I’ve Never Seen an E-Bike This Fast at This Price

Regardless of how you feel about e-bikes, the past few years have pretty clearly indicated that high-powered cycles are here to stay. Or, more appropriately, move.

As a New York City cyclist who prefers to pedal, I often avoid the bike lanes. There are so many electrified rigs absolutely hauling ass through them, I feel safer out amongst the cars. 

Nireeka

Yet, as many wild bikes as I have seen, I’m not sure how I’d react if I saw Nireeka’s latest two-wheeler come ripping up the street. 

Going by the name Spectrx, it promises a staggering amount of speed and torque at a surprising price.

Speed freak

I know what you are thinking: Quit burying the lead, Steve, how fast does it go?

While it’s not the fastest ever, the Spectrx boasts a 6-kW mid-drive motor that generates 206 lb-ft of torque and a top speed of 50 mph. 

Nireeka

That does make it the fastest in the Canada-based brand’s seven-year history of producing some pretty bonkers but generally well-liked e-bikes. It’s also notably faster than any other e-bike I’ve seen in the $3,000 price range.

Two factors are key to generating that kind of torque and speed. 

One is the eschewing of a traditional cassette and derailleur, which seems likely to get fried by the kind of smoke this motor is throwing.

Instead, the Spectrx features a hybrid drivetrain running a motorcycle-style rear sprocket plus a high-strength e-bike chain. It looks as funky as it sounds.

Nireeka

The other element is that while the bike is not light, it’s lighter than you might expect. Thanks in large part to a carbon monocoque frame, it comes in at roughly 66 pounds. (A beefier fat-tired “Fat” version weighs 79 pounds.)

A secondary benefit to that weight-saving frame is the ability to squeeze more juice out of the battery, a 1,260-Wh unit that Nireeka says is good for 31 to 75 miles. 

Capable componentry

Rounding things out are the requisite list of quality components, which you kind of need simply to control a bike this torque-y and quick. 

Toward that end, the Spectrx carries Tektro ABS disc brakes, torque and cadence sensors offering, ahem, “natural-feeling” pedal assistance and an integrated headlight and taillights. 

Nireeka

Between the bars you’ll also find a full-color display that pairs with an app to do typical e-bike-y things like logging ride metrics and monitoring battery life.

The Spectrx also boasts Kenda tires and 140mm of adjustable front and rear suspension.

Even so, I’ve stopped short of calling it an e-mountain bike because nowhere on the brand’s social media or Indiegogo page will you find anyone using it as such. 

I imagine you’d get booed right off the single-track for doing so.

Nireeka

That said, it seems way too fast to be street legal — even with one of the ride modes designated for “Casual Riding” — so I am not sure where the heck you are supposed to ride it. Gravel trails, fire roads or ’round and ’round the manse I suppose.

Just do me a favor and — unlike the guy in the beginning of the frankly irresponsible crowd-funding video — slap on a helmet. While the Spectrx is available in a variety of colors, none will really match your brain splattered all over the pavement.

Editor’s note: As an astute reader points out, homeowner’s insurance is unlikely to cover an e-bike that exceeds 20 or 28 mph. Check your policy and ponder before purchasing.

Availability and pricing

The base model Nireeka Spectrx Plus can currently be sponsored/ purchased via Indiegogo for $3,099.

The Nireeka Spectrx Fat costs $3,299. Estimated shipping for both bikes is October 2025.

Nireeka

Nireeka Spectrx Plus

• $3,099 at Indiegogo

Related Topics