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Head to head

Ride1Up Rift vs Mokwheel Basalt ST 2.0

Two off-road e-bikes at a similar price, compared on the same normalized specs. Both scored by us, both reviewed in full.

The verdict

These two are within five bucks of each other with nearly identical motors and drivetrains, so let the one real gap that matters to you — brakes and class flexibility on the Rift, or payload and range on the Basalt — make the call.

Buy the Ride1Up Rift

Buy the Ride1Up Rift if you want the stronger brakes (4-piston with cut-off sensor), a bit more torque, and the flexibility of Class 2-3 mode switching — it also edges out the Basalt on Genius score.

Buy the Mokwheel Basalt ST 2.0

Buy the Mokwheel Basalt ST 2.0 if you need to haul more weight (450 lb payload vs 350 lb) or want the longer claimed range, and don't mind Tektro brakes instead of the Rift's 4-piston setup.

How close are they?

These two line up on price, motor power and battery size. The one thing that separates them:

  • Mokwheel Basalt ST 2.0 claims 20 more miles of range, though both figures are the manufacturer's optimistic "up to" number.

Who each one is for

Ride1Up Rift

Riders who want one capable fat-tire bike for trails, gravel, and the road, with plenty of battery to explore.

Mokwheel Basalt ST 2.0

Riders who want capable all-terrain range for mixed dirt-and-pavement adventuring, with a throttle for the moments they'd rather just cruise.

Spec by spec

Spec Ride1Up RiftMokwheel Basalt ST 2.0
Price $1,795 $1,800
Motor (nominal) 750W 750W
Torque 95 Nm 90 Nm
Battery 960 Wh 940 Wh
Claimed range 60 mi 80 mi
Weight 84.5 lb 80 lb
Max payload 350 lb 450 lb
Motor type hub hub
E-bike class Class 2-3 Class 3
Brakes 180mm 4-piston Hydraulic Disc Brakes w/ Cut-Off Sensor TEKTRO TKD171 Hydraulic Disc Brakes
Drivetrain Shimano 8-speed Shimano 8-Speed
Tire size 26x4.0" 26" × 4.0"

Highlighted values are the better of the two where both brands publish the number. Where a spec isn't published we leave it blank rather than guess.

The short version on each

Ride1Up Rift

What's good

  • A large 960Wh battery that backs up the up-to-60-mile claim with real staying power on dirt.
  • Strong low-end pull from 95 Nm of torque, so loaded starts and steep, loose climbs don't stall it.
  • A throttle plus a switchable Class 2-3 setup, so you choose between cruising without pedaling and a 28 mph assisted top speed.

What to know

  • Ride1Up doesn't list a suspension fork on the spec sheet, so on rough, rocky trails the fat tires are your only cushioning.
  • The throttle still tops out at 20 mph even after you switch to Class 3, so the fastest riding is pedal-assist only.

Mokwheel Basalt ST 2.0

What's good

  • 90 Nm of torque from the hub motor gives it real climbing strength for loose, uphill terrain
  • A large 940Wh battery backs an 80-mile claimed range, so a full day out rarely means hunting for an outlet
  • A throttle lets you get moving without pedaling, a real help launching a heavy bike on loose ground

What to know

  • At 28 mph it lands in Class 3, which is banned on many bike paths and natural-surface trails, so plan your routes around local rules