Cyberbike Falcon Review: Most Affordable Mid-Drive E-MTB for Trails
The electric mountain bike (e-MTB) market is growing rapidly; however, finding a budget-friendly mid-drive option that performs well on trails remains a challenge. Enter the Cyberbike Falcon, a mid-drive e-MTB that promises solid trail performance without b
urning a hole in your pocket. In this review, we’ll break down its build quality, trail capabilities, battery life, comparisons, and overall value to help you decide if this is the right ride for you.
Unboxing the Cyberbike Falcon: First Impressions and Build Quality
First Look: What to Expect When You Open the Box
Unboxing the Cyberbike Falcon is a satisfying experience that gives a positive initial impression, especially for a budget-friendly e-MTB. The bike arrives securely packaged with foam protectors, zip ties, and carefully wrapped components to prevent damage during transit. Opening the box reveals that assembly is minimal, with the frame, wheels, and handlebars mostly pre-installed.
What’s Included in the Box?
When you unbox the Cyberbike Falcon, you typically receive:
- Pre-assembled bike frame
- Front wheel
- Pedals
- Charger and power adapter
- Basic assembly tools (usually Allen keys and wrenches)
- User manual with quick-start guide
- Optional: Kickstand and reflectors (depending on the retailer package)
The inclusion of basic tools makes the setup process simple, even for beginners; however, a torque wrench is recommended for precise tightening.
Assembly Experience: Quick and Beginner-Friendly
The bike is around 85-90% pre-assembled. You generally need to:
- Attach the front wheel
- Install the pedals
- Align and tighten the handlebars
- Check the brake alignment and tire pressure
The process can be completed in under 30 minutes with basic tools. Video tutorials are often available on the manufacturer’s website for extra guidance.
Build Quality: Materials and Finish
Despite its affordable price, the Falcon boasts a lightweight aluminum alloy frame that feels sturdy and trail-capable. Key build features include:
- Matte or satin finish for a modern, rugged look
- Internally routed cables that reduce the chance of snagging on trail obstacles
- Solid welds and joints that hold up under moderate trail stress
- Mid-drive motor integration that looks clean and well-balanced
The paint quality resists minor scratches, and the factory-installed grips, saddle, and pedals are functional; however, many riders may opt for upgrades for improved comfort.
Overall Aesthetic and Design
The Cyberbike Falcon has a sleek, understated design that doesn’t scream “budget bike.” Its minimalist branding and aggressive stance give it the visual appeal of a higher-end e-MTB. The mid-drive placement also contributes to a professional, balanced silhouette, making it look more premium than most hub-motor bikes in its price range.
Key Takeaway: The Cyberbike Falcon’s build quality surpasses expectations for its price range, and unpacking and setup are simple and easy. With solid materials, clean cable routing, and a rugged yet stylish design, it sets a strong first impression that will satisfy both beginners and experienced riders looking for value.
Performance on the Trails: Motor Power, Handling, and Ride Feel
Trail-Ready Power and Smooth Control
When it comes to trail riding, power delivery, handling, and rider feedback can make or break the experience. The Cyberbike Falcon offers a surprisingly refined trail performance for a mid-drive e-MTB in its price range. Whether you’re climbing steep paths or navigating tight corners, the Falcon provides consistent support and nimble control that beginner and intermediate riders will appreciate.
Mid-Drive Motor Power: Climbing and Acceleration
The Falcon is equipped with a 500W (nominal) mid-drive motor, providing responsive torque and smooth pedal assistance that adapts well to the demands of the trail. Unlike hub motors that can feel jerky or disconnected, the Falcon’s mid-drive setup feels more natural and intuitive.
Motor Performance Highlights:
- Torque Sensor Technology: Provides immediate, proportional assistance based on your pedaling force, offering a seamless riding experience.
- Climbing Ability: Handles moderate to steep inclines with ease, even on loose gravel or dirt trails.
- Speed Range: Comfortable cruising speeds of 15-20 mph on trails, with assist levels that can be adjusted for power or endurance.
- Quiet Operation: The motor hum is minimal, which enhances the natural trail experience.
Handling: Stability and Responsiveness
Handling is a standout feature of the Falcon thanks to its balanced mid-drive configuration, which centralizes the bike’s weight and improves control.
Handling Features:
- Low Center of Gravity: Provides stable cornering and improved control on tight, technical trails.
- Responsive Steering: Makes it easy to navigate obstacles like roots, rocks, and switchbacks.
- Trail Suspension (120mm travel): Smooths out most trail vibrations but may feel limited on aggressive downhill tracks.
- Mechanical Disc Brakes: Offer decent stopping power but may lack the modulation and responsiveness of hydraulic systems—something to consider for future upgrades.
Ride Feel: Comfort and Rider Feedback
The Cyberbike Falcon strikes a balance between firmness and comfort, offering a confident ride that doesn’t feel too stiff or too soft.
Ride Feel Elements:
- Pedal Assist: Feels natural with minimal lag, enhancing rider confidence.
- Frame Geometry: Slightly aggressive yet comfortable, encouraging an active riding stance.
- Stock Tires: Suitable for mixed terrain, but may require an upgrade for muddy or technical trails.
