If you liked the looks of yesterday’s Icon E-Flyer, then you will probably want to check out the new Bike division from the legendary Caterham motors. Known for their open air roadsters, Caterham seems to be joining Icon in automotive manufacturers getting into e-bikes. The Caterham bike division itself is considered a motorcycle division by the company, which probably more in line with what these actually are, but that doesn’t mean we don’t think they’re cool. The wild Carbon E-bike above is joined by a more retro themed Classic E-Bike very similar in style to the Icon E-Flyer.
Plug in after the break.
At first glance, I can’t help but feel that the Confederate Wraith had an inspirational role in the design of the Carbon E-Bike thanks to the girder parallelogram fork, with a bit of Tron thrown in for good measure. Both E-Bikes are the design work of Caterham’s Alessandro Tartarini. The limited edition bike claims to have “exclusive F1 input and materials” that are currently being developed. Powered by a 36v, 250 watt brushless motor with a 36v 12ah lithium battery, the Carbon E-bike (that’s the actual name) includes an 8 speed Shinamo Nexus internally geared hub. Information will be provided to the rider through the LED “dashboard” with battery status, speedometer, trip computer, and range indicator.
The modular frame is crafted from both carbon and aluminum, with three sizes to be offered with customizeable ergonomics including a “3 way adjustable seat”. Full suspension is achieved through the girder fork and a moto link rear end, and braking is performed by hydraulic discs with a motorcycle sized front rotor. The 4.8″ “ballon size tires are impregnated with carbon fiber for strength and integrity,” – ok, so that last part probably isn’t true. It looks like the Carbon E-bike will be running Surly Clown Shoe rims with 4.8″ Bud or Lou tires.
On the other side of the fence is the Caterham Classic E-Bike. While the Carbon E-Bike is certainly futuristic, the Classic is just that, complete with fenders, an electric motor shaped to look like a V-Twin, and a springer fork. On the Classic, the 250w motor with torque sensor powers the chain which then propels the Shimano 3 speed internal hub. The “tank” offers additional storage and can hold the battery charger for the 36v battery pack which is capable of powering the Classic for up to 50 miles. The front wheel is stopped by a mechanical disc brake, while the rear is a lever actuated roller brake. Saddle height adjustability is limited to 3 positions offering a claimed range of 90 cm (mm?). The Classic has the same LED “dashboard” with battery status, speedometer, trip computer, and range indicator.
Pricing and availability TBD.
If you want to skip the e-bike/motorcycle ambiguity all together and go straight to a real deal motorcycle, Caterham also has the motorcycle equivalent of a fatbike with the Brutus 750. The 750cc monster puts the power down through a CVT transmission and massive tires. As an added bonus, apparently there will be a snowmobile conversion kit available as well.
