The Culture is a stylish, rugged, and effortlessly zippy e-bike from German powerhouse Riese & Müller. Perfect for urban commuters and weekend explorers, we were excited to test it via Curbside Cycle in Toronto, as this lightweight and comfortable e-bike is a joy to ride in all conditions.

Weighing under 50lbs (22.3kg), the Culture accelerates quickly, maneuvers easily, and can be carried up stairs or lifted onto a bus bike rack with ease - a boon for downtown dwellers!

Starting with a classic frame design, Riese & Müller have added their own flair with an elegant bend in the top tube. The matte finish matches current trends, and the minimalist style is ideal for a cyclist who wants a modern look. An optional rear rack can be added to carry panniers and/or a child seat.

The recently developed Bosch Performance Line SX motor is slim and streamlined, while being both strong and silent. With 65Nm of torque available, it delivers a 300% boost to your own efforts. You’ll hardly hear it whispering as it powers you up hills or into a headwind, even when carrying a load of groceries or a growing toddler.

The integrated Bosch 400Wh battery lasts for days of ordinary use and can be supplemented with a range-extending 250Wh battery pack to take you on longer adventures - up to 75km before you’ll need to recharge. It takes just three hours to fully charge a spent battery right inside the bike, accessed by a port on the downtube behind an elegant swing-mounted door. For theft prevention, the battery can only be removed by a licensed mechanic; therefore, it is necessary to have access to an electrical outlet where you store this e-bike for charging.

The standard LED Remote on the left side of handlebar offers a quick and easy visual of your speed and power level - Eco, Tour, Sport, Turbo - while an SPC+ interface (sold separately) provides the option of attaching a smartphone which can offer more metrics via the free Bosch Home Connect app. A larger Bosch Purion 200 display is also an optional add on.

Our test model was equipped with a Shimano 8-speed Nexus hub gear transmission that delivered smooth and precise shifting. Paired with a virtually maintenance-free Gates carbon belt drive CDC that’s standard on the Culture, other drivetrain options include a Shimano 10-speed derailleur or a continuous Enviolo hub gear.

For extra comfort on rough surfaces or long rides, you can opt to add a Suntour NCX-D suspension fork with 63 mm travel and suspension seatpost. Generous fenders have you covered against water and grime, and the saddle’s matte finish, plus the rubbery grip of the handlebars help guard against any slipping even in heavy rain.

The 28 x 2” Schwalbe Big Ben balloon tires grip the road securely on wet or uneven surfaces and also help cushion bumps. Magura MT A2 disc brakes ensure that you can stop on a dime in any conditions, and the sleek Herrmans H-Black MR8 headlight and integrated Büchel Nano COB taillight mean you’ll see, and be seen, at night.

Available in three sizes (50cm, 56cm, 62cm) and a classic Diamond (high crossbar) frame, or mixte style (step-thru frame) for an optimal fit. The ergonomic design is accessorized with a Selle Royal Essenza Eco saddle, Herrmans grips, and M-Wave steady flat pedals.

An Oi Knog super-sleek bell, discreetly nestled against the shifter, has a lovely tone and a long sustain to catch the attention of others nearby. Also included are Curana mudguards, and an Ursus R90 Mooi kickstand.

Sustainability is a priority for Riese & Müller, and the Culture is no exception as the frame is a blend of recycled and new aluminum for a strong and responsive feel.

Of note, since the summer of 2024, Riese & Müller has been certified to the international standards ISO 9001 (quality management systems) and ISO 14001 (environmental management systems).

Their plant has a field of solar panels on the roof which powers their production machinery; adding in green electricity from the public grid, the factory gets 80% of its energy from clean sources, supporting climate change projects to offset the remaining 20% (and they’re working on getting that figure to 100!).

By offering high-quality components that are more durable and can be repaired or replaced, R&M’s e-bikes are designed to ultimately save money and minimize waste.

Combined with its sturdy construction the Culture delivers confidence and reliability – key factors when you depend on your two wheels to get to work, pick up your child from school, or to be on time for appointments.

Whatever combination you choose, the Riese & Müller Culture urban e-bike will get you where you’re going - stylishly, dependably, and with a lot of fun along the way.

The SRP is $6,759 (as tested $7,387) and for more information please visit here.

Last year we visited Gazelle’s massive 35,550-square-metre bicycle factory in Dieren, Netherlands. Founded over 130 years ago, the facility is a blend of past and present, as a portion of the original majestic and historic red brick factory has been retained and infused with glass and steel, resulting in a modern architectural masterpiece - read our report with photos here.

The company launched its first e-bike back in 1937 but it didn’t take off, and when the Gazelle revisited the concept again in 1990 the timing was perfect.

