For those who select rather by tech specs than by similar color:
Have a closer look on the MTB Cycletech "Code"! The small Swiss factory has also a gearless hub drive with belt transmission finished. Instead of the Sturmey Archer like Stromer it uses, they placed the Pinion at the crank. They planned with the Go SwissDrive, but changed to Alber's (Germany) Neodrive.
Please find more details on their website:
MTB Cycletech - unabhängige Velomanufaktur seit 1984. Perfektion, Qualität und zeitloses Design sind die Leitplanken, Innovation und Pionierleistungen das Resultat.
mtbcycletech.com
Sourced said, MTB Cycletech applied to become a "Vehicle Manufacturers" in the EU. This would open a bigger market, but also brings new restrictions through the Brussel bureaucracy. I don't expect, they will enter the US market, but the project remains interesting. As they are only at the beginning with the 45km/h series, the gap to a Stromer is huge: Poor lighting, unsuitable suspension fork, horrible battery mechanism, complete lack modern anti theft and no connectivity... but pricing close to an ST3.
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On the other hand, the Neodrive is already a 48V system - and the color palette offers a broad variety.
Hi Bluecat,I know you like Stromer bikes and represent/defend them in this forum.
I believe that your "on the other hand" comment is unfair.
This looks like a great alternative to the Stromers, preorders are through the roof in Belgium says the marketing / sales director of MTB Cycletech that I met @ Velofillies last week.
The Code 45 which is made in Switzerland ( as you mentioned), close to you ,i believe, looks to me, component wise, like a great deal and starts at CHF 6899 / €6099
The Stromer-concept-store.ch list the ST3 starting @ CHF 7580 .........
While it is true that this is a new model they've been making bikes for over 20 years... and this model has been designated: German design Award WINNER for year 2020
I think YOU should have a closer look at the high quality components
Poor lighting? Supernova M99 Mini Pro 25!!!!! vs Roxim pro
Unsuitable suspension fork? Well at least it has one ( Suntour Mobie-E) 75 mm travel , 15 mm through axle. Very expensive add-on option for Stromer bikes. Not factory available onST3
Horrible battery mechanism,? what's wrong with it? No finicky bluetooth . A good old lock that works...
Lack of modern anti-theft mechanism and no connectivity? Given the widely reported reliability problems discussed in this forum with Omni connectivity and poor service by Stromer AG and countless issues encountered in local bike shops unable to fix these complicated bikes, even by fans of the brand and the bikes ,I would not put these features forward as premium . A good quality Lock and care in storage works just fine and I would guess that most owners don't park their 10K bikes on the street or anywhere they're likely to be stolen for any extended period of time. Also GPS features no sooo reliable hear......
These "premium" features would be great if they worked when needed. Could be reliably updated. And didn't add hundreds of dollars to the price of an already expensive bike.
I would say that the Neodrive system (made in Germany by a well known electric motor company) which comprises the Z20 RS motor 48V 500W nominal 700w peak 40Nm torque, 650Wh battery, and clear no frills comprehensive display ; with the Pinion C-series gearbox Transmission and the Carbon Gates belt , Schwalbe Marathone E-Plus tires, Magura MT5e brakes, in my opinion guarantees very low maintenance , No surprise/headache, fast ,fun , reliable ride.
Maybe you should test ride one! I will be test riding one when the demo bike arrives at my local shop next week. (Btw i have ridden ST1X, ST1 Launch Edition and ST3. all great rides but with high price stickers and known reliability issues)
Looking forward to hearing your impressions on the new Swiss competitor