BlackBook On Two Wheels Cowboy 3 The Belgian firm has certainly harnessed the potential of innovative tech in its award-winning e-bike, from the silent, clean and an almost maintenance-free belt drive to the battery built into the seat tube and an app that synchronises with the inbuilt GPS navigation system. cowboy.com Unchained Melody Replacing old-fashioned chains with new-breed belt drives is helping to make e-bikes the ideal way to navigate urban streets. By John McNamara T he e-bike’s rapid rise in popularity might not quite rival the Tesla trajectory, but its ever-evolving technology – and our newfound love for fresh air – have boosted the appeal so much that supplies have run low in the past year. The most recent technical advancement is the belt drive. Manufacturers have been falling over themselves to produce models with these carbon fibre-reinforced rubber belts used to transfer power to the rear wheel rather than archaic metal chains. The advantages are obvious: cleanliness, for a start, with the problems of a greasy chain a thing of a past, not to mention ease of use and maintenance. Belt drives are a feature of all types of e-bike, but it’s a profile that is a particularly good fit for those seeking to ride around our crowded metropolitan landscapes. As the examples on these pages show, such convenience and simplicity pairs well with a range of styles. PHOTO MARC SCHMITZ 30 CENTURION-MAGAZINE.COM
Ampler Curt A stripped-down masterpiece from the Estonia-based brand, the Curt is perfect for city travel, weighing in at just 13.4 kilograms, with the smooth, Gates belt drive allowing for nimble nipping through traffic. amplerbikes.com Canyon Precede:ON With an integrated cockpit and Bosch Performance Line CX motor, the latest urban e-bike from Germany’s Canyon is the epitome of modern style and comfort that lacks nothing in oldfashioned practicality. canyon.com Modmo Saigon+ Founded in Ireland, but now based in Vietnam, Jack O’Sullivan’s company prizes functionality above aesthetics, but with an enviable 200km range in a single charge for its maiden model – soon to be joined by the more dynamic Saigon S – it delivers a quality ride. modmo.io Equal Bike The start-up from Finland has produced a suitably Nordic exemplar of the genre, with sleek lines and an eco-friendly battery with a 50km range. Available with chain or belt drive, the handsome two-wheeler utilises the company’s adaptive pedal assist to sense when riders need a little extra help. equal.bike Harley-Davidson Rush/Cty Step Thru As impressive as the technology is on this new Harley model, it is the simplicity of the design – with the Step Thru frame aiding quick mounts and dismounts – which really catches the eye of the city rider. serial1.com PHOTOS COURTESY THE COMPANIES Specialized Como SL Superlight yet remarkably robust, the German manufacturer’s superlative e-bike for low-maintenance convenient urban travel features its trademark three modes of assistance: Eco, Sport and Turbo. specialized.com • CENTURION-MAGAZINE.COM 31
