As part of the Accell Group, the team behind Raleigh has access to a lot of electric bikes. Siblings to Currie Technologies, Haibike, IZIP, and eFlow as well as Raleigh all fall under the same roof. Because of that relationship Raleigh has been able to easily slip in a few e-bikes to test the waters with U.S. dealers. After exceeding their expectations with their entry level hybrids, it was time to step it up.
The Misceo is not Raleigh’s first ebike, but it is certainly the most advanced. One of the very first bikes in U.S. to use the new Shimano STEPS electric bike drivetrain, the Misceo will slot into the product range as their top end model. However, thanks to the Shimano system the Misceo will end up less expensive than comparable Bosch equipped bikes. Technically a 2016 model year product, Raleigh is giving consumers a chance to buy the future with Misceos available soon…
When speaking to the differences between the Shimano STEPS system and the Bosch powertrain, part of the appeal of the Shimano system to Raliegh is the fact that for dealers, Shimano is already known. Rather than risk dealing with a company new to the bike industry, the Shimano system is seen as possibly a less intimidating platform for dealers just starting to branch off into e-bikes. The fact that STEPS is lighter and integrates with Di2 drivetrains certainly helps as well.
Using a Shimano Alfine Di2 8 speed internal gear hub, the Misceo offers an interesting blend of technologies. Riders are able to control the entire system through the User interface without having to move their hands from the grips. Each side of the bar has its own “shifter” which includes three buttons, two grey, one black. Mimicking the up or down arrows on a remote control, the grey buttons allow riders to shift through the gears or to increase or decrease the electric assist. Because the system utilizes the same Etube wiring platform as other Di2 drivetrains, the shifter can be switched from one side of the bar to the other allowing for user customization. Currently both black buttons have the same function of cycling through the display screen on the User Interface, though they will have the ability to turn integrated lighting on and off in the future. All of the typical e-bike vitals are displayed on the centrally mounted screen, with the addition of what gear you’re in thanks to the Di2 system.
Both of the Misceos on hand at Press Camp still had prototype versions of the STEPS system, but functionally they worked quite well. Offering a similar ride to most center mounted e-bikes, the Di2 drivetrain brings the added bonus of shifting down two gears automatically when stopped for more than 5 seconds. Slightly smaller and more compact than the Bosch motor, STEPS also allows for a normal sized front chainring – in this case a 38t.
When discussing e-bikes it’s always important to point out that the Misceo does not have a throttle. You pedal, it goes. No pedaling? You’re coasting. Thanks to the 250 watt, 36 volt center motor, the Misceo will provide multiple levels of pedal assist up to 20 mph. Any faster and the motor will cut out and you’ll be under your own power. The rechargeable and removable battery is claimed to provide 25-35 miles of assistance depending on conditions.
Built as a hybrid with 700 x 40c tires, the Misceo should fit the bill for anyone looking for a fitness bike or a solid commuter. Eventually, Raleigh plans to have a fully accessorized commuter model, but for now the Misceo includes rear rack mounts plus full fender mounts so you can build your own. Available in 4 sizes, Raleigh’s Misceo will retail for $3,000 and should be available this April.
