Bilenky kept things rather mild this year, and brought only a handful of bikes. We saw the tandem at the Philly Bike Expo, and there’s a new track frame and a coupled travel touring bike. But the headliner was the e-cargo bike for the Shimano STePS competition.
Built around the motorized gear box, the frame shows all the quality Bilenky is known for, but maintains a much cleaner, simpler look than some of the wild creations we’ve seen in the past. That’s not to say it doesn’t have a few delightful surprises…
The battery is placed inside the cargo platform, which is carved around the headset and bolted to the main steerer tube.
The STePS motor is enclosed inside a gear box to offer pedal assist, using rider input and bicycle speed to determine output.
It’s little touches like a cork washer…
…and the integrated speed sensor mount that set it apart.
The kickstand folds back under the front wheel, swiveling a crossbar in front of the tire as a bumper. A small catch behind the tire holds the kickstand up while riding.
Like the cargo bike, their track frame is also very simple, but not without nice custom touches like an S-curved seatstay…
…and indented chainstays to improve tire clearance. The downtube has a tear drop hexagonal shape to boost stiffness.
This touring bike uses S&S Couplers to break down for easy travel, decorated with plenty of chrome, retro-styled accoutrements.
