When the very last model of the award-winning first generation Gocycle electric bicycle was sold in February of this year, Karbon Kinetics Limited immediately announced plans to develop an updated version. The technical specifications have now been finalized and a manufacturing partner secured - so let's have a closer look at the upcoming Gocycle G2.
Karbon Kinetics Limited was founded in 2002 by former McLaren Cars design engineer Richard Thorpe with the aim of developing a high-performance and lightweight electric two-wheeler. The generation one Gocycle was made available to the European public in April 2009 - with lightweight, injection-moulded magnesium alloy frame and wheels, an electric motor that kicks in at the push of a button and an specially-developed enclosed multi-speed chain-drive.
Now it's time for a second generation Gocycle to follow in the tire tracks of its popular predecessor. The G2 is lighter than the first gen model, now comes with three speed electronic shifting as standard, has full hydraulic brakes, features proprietary, patent-pending seamless internal cabling technology, and benefits from smoothness, efficiency and reliability improvements to the electric drive system.
The G2 now weighs in at just 32.8 pounds (14.9 kg) thanks to its Magflow injection-moulded magnesium frame and side-mounted, interchangeable Pitstop Wheels (designed for quick flat tire repair). The new bike features a new German-made 250 watt electric motor with in-house controller that gives it speeds of up to 15.5 mph (25 kph) in pedelec or 20 mph (32 kph) in empower mode, with the same handlebar push-button access to the electric assist. The G2's range has been given a bit of a boost, too, with the inclusion of a new in-frame 11Ah/22V Lithium battery - riders can now expect to run for 40 miles (64km) in pedelec mode or 20 miles (32km) in empower mode, with a recharge time of 3.5 hours.
The new version also features an integrated dashboard display with fuel gauge/speed/gear selection indicator, fixed suspension at the front and Gocycle Lockshock at the rear, adjustable seat tube and handlebar stem, fully-enclosed, lubricated and self-tensioning chain drive to help keep clothes gunk and grease free, and an optional kickstand. It collapses down to 23.62 x 29.92 x 11.81-inch (600 x 760 x 300 mm) dimensions with folding pedals (or a slightly chunkier 15.15-inches/385 mm without folding pedals) for transport or storage between rides.
Karbon Kinetics Limited has just announced leading Electronics Manufacturing Services (EMS) provider Flextronics as its manufacturing partner for the new G2, with sourcing, logistics, assembly and quality control being undertaken at its factory in Hungary.
A limited edition G2R in gunmetal gray - which includes new pedal torque sensing with four user-defined assistance modes and electronic security - will be available in Europe this month for a suggested retail price of EUR 2,999 (about US$4,100), ahead of general availability of the G2 proper (in white) in March of next year.
Check out the following video for a visual rundown of the G2's specifications:
(Ed's note: having spent a week exploring the streets of London on the first generation Gocycle back in 2009, I can vouch for it as a fun, cheap (to run) and very effective way to get around in a big, busy city. I can't wait to try the G2.)
