The Retro E-Bike – WildSyde Shadow Review

The WildSyde Shadow was built in a vintage e-bike style. It definitely does not have the minimalist approach the Momentum Voya E+ has.

From what I saw over my test ride, this class 2 commuter electric bike is not the usual bike design I see out there; it has that gorgeous motorcycle design with all the gadgets to make it look like one.

This e-bike was loaned by Ivanhoe Cycles for testing purposes, and all the words are my own.

Shadow Specs Summary (basics)

My WildSyde Shadow Riding Experience

Things I was content

– One of the things that most impressed me was the aesthetics of the whole bike. It was an eye-catcher when passing by a pedestrian with the motorcycle specs.

– When testing the motor performance, it was noticeable how strong PAS 1 was. My pedaling effort was easy enough to get me moving.

PAS 3 and 5 were clearly really strong and responsive. There was little difference between them, but they were efficient from an instant assistance perspective.

– I loved the concept of hiding the battery inside a “gas tank” type compartment. From what I saw, the battery would be waterproof.

– On the suspension side, I liked the brand’s use of a spring system, which is unconventional compared to other systems. It was actually very comfortable to ride it off-road.

– The controller was another factor that provided value to my ride. It was pleasing to have a biggish display offering most of the main readouts, but most interestingly, it offers alternatives to adjust its settings.

I know the controller is the King Meter SW, but it is basically the same as the 900SW. For instructions on how to use it, read this guide: SW900 LCD Controller Operation.

The cockpit was great. Thanks to the handlebar’s “U” shape, the grips were easy to reach. Again, it had to have the motorcycle style.

The opportunities

– I noticed the motor struggled to reach its maximum speed (25 km/h) on a medium-level incline; I had to pedal harder than I wanted to maintain the almost max speed. This could be due to having to haul 30kg plus my weight.

– The gear system was just like any other Shimano gear derailleur configuration that many standard bikes have. There is not much to note here.

– During my riding experience, I noticed the Bafang motor was providing an extra second of assistance after I stopped pedaling. This was not ideal, as it was scary to feel the bike would not stop—it did after I used the brakes, though.

– It is not a bike that will be easy to lift. Although it didn’t feel too heavy, 30 kg is a lot.

The battery range (less than 55 km using PAS 1) was not the most impressive when compared to other commuter bikes.

The WildSyde Shadow Review Verdict

I’m a big fan of electric bikes with a clean, minimalist look, like the Orbea Gain D40. I find the brand’s Shadow version very attractive in terms of design. I really liked its aesthetic, comfort with the handlebar motorcycle approach and the motor’s power.

I also think it is limited by its bulkiness, so if space is an issue, this would not be the model to consider.

I’m sure the WildSyde Shadow retro e-bike will catch people’s attention when riding on the streets, and for sure, this is the type of electric bike that I would take for weekend rides along bike paths.