If you have a problem, if no one else can help – and if you can find them – then maybe you can hire the E-Team… Mark Sutton rounds up the key players in the electric market, each on a mission to push your customers up those tricky hills.
Raleigh
HAIBIKE IS fronting Raleigh's charge into the electric market for 2013, with three models in stock now. The off-road capable electric mountain bike utilises Bosch's proven mid-engine concept. In contrast to hub motors the mid-engine position offers decisive advantages; no bothersome overheating of the drive unit during long and hard uphill stretches since the engine is located in front of the gears and can thus be operated at a higher RPM. In addition, the mid-motor offers an ideal central mass distribution and a
decoupling from the chassis, both of decisive importance for the riding dynamic. Further to that, HaiBike's Reverse
Angle Concept offers better ground clearance, having rotated the engine through 210-degrees. This system is present throughout the eQ line. HaiBike offers a mountain bike – the
eQ Xduro – in 29-inch wheel sizes too, which at present isn't particularly common as yet. This build is as stacked spec wise as any non-motorised mountain bike, with Magura MT 2 brakes, SLX and Deore Shimano components and a Fox 32 CTD fork. 01773 532600
“We believe it will be a big hit and in three vibrant colours it reflects Martin’s lively zest for life, and his passion and enthusiasm for Freego.” Freego
By Jonathon Harker
E-BIKE FIRM Freego has dedicated one of its latest electric bikes to staff member Martin Lawrence who sadly passed away last year. Lawrence played a major role in the conception and development of Freego with John Heath. Just days after Cycle Show 2012, Lawrence lost his battle with lung cancer. As a tribute – and to mark Lawrence’s impact on Freego – the bike brand is dedicating its ‘Martin Sport’ model to him. The bike is a mountain bike sport model with Tektro hydraulic front and rear disc brakes, RST OMIGA lockable and adjustable front suspension, quick snap sensor wires for easy maintenance replacing the junction box, suspension
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seat post, and a multi function digital display trip computer. Due for delivery in May, the bike is
available in three colours, with graphics in the final stages of design. Orders are being taken now for the model. Freego said: “We believe it will be a big hit and as in three vibrant colours it reflects Martin’s lively zest for life and the passion and enthusiasm for Freego Electric Bikes that he shared with everyone who met him.” Lawrence’s chosen charity was the
Roy Castle Lung Charity Foundation, a charity Freego will continue to support. There’s more on Freego’s new range over the page.
CUBE’S ELECTRIC bike offering comes in the form of a three bike line dubbed the EPO – made up of the Travel, Travel Pro and Touring builds. The EPO Travel takes Bosch’s reliable
frame motor, linked to a ‘HMI’ control panel to relay to the rider the output and remaining power. A seven speed Nexus internal gear hub needs very little maintenance. The bicycle meets the new EU regulations and was tested to
Velotech DINplus standards to meet the greater stress felt from those higher speeds. The 300Wh battery is integrated into the Racktime carrier and can easily be dismounted by the rider. The ‘Touring’ build comes equipped with tougher hydraulic brakes and offers a more ergonomic riding position so riders needn’t be sore after longer periods in the saddle. +3110 340 35 02