There's no denying it. The bike industry is crippled by both demand and the lack of capacity to fulfil it and with 2021 bikes now almost sold out globally the big question on everyone's lips is - "When will the 2022 eBikes be released"? Information given here is supplementary to the previous post about 2021 eBike delays. TLDR; No one knows everything, but we know some things. When are 2022 eBikes being released? The short answer is - no one knows. Ok, so maybe some people know. Maybe we know things we're sworn to secrecy on right now, but - even the manufacturers are throwing out ambiguous dates towards the 4th quarter and based on what they can and cant get and even then, they're subject to change with little to no notice at all as they have for the last 18 months. What changes will be made on 2022 eBikes? Its likely we'll see little to no development over 2020/2021 bikes from many manufacturers. Having had no notice of a global health pandemic and the issues it would create for the cycle industry with demand vs production/shipping of components, its highly probable that the majority of manufacturers wont have had much time to really innovate this year and so we should expect to see lots of last years bikes popping up wearing new colour schemes and tweaked spec lists based on what's available. That said, we do know that some brand new models are due to launch and exciting technology will be revealed for the first time. Will 2022 eBikes be more expensive? Yes. 2022 eBike prices have and will increase in comparison to 2020/2021 model year prices. Not only has the cost of many raw materials increased during the pandemic (rubber went up 50%!), many component manufacturers are based in the Far East where lockdowns are still happening (Shimano has been shut for most of June, again) and production has been far lower than anticipated/required by the global cycle industry. When the level of component scarcity increases, so too does price. Just look at the price/availability of Shimano 12 speed components right now! Shipping is also having a big knock-on effect. Container prices from the Far East to Europe have risen to astronomical levels. A container with hundreds of thousands of sets of brake pads might only add a few pence to each product but if its only got 200 frames in it, you could be looking at a ÂŁ50-100 increase per bike and before they even start assembly. Can I pre-order 2022 eBikes now? Not with us. Its too big of a risk at the moment. We've already placed almost all of our 2022 ebike orders and so for the most part, we know how many of each model we have coming, but thats quite literally it. Universally, the manufacturers are not providing final specifications, pricing and in the case of 2022 Cube ebikes, we've not even seen so much as an artists render. On this basis, taking pre-orders right now would only create a whole new list of problems, admin and potential upset for customers while we remain committed to fulfilling the remaining 2021 orders which we are still taking delivery of from almost all manufacturers, many of which have been delayed by up to 9 months. Will 2022 ebikes be delayed as badly as the 2021 models? Almost certainly, 2022 bikes will suffer delays of varying lengths at some point in the model year. R&D aside, there is so much that goes into the production and assembly of ebikes that its impossible to think that the problems we currently face as an industry and market will simply vanish from this model year to the next. Its more likely that unless people suddenly stop buying eBikes, we'll be operating like this for at least the next 2-3 years. One manufacturer "builds" the bike, but there can be as many a several dozen other businesses all supplying often tiny, unseen parts of your bike who are all suffering their own industry issues as a result of Covid-19. Imagine if all of them had just a ONE week delay on something. The result is exactly what we've been dealing with - months of delays on new bikes arriving. When can I pre-order my 2022 eBike and when will it be delivered? As always, we'll being taking pre-orders through the website once we have all of the information we need to build a product page. This includes all of the finalised images of the bikes, the specifications and of course the price. We tend to do this brand by brand as they launch so be assured we'll be rolling them out at the same time as the manufacturer in most cases. Deliveries on pre-orders are carried out on a "first come, first served" basis. With demand not expected to fall this year, the only way you will be able to guarantee yourself a 2022 eBike will be to get in the queue as fast as you can, and be patient. We always offer an ETA based on the information given to us by the manufacturer but these can change and its worth bearing this in mind. If you absolutely must have a bike for your upcoming cycling holiday in August and you're ordering a bike with an ETA of August, prepare for the worst. You might get lucky, but you would be better off looking for a bike which matches your criteria and is already in stock than gearing yourself up for potential disappointment. How will I know when new 2022 eBikes are launched? With no firm information from manufacturers at this stage and dozens of enquiries each day from potential customers who missed out on their dream bike from the 2022 model year, we've set up a page for people to leave their details. Click the button below and when our manufacturers launch their 2022 models, we'll pop you an email to let you know! Keep me updated! Â
The Orbea brand has been around for a very long time - almost as long as bicycles themselves. Like many businesses who've survived two world wars, a civil war, political overhauls and global economic downturns, bikes also weren't their first product. Orbea ebikes are in fact a very recent addition to the portfolio. Founded in 1840 in Eibar, the Basque region of Spain as a rifle and gun manufacturer, in a turnaround similar to Birmingham Small Arms Company in the UK, they switched to producing bicycles between the two World Wars. Unlike BSA however, they didn't turn back to firearms and have continued to build some of the best, most competitive and arguably aesthetically pleasing bikes the cycling industry has seen. Orbea ebikes didn't start like this. In fact, it took almost 165 years to get anywhere close. As one of the only remaining companies still doing almost everything by hand, including painting and finishing frames, assembly and final inspection, Orbea are set apart from the rest of the cycling industry by their obsessive attention to detail and design concepts. In their formative years in cycling, having switched to producing bikes in 1930, Orbea began to make a name for themselves in the Basque region of Spain. They began competing in the coveted Tour De France races as early as 1934 with already well known Spaniard Mariana CaĂąardo placing 9th that year on one of their bicycles. He later went on to claim a 5th stage win (and 2nd overall) in the very first Vuelta a EspaĂąa (Tour of Spain) race the following year, again on an Orbea bicycle. Promoted by the cycle manufacturers from the Eibar area