That looks like a terrific setup and value. Will there be multiple sizes? Rack and fenders are add ons at that price? Do both batteries go in the down tube? Are they proprietary? Why not use Schwalbe's newer Super Moto (vs the Moto X tires)
The specs posted earlier, FYI for others:
"48V hub motor with thru-axle with nominal power of over 600W and 1000W of peak power. Thru-axle makes wheel removal super easy just like a mid-drive.
48V, 14Ah fully integrated battery and with an option for dual battery ~(672 whr stock + 672 whr optional) total of 1340 Whr of energy"
My benchmark, as the bike to beat, is the Ride1Up LMTD and this compares very favorably - better drivetrain and motor, has lights, and it sounds like you've done more custom engineering and such.
Very exciting to see a compelling Class 3 commuter option at a reasonable price.
I will say though, I really do not like the color, it's a mucus green, nor do I think it is optimal. I owned a pedal bike that sold poorly when it was a florescent yellow, and then sold out next year when it was an olive color, Raleigh Redux.
Some good colors: silver, white, black, dark blue, medium blue, olive, british racing green, slate. But I would think more about the branding and the target demographic. Look at what Stromer, Riese and Muller do, but also brands in completely different industries do and the color palettes they use, especially brands you think your customers admire.
Looking at Stromer colors, some of them are a bit boring and overly minimalist, but their dark green, red, dark blue, electric blue, all look great.
Many thanks for your valuable feedback! I think we are going to implement some of your suggestions.
Getting the thru-axle hub motor design into the dropout took some effort but it will bring a lot of value to the end-user.
The battery form factor is not proprietary. Both batteries go in the triangle (one in the downtube and one on top of the downtube).
We have full confidence in the Supermoto-X, haven't tested the new Supermotos yet! But, after testing, if we find that the new one is better, we may switch.
You are absolutely right about the drive train. At this price point, there are extremely few bikes that come with a 10 speed Deore cassette + Shadow plus derailleur that has a clutch for chain retention.
Most bikes, including some of the ones you mentioned, come with an 8 speed Acera, which is 4 steps down the ladder.
The bike also comes with 4-piston Dorado brakes upfront and 2-piston rear.
We are experimenting with different combinations but for sure, it will have a E-bike specific brake set.
There is no rear fender in the picture.
We are still working out the details of the commuter package that will include a suspension seatpost, fenders, and lock, etc. People in states like CA, Texas, Arizona rarely use fender and some folks even take it off completely.
For sure, we will offer a high-quality fender set along with the suspension seatpost.
Thanks for those suggestions regarding the colors. We will look into it more closely and for sure pick more attractive colors.
One more thing, the bike comes with 30mm wide rims made by the sister company of Alexrims. Alexrims are used on brands like Raleigh, Riese and Muller, Stromer, etc.
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