Bicycles

Retro-moto ebike designed for Class 3 commuting and off-roading fun

Retro-moto ebike designed for Class 3 commuting and off-roading fun
The Astro can provide motor assistance up to 28 mph in Class 3 mode, or unlocked for 32 mph of off-road adventuring
The Astro can provide motor assistance up to 28 mph in Class 3 mode, or unlocked for 32 mph of off-road adventuring
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The Astro can provide motor assistance up to 28 mph in Class 3 mode, or unlocked for 32 mph of off-road adventuring
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The Astro can provide motor assistance up to 28 mph in Class 3 mode, or unlocked for 32 mph of off-road adventuring
The "fuel tank" is home to a 780-Wh battery pack for the Astro or a 1,040-Wh battery for the Pro version
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The "fuel tank" is home to a 780-Wh battery pack for the Astro or a 1,040-Wh battery for the Pro version
A grayscale LCD display sits at the center of the handlebar for at-a-glance ride info and ebike stats
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A grayscale LCD display sits at the center of the handlebar for at-a-glance ride info and ebike stats
The Astro rides on 4-inch fat tires and offers riders long motorcycle seating with a gel insert for added comfort
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The Astro rides on 4-inch fat tires and offers riders long motorcycle seating with a gel insert for added comfort
The Astro has a rated load capacity of 300 lb, with the rear rack able to carry 33 lb of cargo
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The Astro has a rated load capacity of 300 lb, with the rear rack able to carry 33 lb of cargo
Is the Astro an ebike or a small electric motorcycle with pedals? A bit of both!
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Is the Astro an ebike or a small electric motorcycle with pedals? A bit of both!
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We've seen a number of motorcycle-inspired ebikes over the years – including models with a V-twin-like battery casing, chopper-looking cruisers and powerful neo-retro charmers that are more moped than ebike. C3Strom has now entered this increasingly crowded space with the Astro Class 3 electric bike.

The Hong Kong-based startup has been developing the Astro ebike since February 2021, and has now launched on Indiegogo to fund production.

It's built around a sturdy 6061 aluminum alloy frame rocking a similar vibe to those at the heart of Super73's retro rides. C3Strom's ebike features a Bafang 750-W geared rear-hub motor for up to 28 mph (45 km/h) in Class 3 street-riding mode or up to 32 mph (51.5 km/h) when unlocked for off-roading.

There are five levels of motor assist available, a speed sensor detects rider input, and a Shimano Altus 7-speed derailleur in onboard for ride flexibility. Meanwhile, a 780-Wh Samsung 21700-cell battery pack fuel tank offers up to 50 miles (80 km) of per-charge range.

The "fuel tank" is home to a 780-Wh battery pack for the Astro or a 1,040-Wh battery for the Pro version
The "fuel tank" is home to a 780-Wh battery pack for the Astro or a 1,040-Wh battery for the Pro version

Fork suspension with lockout helps smooth out some of the bumps along the way, the Astro rolls on 20-inch rims wrapped in 4.25-inch fat tires and stopping power shapes up as four-piston hydraulic disc brakes front and back with 180-mm rotors.

A 3.5-inch backlit LCD display panel with an adjustable viewing angle is mounted mid handlebar, and there's a USB port for topping up mobile devices while out and about. The company has also developed a mobile app for more control of the ride.

The Astro has a rated load capacity of 300 lb, with the rear rack able to carry 33 lb of cargo
The Astro has a rated load capacity of 300 lb, with the rear rack able to carry 33 lb of cargo

Elsewhere, the ebike sports a 130-lux headlight with built-in electric horn and an 18-LED rear light that includes turn indication and braking functions, benefits from extended motorcycle seating with a gel insert for long-haul comfort, a folding lock is integrated into the frame, and the rear rack offers a cargo capacity of 33 lb (14.9 kg).

The Astro ebike is expected to have a suggested retail price of US$2,499, but Indiegogo pledges currently start at $1,699. Backers will need to stump up $1,899 for a Pro version with a 1,040-Wh battery for a maximum range of 78 miles (125.5 km). If all goes to plan, shipping is expected to start in September. The video below has more.

C3STROM is here. Ready to take you Ride to Freedom

Source: C3Strom

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4 comments
4 comments
guzmanchinky
How do you "off road" with no rear suspension?
MikeofLA
@guzmanchinky - Off road in the e-bike world just means not on public streets. Federally, all e-bikes are limited to 28mph and less in some states. Also, the rear suspension isn't really a requirement for dirt or gravel roads and is only really needed in serious mountain biking and single track. Additionally, all suspension converts some of the rider's efforts into vertical movement, making pedaling less efficient, hence why all road bikes and most commuter bikes don't have any suspension.
rlseifer
We apartment dwellers are always anxious to learn: How much does it weigh???
Uncle Anonymous
Very nice, and if I didn't already own a Juggernaut Duo, I'd consider buying one.