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First Look: Specialized Unveils New Turbo Como Sl Commuter Bikes

Specialized-turbo-ComoSL-profile-2021Continuing to buck the trend of bigger motors and more power, Specialized on Wednesday released the new Turbo Como SL electric commuter bike — the latest addition to the brand’s groundbreaking lineup of lightweight electric bikes.

First introduced in 2019, the Specialized Super Light powerplant is touted as one of the most technologically advanced e-bike drive systems on the planet. Across the range, which includes an electric road bike, an eMTB and an electric city bike — SL e-bikes are claimed to be about 40 percent lighter than traditional e-bikes in the same categories. The SL lineup also places greater emphasis on the “bike” part of e-bikes, featuring a carefully tuned power delivery to replicate the feel of riding a traditional bicycle.

Now, Specialized has trickled-down that revolutionary drive system to a totally redesigned version of the Turbo Como electric commuter bike.

Same Como Name, New Como Design

It’s hard to deny the new Turbo Como SL’s good looks.

Seriously. Tell me with a straight face that this isn’t a really, really nice looking commuter.

The new Turbo Como SL is a Class 3 e-bike, which means its 240w motor will give you pedal assistance up to 28 mph, and comes in two spec levels. The Turbo Como SL 4.0 ($4,000) comes with a 5-speed Nexus internally geared drivetrain from Shimano and the Turbo Como SL 5.0 ($4,800) comes with a 8-speed Alfine internally geared drivetrain paired with a Gates carbon belt drive.
[Read more…] about First Look: Specialized Unveils New Turbo Como Sl Commuter Bikes

Gocycle Launches the G4 Lineup, Its 4th Generation of Folding E-Bikes


Iconic British electric bike company Gocycle launched its fourth generation of folding e-bikes on March 30, featuring an all-new motor, a lighter weight frame and a new carbon fiber chassis and fork.

Weight savings and a new motor are the big takeaways from this new generation of fast folders, as new carbon fiber bits and the addition of other lightweight materials have shaved a claimed 2.2 lbs off the bike. Electric folding bikes have been plagued by their heavy motors and batteries since they became popular, making them slightly more cumbersome and less portable than their non-motorized counterparts. Gocycle’s been gunning for a solution to this since the company released its first e-bike in 2008, and their latest iteration is the lightest yet. The first two models in Gocycle’s three-bike G4 lineup weigh in at 37 lbs each. The high-end G4i+ clocks in a pound lighter at 36lbs, according to the company’s press materials. In addition to the carbon fiber, the company says it has worked to shave weight from wherever it can on the bike — even the disc brake rotors are lighter than previous models.
[Read more…] about Gocycle Launches the G4 Lineup, Its 4th Generation of Folding E-Bikes

eBike News: Calbike’s $10 Million eBike Affordability Campaign, Specialized Turbo Levo 2022, UK Budget eBikes and Much More [VIDEOS]

In this week’s news:

  • Calbike Campaign for $10 Million from State Funds to Ensure eBike Affordability
  • 2022 Specialized Turbo Levo Announced
  • New eBikes from COBOC and GT
  • Airless Tires from NASA
  • New Book on World’s Best Cycle Routes
  • More Low Priced eBikes For the UK
  • Rad Power Bikes eBike Exercise Test
  • Plus All the Latest eBike Biz and Legal News

Headline News

Calbike’s $10 Million Affordability Campaign

‘E-bikes are the greenest electric vehicle. They deserve the same state support as electric cars.’

So states Calbike’s latest campaign, for e-bike affordability. 

Calbike point out what they see as the inequity of California giving a $7,000 rebate to people who buy electric cars, on top of federal tax credits, but zero to people who want e-bikes.
[Read more…] about eBike News: Calbike’s $10 Million eBike Affordability Campaign, Specialized Turbo Levo 2022, UK Budget eBikes and Much More [VIDEOS]

Specialized Dropped The New Turbo Levo E-mtb, And Boy Does It Look Rowdy


One of the most popular electric mountain bikes on the market just got an update. The new 2022 Specialized Turbo Levo boasts up to a 5 hour range, more suspension and — brace for it — up to a $15,000 price tag.

