Jim Turner’s electric mountain bike is back for 2009, again in a limited run of 24 units per year.
The ’09 OptiBike OB1 went on sale about a month ago and have already sold a few, and according to their website, the ’08s sold out in a couple months.
Unlike hub-driven models, the OB1 uses a patented motorized bottom bracket, which lets the power run through the 9-speed cassette, giving it more flexibility.  The motor bits are cleverly hidden, making this one of the more fluid looking electric mountain bikes out there, and with Turner’s credentials behind it, the performance should be good enough.  My bet, though, is with the $13,000 price tag, few of these are actually seeing hardcore mountain action.  It’s reported to have about a 2-hour run time (appox. 60 miles range) without pedaling, and can cruise along at 25- to 30mph on flat streets.
Anyone remember the old Trek Y-Bikes…?
