In case anyone hasn't realised this yet, I love to design electric bikes. It's great to be able to have the opportunity to use components which no other manufacturer uses in that particular combination and, of course, in the entire process you have the chance of creating something which is genuinely unique.
Occasionally, I'm pleased to say, you create something which is better than what you thought that it might be. Something which, as a whole entity, is better than the sum of its components. Ladies and Gentlemen, I present you with the "Aurora"!
I'm also pleased to say that the Aurora does not conform to UK or European regulations for electric bicycles as it is capable of more than the standard 15mph maximum speed. Rather it is designed to provide our customers with an off-road only capability with particular emphasis on hill climbing ability.
It uses the superb Suzhou Bafang BPM motor allied to a Suzhou Bafang 18A controller and Suzhou Bafang electronic throttle. I'm emphasising the SB name here because this is a special matched set which is unique to this bike and is in my opinion, without a doubt, the best set of control components on the market and the best set we've ever used.
The motor is in the back wheel because a front wheel mounting wouldn't take the torque and it also gave me an opportunity to build a bike with all round disk brakes. Speed will, dependent upon the usual rider, terrain, road conditions etc. be in the region of 20mph or even higher but it's all about the torque available to you. This thing goes up hills and, once again in my opinion, this is more important to a lot of people than the ability to do 30mph unassisted!
However, don't get me wrong - that torque also means that this bike is quick off the mark and, using throttle only, is probably the best accelerating bike we have. Jim's pronouncement on it was "It's a beast!" and he's right!
With this performance, the Aurora is therefore illegal to use on UK or European roads and MUST only be used off road. Due to the illegality of the bike, AlienOcean will not take any responsibility for any incident whatsoever related to anyone using the Aurora in either on-road or off-road conditions.
However, it doesn't look too illegal does it? In fact, with the FREE PANNIER SET included with the bike you'd be hard pushed to see that it was an electric bike at all. Is this a deliberate strategy so our customers don't look as if they're riding an ebike and might also get away with it being illegal? Of course not and I could never condone such actions! This bike IS illegal!
Ok - now that we've got that out of the way, of course the Aurora has also got the AlienOcean "PowerMode" Display. Not only does this system allow you to switch off the power altogether from the handlebar mounted control, it also enables you to have power on low, medium or high!
So, let's say that you are a bit unfit like me and want to use the bike to get you back into cycling without having a heart attack on a hill - simply use the bike on full power to start. Once you get a bit fitter, reduce the power to medium and eventually low or no power at all.
On the other hand, say that you want to increase range and you're perfectly happy cycling along the flats, simply switch the system off by pressing the button. You'll use no power at all and range will increase significantly.
Not only that but the Aurora has a handlebar mounted switch allowing you to either have Pedal Assist only OR Throttle only. In other words, you choose the type of system to suit your riding style. With the Aurora and, unlike the vast majority of other electric bikes on the market, YOU have complete control.
One thing is that the Aurora is BIG. This is deliberate as I wanted a bike which was different from almost every other medium framed electric bike on the market - the Aurora is designed to suit tall customers! Height range from 5'9" to 6'10" or thereabouts. However, the bike arrives with a sprung saddle which could easily be changed to a non-sprung, standard, seat post - available from most bike shops.
In summary, the Aurora is, without a doubt, the best bike I've ever designed and I really think that you will be delighted with it. It looks like a standard bike, has the best control system I've ever put together, goes like hell, the frame is superb and the overall finish is excellent.. It's just a really, really good bike at a brilliant price.... Kind regards and thanks for looking, Bob
SPECIFICATION
- Front fork: Double crown, suspension
- Handlebar & Stem: Alloy, Adjustable for both Height and Reach
- Rims: Alloy black, silver side edge
- Wheel size: 26 inch
- Frame: Alloy
- Derailleur: 21 Speed Shimano Tourney
- Brakes: Front & Rear Disc Brake
- Motor: Brushless Suzhou Bafang "BPM" Hill Climbing 350W (rear mounted)
- AlienOcean "PowerMode" System
- Battery: 36V/10AH Lithium Ion (Lockable and Removable)
- Charger: UK CE Li-Ion
- Charging time: 4-6 hours
- Mileage: 10-30 Miles (Rider & Terrain dependent)
- Speed: 20+ mph (US Spec Controller)
- Colour: Matt Silver Alien livery
- Water Bottle
- Saddle Bags (Pannier Set with hi-vis yellow stripes)
- Front and Rear Lights (powered from battery)
- Weight: 26.5 Kg incl. Battery
- Frame Size: 21" (measured from centre of crank to top of seat tube)
- Seat height: Highest 44", Lowest 40"
