Cyke Falcon S Review: Bafang Mid-Drive Power with RockShox Comfort
January 27, 2025
I’ve been on a lot of e-bikes where one “nice” component gets paired with a bunch of average choices. The Cyke Falcon S isn’t like that. From the first look, it’s obvious the spec choices were made by someone who actually rides trails—RockShox suspension front and rear, Maxxis Minion tires, and Tektro Dorado 4-piston brakes.
I spent time riding it on rough pavement, snow/ice, and trail sections, and what stood out most wasn’t a single feature—it was how cohesive the whole bike feels when you’re actually moving.
Frame sizing and first fit
I went with the 17-inch frame, and it’s worth calling out: this “smaller” frame still feels like a big bike. With the saddle dropped to its lowest setting, it’s manageable for me, but if you’re on the shorter side you’ll want to pay attention to standover and how you like to ride (especially if you’re new to eMTBs).
Once I’m rolling, the fit makes more sense. The geometry feels purpose-built for stability, and the cockpit position works well when I’m standing and letting the bike move under me.
Suspension feel: plush in the best way
The RockShox setup is the heart of the ride experience. Both ends feel smooth and controlled—plush without feeling vague. On choppy ground and broken pavement, it has that “Cadillac” effect where the bike just calms everything down.
On trails, it’s the same story: roots, bumps, and rough transitions are handled in a way that keeps me confident to stay on the power instead of bracing for impacts.
Power delivery: mid-drive + torque sensor done right
This bike uses a Bafang mid-drive motor with a torque sensor, and that combination matters a lot off-road. The assist feels natural because it follows my input instead of blasting power like an on/off switch.
In Eco and Tour, it’s easy to settle into a rhythm. In the higher modes (including Boost), it wakes up fast—but still feels controlled because the torque sensor scales with how hard I’m actually pedaling.
There’s also a left-mounted thumb throttle. I’m personally more of a right-side throttle person, but the real win here is how smooth it is off the line. I ended up using it the way I like to use throttles on mid-drives: short bursts to help crest a hill, get moving quickly, or add a little extra push when the terrain changes suddenly.
One thing to understand: this is not the kind of bike where you can be lazy with your legs and expect “magic carpet” speed everywhere. The torque sensor rewards real pedaling. When I combined steady pedaling with smart throttle taps, the bike felt strongest and the whole ride made more sense.
Handling and the “self-steer” moment
The Falcon S rolls on 29x3 Maxxis Minion tires. They grip well, and in loose or messy conditions they feel like they want to dig in and keep tracking.
But there’s a tradeoff: that big, aggressive front tire can create a self-steering feeling—especially on narrow lines, uneven hardpack, or when you’re picking through technical turns. I noticed the turning feel was different than what I’m used to at first. It’s not a dealbreaker, but it does take a little time to recalibrate your inputs.
Once I adapted, it became predictable. I just had to be more deliberate with line choice and steering pressure.
Braking: confidence on steep and sketchy stuff
The Tektro Dorado 4-piston hydraulic brakes are a standout. On a heavier eMTB, good brakes aren’t optional, and these feel appropriate for the speed and weight.
I did repeated speed-ups and hard stops and got consistent bite and control. The bike also has brake cut-off sensors, which adds a nice layer of safety when you’re modulating power on tricky terrain.
Drivetrain and shifting feel
The SRAM setup shifts smoothly—no clunky surprises. There’s also a small quality-of-life touch I really appreciate: a chainstay protector to help prevent the chain from slapping and chewing up the frame.
While riding, I noticed an interesting sensation during shifts where pedal assist briefly drops and then comes back in. It almost feels like a momentary “pause” that makes the shift feel crisp and deliberate. On trail, I didn’t hate it—it felt a bit like the bike was helping the drivetrain shift cleanly instead of forcing power through the gears at the wrong time.
Real-world comfort: where this bike earns its keep
This is a 66 lb eMTB, so it’s not pretending to be featherweight. The good news is the weight feels centered and balanced, which is exactly what I want on a mid-drive build. It doesn’t have that front- or rear-heavy feel you can get from some setups.
Between the suspension, the tire volume, and the balanced chassis, it encourages longer rides. Even when conditions were cold and sloppy, it stayed comfortable enough that I didn’t feel beat up.
Things I wish were included
If you ride wet trails, commute in bad weather, or deal with puddles, you’re going to notice the lack of fenders right away. For a bike in this category, front and rear fenders (or at least a more trail-ready mud-guard solution) would have been a really practical addition.
Also, the wide bars and big tires add capability, but they also demand attention on tight trails—especially when trees are close. That’s normal for mountain bikes, but if you’re coming from smaller e-bikes, it’s an adjustment.
What We Like
RockShox suspension front and rear delivers a smooth, controlled ride that feels purpose-built for trail use
Bafang mid-drive with torque sensor feels natural and predictable instead of surgey
Tektro Dorado 4-piston hydraulic brakes provide strong, confidence-inspiring stopping power
Maxxis Minion tires add real grip and “roll over it” capability when trails get rough
Weight feels balanced and centralized, which helps handling and stability
Things To Consider
Wide 29x3 tires can create a self-steering effect, especially in narrow or technical turning situations
No front or rear fenders, so wet rides can get messy fast
Left-mounted thumb throttle may not be everyone’s preference
It’s a heavier bike (66 lb), even if the balance is good
Price may be a barrier if you’re shopping strictly on budget
Final Thoughts
The Cyke Falcon S feels like a performance-first eMTB that was built around ride quality—not just a checklist of features. The suspension is legitimately plush, the mid-drive power delivery feels refined, and the brakes match the pace the bike wants to run.
If you want an electric mountain bike that feels confident on rough terrain and rewards real pedaling with smooth, usable power, this one makes a strong case. Just be ready for the big-tire steering behavior and plan your own fender solution if you ride in wet conditions.
Links
Cyke Falcon S (use promo code RunPlayBack for $100 off): https://shrsl.com/4trl3
CamelBak MULE Hydration Backpack: https://amzn.to/3V2tMqb
Bell Super 3R MIPS Bike Helmet: https://amzn.to/3TJ1vTR
Fox Racing Bike Gloves: https://amzn.to/40P5SyQ
Fox Racing Hip Bag: https://amzn.to/3xmW4mT
Hafny Handlebar Bike Mirror: https://amzn.to/3FVubmN
Veeape Electric Air Pump: https://amzn.to/3LPLTf9
Denlix Military Sling Bag: https://amzn.to/3LTKN2c
Lamicall Bike Phone Mount: https://amzn.to/3LXmD6O
Onvian Wireless Bike Alarm: https://amzn.to/42KUgyE
RunPlayBack Merch: http://shop.runplayback.com/