It’s also sporting a mullet.

Specialized is the latest company to mix wheel sizes on its eMTBs, spec’ing the 2022 Turbo Levo with a 29 inch wheel in the front and 27.5 inch in the rear — a setup affectionately called the mullet. The larger wheel in the front helps the bike plow through crud and bumps while the smaller wheel in the back makes it a little more lively in the turns. The bike comes with 160mm of travel in the front fork (10mm more than the fork fitted to the 2021 Turbo Levo) and 150mm in the rear shock, placing it squarely in the mid-range of suspension sizes for modern enduro bikes and on the high end of the all mountain category.

The Turbo Levo Is Packing A Lot Into Its Motor And Battery:

The bike is equipped with Specialized’s Turbo Full Power 2.2 motor that pumps out 90 Nm of torque and 565 watts of peak power. That power is managed by a carefully-tuned motor controller that Specialized says will keep the power delivery smooth and controlled, closely matching your own natural pedaling and keeping the rear tire under control. The rider can tune, control and monitor the bike’s performance from the toptube-mounted MasterMind Turbo Control Unit, which has a small indicator screen mounted just behind the headset.

The battery is a 700Wh unit that claims up to a 5 hour ride time. A rider can even input their expected duration or distance into the Smart Control app and the bike will automatically ration your support level so you don’t run out of battery part way through a ride. The bike comes stock with a 64.5 degree head angle that can be adjusted between 63 degrees and 65.5.
[Read more…] about Specialized Dropped The New Turbo Levo E-mtb, And Boy Does It Look Rowdy

eBikeNews: Kent Kid’s eBike, Gazelle Family Cargo, Eunorau AWD & Lots More! [VIDEOS]

In this week’s news:

  • Kent’s $498 Children’s eBike
  • Gazelle’s New Family-friendly eCargo Bike
  • Moustache 28mph Pedelec with Dual Battery Option
  • Eunorau Defender S All Wheel Drive Crowdfunds
  • Speed Pedelec Helmets and Tyres
  • Plus All the Latest On eBike Finance, Infrastructure and Industry

New eBikes and eBike Systems

Kent’s $498 Kid’s eBike Now in Walmart

Kent’s kids’ eBike has a BMX feel but also sports front suspension

Kent Bicycles is a long established and well-known name in the bike world and they have just launched their first kid’s e-bike, the Torpedo. 

It has 20″ wheels, is pedal assist only (no throttle) and comes with front suspension and V-brakes with power cutout triggers for when the brakes are activated, ensuring power is cut immediately.  It also has a 125 Wh capacity battery which Kent says should take you  15 miles in the lowest power setting.
[Read more…] about eBikeNews: Kent Kid’s eBike, Gazelle Family Cargo, Eunorau AWD & Lots More! [VIDEOS]

Swytch Electric Bike Conversion Kit Review – 2021

Electric bike conversion kits don’t really get the attention they deserve on many e-bike review sites; the best ones offer an economic and easy way into e-biking and a way to keep riding an existing bike, possibly your old-time favorite, that could do with a lease of life thanks to electric assist. I tested the Swytch Universal eBike conversion kit to see if it really did prove to be as easy and effective as it looked on paper.

Last Updated: March 17, 2021
Review and photos: Richard Peace
Tested By: Richard Peace

Swytch are a UK-based company and since their formation in 2017 has been on a mission; to produce the most versatile, lightweight retrofit electric assist system out there. They have chosen a straightforward-looking system of front hub motor ready-spoked into a rim, handlebar-mounted battery and controller and a pedal sensing disc to provide motor power when the rider starts pedaling (there is also a throttle option, not tested here).

Swytch’s big selling point is the very wide range of bikes that their kit will convert to electric assist; in fact, they boast they can convert any bike to electric assist with the exception of those whose front wheels feature hub brakes or thru-axles, both relatively unusual designs. They even say the kit can be made to fit most recumbents, trikes and tandems though they request you contact [email protected] to discuss exact details of how it will fit your particular bike if it’s a relatively unusual design like these examples.

