For commuters electric bikes offer a good alternative to driving to work, and now Vancouver-based OHM Cycles has announced a new line of urban and sport electric bikes for 2012. The new models utilize BionX’s next generation superlight motor and 48V battery.
OHM, which was founded in 2005, is now the largest electric bike manufacturer in Canada. The manufacturer’s new line boasts 15 percent lighter weight and offer up to 20 percent greater range than previous models, while still being built on the company’s custom frames. “The OHM frame is designed in Canada with a mountain bike-inspired geometry that provides superior strength and balance,” Michael DeVisser, OHM’s co-founder, told BikeRadar. “The new Bionx Superlight system is 25 percent lighter with 700 watt peak power, delivering superior acceleration and hill climbing capability. Plus, the extended range 48V 8.8Ah battery offers more power and longer riding range.”
The OHM electric bikes are among the first e-bikes on the market to feature a custom frame with standard wheelbase designed from the ground up around the BionX wheel. OHM developed the frame in collaboration with the manufacturer, Ideal Bike, in Taiwan. All of OHM bikes, which are made of reinforced 7005 aluminum, feature hydraulic disc brakes, dynamo powered LED lights, custom all-weather fenders and disc brake specific rear carry rack as standard equipment.
OHM Cycles' XU700 out on the town
And for commuters these features should provide a stable and solid ride. “There are plenty of features that make the new OHM Cycles e-bikes arguably the highest quality and best performing e-bikes on the market,” said DeVisser. “OHM's 2012 electric bikes feature a proprietary aluminum frame and the new Bionx Superlight system for the best power to weight ratio in the industry, while the dual mode controller with intelligent pedal-assist and power-on-demand throttle mode features SinDrive Technology for vibration-free and silent operation.”
The new OHM e-bikes will be available through the OHM Factory Store and OHM authorized dealers in February of 2012.
The Urban series is available in two configurations: The Urban XU700 in matte silver or midnight blue for suggested retail price of US$3,399 and the Special Edition Urban XU700 in forest green with air sprung suspension and leather style saddle and grips for a suggested retail price of US$3,699. Finally, the Sport XS750 is available in matte black or burgundy red with suggested retail price of US$4,399.