Currie Technologies to Bring Haibike Electric Mountain Bikes to US Market
The electric mountain bike scene in Europe has been growing quickly as it provides a way for riders of all ability levels to enjoy a ride on a mountain bike.
Larry Pizzi, president of Currie Technologies, recently sent me some information on Haibike electric mountain bikes being introduced to the US market. Here is what he had to say:
“Currie will be the first to introduce a Bosch equipped ebike in North America beginning with model year 2014 products that will be introduced next summer.
We are working with Bosch on US standards and Haibike to make the perfect products for the North American market within this category. Haibike inverts the Bosch drive in a patented system that protects the motor, making it the perfect system for eMountainbikes.
We are showing the bikes now and will have them in the field to gauge both dealer and Consumer reaction. As you may know, they have been wildly successful in Europe and we expect the same will be the case in the US and Canada.
These bikes allow everyone the opportunity to experience the joy of off road cycling and eliminate the need to travel to a ski area for down hill runs. I can speak from personal experience, they are a blast to ride.”
The electric mountain bikes from Haibike are high quality. Below are some pictures of the models being introduced along with their specifications.
Haibike eQ Xduro RX
Frame: Aluminium 6061, hydroforced tubes, reversed angle Bosch-Interface
Motor: Bosch Middle motor 36 Volt, 250 Watt
Battery: Lithium Ion 8 Ah, 36 Volt, 288 Wh
Display: Multifunction display Bosch LCD
Fork: Fox 32 RL O/B Remote,100mm
Rear derailleur: Shimano Deore XT M 780, 10-Speed
Shiftlever: Shimano Deore XT SL-M 780, Rapidfire
Crankset: eQ Alu 38 Z.
Bottom bracket: Bosch Middle motor 36 Volt, 250 Watt
Sprocket/Cassette: Shimano HG 62, 11-36 z., 10-Speed
Chain: Shimano HG 54
Brake lever: Magura MT 4
Brake (front): Magura MT 4, 203mm Disc
Brake (rear): Magura MT 4, 180mm Disc
Tires: Continental X-King Protection, 26×2,2
Wheelset: DT Swiss AM60
Handlebar: eQ Low riser Alu
Grips: XLC Sport
Stem: eQ Alu, A-Head
Headset: FSA DX, A-Head, semi integrated, 1 1/8″
Saddle: Fizik Tundra 2
Seatpost: eQ Alu 31,6mm, Alu Patent
Pedals: XLC MTB
Color: White/Black/Blue
Weight: 19,3 kg, 42.5 lb
Haibike eQ Xduro 29″
Frame: Aluminium 6061, hydroforced tubes, reversed angle Bosch-Interface
Motor: Bosch Middle motor 36 Volt, 250 Watt
Battery: Lithium Ion 8 Ah, 36 Volt, 288 Wh
Display: Multifunctional display Bosch LCD
Fork: Rock Shox Reba RL, PopLoc,100mm
Rear derailleur: Shimano Deore XT M 780, 10-Speed
Shift lever: Shimano Deore SL-M 591, Rapidfire
Crankset: eQ Alu 38 T.
Bottom bracket: Bosch Middle motor 36 Volt, 250 Watt
Sprocket/Cassette: Shimano HG 62, 11-36 z., 10-Speed
Chain: Shimano HG 54
Brake lever: Magura MT Custom
Brake (front): Magura MT Custom, 203mm Disc
Brake (rear): Magura MT Custom,180mm Disc
Tires: Continental X-King Protection, 29×2,2
Rim: Rodi CC40 Disc, Alu
Hub (front): Shimano Deore XT M 756 Disc
Hub (rear): Shimano Deore XT M 756 Disc
Spokes: DT Competition, black 2,0/1,8/2,0mm
Handlebar: eQ Lowriser Alu
Grips: XLC Sport
Stem: eQ Alu, A-Head
Headset: FSA DX, A-Head, semi integrated, 1 1/8″
Saddle: Fizik Tundra 2
Seatpost: eQ Alu 31,6mm, Alu Patent
Pedals: XLC MTB
Color: Black/Blue
Weight: 19,6 kg, 43.2 lbs
Haibike Xduro RC
Frame: Aluminium 6061, hydroforced tubes, reversed angle Bosch-Interface
Motor: Bosch Middle motor 36 Volt, 250 Watt
Battery: Lithium Ion 36 Volt, 400 Wh
Display: Multifunction display Bosch LCD
Fork: Rock Shox Reba RL, Pushloc, Dual Air Motion Control,100mm, 1 1/8″
Rear derailleur: Shimano SLX M 675 Shadow Plus, 10-Speed
Shiftlever: Shimano Deore SL-M 591, Rapidfire
Crankset: eQ Alu 38T
Bottom bracket: Bosch Middle motor 36 Volt, 250 Watt
Sprocket/Cassette Sram PG 1030, 11-36, 10-Speed
Chain: Shimano HG 54
Brake lever: Magura MT 2
Brake (front): Magura MT 2,180mm Disc
Brake (rear): Magura MT 2,180mm Disc
Tires: Schwalbe Racing Ralph Evolution, Snake Skin, 26×2,25
Rim: Rodi CC40 Disc, Alu
Hub (front): Shimano M 525 Disc
Hub (rear): Shimano M 525 Disc
Spokes: DT Swiss Competition, black 2,0/1,8/2,0mm
Handlebar: eQ Lowriser Alu
Grips: XLC Sport
Stem: eQ Alu, A-Head
Headset: FSA DX, A-Head, semi integrated, 1 1/8″
Saddle: Xduro Light MTB
Seatpost: eQ Alu 31,6mm, Alu Patent
Pedals: XLC MTB
Color: White/Black
Weight: 19,4 kg, 42.8 lbs
Wow! This is pretty big news for the electric mountain bike scene in the US!