where Orbea were originally based, this race is still run each year today. Between 1936 and 1939, Spain was gripped by civil war. Having ridden out the stormy economic fallout, by the end of the war, Orbea employed more than 1000 staff and produced 50,000 new bikes each year Their Eibar factory at the time had the tooling and skills to produce every single component they needed to build their products. A complete, start to finish manufacturing process where absolutely everything was done in-house and under their own control. In 1969, while Brian Adams sung about his personal dilemma in choosing whether to settle down or strive for fame, America landed Apollo 11 on the moon and NATO troops were withdrawn from Vietnam, Spain struggled with a dire economic crisis. Unable to escape the downturn in country-wide fortune despite having survived so much beforehand, Orbea found itself on the now very real brink of bankruptcy. Undeterred and with unwavering faith in the brand, the workers of the Orbea factory took the decision to form a cooperative and purchase the company from the Orbea family, saving it from almost certain collapse. With the wind and previous financial troubles behind them, the newly formed cooperative left Eibar for a brand new site in Mallabia just 10km away, where they built the very first dedicated bicycle factory with more room and accessibility. Through the 1980's, Orbea surged forward with their development of new model lines. As well as returning to road racing in 1984, they also joined the mountain bike market for the first time, at a pivotal point where many of the most recognisable brands today were only just starting out on their journey. The 90's was the decade of mountain bikes - With lots of other European and US brands having only just begun to emerge over the previous 10 years, Orbea took up the challenge of an entirely new model line designed in the US and with frames manufactured in Asia. The Orbea MTB Team was born and the challenge to bring Orbea back to the international stage took a turn off the tarmac and onto the dirt roads. Fast forwarding to 2003, the Orbea Orca is born and provided the the first real predecessor to the Orbea Gain "M" (carbon frame) electric road bike range. "Orca", a combination of "ORbea" and "CArbon", became the name for Orbea's highest quality and most technologically advanced racing bikes still in production today. As well as the Orca, Orbea also launched the Ordu, their first Triathlon specific bike which propelled Craig Alexander to victory in the 2008 and 2009 Ironman Haiwaii races. At the same time, Orbea also launched and expanded the Orca brand of purpose designed helmets and apparel for Triathletes. The arrival of Orbea eBikes Hitting the fast forward button again, this time to 2016, and news is spreading of a revolution. Orbea are launching the Gain at Unibike in Spain. Their first electric bike for the road market, it promises to be everything that is Orbea. Light, manoeuvrable and with a great specification and built to the same quality and design ethos Orbea customers have come to expect. Not only was the initial Gain launch a success, they've continued to develop the model and in 2018, after more than 6000 hours of testing, it won several accolades including a Design and Innovation award from several prestigious cycling magazines. Fielding questions such as "Are you sure its an eBike?", and "It doesn't look like it has a motor"?, it ushered in a wave of new articles about what the future has in store for electric road bikes. Not content with boosting the performance of their road bikes, Orbea started work on their mountain bike offering. The Orbea Wild FS range was born and in 2017, was launched to the world. It seems such a long time ago that this Shimano E8000 driven monster first started making waves. Offered with a choice of wheel size, a fully integrated battery, speed sensor mounted in the rear brake rotor and a reinforced skid plate the Wild FS 10 was already ahead of its time and has continued to be updated to keep it at the very top of its game. Orbea electric bikes in 2021 Orbea ebikes have come a long way in a comparatively very short space of time - a testament to their unwavering commitment to evolution, design and value from their products backed by a Lifetime frame warranty and outstanding dealer support package. Year on year, Orbea continue to innovate and increase the end user experience with the latest technology and components. The Orbea Gain range is still a hugely popular option for those looking for an assisted entry into the world of road cycling, with 13 model variants in Carbon and Alloy frame options. Offered 5 frame sizes, multiple colourways as well as the MyO option for Carbon models from their entry level Gain D50 at just ÂŁ2,359, right the way up to the flagship Gain M10i at ÂŁ8,199. Our most popular option is the Gain D20. The Gain isn't the only model to have received significant updates since launch. The Wild FS range is now offered in 8 different model/specification variants, 3 sizes, two frame materials, multiple factory colours and a MyO option for Carbon frame models making the Wild FS one of the most customisable electric mountain bikes on the market before it even leaves the factory with tens of thousands of specification combinations. Building on the success of the Wild FS electric mountain bikes, late in 2020 Orbea announced the Orbea Rise. One of the most exciting Orbea ebikes of the year, the Rise pushes right up to the edge of the boundaries on what's achievable with currently available components. Arguably one of the best looking trail bikes on the market (especially if you take advantage of the free MyO custom paint options like the model above), the Rise isn't just a looker. Orbea have, from the very beginning, sought to be at the forefront of development of ebike technology and weighing in at as little as 16.5Kg on the M-Ltd model while still managing to produce 60Nm of torque and more than 4 hours riding from their collaboration with Shimano on motor firmware, this is the bike that has many of its competitors on the back foot in 2021. Having previously held the titles for the lightest bikes, Specialized and Lapierre are likely to be paying very close attention to this model over the next few years, especially given that the Rise undercuts the price by a percentage that makes the Rise stand out as the true champion on value. For this reason, the Rise M10, with its perfect balance of spec against cost is currently our most popular from the Orbea ebikes range. As you can see, with 180 years of experience behind them Orbea are one of the most forward thinking, design concept led and technically advanced cycle manufacturers in the world and continue apply this knowledge and experience in everything they do.Despite having a slightly longer than average lead time caused by (but more than made up for!) their attention to detail and quality of finish, Orbea continue to turn out industry leading products while remaining competitive on price, which is why they're one of our favourite manufacturers, and they should be yours too! You can see our full range of Orbea ebikes here.
