Montague M-E1 Review
- Price: $3,995
- Frame: Aluminum
- Tires: 700c Aluminum
- Gear: 1 × 10
What we like about it: The foldable design makes it more convenient than a regular electric bike.
What we don’t like about it: The design of the double-legged stand may make some people feel redundant.
Rating: (4.8/5)
The Montague M-E1 is the world’s first full-size, high-performance folding e-bike. Montague also claims that the M-E1 is a revolutionary new electric bike.
I’ve been following this product since before it went on sale and ordered it as soon as it was released. I can’t wait to test the bike’s performance.
elow, we will analyze the riding experience, key features, components, and specifications as well as other versions of this bike.
Additionally, at the end of the review, we will also compare several best bike models. If you want to know more about bike reviews, don’t hesitate to follow us.
Riding Experience
Riding a folding e-bike brought me a special experience. Not only could it bring great help to riding, but also had the portability and compact size after folding that wass very easy to transport and store.
Comfort
Compared to cars that focus on comfort, the Montague M-E1 is clearly more focused on convenience. But that doesn’t mean it hold an aggressive, uncomfortable position.
When I first sat on the Montague M-E1, I could feel that my whole body was in a more upright position and that my legs were fully extended by adjusting the seat post.
The only fly in the ointment was that the VP plastic folding pedals were not as supportive as the metal pedals and always made me feel a little less stable when pedaling quickly.
Of course, the soft Montague Branded Velo cushion could effectively relieve fatigue, even over some bumpy roads would not make me feel uncomfortable.
In addition, compared to some e-bikes equipped with curved handlebars, the Montague M-E1 had only one grip position.
But thanks to its loose geometry, the hands did not need to carry most of the body weight while riding and, with the ergonomic Rubber grip, it could greatly relieve hand fatigue.
Security
First of all, the Montague M-E1’s 600mm Length 80mm Backsweep Aluminum Alloy handlebars were very responsive and caught the slightest wobble of the hands, allowing me to avoid scrapes well when I was in the middle of crowded traffic.
Secondly, when I woke up late, I tended to turn the Montague M-E1 to the highest High power pedal assist mode to get to work faster.
Inevitably there were some unexpected situations. However, thanks to the excellent performance of the Shimano Deore Hydraulic Disc braking system, I was able to reach my destination safely.
Another point worth mentioning was that when I occasionally worked late into the night, many roadswere already dark.
Surprisingly, the integrated Herrmans LED lights on the front and rear of the Montague M-E1 helped me a lot in illuminating the road ahead and alerting the cars behind, thus keeping me safe.
Convenience
I have to say that the Skyscanner and Montague M-E1 have become my go-to tools when I travel.
The former is very quick to book hotels and flights, and the latter allows me to fold it into the trunk in a very short time and then take it out when needed.
The Montague M-E1 is also very user-friendly when folded.
It has a stand to carry the weight of the car, so I don’t have to lift the car or worry about it tipping over.
It is also very stable when folded, and I can’t hear any squeaking in the trunk when driving.
In addition, even in the folded state, I can still charge the Montague M-E1.
On top of that, the battery is removable, and the weight is moderate, so it’s not difficult to take it home and charge it.
Specification
The Montague M-E1, equipped with Shimano STEPS E6100 mid-drive motor, is more compact, quiet and efficient than the traditional Hub engine for a better riding experience.
It also enjoys tried and tested components of excellence.
10-speed Shimano drivetrain with reliable Deore chainstay allows you to adjust to the desired gear with precision and sensitivity.
The Shimano Deore Hydraulic Disc braking system with 180mm rotors in the front and 160mm rotors in the rear also allows you to stop in time for high speeds.
For those who need to ride at night, the Herrmans Advanced Integrated Light will brighten the way for you to go.
Reflective tires also make you easier to spot, so other riders or drivers can slow down when they’re about to approach you.
Finally, the design of the internal cabling not only makes the vehicle look cleaner and tidier for easy cleaning, but also extends the life of the Montague M-E1 by not damaging the cables when folding.
Video
What do we like about it?
- The Shimano STEPS E6100 mid-drive engine delivers a lot of power.
