“The Optibike 850R is designed to be a car replacement.  Cars are easy to use for people who do not know anything about them, and the Optibike 850R is easy to use for bike riders of all technical and physical abilities,” said Optibike Designer and CEO Jim Turner.  “The 850R is a real transportation option that includes all the benefits of cycling while overcoming many obstacles that keep people from riding more.”

 The 850R is equipped with MBB Speed Drive Technology which includes a motor mounted inside the bottom bracket so the rider can pedal in tandem with the help of the motor assist.  A 14 speed Rohloff rear hub replaces the derailleur reducing maintenance to a once a year oil change.  The 850R uses a lithium ion battery and has a top speed with pedaling of 30 mph and a range of 50 miles.

 All Optibike models, including the 850R are manufactured in Boulder, CO USA.

 Optibike is the world leader in award winning high performance electric bikes, and currently offers electric bikes specifically for commuters, performance enthusiasts, and off road junkies.  In business since 1998, Optibike has been featured on ESPN, CNN, The Today Show, National Geographic Adventurer, and in The NY Times.  To learn more, visit https://optibike.com

 Contact:

 Craig Taber

Marketing Director

Optibike LLC

Boulder CO USA

https://optibike.com

303.443.0932

craig@optibike.com

In a ground vehicle with a suspension, the unsprung weight (or, more properly, the unsprung mass) is the mass of the suspension, wheels or tracks (as applicable), and other components directly connected to them, rather than supported by the suspension. (The mass of the body and other components supported by the suspension is thesprung mass.) Unsprung weight includes the mass of components such as the wheel axles, wheel bearings, tires, and a portion of the weight of driveshafts, springs, shock absorbers, and suspension links. If the vehicle’s brakes are mounted outboard (i.e., within the wheel), their weight is also part of the unsprung weight.

[edit]Effects of Unsprung Weight

The sprung weight of a wheel controls: a trade-off between a wheel’s bump-following ability and its vibration isolation. Bumps and surface imperfections in the road cause tire compression–which induces a force on the unsprung weight. In time, the unsprung weight then responds to this force with movement of its own. The amount of movement is inversely proportional to the weight – a lighter wheel which readily moves in response to road bumps will have more grip when tracking over an imperfect road. For this reason, lighter wheels are often sought for high-performance applications. In contrast, a heavier wheel which moves less will not absorb as much vibration; the irregularities of the road surface will transfer to the cabin through the geometry of the suspension and hence ride quality is deteriorated.

Pneumatic or elastic tires help by providing some springing for most of the (otherwise) unsprung mass, but the damping that can be included in the tires is limited by considerations of fuel economy and overheating. The shock absorbers, if any, damp the spring motion also and must be less stiff than would optimally damp the wheel bounce. So the wheels execute some vibrations after each bump before coming to rest. On dirt roads and perhaps on some softly paved roads, these motions form small bumps, known as corrugations, washboarding or “corduroy” because they resemble smaller versions of the bumps in roads made of logs. These cause sustained wheel bounce in subsequent vehicles, enlarging the bumps.

High unsprung weight also exacerbates wheel control under hard acceleration or braking. If the vehicle does not have adequate wheel location in the vertical plane (such as a rear-wheel drive car with Hotchkiss drive, a live axle supported by simple leaf springs), vertical forces exerted by acceleration or hard braking combined with high unsprung mass can lead to severe wheel hop, compromising traction and steering control.

Though this is usually not considered important, at least in the popular literature, there is a positive effect. High frequency road irregularities, such as the gravel in an asphalt or concrete road surface, are isolated from the body more completely because the tires and springs act as separate filter stages, with the unsprung weight tending to uncouple them. This can improve overall safety.

[edit]Unsprung Weight and Vehicle Design

Unsprung weight is largely a function of the design of a vehicle’s suspension and the materials used in the construction of suspension components. Beam axle suspensions, in which wheels on opposite sides are connected as a rigid unit, generally have greater unsprung weight than independent suspension systems, in which the wheels are suspended and allowed to move separately. Heavy components such as the differential can be made part of the sprung weight by connecting them directly to the body (as in a de Dion tube rear suspension). Lightweight materials, such as aluminum, plastic, carbon fiber, and/or hollow components can provide further weight reductions at the expense of greater cost and/or fragility.

Inboard brakes can significantly reduce unsprung weight, but put more load on half axles and (constant velocity) universal joints, and require space that may not be easily accommodated. If located next to a differential or transaxle, waste heat from the brakes may overheat the differential or vice versa, particularly in hard use, such as motor racing.

Scooter-type motorcycles use an integrated engine-gearbox-final drive system that pivots as part of the rear suspension and hence is partly unsprung. This arrangement is linked to the use of quite small wheels, further impacting the reputation for road-holding.

