CrossCurrent X Lineup From Juiced Are Adapted to the Urban Landscape and Much More

Folks, Juiced Bikes first popped up in the e-bike market back in 2009, and if we're to look at the history of countless other e-bike manufacturers, only a handful go back this far. What does this mean for you and me? It means that this brand has had plenty of time to take a look at what customers want and need.

With that in mind, I've chosen to bring to light two of their e-bikes, ones designed to ride far, ride fast, and while doing all that, even carry goods and gear. In short, the CrossCurrent X and its step-through counterpart seem to have what it takes to be your go-to vehicle for an array of occasions, not just riding around town or going to work.

Before I go on, let me point out just how much cash you'll need for these buggers. The step-through CrossCurrent X is currently selling for no more than a solid $2,000 (€1,900 at current exchange rates), right on the cusp of how much anyone is willing to spend on such a machine. This cash unlocks a two-wheeler with a top speed of up to 28 mph (45 kph) and rocking a range of a tad over 65 miles (104 km).

As for the step-over version, Juiced Bikes is asking a tad more, $2,200 (€2,070), but there are plenty of reasons as to why. While the top speed is limited once again to 28 mph, the range on this variation tops out at over 80 miles (128 km, according to the manufacturer's website). Sure, real-world testing of anything electric reveals a drop of around 30% in the actual range, but that's still pretty good.

Now, whenever I take a closer look at an e-bike, I like to start with the frame, particularly the material it's built from, how it's all put together (I'm not talking about welding), and what it all means for you and me.

Overall, custom heat-treated aluminum makes up each frame we see, but what I found most interesting is the step-over's geometry. By the looks of things, Juiced borrowed a bit of MTB or gravel bike geometry because that top tube is looking mighty fine, with its slanted line running from the head tube to the seat stay.

As for the step-through version, this one is all about safety and comfort because these frames allow riders to quickly place their feet on the ground in case of an emergency, not to mention easier mounting and dismounting. Personally, I recommend this sort of frame style for any new riders. More comfort is granted by the presence of a suspension fork.

Those frames are then tuned to run 28 in tires with a 1.75 in cross-section. Why is this an essential detail? Think about it; on a bicycle, or anything with wheels, for that matter, this component is essential for comfort and range and acts as a buffer between you and the ground, not to mention the all-important action of keeping traction.

Now, the smaller and more narrow a tire is, the more feedback you'll receive from the road. That said, I ride an MTB with a 27.5 in diameter and 2.25 in cross-section, and I can say that I have no problems with cracked roads, curbs, and even off-road use. After all, the latter is what an MTB is for.

The CrossCurrent X's boast 28-in-diameter tires, so city streets stand little chance of messing up your experience, and once we factor in the 1.75 in cross-section of those rubbers, we realize that we might just be able to take these babies beyond the confines of the urban jungle.

As I explored the CrossCurrent X lineup even further, it became apparent that these babies stand a chance at being a rather decent trekking or bike-packing machine. Sure, it's not like owning an e-gravel bike that's been loaded to the brim with after-market cargo-carrying gear, but a solid base is available. There are fenders on both models, rear cargo racks, and mounts to bring along water or whatever else you may need.

Regarding the power behind all this magic, Bafang is the team delivering the rear-mounted motors on both versions with 750 W of nominal power. Then there's a thumb throttle, a 9-speed transmission, a display, hydraulic brakes, and lighting for safety while riding at night.

Put all this together, place yourself in the middle of the action, and get a feel for the sort of life you'll lead with a CrossCurrent X. If you need a tad of help, read on.

If you're like me, you'll probably use your CrossCurrent X to head to work during the week, recharging only once every two to three days, grab groceries on your way home, ride it to a cafe on Saturday, and even out of town on Sunday. Hmm, sounds like a couple of potential candidates for your first e-bike purchase.