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To say that the bikes are sexy and stunning is almost too subtle. With design harkening back to retro café racers, they possess a look that no other brand (that we know of) has. (Look as good as your bike on commutes by wearing the Parker Dusseau x Bicycling Work Shirt, available in our online store.)
The engineering here is well thought out and bears the mark of a tech company from Silicon Valley. Assembled with plenty of high-end parts, it’s very apparent that the people behind this company are passionate about creating beautiful and functional bikes.
Think you can’t get a workout on an e-bike? Think again:
The 702-watt-hour battery is mounted in the center of the frame in an aluminum casing, itself designed to dissipate heat and protect it and other electrical components. Each bike has a huge chrome LED headlight and taillight; the wiring is integrated and well hidden.
On my short test ride—during which the bike constantly turned heads and drew comments—I learned the bikes have pedals and can be pedaled, but their main mode of power is fully electric, no pedaling necessary.
The throttle and power transfer was seamless and acceleration was quick, without hesitation. There is no whine or purr of a motor: The bike is nearly silent. The range of the bike is said to be 35 miles, and there is a regenerative braking mode that seemed capable of slowing speed drastically when used. Charge times are claimed to be around 2 hours.
Other notable touches to the bikes include the Brooks England grips and leather saddle, and the Phil-Wood front hub. Braking is handled with Shimano Alfine brakes that seem to amply manage the additional weight of the bike.
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While it’s certainly almost more motor than pedal, it’s cool because it’s not trying to be anything but what it is: a kickass cruiser that can get you from one place to the other in style.
[“Source-bicycling”]