Christini has announced a new range of eMTBS to their collection of two-wheel drive bicycles.
The brand is no stranger to producing AWD bikes, with almost two decades to correct the formula, and with experience in making motorcycles it was only a matter of time before they created their own eMTB.
Christini's take on the eMTB features several fat bikes, but there is also a 27.5" hardtail in the mix. All bikes in the range are powered by a Bafang motor system putting out a claimed 1,000W or 1,500W. This can class these bikes as motorcycles in some countries, meaning that they do not carry the same access rights as a normal mountain bike or eMTB.
| It is well known what all wheel drive does for a sport utility vehicle — just imagine what AWD can do for a mountain bike. Think traction control for your rear wheel!
With increased traction, available at the flip of a switch you can conquer conditions that you thought were unridable. AWD provides greater control over wet roots and slippery rocks. You can power up steeper, sketchier hills and you’ll stick like glue to side slopes. The rear wheel simply will not slip without transferring some of the power to front wheel. In return, when the front wheel grabs, it prevents the rear wheel from “overspinning” thus allowing it to regain traction – AWD Traction Control
The AWD system is so efficient, it is hard to tell whether it is working… until you need it.
With the front drive disengaged, the Christini AWD handles and feels just like any dialed-in full suspension mountain bike. Engage the AWD system and you’ll feel increased control, stability and traction on slippery or loose surfaces.
AWD works whether you’re pedaling or coasting. You will be able to descend with confidence and corner more aggressively due to increased front wheel grip.— Christini |
The AWD 27.5 Plus Hardtail Ultra Mid Drive may not have a catchy name but it is the more standard eMTB offering in the range.
To explain quite how Christini has created their AWD system watch this video from Steve Christini which reveals the inner workings of their AWD bikes.
The range of eMTBs are available direct from Christini and they start at a cost of $4,795. You can find out more
here.
Time has passed and I`ve not seen a single 2WD MX so far, for many ``good``reasons probably.
``So``?...
I see this bike as more of a utility vehicle than a mountain bike. Maybe for trailwork with a trailer full of tools/materials or something it would be perfect for.
I should mention that it was near impossible to get the front end to wash out if the AWD was engaged. As soon as the front end started pushing, the front wheel would get driven by the rear. A unique experience.
youtu.be/_W0kk5wTgpA
How does a hardtail ebike feel like a dialed in full suspension bike?
We all know how bad understeer is on a bike (or a motorcycle). This 'AWD' system promotes understeer.
AWD is nice and dandy in low grip situations, adaptive 4-wheel drive systems drag boatloads of performance from cars, but classical ("symmetrical") AWD has a distinct tendency to understeer. Drive a Subaru if you don't believe me.
Or....an e-pogo stick or an e-space hopper?
The like of Bosch are coining it in.
Wife and I were out on a ride the other day. Were overtaken, twice, by a group of e-bike riders just RIPPING through the trails, where, incidentally, they are not legally allowed to ride. Not hill climbing, just average single track. We heard them because they were chatting so loud (likely because they weren't out of breath), so we pulled aside. But if they were quiet they likely would have run into one of us.
I still think that, except in medical cases like the gentleman I saw a month or so riding one with an oxygen feed going to his nostrils, that they are for lazy f*cks who don't want to break a sweat and think mountain biking is 'too hard.' Oh, and for pros who get paid to ride them.