Balancing Act: Heybike Tyson E-Bike Review

Electric bikes, or e-bikes, have emerged as a transformative solution to modern transportation and leisure needs, embodying a fusion of innovation and sustainability. Their significance lies in their ability to revolutionize urban commuting by offering a cost-effective, eco-friendly alternative to traditional vehicles. E-bikes alleviate traffic congestion and promote healthier lifestyles by encouraging regular physical activity. One e-bike company that caught our attention is Heybike.  The company offers an extensive array of e-bikes for just about any terrain. While browsing the Heybike website, we found a bike we couldn’t help but notice: Heybike Tyson. This unit had everything we needed in an e-bike, including off-road capabilities and a folding design. So naturally, we had to order one and put it through the paces. 

Heybike Tyson:

Heybike’s Tyson is just as at home on the road as it is on dirt.

Before we get into the features and the review of the Tyson, let’s talk about why it appealed to us. First, the Tyson has a rugged design with front and rear suspension. It also has fat tires, ideal for soft-roading at campsites or wherever we go. This is not an e-bike we would take on extreme mountain bike trails, but the versatile unit will hold its own on mild trails. Secondly, we have a Jeep, know as Project Bugout. This means there is little room, and the Tyson should fold and fit in the back, allowing us to pack it up and take it on any adventure. That was the idea, anyway. We will have to see how this concept shapes up. 

After a few days, the Tyson e-bike showed up on the doorstep. Like a kid on Christmas morning, we immediately took it to the garage to unbox it. Assembling the Hey Bike Tyson is a user-friendly experience, streamlined by a detailed assembly manual and all the necessary tools. The comprehensive instructions make the assembly process straightforward, requiring about an hour of your time. However, it might help to have someone assist with the process as the Tyson is heavy and can be cumbersome to move and position. However, it can be assembled by one person if needed. 

This is how the Heybike Tyson looks after it’s unboxed. It includes everything you need to get riding, even hand tools.

Features:

• Powerful 1200W peak motor, enabling a top speed of 28 mph 
• Maximum range of 55 miles 
• 4-5 hours charging time for minimal downtime between rides
• One-piece magnesium frame and integrative wheels
• The bike is durable and portable with its folding design
• 7-speed gearset provides flexibility to tackle various terrains
• Hydraulic-disc brakes that deliver reliable braking in any conditions
• Dual suspension system ensures a comfortable ride even on challenging surfaces 
• Turn indicators, integrated taillight with brake light, and auto on/off headlight contribute to visibility and rider safety
• The TFT-4G Display offers impressive contrast and visibility
• Heybike app provides an anti-theft feature that alerts the rider’s phone if the bike is moved 
• The app allows remote locking via Bluetooth

Transporting The Heybike Tyson:

With the Tyson assembled, we rolled it out to the Jeep and put the Tyson in its folded configuration. Breaking down the bike for transportation is a hassle-free process. The only issue here is the bike weighs in at 70 pounds. A more petite person might have a problem picking up the bike and putting it in the back of a Jeep or sport utility vehicle. The only question now is, will it fit in the Jeep? Fortunately, it does, and with plenty of room to spare, it’s perfect for camping adventures. 

On-Road:

The first test for the Tyson would be on-road. We took the bike to a local bike path, unloaded and unfolded it. We then turned the display on and put the Tyson pedal assist on power level 1. The screen is extremely visible due to the TFT-4G display. 

As you pedal, the bike senses the input and gradually applies power. If needed, you can adjust the Pedal Assist System (PAS) sensitivity in Heybike’s app to fine tune your bike ride. The middle-of-the-road setting worked best for my riding style. 

As we hit the trail, power level 1 netted us 6 mph. After pedaling, we hit power level 2, allowing us to go at 10 mph. And making adjustments on the fly is super easy and intuitive. One nice thing about the Tyson is it has seven gears to choose from while pedaling. So, depending on the PAS setting, you can gear accordingly. Power level 3 allows for 15 mph, and power level 4 will get 18 mph. All of these settings are adjustable in the app so that you can customize the speed of each power level. 

After getting comfortable with the bike and the brakes, we decided to flip the power to level 5, which equates to a speed of 28 mph. However, even in Seventh gear on the bike, there is no resistance and no reason to pedal. We tried our hardest to pedal the bike, and I’m sure we looked like a cartoon character while spinning our legs at what felt like 200 mph. Luckily, if you need to go 18 mph, Heybike has incorporated a thumb throttle on the handlebars, allowing you to modulate the bike’s speed without pedaling. This is the only way to go on power level 5 without looking like an imbecile. 

The Heybike Tyson delivers an exceptionally comfortable on-road riding experience. We locked out the adjustable front suspension to enhance our pedaling efficiency. Locking the front forks provides a smoother, more controlled ride on a smooth surface. And despite Tyson’s weight, the bike handles well and still surprises us with its nimbleness, offering stability and confidence on the road. The seat is also very comfortable, and the disc brakes work well. We were surprised to find out how comfortable the riding position is. It’s a lot like riding a motorcycle where your torso is upright and your arms are very relaxed. The turn signals, headlight, brake lights, and horn are excellent features, providing the rider with safety day or night. 

Off-Road:

After putting several miles on the Tyson, it was time to see how the unit would respond off-road. This part was essential to us because, most of the time, there are no paved bike trails when we are camping. Instead, gravel and dirt make up the paths we will be on. Once again, we folded the bike, loaded it into the back of the Jeep, and headed out searching for gravel and dirt. 

Off Roas Xtreme’s Project Bug Out with Heybike’s Tyson e-bike.

Finding somewhere to off-road in Texas is relatively easy. The state is filled with expansive pastures, trails, and, of course, dirt roads. And since we were not interested in seeing how much “sweet air” we could get – think Napoleon Dynamite – off mountain bike trails with jumps, we hit some dirt trails and gravel roads for the test. This type of terrain is what we run across the most when we go camping, so it’s the perfect test for the Tyson. 

The Tyson e-bike truly shines off-road, thanks to its versatile gearing options. The thumb throttle lever provides instant power, and the wide tires perform admirably on loose gravel and dirt. However, we would like to see a more aggressive tire option for spending more time off-road. The dual suspension system effectively smoothens out bumps, and the ability to adjust the front shocks allows riders to customize the ride for optimal comfort. Whether tackling dirt roads or challenging trails, the Hey Bike Tyson proves to be a capable and reliable companion.

Our Thoughts:

The Heybike Tyson is a remarkable e-bike that combines powerful performance, thoughtful design, and smart features. At a solid price point, it offers a comfortable and customizable riding experience for users of all sizes. Including extra gears makes it suitable for diverse terrains, and the folding feature adds practicality for storage and transportation. Suppose you’re in the market for a folding e-bike with off-road capabilities. In that case, the Hey Bike Tyson is a solid choice, balancing quality, on- and off-road performance, and convenience.