Bicycles

Ducati set to debut electric mountain bike in Milan

Ducati set to debut electric mountain bike in Milan
European buyers can order the Ducati MIG-RR starting in January
European buyers can order the Ducati MIG-RR starting in January
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The Ducati MIG-RR tips the scales at 22.5 kg (49.6 lb), for a Medium frame
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The Ducati MIG-RR tips the scales at 22.5 kg (49.6 lb), for a Medium frame
The Ducati MIG-RR has differently-sized wheels – there's a 29-incher in front, for rolling up and over obstacles, and a faster-accelerating 27.5-incher in the rear
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The Ducati MIG-RR has differently-sized wheels – there's a 29-incher in front, for rolling up and over obstacles, and a faster-accelerating 27.5-incher in the rear
European buyers can order the Ducati MIG-RR starting in January
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European buyers can order the Ducati MIG-RR starting in January
View gallery - 3 images

Italian manufacturer Ducati is, of course, best known for its high-end motorcycles. At the upcoming Milan Motorcycle Show (EICMA 2018), however, the company will be debuting something a little different – an electric-assist mountain bike.

Known as the MIG-RR, the bike is the product of a collaboration between Ducati and Italy's Thok Ebikes. It's designed for enduro-style riding – this is inspired by enduro racing, which consists of timed downhill descents combined with non-timed uphill climbs.

Although Thok is already known for its existing MIG line of electric mountain bikes, the MIG-RR has a few unique features, courtesy of the Ducati Design Center. Among these are differently-sized wheels – there's a 29-incher in front, for rolling up and over obstacles, and a faster-accelerating 27.5-incher in the rear.

The Ducati MIG-RR has differently-sized wheels – there's a 29-incher in front, for rolling up and over obstacles, and a faster-accelerating 27.5-incher in the rear
The Ducati MIG-RR has differently-sized wheels – there's a 29-incher in front, for rolling up and over obstacles, and a faster-accelerating 27.5-incher in the rear

The rider's pedalling power is boosted by a 250-watt Shimano Steps E8000 motor, located adjacent to the crankset. Delivering 70 Nm (52 ft lb) of torque, it's powered by a 504-Wh battery that's mounted on the underside of the down tube.

As far as other specs go, the MIG-RR also features a Fox 36 Float 29 Factory Series Kashima fork with 170 mm of travel, a Fox DPX2 Factory Series rear shock that maxes out at 160 mm, Renthal 35 Fatbar Lite Carbon handlebars, Mavic E-XA Drifter wheels, a Race Face Turbine dropper seatpost, 4-caliper Shimano Saint brakes, and an 11-speed Shimano XT gear set.

The whole thing tips the scales at 22.5 kg (49.6 lb), for a Medium frame.

The Ducati MIG-RR tips the scales at 22.5 kg (49.6 lb), for a Medium frame
The Ducati MIG-RR tips the scales at 22.5 kg (49.6 lb), for a Medium frame

Although the MIG-RR is currently not being offered to the US market, European buyers will be able to order it online starting in January, with distribution throughout Ducati's European dealership network beginning next spring. Pricing will be announced when it debuts on Nov. 4th.

Source: Ducati

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4 comments
4 comments
Daishi
Ebikes are certainly the most significant improvement to the standard bicycle that has happened in my lifetime. It really doesn't take much electricity to make a noticeable difference to a bicycle.
PaleDale
It will be interesting to see how the price compares to existing e-bikes using the same drive train and components. I suspect it will be way over priced. I also think the battery under the downtube is a mistake. With the forks compressed and the front brakes on (typically in a berm going very fast) the tyre could rub on the battery. I had this happen on a 29"er frame 5 years ago, the forks were fox 32's though so not as stiff as the 36's should be. A recipe for disaster, I sold that bike right after.
Leonard Foster Jr
250watt 49lbs Not what i would expect from such a brand.
mediabeing
Using a derailleur system? Ew. I expected more. Oh well.