Designers of electrically-assisted bicycles (EAB) are constantly striving to reduce the weight of their frames so that riders can enjoy both the power of electric-assist and the maneuverability of traditional bicycles. This is what Quebec company Spherik has achieved.
Quebec bicycle designer, distributor and retailer Spherik is currently at Eurobike in Germany to introduce the world to its new family of five Super Light bicycles, equipped with electric drive systems from Swiss motor manufacturer Maxon, which collaborated with NASA works together and supplies the engines for Tesla cars.
These are bikes that stand out for their weight, which is comparable to that of muscle bikes, and for their appearance, which does not indicate whether they are VAE or traditional models. Spherik therefore offers “high-performance assisted bikes that are just as stylish, light and enjoyable to ride as regular bikes”.
Lightness, maneuverability and support
“Currently in mountain biking there’s 20% of people who want heavy and powerful bikes, but they’re not for everyone,” explains Dominique Faure, co-owner of Spherik, because without electric assistance they’re difficult to pedal and control.
“So we’re talking to the 80% of people who don’t want to lose the feel, the handling, the lightness and the lightness of the muscle bike and then get significant help with the assist when they need it. Electric,” he continued.
While an electric mountain bike generally weighs around 50 pounds, some companies manage to offer categories that revolve around 40 to 43 pounds. Spherik goes one step further and proposes a range of mountain bikes (Trail, All Mountain and Enduro) ranging in weight from 36.8 to 40.3 pounds. There is no longer any difference to a muscle bike.
E-SMT This electrically assisted mountain bike (trail) from Spherik weighs only 36.8 pounds. Photo courtesy of Spherik
The Spherik road and gravel bikes weigh 24.7 pounds and 25.4 pounds, respectively. So they are all pedelecs that a cyclist can move using his own physical strength alone, with the same maneuverability and pleasure as a conventional bicycle, while being able to rely on an electric drive when going uphill, down a slope or when energy is lacking.
It’s the freedom to respect your own stakes as you ride, and then maximize the pleasure. This means you no longer have to limit your outings for fear of running out of energy or not being able to keep up with others.
other qualities
The bikes are equipped with a very powerful motor that has “a series of sensors that offer the same pedaling fluidity and constant control as an unaided bike, in addition to generating less shock and no sudden acceleration,” emphasizes Mr. Faure.
Every road and gravel bike has two batteries (one 250Wh internal and one 250Wh external, for a total of 500Wh) that fit into the frame and give no indication that they are there. By eliminating the friction generated by the motor, battery life increases by 15% and achieves a range of 200 km on a road bike.
These super-lightweight performance bikes range in price from $8,750 to $14,000, with cheaper models expected to be added in the coming years. These first lightweight bike models will be available in spring 2024, but riders should be able to try them out until the end of the season.