What do you think? Are you interested in riding an electric mountain bike? Do you know others that would enjoy riding an e-mtb (e-mountain bike)? Please leave your comments in the section below.
Thanks!
-Pete
P.S. Don’t forget to join the Electric Bike Report community for updates from the electric bike world, plus ebike riding and maintenance tips.
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[…] The very popular German Haibike electric mountain bikes were on display with their Bosch mid drive electric motor system. Currie Technologies is bringing these to the US market in 2014. Here is more information on the Haibike electric mountain bikes. […]
citizenbfk says
Okay, I like this info! Bikes look great…but please excuse my one grip about reading press releases for products that won’t be available for almost a year! It’s like ‘vapor ware,’ — It’s like reading about Windows 8 for half a year and it’s still not here — It’s like reading about the iPhone 5 for half a year before it’s release. It’s like our USA media talking about elections for almost two years before they happen….I guess they’ll be talking about elections 2016 soon enough, and then I’ll be riding one of these 2014 bikes…and excitedly reading about the iPhone 6 and wonderful Window’s 9.
Larry Pizzi says
We understand the frustrations when showing a product that won’t be available to sell for one year but we really need to get some feedback from the market to insure we have all the right attributes. Bosch will be working with us to optimize the drive to US standards which are faster and more powerful then the EU standard and with this change we want to insure the bike is spec’ed properly, so feedback from our Dealers and Consumers is very important.
We are going to be moving these around the country starting this fall so we can get regional feedback as well. In any event, I promise that they will be worth the wait. Thanks for understanding.
Best regards,
Larry
citizenbfk says
I do understand…and I wish you good luck and thanks for working on such needed and desired products.
Simon Lodewijks says
That is exciting news. Like the idea of middle framed motor location, weight at just 42 lbs, 10 Speed, WOW……
Wonder how the 250 Watt Motor of Bosch, compares in strength and durablity with my Hebb 700, 350 Watt Motor, and 36 V 14 Amp battery.
Larry Pizzi says
Hi Simon,
The current spec that we have been testing is based on the EU standard which is 250W with max assisted speed of 25 KPH. We are working with Bosch on a modified system for the US which may be more powerful. The thing that is amazing about the current system is that it has 40 Nm of torque nominal and 50 Nm peak. Power seems not to be a problem even when compared to 500W+ hub motors we use.
If you enjoy off road, I think you will love Haibike and the excellent Bosch system.
Best regards,
Larry
Matt Taylor says
Hi Larry,
I love the look of the Haibike and how everything is mounted low and in the center. Does the motor just kick in while cracking for hill climbing? If so, and I know this is a hard question to answer, but what would you expect to see in battery life from what looks like a small battery pack?
Hey I,m still enjoying the Zuma I got from you, and am riding it the beach at least once a week…your products and customer service are unsurpassed.
Larry Pizzi says
Hi Matt,
Great to hear from you and thanks for the kind words about Currie Technologies.
Yes, the system is pedal assist only and it torque sensitive. You really need to try it to fully appreciate but its a really nice ride. Here is a link to the Bosch site that provides more details. As I have said in the previous posts, we are working with Bosch to optimize for the US market to our higher power and speed standards. Here is the link and let me know if you have other questions.
https://www.bosch-ebike.de/media/ebike/dokumente/englisch/Bosch_eBike_Systems_Factsheet_E.pdf
Best regards,
Larry
Bernie - DolphinPal says
Why do you keep silent about the already existing ‘350W Bosch 45’ mid drive system? This is already available in Europe in ‘Speed Pedelecs’. Perfectly useable for the U.S. standard!
Larry Pizzi says
Hi Bernie,
This 350W / 45 KPH Bosch system may be the basis of the US version, Right now US federal law says 32 KPH (20 MPH) for it to be considered a bike and not a motor vehicle.
Good point!
Thanks,
Larry
Arnie Davis says
I have a 250 watt bottom crank motor on a chinese duel suspension mountain bike that weighs 60 lbs and for trails, there is plenty of power. Being able to gear the motor like on a car adds tremendous torque and battery life. In low gear, the motor is bearly sweating. Speed is slow, but steep hills are no problem.I’ve upgraded both shocks, the breaks,the transmission and the the tires and although the bike could be more nimble, it’s a Hummer on the trails. The bike originally only cost me $1200, but I’ve put about another $1200 in it. What will the prices be like on these sleek and light Bosch bikes. The design is definately superior to what I have, especially because of where the battery is located. My battery is on the rear rack but is a 10 amp hour.I get about 25 miles on a charge.