- Saddle and Grips: Basic but functional—many riders may opt to upgrade for longer rides.
The Falcon’s ride feel is ideal for light to moderate trail riding and won’t overwhelm new e-MTB users.
Key Takeaway: The Cyberbike Falcon delivers smooth, controlled power with natural pedal assist and stable handling, inspiring confidence on most trails. It’s not a hardcore downhill machine, but for everyday trail riding, climbing, and light technical paths, it punches well above its weight in the budget e-MTB category.
Battery Range and Charging: How Far Can You Really Go?
Powering Your Ride: Why Battery Performance Matters
When riding an electric mountain bike, battery range and charging convenience are crucial factors, as they determine whether your journey will be a fast sprint or an all-day adventure. The Cyberbike Falcon’s battery system promises decent range, quick charging, and trail reliability—all essential for riders who don’t want to be stranded mid-ride.
Battery Specifications at a Glance
The Cyberbike Falcon is equipped with a 48V, 13Ah removable lithium-ion battery designed to balance power output and endurance.
Key Battery Specs:
- Voltage: 48V
- Capacity: 13Ah
- Estimated Range: Up to 40 miles per charge (manufacturer claim)
- Charging Time: Approximately 4-5 hours
- Removable: Yes, for convenient off-bike charging
Real-World Range: What Riders Can Actually Expect
While the advertised range is up to 40 miles, real-world trail conditions can significantly influence battery performance.
Factors That Affect Real-World Range:
- Pedal Assist Level: Higher levels consume the battery more quickly.
- Terrain: Steep climbs and rough trails consume more power.
- Rider Weight: Heavier riders may experience a shorter range of motion.
- Tire Pressure and Rolling Resistance: Underinflated tires reduce efficiency.
- Wind and Temperature: Cold weather and headwinds can lower the range.
Typical Real-World Scenarios:
- Light Trail Riding: 35-40 miles on moderate pedal assist.
- Technical Trails or Heavy Use: 25-30 miles with frequent climbs and high assist levels.
- Eco Mode on Flat Trails: Achievable up to 40 miles.
The Falcon’s mid-drive motor is generally more energy-efficient than hub motors, which helps preserve battery life over longer rides.
Charging Experience: Quick and User-Friendly
Charging the Cyberbike Falcon is straightforward and flexible.
Charging Features:
- Removable Battery: Easily detached with a key for off-bike charging at home or in the office.
- On-Bike Charging Port: Enables convenient charging without the need for battery removal.
- Charge Time: Fully charges in 4-5 hours with the included charger.
- Charger Size: Compact and portable, making it easy to carry on trips.
Battery Management Tips:
- Charge after each ride to maintain optimal battery health.
- To extend the battery’s life, avoid completely discharging it.
- Store in moderate temperatures to prevent capacity loss.
Key Takeaway: The Cyberbike Falcon boasts a dependable battery range of 30-40 miles, complemented by a practical charging time of 4-5 hours, making it well-suited for casual to moderately intense trail rides. Its removable battery adds flexibility and real-world performance closely matches expectations for most riders. Whether you’re commuting or exploring trails, the Falcon’s battery will comfortably support your ride without range anxiety.
How the Cyberbike Falcon Compares to Other Mid-Drive E-MTBs
Why Comparisons Matter
When shopping for an electric mountain bike, understanding how one model compares to its competitors is crucial for making an informed decision. The Cyberbike Falcon positions itself as an affordable entry point into the mid-drive e-MTB market, but how does it truly compare to more established brands and similarly priced models? Let’s break it down.
Cyberbike Falcon vs. Premium Mid-Drive E-MTBs
Top-tier brands like Trek and Giant dominate the mid-drive e-MTB market, offering advanced technology and high-performance builds at a premium price.
Key Comparisons with Premium Models:
- Motor Power:The Falcon features a 500W mid-drive motor, which is trail-capable but not as refined as the motors typically used in premium bikes, such as the Bosch or Yamaha motors found in bikes like the Trek Powerfly or Giant Talon E+.
- Braking System:The Falcon uses mechanical disc brakes, which are functional but lack the stopping precision and smoothness of hydraulic brakes found on higher-end models.
- Suspension:The Falcon comes with a basic 120mm front suspension, whereas premium e-MTBs offer more advanced, adjustable suspension setups for greater comfort and technical control.
- Frame and Components:The Falcon’s aluminum frame and entry-level drivetrain get the job done, but premium bikes offer lighter frames, more robust drivetrains, and upgraded tires.
Summary:
The Falcon delivers basic but capable trail performance, while premium models offer advanced features for serious riders.
Cyberbike Falcon vs. Budget Hub-Drive E-MTBs
When compared to other budget e-MTBs that use hub motors, the Cyberbike Falcon clearly stands out.
Key Advantages Over Hub-Drive Competitors:
- Motor Placement:The Falcon’s mid-drive motor provides better balance and climbing power, while hub-drive bikes often feel rear-heavy and struggle on steep terrain.
- Trail Handling:The Falcon’s mid-drive setup distributes weight centrally for improved control on trails, whereas hub-drive bikes can feel less stable.
