Claud Butler Wrath 1.0 vs 2.0 - Detailed E-MTB Comparison & Guide
If you want a quick answer, the Wrath 2.0 upgrades the drivetrain and keeps similar core hardware, so it gives sharper shifting and a slightly broader gear range, while the Wrath 1.0 focuses on value with a simpler setup and refined software for faster motor pick-up.
The Wrath 2.0 suits you if you want a bit more gearing range and control; the Wrath 1.0 suits you if you prefer a solid, value-focused e‑MTB with improved motor response.
You’ll explore how these changes affect real rides, braking, battery life, and pricing, and whether either bike fits your off‑road plans or daily exploits.
Expect clear comparisons of the hardware and ride feel to help you pick the right model.
Claud Butler Wrath 1.0 vs 2.0: Key Differences
You’ll find real differences in motor feel, battery capacity, and gearing that change how each bike rides on climbs and trails.
The Wrath 1.0 leans more toward entry-level; the Wrath 2.0 moves toward better components and more range.
Motor and Electrical Systems
The Wrath 1.0 and 2.0 both use rear hub motors, but they are tuned and specified differently.
The 1.0 typically ships with a Bafang rear hub motor offering smooth, modest assistance suited to leisure trails and town rides.
The motor focus is on consistent power delivery rather than aggressive torque.
The Wrath 2.0 upgrades the motor system and refines the eBike system software for quicker pickup from a standstill.
That change gives you a snappier initial boost and slightly better hill-start feel.
Both bikes use 36V systems and offer walk-assist, but the 2.0’s software and component pairing make it feel more responsive on steeper climbs.
Battery Design and Range
Battery layout differs in practical terms. The Wrath 1.0 features a neatly integrated 360Wh removable battery with Samsung cells.
You can remove it for charging, and it claims roughly 40+ miles (≈64km) of assistance under moderate use, though the exact range varies with rider weight and terrain.
The Wrath 2.0 often offers larger capacity options — some listings mention up to a 540Wh pack or a 36V 15.0Ah specification.
That larger battery increases real-world range and reduces range anxiety on longer rides.
Both batteries lock into the 6061 aluminium frame and charge off-bike, but the 2.0’s higher capacity is the most meaningful upgrade if you want longer rides between charges.
Gearing and Drivetrain Updates
Drivetrain is a clear area of improvement from 1.0 to 2.0. The Wrath 1.0 has been offered with Shimano Altus or Shimano Cues 1x9 setups, which give a solid spread for mixed use and are easy to maintain.
The 1.0’s gearing suits casual trail riding and commuting.
The Wrath 2.0 upgrades to wider-range Shimano Cues 1x10 gearing with an 11–48T cassette on many models.
That wider range improves climbing capability and lets you keep cadence on varied terrain.
You’ll notice smoother shifting and more usable lower gears on steep climbs with the 2.0, making it better for longer off-road sections.
Braking Performance
Brakes move from functional to more capable between the models.
The Wrath 1.0 uses mechanical or early hydraulic options depending on spec, but recent 1.0 refreshes feature Shimano MT200 hydraulic disc brakes.
Those give reliable stopping power in wet and muddy conditions and better modulation than mechanical discs.
The Wrath 2.0 ships with Shimano MT200 hydraulic disc brakes as standard on Cues-equipped models, paired with wider handlebars and a shorter stem for improved control.
Combined with 29-inch wheels and grippy 29x2.40 tyres, the 2.0’s braking feel is more confidence-inspiring on descents and technical sections.
You’ll get shorter stopping distances and steadier control under load.
Is the Claud Butler Wrath a good bike?
The Wrath line offers practical value if you want an affordable leisure e‑MTB.
You get a sturdy alloy frame, off‑road tyres, 100mm suspension travel, and a removable battery that makes charging easier.
Both models use reliable component kits for the price, such as Shimano gearing and hydraulic disc brakes.
That means shifting and stopping feel familiar and serviceable on most rides.
The rear hub Bafang motor on the 2.0 delivers usable assistance up to moderate climbs, though it can show a small delay when you start pedalling.
A battery range of around 40 miles is realistic if you ride conservatively and use mid to low assistance settings.
