Investing your money in a great e-bike is always a smart idea. They’re a convenient, eco-friendly, and fast way to get around.
That being said, actually deciding which one to get can be a problem. There are so many great options that make it super difficult to choose just one.
One bad boy that particularly stands out from the crowd is undoubtedly the Izip Zuma 2.0 step-thru.
This bike conquers the Cali hills with ease and comfortably covers the distance from the city center to the beachside and everywhere in between.
Let’s take a closer look at each part of this bike separately so you get a better idea of its overall appearance and performance.
Frame
The frame is the staple of every e-bike. It plays a significant role in the performance, and it can make or break your entire riding experience. The sole weight of the frame can impact the way you switch to pedal, so it’s vital to discuss it.
If you get the Izip Zuma 2.0, you won’t have to worry about this. As you could’ve seen in the table above, the frame of this bike is made of lightweight alloy, and the bike features excellent weight distribution.
Generally speaking, Zuma 2.0 is on a lighter spectrum; the design is ergonomic rather than bulky, so it always feels like it’s easy to control.
That being said, it’s important to note that there’s no place for doubt when it comes to balance.
The downtube-mounted battery pack and a mid-drive motor, combined with the So-Cal relaxed geometry of the frame (that puts you in an upright riding position) provide a low gravity center. This means you know stability is the one thing you don’t have to worry about with Zuma 2.0.
Motor
You’ll be happy to know that Zuma 2.0 features the famous Bosch active line 40 Nm torque motor. The German powerhouse giant entered the e-bike market way back in 2009, and since then, it’s significantly impacted the industry, especially the mid-price range e-bike division.
This motor allows you to ride up to 20 miles per hour, which, admittedly, doesn’t sound like a lot. However, it should suffice all your daily needs, commutes, and cruisings around the city.
The Bosch active line is a mid-range unit, but it’s not to be dismissed or underestimated. It is more than capable of climbing up hills, which is a great advantage for the folks who live in or frequently visit hilly terrains like Southern California.
What makes this motor so great is the fact it allows you to switch between four modes of assistance - Eco, Tour, Sport, and Turbo. When you choose a mode, the motor will measure the torque delivered to the pedals, increase cadence and speed and give you the power assistance you chose.
I can say without an inch of a doubt that this is the best torque you can get in this price range.
Battery
The battery is also made by Bosch, which speaks a lot about its quality and endurance. Namely, this bike features a 400Wh battery that allows you to cover up to 42 miles (68 km). On my testing it actually reached 41 miles - not bad, huh?
This is more than enough for cruising around the city or a trip to the beach. Just be careful, though; keep track of it because when it dies, it takes 4.5 hours to recharge. This is not its biggest selling point, to be honest.
That being said, if you don’t mind the slightly longer charging time, and you’re willing to overlook this fault, I don’t see why you wouldn’t enjoy the Zuma 2.0.
Brakes
The brakes you’ll see on Zuma 2.0 are nothing revolutionary. In fact, you can find them on most bikes in this price range. Now, that doesn’t mean they’re not good; far from it.
The Tektro Mechanical Disc w/160mm brakes have proven to be a great choice, so I guess the manufacturer’s logic is - why change what isn’t broken, and I couldn’t agree more.
It’s a fact that these brakes provide great stopping power no matter the speed. With a maximum speed of 20 miles per hour, Zuma 2.0 more than benefits from these powerful brakes.
It’s also good to know that the brakes work well on different terrains, so if you’re the type that likes to mix it up, the Tektro mechanical disc brakes have your back.
Rims
The rims of Zuma 2.0 feature an alloy double-wall, which is quite durable and just heavy enough so that the weight is not overbearing but not too light either.
Just like with the brakes, take comfort in the fact these rims can handle pretty much any terrain you could think of, barring something truly extreme.
Tires
Tires are a vital part of the bike, and I’m happy to report the tires on Zuma 2.0 meet my expectations. This bike boasts Kenda K-Rad Cruiser Style 26” x 2.30” tires that are often seen in this mid-range segment.
It’s not a surprise, really, as they are reliable, and they feature intricate tread patterns that provide excellent traction in all conditions, come rain or shine.
This means you don’t have to worry if it rains and the roads are wet or slippery - these tires won’t fail you.
Let’s not forget to mention the Shimano TX50 Thumb shifter with 7 speeds and an optical display, without which this bike wouldn’t be what it is. This, the tires, the motor, and the battery make a killer combo.
Post-Test Summary - Zuma 2.0 Pros & Cons
The Izip Zuma 2.0 seems to meet all the requirements of a great-value-for-money bike. While affordability is generally a subjective matter, you can’t deny this bike packs a ton of great features for a somewhat reasonable price.
The fact that it can support you on your adventures from the beachside to the steep hills makes it all the more so amazing.
The verdict is in - if you need a reliable two-wheeler to take on your next trip, Izip Zuma 2.0 makes a faithful companion.
What Do I Like About Izip Zuma 2.0?
Some things are undeniable, like the fact this bike features some top-notch parts. The German-made motor and battery work in harmony with reliable brakes and traction-providing tires.
The coverage is pretty great, too - up to 42 miles should suffice no matter where you’re bound. Plus, different terrains won’t stop Zuma 2.0 from getting you where you want to go.
PROS
What Don’t I Like About Izip Zuma 2.0?
Naturally, there are a few not-so-great things about Zuma 2.0. However, in my humble opinion, the benefits do outweigh the shortcomings, which is a thing you should take into consideration when contemplating purchasing a bike.
For instance, if you’re not particularly happy getting a bike that charges for more than 4 hours, then Zuma 2.0 might not be your cup of tea.
Cons
As you can clearly see, finding the shortcomings of Zuma 2.0 was a bit of a stretch, but they’re there.
No bike is perfect, and one can easily find a flaw depending on their personal needs. If the description and detailed review of Zuma 2.0 sound appealing to you, don’t hesitate to invest your money as you’ll get a trustworthy, efficient, and comfortable bike.
About Izip
Over the years, Izip has come up with great choices for all riders. They like to say that no matter where you go, they have a bike that will amp up your ride so you can go farther and faster than before.
For example, their Vida model is the perfect choice for folks who like to drive long distances. If you’re keen on riding a bike off-road, check out their Sumo model.
Zuma 2.0 is for all who want a reliable bike with quite an average maximum speed but decent coverage.
Conclusion
When choosing an electric bike, you have to judge all the features according to your needs. Where do you plan to ride it, and for how long? What about the terrain? Do you have time for longer charging?
These are all questions you should be asking yourself upon selection. Electric bikes can set you back a couple of thousand dollars, so it shouldn’t be a spur-of-the-moment decision.
Take your time, peruse our reviews - your perfect bike is out there somewhere!
Our Rating - 88/100
The Zuma 2.0 step-thru is a powerful and stylish bike inspired by the sun-worshipping lifestyle found at Zuma Beach, the jewel of Southern California.
Born of equal parts of comfort and style, Zuma 2.0 will allow you to pedal away with confidence wherever your next weekend adventure takes you.