Balance and Performance based design

Award winning electric bike designer and former National Motocross champion Jim Turner designed the patented Optibike monocoque frame from scratch to include 4 key elements:balance, style, performance, and safety.

Balance

The Optibike frame houses the battery inside and keeps the weight of the battery low and centered on the bike.A low center of gravity makes the Optibike is the best handling electric bike in the world.

Style

The aluminum monocoque frame houses all of the electronics inside to protect them from the elements, impact, and your eyes. The Optibike is waterproof. WARNING: The clean lines on the Optibike will have people stopping you on the street to ask about it.

Performance

The Optibike frame is made entirely in the USA from aircraft grade 60/61 aluminum. Each frame is welded by hand by the most accurate welders in the country and heat treated to ensure maximum strength. Just before the frames are shipped to Optibike, critical points such as the swingarm pivot, head tube cups, and shock mounts are re-machined to ensure dead on accuracy.

Safety

Each frame is inspected for defects at the time of manufacture, once again just before shipment to Optibike and then 2 more times after they arrive in Colorado. We warranty the Optibike frame for life from manufacturing defects. The warranty does not cover paint or shipping costs.

The Optibike 850Xli is the invention of award winning electric bike designer Jim Turner who claims his latest bike is the worlds fastest production electric bicycle, “I designed the 850Xli to fit the needs of the American market- it is very fast, made with the highest quality racing components, and is powered by the largest, lightest, and most powerful battery offered in an electric bike- the 850Xli is the ultimate electric bike for the serious commuter or backcountry enthusiast.”

So far, Mr. Turners assessment of the market has proved right on- sales of his $9995.00 Optibike 850Xli have driven unit sales volume of his company up 44% so far in 2009. This, after a solid 230% volume increase in 2008.

“This year we have seen a dramatic shift in the demographics of our customers. Electric bikes are no longer only a niche market for enthusiasts- we sell Optibikes to people ranging from 22 to 80 years old, the biggest thing our customers have in common is the desire to have fun and get out and enjoy life,” says Optibike Marketing Director Craig Weakley.

One Optibike customer, Arnie Singal, sums up his experience: “With the Optibike, I can now do in my 70’s as much or more as I could do in my mid 30’s.”

Optibike LLC is a privately held Colorado based manufacturer of High Performance Electric Bikes that has been in business since 1997. Optibike proudly sources more than 95% of their custom made parts in the United States and distributes Worldwide. For more information visit:  https://optibike.com

For more information:

Craig Weakley

Marketing Director

Optibike LLC

Craig at Optibike.com

303.443.0932 x201

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“The specs indicate there are two “riding modes” = Fast and Economy.  When clicked into either of these, is the motor outputing a ‘constant’ speed or is the throttle dynamic like a motorcycle would be?  (i.e. the more you throttle, the more you go – up to the motor’s max).  I’m trying to understand the exact mechanics of throttling.  The videos make it seems like the motor is driving the Bottom Bracket at one speed -which you then can ‘add onto’ via your pedaling.  (which also raises the question; if you’re trying to stop, can you throttle down the motor while braking or how does that work?)
> Thanks in advance for the info!
> -Jim“

Jim- Thanks for your question.  You are correct (on several fronts), all Optibike models have 2 riding modes, Fast and Economy- these modes govern the upper limit on output power with the throttle  continuously variable within that range.  For example: The Optibike 850XLi has an upper limit in fast mode of 850 watts of power, but you are welcome to use as much of that as you would like by depressing the throttle, just like a motorcycle throttle or your car’s gas pedal for that matter.  The economy mode in all Optibikes is the same, set at ~300w of output power with the throttle fully depressed.  This “economy mode” has more power than most other electric bikes peak power and with the Optibike’s 20ah Lithium ion battery you can ride for over 2.25 hours in economy mode with the throttle fully depressed. No other electric bike has this kind of range, guaranteed.

The throttle on the Optibike is exactly like a throttle on a motorcycle, in that by pressing it (or twisting it) you control the power output to the motor.  The throttle does not automatically cut off when you squeeze the brake. When stopping, simply let off the throttle and hit the brakes.  All Optibikes with the exception of the USV come with hydraulic disk brakes for your safety and equal performance in wet or dry conditions.

When you pedal the Optibike at a cadence of 85-90, your pedaling efforts are in perfect harmony with the motors’ speed (at full throttle) so you can still get plenty of good exercise while you are zipping along at 25+ mph.

The Optibike’s patented MBB (motorized bottom bracket) is the only electric bike drive system that works in perfect harmony with the rider by seemlessly integrating the motors power with human power- this makes for the only true Human Electric Hybrid™.