It also claims to be the world’s smallest and lightest electric assist kit. Whilst there are a few other kits out there that would contest this claim it certainly is one of the lightest electrification options out there.

Our bottom line on the Swytch retrofit system: Should convert the vast majority of ‘unpowered’ bikes out there to electric assist relatively simply and, if you order in advance, should do it at a great price.

[Read more…] about Swytch Electric Bike Conversion Kit Review – 2021

eBike News: Ariel Rider’s Budget Rideal, CSC Fat Tire and eCargo, Boulder’s B-Cycle Go e and Much More [VIDEOS]

In this week’s news:

  • Ariel Rider’s Rideal New $999 Model
  • Motorbike Outfit CSC Expand eBike Range
  • Ruff Tease New eBike
  • Are Auto Firms Really Serious About eBikes?
  • Boulder B-Cycle Share Gets Bosch Powered eBikes
  • Universal Charging Dock Pilot for Paris
  • Solid State Battery Tech Takes a Further Step
  • Chinese Boom and Bust Fear Holds Back Factory Expansion Plus Other Business News

New eBikes & eBike Systems

$999 Ariel Rider Rideal Available for Pre Order – Late May Shipping

Ariel Rider’s Rideal offers plenty of bang for under a thousand bucks with a 750W rear motor and a big capacity 672Wh battery.

Ariel Rider’s new Rideal town and commuting e-bike looks to deliver a lot of e-bike for the money, including 750W rear hub motor with throttle power up to 20mph (class 2), LED lighting, basic derailleur gearing and kickstand (though you will have to pay extra for fenders and a rack).
[Read more…] about eBike News: Ariel Rider’s Budget Rideal, CSC Fat Tire and eCargo, Boulder’s B-Cycle Go e and Much More [VIDEOS]

eBike News: New Lightweights from Trek and Coleen, eBike Bargains, Battery Sustainability & More! [VIDEOS]

In this week’s news:

  • Trek’s New Superlight eMTB
  • Coleen’s Carbon Fiber Framed Speed Pedelec
  • Porsche eCar and eBikes
  • Great Deals on Rad Power’s RadRunner Plus and Chrisson’s eOctant
  • POC’s Batteryless Helmet
  • Mody Camping-Caravan Trailers
  • Alpen’s Tern Compatible Storage Comes to North America
  • Seattle Gets Food Deliveries With the Help of eCargobikes
  • Lime’s Huge New Investment and a New eBike
  • Can the EU Makes Battery Production Sustainable?
  • Insight from Dutch Battery Repair Specialists
  • Eurobike Plans to be Back in Person for 2021

New eBikes and eBike Systems

Trek Launch New Super Light eMTB Range

Trek’s E-Caliber range have short travel suspension at 120mm front and 60mm rear and so look good for cross country style riding and general mtb trail use.

Trek recently launched a superlight range of carbon-framed eMTBs, the 2021 E-Caliber line all powered by the lightweight and removable Fazua assist system. The highest-end version of the pricey e-bike line is claimed to be the lightest full-suspension eMTB on the market. The E-Caliber is based on the non-electric Supercaliber mountain bikes Trek launched towards the end of last year.

The top end E-Caliber 9.9 XX1 AXS is claimed to weigh 15.75 kg 34.72 lbs (12.45 kg / 27.45 lbs without the motor drive) – that may or may not be the lightest emtb in the world but either way it’s mightily impressive. The Fazua mid-drive is not as powerful as the bigger, heavier mid-drives from the likes of Bosch, Shimano and Yamaha and the battery is smaller than average at 250Wh, though Trek claim is will achieve 43.5 mi / 70km range.

