While it’s nearly impossible to understand how a bike feels to ride without physically sitting on it, we do our best to explain the factors that influence the experience in this ride quality section.
Starting with geometry, sizing, and adjustability, the bike features a sporty frame that positions its rider in a forward-leaning posture typical of the commuter style. It is offered in two frame sizes: a Standard size for riders between 5’5” and 6’5” and a Large frame for those from 5’7” to 6’7”.
It is somewhat unusual in my experience for there to be so much overlap between frame sizes; a more typical breakdown of the height ranges might be more like 5’5” to 6’1” for the Standard frame and 5’11” to 6’7” for the Large.
Case in point: the Tarmac’s standover height is 31-32”, depending on the frame size, making the bike best-suited for those of average height and above. Reducing the Standard frame’s wheel diameter to 27.5” instead of 29” would likely help make the bike more approachable for shorter riders (this is a common wheel size on commuters, regardless).
At the time of writing, Mokwheel does not offer a step-thru version of the bike, so riders on the shorter side (or those who prefer easier mounting and dismounting) might need to consider another option; I’d recommend the Asphalt ST we reviewed previously, which has a recommended height range as low as 5’2”.
At 5’11”, I was very much in the middle of the Standard frame’s fit range. Its sizing felt both comfortable and appropriate, with a long seatpost and an adjustable stem that allowed me to adjust the bike’s feel. I achieved proper leg extension for efficient pedaling, a moderate reach that was neither too cramped nor stretched out, and a slightly more upright riding position for my personal comfort.
When I had my preferences set, the bike felt both sporty and relaxed. With some weight on the handlebars, steering and cornering felt controlled and predictable. Being somewhat more upright made long test rides (I covered the 37+ miles in our max PAS range test) comfortable and enjoyable.
I mentioned the tires previously in the Brake Test section above; these, in combination with the 80mm suspension fork, gave the Tarmac a confident feel when riding on relatively smooth dirt and gravel areas.
I’ve also discussed the feel of the pedal assist system at length, but to reiterate, the bike delivered enough power in all assist levels to make pedaling easy. At low levels, it required very little pedal pressure to get up to speed, but at higher levels, it seemed to respond more to changes in the amount of pressure I applied.
Overall, I think the Tarmac is generally well-equipped for its price. I like that it has integrated lights and turn signals, along with fenders and a cargo rack. The head-tube-integrated headlight, in particular, was interesting; it’s a great look that’s different from our usual experience with Mokwheel, and it reminded me of some e-bikes I’ve tested and enjoyed from a handful of other brands.
I also consider the removable display, which prevents the bike from being ridden under power when disconnected, to be a solid security feature. I think it would also be great to see a cafe wheel lock for a little extra physical theft deterrence, and I am not the biggest fan of the gel bumps on Mokwheel’s custom faux leather grips, but those are minor concerns.
As I referenced in the Speed Test section, the bike’s display menu offers a variety of customization options for the bike’s speed and acceleration. It also allows users to select between three and five pedal assist levels, choose whether the throttle is active, and if so, determine if it functions from a complete stop.
All in all, the bike was comfortable, it handled well, and it was fairly straightforward to operate. Additionally, while we did identify some downsides, it felt stable while riding, and it is relatively versatile in terms of where it can be ridden. This commuter isn’t limited to paved streets and paths alone!
