Electric bikes keep getting more powerful and the Meelod XT600DM is pushing the limits of a street-legal ebike. With its dual 750W motors, this fat tire electric bike has insane acceleration and hill climbing ability.
But how does it ride? I took this beast out for some serious testing to see if it lives up to the hype.
Contents
Overview
The Meelod XT600DM is built around a super sturdy steel frame with aggressive geometry inspired by mountain bikes. It rocks fat 26 x 4 inch tires and dual suspension to soak up bumps. Power comes from a 48V 25Ah battery feeding two 750W continuous Bafang hub motors, one in the front and rear.
This ebike is a monster weighing in at over 100 lbs. But all that weight means stability at high speeds and the ability to conquer any terrain. Let’s take a closer look at the components and tech behind this crazy fast electric bike.
Frame and Components
The thick tubed steel frame is designed for durability and strength rather than light weight. It features an angled top tube to allow for easy mounting and dismounting. The overall geometry gives the XT600DM a stretched out and aggressive stance.
Suspension duties are handled by fat spring forks up front with preload adjustment and air adjustable coil shocks in the rear. Both offer ample travel to smooth out bumps and absorb jumps. Stopping power comes from Tektro hydraulic disc brakes with huge 203mm rotors.
Rolling stock consists of 26 x 4 inch CST tires mounted on double wall alloy rims. The tires have an aggressive knobby tread pattern for traction off-road.
A basic Shimano 7-speed drivetrain handles shifting duties. Gearing is optimized for torque rather than high speed with a small 42T front chainring. The transmission is protected by a plastic chainguard.
Electric System
Let’s talk about the real star of the show – the dual Bafang motors. They are rated for 750W continuous and can put out a lot more power in short bursts. The rear hub motor is a model G062 while the front is a G061. Both produce a ton of torque for insane acceleration.
Power comes from a 48V 25Ah lithium battery mounted to the downtube. Charging is handled by a relatively fast 4.5A charger. A nice backlit display mounted to the handlebars shows speed, battery level, and pedal assist level.
The XT600DM uses a basic cadence sensor instead of a torque sensor. There are 5 levels of pedal assist to choose from. Strong hydraulic disc brakes provide good modulation and stopping power. An ultra bright LED headlight and integrated taillight improve visibility at night.
Ride Impressions
After going over the specs, it was time to get this beast out on the streets to see how it actually rides. Spoiler alert – the dual motors make this ebike an absolute rocket! Here are my detailed impressions after testing it on roads, trails, and hills.
Insane Acceleration and Power
Holy smokes – the dual Bafang motors give this ebike almost unlimited power! Acceleration is simply mind-bending. The front and rear motors combine to put out over 2,000W peak. That’s enough torque to lift the front wheel.
Hit the throttle and you’d better be holding on tight. This ebike just takes off like a motorcycle. Even with pedal assist off, the acceleration pushes you back in the seat. It’s an incredible rush and makes the XT600DM dangerously fast.
Of course all this power drains the battery more quickly. But damn is it fun to have this kind of performance at the twist of a throttle! The XT600DM is easily one of the fastest production ebikes around.
Conquers Steep Hills
With the insane torque from two motors, the Meelod XT600DM absolutely destroys steep hills. I tested it on a few brutal 25% grade inclines and it just motored up without slowing down.
The dual 750W motors give you enough power to climb almost anything. Even with a 75 kg / 165 lb rider, the bike can sustain over 15 mph up very steep grades. The only limitation is traction since this much power will break the rear wheel loose if you’re not careful with the throttle.
Quality Components
Considering the price, the XT600DM comes very well equipped. The Tektro hydraulic disc brakes offer great power and modulation. Gearing is optimized for acceleration and hills rather than high speed. Fit and finish is excellent throughout with precise welds on the frame.
The front suspension soaks up bumps very well thanks to stout stanchions and plenty of travel. I do wish the tires were a bit wider than 4 inches for more traction and suspension performance. But they offer a good balance of off-road grip and low rolling resistance.
My only complaints are the lack of a torque sensor and cheap plastic pedals. But these are easy upgrades you can make down the road. Overall, component quality is impressive for an ebike in this price range.
Aggressive Geometry for Stability
The stretched out frame geometry and fat tires make the XT600DM super stable even at high speeds. The long wheelbase prevents speed wobbles and inspired confidence when braking hard. The front suspension helps smooth out the ride and increase control.
