There are two sides to buying a bike: the function and the feelings. The former is a well-established trope in product reviews, and I won’t leave you hanging on the essential specs like drive (hub), top speed (21 mph), and max range (55 miles), etc (you can see all the specs below). But the latter is what really matters. While we may buy a specific bike because it offers the perfect combination of components, we ride it because it provides us transportation, freedom, and fun—a small return to the first time we balanced on two wheels.
Having recently moved to the suburbs, the feelings were front and center when the box from Heybike arrived in my driveway. I went from the density of Brooklyn to living far enough away from the nearest store that walking isn’t an option. So now, like most Americans, I’m faced with a drive to grab some milk or butter at the store. An e-bike fundamentally changes this equation.
After putting the bike together—the instructions were just OK, but the videos helped—I hopped on to run my first errand. The Heybike Cityrun easily handled my driveway and street, but the real test was the mile-long hill that led to my local grocery store. With two lanes and a 40-mph speed limit that’s rarely adhered to, an underpowered bike can leave you feeling vulnerable. Luckily, the Cityrun was largely up to the challenge, though I did have to do some real peddling to get up the steep grade.
Parked the Cityrun has a striking silhouette in black and white, though I could live without the huge logos all over the place. The app, which can be synced via Bluetooth with the bike, will automatically turn the vehicle on and off while you’re near. Unfortunately, it took a week or two to finally sign in and sync my bike as issues plagued the login.
Where the Cityrun shines most is price. At just under $1300, it’s hard to get more bike for your dollar. While there are some trade-offs on looks and customer support, it offers an excellent and versatile solution for anyone looking to buy their first e-bike. But most importantly, it provides freedom to leave your car behind and feel the wind on your face.
Finally, if you want to check out another Heybike offering, check out Lauren's video review of the Heybike Tyson.
