I had to adjust my derailleur a bit on the first ride out so all the gears hit just right but once it was adjusted it was smooth. Instead of a front suspension, the Coston DX has a 27.5” Alloy rigid fork, creating a stiffer ride but with better speed and power transfer. Components are MicroShift 7-speed shifters, KMC chain, and JAK 7 mechanical disc brakes with 160mm front and rear rotors. The frame is the same 6061 aluminum with internal cable routing. We have a video that details electric bike assembly and with a few basic tools you'll be out and about in a matter of minutes. The Coston DX does have a flat-out great lighting system, with a bright headlight, taillight, and running light beneath the central frame that provides solid surrounding visibility. It also has a hidden pocket in the seat, which is a pretty neat way to store your phone, keys, and other small items. The 250 watt motor could be bigger for this bike to use the throttle regularly and give a better boost on hills. Turning takes a little bit to get used to as it is a little more top-heavy than a regular bike with the battery. Schwinn claims the bike will get 60 miles pedal-assisted for your average terrain and rider. I estimated that my cautious, pedal + motor speed was around 25mph. The Skate Escape folks said that larger riders with gear and consistent hills should only expect a range miles if they rely heavily on the motor. This sounds about right considering that this is meant to be a power assist, not a motorized vehicle. The motor can draw over 200 watts at peak output, so the battery pack is good for less than half an hour of full assist before it’s stone dead. Fortunately, it doesn’t run at full assist all the time. There are four or five pieces of plastic that clip together to seal this thing up very well. Road or trail grit will stay out, and chain oil will stay in. They can do this because all the shifting is done in the rear hub - so it’s a straight, simple chainline with nothing other than two sprockets and a chain. I really, really like this feature - I can ride it in long pants and not get dirty, and if I take it on a dusty trail, the chain will stay clean and grit-free. That being said, the more you ride the Coston, the more it feels less sturdy than you first thought. The seat post has a tendency to slide under weight, and the fenders and other elements feel a bit cheap and rattly. That’s surprising, considering Schwinn’s reputation for quality. The Marshall is a bit more sporty for off-road and on. The Coston CE and DX are more at home on the pavement.