Gocycle have launched their 4th Generation line-up with 3 brand new models - the entry model Gocycle G4, Gocycle G4i and the top of the range Gocycle G4i+. Their biggest feature overhaul and most technologically advanced product since the launch of the Gocycle G2 in 2012, we take a deeper look at the differences between their three exciting new folding electric bikes. Since their initial launch back in 2009, Gocycle have continued to innovate and improve their models with each new generation and the 4th incarnation of one of the worlds most popular folding electric bikes is not only no different, but their biggest technological leap since the Gocycle G2 in 2012. Before we get into the differences between the models, we'll take a look at some brand new features and what's changed across all three new models. New Carbon fibre front fork  All three models will be benefiting from a redesigned front end, which loses the traditional rubber fork boot in favour of a much cleaner headset area and new plastic cover. This cover is where the new mudguards and lights will mount and both accessories come with a new plastic cover with mounting points built in, making the swapping out of components much easier. As well as easier maintenance and component compatibility, the new carbon fork also aids in weight reduction while adding a bit of compliance and comfort to the front of the bike. Also neatly integrated into the inside of the fork leg is the purpose designed new home for the bike's main control board, making servicing easier (and therefore cheaper) at the dealer. This small and neatly tucked away waterproof housing for the motor controller no longer requires complete disassembly of the rear CleanDrive section, and can be accessed with the wheel still in place! New Carbon mid-frame section  Perhaps one of the most visually obvious updates to the new Gocycle G4 model range is the new carbon fibre mid frame section. As well as the clear weight reduction that using carbon brings, the use of this newly redesigned part in composite offers much better alignment of the two folding main frame parts. It also incorporates a new seat post clamp for better strength and accessibility of the clamp itself and works to offset one main component which got a little fatter during lockdown... New Gocycle G4Drive motor  At a glance and certainly from the side, you'd be forgiven for missing this neatly integrated change. The brand new G4Drive motor system in the 4th Generation line-up is arguably the biggest change across all 3 models. The first motor update since the 2012 G2 model, it has a knock-on effect elsewhere on the bike. A much flatter profile, its also slightly larger and therefore heavier but this increased weight is easily offset elsewhere, like the new carbon mid frame section and front fork. With more torque and improved slow speed start-up, its much more responsive - allowing commuters the chance to take off up the road before the cars have made it away from the traffic lights! Because of this new design, several other features of the bike have also had to change. The entire system is now 36 volt in order to generate the extra torque and this brings it in line with most other manufacturers but it also required Gocycle to introduce a degree of "dish" to the wheels to account for the new offset and so the PitStop wheels are a new design for 2021. A USB Charging Port!  Probably one of the most overlooked but super useful things on any electric bike, especially one designed for commuters and those in towns and cities is the ability to charge devices on the fly. A feature now offered as standard on all Bosch systems, its great to see this functionality pop up on the Gocycle models and offering its owners an extra bit of added value in their ride. Other updates  Along with the above technological changes, lots of other bits have been changed too and although many of them will remain unseen or not be immediately obvious, their effects combined really launch the Gocycle electric bikes one step further into the future. The Gocycle G4, G4i and G4i+ all benefit from higher volume silicone compound tyres for unparalleled grip, new titanium hinge pins at the centre and bar fold and as always, attention has also been paid to servicing. Further simplified wiring and the new location for the motor controller speed service and maintenance and drives down labour costs at the dealer, along with revisions to the CleanDrive for even higher long term reliability and less maintenance. On the user side, as normal, the clever PitStop wheel design and single sided fork and swing arm mounting allows for the changing of tyres and the repair of punctures without having to remove the wheel. Gocycle G4  Despite being the "entry" level model, the Gocycle G4 is already a big step up from its Gocycle GX predecessor. Available in Electric Blue, Matte Black and White, the GoCycle G4 uses the same motor as the rest of the range, with a slightly smaller quick-removable 300Wh battery rated for up to 40 miles (depending on rider input). It has a LED "fuel gauge" on the dashboard to keep the rider aware of current charge status, and a mechanical Microshift 3 speed Shimano Nexus hub gear system. The total weight is just 16.6kg and folded up, its small enough to pop into a boot or under a desk at only 880mm x 390mm x 615mm. The G4 doesn't come with lights, so the Commuter Pack will be a great optional accessory on the G4 for those who ride at night or in low light. Gocycle G4i  Sitting in the middle of line-up from Gocycle for 2021 and offered in Gunmetal Grey, Matte Black and White, the Gocycle G4i folding electric bike offers the best value of components vs specification. Including everything on the Gocycle G4, the G4i model benefits from a LightPipe front DRL (Daytime Running Light) with 4 user selectable operation modes. It also has a larger battery, something it shares with the G4i+ and gets an extra 10 miles to a full charge, bringing the total estimated range up to 50 miles. Building on the dashboard on the G4, the G4i has a much larger, more comprehensive dashboard, using an LED matrix to offer information on battery charge state and current gear selection. The G4i is also the first of the top two models which comes with Gocycle's own electronic Predictive shifting. While pedalling, the system will automatically switch gears based on cadence and speed, with a manual override on the handlebars for user selected gear operation. The G4i also gets a slight upgrade to the seat too - it comes fitted with the Velo Ergo Comfort saddle over the Ergo Sport fitted on the entry level model. Gocycle G4i+  Topping off the new 2021 model range, the Gocycle G4i+ is the very top spec model and is being offered in two colourways - Gloss black and Red (pictured above). Including all of the spec from the G4 and G4i models and its unique colourway options, the G4i+ also comes with fully carbon fibre wheels, reducing the overall weight of the bike by a further third of a Kilo. While we expect that the majority of customer will likely go for the G4i because of its value point, the G4i+ saw a bigger than expected surge in early demand on pre-orders, and allows owners to really stand out from the rest! Gocycle Specification Table  Model G4i+ G4i G4 Frame Colour Gloss Black/Red Gunmetal Grey/Matte Black/White Electric Blue/Matte Black/White Pitstop Wheel Carbon Fibre Magnesium Magnesium Daytime Running Light Gocycle Lightpipe Gocycle Lightpipe None Range Upto 80km (50 Miles) Up to 80km (50 Miles) Up to 65km (40 Miles) Motor Gocycle G4Drive Hub Gocycle G4Drive Hub Gocycle G4Drive Battery 36V 375Wh 36V 375Wh 36V 300Wh Charging Time 3.5 Hours 3.5 Hours 3.0 Hours Handlebar Display Integrated dashboard display with fuel gauge, speed, gear indication. Integrated dashboard display with fuel gauge, speed, gear indication. LED Fuel Gauge Shifting Gocycle electronic Predictive Shifting Gocycle electronic Predictive Shifting Mechanical Microshift Trans Patented CleanDrive Shimano Nexus 3-Speed Patented CleanDrive Shimano Nexus 3-Speed Patented CleanDrive Shimano Nexus 3-Speed Saddle Velo D2 Comfort Velo D2 Comfort Velo Sport Pedals MKS UX-D, One side detachable pedal MKS UX-D, One side detachable pedal Gocycle Folding Pedal   We hope this has provided everything you need to make an informed decision on the differences between the 4 new Gocycle models, which will suit you best and set you on your new folding ebike journey!  The Gocycle G4 can purchased here, the G4i here and the G4i+ here.
