Share to Facebook Share to Twitter Share to Linkedin Full throttle is the name of the game on the QuietKat Lynx. Jeremy Billauer
Recent news that multiple electric vehicles offering more than 300 miles of range can cost less than their gasoline-powered competitors points to improved technology in the automotive industry. But as battery and electric motor advancements render EVs more and more affordable, e-bikes continue to drop in price while adding capability, as well. Remember that Americans bought more electric bicycles than electric cars in 2021, a surprising stat even for industry insiders. And a growing number of e-bike companies sell everything from dedicated road racers to full mountain bikes. The Colorado-founded company QuietKat hopes to target the widest swath of potential customers with the retro-styled Lynx. I recently spent a few months with a Lynx loaner, riding on and off as my schedule allowed, to test whether this e-bike’s cafe racer styling and a claimed range over 60 miles per charge combine to justify a $3,999 price tag.
The Lynx’s aesthetic leans toward retro cafe racers as much, if not more, than other futurist designs. Michael Teo Van Runkle
Cafe Racer Style for a Futuristic Mobility Solution
QuietKat manufacturers multiple models of e-bikes, and the Lynx slots into the specific category that does not require a rider to pedal in order for the electric motor to function. Instead, a twist throttle on the righthand grip can also control the rear hub-mounted motor capable of peak output rated at 61 lb-ft of torque. That stat sits solidly in motorcycle territory, as do big Vee Tire Co Mission Command tires measuring 24 inches in diameter, plus serious suspension to help smooth out the ride quality of a bike that weighs 100 pounds. The design, from the headlight up front to the stitched faux leather seat, also aims to emphasize that motorcycle aesthetic. The seat actually allows for multiple riding positions, though, which helped me feel comfortable while scooted further back given my long legs. And even on a first few rides, I quickly adjusted to the smooth throttle modulation and started ripping around West Los Angeles, jumping off curbs and leaning through corners with confidence.
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A key unlocks the Lynx’s removable battery pack, which weighs only 12 pounds but can allow more than 60 miles of claimed range per charge. Michael Teo Van Runkle
The suspension allows for adjustable compression at the forks and rebound for the rear damper, while four riding modes control the electric motor: Eco maximizes range, Trail gives a bit more juice with pedaling and throttle, and Boost unleashes every last watt, while the final setting simply turns the electric motor off entirely (which I can confirm starts the quads burning immediately given the Lynx’s hefty weight). In the much more enjoyable Boost mode, as I rode all the time other than to experience the lower assist settings, the Lynx can hit 28 miles per hour on flat roads or quite a bit more while pedaling hard downhill. Doing so eats up range quite quickly though, and luckily, the disc brakes work quite well to rein in speed. I never went on a terribly long ride—not wanting to get stuck pedaling home—but would estimate that managing 40 miles of regular riding in full Boost mode might be possible.
Connectivity via the QuietKat app includes geolocation, surveillance alerts, ride history, and maintenance warnings. Michael Teo Van Runkle
Solutions to Common E-bike Issues, but Still Not Perfect
The Lynx also solves some common challenges that e-bikes typically present. Namely, the 960-watt-hour battery can drop out of the frame, allowing for easy swapping of a fresh pack—each of which weighs just 12 pounds, so carrying a spare in a backpack for a long day in the saddle seems entirely reasonable. I also left the bike in my garage, not plugged in, for weeks at a time and the battery held charge well, which hasn’t always been my experience on past e-bikes. A horn and big headlight both come standard, though the QuietKat app that allows for geolocation, surveillance alerts, ride history, and maintenance will cost $59.99 after an initial year free. A few surprises cropped up, however, including the fact that the bike uses a derailleur despite having only one rear gear. This probably helps the chain stay quieter and last longer. A weird temperature sensor warning also rendered the bike inert once—but for some reason, in my mind it seemed reasonable to ride backwards when the fault