Interbike wasn’t quite the e-Bike overload of Eurobike, but there was still a bigger battery presence than previous years. Rather than just companies you’ve never heard of occupying the booths that couldn’t be sold, this year there was an entire wing devoted to e-bikes complete with educational seminars and a test track (that was more of a rolling advertisement for e-bikes with crazy off center hubs).
We kept our e-coverage to a minimum, but a few brands and new trends stood out – most notably the Bosch PowerTube. As e-bikes strive to look more and more like regular bikes, integrated batteries are gaining momentum. Far from the first brand to hide the battery, Bosch is about to launch their own version – though it will at least be Summer of 2018 before we see it stateside. Bosch says this is due to the fact that they are waiting on UL Certification – something that isn’t required for the industry, but it’s a certification Bosch feels strongly about.
This particular bike was painted by Troy Lee Designs to help advertise their Boogaloo eMTB race series.
While Bosch will be supplying the battery, bike companies can integrate it in their own way like the Haibike InTube battery concept. The system will be found on the new Xduro AllMTN 9.0 shown above ($6,199.99), and the Sduro Trekking 9.0 ($4,399.99). Both utilize a hydroformed aluminum frame with the Bosch Performance CX 350w motor and 500Wh PowerTube Battery.
PowerTube will also be found on carbon bikes like the new Raleigh Tokul Pro ie. The 27.5+ mountain bike is limited to 20mph, and will also be available in aluminum at a lower price point. Because of the delay on the UL Certification, all of the bikes like the Raleigh and Haibikes will be unavailable until the batteries are in stock.
Raleigh had a number of other interesting e-bikes on display including the Kodiak Pro and Kodiak full suspension plus mountain bikes. Both use the Bosch Performance CX drive system with an upper guide pulley to keep the chain from hitting the chainstay, and are Class 1 e-bikes meaning they’re limited to 20 mph and don’t have a throttle. Running 130mm of travel, these bikes were still technically prototypes and the final spec and pricing is TBD.
Given that their Stuntman ie concept bike gained a lot of attention, the Tamland ie is the resulting marriage of the Redux ie and a drop bar road plus bike. The Brose motor equipped bike is a Class 3 which is limited at 28mph, and has become the commuting favorite of Rahsaan Bahati. Coincidentally, the Bahati foundation is giving away a Redux ie through a raffle that will benefit the foundation and their support of inner-city and under-served youth through educational and cycling outreach programs.
The Tamland ie adds drop bars, 650b x 47mm tires and wheels, and will sell for $4,399 this December or early spring.
The Lore caught our attention due to its supermoto looks, which was exactly the point. Equipped with 27.5+ wheels and Schwalbe Super Moto X tires, the Lore is the e-commuter for people that still want to have fun, smash curbs, and put the 28mph Class 3 e-bike to the test. Priced at $4199, the bike should be available this Spring.
Raleigh and iZip are still sharing platforms, but for 2018 the iZip cousin of the Raleigh Redux ie gets a big makeover. Called the Moda, the bike has the same Brose motor and integrated battery, but gains rigid aluminum fenders with an integrated rack, integrated lights, and more edgy styling that iZip hopes will attract a younger demographic. Pricing and availability TBD.
The 2018 Redux ie on the other hand also gets the rack, fenders, and lights, but gets more of a drop down top tube for easier on and off the bike.
Finally, back to Bosch, they have a new line called Bosch Active. Essentially, the motor is 25% smaller and therefore lighter, but it’s also quieter. Equally important is that the motor uses a standard 104 BCD chainring and a micro ISIS bottom bracket for better drivetrain wear and the ability to change gear ratios. We’ve actually ridden this system and it has a much smoother power delivery than prior motors. However, the system is limited to 20mph so you won’t find these on any Class 3 e-bikes. Look for the Active Line on city e-bikes at the start of the year.
