Bikes using the new semi-integrated battery in the US?

[Gunnar Hillert]

As discussed elsewhere BionX announced some interesting options for 2016 such as the semi-integrated battery.

http://ridebionx.com/bionx-2016-and-beyond-integration-and-multi-device-controls/

Is anyone aware of bikes (preferably hybrid bikes) that are destined for the US that will use the new gear for 2016? The only manufacturer that seems to fully embrace all the new stuff is Wheeler in Switzerland. They have some pretty neat looking bikes albeit not for the US it seems.

http://products.wheeler.ch/deu/e-bikes.html

 

[Ann M.]

BionX has partnered with Elby to produce a bike for the US in 2016 utilizing the new design. Court had the opportunity to look at Elby's new model using the upgraded D-500 system, newer console and special designed frame integrated battery while at Interbike. (Scroll down the page from the BionX interview to see the Elby video)

 

[Ravi Kempaiah]

Given that I'm living in Switzerland, I'm extremely tempted by the Wheeler Eagle Speed. The old 2015 model sold extremely well and was very reliable. They should open this bike up to the US market IMO. It would do extremely well.

I can see a lof of great things with the bike:

- It's cheaper than a Stromer ST1 or Turbo X when fully equipped.
- Unlike the ST1, ST2, or Turbo S, it comes with a suspension fork included.
- It easily outruns the Bosch-powered Speed Pedelecs on most terrains. It's also cheaper than most Bosch Speed Pedelecs.
- The new 2016 model is about 45% cheaper than an ST2. Yet both bikes are on par in terms of performance.
- It's fairly lightweight for a DD hub bike and Wheeler has pretty much reported the overall system weight accurately (23 kilos or 50.7 pounds). Without the battery it weighs about 45 pounds. I actually tried carrying it up a flight of stairs and it remains doable. Try carrying an ST1, ST2 or a Turbo up a flight of stairs - good luck.
- It comes fully equipped, no hidden costs. It even has a lock.
- Unlike the ST1 or the Turbo, the drive is 48V and it has an absolutely killer thermal design.
- The rack and fenders that ship with the bike are actually better than those provided with the Stromer offerings.
- The 2016 model comes with a thru-axel. Given the lightweight hub, changing a flat should be relatively straightforward.
- The battery comes with a deep sleep mechanism. This makes it easier to own a 2nd battery. No need to babysit your batteries over the winter months. A fully charged battery has a shelf life of 18 months according to Bronx. The lower the battery charge, the quicker it will go into deep sleep mode.

Some downsides:

- Comes with a somewhat small 557Wh battery. However, there's a slightly bigger battery on the way (reportedly 650Wh).
- Goofy gearing and derailleur options. We don't need 30 speeds on an E-bike. Even in Switzerland.
- It looks really ugly to me. However, I don't plan on taking selfies of myself whilst on the bike.

2015 Eagle Speed:

View attachment 5637

2016 model:

View attachment 5638

Looks really great. I thought the rear hub was bolt on?!
I like this one and the S-pedelec from Flyer with Panasonic drive and 640Whr battery + Rohloff IGH.
If it' really 45% cheaper than ST2, then there is no comparison. It has everything you ever need for commuting + more.

 

[Ravi Kempaiah]

I will be doing a full demo in a couple of weeks. Wheeler seems to have "lost" the batteries for the 2016 model in the mail for the moment. I demoed the 2015 model - it had the traditional "bolt on" hub from what I remember. I will report back on the thru-axel.

Such a bike with 650 Whr battery would be my ideal commuter vehicle. Not so much range anxiety and relatively light weight compared to ST2.
I use Neo Nitro which is a great bike for short distance and ST2 for long distance. This seems like a perfect compromise. Best of both worlds.
The only US company carrying this BionX system is OHM and they won't have higher capacity batteries until 2017.

 

[Ravi Kempaiah]

I don’t see the need to have 30 speeds rather than 20

I agree. 30 speeds on a hub drive is simply an overkill.
20 is more than enough. Sometimes, the 36T chainring comes in handy when you want to match your cadence to the engine support and certainly helps in extending the range.
Also the thru axle update is nice! None of OHM bikes have them as of now.
I like that this bike comes with just about everything you need.

 

[oskar]

I´m sorry but i don´t agree. If you want to do some workout only using mode 1 and 2, the triple crancset can be very useful.

 

[e_adventure]

OHM cycles plans on showing the new 2017 models with semi-integrated downtube batteries this fall at Interbike. Here is a little more info: (Link Removed - No Longer Exists)