2020 was a testing year for the cycle industry & 2021 is shaping up to be the same. Why is it so hard to buy a bike? What is causing delays on bikes? What are the manufacturers doing about it? Here's an industry inside view at what is & isn't happening in the global cycle industry right now. Â 2020 started like any normal year for the cycle industry but before the last of the winter rain had fallen news of a global health pandemic was spreading and much like the rest of the world, the entire industry found itself wholly unprepared for what was to come next. Here's How It Started The first lockdown came to the UK on 23rd March and along with it, a list of reasons people could be excused for leaving their homes. One of them was "One form of exercise". Millions of people, many of whom hadn't cycled since they were children, suddenly found that owning a cycle was a great way to enjoy the now quieter world outside. While the western hemisphere watched the news of the spread of Covid-19 from a considered safe distance, the problems had already started. With the bulk of small components like gears, brakes and some motor brands being built in the Far East & their factories closing, the backlogs were starting to build for component manufacturers long before even the first UK lockdown. Let's break down the following months to briefly outline the timeline:- February - April As the UK's biggest independent supplier of exclusively European manufactured eBikes, we've always sought to maintain a very large "in-house" level of stock and initially, this was a great buffer for the rapidly increasing demand we experienced. Our aim is to supply a new bike on the spot for showroom appointments, and for it to ship within 24 hours for the rest of the world. May - July Through May and into the middle of summer, the pressure really mounted. With in house stock dwindling, we relied heavily on our carefully curated manufacturer relationships to pick up the slack. Lead times slipped to a couple of days, but stock was running out quickly around the world. By the end of July, Cube and Orbea had sold the last of the 2020 model year and could deliver us nothing more. Bike Industry Insight - Most manufacturers, factoring in/forecasting from previous year demand, normally only plan to build a set number of each model, each year. When they run out of frames, motors & other components, they're gone. With motor suppliers like Bosch and Yamaha working to a 12 month (or longer!) lead time and the same for component manufacturers like Shimano, they can't simply "make more" when a model runs out. This translates to bike frames 'ready to go' but with no components to match. Ordering for Model Year 2021 In the very final weeks of July, both Cube and Orbea approached us with a model year '21 outline, and the offer to place pre-orders several months earlier than usual. Model year 2020 was over as quickly as it started! Normally, bike shops place pre-orders for the first few months of the model year, along with a forecast of what they expect to sell. This helps manufacturers forecast production, but without commitment. This year, we were all told "either place your order for the entire year or expect that you might get nothing". All manufacturers were seeing a sharp increase in order volumes. We considered, deliberated and ultimately took heed, eventually tripling our 2020 model year order. Going back to Cube just 8 days after their order books opened to consider some models we don't normally take, we were told they had sold their entire production capacity for 2021. Clearly then, they weren't joking! Sadly, this also meant that many smaller retailers who couldn't forecast or offer the cashflow to commit to an annual order have in some cases been completely cut out of the loop. August - October During August, facing a slowdown from almost all manufacturers, Cube began shipping Reaction and Kathmandu models. Being two highly popular models, this was a huge help for us and as we headed into September, more and more of our increased order was arriving each day. Much of them were even arriving ahead of their ETA. September saw a slowdown of deliveries from Cube and lead times slipping. Bikes had gone from 2 weeks early, to on time, to now arriving up to a week late and this trend continued into October. By the end of October, many of the Kathmandu and Reaction models from late September were still outstanding. Along with these delays, Cube's previously steadfast reporting and forecasting of arrivals had gone out of the window and they were now unable to tell us anything about when our customers' pre-ordered bikes were going to arrive. Other manufacturers were still updating, but lead times increased by months. This was the first point where we really started to see the impact of the Far East based factory closures earlier in the year, on end product assembly. November - December With our frustration mounting while leaning heavily on manufacturers who had previously made up a lesser figure in our turnover to ensure we had enough bikes to cover demand. Many of our customers were rightly upset about bikes ordered for Christmas becoming increasingly unlikely to arrive in time - we finally managed to pressure a response with just a few weeks to go. The information from Cube in particular was scant at best. "We are working as fast as we can and these are the new dates for the hundreds of bikes already delayed". Many of them had moved from September/October '20, to as far out as July '21 but were promised a large number of high volume deliveries in the new year. We immediately communicated this to hundreds of affected customers. January to Date January arrived and departed almost in a blink. So quickly in fact, that we barely noticed until reflecting earlier this month that Haibike had been the ones to shine through, shipping more bikes than initially expected and keeping the workshop and warehouse train moving. Being a dealer of "exclusively European manufactured eBikes" is great for reliability of quality and servicing/spares, but the recent changes to the virtual and physical customs border with the EU left the manufacturers logistics for the UK in a state of complete disarray. It was a full 6 weeks into 2021 before they got their ducks in a line and any reasonable number of bikes started to make their way to us. Moving Forward Production - Many manufacturers have added extra production lines to their factories. Not only does this allow for the social distancing measures to be adhered to much more easily, but it also allows them the capacity to build more bikes than ever before. The issue remains of course, that components are still slow to arrive. Shipping - Bikes are now starting to arrive in the UK, and in quite large numbers but things are far from perfect. With the borders issues resolved, bikes leaving the EU are taking a couple of days longer than usual in transit, but are finally making it through to us however the industry continues to be affected by a global shipping crisis. Pricing - The availability of containers from the Far East is far lower than normal and so the costs of these containers is ever increasing - as much at 8x the normal cost, raising the cost of a single container of frames or components from $1,500 to in excess of $20,000! There are also new duty rates on bikes. This has a big knock on effect on the cost of the end bike and all of our manufacturers have increased prices on bikes globally, by anywhere between 5 and 10%. Bicycle Model Year 2022 All of these issues aren't unique to us, any particular manufacturer, nor the UK - they impact the entire industry from top to bottom and we fully expect them to continue throughout the next model year. In discussions with some of the manufacturers, its widely believed that the effects of CV19 on the cycle industry could ripple out as far as model year 2025. As has been the case for model year '20 and '21, it's highly likely that for at least