More on just who it is for can be seen here directly from Trek:
[Read more…] about eBike News: New Lightweights from Trek and Coleen, eBike Bargains, Battery Sustainability & More! [VIDEOS]

eBike News: Great New Californian Off Road Trails, 8.5kg eBike, Yuba, Montague & More! [VIDEOS]

In this week’s news:

  • New trails plan for Northern California’s Sierra Buttes
  • 8.5kg HPS eBike Claims World’s Lightest Tag
  • Montague’s New Full Size eFolder
  • Yuba Electrify Their Most Popular Cargo Bike
  • New Security and Storage Options from Hiplok
  • Resurrecting UK’s 1930s Cycleways Gets Official Backing
  • Halfords Petition to Legalise eScooters in the UK
  • The Dutch eBike Trend Continues to Boom

Headline News – Major Trail Project in Northern California Gains Pace

SBTS hope their new Trails Master Plan will bring economic benefits to northern California

Great news for lovers of e-bikes and the great outdoors; home to hundreds of miles of maintained multi-use trail, the Sierra Buttes Trail Stewardship (SBTS) is creating a Trails Master Plan, laying out a world-class multiple-use trail system, providing an economic recreation asset for severely disadvantaged communities across Plumas, Sierra and Lassen counties in the Lost Sierra region of Northern California. All the more impressive is that this is a volunteer-driven vision and one that SBTS say ‘is an example all can emulate, and support by donating time and resources.’

A fuller title is Trails Master Plan (TMP) for Connected Communities. The Lost Sierra Route, which covers 300 miles of breathtaking views in its most preserved form, is accessible for a variety of multi-use activities.  A key component to the Connected Communities Trails Master Plan is the proposed “Lost Sierra Route” which SBTS say ‘traverses 300 miles over breathtaking topography, jagged peaks and high alpine meadows similar to the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) and the John Muir Trail (JMT). But unlike the PCT and JMT, this new trans-Sierra Nevada and Cascade Range route allows for all dirt trail travelers including hikers, mountain bikers, moto riders, equestrians, trail runners, hunters, fishermen, wildlife, grandmothers and babies in backpacks.’

Small towns located along The Lost Sierra Route will feel the direct economic benefit, as the proposed trail will bring travelers directly into town. Fiscal support for these rural communities and small businesses is the backbone of the TMP, creating a deeper connection with the land and communities surrounding the Lost Sierra region.

Since its founding in 2003, SBTS has built over 100 miles of new trail and maintained 1,200 miles of the existing trail while employing a full-time Professional Trail Crew and contributing over 100,000 hours of volunteer labor.
[Read more…] about eBike News: Great New Californian Off Road Trails, 8.5kg eBike, Yuba, Montague & More! [VIDEOS]

eBikeNews: Pivot’s New Carbon, Revel NY eBike Subscription, Futuristic eScooters and Much More! [VIDEOS]

In this week’s news:

  • Pivot’s First Drop Bar, Carbon eBike
  • Crow Crowdfunds eGravel Bike
  • Revel’s New Subscription Only eBike
  • Dragon Hyperscooter a Step Closer?
  • More eMobility for Scotland
  • Will Michelin Minimise their Carbon Footprint with Windpower?
  • LEVA-EU’s Radical Zero Emission Vehicle Proposals

New eBikes & eBike Systems

New Carbon-framed eGravel Bikes from Pivot and Crow

Pivot’s E-Vault is carbon and high tech…..

The new Pivot Cycles E-Vault  is a carbon-framed dropbar eBike packed with high end tech including hollow core internal molding technology on the frame, Fazua mid-drive motor system that Pivot say ‘disengages completely so you can pedal without resistance at the push of a button’ (and the battery and much of the motor can be quickly removed if you want a ‘regular’ cycling experience) plus there is electric shifting and wireless data connectivity.

It’s described as being at home on city streets, gravel roads, rocky pavements or hardpacked singletrack. To keep it true to Pivot’s style, this new E–Vault is available in one build only: the top build. If you are a fan of high tech fitness riding the E-Vault sounds right up your street as Pivot say ‘Riders can customize their electric shifting experience, power output, integrate all their personal, fitness and bike data in one spot, allowing riders to extract more performance from their bike than ever before.’

The RRP of US$9,999 also marks the bike out but for that you get the world’s first gravel-specific electronically shifting drivetrain, the GRX Di2 with carbon wheels build meaning a claimed weight of circa 29lb / 13kg (with the battery and drive unit removed it is claimed to weigh 22.63lbs / 10.25kg).
[Read more…] about eBikeNews: Pivot’s New Carbon, Revel NY eBike Subscription, Futuristic eScooters and Much More! [VIDEOS]

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