Optibike R15C is a carbon fiber electric bike masterpiece; costs a small fortune, but it boasts to-die-for specs, and we love it
There are a bevy of startups that come forth with various electric bicycle projects, some truly interesting, but most of them kick the bucket just as easily as they appear. Some, however, stand out from the crow, proud and tall, like Optibike – a brand established two decades ago that inspired the world’s biggest two-wheeler companies.
Optibike showcases their newest masterpiece, the R15C Carbon Fiber Limited Edition electric bike, a machine that’s just as stunning as it is expensive. And if you wonder why we mention the price first… how does $13,900 sound to your ears? Now that we got your full attention, let’s forget about this figure and delve deeper into this beauty.
For starters, Optibike upgraded their energy pack by a hefty 38%, now carrying 1.5kWh in a Li-Ion 52V, 29 Ah battery that can be easily swapped for even more fun. The juice is enough to carry a rider for 75 miles (120 km), provided that the speed is kept under 20 mph (32 km/h).
The motor-only top speed of the Optibike R15C Carbon Fiber Limited Edition is 28 mph (45 km/h), but this bike can travel even faster. That is because the motor is mid-mounted, and the rider can pedal to add some extra mph. The mid-drive system is rated 1.5 kW, but its peak power is 2.5 kW, which translates to 3.3 HP. Add in a sweet 192 Nm torque and things start to look almost dangerous. Or appealing, for the extreme off-road lovers out there.
The R15C isn’t exactly feather light compared to bicycles, as it tips the scales at 68 lbs (30.8 kg). However, by the electric motorcycle standards towards which it leans, this machine looks like a very interesting option. The frame, swingarm and battery compartment are all made from carbon fiber, making this bike bulletproof, too.
Add in 160mm of travel for the Fox suspensions and disc brakes for both front and rear (Fox Float DPX2 shock with EVOL), multiple power modes and no-nonsense 25.5” rims, all created to withstand the rigors of hard riding on unwelcoming terrain.
As you might have already guessed, the Optibike R15C Carbon Fiber Limited Edition is not exactly your daily commuter, not with these specs, not with this price. Its engineers aimed at developing the ultimate motocross e-bike, and by our standards, it looks like they succeeded. What’s your stand?
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