Urban and commuter bikes has been a large growth area for the cycling industry in the last few years. While not very exciting for bike geeks, there is a large area of bikes coming that are easy to use and affordable. Hopefully, these bikes will help bring non-riders over to using bicycles for daily life.
Bringing people into cycling has a lot more growth potential than just continuing to divvy up the pie of already established enthusiasts, as well as the environmental and social benefits of more people on bikes.
Etnnic Urban Bikes from Spain is making some reasonably affordable urban mobility bikes with nice simple features such as integrated chain guards, internally geared hubs and drum brakes. Check them out by clicking more….
Etnnic is proud that their bikes are 100% designed and manufactured in Europe. Made from 6000 series aluminum alloy, this Tribike weighs in at less than 14.5kg, and can hold up to 10kg in its front basket. Made for people who may have difficulties balancing a regular bike, Etnnic says it is also easier to use than other trikes, since the wheels are in front, the user is always aware of the clearance needed to get the bike through a tight space. The front wheels use Sturmey-Archer drum brakes, making them very easy to remove. The Tribike is a one-size-fits-all, with a large adjustment range to the saddle and handlebars, and a very low step-through. The Tribike is available in green, orange and black and sells for €849.
SPECS:
- WEIGHT 14,5 Kg.
- FRAME Etnnic Made in Europe
- CRANKSET Stumey Archer 33T
- REAR COG Epoch 18T
- HEADSET VP 1 1/8
- HANDLEBAR ZOOM
- GRIPS Venzo rubber
- STEM ZOOM Adjustable
- BRAKE LEVERS Alhonga
- FRONT BRAKE X-SD Sturmey Archer
- REAR BRAKE Gurpil 1V Coaster brake/Herradura
- CHAIN KMC
- WHEELS Gurpil Cyber 10 20″
- TIRES Cobra Folding
- PEDALS GES Comfort
- SEATPOST ZOOM
- SEAT GES Comfort
The Urban Mobility is also made 100% in Europe, and is a small, compact bike for people who just want to move about freely in their city. 20″ wheels and an aluminium frame make it pretty light and easy to move around on, and the internally geared 3 speed hub keeps things simple. They also have a single speed model available for €70 less. Available in orange, black and green for €499.
SPECS –
- WEIGHT 11,5 Kg.
- FRAME Etnnic Made in Europe
- FORK Etnnic 20″
- CRANKSET Etnnic 38T
- PINION Epoch 16T
- HEADSET VP 1X24
- HANDLEBAR ZOOM
- GRIPS Venzo rubber
- STEM ZOOM Adjustable
- BRAKE LEVERS Alhonga V-Brake
- FRONT BRAKE Alhonga V-Brake
- REAR BRAKE Sturmey Archer 3V Coaster brake
- CHAIN KMC
- WHEELS Gurpil Cyber 10 20″
- TIRES Cobra Folding
- PEDALS GES Comfort
- SEAT POST ZOOM
- SEAT GES Comfort
The Electric Urban Mobility has the same specs as the standard, with the addition of a front hub electric motor capable of 250 watts continuous power, and 350 and 540 watt high power modes. Electric bikes are really changing the way people move in Europe, but with most models around €3,000+, the Etnnic is pretty interesting because of its diminutive size and €1,195 price.
These bikes seem like a pretty good option for riders in the EU to get on the road at a decent price. The radial-laced rear wheel with a coaster brake hub might make some mechanics cringe, so hopefully they hold up long term. But a made-in-country aluminum frame at a reasonable price is a pretty compelling offering. It would be good to see something like this in the USA to start to enable our communities to do more things via bicycle. They have a few more models as well, including an off-road trike.