You should match the Wrath to your riding style. Choose it for canal towpaths, compact gravel, and light bridleways.
Avoid taking it on very rough, technical singletrack or steep bike‑park descents.
If you value cost, comfort, and simple off‑road capability, the Wrath makes sense.
If you need high‑end trail performance or a rapid mid‑drive motor, you should look elsewhere.
Ride experience and feature comparison between Claud Butler Wrath 1.0 vs 2.0
You’ll notice clear differences in controls, suspension, comfort, and day-to-day use.
The 1.0 favours simplicity and value, while the 2.0 adds upgraded components and better stopping power for more confident off-road riding.
Display, Controls and Ride Data
Both models use a handlebar LCD display that shows basic ride data, but the 2.0’s unit and software feel snappier.
You can read trip distance, trip time, average speed, and max speed on both bikes.
The display on the 2.0 responds quicker to pedal input and gives faster motor cut-in, which helps when starting or climbing.
Both bikes include walk assist and clear mode selection buttons close to the grips.
The 2.0 tends to have a cleaner layout and improved internal cable routing, reducing snag points and keeping the cockpit tidy.
Brake levers and shifters are positioned for easy reach; the 2.0 pairs better with its wider 700mm bars for extra leverage and control.
Suspension and Tyres
The Wrath 1.0 uses a basic front suspension fork tuned for light trail use. It soaks up roots and small drops, but it lacks a lockout or fine adjustment for long climbs.
The 2.0 upgrades the fork and often offers a hydraulic lockout, so you can firm the suspension for smoother road sections and save pedalling energy.
Tyres differ too. The 1.0 ships with CST Patrol tyres in a 29x2.40 size, offering decent grip and roll for mixed surfaces.
The 2.0 keeps the 29x2.40 profile but pairs it with better tyre compounds and slightly wider clearance, which improves traction on loose climbs and fast descents.
Together, the 2.0’s suspension and tyre choices make it more capable on rougher tracks.
Comfort and Ergonomics
You’ll find the 1.0 comfortable for weekend trails and commutes. It features lock-on grips and a Selle Royal saddle that suits medium-length rides.
The upright geometry reduces strain on your back and shoulders, and the integrated battery lowers the centre of gravity for steadier handling.
The 2.0 refines that package with wider handlebars and a shorter stem for improved steering control and a more planted feel at speed.
The saddle and grips are similar, but the cockpit layout and refined weight distribution give you less wrist and hand fatigue on longer rides.
Internal cable routing on the 2.0 keeps cables from chafing your knees and reduces maintenance fuss.
Reliability and Practical Use
Both Wrath bikes aim at reliability for everyday e-mountain bike use.
The 1.0 keeps things simple with proven mechanical disc brakes and a 250W rear hub motor, which lowers service complexity and cost.
The integrated 36V battery design helps protect cells and keeps range consistent for typical 40–50 mile rides under moderate assistance.
The 2.0 improves serviceability with better components, such as Shimano derailleurs and hydraulic disc brakes, on some trims.
That makes braking more reliable in wet conditions and reduces pad fade on long descents.
The refined eBike system software on the 2.0 also delivers quicker motor response and steadier power delivery, which feels more dependable on technical trails.
Regular checks of bolts, tyre pressure, and battery terminals will keep both bikes working well.
Final verdict
You get a lot of bike for the price with both Wrath models. The 1.0 aims at value and everyday usability, while the 2.0 adds a few upgrades for better control and comfort.
If you want stronger braking, a more refined drivetrain, and wider bars for stability, the Wrath 1.0 (refreshed or current spec) or the 2.0 with its Shimano and Tektro upgrades will suit you.
The 1.0 now offers Shimano Cues 1x9 gearing and improved hydraulic brakes, narrowing the gap.
The rear-hub Bafang motor and 360Wh integrated battery give reliable assistance on both bikes.
Expect around 40 miles (64 km) per charge in typical leisure use, with straightforward on- or off-bike charging and a 5-hour top-up.
Choose the Wrath 1.0 if budget and a solid entry-level leisure eMTB matter more.
Pick the Wrath 2.0 if you want slightly better components for trail control and a bit more comfort.
Both are aimed at beginners and leisure riders rather than hard-core mountain bikers, and both represent strong value under £2,000.