- Pedal Assist Feel:The Falcon utilizes a torque sensor that responds naturally to rider input, whereas hub-drive bikes typically rely on cadence sensors, which can feel less precise and more abrupt.
Summary:
Most budget bikes at this price point utilize hub motors, giving the Falcon a significant advantage in real-world trail performance.
Cyberbike Falcon vs. Mid-Priced E-MTBs
The mid-tier e-MTB category offers some upgraded options just above the Falcon’s price.
Key Differences:
- Component Quality:Mid-priced e-MTBs often include hydraulic brakes, better tires, and higher-capacity batteries.
- Motor Refinement:Some bikes in this range utilize branded motors, such as Bafang or Bosch Active Line, which feature smoother power curves and more refined software.
- Ride Feel:These bikes often deliver a more polished and quieter riding experience, with improved pedal-assist transitions.
While these improvements are worthwhile, they typically come with a price jump of several hundred dollars.
Quick Summary Without Borders
- The Falcon outperforms budget hub-drive bikes with superior motor placement, enhanced balance, and intuitive pedal assist.
- It offers solid value compared to mid-priced bikes but lacks some component and software refinements.
- Premium e-MTBs still lead in power, comfort, and adjustability; however, the price difference is substantial.
Key Takeaway: The Cyberbike Falcon stands out as one of the most affordable mid-drive e-MTBs on the market, delivering superior trail performance compared to most hub-drive bikes in its price range. It may not rival premium models in sophistication, but for the budget-conscious rider seeking genuine trail capability, the Falcon is one of the best choices on the market.
Is the Cyberbike Falcon Worth It? Final Verdict for Trail Riders on a Budget
Making the Right Investment
Choosing the right e-MTB is about balancing performance, price, reliability, and upgrade potential. For trail riders seeking to experience the benefits of a mid-drive electric mountain bike without incurring thousands of dollars, the Cyberbike Falcon is an attractive option. But is it really the smart choice, or are you sacrificing too much to save money? Let’s take a deeper look.
What the Cyberbike Falcon Does Well
Core Strengths:
- Affordable price as one of the few mid-drive e-MTBs in the entry-level price range.
- Trail-capable performance that handles moderate trail climbs and descents confidently.
- The natural pedal features a torque sensor and mid-drive motor, providing smooth and responsive power.
- User-friendly setup that is easy to assemble, ride, and maintain—even for beginners.
- Removable battery that offers charging flexibility, simplifying transport and storage.
The Falcon delivers exactly what a budget-conscious rider would expect: functional trail performance without unnecessary extras.
Where the Cyberbike Falcon Falls Short
Limitations to Consider:
- Basic suspension that is suitable for light to moderate trails but not for aggressive downhill riding.
- Mechanical disc brakes provide acceptable stopping power but lack the precision of hydraulic systems.
- Entry-level components, such as stock tires, grips, and saddle, may require upgrades for more demanding rides.
- Limited branding with non-premium motor and battery suppliers, which may influence long-term durability and resale value.
While these trade-offs are acceptable at this price, riders seeking advanced features may need to consider a higher price bracket.
Who Should Buy the Cyberbike Falcon?
Ideal For:
- First-time e-MTB riders looking to explore trails without committing to an expensive bike.
- Budget-conscious riders who want mid-drive benefits at an entry-level price.
- Weekend adventurers who plan to tackle local trails, gravel paths, and moderate climbs.
- Commuters can benefit from the removable battery and a comfortable ride for daily travel.
Not Recommended For:
- Riders seeking aggressive downhill or enduro performance.
- Riders need advanced braking, suspension, or brand-name motors.
Key Takeaway: The Cyberbike Falcon is a smart, budget-friendly option for trail riders seeking a capable mid-drive e-MTB without overspending. It excels at everyday trail use, moderate climbs, and weekend adventures, offering reliable power and solid handling. While it comes with a few entry-level compromises, it’s a fantastic value for first-time e-MTB riders and anyone looking to experience electric trail riding without breaking the bank.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is the Cyberbike Falcon suitable for beginners?
Yes, it’s beginner-friendly thanks to its stable handling and natural-feeling pedal assist.
Can I upgrade the components later?
Yes, you can upgrade parts like the brakes and tires to suit more aggressive trail riding.
Does the bike come with a warranty?
Most sellers offer a one-year limited warranty. Always confirm with the retailer.
Is the battery removable for charging?
Indeed, the battery may be charged both on and off the bike and is detachable.
How does the Falcon handle wet or muddy trails?
The frame holds up well, but the stock tires may struggle in very slick conditions. Consider upgrading to more aggressive trail tires for improved traction.
Conclusion
The Cyberbike Falcon successfully fills a much-needed gap in the e-MTB market: a reliable, trail-ready, mid-drive bike that’s actually affordable. While it doesn’t have all the bells and whistles of high-end models, it performs where it counts—on real trails, with dependable motor support and a solid range. Whether you’re a weekend warrior, a beginner looking to step into the world of trail riding, or a budget-conscious rider, the Falcon offers excellent value without compromising on core performance. For its price, it’s hard to find a better mid-drive option that can keep up with your off-road adventures.