Time is opportunity. That’s the stage of life I’m in right now, specifically when it comes to hunting. I have a five-year-old and a 3-year-old at home, and I’m constantly amazed at the busy schedule two young humans can already keep. And it’s only going to get busier, isn’t it? Needless to say, my available opportunities to head afield have been reigned in. That’s not a complaint; it’s just reality. And I’m okay with it. I’ll always prioritize my wife and kids, and I love the busy, chaotic nature of it all. Nothing could make me happier.
But that means that I need to be more efficient when I do get the chance to head afield. I live 1.5 hours from where I do most of my hunting, and I’m often limited to day trips. I hunt the big woods of northern Pennsylvania, which often means long hikes in and out, often before and after dark. I’ve gotten good at making every minute count, but like most Roksliders, I’m always looking for the next slightest advantage. On multiple such long hikes, the idea of an e-bike became more and more appealing, and after last fall’s seasons, I determined an e-bike was in my future. Pennsylvania’s big woods, though wild, do have a robust network of oil, gas, and timber infrastructure, including many access two-tracks that are gated to vehicles but open to hiking and bicycles. Many of my access routes utilize long hikes on these types of access roads, and I saw the huge potential of covering these miles much more quickly on an e-bike.
I’m not a bike guy, but I am a gear guy. I happily started the research process, and I quickly determined that I valued durability, function, and dependability above all else. I didn’t need fancy accessories or top-of-the-line components, and e-bike regulations in my state required a motor of 750 watts or less. Battery performance was a top consideration, too. On the rare extended trip I do get to take, I don’t always have the ability to top-off or recharge batteries. I happily found the QuietKat Ranger XR – a bike that, on paper, met all my needs perfectly.
The Ranger XR is the cheapest hunt-capable bike QuietKat makes, but this isn’t because it’s made cheaply. Rather, it’s lighter on non-essential features than the other bikes in QuiteKat’s lineup. And that’s precisely what I wanted/needed. The Ranger XR has a single, 750W hub drive motor, which means it’s ‘street legal’ in my state. The motor is powered by a 12.8Ah battery, and that combination can reach 20 mph without pedaling and offers a range of up to 48 miles. The motor offers five levels of pedal assist, includes a throttle to make uphill or otherwise difficult starts easier, and offers walk assist mode – all powered by controls on the handlebars and viewed on a bar-mounted color LED display. Additionally, the bike has a 7-speed drivetrain utilizing SRAM gears, boasts 26” oversized offroad tires, two-piston hydraulic disc brakes with large 203mm rotors, and a coil suspension fork. The bike itself weighs 65 pounds and can support a rider up to 325 pounds. Doesn’t sound ‘light’ on features, does it?
Importantly to me, my Ranger XR came with TWO of the 12.8Ah batteries, which was a really great deal. For me, the second battery is ideal for my extended trips where I don’t have the ability to recharge a battery. I can leave home with both batteries charged, and depending on the type of terrain and how hard I push the motor, two batteries could, in theory, take me up to 100 miles. Because of many variables, QuietKat estimates that each fully-charged battery should take you between 24-48 miles (more on my experience, below). NOTE: the Ranger XR no longer ships with two batteries – you just get one. But they’ve also adjusted the price to reflect that. Spare batteries can be picked up from QuietKat, and they can easily be swapped on the trail or at camp. For a lot of readers here, I think a second battery makes a ton of sense. Another important feature to me – besides all the specs above – was the pannier cargo rack. It’s ideal for strapping a backpack, treestand, turkey decoys, or other gear to on the way into hunting locations.
Photo: Ranger Battery_800
My Ranger XR has been worry-free after a spring of use turkey hunting, scouting for fall seasons, and ripping around the neighborhood with my kids. It ships mostly assembled: the battery(ies) ship separately, and the front wheel, the handlebars, and the pedals need to be mounted. The included accessory (reflectors, charger) and tool kit makes quick work of getting the bike ready to ride. Initially, my front disc brake had a squeal when I really squeezed the lever. I quickly wiped the rotor down with rubbing alcohol, made sure the rotor was properly aligned in the brake assembly, and the squeal was resolved. Since then, everything has functioned exactly as it’s supposed to.
I decided to really push the Ranger XR on a particular turkey hunt this spring. While I got outsmarted by a call-shy, late-season gobbler, I had an absolute blast cruising around miles of forest roads on a fine, spring day! I was reminded that riding a bike is simple fun, and it’s even more fun when you’re riding a bike with a small motor, while hunting. It rained the previous night, so the two-tracks were slick and full of puddles. The large offroad tires did what they were supposed to – they grabbed gravel, wet leaves, and mud, and I went through a number of large pools that I probably shouldn’t have. But the Ranger XR handled it – and it was, again, FUN! I also managed to dump the bike and myself as I slid on a slick, leaf-hidden branch, but the bike didn’t skip a beat. Numerous times I had to portage over or around large deadfall. The bike handled brief, off-road detours with ease, and while no spring chicken, the Ranger XR is lightweight enough that I could lift it over fallen logs without much trouble. The fork offers just the right amount of suspension to make rough roads completely manageable, and the saddle is comfortable enough.
I put 10.8 miles on Ranger XR that day, leaving the bike mud-covered and the battery lighter. I started with a full battery, and after 10.8 miles of hard riding, the display showed the battery retained 34% charge – equating to range estimates of 13-19 miles, depending on pedal assist level. That day, I utilized higher pedal assist levels and the throttle assist more than was necessary for the terrain in an effort to get a sense for the true range of the battery. All said, QuietKat’s range estimate is accurate, but your mileage may vary (quite literally). Heavier loads, terrain, temperature, wind, etc., can all impact the bike’s range.
I’ve ran the motor through all five levels of pedal assist, and I’ve also aggressively run the drivetrain through all 7 speeds. The various pedal assist levels offer noticeable increases in power, resulting in more power and speed as needed. And the drivetrain shifts gears smoothly every time – up or down. I’ve never felt underpowered for hills, vegetation, or mud, and I’ve done more than a handful of accidental burn-outs.
So what do I wish was different? Nothing, really, but there are a few accessories that I’ll be adding to the bike to make it even more capable. Remember the puddles I mentioned above? I’ll be adding some fenders. I rode around with a soggy backside that day, but it was warm, and I was having too much fun to care. I also see value in adding a cargo basket to the pannier rack. The rack is useable as-is, but a basket would make it even easier to haul gear or deer quarters. A headlight will make its way onto the handlebars in time for fall seasons. I could get by with a headlamp, I’m sure, but the headlight will illuminate the path the bike is travelling, and I’ll save my headlamp batteries in the process. Finally, a mount for my weapon (bow or rifle) would be convenient. Through turkey season, I strapped my shotgun to my turkey vest and off I went. I could do the same with my bow or rifle for fall seasons, but a dedicated weapon mount would add convenience and peace of mind.
Conclusion
For the guy or gal looking at stepping into an e-bike to improve their hunting or fishing access, I don’t think you can go wrong with the Ranger XR. In terms of e-bikes, it’s affordable. It’s built with quality components. The battery holds its charge well and offers good range. Its specifications should make it legal in most places e-bikes are allowed. And it’s backed by the reputation and customer service of QuietKat. It absolutely has made, and will continue to make, my hunting and scouting more efficient, and that has me excited. Like I said, time is opportunity.
Comment or ask Torin questions here.
