New Optibike Carbon Elite Series R15C

[Optibike_Austen]

In 2008, Optibike set the standard for the Electric Bike Industry with the introduction of the OB1. The OB1 was the first electric bike in the world to have a high capacity 37 volt 20 amp hour Lithium battery, the battery mounted in the frame and an 850 watt mid drive motor.

Today, most other E bike companies have adopted the technology of lithium batteries, batteries in frames and mid drives, but few still have the range and power of the OB1 introduced 10 years ago. But we do not stand still.

The R15C is a combination of everything we have learned in the last 20 years of designing and building electric bikes and racing motocross for 20 years.

The R15C now has an ultra high capacity removable battery, which give quick access to all the wiring and controller. Maintenance is simplified as all components can be removed in less than 15 minutes.

The final version of the frames will be here this month.These bikes will be available in limited quantity in 2018.

-Full Carbon Fiber Frame
-Full Carbon Fiber Swingarm
-Removable Carbon Fiber Battery
-160mm Suspension Travel Front and Rear
-Motocross Style Progressive Rear Suspension Linkage
-2500 Watts Peak Power
-52 Volt 29 AH (1500 Watt Hour) Battery (50% larger than the old R15)
-190 Newton Meters Torque
-27.5 Inch Wheels. Up to 2.8 Inch Tires
-Road Legal as Class 2 Electric Bike in Power Level 1 and 2
-Off Road in Power Levels 3, 4 and 5

With the battery removed from the left side, it is easy to access all the electronics. The full carbon fiber battery case seamlessly integrates with the frame to give beautiful flowing lines.

 

[Nova Haibike]

The R15 costs $13,990, so the R15C must be...? Does it only come in one size? It kinda looks that way, which is a great shame for such an expensive bike.

 

[Optibike_Austen]

The R15 costs $13,990, so the R15C must be...? Does it only come in one size? It kinda looks that way, which is a great shame for such an expensive bike.

Around the same price as the old Elite Series line, with some less expensive models as well. Just one size right now, but it has a low stand over height of about 27" so it will work for a good range of rider heights.

 

[Ravi Kempaiah]

Around the same price as the old Elite Series line, with some less expensive models as well. Just one size right now, but it has a low stand over height of about 29" so it will work for a good range of rider heights.

Still no pedal assist..!
That could be a deal breaker for many...

 

[Optibike_Austen]

Here are some more detailed specifications on the new Carbon R15C

The R15C continues the tradition of only using the highest quality performance components, like Fox suspension, SRAM Code Brakes, Rohloff Internal Gear Hub, Renthal Carbon Fiber handlebars, DT Swiss Rims and more.

The bike has the new Fox E Bike Specific 36mm Fork with the Fox Float DPX2 shock with EVOL. Total rear travel is 165mm and the travel is very progressive due to the motocross style linkage on the swingarm.

The all new 52 volt 29 Amp Hour battery is housed in an all carbon battery case that fits seamlessly into the carbon fiber frame. The battery can be removed from the left side for quick change or service of the electronics.
The R15C is now capable of 100 mile ranges at speeds of 20MPH.

The R15C now has 27.5 inch wheels for better handling and reduced rolling resistance. The tires and rims are also wider for better traction.

The head table angle can be changed form 63.5 to 66.5 using the Cane Creek Angle Set head set. It comes stock at 65 degrees which is a good angle for combining stability and steering.

The bike features a very low 27 inch stand over so it easy to get off and on and fits a large range of riders.

There is a Fox Factory Dropper Seat Post so you can change seat height on the fly.

The Wheels sets on the R15C are all new. The Rohloff 14 Speed Internal hub is now 148mm wide to allow for the bigger tires. There are bigger 203 mm brake rotors both front and rear for higher stopping power.
The super tough DT Swiss XM521 rims are 35mm wide for more positive control. The wider Schwalbe tires are 27.5 X 2.6 Smart Sam. They work both great on and off road.

 

[Optibike_Austen]

We have the first bike done, what a blast to ride! It handles amazing and is super stable even at high speeds due to the low CG. The new rear suspension is working great so far and soaks up bumps and jumps like they aren't there, the carbon frame is extremely rigid and helps with the handling and making it feel planted and overall the bike feels solid and confidence inspiring to hit the gnarliest trails and downhills. I only have 2 days of riding on the bike but so far I am extremely impressed!

 

[Optibike_Austen]

Some more action pics of Optibike founder Jim Turner riding the local trails on the R15C!

 

[Optibike_Austen]

Here are 2 new videos we put together of the R15C

 

[Optibike_Austen]

Got some great studio shots of the R15C, they came out amazing and really show off the great looks of the bike!

 

[Optibike_Austen]

Set up some jumps and a drop on our test track area and good some more action pictures!