hunts. My son and I put on 40 miles on each of these in one day of antelope hunting alone while exploring some new country in my hunting unit. They are a very handy and quiet piece of equipment to get into tough places where pickups & SUVs are a challenge to drive.
Below is a rundown on the standout features on both the Rambo R1000XPS Carbon and the Bakcou Mule 750w. This isn’t meant to be an overly technical review. This is based off of real field use and user feedback, not a press release. Both bikes use top-quality Bafang motors and high-end front fork suspension systems, Tektro brakes, chains, pedals and tires.
An important note in field use is not to overinflate the fat tires! The PSI on both brands is listed on the tires, and I suggest dropping the pressure 3-5 PSI per tire … unless you don’t want to sit or walk much the next day. After proper adjustment on the tire PSI, the ride was much more comfortable and sustainable. I would also suggest upgrading to a softer and wider seat for all-day comfort when cruising open trails and roads.
Both brands have a ton of upgrade and accessory options so make sure you check out www.badassoutdoorgear.com to complete your setup for e-bike hunting. Everything from additional battery options, saddle bags, trailers, lights, and more are available and Badass Outdoor Gear happens to carry both brands. Their staff are extremely knowledgeable to answer any e-bike questions.
Rambo R1000XPS CARBON | $4,699.99 at rambobikes.com
Power, torque and battery | Very low battery usage while managing torque and speeds to get you where you need to go for long durations (Panasonic 48V 14.5AH battery); right handlebar throttle with left e-controls
Tires | Larger and a little harder to steer (Maxxis Minion FBF, FBR 26″ x 4.8″)
Electric safety & display | Electric power auto adjusts back to “0” when the bike is inactive for 10 seconds to prevent accidental electric throttle use when preparing to leave or stopping to glass (DP C10.UART)
Gear shifter | Grip shift control on left handlebar
Mud flaps | Easy-to-adjust rear mud flap with seat height adjustment, and intuitive placement of front mud flap
Bakcou Mule 750w | $4,897 at bakcou.com
Power, torque and battery | More instant torque with higher speeds per gear and per electric power level, but this comes with more battery usage, too (Extended Distance 48v 14.5ah lithium-ion battery); left handlebar throttle with left handlebar e-controls
Tires | Smaller and easier to maneuver (Maxxis Minion 26” x 4.0)
Electric display | Bafang DPC18.UART Full Color LCD
Gear shifter | RapidFire Plus control showing gear number on right handlebar
Pedals | Skid-proof wide stance
Headlight | Front fork mounted for low light visibility
Just another example of a new means of motorized conveyance that the public land management agencies are forced to deal with. First it was motorcycles, then came the mountain bikes, ATV’s, side by sides, and now E Bikes. The companies that manufacture these things never even consider the impacts they will create once they are out the door.
Forest service gates marked” no motorized vehicles ” I walked many miles with e-bike tracks in front of me. Good or bad, do I wish I had one?? Not sure, but the forest service will now be forced to deal with the bikes going around forest service gates. We talked to a forest service employee about them and seemed he did not know really,,, what to do.
I think bikes 750 and smaller are not considered motorized by the Forrest Service.
The Forest Service considers these motorized. There is current litigation on a Forest that approved them on non-motorized trails without environmental documentation. It will likely take a couple years for the federal land management agencies to get a good grasp, but as of now they are not allowed on non-motorized trails on the National Forests. Sad that none of the reviews or information being put out on them say anything about contacting the public land management agency for rules and regulations as there is a lot of unknown at this time.
Well, we all get old eventually and then there are others lie my wife who now has MS and this allows her and I to continue hunting since she can’t walk much anymore so I am all for them, When I was younger and could easily do 20 miles a day hunting in the back country the QADS and other motorized items drove me nuts! I understand the feelings on both sides of the coin but there is a place for quiet riders like these that have a minimal impact to trails and roads. Once you get older you will be looking for one I have no doubt. Besides, I never had an issue taking game closer in when others went out in front of me with anything including just their feet. Stop bitching and get on with it folks. These are just good quality hunting gear like all other hunting gear out there. Archers complain about guns and everyone else has something different to complain about as well. Its a big family we have so make room for a silent running bike now I say.