There are now many e-bikes out there that could pass for regular human-powered bicycles. With some others, however, you can tell that the designers were going for something that looked a little … different. Such is the case with the eye-catching new Icon, from Italy's 43 Milano.
The 17-kg (37.5-lb) Icon's most striking feature is its handmade Dedacciai steel frame, which does away with the down tube and replaces the conventional seat tube with one that sits straight up and down. Its top tube has a dynamo-powered Supernova headlight built into the front and a tail light in the rear, bringing the Vanmoof bikes to mind.
The rider's pedalling power is augmented by a 250-watt Pendix brushless bottom bracket motor, which is in turn powered by a removable 48-volt/300-Wh lithium-ion battery pack. One three-hour charge should be good for a range of about 105 km (65 miles), with an illuminated ring at the top of the battery changing color to indicate its charge level. The bike's top motor-assisted speed is 25 km/h (16 mph).
Other features include Magura MT4 hydraulic disc brakes, a Shimano Alfine 8-speed rear hub transmission, and a BodyFloat suspension seatpost. An upcoming off-road version may also include a Lauf suspension fork, SoftWheel shock-absorbing wheels, and an SRAM GX 11-speed transmission.
Company founder Alberto Crivellenti tells us that pricing for the Icon ranges from about US$5,000 to $7,000, depending on the setup. For another example of 43 Milano's handiwork, check out the limited-edition Pininfarina Fuoriserie.
Source: 43 Milano
Nice...
Well it is Italian. Yup, but 25km/hr, the authorities are taking the piss at those slow speeds.
that frame is striking, striking how instable it appears, yep appearances aren't everything, FEA probably shows a fatigue life well in excess of what the first owner will need between Lattes.