Magician Atlas

Magician Atlas

Magician Atlas Full Review

Full Suspension Fat Tire Ebike Test: Does the Magician Atlas Deliver?

The Magician Atlas is an impressive full suspension mid-drive fat tire electric bike designed for both urban commuting and off-road adventures. At just under $3,000, it offers premium features typically found in much higher-priced eBikes. This review provides a comprehensive look at the Atlas, covering its specifications, ride quality, performance, and overall value.

What Comes with the Magician Atlas?

The Magician Atlas arrives as a Class 2 eBike, meaning it can reach speeds of up to 20 mph using a thumb throttle located on the left handlebar. It features five levels of pedal assist and a torque sensor for responsive power delivery. Riders also have the option to unlock Class 3 speeds and even unlimited speed modes via advanced settings.

Size and Color Options

The bike is available in two frame sizes: a 17-inch frame suitable for riders between 5’7” and 6’1”, and a 19-inch frame for riders 5’11” and taller. You can choose between two sleek colors: gloss electric blue and matte black.

Motor and Battery

Powering the Atlas is a 52V, 1000W Bafang G510 mid-drive motor with a peak power output of 1500W and 160 Nm of torque, making it one of the most powerful mid-drive systems in its price range. The battery is a 52V, 20Ah pack integrated into the down tube, offering 1,040 Wh of power. It supports on-bike charging with a 3-amp charger that takes approximately 6.5 to 7 hours for a full charge. The battery is removable for convenient charging elsewhere.

Drivetrain and Brakes

The Atlas is equipped with a N-Speed drivetrain featuring a SRAM X5 derailleur and a 40-tooth chainring. Shifting is controlled via a thumb-operated trigger shifter. Hydraulic SRAM G2 four-piston brakes with 203mm rotors provide strong and reliable stopping power.

Suspension and Tires

This is a full suspension bike with a high-end setup:

  • Front suspension is a KKE inverted air fork with 34mm stanchions and 140mm of travel, adjustable for compression and rebound.
  • Rear suspension uses a RockShox shock with adjustable compression and the ability to toggle on/off.
  • Tires are massive 26×4.8-inch CST Roly Pulley fat tires with aggressive off-road tread and puncture resistance, perfect for sand, snow, and rough terrain.
Additional Components

The bike includes quality aluminum pedals, a mountain bike chain guide, frame and shock protectors, and a quick-release seat post with a comfortable DDX saddle. There is also a bottle cage mount and a channel for adding a dropper seat post.

Available Accessory Kit

Magician offers an accessory kit that includes metal stanchion guards, metal fenders, a rear rack capable of carrying 55 lbs, and a front headlight. The kit requires some assembly, and Magician provides a helpful video guide for installation.

Optional Wheels

You can add a second set of 29×3-inch wheels, which are better suited for single-track trails, expanding the versatility of the Atlas.

Fit and Comfort

The Atlas is a medium to large bike, measuring approximately 80-81 inches in length. The seat height at its lowest setting is about 36 inches, suitable for riders around 5’7” to 6’1”. The handlebars have a slight dip and can be adjusted forward or backward slightly, or replaced with an adjustable stem for better comfort.

Handlebar Controls and Display
  • Left side: thumb throttle, front brake lever, five-level pedal assist control pad, power button, and headlight toggle.
  • Right side: rear brake lever and thumb shifter for gear changes.
  • The LCD display shows time, battery level (percentage), speed, trip distance, pedal assist level, throttle status, and more.
  • Advanced settings allow switching between imperial and metric units, adjusting screen brightness, sleep timer, mode selection (Class 1, 2, 3, unlimited), speed limits, and even setting a password.
Throttle and Pedal Assist

The throttle on the Magician Atlas is notably strong and responsive for a mid-drive eBike, allowing quick acceleration even from a stop without excessive pedaling. Pedal assist levels are smooth and customizable, with torque sensor responsiveness that adjusts power output based on pedaling force.

Trail and Off-Road Capability

The suspension system performs superbly, absorbing bumps and rough terrain with ease, making the bike comfortable on trails and uneven surfaces. The fat tires provide excellent grip and flotation on sand and snow, with the bike effortlessly cruising over frozen sand and other challenging terrain.

City Riding and Commuting

On pavement, the Atlas is stable and balanced, even allowing no-hands riding at moderate speeds. The bike excels in urban environments with its powerful motor, reliable brakes, and ergonomic cockpit setup. The accessory kit’s fenders and rack add practicality for daily commuting.

Hill Climbing Power

One of the standout features is the bike’s hill climbing ability. It easily conquered steep hills with throttle-only power or pedal assist, making it one of the strongest mid-drive eBikes tested for climbing performance. The motor’s torque and smooth power cutoff during gear shifts protect the drivetrain and ensure a quiet ride.

Range Estimates

Battery life varies by pedal assist level:

  • Pedal Assist 1: up to 45 miles (manufacturer’s claim) but less practical at higher speeds.
  • Pedal Assist 2: realistic range around 33-40 miles depending on riding habits.
  • Higher levels reduce range significantly but increase speed and power.
Top Speed

The bike can reach speeds around 30-34 mph in unlimited mode, although typical cruising speeds are between 18 and 23 mph in lower assist modes. Speedometer readings are accurate and sometimes slightly optimistic compared to GPS data.

Braking Performance

The SRAM G2 four-piston hydraulic brakes provide solid stopping power:

  • Around 28 feet stopping distance from 20 mph.
  • Roughly 42 feet stopping distance from 28 mph.
    The aggressive off-road tire tread reduces grip on pavement compared to street tires, which slightly increases stopping distances.
Noise and Maintenance

The motor is relatively quiet with most noise coming from the tires. Some brake noise was observed due to contamination during off-road use, which resolved with brake use and cleaning.

Tire Clearance Issue

A minor issue was discovered with the rear fender accessory kit: a bolt head rubbed against the tire at higher pressures, causing noise. A temporary fix involved adding washers to increase clearance. This is a small inconvenience that can be resolved with minor adjustments.

Additional User Upgrades

The reviewer added a bell and a mirror for city riding safety and convenience, recommending these additions for daily commuters.

Final Thoughts: Is the Magician Atlas Worth It?

Pros

  • Powerful mid-drive motor with 160 Nm torque
  • Full suspension with adjustable air forks and rear shock
  • Large puncture-resistant fat tires for all-terrain capability
  • Solid hydraulic braking system
  • Removable high-capacity battery with convenient charging options
  • Quality components usually found on higher-priced eBikes
  • Competitive price point under $3,000 with discount offers
  • Versatile for both off-road trails and urban commuting

Cons

  • Rear fender bolt clearance issue with accessory kit
  • No rear tail or brake light included
  • Headlight is optional and should ideally be standard for safety
Conclusion

The Magician Atlas is an outstanding electric mountain bike that delivers exceptional power, comfort, and versatility at a very competitive price. Its robust mid-drive motor, quality suspension, and fat tires make it ideal for riders seeking a reliable off-road experience without sacrificing city usability. While minor accessory-related issues exist, they are easily fixable and do not detract from the overall value and performance of the bike.

If you’re looking for a high-quality mid-drive fat tire eBike that excels in power, range, and ride quality, the Magician Atlas is a top contender worth serious consideration.

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