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In partnership with Monarc. Editor’s Note: We only select and work with partners that meet our quality standards, so you can rest assured we only endorse products we believe in.
There's nowhere that reps car culture harder than Los Angeles. After years of using public transit on the East Coast and months Euro-maxxing on foot abroad, I've come to resent how much time I spend in my sedan as an Angeleno. Even when running errands that are barely a mile away, I'm sealed inside its metal shell. There's always a barrier between me and my city… what good is all this perfect weather if I'm staring at it through a window?
So imagine how much getting an eBike changed my world. While a traditional bike doesn't make sense for my lifestyle – I have to cross town for meetings, and the street just outside my front door has high-speed traffic – eBikes give all the benefits of bicycling without sacrificing speed or safety. And nobody does it better than Monarc. Not only are their frames ergonomically designed for total comfort, they see all the possible pitfalls of eBiking and get ahead of them beautifully.
Worried about running out of charge? Every Monarc bike comes with a free spare battery. Unsure if your bike will hold up to extended use? Their 5-year warranty gives total peace of mind. On top of that, in an age where most brands have completely abandoned customer service, Monarc's lines are open from 7am-7pm every day. They're genuine bike enthusiasts, and their passion is infectious. As ready as I was to move on from my car emotionally, actually taking the leap is a different story. Monarc was here for me every step of the way, and they will be for you too, whether you're already a die-hard or you're curious about revamping your commute.
AN INSTANT CLASSIC
Monarc is a new brand: its products hit the market earlier this summer. Yet it arrives with the backing of Lectric eBikes, the largest electric bicycle manufacturer in the country. The infrastructure and quality control has been there from day one, and so has a pretty fantastic bang for your buck. With its first two models, the Marker and the Tracer, priced at $1,999 and $1,899 respectively, they're cost-competitive with other leading brands while delivering better specs. In addition to the game-changing second battery I already mentioned, Monarc's Marker bike can reach up to 1,638 watts of power output – in layman's terms, that's more power than their competitors can offer.
The extended warranty and dedicated customer service is no small bonus either, especially in a field where one- to two-year warranties are standard. Founders Ryan Callahan and Julia Moran chalk this up to their Midwestern roots, where community and friendliness are paramount. They're committed to bringing an approachability and warmth to bike culture, which can seem cliquey from the outside if you're new to the two-wheel lifestyle. I immediately felt those values in navigating their beginner-friendly website, and customizing my bike for my specific riding goals.
The main decision came down to choosing Marker or Tracer, with the former a heavy-duty, fat-tire bike built for mixed terrain. Since I'm a city boy 99.9% of the time, I went with the Tracer, with its lighter, narrower tires made for urban commuting. After ordering, the bikes have a 2-10 business day shipping window, and mine came very on the faster side. Once it arrived, that's when the adventures started.
NO HASSLE, JUST HIT THE ROAD
The Monarc Tracer ($1,899) is a substantial piece of machinery, expertly engineered for maximum torque and efficiency. So the first – and potentially best — surprise was how little assembly it took. I'm admittedly clueless when it comes to instructional manuals, so the fact that Monarc produced real-time setup videos was music to my ears. I followed along on YouTube while I attached the front wheel, handlebars and pedals; from there, fitting the bike for my height took but a few seconds.
The construction was clearly top-quality. The batteries were made by LG, delivering enough power to give 65 miles of electric assistance each. With 130 miles of total range at my disposal, there was nowhere in the city I couldn't go. The other key components also came from premium name brands, like the Shimano Cues drivetrain (which handles smooth gear shifting) and the hydraulic brakes made by Talon. Still, my first ride felt like an only-by-Monarc experience, thanks to their companion app that handled navigation. Paired with their sleek touchscreen, I had turn-by-turn directions right at my fingertips, as well as a clear handle on my speed and remaining battery.
Pedaling off for my maiden voyage felt super intuitive: I was secure in the bike's heft without feeling like a forklift operator. Since I live on a busy street, I immediately turned on the pedal assist, but stuck to the lowest of the five power levels so as not to give too much oomph too quickly. I saved the higher levels for hills, including the dizzyingly steep ones just blocks away from me. Once I engaged the eBike's powerful motor, I sailed up those hills no problem, a feat that would've left me drenched in sweat on a standard bicycle. This opened my eyes to just how versatile this bike would really be.
CHOOSE YOUR OWN ADVENTURE
Even as the lightweight, city-friendly option, the Tracer can keep up with whatever you throw at it. The MIK (Mounting is Key) rear rack allowed me to bring my backpack, work bag, or even groceries along for the ride, and pedaling didn't feel harder with extra weight thanks to the built-in motor. Still, if you're passionate about getting off-road, the Marker ($1,999) is the bike for you. Just like the Tracer, it comes in two frame styles: the high-step, which has the classic bar you swing your leg over, and the step-through, which has a lower, more open frame. I opted for the step-through with my order since it's easier to hop on and off, and since locking the bike is still easy and safe if you lock through the rear wheel.
However, the Marker distinguishes itself with tires that are nearly double the width for increased traction over different terrains. It can also carry up to 66 lbs of extra weight on the rear rack (over the Tracer's 59 lbs capacity), but the bike is also 14 lbs heavier itself. That's partly why Monarc recommends the Tracer if you're not as inclined to get off the pavement, but if you're up for the side quests, that additional weight makes for even more stability while you ride.
The beauty of a brand that's still in its early days is that the hits just keep on coming. In addition to the accessories that are currently available, like the Pannier and Stem bags that keep storage organized, Monarc is rolling out new offerings in the next two months. Considering I always let my car tires get too low, Monarc's tire pressure monitor system ($89) sounds like a godsend, as does their rear-vehicle alert system ($89) for increased awareness while sharing the road. Most clutch of all might be their smart helmet, which offers Bluetooth integration for playing music and taking calls. It will even provide turn-by-turn navigation cues without the need for a screen. That means there's truly no reason not to keep your eyes on the road.
MY CITY, REIMAGINED
Since I've brought the Monarc Tracer into my life, it's no exaggeration to say I feel more connected to the world around me. I feel the sun on my skin, the wind in my hair – and that's just on a routine trip to the supermarket. The bike gives me the horsepower I need to get where I'm going on time, but also allows me to savor my surroundings while I'm at it.
While I can't yet speak to the bike's ability to stand up to endless use, just knowing I've got a five-year warranty puts those concerns aside. Especially when, if something does come up, Monarc has a huge network of service partners to turn to for help. In my area alone, I've got 25 options should I need any fixes. That kind of coverage makes me feel confident that I can put this bike to the test… and believe me when I say it's passed my trials with flying colors.
After years of being car-bound, I'm finally seeing a new way of living. Despite what conventional wisdom tells me about LA, Monarc makes one hell of an argument for taking the scenic route.
