Beginning with its sizing, Retrospec offers its long-tail cargo e-bike in a single frame size. The Roo Rev XL is intended for riders between 5’5” and 6’5”, with multiple points of adjustment to tailor its fit.
For example, its dual-telescoping seatpost has an adjustable height range of 13 inches, ensuring that riders on the taller end of the spectrum can find a comfortable fit with proper leg extension. Its BMX-style handlebars can be rotated closer or further away as needed to fit the rider’s proportions and preferences.
We found the cockpit pleasantly roomy, and we liked the bike’s wide 760mm handlebars. Combined with its relatively light frame and 20×3” fat tires, the Roo Rev XL steered predictably and felt much more nimble than its size might suggest.
The Roo Rev XL’s center of gravity is kept low, which adds to its overall handling. This helps ensure that a load of cargo feels balanced and controlled, while the 3” wide tires help to keep it feeling stable while riding and cornering.
The bike could feel quite powerful when we wanted it to, but it also had an overall air of safety. We greatly appreciated the front and rear turn signals (the combination is still a relatively uncommon feature these days) and the bike’s manageable 20 mph speed limit. We were also happy to note that the Roo Rev XL and its battery are both fully UL certified.
Our few points of critique are relatively minor. In some instances, when taking corners too sharply, the bike’s dual-leg center stand occasionally struck the ground; riders should keep in mind the need to take turns relatively gradually. Additionally, while we like the style and width of the handlebars, they inevitably felt somewhat crowded by all of the included control modules.
That said, we liked the color coded nature of the display and the bike’s overall simple operation. We’ve tested an increasing number of e-bikes loaded with tons of features that result in a relatively complex user interface. It’s nice to see something without so many bells and whistles—and a much simpler learning curve—for those who just want to hop on and ride.
I mentioned previously that the Roo Rev XL could feel either relaxed or punchy depending on how much pressure was applied to the pedals. We wouldn’t mind seeing a slightly more dialed-in torque sensor with a smoother ramp up in power, instead of two relatively distinct feels in how the motor delivers power, but we appreciate the overall responsiveness and adaptability of the pedal assist system.
In summary, the Roo Rev XL felt comfortable, predictable, controlled, and very capable without seeming overly complicated. Its overall handling and active pedal experience make it suitable for more than just moving cargo or passengers; this is a bike with plenty of leisure and exercise potential, too!