- The foldable design makes the Montague M-E1 easier to store.
- Compact structure produces no abnormal rattle whether folded or not.
- The M-E1 saddle is very comfortable, and even for long rides hips will not feel fatigue.
- 36V / 418Wh Li-ion battery pack provides a long range.
What don’t we like about it?
- The color scheme is rather monotonous and perhaps cannot meet everyone’s satisfaction.
FAQs
- What kind of tires does it use and what is the size of the tires?
It uses the Schwalbe 50km Energizer Plus 700c x 47mm tires for good passing performance and relatively light weight.
- What about the engine of this bike?
The Shimano E6100’s 60 Newton meters Mid-Mounted Geared engine provides a smooth boost so you can tackle all kinds of hills with ease.
- How do I choose the size of this bike?
It is only available in one size, but it is friendly to most people as it can adjust the seat post and handlebars to fit your height in a very short time.
| Rider height | SIZE |
| 120cm + | 17″ |
Specs
Build
| Frame | Custom Draw 6061 Hydroformed Aluminum Alloy |
| Fork | SR Suntour NEX Spring Suspension, 63mm Travel, Hydraulic Lockout, Preload Adjust (Under Cap on Left Crown), 28mm Steel Stanchions, 100mm Hub Spacing. 9mm Axle with Quick Release Skewer |
| Headset | Integrated, Sealed Cartridge, Straight 1-1/8″ |
| Stem | Patent Pending Folding Design, Aluminum Alloy, 120mm Length, 30mm Base Spacing, 31.8mm Clamp Diameter |
| Handlebar | Aluminum Alloy, High-Rise, 600mm Length, ~150mm Rise, ~80mm Backsweep |
| Saddle | Montague Branded Velo, Active |
| Seatpost | Aluminum Alloy, Two-Bolt Clamp |
| Pedals | VP, Plastic Folding (Pull Inner Loop to Unlock) |
| Grips | Ergonomic, Rubber, Non-Locking |
Wheels
| Rims | Aluminum Alloy, Double Wall, 100mm Outer Width, 80mm Depth, 32 Hole |
| Spokes | Stainless Steel, 14 Gauge Front 13 Gauge Rear, Black with Nipples |
| Tires | Schwalbe 50km Energizer Plus, 8″ x 1.75″ 700c x 47mm (47-622) |
Groupset
| Crank | Shimano FC-E6100, Aluminum Alloy, 170mm Length, SM-CRE61 44 Tooth Steel Chainring with Plastic Chain Cover, Shimano Hollowtech II Bottom Bracket. Hollow Spindle |
| Shifters | Shimano Deore Triggers on Right (Two-Way High Lever, Three-Shift Low Lever) |
| Cassette | 10 Speed 1×10 Shimano Deore Long Cage Derailleur, 11-32 Tooth Cassette |
| Brakes | Shimano Deore Hydraulic Disc with 180mm Front Rotor 160mm Rear Rotor, Dual Piston Calipers, Shimano Deore Two-Finger Levers with Adjustable Reach |
Electric Components
| Motor | Weight: 6.35 lbs (2.88 kg), Brand: Shimano E6100, Type: Mid-Mounted Geared Motor, Nominal Output: 250 watts, Peak Output: 500 watts, Torque: 60 Newton meters |
| Battery | Weight: 5.6 lbs (2.54 kg), Brand: Shimano STePS BT-E8014, 18650 Cells, Voltage: 36 volts, Amp Hours: 11.6 ah, Watt Hours: 417.6 wh, Chemistry: Lithium- ion |
Comparison Table
| Bicycles | Click View | Weight | Driveline | Frame material | Battery |
| Tern Vektron P7i | Click View | 22.5 kg | 1 × 7 | Aluminum | Bosch PowerPack 400 Wh |
| Brompton Electric P Line Urban with Roller Rack | Click View | 15.9 kg | 1 × 4 | Steel | Brompton Electric 300wh |
| CUBE FOLD SPORT HYBRID, 500 | Click View | 25.9 kg | 1 × 10 | Aluminum | Bosch PowerPack 500wh |
| QuietKat Voyager | Click View | 24.5 kg | 1 × 7 | Aluminum | 614wh |
Montague M-E1 vs Tern Vektron P7i
Compared to its predecessor, the new generation Tern Vektron P7i optimizes the position of the battery, resulting in a lower center of gravity and improved vehicle stability.
