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An electric fat bike built with accessibility and adjustability in mind, the Magnum Nomad is a mid-step e-bike designed to adapt to riders of all shapes, sizes and ability levels.
The Nomad is built around a 750W Bafang rear hub motor that gives the bike ample power to flatten hills and easily cruise near its maximum pedal assisted speed of 28 mph. But the Nomad isn’t just a quick bike, it’s also built with utility and ease of use in mind. Magnum built in a number of smart features — including an adjustable stem and a frame that’s easier to mount — that makes this relatively heavyweight e-bike easy to use.
The Nomad, but closer.
Magnum is a Utah-based e-bike company that backs up its products with an international network of brick-and-mortar dealers more than 200 strong. Electric Bike Report got to catch up with Magnum during the Big Gear Show in Park City, Utah this August and we to spend some time doing a micro review of the Nomad (and it’s sibling bike, the Scout). This is a slightly shorter review than we typically do at EBR, but we hope to get the Nomad in soon for more in-depth testing, so stay tuned.
Magnum Nomad Performance and Handling
Speed and handling
Propelled by an ultra-powerful Bafang 750W rear hub motor, the Nomad is no slouch.
It’s hard to overstate just how much power 750W is in the e-bike world (it’s actually the legal limit in most states), so the Nomad has no issues climbing large hills or accelerating to and maintaining its maximum pedal assisted speed of 28 mph. This bike is also equipped with a twist throttle, which will power you without pedaling until 20 mph. Park City, where we tested this bike, is an incredibly hilly place and I was very impressed with how well the Nomad tackled the terrain.
The Nomad handles well and is forgiving to new riders. The bike is equipped with an adjustable stem that allows riders to make the fit as aggressive as they’d like, plus the mid-step frame is easier to get on and off of than a more traditional high-step bike frame.
Magnum fitted the Nomad with a custom display.
One asterisk I’d note on the Nomad’s handling was it suffered slightly from oversteer, or the tendency for the bike to want to dive in corners. This wasn’t an overwhelming sensation (remember, it’s my job to be overly sensitive to how a bike handles), but it was something I noticed at lower speeds and in longer corners, such as some of the 180-degree switchbacks on roads in Park City. I adapted to this quickly, so it wasn’t much of a problem, but it’s something to keep in mind.
Magnum Nomad Components
Motor and battery: 750W Bafang rear hub drive and two battery options
The Nomad we reviewed was fitted with the 48V, 17.5Ah battery option.
The Nomad is powered by the same 750W Bafang rear hub motor sold on its sister bike, the Scout.
The Electric Bike Report staff knows Bafang’s 750W motor well, as it’s one of the most popular large rear hub motors found on affordable e-bikes. It’s popular for good reason: It’s torquey, powerful and plenty reliable for every day use.
Buyers can also choose between two substantial battery options, either a 48V, 17.5Ah (840Wh) or a 48V, 19.5Ah (936Wh) — both of which are larger than average for the affordable electric fat bike category.
Drivetrain: Shimano 7-speed
Magnum spec’d the Nomad with a Shimano mixed drivetrain consisting of a Tourney thumb shifter mounted on the handlebars and an Altus 7-speed rear derailleur
This is a workhorse groupset from Shimano that we see often on affordable e-bikes. It shifts well, has a wide gear range great for tackling hills and is plenty affordable.
Brakes: Logan two piston
The rear Logan hydraulic disk brake caliper.
The Logan hydraulic disk brakes are a new brand to us, but they performed well on our test ride around Park City.
It’s not at all uncommon nowadays to see bikes shipped with components from lesser-known manufacturers thanks to the ongoing bike component shortage. The Logan brakes handled Park City’s long descents very well, with only the slightest hints of brake fade near the bottom of one longer descent. These are two piston hydraulic brakes designed to be easily adjustable.
Other notes: Accessories, racks and lights
The Nomad comes with a rear rack, integrated lights, fenders and an upgraded display custom to Magnum.
The final word on Magnum’s Nomad
If you’re looking for an affordable electric fat bike with loads of adjustability and power, the Magnum Nomad is a great option you should consider.
With a mid-step frame and adjustable stem, Magnum built this bike to fit virtually any rider. It’s a hefty bike at over 70 lbs, but the bike handles that weight well. I did note that the bike has a slight tendency to oversteer, but this wasn’t an overwhelming issue. Overall, the bike handled very well and felt confidence inspiring — an important feature considering this bike is built specifically for new riders or those who might want a bike that’s a little more upright and comfortable.
You can buy the Magnum Nomad online on Magnum’s website or at one of the company’s 200-plus brick and mortar stores.
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