Now 70% of the bicycles they produce are e-bikes. We were stoked to test their Ultimate C8 Smart System urban e-bike for a more in-depth look at one of their models that offers a great blend of style, comfort and performance.

The Ultimate C8 combines traditional Dutch pedigree in a sporty, attractive, fun-to-ride e-bike. The upright geometry and low-step aluminum frame makes it easy to mount and dismount.

Our test model came in an eye-popping Pine Green Gloss colour, hand-painted at the Dieren factory.

The 28-inch tires and narrow curved handlebars keep you tall in the saddle and provide a sleek, road savvy touch to nicely maximize efficiency on flat terrain and gravel paths.

The massive fenders and internal geared rear hub transmission mean both rider and drivetrain are well protected from rainy conditions.

The Ultimate C8 is powered by a Bosch Active Line Plus Smart System motor, the quietest motor in its line-up. With 50Nm of torque this e-bike gets up to speed quickly and is paired with a lockable Bosch 500Wh lithium-ion battery that has a range up to 160km.

The ease and simplicity of the Bosch Purion bar-mounted display controller is a welcome touch. It helps navigate the four assist modes while providing information like speed, distance travelled, battery use and life, cadence, watts, calories and more.

It also operates the powerful Herrmans MR8 front light and Spanninga Commuter Glow rear light with the press of button.

For more metrics, and to enhance your ride experience, the Bosch eBike Flow app is available to connect with your smartphone. The app allows you to customize modes and displays, helps with navigation and route planning, and even helps protect your bike with an e-bike lock and alarm. In addition, it provides the latest updates to your Bosch system.

The 8-speed Shimano Nexus internal hub offers accurate shifting and gearing to tackle a variety of terrain. Paired with a Gates Carbon Belt drive system, it’s smooth and requires minimal maintenance. A chainguard provides a nice added touch.

Powerful Shimano hydraulic disc brakes deliver strong and controlled braking under all conditions.

The stock e-bike-specific Schwalbe Energizer Plus 2-inch tires are road savvy, delivering a smooth, lively feel on flat roads along with stability and good grip on fast, steep descents. Paired with Dutch 19, double-wall aluminum rims, which were hand-laced at the Dieren factory, you’re poised for many reliable and performance-driven rides.

The Ultimate C8 turned out to be a perfect commuter e-bike for me, as my 17-kilometre ride to work covered conditions very similar to the Netherlands, being flat, with gravel dykes and of course some rain.

On my first ride I used the Turbo mode, and by keeping to paved roads I arrived at my destination in about 35 minutes, which left me with 70% battery life for my return journey home.

The next day I mainly used Auto mode which yielded me the same riding time but with 77% battery life left. The Auto mode is a nice feature, as it adjusts the power assist needed for efficiency on hills — or in my case headwinds.

On my third ride I took a combination of road and gravel dykes, using mainly Turbo mode. This ride resulted in a similar travel time with 70% battery life remaining.

On my return rides home, I hit some hills to test the climbing prowess of the Ultimate C8. The 8-speed Nexus Hub and Bosch e-drive did its job, allowing me to tackle most hills with a fairly easy ascent.

If your commute consists of longer, steeper inclines you might consider opting for Gazelle’s Ultimate T10, which features a traditional drivetrain along with a couple of easier gearing options. Compared to my carbon road bike, the Ultimate C8 is the hands-down winner for my commute.

While ride times were about the same, the C8 allows me to arrive at work dressed and ready to go, rather than wearing my road bike gear for the commute and then changing when arriving at my destination.

A nice yet mostly unnoticeable feature is the telescopic spring, 40mm, centre suspension mono-shock in the bike’s headtube that smoothed out bumps and the gravel portion of the ride.

The front light was more than bright enough, while the rear red light added high visibility with its wrap-around placement on the aluminum MIK rear rack. The full fenders also did their job nicely by protecting me from water and road grime.

The Ultimate C8 showed its fun side as well, as the stiff frame and low centre of gravity provided stability when descending hills at speed, with the slightly more aggressive head angle offering nimble and responsive turning. The Ultimate C8 would also be a great choice as a fitness or adventure e-bike.

The step-through frame design makes mounting and dismounting the Ultimate C8 a breeze, great for riders of various heights and when wearing non-cycling clothing.

My daughter Maggie, fresh off her Olympic track debut in Paris, took the e-bike out for a spin and loved the simplicity and comfort of being able to wear her casual clothing with a backpack as she cruised with ease to meet up with a friend at a café.

Coming complete with kickstand, bell, and AXA frame lock, the Ultimate C8 means you’re set to get out on the road for any commute, errand, meet-up, or to start exploring.

