Established e-bike maker Magicycle releases their first dual-sensor electric bike that comes with full suspension, the all-terrain Deer 2.0 E-bike, with the goal of making a reliable and versatile electric bike capable of handling city streets and mountain trails.
We’ve all loved the off-road abilities of Magicycle’s fat-tire electric bikes, like the Cruiser Pro and Ocelot Pro, but the Deer 2.0 represents what they do best: a full suspension torque sensor electric bike that performs outstandingly well on both paved roads and mountain trails. We got our hands on the new Magicycle Deer 2.0 and were among the first to take it for a spin.
The Deer 2.0 comes in 20” and 26” tires, featuring dual sensors for two distinctive pedal assist experiences, a UL-certified 20Ah battery supplied by LG, a 1800W peak hub motor, hydraulic brakes, integrated headlight and brake light, fenders, and a rear rack. It’s available in both step-thru and step-over frames. Check out the impressive features of the Magicycle Deer:
Motor: 1800w peak 100 Nm. Torque, 32MPH of Top Speed Battery: 52v20Ah(1.01kwh) Sensor: Switchable Dual Sensor, Cadence Sensor & Torque Sensor Frame: Full Suspension 18″ 6061Aluminum Tires: 26”x4”/20”x4” Puncture Resistant Fat Tires Gearing: 8 Speed Shimano Altus Derailleur Brakes:180mm Hydraulic Disc Brakes Weight: 92.3lbs Load Capacity: 450lbs
When I first hopped on the Magicycle Deer 2.0, I knew this ride would be different. Hitting the road, I almost instantly felt just how seamlessly the torque sensor responded to my effort, it’s like the bike gets me when I need more power assistance and delivers the right amount of power right away. That was a unique experience—it felt like, “Yes, this is exactly what an electric bike is supposed to do.” But when I switched over to the cadence sensor, the experience shifted in a way that was equally impressive. Instead of reacting to my force, the bike maintained a consistent level of assistance based on how fast I was pedaling. It was like having a steady companion, always ready to keep the pace smooth and enjoyable, whether I was coasting down a path or pushing through a long ride.
This dual-sensor setup made the Deer 2.0 feel incredibly versatile. I could tailor my ride to match the terrain and my mood, whether I wanted a more interactive experience with the torque sensor or a more laid-back cruise with the cadence sensor. It’s the kind of flexibility that sets Deer 2.0 apart from the major competition in the market.
The 1000W/1800W peak hub motor has plenty of power for all types of riding, from city streets to mountains. With the speed limit unlocked, we had no difficulty getting the Deer 2.0 up to 32 MPH on throttle only, and there was still plenty of charge left to finish our 50 miles range test, although the range might be slightly lower than what Magicycle advertised 120 miles per charge, but those figures vary, depending on serval factors such as riders’ weight, terrain, lower or higher pedal assist level. The test result, however, seemed to be in line with our expectations. A leisure weekend ride to nearby trail or everyday commute shouldn’t be a problem at all.
Deer 2.0 comes with a 3A charger, which translates to a 5-hour charging time. It is removable, and the cells are supplied by world renowned brand LG, which is also UL-certified, giving riders peace of mind when they are charging the battery in their house.
The rear suspension effectively absorbs impacts from rough surfaces, while the 4” wide fat tires, which run at a lower pressure than thinner tires, add another layer of cushioning to help absorb shocks from cracks, gravel, curbs, and rough patches. For even more comfort and convenience, the Deer 2.0 is available in a step-thru frame. A full-suspension electric bike with a step-thru design is hard to find, but Magicycle has you covered.
The color display is positioned directly above the stem, making it easy to view while riding. It shows essential information like battery, current speed, odometer, and voltage. Also, the display has a USB-A port to charge your mobile device off the bike’s battery, we found this especially handy during our test when we needed to charge our camera. It’s interesting how the bike offers an array of customizable settings to match your riding style, rather than set everything up for you, not saying the default settings are not good enough. For example, if you are new to e-bikes, you can easily adjust the power output for each pedal assist level, or you can just set a speed limit. Also, we noticed that the bike was delivered with cruise control turned on, which can be disabled in the display settings. They have all the information you need in the informative owner’s manual, and there are a bunch of tutorial videos on Magicycle’s YouTube channel.
There is one thing we can’t ignore: the Deer 2.0 is quite heavy, weighing in at 92.3 lbs. Yes, it might be a concern for some, but how about this, the added weight contributes to the bike’s stability and durability—essential qualities for tackling rugged terrains and heavy-duty use. The weight also contributes to its ability to support a higher payload, and the step-thru design without compromising performance. For added strength and comfort, Deer 2.0’s weight is a tradeoff that I don’t mind.
Based on our tests, we can confidently say that if you are looking for a full suspension fat tire electric bike, you should give the Magicycle Deer 2.0 a serious look. It checks all the boxes for what it takes to be a reliable and well-rounded electric bike, with its powerful 1800W motor, hydraulic brakes, and 2-year warranty. Although the Deer 2.0 is a bit heavy, the trade-off is worth it for the stability, step-thru frame and durability it packs. The torque sensor provides excellent control and a more natural riding experience, highly recommended.
