The Magician Alpha is a high-performance electric bike designed for riders who want power, speed, and versatility. In this comprehensive review, we dive deep into the bike’s features, riding modes, battery system, suspension, and overall ride experience, helping you decide if this eBike fits your needs. Whether you are an enthusiast looking for a fast commuter or an off-road adventurer, the Magician Alpha offers something unique—though with some caveats.

Motor and Power

The Magician Alpha boasts a 72V 3000W rear hub motor with a peak power output of 5000 watts and a torque of 200 Nm. This high-powered motor allows the bike to reach speeds beyond 50 mph when unlocked from its default class 2 settings. The bike weighs 101 lbs without batteries and 135 lbs with batteries installed, supporting a maximum payload of 450 lbs.

Battery System

This eBike has a dual battery setup for extended range and power:

• Primary Battery: 72V, 20Ah (1440Wh), housed inside the down tube.
• Secondary Battery: 72V, 10Ah (720Wh), mounted on the rear rack.

Both batteries are removable and can be charged on or off the bike. Charging time is approximately 6.5 to 7 hours with a 3-amp charger. The bike claims an 80-mile range on a single charge, which can vary based on riding conditions and assist modes.

Drivetrain and Brakes

The Magician Alpha is equipped with a 7-speed drivetrain including an Asera derailleur and a 56-tooth chainring. For stopping power, it uses Star Union four-piston hydraulic disc brakes with 203mm rotors, providing reliable and strong braking even at high speeds.

Suspension and Tires

• Front Suspension: X Show hydraulic forks with 120mm travel, preload adjustment, and lockout features.
• Rear Suspension: DNM 38 RC air shock with rebound adjustment and lockout capability; requires a shock pump for air pressure adjustments.
• Tires: 26×4 inch wide tires with an aggressive all-terrain tread pattern mounted on double-layered aluminum alloy rims for durability and control.

Frame and Design

The frame is robust and designed with thick linkages, contributing to the bike’s stability and comfort. It comes in two versions: step-over and step-through, both available in multiple colors such as gloss red, lime green, matte gray, electric blue, and gloss white.

Pedal Assist and Throttle Modes

The Magician Alpha offers five levels of pedal assist controlled via torque or cadence sensors:

• Torque Sensor Mode: Adjusts power output based on the pressure you apply to the pedals, offering a smooth and intuitive riding experience.
• Cadence Sensor Mode: Activates power based on pedal rotation speed but is currently not recommended due to erratic acceleration behavior.

The bike also features a half-twist throttle with an on/off switch and supports walk mode for easier maneuvering.

Class Modes and Speed Limits

By default, the bike is set to Class 2 (20 mph max throttle speed). Users can unlock Class 3 mode (28 mph max pedal assist speed but throttle disabled) or unlimited mode (50+ mph with throttle enabled). Each mode affects throttle behavior and speed limits.

Display and Advanced Settings

The full-color LCD display shows vital stats such as speed, battery level, trip mileage, pedal assist level, and Bluetooth connectivity. It offers customizable themes, trip reset, unit selection, and detailed ride statistics including cadence, power, and voltage.

Comfort and Suspension Performance

The Magician Alpha excels in ride comfort, especially after replacing the stock seat with a more cushioned Cloud9 saddle. The suspension system effectively absorbs bumps and rough terrain, making off-road riding smooth even at high speeds. The wide tires and robust frame contribute to excellent stability.

Speed and Handling

In torque sensor mode and unlimited settings, the bike smoothly accelerates to speeds over 50 mph. The throttle response is highly sensitive yet controllable, providing a thrilling ride. However, the bike experiences a slight “death wobble” when riding no-handed at speeds approaching 28 mph, which can be mitigated by proper riding posture and terrain awareness.

Off-Road and Trail Performance

The aggressive tires and dual suspension setup make the Alpha capable on rugged trails, sand, and uneven surfaces. The bike handled various terrains without issue, though chain slap was noted, indicating a need for a double chainring guide to prevent chain derailment during aggressive rides.

Brake Testing

The hydraulic brakes provide reliable stopping power:

• 20 mph stop in 27 feet
• 30 mph stop in 54 feet
• 40 mph stop in 75 feet

These distances are consistent with expectations for a bike of this weight and power.

Night Riding

The integrated headlight with nine LEDs offers bright illumination sufficient for safe night riding without the need for additional lights. The rear light brightens upon braking, enhancing visibility in low-light conditions.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Powerful 5000W peak motor with torque sensor for smooth power delivery
• Dual removable batteries for extended range and convenient charging
• Robust suspension system for comfortable off-road and urban riding
• Bright, integrated lighting system suitable for night rides
• High payload capacity and durable build quality
• Customizable display and riding modes via onboard controls and app

Cons

• Stock seat uncomfortable; requires aftermarket upgrade for long rides
• Cadence sensor mode currently unsafe and unpredictable; avoid until firmware updates
• App and firmware still under development with some usability issues
• Air shock inflation port placement inconvenient without bike support
• Chain slap risk due to lack of double chainring guide
• Throttle switch design and grip size may cause hand fatigue on long rides

Tips for the Best Magician Alpha Riding Experience

1. Use Torque Sensor Mode: For safety and smooth control, stick to torque sensor mode rather than cadence mode. The latter is prone to sudden acceleration spikes.
2. Choose Infinite Mode: Unlock the bike to infinite mode for full throttle control and highest speed capabilities. Class 3 mode disables throttle, limiting some flexibility.
3. Upgrade Your Seat: Swap the stock saddle for a more comfortable option like the Cloud9 seat to improve ride comfort on longer journeys.
4. Adjust Suspension to Rider Weight: Use a shock pump to set the rear air shock pressure according to your weight for optimal suspension performance.
5. Learn the Display Functions: Familiarize yourself with the display’s advanced settings and ride stats to monitor performance and customize your ride.
6. Prepare for Firmware Updates: Keep the bike’s firmware and app updated to benefit from ongoing improvements in ride modes and sensor calibration.
7. Be Cautious at High Speeds: The Alpha can exceed 50 mph, but such speeds require skill and caution due to potential instability like the “death wobble.”

Conclusion

The Magician Alpha is a powerful and feature-rich electric bike offering an exhilarating ride with impressive speed and range. Its advanced suspension and high torque motor make it capable on both city streets and off-road trails. While it has some shortcomings—such as the uncomfortable stock seat, app development needs, and issues with cadence mode—the Alpha shines in torque sensor mode and infinite throttle settings, delivering a smooth, responsive, and thrilling ride.

For riders seeking a high-performance eBike with customization options and robust build quality, the Magician Alpha is a strong contender. Just be sure to upgrade the seat, stick to torque mode, and watch for upcoming firmware updates to unlock the bike’s full potential safely.

If you’re ready to experience one of the most powerful eBikes on the market, the Magician Alpha might just be the ride for you.