the next few years, dealers like e-Bikeshop will have to continue to place a year's order up front almost entirely blind but with good faith. Customers in turn will need to place a pre-order and wait for the arrival of their new bike in order to have any guarantee in themselves getting one. Is there anything customers can do to help shops? Right now, our biggest time consumer is administration of the huge volume of orders outstanding. Normally, these would be serviced inside 24 hours, but with anywhere up to 1000 customers at any one time waiting on a bike, while we completely understand both the excitement of getting a new bike along with the frustration of delays, repeated requests for updates currently take up a very large part of our working day, cutting into the level of service we can provide to everyone. During the peak period of April to September 2020, our building was staffed for as much as 15 hours a day, 6 days a week just to keep up with paperwork and enquiries! While we cant speak for all bike shops, we provide any updates (good or bad) from manufacturers inside 24 hours, normally taking only some time in due diligence to ensure the information is accurate, and relaying it to those it's relevant to. Unfortunately, time spent responding to customer requests for information in January about the bike on which they placed a pre-order with an ETA of April is time not spent getting bikes out of the door. If you imagine that a member of staff on the phone updating a customer with no new information isn't relaying information on the day's bikes arrived to the workshop - The workshop receives their information later, the bike leaves later, and the next bike in the queue for assembly starts later, which also leaves us later and this will continue to have a knock-on effect down the line. Ultimately, the time it takes to update someone with no new information because they're excited only adds to the delay of their own bike, days, weeks, or months down the line! For much smaller businesses where the person who answers the phone is the same person building bikes, this is even more profound. Here are a few things you can do to help bike shops handle this unprecedented load: Only place an order if you are fully committed to a bike, even if there might be a delay on its arrival. The bike shops have no control of this but refunding cancelled orders costs the bike shop further time and physical money (card processing fees of around 2% of your order for example, are not refunded to the shop if they refund you). If you're in a rush for a bike, you can normally find up to date information on the website, or you can contact the shop directly for an up to the minute availability on stock models. Try and get everything done in one hit. We'll always be happy to discuss accessories / parts / custom options on bikes but chopping and changing orders multiple times while waiting for a bike to arrive can add a lot of admin into the mix with shops already overstretched. Mistakes are often generated here on both sides and we only want you to be nothing but over the moon with your new bike! Trust your bike shop! Bike shops are some of the most friendly retailers you will deal with - something common in businesses where everyone shares a common passion. As mentioned previously, if we have information to provide, we will always provide it - even when it means us all sitting in the office until midnight to send a tailored email to every single affected customer. If, when you placed an order, the lead time was several weeks or months in the future, if there is a delay or if the bike arrives earlier than expect, we will be in touch immediately to let you know. Calling or emailing every few days/weeks will only add to our admin times, ultimately delaying your bike. Rest assured that any radio silence from us, even for weeks is not in any part complacency. We're here for a minimum of 10 hours a day, 6 days a week, to ensure that everyone gets their new bike just as fast as we too, can get our hands on it. To Conclude It's not all doom and gloom; bikes are coming through, just not as fast as originally anticipated. The sun is shining and 2021 is set to be the year that everyone tries to reach a conclusion on the Global Epidemic. It's also an exciting time for eBiker's with innovations year on year. Thinking about buying an eBike in 2021? Here's a link to In Stock 2021 Models.
Could electric bike prices for consumers be due to drop by as much as a third under the UK Government's new plan to shake up and better enable the way people move around in large towns and cities? Is a Government eBike subsidy the answer to bringing the UK in-line with the rest of the EU on cycling adoption rates and transport? If so, how do you apply for a government ebike subsidy or grant? Operation "Gear Change". In July 2020, the Government launched a new plan called "Gear Change", a "Bold Vision for Cycling and Walking". Looking to create a step-change in cycling adoption rates, they announced a new £2bn funding package with a £175m purse for local councils to help make England a great cycling nation by providing safer spaces and networks for those looking to move away from vehicular transport. On top of this, there are also strong hints at plans to offer government eBike subsidies or grants. This is welcome news for everyone because currently, eBikes are the only form of sustainable/electric transport where subsidies/grants aren't already available in the same way they are with electric cars, motorbikes and lorries.  When will the Government ebike subsidy scheme begin? The Government's plan is to set up trial schemes in some UK cities and towns "before the end of the fiscal year", which sets the deadline as March 2021 however very little official information exists and the Coronavirus situation will of course have an impact on anything above initial talk and research. Its also worth bearing in mind that similar plans have been touted previously, to little fruition. We do of course still have the normal "Cycle to Work" schemes available, which have proved incredibly popular, especially so over the last 12 months. They allow employees to save as much as 40% on the price of a new bike through sacrificing some of their pre-tax salary. While this time it appears (outwardly at least!) that it really could be a "go-er", as with anything government related it will take time and very little information has given to-date. No confirmation has been made on where or exactly when the trials will start, who will be involved, or the criteria for eligibility for any new Government eBike subsidy. How can I apply for the Government eBike subsidy? Because the scheme isn't live yet, we don't have any answers to many of the most commonly raised questions when new schemes are put in place. Once more information is readily available and verified, we'll set up a dedicated page on the website for it, much like with Cycle to Work Schemes.  