Onyx CTY2 vs C3STROM Astro Pro vs Ride1Up Revv 1: The Real-World Moped-Style Ebike Matchup
April 4, 2023
Three moped-style ebikes can look similar in photos and on spec sheets… and then feel completely different the moment you roll out of the driveway.
I spent time riding the Onyx CTY2, C3STROM Astro Pro, and Ride1Up Revv 1 back-to-back, and what stood out most wasn’t a single “winner.” It was how clearly each bike has its own personality—and how that personality lines up with specific kinds of days, routes, and riding goals.
If you’re trying to decide which one fits your life, here’s how they compare from a real-world perspective.
The quick vibe check
Onyx CTY2: the traffic-capable bruiser
The CTY2 feels like a true electric moped. It’s the most powerful of the three and the one I’d trust the most when I know I’m going to be mixing it up with faster city traffic. It has that “built to take hits” durability vibe, and it rides like something meant for the street first.
The tradeoff is obvious the second you need to move it around by hand: it’s heavy. Storage, stairs, and tight spaces matter a lot with this one.
C3STROM Astro Pro: the stylish city cruiser with a unique edge
The Astro Pro has the most distinct look of the bunch—futuristic and geometric in a way that stands out in a crowded moped-ebike market. It also feels like it’s aimed at practical city riding: it has pedal assist and an 8-speed Shimano setup that makes it easier to ride efficiently.
The big compromise is comfort on rougher stuff, because there’s no rear suspension.
Ride1Up Revv 1: the simple, comfortable, do-it-all choice
The Revv 1 is the most minimalist visually—clean, simple, not trying too hard—and that’s part of the appeal. On the road and on light off-road surfaces, it’s the most comfortable overall thanks to full suspension. If my day involves bike trails or mixed surfaces, this is the one I keep reaching for.
Power and speed in the real world
The CTY2 is in a different category for top-end capability. With its 60V system and 1500W hub motor, it’s the one that feels most at home when speeds creep into that 30–40 mph road environment. On streets where traffic flow is faster, that matters.
Both the Astro Pro and Revv 1 run 52V 20Ah batteries and 750W Bafang hub motors, and they top out around 32 mph in off-road mode. In everyday riding, that puts them in a similar performance lane: quick enough to be fun, strong enough to feel like a moped-style experience, but not trying to be a full-on electric moped the way the CTY2 is.
Comfort: suspension makes the decision easier than you think
If you’re debating these three, comfort is one of those “you’ll feel it in five minutes” categories.
Onyx CTY2: Moto-style front suspension, but the rear suspension is stiff and non-adjustable. It’s street-focused and feels durable, but it’s not the plushest ride.
C3STROM Astro Pro: Front suspension only (no rear suspension). On smoother streets it’s fine, but bumps remind you what’s missing.
Ride1Up Revv 1: This is where the Revv 1 pulls ahead for comfort. The combo of a hydraulic front fork and DNM rear suspension makes it feel the most forgiving on-road and off-road.
If your routes include broken pavement, potholes, or any kind of trail riding, rear suspension quickly stops being a “nice to have.”
Pedal assist (or not) changes how you actually use the bike
This is a big lifestyle difference.
CTY2: No pedal assist. It’s much more “moped mindset.” You can pedal, but it’s not the same experience as a pedal-assist ebike.
Astro Pro and Revv 1: Both have five levels of pedal assist.
In practice, pedal assist gives you options: you can stretch range, you can tone down the speed in crowded areas, and you can make the ride feel more like an ebike when you want it to.
On heavier moped-style bikes, pedaling isn’t something I want to rely on as a rescue plan if the battery dies—but as a range and control tool during the ride, it absolutely matters.
Range: what matters more than the number
All three bikes have ranges that depend heavily on rider weight, terrain, and power level.