Larry Pizzi says
Hi Arnie,
I glad to hear that you are enjoying you own mid drive ATB. These Haibikes are really sweet and while the prices won’t be set until we are ready to go to market, based on 2013 EU prices and the current advantageous exchange rates, these models would retail for approximately $3000 to $3500. There is also a 700C Cross bike that would be about $2850.
Stay tuned and thanks again.
Best regards,
Larry
Larry Ward says
Bike design looks very clean and functional. I think design is a winner. My only thought, for eBikes in General, is accommodation either for added battery in parallel, or at least for securely carrying extra battery. I know it’s hard to specify ranges in an off road bike, but in general, expanding the range capability expands the market applicability.
Larry Pizzi says
Hi Larry,
I completely agree with you about range. Uts the one thing we hear all the time and its a good reason why when folks have options of upgrading the battery pack with one of higher capacity, they will generally do so, or as you suggest, get a second pack.
Check out the link to the fact sheet and you will see that the standard pack has great range. This is due to a very efficient motor, torque sensor and the variable gearing that you get by powering the bikes own drive train. https://www.bosch-ebike.de/media/ebike/dokumente/englisch/Bosch_eBike_Systems_Factsheet_E.pdf
The other thing is that the battery pack is small and light so carrying one along in a pack would not be out of the question.
Thanks for your compliments on the clean and functional design. I believe they are going to be a big hit.
Best regards,
Larry
Ed says
Hi Larry,
It’s been a while since you’ve been on this site. Just wanted to share this recent story:
My wife and I rented e-bikes in Vancouver (Jun-2013). The bikes were based on the BionX.
Half way around Stanley Park, I hurt my left knee. (I know: Stanley Park, of all places!!! The path is relatively flat.) Every pedal stroke was painful.
Fortunately, the BionX system had a throttle so that I could go into “lazy mode.” Though I drained the battery down really good, We were able to return the bikes on time and save me from the Walk of Shame!
I hope you will consider implementing a throttle into the Haibikes. It doesn’t have to provide unassisted high speed, it just has to be enough to get me back home.
Best Regards,
Ed
Larry Pizzi says
Hi Ed,
Thanks for your comments. I understand what your saying about the throttle mode and there will be some alternative solutions we can offer for 2014 but at this point, the new Bosch system will be pedal-assist only, but enhanced for the US market.
Stay in touch. New products begin to be introduced late September.
Best regards,
Larry
Boydo says
Great to finally hear of a timeline for the Bosch motors making it to North America. I’ve been oogling from afar Bosch-Haibikes since they first rolled out. The higher capacity Bosch battery is a welcome development. Would like to see internal gear hubs, and belt drive options made available too. Just makes sense for an ebike, especially a mountain bike version. We do like our Chinese junk in the US, but I have the impression the European manufaturers are too generally underselling us.
LT says
I have a BMC V2 rear hub Frankenbike that tops out at about 38 mph on the flats; however, efficiecy drops quite a bit in the hills and it’s not much of a mountain bike anymore. I’m ready to sacrifice my throttle for the pedelec’s increased efficiency and can’t wait until the Haibikes are available here next summer!
I suggest that if it’s possible to achieve a maximum assisted top speed higher than 20 mph that it be made available as an “offroad only” performance setting or as a post purchase modification.
Optibike employs that strategy and in the US market I think it’s important to provide bikes that provide as much “offroad” performance as possible, delivering the maximum bang for the buck.
Legal workarounds to the 20 mph limitation should be employed whenever possible.
Pete says
Hi LT, I agree that bikes that go over 20 mph are fun and if they are used strictly on dirt roads and motorcycle trails that would be ok. The problem is if these “off road” only bikes are used on normal bike/pedestrian paths they can cause hazardous situations for pedestrians and other bikers. To keep an electric bike classified as a “bicycle” (without registration, insurance, etc.) it really needs to be limited to 20 mph and 750 watts of power (US standards), which is about the speed a fit road cyclist can cruise at.
Angela says
Is any MSRP to refernce?
Larry Pizzi says
Hello Angela,
The 2014 Haibike Xduro range is just being introduced at Interbike, our industry trade show next week. We will be bringing in 5 to 7 models with the US version of the Bosch Performance System and they will range in price from $4000 to $7800. Here is a link to that Haibike website but Pete will post some more information this week. Stay tuned!
Ed says
Uh, oh… No full suspension models for the US market?
Larry Pizzi says
Hello Ed,
Yes! There will be a full range of FS models available. Stay tuned – I expect Pete will post the 2014 information any time now but just in case, check this post out in the interim as it relates to 2014: https://electricbikereport.com/new-haibike-eflow-izip-electric-bikes/
Or, if you send me an email, I’ll send you the 2014 catalog ([email protected]).
Thanks!
Larry
Ed says
@Larry: +1
Thank you!