The new cycling revolution began in the first UK Covid-19 Lockdown. During the first of the Coronavirus lockdowns in the UK, the Government commissioned studies into changes in transport behaviour - with people "locked up" in their homes and only 1 form of exercise permitted per day, eBikes were a naturally easy way for those not used to daily exercise to get out and enjoy the weather while improving their fitness at a pace that scales with them. The more you ride, the fitter you get! Below, is the percentage change in estimated cycling trips taken between 1st March and 4th July, when the first restriction was lifted; Despite fewer people travelling overall during this period, the average increase in people cycling was in excess of 100% and at weekends, this was as much as 200%. This was particularly prevalent in large towns and cities and especially among key workers and those who cannot work from home where public transport was simply too big of a risk . Over this time, we saw a sharp rise in the sales of our Hybrid, Town and Trekking eBikes, especially in and around London and other major cities. This increase in cycling activity offers a huge personal benefit, but also a much wider reaching positive impact. Any increase in physical activity is estimated to reduce the risk of dementia, depression, some cancers and "all-cause" mortality by as much as 30%, and can reduce risks associated with Type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease by as much as 40%. A win personally, but also a load off an already struggling public heath service. Better infrastructure is needed. Cost aside, one of the biggest barriers to eBike (or any cycle) adoption rates is the perceived conflict with or danger to those on two wheels on the UK's roads from vehicle users. Under "Theme 1" in the new plans, the government will no longer fund cycle route schemes for simple "painted lines and symbols" routes, nor those where pedestrians and cycles are forced to occupy the same space. The funding will only be approved for local authorities who treat cyclists as a vehicle class of their own and provide a physical barrier between motor vehicle users, cyclists and pedestrians. This might be raised curb to separate the main carriageway or a small barrier, but it will be a move to finally bring us closer to our European counterparts, where as much as 40% of journeys are made on two wheels. Whilst the possibility of new Government eBike grants ride in the back seat for the moment, they're committing to "find cities and towns across the UK to install at first hundreds, then thousands of miles of main road cycle tracks", citing that cycling increased by 55% after the installation of a protected cycle track on London's Blackfriars Bridge. Moving cycling to the heart of transport, place-making and health policy. With access and sharing of space issues being alleviated, the significant and dedicated spend increase on infrastructure will only help to increase the uptake rate of Government eBike grants. The UK Government pledges to create a special "budget". The delivery of schemes previously have been hampered by the "stop-go" nature of funding avaialbitly. With a new assured pipeline of funding, local authorities will better be able to long term plan changes to infrastructure to enable this new drive for more sustainable inner city transport and movement. Part of this infrastructure change and enablement strategy looks at increasing the ways in which cyclists are able to use existing transport and its links. As well as working closely with transport schemes to ensure that cyclists are both valued and considered as a vehicle in new road network planning, it also seeks to address the ways in which railways and bus operators support cyclists on parts of their journeys. On top of the infrastructure and strategy on the integration of other services providers, provisions are also being made to better enable the movement of goods - specifically "last-mile" (covered under the "Last Mile Review" and Transport Decarbonisation Plan) deliveries via the use of Cargo bikes. Some Cargo eBikes are cable of carrying as much as 250kg and so in extra urban environments, the lower purchase and operating cost of cargo eBikes like the Tern GSD S10 along with the ability to take up less space on the road than a small van make them an incredibly popular options for couriers. How does all of this sit with current supply issues for new eBikes? Its no secret that the cycle industry right across the world has experienced a huge surge in demand, but is currently suffering. Much of it coems down to supply of common parts. Manufacturers of gears and brakes for example, are almost universal across all major brands and with the demand for cycles being as much as 10x the production capacity of manufacturers at the moment, its no surprise that the supply of new eBikes is much slower than normal. We handle thousands of calls and emails each week, and 80-90% of bikes arriving each day are pre-sold prior to arrival - if you don't have a bike already on order its difficult, if not totally impossible to get the bike you want in the size you need during 2021. So has this come at a bad time? There's no bad time for the government to offer ebike grants and subsidies. Anything which increases the adoption rate of eBikes is fantastic news, but the timing could have been better. Its been cited that some dealers have seen a drop off in orders or have met with objections from customers reluctant to order a bike now, and then find they could have got it cheaper had they waited. Unfortunaetly, with stock so scarce at the moment, not at least placing a pre-order on a bike means you'll be unlikely to get a 2021 model eBike at all, and therefore less so with the backing of a Government ebike grant or subsidy. The other things to consider are; The length of time it will take to implement a scheme like this. You still have the use of Cycle Schemes in the meantime. Eligibility criteria. Whilst not a market we're involved in, trials in preparation for legislation on privately owned and rental e-scooters began in September 2020 and are still ongoing 5 months later. Once complete, there will be months of data gathering before implementing a stringent section in law much as there is with current eBikes. It could be reasonable to assume that it will be at least a year before a verdict reached and annoucemnts made on their permitted use, Covid-19 allowing. With the above in mind and trials of the touted government ebike subsidy scheme not yet even visibly started, we could be well into model year 2023 before it starts to show its benefits to end users, at which point, perhaps, supply will have settled to a sustainable level! There might also be a strict eligibility criteria, so its possible that the scheme could be rolled out to those who need it most initially, before being rolled out to those who could otherwise readily get themselves a bike with no financial assistance.  Scotland Electric Bike Loan Scheme For more info click here & bikes in this scheme here We'll update this page and any information as it becomes available.
The brand new 2021 Orbea Vibe H30 and H30 EQ are the latest electric bikes for the commuter, city and weekend rider from one of our most stylish and forward thinking manufacturers. Effortlessly blending style with safety, minimalism with performance, the new Vibe H30 and Vibe H30 EQ are one of our most exciting and eagerly anticipated 2021 models - available in 4 colours. 2021 Orbea Vibe H30 - A new "Enough Energy" concept for urban lifestyles. Continuing the legacy of the Gain F25 and F30 from 2020, these new flat bar road bikes from Orbea are a brand new concept designed as a sophisticated accessory to complement your own sense of style without overshadowing it. An incredibly nimble, stylish and reliable personal transport tool that can be easily manoeuvred in tight spaces in town, homes or offices - the new Vibe H30 and H30 EQ is the lightweight city eBike designed for riders looking for style, range and freedom in a new, revolutionary, fully integrated and low-fuss platform. With 40Nm of torque, enough battery capacity for your daily city commute plus some added exploring, the Vibe H30 and H30 EQ offer a new way to ride - minimalist, sleek and integrated but without the bulky traditional eBike components - a "sensation that is less 'e' and more 'bike'". Orbea Urban Geometry With feedback from the many thousands of riders who bought the previous generation flat bar road bikes from Orbea, the new Orbea Urban Geometry platform anticipates both how and when riders will use their eBikes in urban and ultra-urban environments. A more upright riding position for better vision and comfort keeps you feeling more secure, extending your enjoyment of the bike to uses you might never have considered. The bike is perfectly balanced, with responsive and predictable steering that doesn't feel too fast, but retains a