AIMA Rocky Review: Speed Test
So the Rocky’s speed test results look a little weird on paper, but I’m not worried one bit. Let’s look at the numbers first, then I’ll explain what’s going on.
Torque sensor test:
- No motor: 9.5
- PAS 1: 14.7
- PAS 2: 19.8
- PAS 3: 20.7
- PAS 4: 20.7
- PAS 5: 20.7
Cadence sensor test:
- No motor: 9.5
- PAS 1: 15.2
- PAS 2: 20.0
- PAS 3: 20.0
- PAS 4: 20.0
- PAS 5: 20.0
In the stock settings, the Rocky can basically reach its ~20 mph ceiling in almost any assist level. Personally, I don’t mind that at all—it changes how you get to 20 mph more than whether you can get there. The higher PAS levels feel more forceful, the bike accelerates harder, and the overall “push” from the motor is more pronounced.
That said, I know it won’t be everyone’s preference. Plenty of riders want lower PAS levels to settle into a slower, more relaxed cruising speed. The good news is you can tune that behavior in the app and cap speeds by assist level. I considered adjusting it for the sake of this test, but we typically test bikes as they arrive out of the box, so I left the Rocky in its standard configuration.
On the road, the power delivery is mostly smooth. With the throttle—and occasionally right when starting to pedal—I could feel a tiny delay that almost comes across like the motor is “catching” or stepping into the next phase of power. Once you’re moving (roughly above 8 mph), it stops being noticeable. It’s a small hiccup in an otherwise steady ride.
The cadence sensor has some real zip. It surges forward quickly, which is fun and feels punchy, but if you want something more gradual and tame, that’s another place where the app tuning can help.
Lastly, the gearing range is solid, and I like the choice to use Shimano CUES here. It’s built with beefier materials than many entry-level drivetrains, and I’d love to see more bikes adopt it—so credit to AIMA for making that call.
The bike is mostly smooth. With the throttle and sometimes when starting out to pedal, it felt as if I could feel the motor shifting gears with a tiny delay. North of 8 mph, it never seemed to be a problem though. It’s the one small hiccup in an otherwise smooth ride.
The cadence sensor has noticeable zip to it. The motor spurts forward pretty quick which is exciting, but again, alter things in the app if you want something a little more tame.
Gearing range is good, and I like the use of the CUES system. It’s made of thicker amounts of metal than other drivetrains, and I want to see more bikes switching to this, so I’ll commend AIMA on it’s choice here.
