What’s New at A.E.B. for 2012?

Winter is always R&D time here in southern Oregon. The weather is less-than-ideal for biking (according to some), hence we’ve got time at Ashland Electric Bikes to explore new equipment and ideas. One new product that’s very exciting is the new configuration tube-style batteries.

These batteries are lockable, removable, and their shape allows them to be installed low in the middle of the frame – the very best place for a battery pack. This gives great weight distribution and balance of the overall bike whether it uses a front or rear hub motor. You’ll surely be seeing more of these on our custom builds and conversions here at Ashland Electric Bikes.

My ongoing quest to develop and offer a high powered bike that can handle the demands of  our steep roads here in Ashland continues. There’s a large gap in the lineup right now between the $3k and $8-$10k bikes. This is the niche that I’m striving to fill with my next custom build.

My personal bike serves as the perfect platform for such explorations. Don’t be put off by the Frankenstein-like appearance of it right now. Remember – R&D. The final product will be much cleaner, smoother, and user friendly.

The criteria are:

• comfort via full suspension and a more upright riding position,
• lighter weight via lithium battery technology and motor sizing,
• electronics/motor configuration with steep city street climbing capabilities
• high quality components to handle the additional stresses such as
• hydraulic disc brakes, ebike rated tires, rock-solid frame and suspension systems.

So far, my results have been very successful. I’ve mated a motor/controller/battery configuration that’s providing an excellent power-to-weight ratio in a package that’s considerably lighter than other ‘super systems’. We’re currently developing the custom lithium battery packs that will sit at the center (literally) of the system. I’m sourcing a very well-bred mountain bike frame/suspension system that, with the proper array of alternative component features, will make for a lively, powerful, and manageable urban solution. This bike will have the guts to handle some serious trail conditions, but it will have the disposition to reign supreme over city streets with powerful grace and style.

Watch this blog for more details as the project nears completion!