highly reactive feel. Orbea Lightness Weighing up to 10kg less than traditional city styled eBikes, the Vibe H30 and H30 EQ are both playful in their handling on the road but easily manoeuvrable in the tight spaces of urban homes and office spaces. Designed to complement the inner city "grab and go" lifestyle, they offer riders new and old a totally new, minimalist riding experience. With a single button press, the bike comes to life underneath you and is immediately ready for any commute, explore or leisure ride. Integration with ICR Plus A completely redesigned frame, setting it apart from its predecessor, all remaining external cables have been further integrated to provide a completely sleek frame aesthetic and is optimised for both conventional and electric shifting systems. Its brand new proprietary headset spacers allow smooth airflow with easy adjustment. Integrated Lighting When Orbea say "fully integrated lighting", they really mean it. Many eBikes now feature built in lights, but no manufacturer has achieved it with the same style we've come to expect from this niche Spanish brand on the Vibe H30 and H30 EQ. Built directly into the base of the stem and drawing a tiny amount of power from the eBike battery, this newly designed lighting technology further draws on Orbea's concept to effortlessly integrate both safety and style. As well as the brand new daytime running light design the Vibe H30 EQ also comes with a larger, bar mounted "full beam" lamp. Orbea "EQ" Models EQ or "Equipped" models from Orbea use exactly the same frame and equipment as the standard models, but with the addition of manufacturer supplied accessories. EQ models come with a set of integrated mud guards, a sturdy pannier rack, side stand and a full beam headlight in addition to the stem mounted LED daytime running lamp. Perfect for winter riding, commuting with a laptop and paperwork or just a quick trip to the shops. The Orbea OC Bag is available as an optional accessory and as well as latching on and off the rack in a single movement, and can also be turned into a backpack for convenience! Ebikemotion X35 Plus As with the "Gain" range, the Ebikemotion X35 Plus is the very heart of the "Enough Energy" concept the Vibe models are built on. The rear hub motor is the basis of a highly sophisticated drive system and provides a smooth and dependable amount of assistance in a way that's designed to amplify your own power is an incredibly discrete way. It really doesn't look like an eBike at all and provides almost completely drag free pedalling. Orbea's Torque Simulation Algorithm directly mirrors the rider input to provide maximum power when you need it, but preserves range when you're spinning freely. Batteries are often the most noticeable component of an eBike but are also a bit of an eyesore and detract from the aesthetics of the frame. Being an incredibly light bike with a highly efficient drive system, Orbea have eliminated the need for a bulky, high output battery and have integrated it directly into the downtube, allowing for a more sleek, stylish finish. Range Extender The Vibe H30 and H30 EQ are designed for long days in the saddle, but some days just demand more from you. The optional Range Extender offers more bike. More miles. More hills. This completely unique and patented extension of the built in battery offers an additional 208Wh on top of the internal 248Wh battery, bringing total capacity to 450Wh - a whopping 70% boost in range. Compatible with all Gain F, M, and D models as well as the full 2021 Orbea Vibe model line-up, we hold limited stock of this Orbea OEM product for our own eBike customers and you can find them here. Seen enough? Order your new 2021 Orbea Vibe H30 or Vibe H30 EQ now!
With the rise of e-mobility across the globe during the Covid-19 pandemic, it's only a matter of time before the inevitable happens. Here's how to stay on the right side of UK eBike law on your new eBike. Â Laws. Naturally, anyone thinking about buying an eBike will question their limits and uses. Do I need a license to ride an eBike? How fast can I go on my new eBike? What is the maximum power eBike I can buy in the UK and still comply with eBike law? Thankfully, despite their rapid rise in popularity, eBikes arenât heavily regulated at all and are very accessible. First, lets define an âeBikeâ. The UK law on eBikes (like most) was harmonised with the EU version under UN15194 in April 2015 and this forms the legal basis of what can be called an âeBikeâ. In short, an eBike is an âEAPCâ (electrically assisted pedal cycle). To be considered an EAPC, it must have pedals as its primary method of propulsion. The limits The electric motor/drive system fitted/contained within the bike must; Have a maximum power output of 250 Watts Not be able to propel the bike while its exceeding 15.5mph Markings As well as the limits on the drive system, it has to show; The manufacturer of the motor The power output Anywhere visible on the bike it also has to display; The voltage of the battery used/contained within it The maximum speed (assisted) of the bike Where can I use my eBike? So long as your eBike meets the above criteria, you can ride it on all UK cycle paths and anywhere else bikes are normally allowed. Is there a minimum age to ride an eBike in the UK? Yes. In order to ride an eBike on public access land in the UK you must be over 14 years old. On private land there is no restriction. Do I need a license to ride my eBike? No! In the UK, so long as you and your eBike meet all of the above criteria, no license is required. I already have an eBike and I think it breaks the rules. All of our eBikes are compliant with the law. If your current eBike doesnât meet the above criteria (for example its motor exceeds the 250W limit or it provides power/assistance above the 15.5mph limit) it should be/you will need to register it with the DVLA and it will need to be taxed and insured as a motor vehicle. Youâll also need to wear a full motorcycle helmet while riding it. This type of eBike (often referred to as a âpedelecâ) also cant be ridden on cycle paths (because of its classification as a full âmotor vehicleâ) and youâll need to apply for âIndividual Vehicle Approvalâ from the DVLA which is similar to an MOT before you can register, tax and insure it. Some eBikes have âthrottlesâ, whatâs the deal with those? Before advancements in motor technology and the introduction of the EU Harmonised Standards, some eBikes had a twist throttle that works the same way as a motorcycle. Starting on January 1st 2016, all bikes with a âthrottleâ function (whether twist or button) must only provide power upto 6mph, IE, its only function is to get you moving. After this it should cut off and you will need to pedal (with motor assistance) upto 15.5mph at which point the motor should again, cease assistance. If you bought or now own a bike with a throttle from before this date, donât worry. As long as it was manufactured before 1st January 2016, its still considered an EAPC and doesnât require a license/registration with the DVLA. Can I âde-restrictâ my eBike? Yes. Many companies/private individuals offer services to de-restrict eBikes however there are two serious considerations to make. Firstly, you are immediately removing your compliance with the law and you will fall into the motor vehicle category unless only using your eBike on private land. The second is that if fitting it yourself, you will immediately invalidate your factory warranty. We really do not recommend making any unauthorised alterations to your new eBike* outside of normal routine maintenance or âbolt onâ upgrades. (*If you would like to remove the speed restriction on your new eBike this is a service we can provide, please contact us for further information. This is not a service we provide for eBikes purchased elsewhere) Thatâs it! Now youâre up to speed on the UK law on eBikes, why not get in touch or Book an Appointment to come and see some?
