by John Brown, HaveFunBiking.com
There was a consistent buzz throughout the week of Interbike and part of the high was the hum of some of the best e-Bikes out there. E-bikes have become big business in the biking world and for good reason. With the baby boomer generation aging, but refusing to slow down, there is a real need for motor assisted bicycles. E-Bikes offer extended range by giving the rider a boost of power when things get tough. Keep in mind, most of these bicycles don’t have a throttle as a standard feature and only activate a motor when the going gets tough. Take a look at some of the best e-bikes at the show.
Surface 604 was one of the best e-bikes
A welcome surprise at Dirt Demo was Surface E-Bikes. I spoke with Sam (the founder) for a while before testing out the bikes. Sam was a designer for a major bicycle company in Canada for years before having the impetus to start Surface 604. He knew that E-Bikes would soon sweep the nation, but saw a gap in the market where high quality/low cost bikes should be. Using his design and manufacturing experience he set out to fill that need. I’m happy to say I think he did it. The Rook is a trekking style bike (think hybrid with lights, fenders and a rack) designed to be comfortable and utilitarian. The bike rides well without the pedal assist and absolutely hums when the motor kicks in. The fit and finish of the Rook is every bit as nice as it’s more expensive counterparts and offers additional features that many overlook.
Surface Colt with detail of included headlight and tail light
In addition to the rook, Surface also produces the eye-catching Boar fatbike. It’s camouflage paint scheme and ability to go almost anywhere make it an ideal bike for any hunter or sportsperson.
The Boar is as versatile as it is cool
Vintage Electric Bikes
Where Surface focused on the cost conscious, Vintage Electric Bicycles went to satiate the most discerning riders. Just one look at their unique model line will have you begging to throw a leg over and fly down the road. These E-Bikes are inspired by the classic style while boasting modern day technology. Great touches like die cast aluminum battery cases, make these bikes look like a custom café racer while elegantly storing the battery in a lightweight shell. Of all the bikes in their booth the Scrambler was the true show stopper. It seemed no detail and no cost was spared in making this modern day classic.
Vintage Scrambler looks like it’s ready to take off!
Focus E-bikes
Focus is a bicycle brand based out of Germany. They are well known for their technologically advanced bicycles. Focus is also known for their bold and progressive paint schemes. When it comes to E-Mountain Bikes, Focus delivers on both technology and appearance. It was impossible to miss the BOLD2 with its clean lines and amazing appearance. Even though this bike wows you with its looks, the real story is in the BOLD2 ‘s function. Focus armed this E-Mountain Bike with Shimano’s new XT motor system that is specifically designed for off road use. Additionally, they use a smart collection of parts to ensure you can tackle any trail and a beautifully hydro-formed frame to help keep the weight low. Best of all is that this bike can use 27+ wheels (that’s a 27.5×3” tire) guaranteeing all the traction you will need.
Great looking, Great power, and awesome function. Focus checks all the boxes with the Bold2
Overall the best e-bikes on the market are still evolving with new brands and parts arriving daily. If these options are any indication of things to come, we are all in luck.