Slow speed handling does suffer slightly due to the long frame and raked out fork. The bike needs a wider turning radius than a commuter. But the stability benefits are well worth it in my opinion.
For an ebike that can hit over 30 mph, stability should be the number one priority. The XT600DM frame geometry achieves this nicely. It’s confidence inspiring to ride fast thanks to the solid front end and planted feel.
High Curb Weight
With two powerful hub motors, a steel frame, and beefy components, this ebike tips the scales at over 100 lbs! Lifting it up stairs or maneuvering it takes serious effort. The weight also makes pedaling without power rather difficult.
But keep in mind that’s the trade-off for the dual motor power and robust frame. The XT600DM is purpose-built for performance rather than portability. The weight helps stability at speed and actually provides more traction off-road.
While not ideal for multi-modal commuters, the high curb weight should not deter performance seekers looking for an ultra powerful ebike. Just be realistic about manhandling this beast before buying it.
Recommended Upgrades
The XT600DM offers incredible performance right out of the box. But here are a few upgrades that can take it to the next level:
- Wider Tires – Fitting some wider 26 x 4.8 or 5 inch tires will improve suspension performance, traction, and comfort without slowing you down.
- Torque Sensor – Upgrading to a torque sensor controller will improve pedal assist response based on your pedaling force.
- Hydraulic Seatpost – A dropper seatpost would allow lowering the saddle for better stability on steep descents.
- Carbon Fiber Parts – Swapping the handlebars, wheels, and other components to carbon fiber will drop a few pounds of weight.
- Suspension Fork – A higher end inverted suspension fork will improve steering precision and small bump compliance.
- Tyre Sealant – Adding sealant to the inner tubes can prevent flats from small punctures when riding off-road.
Who Is It For?
The Meelod XT600DM dual motor electric bike appeals most to:
- Throttle Addicts – The insane acceleration will put a smile on any speed demon. It’s like riding a small motorcycle.
- Hill Climbers – Dual motors give you enough power to crawl up the steepest grades without pedaling.
- Off-Road Riders – The plush suspension and fat tires can handle rough trails and the motors help blast over obstacles.
- Commuters – A fast and fun way to get around the city that’s sure to turn heads.
- Tall Riders – The stretched out geometry provides plenty of room for riders over 6 feet tall.
The high power and curb weight make the XT600DM overkill for casual riders just looking for pedal assist. It’s built for performance and demands an experienced rider who values speed and acceleration.
The Downsides
While I loved riding the XT600DM, it does come with some downsides to consider:
- Expensive – With top tier components and dual motors, this ebike sits at a premium price point.
- Heavy – Lifting and maneuvering the 100+ lb curb weight takes serious effort. Forget carrying it up stairs.
- Loose Surfaces – The immense power requires caution on loose gravel or dirt to avoid breaking traction.
- Frame Flex – The steel frame does exhibit some flex when pedaling out of the saddle or jumping.
- Flat Pedals – I’d upgrade the basic plastic pedals to better grip your feet at high speeds.
For certain riders, the high cost, weight, and power may outweigh the downsides. But be realistic about your needs before choosing such a specialized performance ebike.
The Verdict
The Meelod XT600DM exceeded my expectations with its sheer speed and power. The dual Bafang motors absolutely destroy steep hills and provide mind bending acceleration. Build quality is excellent considering the price. And the beefy frame and components inspire confidence when riding fast.
Yes, it is expensive, heavy, and overkill for casual riders. Not everyone needs this much power. But if going fast and conquering hills with a throttle is your goal, the XT600DM delivers performance comparable to a small motorcycle. Just respect the power and don’t go over your abilities.
So while not perfect, this ebike achieves its mission – delivering a stupid fast, high power thrill ride. The dual motors and quality components make the XT600DM one of the best performance ebikes I’ve tested. It put a huge smile on my face every time I twisted the throttle.
Conclusion
The Meelod XT600DM dual motor electric bike provides an absolute thrill ride for adrenaline junkies. With mind-bending acceleration and enough hill climbing power to challenge a motorcycle, it’s one of the fastest production ebikes money can buy.
Just be prepared for the high price, weight, and potential issues that come with such high performance specs. Respect the immense power of the dual motors to ride safely. While not for casual riders, the XT600DM excels at delivering stupid fast speed and conquering steep hills for experienced ebike fanatics.
