Much like the auto market saw the rise of the supercar, the electric bicycle market is seeing the rise of the super e-bike. The super e-bike is far removed from the average electric bicycle and is essentially a motorcycle hiding inside a lighter, simpler bicycle body. The new Trefecta DRT bike doesn't even hide it that well as its military-spec aluminum frame is as much motorcycle as bicycle. That's okay, because this folding super e-bike aims to \"create the game, not change it.\" <\/p>\n
When the designer of the world's most powerful electric supercar got involved in the electric bike game with the Greyp G-12, it was very clear that the electric bicycle was destined to be more than just a pedal-assist commuter shuttling urban-dwelling industrial designers and tech consultants to and from the office each day. <\/p>\n
To be fair, the movement started years before that, but having a player like Mate Rimac, whose battery technology can also be seen in the world's most advanced hybrid supercar, in the game definitely helped strengthen the segment. With zero-pedal, full-throttle modes, and speeds exceeding 40 mph (64 km\/h), these bikes are in a category all their own. On the road, they're not quite electric bicycles and not quite motorcycles, and on the trail, they're not quite mountain bikes, not quite dirt bikes. <\/p>\n
So Trefecta Mobility, which describes itself as a \"an international team of Dutch, German and Swiss engineers,\" doesn't really create the game or a new category of vehicle. It just plays the game for a more affluent audience with a really nice piece of high-tech, fast-but-rugged equipment. <\/p>\n
The 20-in Trefecta DRT frame is crafted from 7075 aluminum, which takes the form of aluminum blocks instead of familiar tubing. The beefy design, which was developed with military specifications in mind, is meant to ensure that the fast, powerful bike holds up to any angry elements thrown at it. The frame also protects the internal cables and components. For the wheels, Trefecta capitalizes on the weight and strength advantages of carbon fiber, using a six-spoke, 26-in design. <\/p>\n
In terms of its electric drive, the DRT packs a 4-kW motor, a 14-speed Rohlof Speedhub and a SmeshGear transmission. At low speeds, motor output is managed by a pedelec system aimed at maintaining an ideal blend of pedal assistance and battery usage. You won't necessarily want to be pedaling when gunning for the top speed of 43.5 mph (70 km\/h), so there's also a right-handlebar throttle for cranking up motor power alone. The motor can send up to 184 lb-ft (250 Nm) of torque to the rear wheel. <\/p>\n
The rider controls ride mode and other settings by way of the Trefecta-designed CAN-bus fly-by-wire computer mounted at the center of the handlebars. They can also use the computer to choose between automatic gear shifting and electronic gear selection and to control the settings of both the suspension fork and the rear shock. The computer also delivers the usual trip functions, showing speed, battery life, distance and other important data. <\/p>\n
The computer system includes Wi-Fi and Bluetooth for connecting with the accompanying Trefecta iOS app, as well as using other iPhone navigation and fitness apps. A built-in waterproof dock in the upper frame provides a convenient, visible place for mounting one's iPhone. <\/p>\n
In terms of battery power, the Trefecta is powered by a 60-volt lithium-ion unit stored inside a lockable compartment in the upper front the frame. Trefecta estimates the battery can provide enough juice for up to 62 miles (100 km) of range without any pedaling. And since price will be of no object to DRT buyers, there's no reason they shouldn't buy extra batteries and take advantage of the quick-swapping system. The battery charges in about three hours when plugged in, and a regenerative braking system adds some charging on the move. <\/p>\n
Other DRT components include a big upside-down fork with up to 180 mm (7 in) of travel, a dropper seat post with up to 125 mm (4.9 in) of travel, Ergon grips and saddle, Schwalbe mountain bike tires and Hope disc brakes. The rear shock offers up to 200 mm (7.8 in) of travel. <\/p>\n
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Trefecta DRT: The $25K high-tech, military-grade electric super bike<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Much like the auto market saw the rise of the supercar, the electric bicycle market is seeing the rise of the super e-bike. The super e-bike is far removed from the average electric bicycle and is essentially a motorcycle hiding inside a lighter, simpler bicycle body. The new Trefecta DRT bike doesn't even hide it that well as its military-spec aluminum frame is as much motorcycle as bicycle. Continue reading