Stromer ST5 vs Optibike R8C

Use

The Stromer ST5 is built mainly for street use. It does not have suspension, so riding off road would be a rough ride. The Optibike R8C can be used both off road and on road, as it has long travel suspension both front and rear.

Frame

The Stromer frame is aluminum. The R8C frame and swingarm are carbon fiber.

Fenders

The ST5 comes with aluminum fenders. Fenders are an option on the R8C.

Weight

The ST5 weighs 66.5 lbs and the R8C weighs 68 lbs. The R8C is only 1.5 lbs more even though the it has full front and rear suspension capable of going on very rough terrain.

Motor

The Stromer ST5 uses a rear hub motor with 650 watts of power. The Optibike R8C uses Optibikes patented motorized bottom bracket with 750 watts of output power.

The ST5 has 48 Nm of torque at the rear wheel. The R8C has 160 Nm of torque at the motor. And since the Optibike is a mid drive, the torque changes as it goes through the gears in the rear hub, giving it 208 Nm of torque at the rear wheel in 1st gear. The ST5 torque is fixed as it’s a hub motor design.

More torque lets you accelerate faster, and climb steeper hills, while also making it easier to start on an incline from a stop.

Both the ST5 and R8C have a top speed of 28 mph, as both are limited by US E-Bike classifications to 28 mph.

Gearing

The ST5 uses a Shimano Alfine XTR Di2 11 speed rear derailleur system with an 11-42 gear for a 380% gear ratio change. The Optibike R8C uses a German Made Rohloff internal geared hub with 14 gears and a 520% gear ratio change.

Battery

The ST5 has a 48V 983Wh lithium-ion battery housed in the frame. The R8C has a 37V 1550Wh lithium-ion battery housed in a carbon fiber case that is integral to the frame.

Range

The Stromer ST5 has an advertised range of 60-180 km (37-111 miles).

The Optibike R8C has a tested range of 100-180 miles with a 170lb rider averaging about 15 mph.

Front Suspension

The ST5 does not have front suspension and has a rigid aluminum fork. The R8C has a Fox 36mm fork with 160mm travel.

Rear Suspension

The ST5 does not have rear suspension. The R8C has a rear swingarm with a progressive linkage system and 200mm of travel.

The retail price of the Stromer ST5 is $9,999, or $11,098 if you add a suspension front fork. The Optibike R8C is $9,995.

The ST5 is made in overseas factory and customization is not available except for a front fork option.

The Optibike R8C is hand assembled in Colorado and each bike is customized for the individual rider with different seat, handlebar and tire options.  There are also fender options available. The R8C can be upgraded with higher end forks, wheels and has the option of a dropper seat post.