In addition, if you often need to travel with children, the car’s integrated Atlas V Rack and Thule Yepp Maxi are well compatible with the Dash RM child seat, eliminating the need for adapters and making installation easier.
Also, for other family members, the Tern Vektron P7i can be adjusted to the appropriate size in seconds, regardless of the height difference.
What also surprises me is that the Tern Vektron P7i carries a Bosch PowerPack 400 Wh battery, which, in addition to providing long range, takes very little time to charge (only 3.5 hours to fully charge and only 1.5 hours to half charge).
But the Tern Vektron P7i’s 50 Nm-torque Bosch Active Line Plus engine is a little less effective than the Montague M-E1’s 60 Nm-torque Shimano E6100 engine in helping with steep hills.
And if you are on a budget, the Tern Vektron P7i is also more suitable.
Montague M-E1 VS Brompton Electric P Line Urban with Roller Rack
The most intuitive feeling that Brompton Electric P Line Urban with Roller Rack gives me is small, as a bicycle, with no redundant design.Its 15.9kg weight is about 9kg lighter than the Montague M-E1.
The Montague M-E1 uses a Precision drawn heat-treated steel tubing frame and Reinforced Electric specific steel brazed fork, probably to make it more robust, but it would be lighter if made of aluminum.
In addition, the 349 x 35C Continental Contact Urban tires lower the ride’s center of gravity for a more stable ride.
But if you want a vehicle with better passing power, the Montague M-E1 with its larger wheel size is a good choice.
Also, for riders with long range needs, the 300Wh battery capacity of the Brompton Electric P Line Urban with Roller Rack may not be enough. Conversely, you may want to choose the Montague M-E1 with a 417.6 wh Li-ion battery.
Montague M-E1 VS CUBE FOLD SPORT HYBRID, 500
The CUBE FOLD SPORT HYBRID, 500 is without a doubt a great e-bike.
The Gravity Castin setting allows the frame to withstand stresses better, increasing its strength without adding weight to the body.
In addition, as a folding bike, the CUBE FOLD SPORT HYBRID, 500 goes a step further in terms of portability, with a comfortable and convenient carry handle, allowing you to carry the bike better on public transportation or up and down stairs.
The CUBE FOLD SPORT HYBRID, 500 is a good choice for those who ride mostly on flat urban roads.
But if you need to go through some rougher and steeper roads, I recommend the Montague M-E1, whose 63mm-travel SR Suntour NEX Spring Suspension fork reduces the bumps from the road better than the CUBE FOLD SPORT HYBRID, 500’s 20-inch aluminum fork.
Montague M-E1 vs QuietKat Voyager
The fat tires on the QuietKat Voyager really stood out to me, as it can easily run over gravel covered trails and the wide carcass is effective in damping vibrations.
In addition, the 614WH battery configuration makes the QuietKat Voyager perfectly suited for long-distance driving.
Also, the Voyager 750W hub-drive engine can provide a good boost when facing some complicated terrain.
However, I prefer the Shimano 250W 60Nm mid-drive engine in Montague M-E1, which is quieter and more efficient, giving me a better experience.
Besides, if you’ve ridden both bikes at high speed on downhill sections, you might feel that the Montague M-E1 is the better one.
Its Shimano Deore Hydraulic Disc braking system is more sensitive and efficient than QuietKat Voyager’s Mechanical Disc, and the braking effect is also better.
All in all, the QuietKat Voyager is a good choice if you have long-distance requirements or a limited budget.
But if you want more potential and better performance from an e-bike, I think the Montague M-E1 is a better fit.
Summary
These are our tests of the Montague M-E1, which not only provides good pedal assistance, but is also easy to carry and store.
In our opinion, the Montague M-E1 is a bike worth buying. All together we give it a high score of 4.8.
Of course, if you’re interested in exploring other similar bikes, we have reviewed a variety of bikes at different price points that you might find interesting. Feel free to check out our other reviews as well.
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