Bicycles

Archont electro gives e-bikes the custom-chopper treatment

Archont electro gives e-bikes the custom-chopper treatment
The Archont electro looks like it won't stand for any of your guff
The Archont electro looks like it won't stand for any of your guff
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The Archont electro looks like it won't stand for any of your guff
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The Archont electro looks like it won't stand for any of your guff
Each Archont is built-to-order by hand, featuring a swooping stainless steel frame and fork
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Each Archont is built-to-order by hand, featuring a swooping stainless steel frame and fork
If you think the Archont looks long, you're not imagining things – the extra-large model measures 3 meters (9.8 ft) from tip to tail, and weighs 55 kg (121 lb)
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If you think the Archont looks long, you're not imagining things – the extra-large model measures 3 meters (9.8 ft) from tip to tail, and weighs 55 kg (121 lb)
Because the Archont is made to the measurements of the buyer, it doesn't have an adjustable-length seatpost
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Because the Archont is made to the measurements of the buyer, it doesn't have an adjustable-length seatpost
The Archont's Brooks saddle
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The Archont's Brooks saddle
The Archont's carbon fiber battery-storage case
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The Archont's carbon fiber battery-storage case
The Archont electro (right) and its non-electric sibling
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The Archont electro (right) and its non-electric sibling
If you're willing to preorder an Archont electro right now, be prepared to pay at least €9,999 (about US$7,094)
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If you're willing to preorder an Archont electro right now, be prepared to pay at least €9,999 (about US$7,094)
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Using an electric bike instead of a car is certainly a responsible thing to do, but it may not capture everyones' imagination. Well, if you're one of those people who need a little more enticement, then you might like the Archont electro. Made by Belgrade, Serbia-based Ono Bikes, the e-bike is eye-catching, fast … and pricey.

Each Archont is built-to-order by hand, featuring a swooping stainless steel frame and fork. And if you think it looks long, you're not imagining things – the extra-large model measures 3 meters (9.8 ft) from tip to tail, and weighs 55 kg (121 lb).

The bike features a 7-kW rear hub motor powered by either a 72V/20Ah lithium iron-phosphate or 74V/23Ah lithium-ion battery pack, protected within a locking carbon fiber casing. A full three-hour charge should be good for a range of up to 60 miles (97 km) in throttle mode alone, thanks to some assistance from a regenerative braking system. Doing a bit of pedalling will obviously increase that range.

While in said throttle mode, riders can shift between four forward "gears," along with a reverse(!) gear. Care should be taken when going into reverse, however, as the Archont can reach a top motor-only speed of 80 km/h (50 mph) – this presumably means that buyers will have to register it as a scooter. A constant speed can be maintained using a cruise control feature, plus users can cap the top speed at a more "comfortable" level.

The Archont electro (right) and its non-electric sibling
The Archont electro (right) and its non-electric sibling

A mobile app is currently in the works, which will allow the rider's docked smartphone to serve as an electronic dashboard. That dash will display data such as battery level and speed, plus the phone's accelerometer and gyroscope will also allow it to serve as an anti-theft device (the phone itself will be contained within a locking compartment).

Other features include a Schlumpf hub transmission, Shimano Saint hydraulic disc brakes, a Brooks saddle and Schwalbe Big Apple tires.

But yes, about that "pricey" thing … if you're willing to preorder an Archont electro right now, be prepared to pay at least €6,666 (about US$7,094). Once the preorders are over, that price will rise to €9,999 ($10,640).

There's also a non-electric version, for people who aren't feeling quite so rich. It can be pre-ordered for €1,999 ($2,129).

Source: Ono Bikes

View gallery - 8 images
5 comments
5 comments
gizmowiz
I would question the handling and ease of peddling but it sure looks nice!
pwndecaf
It is pretty! Pricey.
SLB
The only way you're going to get a 60 mile range out of a 1700Wh battery is by keeping your speed below 10mph. With about a 5kW motor -- which is what it would take to hit 50mph -- keeping below 10mph is going to take a LOT of restraint. At ordinary e-bike speeds (25mph) the range is going to be about 30 miles, and at 50mph it will be quite a bit less.
ezeflyer
Cool! But expensive.
unklmurray
I was going to direct this at one of the other posters but then remembered that ,that is frowned upon,so Dude,I think you have no clue as to what you are talking about, But as usual I am probably wrong in that assumption,Have you ever even seen / rode a bike with a 72v motor?I have never even seem one B4......I thimk I would buy the non-electric for under $3000.00 and then add a BeFang' And still B under $4000.00.......LOL :-)