Alastair McIntyre

“Hi Ed & Simon - here’s my review for our Mark 2 450 & 520 e-bikes It has been a while since we received our 2 Mark2 E-Bikes and I have held off submitting a review until we both had time to ride them well and get use to them. That said I have now completed over 100 miles (including a week commute to work - 50 miles!) They are both well put together machines - from the frame finish; sturdy and very tidy joint welding to the elegant powdered black and white coating finish and detailing in yellow stands out well. Components are of a high standard and specification that will withstand many miles of use. The Shimano Tiara 10 cassette 12 - 28 provides as good range of gears to use across any terrain - with or without power assist selected. Similarly the Shimano disc brakes as smooth and very efficient in stopping a heavy bike. The inclusion of suspension forks adds to providing a more comfortable ride over rougher terrain - or poorly repaired roads… Saddles on both bikes are comfortable and remain so on longer rides - although we are using cycling shorts too! The power assist element works efficiently and effectively across the range of power settings and allows for a flexible riding attitude. Being able to adapt the setting for upcoming changes in terrain is easily selected via the simple push button selector and kicks in with ease. Charged battery life lasts well - I completed a full week commute on one charge - recognising that whilst my route undulates and much of my speed has been above 15.5 MPH where power assist cuts out. Additionally I have not been using a high power assist level is whilst on the flat which has obviously allowed for a high mileage between charges. A few minor things that don’t quite meet the mark. The 450 does not have any bottle cage studs on the down tube whilst the 520 does - so unable to mount a bottle and pump holder. The kick stand springs are not quite strong enough to stop them from bouncing when on rough terrain… the back stays on the frame has recessed holes fro a frame mounted stand why was this not used? Lastly these e-bikes whilst heavier that a standard bicycle have been a game changer from my wife’s perspective. She is a hesitant and unconfident cyclist and has now completely changed her attitude towards cycling. With the power assist kicking in as soon as you turn the pedals has meant that she has found a level of stability on setting off that she has not been able to again in the past. THe ability to maintain a speed heading up hill without to much physical effort with the correct level of power assist selected is in her words is bring a joy to cycling she has never had. I have a couple of minor niggles that I will contact you directly about to resolve. Overall very pleased with these e-bikes and will be riding them for may years to come.”

Helpful Report

Thank you for your comment. Just to clarify, you ordered your bikes on 5th June at the Campervan and Motorhome Show in the New Forest, for which thank you. We delivered them to you on 14th June. I trust you are enjoying your new bikes and we would be delighted to receive your feedback.

Thank you very much for your positive and comprehensive review. Coming from such a knowledgeable and discerning cyclist this is very much appreciated. I agree that a rear frame mounted side stand would be better and this could be done if you wished. The X-Cross 450 unfortunately does not have bottle cage studs fitted to the seat post as they would limit the amount of height adjustment of the saddle. However, there is a universal mounting that can be used if you would like to fit a bottle cage, such as this one: https://www.bob-elliot.co.uk/viewdetailV2.php?target=37630 Thank you again for your valuable feedback and contact about your niggle, which we will rectify. Please let us know if we can be of further assistance.

Georgia Smart

Verified Reviewer

“My first electric bike but now I can get up that hill without dying! I think a lot of the customers could be older women like me with stiff knees and necks and think it could benefit from a much shorter crank and higher handlebars or at least have those as an option”

Helpful Report

Thank you for your positive review and pleased you are enjoying your new bike. Riding positions vary for everyone and we are always happy to make adjustments to suit the individual. We offer straight and swept-back handlebar options and the handlebar stem also has some height adjustment. If you need any help or advice please let us know.

Colette Jones

Verified Reviewer

“I absolutely love my new E-Bike. It has made me enjoy cycling again and it actually makes me smile. I don't use it as an E-Bike all of the time just when I come across a hill that would normally fill me with dread or if I am starting to tire a little. It's great to have the option. To be honest it's so much easier to ride manually than on my previous bike. By far the best looking E-Bike I have seen around. I highly recommend getting one.”

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“We have two X-Cross 450 bikes both of which are fantastic to ride and they have relaunched our biking days out. These bikes are extremely well put together unlike a lot of those made in China, these are made in Denmark and finally assembled in the UK and the quality is visible. They come with Shimano hydraulic disk brakes and gears, LED lights and we opted for the rear racks at no extra cost which is extremely useful. We have owned them for a month and have already clocked up over 300 miles they are brilliant.”

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Thank you Tim I hope your wife and yourself enjoy many more miles on the bikes

“We love our Mark 2 e bikes. Riding them is great fun and very easy - even quite steep hills are possible. We also love how they look - not clunky like some e bikes.”

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“My wife is very happy with the Xcross 450 ladies bike. All power modes perform extremely well in all road conditions. The bike is very well made and she loves the colour scheme. Only wish I had ordered one mysef.”

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Thank you very much for the positive feedback. If you would like to contact us I am sure we can sort out a suitable eBike for you too :)

“I'm very pleased indeed with my X-Cross (step through) bike. It's very comfortable, especially with the swept back comfort handlebar and gel saddle, and using the power when I need it, especially up hills, is so easy. It handles the roads very well, whether it's in the town or country lanes. The twist throttle giving extra power when I need it is also a great feature. This is my second e-bike and my partner urged me to get the X-Cross as he is so happy with his X-Cross. I would definitely recommend Mark 2 Bikes to anyone wanting to buy an electric bike. They have a range of electric bikes and their customer service is second to none. One very happy customer.”

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Thank you for your positive review. Very pleased you are enjoying your bikes :)

“Excellent piece of engineering”

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X-Cross 450 Step Through Electric Bike Reviews