If you’re serious about lowrider bikes, there’s only room for one factor at the top of your priority list – style. With their ridiculous pedalling position you won’t be cranking out road or trail loops, but you’ll definitely be turning heads as you cruise the city streets. Ono Bikes has just caught our eye with two wild looking models called the Archont and Archont Electro.
Ono is a boutique company who’s taking the ‘everything is customizable’ approach. Their frames are built and custom fit to-order, and you get plenty of different options for motors, throttle or pedal assist systems, components, etc. The Archont Electro also boasts some incredibly powerful motor options, with blistering top speeds up to 50mph and considerable ranges to boot. Cruise on past the break for the lowdown…
Both of Ono’s models are built around nearly identical stainless steel frames. The striking design is simple but definitely leaves a visual impression with its flowy lines and unique touches like the extended seat stays that point rearward. There are only minor differences between the two models where the seat attaches to the frame. (The adjustable BB mount seen on the Electro won’t exist on production frames, as each one is custom sized to the buyer).
The fork and handlebar design is just as eye-catching as the frame. Each fork leg extends from its pointed lower tip up through a moto-style crown, where the tubing then becomes the handlebar for each side. The dramatic curve of the fork and bar complements the bike’s swoopy overall shape.
Both models feature Brooks saddles, which are suspended by springs in different but equally unique fashions. They also both include integrated rear fenders, and come equipped with Schwalbe Big Apple Tires (2.0” front, 2.35” rear). Up front they sport the same 108 spoke radial laced 28” wheels, but the rears differ between the electric and non-electric version.
The non-electric Archont comes equipped with a Shimano Nexus 7 internal rear hub, and its 26” rear wheel has 108 spokes to match the front. Ono has included a retro style horn on the top tube, and an integrated head light. Other components can be specified by the customer (including brakes, which are shown as drums online). The complete Archont weighs 44lbs.
The Archont Electro adds a carbon housing for its electronics and retro-style rear lights that are mounted directly to the frame, but has no head light. Shimano Saint disc brakes bring this bulky 121lbs beast to a stop, and its rear wheel is a 72-spoke, 26” diameter rim laced to a motorized hub.
With a 7kw motor running off a 72v, 20ah battery (as shown on the website) the Electro boasts an insane top speed of 50mph, and an impressive range of around 60 miles. The 7kw motor has four forward gears plus reverse, a cruise control mode, and that crazy max speed can be limited to stay within your local laws. The Electro shown has an on-demand throttle only, but PAS systems can be installed at the buyer’s request.
Ono also offers different motors at 250w or 500w to avoid the need for licensing/insurance, but if you’d rather go nuts, there’s also options for larger motors up to 20kw! The company will offer several different battery packs based on individual customer’s needs.
Rather than a handlebar mounted display, Ono’s bikes show you what’s happening through your smartphone. A panel on top of the motor shroud opens to expose a dock, where your phone sits and displays key info through Ono’s app. The app will provide real time ride data, allow you to alter your performance settings, and provide an anti-theft feature. Furthermore, Ono is already working on an update to add a rear-facing camera to the info display.
Ono’s bikes are handcrafted and assembled in Serbia. While the frames are custom-fit, to give you some scale Ono lists three sizes measuring 260cm (M), 280cm (L), and 300cm (XL) in length.
Buyers can save 33% by pre-ordering online before New Year’s Day. Until then, prices are approximately $2172 USD for the Archont and $7243 for the Electro, equipped as shown. Depending on what options you choose, those prices can move up or down to a starting point of $1629 (Archont) or $4889 (Electro).
