Bicycles

It's not hard to tell how the M Bike got its name

It's not hard to tell how the M Bike got its name
There won't be any mistaking the M Bike for something else
There won't be any mistaking the M Bike for something else
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The M Bike has just a single chain stay on the drive side, and a single seat stay on the other
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The M Bike has just a single chain stay on the drive side, and a single seat stay on the other
Optional extras for the M Bike include plug-in LED lights
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Optional extras for the M Bike include plug-in LED lights
There won't be any mistaking the M Bike for something else
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There won't be any mistaking the M Bike for something else
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So … do ya like weird-lookin' bikes? If so, then you might be interested in the M-Bike, from Paris-based Marcelo Cycles. The subject of a recently-started Kickstarter campaign, the odd beast is being offered in both standard and electric-assist versions.

Not to be confused with BMW's limited-edition M Bike, this model takes its name from the rather obvious fact that its unisex aluminum frame is shaped like a letter M. There's no top tube, the fork is one-sided, and the rear triangle is asymmetrical – it has just a single chain stay on the drive side, and a single seat stay on the other.

Things are kept clean and simple with a Gates Carbon belt drive being used in place of a chain. It runs to the buyer's choice of either a two-speed internal rear hub transmission, or a 250-watt rear hub motor.

Utilizing an integrated 160-Wh battery pack, the latter provides an electric boost to the rider's pedalling power, taking them as fast as 25 km/h (16 mph) for a claimed distance of up to 30 km (19 miles) per charge – a regenerative braking system helps it reach that figure.

The M Bike has just a single chain stay on the drive side, and a single seat stay on the other
The M Bike has just a single chain stay on the drive side, and a single seat stay on the other

The motor/battery combo weighs in at 3 kg (6.6 lb), and is linked by Bluetooth to a control app on the user's smartphone. Among other things, that app lets them choose the amount of electrical assistance provided.

Other features include front and rear hydraulic disc brakes (the prototype has a rear coaster brake), puncture-resistant 700 x 35C tires, and a Brooks leather saddle. Backers who are willing to part with a bit more dough can also opt for plug-in LED lights, a rack, or custom leather bike-mountable bags.

We're still waiting to hear back regarding the weight of an entire M Bike. If you're interested in getting one, though, you can do so for a pledge of €1,100 (about US$1,251) for the base non-electric version, or €1,980 ($2,252) for the electric model. Assuming the bike reaches production, delivery is estimated for next May.

UPDATE (Oct. 31/18): Marcelo Cycles has told us that the target weights for the production versions of the M Bike are around 11-12 kg (24-26 lb) for the non-electric model, and 15 kg (33 lb) for the electric.

Source: Kickstarter

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2 comments
2 comments
tacheonabike
Now this looks more like what is needed , electric , disc brakes mudguards, integral bracket and lights ,bonus is gates drive ie no oil on clothes. seriously considering this as a winter comuter but need total weight , even the price isnt off putting WELL done
PAV
Do you set the square tubing is interesting and kind of makes sense as I'm guessing you get more strength at the welds. I'm also aware of the fact that tubing probably weighs less so I too am curious about the weight of this Frame since I'm assuming that's the reason they have such a strange design is to decrease the weight of the vehicle.