My Yamaha CrossCore RC Electric Bike Experience: Commuting, Trails, and Upgrades
Initially, it was all about the commute. I ride about 10 km to work, and then 10 km back every day, so that is around 20 km a day. I thought that after a week or two, this would feel like a chore, but it has been the opposite. The torque and battery performance of the CrossCore RC make even steep uphills feel effortless. You still feel like you’re pedaling, but without the heavy effort you would usually apply. The battery has also been very reliable, saving me from having to constantly charge it. I also show up to work in a better mood than I would riding a regular bike, and I’m typically more charged and ready to work than ever before.
In acknowledgement of your inquisitiveness, I will elaborate on the modifications I have made to the bike later in this article. Therefore, if you're contemplating the purchase of a YPJ CrossCore RC—or just interested in how minor changes can lead to meaningful outcomes—and want to have a clear idea of what worked for me, you'll have your opportunity.
But then, after a couple of weeks, I started thinking: why use this Yamaha CrossCore just for work? I opted to take it out on some local dirt paths and gravel roads, and that is when I really started to appreciate the bike's versatility! Just as the CrossCore RC felt at home in cities, it felt great on rugged trails as well. Smooth, stable, and honestly, way more fun to ride; I felt confident to explore environments that I probably would not have in a regular city bike. The e-bike experience opened up a new level of freedom for me.
And because I know many of you are curious, I’ll also show you in detail what I’ve changed on the bike further down in this article. That way, if you’re thinking about buying a CrossCore RC yourself—or just curious about how small tweaks can improve an electric bike—you’ll get a clear idea of what worked best for me.
Of course, I had to make some upgrades. I switched to wider tyres, which were so much more comfortable for riding and had better grip on gravel and off-road trails. I also chose a wider handlebar, which felt more natural and provided more control. Overall, the modifications made this Yamaha CrossCore RC e-bike feel like it was custom made for me. The design, performance, and versatility make it enjoyable for both my commute and weekend rides.
The CrossCore RC electric bike makes it easy to transition from riding in the city to trail riding. Its torque, battery performance, and all-around versatile design make it fun, reliable, and durable every time. Looking back, I’m so happy I chose this model. It has become my everyday bike, commuting to work or heading out into nature on weekends. What was once just a commuter bike has turned into a full YPJ CrossCore RC experience, a new way to move and enjoy my time on two wheels.
But now, let’s analyze it in detail.
GEWAGE Bicycle Seat Post Review – Spring-Loaded Comfort for eBikes, MTB, and BMX
Pros
- Enhanced comfort
- Easy adjustment and installation
Cons
- Limited color options
Where to buy
As soon as I installed the GEWAGE Bicycle Seat Post on my electric bike, I could tell I was more comfortable, and the riding quality had improved dramatically.
This spring-loaded seatpost is designed for either a 27.2, 30.9, or 31.6 mm x 400 mm frame, making it suitable for MTB, road bikes, BMX, and e-bikes. The aluminium alloy feels solid, sturdy, and lightweight, providing sufficient confidence that it will withstand both city commuting and rugged off-road adventures.
The built-in spring suspension absorbed the shocks from bumps and vibrations on the rugged terrain, making long rides comfortable and putting less strain on my back. Furthermore, I enjoyed how simple it was to install the new post. The bolt fastener feels quite safe and secure, and the post lined up with my bike perfectly. Additionally, the quick-release skewer allowed me to make height adjustments swiftly, adjusting heights in seconds without needing any extra tools. This was really nice while riding.
Since I switched to the GEWAGE suspension seat post, bumpy roads seem a lot smoother, and my overall riding experience is significantly better. The bicycle seat post clamp firmly holds the post in place, so I don't worry about any unwanted movement during an aggressive ride or while climbing a hill. You will love the additional comfort, stability, and support on any ride, whether it's for your eBike, mountain bike, or BMX ride.
RXL SL Carbon Riser Handlebar Review – 31.8 mm MTB Downhill Bars for Mountain Bikes
Pros
- Lightweight and strong
- Improved handling
Cons
- price
Where to buy
Upon attaching the RXL SL Handlebar Carbon Riser to my mountain bike, I immediately felt a difference in control and comfort.
This 31.8 mm carbon riser handlebar is specifically designed for MTB, downhill, and trail riding, and it comes in 720 mm width – offering excellent leverage and handling. Made from high-strength UD matte carbon, it feels surprisingly light yet powerful – I've managed to get away with it on steep descents, technical trails, and aggressive turns.
These bars can absorb vibrations from rough terrain, which reduces hand fatigue on long rides. The carbon MTB bars respond better and provide precise steering compared to my previous aluminium bars, which increases performance and safety. Installation was straightforward, and the bars fit perfectly with my stem and grips.
After switching to the RXL SL Carbon Riser Handlebar, my whole riding experience has improved drastically. Climbing, descending, and cornering are all more stable, and the perfect weight-to-strength ratio makes me question whether I really needed to use my old bars for downhill tracks, cross-country trails, or technical mountain bike courses. The stability and confidence of this handlebar is incredible.
DBA: The RXL SL Handlebar Carbon Riser combines lightweight carbon construction, optimal leverage, and vibration absorption, making it ideal for MTB, downhill, and technical trails. Whether you are upgrading your mountain bike, looking for a reliable downhill handlebar, or aiming to improve your performance on cross-country tracks, this carbon MTB handlebar delivers comfort, control, and durability.
Schwalbe Nobby Nic Folding Tyres Review – Best Upgrade for CrossCore RC E-Bike
Pros
- Increased stability and safety
- No loss of performance
Cons
- Nothing
Where to buy
I didn't predict the impact that installing the new Schwalbe Nobby Nic Performance Folding Tyres on my Yamaha CrossCore RC electric bike would have on my overall riding experience.
From the initial ride, I felt increased stability, safety, and control, riding on urban streets and off-road trails.
Even on urban streets, with typical traffic, sidewalks, and occasionally uneven pavement, the CrossCore RC felt more solid and predictable. Schwalbe Nobby Nic tyres grip well and allow for better turning, safer movement, and added comfort. The motor assistance from the electric bike was unaffected. The pedal-assist experience was seamless, and there were also the advantages of riding wider tyres!
Taking the bike onto dirt trails and gravel paths, the improvement was even more apparent. The folding tyres (Faltreifen) absorbed bumps and irregularities, providing a smoother ride and increased confidence on rougher terrain. Compared to other options, including the Schwalbe G-One RS, the Nobby Nic provides more reliable grip on mixed surfaces, which enhances safety and enjoyment when gravel cycling.
The installation of the Schwalbe Nobby Nic Performance Folding Tyres was a fairly simple update that significantly improved the versatility of the Yamaha CrossCore RC. The bike remains excellent as a commuting bike, but is much more enjoyable and trustworthy for weekend use, off-road paths, and gravel trails. This update provided greater safety and increased confidence, and did not adversely affect the torque, battery life, or overall handling of the electric bike.
If you are thinking about upgrading your Yamaha CrossCore RC or are interested in a fall upgrade for both city and off-road performance, the Schwalbe Nobby Nic tyres are worth your consideration. With a focus on durability, grip, and versatility, these snappy tyres improve stability, security, and enjoyment for your electric bike in every scenario.