March 25, 2022 - We were excited to test the Quest Mid Motor e-bike, including their consumer-direct delivery process as more and more bike companies, both small and large, are now offering this option.
Quest is based in Montreal and is a sister brand of iGo Electric that boasts 15+ years of experience in the electric bicycle market. Launched four years ago, Quest e-bikes are also available through London Drugs in Canada, either in store or via their website, and then picked up boxed, with minimal assembly at home. The Quest box is a bit larger than your average bike box and weighs 60kg so be prepared with the right vehicle as well.
Assembly can take 30-60+ minutes depending on how handy you are. The e-bike comes with all of the tools needed for assembly and there is a helpful on-line video to walk you through every step. The QR code on the hangtag also links you to the assembly video.
Once the bike is out of the box and the cardboard and plastic has been removed the first step is to attach the handlebar which has all of the shifters, brake levers and controllers already on it. The stem’s front plate needs to be removed with four bolts, then the handlebar put into the stem with the bolts reattached. The front wheel is next. The front quick release needs to be inserted and then the front wheel put into place.
The video doesn’t mention that you have to remove the space that is temporarily inserted in the front disc brake caliper. This piece of plastic keeps the brake pads separated during transport and must be removed or the front disc brake rotor won’t insert properly – so, make sure you take it out. (Quest is aware and the instruction video is being updated).
The fenders and then the front light have to be mounted with a few bolts. The pedals are the last thing to put on. Once complete and everything is checked for tightness all that is left is getting the fit just right for seat height.
The Quest Mid Motor model is nicely equipped with plenty of added-value extras. The 6061 aluminum frame is light weight and durable, and comes in one size which will fit most people and also features a dropped top tube for added clearance. The lockable/removeable 468Wh Samsung lithium battery with a 75-90km range fits neatly into the downtube and can be charged on the bike or when removed.
The 350-watt Quest-branded 36V mid-motor provides 81Nm of torque along with nine levels of power, including walk assist. All functions are controlled via the handlebar display that’s backlit and adjusts to the surrounding light levels, making it easy to read while offering speed, odometer, battery charge level, trip timer and power assist level.
The buttons are easy to reach and require a positive click to change the power levels so there are no shifts in error. The walk assist is a great feature to get the bike out of the garage and makes it easy to assist pushing the bike whenever needed.
Equipped with a Suntour NEX suspension fork with 50mm of travel, the drivetrain features an 8-speed Shimano Altus rear derailleur and shifters along with Tektro hydraulic disc brakes for accurate stopping power.
Great added features include an adjustable stem, a Selle Royal Novola saddle, fenders for riding in all kinds of weather, a Spanninga front light that connects to the battery system and comes on when the outside light level gets low, a rear red light built into the rear rack, a bell and a kickstand.
The Quest Mid Motor rides a city bike should, with an upright position that’s comfortable. The contact points of the saddle and grips are very rider friendly, and the front shock really helps to smooth things out, also allowing you to maintain control should you hit a pot hole.
The braking is also strong and smooth with the e-bike slowing down evenly when you feather the brake levers, but also delivering promptly when needed to stop for an unexpected obstacle.
The pedal assist performed smoothly with an easy acceleration that makes you feel like you have a strong tailwind, making small hills melt away. The power assist levels max out at 32 kph and the throttle was a nice touch to power you home after a tiring ride without having to pedal.
The mid-motor position helps keep the bike stable through corners which can be taken at speed as the Quest tracked well, and also accelerated out of corners well. When descending the weight of the e-bike helps it pick up speed quickly and again the tracking was smooth and comfortable without any hesitation or concern.
While I never ran out of power, keep in mind that like most e-bikes, the weight is quite noticeable when pedalling without assist, and hills that were a breeze will suddenly become quite challenging.
The claimed battery range of 75-90km hit the mark in our tests and when storing the Quest in the garage with the temperatures around zero Celsius, the battery still held the charge, powering up every time without hesitation.
The Quest Mid Motor is good value and a fun ride on bike paths or on the city streets around town. Equipped with everything that a rider could need it’s quiet and reliable with the motor assist barely noticeable, making it easy to leave the car in the driveway when there was an errand to run.
The SRP is $2,999.99 and for more information visit Quest here or London Drugs here.
