A few years back I reviewed a pretty unique bike from Marin Bicycles, the Larkspur. Well, now they’ve added a new model with the Larkspur E. The new city/adventure bike is all dressed up with front and rear lights, fenders, and a Bosch Active Line Plus motor.
The new Larkspur E still has the spirit of the original Larkspur “adventure/mixte”, but is now ready for some serious commuting. Don’t get me wrong though, if you wanted to take the Larkspur E out on the fire roads around town, it’s up for it.
The Larkspur E is a fully capable bike on any terrain. Be it exploring the neighborhood, grabbing groceries, commuting, or venturing on gravel trails, it can handle it all.
It Comes with Good Stuff
The Larkspur E’s Bosch Active Line Plus drive unit gives a claimed range of 25-93 miles. This range depends on rider weight, the level of assistance used, and the terrain that is being ridden.
The battery can be fully recharged in only 4 hours. It carries a top-assisted speed of 20MPH. The different assist modes are picked on the cleanly integrated display which sits next to the left grip.
The “E” part of the Larkspur E uses the Bosch Smart System, has 50Nm of torque, and a 545Wh battery.
The Larkspur E also sports a Shimano CUES drivetrain, which is designed to run specifically with center drive motors. Stopping power is delivered with Shimano hydraulic brakes and big 180mm rotors.
It’s also equipped with a dropper post in case there is some gnar on the way home from grabbing groceries. Or more realistically, it provides a way to comfortably stop at intersections and make getting on/off easier with a lower saddle.
Larkspur E Geometry
Larkspur E Highlights and Retail
Retail: $2,999
- CrMo step-thru “mixte” frame & CrMo fork
- Bosch Active Line Plus smart system drive unit w/ 50Nm torque
- Class 1 (North America/NZ); 20MPH top assisted speed, 25 km/h in other global markets
- Bosch Power Pack 545 downtube battery, 545Wh, removable with key
- Shimano CUES 1x 10-speed drivetrain
- Shimano hydraulic disc brakes
- 27.5″ wheels w/ 2.35″ wide multi-surface tires
- Full-wrap extrusion aluminum fenders & integrated Lezyne lighting
- Dropper seat post