Brand new for the 2021 model year, Orbea have launched the Rise in four model variants and 3 colour options - The M20 base model, M10, M-Team and the top of the range M-Ltd model. Each is available in Coal Blue/Red-Gold, Ice Green/Ocean and Sap White/Green Fog. Here's how and why the new 2021 Orbea Rise is setting new standards in eMTB trail riding... RS Concept - A new ride philosophy. RS or "Rider Synergy" is a newly developed riding experience concept aimed squarely at enhancing the joy of traditional trail riding, but with a level of assistance designed to feel, in Orbea's own words "as alive as your own body". The brand new Orbea Rise range of eBikes for 2021 are designed to be effortlessly minimalistic. With no bulky or unnecessary components used in the build process, the Rise models retain the feel of a traditional trail bike -bringing you closer to the trail and ride. The new Rise offers a completely integrated system built on their 4 key elements of Power, Range, Interface and Weight. RS Power A brand new concept with Shimano. Armed with the well thought out concept and a dream of a "rider first" super-light all trail frame to deliver less "e" and more "Bike" to dramatically change the eMTB landscape, Orbea were granted early access to the Shimano EP8 drive system and immediately realised it was the solution they had been searching for to fit with their newly formed "RS" riding philosophy. Working directly alongside Shimano, Orbea developed their own highly responsive and super-efficient RS firmware for the EP8 to make the best use of their newly designed electronics and battery system. Weighing in at just 2.6KG and utilising Orbea's own software and electronics, the drive system delivers its peak output of 60Nm at cadences of 75-95rpm - exactly where experienced riders are at their own peak of power and efficiency. RS Range Interestingly, Orbea, along with a few other manufacturers for 2021 have done away with a range figure in miles/kilometres for the Rise but promise it's designed for long days in the saddle, stating that this is a bike intended for "8 hours and over 4,000m of climbs in Eco mode". Along with the rest of the Orbea range of eBikes, not only does the bike come with a custom designed internal battery with a 360Wh rating, they also offer an optional 252Wh bolt on range extender, taking the total capacity to over 600Wh. In keeping with the RS concept, this dramatically lighter than average bike with super-economical power consumption extends battery life by over 1.5x - In real terms, this means that on its integral 360Wh battery alone, its range is comparable with a 540Wh battery capacity on a typical crank driven eBike. Housed in a brand new all-alloy construction case and using the latest in lithium-ion cell technology, its internal 21700 form factor lithium ion cells offer much higher energy density, with much less space and weight. Citing "over 4 hours of ride time", the battery weighs just 2.2kg with the optional range extender offering an additional 70% capacity - comparable to a huge 900Wh on a conventional eBike. RS Interface Riders spend hours and often thousands of pounds removing weight from their bikes. Carbon this, hydroformed alloy that. The electrical system on eBikes makes up the bulk of the weight over a non-eBike and having already saved considerable weight from the motor and battery system, Orbea have elected to do away with the extra wiring, switches and screens of a traditional eBike but this isn't a compromise, this is all a critical part of the RS philosophy the Rise is built on. The power button is hidden neatly next to the bottom bracket and all wiring is internally routed. The RS interface is sleek, but doesn't lack the option for expandability. The configuration offers a discrete rocker style switch to control assistance modes along with a small inline junction box with two LED lights to provide the readout of current mode while also transmitting wireless data. Built with direct and unique compatibility with the Garmin IQ smart watch, you can see on the fly your support mode, assistance level, cadence, range and speed. There is also an accompanying app where data recording and readout is able to be played back, giving a much greater in depth look at your riding style and performance. RS Weight Weighing in at as little as 16.5kg, the 2021 Orbea Rise was designed to provide assistance and peak torque inside the range of normal, high-quality trail riding componentry. Lightning fast direction changes and playful handling aren't something normally associated with eBikes but with the sporty nature of the Rise model range, it'll feel just like riding your conventional trail rig! Absolutely everything was considered when shaving weight from the new Rise range. The bare frame weighs just 2.3kg but it doesn't stop there. Orbea, in the same way they did with Shimano for their custom EP8 tune, have worked directly with E*Thirteen to develop an exclusive alloy forged 32T chainring for the EP8, saving weight while keeping the perfect gearing. You'll also find fitted to the 2021 Orbea Rise range, their own custom tyre. Working in partnership with Maxxis, they've created an "EXO+" version of the Rekon trail tyre and this will remain an Orbea Exclusive. 2021 Orbea Rise Models The model range is broken down into 4 individual models, each available in 3 colourways completely unique to the Rise range; 2021 Orbea Rise M20 The entry level contender at only ÂŁ5,399 and featuring 140mm travel Fox 34 Float Performance forks, a Fox Float DPS rear shock and a complete Shimano SLX group set, its an aggressively priced bike with fantastic value when lined up against its competitors. 2021 Orbea Rise M20 Product Page 2021 Orbea Rise M10 The M10 is the mid-spec variant of the Rise line-up. Much like the Orbea Wild FS M10, it offers the highest level of value in components versus cost when compared to its competitors and is generally the most popular model at just ÂŁ6,799. Featuring Fox 36 Float Factory 150 GRIP2 forks, DPX2 Factory rear shock and Shimano XT gearing, we expect this bike to be the fastest selling option of the range. 2021 Orbea Rise M10 Product Page 2021 Orbea Rise M-Team Closing in on the top end of the 2021 Rise model line-up, the Orbea Rise M-Team features Fox 36 Float Factory 150 Grip2 forks, a DPX2 Factory rear shock but a step up to a full Shimano XTR group set, along with a Fox Transfer Factory Kashima coated dropper post and extra carbon componentry. At ÂŁ7,999, the M-Team is priced towards the top end of the scale but its spec is still considerably higher than its competition. 2021 Orbea Rise M-Team Product Page 2021 Orbea Rise M-Ltd The flagship model and very pinnacle of the "RS Concept" and philosophy, the M-Ltd tips the scales at just 16.5kg! This ultra-lightweight trail bike features Fox 34 Factory 140mm FIT4 Kashima coated forks, a custom tuned and Kashima coated Float DPS Factory rear shock, full Shimano XTR group set along with carbon handlebars and super light RaceFace NEXT SL XC wheels. Priced at ÂŁ8,899 the M-Ltd offers competition level performance that rewards novice riders without holding back the pro's. 2021 Orbea Rise M-Ltd Product Page Take a look at the 2021 Orbea Rise out on the trails... Here's everything else you need to know, straight from the Manufacturer! Discovering a new standard in eMTB - This is for the mountain biker looking for the most natural, pure mountain biking experience... Stay tuned for an extended first ride write-up!