It is also comforting to know that by owning a Gazelle you get 130 years of cycling expertise packed into every ride — and you don’t have to move to the Netherlands to enjoy the experience.

The SRP is $5,399, and for more information please visit here.

Fat bikes are well known for their capabilities on challenging terrain, including winter conditions, which allows them to help riders explore many amazing places. With that in mind, Giant’s all-new Yukon E+ includes many winter-inspired features for a multi-dimensional machine that can easily perform on just about any terrain.

We were stoked to able to test the new Yukon E+ in late winter, and although Vancouver is considered part of “The Great White North,” and surrounded by snow covered mountain peaks, the snow conditions were lean, yet that didn’t dampen our enthusiasm.

The Yukon E+ is built on Giant’s time-proven mountain hard tail platform and features an in-house Aluxx aluminum frame complete with overdrive headtube and 12 x 197 thru axle. 

The frame comes with mounts to accommodate a kickstand, rack, tool storage and two bottle cages. Giant’s own M10 integrated trailer mount accepts aftermarket trailers or the DIY sled of choice. 

When designing a eMTB to endure extreme elements, only the best parts will do. The Yukon E+ comes with durable workhorse Shimano Deore 1 x 10 shifters and a Cues RD-U6000 rear derailleur with LinkGlide. 

The SRAM Code R, 4-piston hydraulic disc brakes come with 180mm rotors to provide worry-free braking under any load, and foam brake lever covers are included to help insulate one’s fingers from the cold.

The Giant Contact Switch AT adjustable dropper seat post is a great addition for on-the-fly height adjustments at the flick of a switch.

The off-road inspired Manitou Mastodon Gen 3 100 mm fork enhances the plushness of the Yukon E+’s ride, while providing optimal traction on dirt or snow, over a variety of terrain and conditions.

The massive 27.5" x 4.5” Vee Tire Co. Avalanche tubeless tires were chosen for their snow traction quality and their ability to take studs (which are included). The tires are nicely paired up with Giant’s own 75mm FT85C rims. 

The Yukon E+ is also not shy on power and features a Yamaha SyncDrive Pro 2 on board with 85 Nm of torque that is customizable via the launch control settings available on Giant’s Ride Control App. 

The app can tune the motor for up to 2.5 seconds of delayed torque to allow better traction in snow when starting, or it can provide instant power to get things moving on steep terrain. 

The 800Wh EnergyPak battery with a range of 70-250 km on a single charge is tucked inside the downtube and secured with a bolt so no need to fumble with keys if you're wearing big gloves, when a Torx 25 will do the job. 

There is an additional range extender in the form of the EnergyPak Plus 200 Wh battery which mounts on the downtube.  Both batteries come winter ready with low temperature protection mode.

The system is managed by the RideControl Ergo controller that offers five levels of power assist plus a Smart Assist Auto Mode, which automatically adjusts power depending on the terrain. It is also capable of operating a light system like Giant’s Recon E light series, and in keeping with the theme, the buttons are designed to be operated with winter gloves.

In preparation for my first ride, I increased the tire pressure from 8-10 psi (snow mode) to around 15 psi for a more all-round / urban excursion. Once on the road, the 85 Nm of torque quickly got me up to speed as I settled into a smooth and pleasant ride. 

The Smart Assist worked like a mind reader as it intuitively adjusted the power assist to match the undulating terrain. When I took control, I could easily take it to max speed quickly using the highest setting. Plus, you hardly notice the quiet SyncDrive Pro 2 motor which is a great match for a fat bike like the Yukon E+.

I also loved the simplicity of the controller that displays both power mode and battery level, while not having a screen to overwhelm me with data.

The mountain-bike pedigree of the Yukon E+ did not disappoint when on the trails. The balanced, and upright geometry allowed for good control on technical and steep descents, and also handled tight switchbacks with ease. Who needs full suspension and carbon when you have a Mastodon shock and fat tires?

The wide Vee tires had amazing grip and allowed me to climb the steepest of loose gravel trails, while navigating wet rocks and roots was also manageable with good hook-up and steady power assist. 

One addition that I’d invest in is a set of fenders. As good as the tires are at performance, they’re also capable of covering any rider with water and muck, especially on wet West Coast days.

The Giant Yukon E+ has what it takes to tackle snowy winter terrain, dirt trails, sandy dunes, or just a leisurely ride on your local bike path - and it’s also a heck of a lot of fun. So, whether you’re planning a trip to the North Pole, a cruise to an après ski party, or just a cruise through an urban landscape, the Yukon E+ just might be the e-fatbike for you.

The SRP is $6,499 and for more information visit here.