Onyx CTY2: 20–60 miles
C3STROM Astro Pro: 32–78 miles
Ride1Up Revv 1: 30–60 miles
The Astro Pro has an efficiency advantage because of the 8-speed Shimano transmission and the 56T chainring. If your goal is to ride smarter (not just harder), that drivetrain setup helps.
Braking and night riding
All three feel well matched in stopping power for their weight.
CTY2: Hydraulic moto front brake + MTB rear brake
Astro Pro and Revv 1: Four-piston hydraulic disc brakes with cutoff sensors
For lights, each bike has integrated headlight, rear light, and signal lights. The CTY2 runs a three-element LED headlight with a halo ring, while the Astro Pro (130 lux) and Revv 1 (120 lux) have high/low beams. In real night riding, they all do the job well—it’s more of a style and preference decision than a performance dealbreaker.
Weight and storage: the “don’t ignore this” category
This is where the decision gets very real, very fast.
CTY2: 145 lb
Astro Pro: 94 lb
Revv 1: 93 lb
If you live upstairs, need to tuck the bike into a tight space, or regularly load it into a vehicle, the CTY2 can be a non-starter. The Astro Pro and Revv 1 aren’t featherweights either, but they’re more manageable—especially if you remove the battery to lighten the lift.
Design and street-legal vibes
Each one nails a different aesthetic:
CTY2: Retro moped inspiration with modern touches, and depending on your state it can be registered as a moped. It also sits in that gray area of “what is it exactly?” for street legality, so you’ll want to check your local rules.
Astro Pro: Futuristic styling with a sequential taillight, plus street-legal and Class 3 mode.
Revv 1: Clean, minimalist moped styling with minimal branding, also street legal in Class mode.
The bike I choose depending on the day
If I’m being honest, this is how it shakes out in my life:
Bike trail day or mixed surfaces: I grab the Ride1Up Revv 1. The comfort and composure make it the easiest to live with.
Slow-rolling downtown with lots of intersections: I take the C3STROM Astro Pro. It feels like a great urban cruiser with style that turns heads.
Roads moving 30–40 mph: I choose the Onyx CTY2. It feels the most capable and durable when traffic speed matters.
What We Like
Three genuinely different personalities (not just minor spec tweaks)
CTY2 feels the most capable in faster traffic thanks to higher top speed potential
Astro Pro stands out with futuristic styling and an efficient 8-speed setup
Revv 1 delivers the most comfort with full suspension
All three include integrated lighting, including signal lights
Braking performance feels appropriately matched to each bike’s weight
Things To Consider
Onyx CTY2 is very heavy (145 lb). Storage and stairs can be a dealbreaker.
CTY2 has no pedal assist, which changes how you’ll ride and plan range.
Astro Pro lacks rear suspension, so rough roads can wear on you.
Astro Pro battery mount is awkward to remove, and the battery needs to be securely locked in.
Revv 1 and Astro Pro top out around 32 mph in off-road mode—great for many riders, but a different lane than CTY2.
Local legality varies, especially for higher-speed moped-style builds—check your area.
Final Thoughts
If you want the most “electric moped” experience and you ride in real traffic where speed and durability matter, the Onyx CTY2 is the one that makes the most sense—assuming you can handle the weight and you’re okay living without pedal assist.
If you want something stylish, efficient, and city-focused with a unique look, the C3STROM Astro Pro hits a sweet spot—just go in knowing comfort is front-suspension-only.
If you want the best everyday balance and the most comfort across streets and trails, the Ride1Up Revv 1 is the easiest to recommend. It feels like the practical choice that still brings the moped vibe.
Links
Ride1Up Revv 1 Full Review: https://go.ride1up.com/SH3z
Onyx CTY2: https://www.onyxmotorbikes.com/pages/cty2 (use our promo code RUNPLAYBACK for $100 off)
C3STROM Astro Pro (use our promo code RUNPLAYBACK for $50 off): https://www.c3strom.com/product/c3strom-astro-pro-moped-style-electric-bike/
Ride1Up Revv 1: https://go.ride1up.com/SHg
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