According to the Earth Day Network’s web site, it took us (collectively as a human race) about 125 years to use our first trillion barrels of oil. We’re going to use up the next trillion barrels in only 30 years.

It stands to reason our increased oil usage has an impact on our environment, our health and our lives.

So this year as we celebrate Earth Day let’s remember there are simple yet effective steps we can take to help preserve our world. Here are 5 things you can do right now to honor Earth Day this year.

1.) Replace your light bulbs with energy star bulbs. This simple step can reduce your carbon footprint by 450 pounds per year. And all you need to do is by energy efficient light bulbs and use them! There’s more information here at the official Energy Star web site: https://www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?c=lighting.pr_lighting

2.) Plant a tree. Trees are Mother Nature’s all-in-one air conditioner and heater. It’s estimated that three properly-planted trees can reduce energy bills by as much as 30% – that’s both heating and cooling. Help out by planting a tree this year on Earth Day.

You can plant one in your yard or donate one to someone. If neither of those options work for you then consider donating a tree to one of our national parks. Find more at the Arbor Day Foundation’s web site: https://www.arborday.org/trees/

3.) Celebrate Earth Day locally. There are lots of events being held on Earth Day so find one and join in!

Whether you’re a student on campus, live in the suburbs or are an urban dweller you’ll find various events going on in your area. Pitch in, lend a hand and promote saving our Earth. Go to Earth Day’s web site to find what’s happening in your town: https://earthday.net/

4.) Buy local, organic food. By some estimates our US-grown produce travels up to 1500 miles before it reaches our neighborhood supermarket. When you calculate one gallon of gas creates 20 pounds of carbon dioxide you can see how much damage produce can do – and that’s for US-grown food.

Buying organic saves the Earth because you aren’t adding harmful chemicals into our eco-system (not to mention they aren’t going into your body).

Check out Local Harvest’s web site for more information: https://www.localharvest.org/buylocal.jsp

5.) Ride an Optibike. According to the Earth Day web site, by the year 2030 the world will consume 47% more oil than it did in 2003.

And almost all of us contribute to that statistic – especially if we drive a car.

So choosing to ride the electric bicycle Optibike versus driving a car means you aren’t using oil to run the bike and you aren’t polluting the air when you do.

In fact your carbon footprint from riding an Optibike is very small – Optibike gets the equivalent of 2,000 miles per gallon. No hybrid can offer you that kind of gas mileage!

Start with these and you’re bound to find many more ways you can go green this year for Earth Day – and every day after that.

1)  Lightweight.  The Optibike Helia is specifically designed to be as light as possible.

• Air filled suspension. The front and rear suspension are filled with air, not heavy oil giving Optibike riding ladies all the comfort and performance of full suspension without the weight.
• Carbon Fiber handlebars. These handlebars are not only stylish, but also featherlight and ready to absorb any vibration that makes it up from the road and threatens to make your hands go numb on long rides.  Carbon bars are both light, and vibration absorbent.
• Lithium ion battery. Lithium Cobalt batteries have the most energy for the weight.  This is commonly referred to as “energy density” and with an electric bicycle, having as little weight as possible is essential to what we like to call your “enjoyment factor.”

2)  Designed to fit, perfectly.

• The Optibike Helia, like all other Optibikes is built to order and built to fit your body.  We will have to break from tradition and ask you your weight (gasp!!), also your height, length of your arms, inseam length, and how you like to sit on the bike (more upright, or bent over.)  The Optibike is the only electric bike that offers free custom fitting and guarantees the results.
• Womens Handlebars are more narrow than mens bars.  This is because womens torso lengths tend to be shorter, so the narrower bars keep you from feeling like you are too overextended.
• Womens seat.  Do not let anyone tell you a womens seat is the same as a mans.  There are some logistics associated with bike seats in order to make sure whover is sitting on it can still feel what they are sitting on after 20 minutes.

3)  Solid.  Safe.  Reliable.

• The Optibike Helia has the same hydraulic disk brakes that professional riders use.  Pro’s use them because they work equally well when they are wet, muddy, hot, cold, etc.  You will feel the difference and have confidence that your hydraulic disk brakes will work perfectly, everytime.
• The lithium battery is covered by a 3 year/30,000 mile warranty- the longest warranty offered for an electric bike battery.  The frame is warrantied for life, and the rest of the bike warrantied for a full year.
• The Optibike Helia uses all standard high end bicycle parts so service is easy, when maintenance time comes due.  The oil cooled motor is sealed so you do not have to do anything to maintain it.

4)  The fun stuff.

• Your choice of 4 colors.  Red, blue, silver, and of course Pink with a custom painted flower pattern.
• Breast Cancer awareness black leather seat.  A portion of your purchase goes toward finding a cure.

Jim Turner designed the Optibike to work as real transportation for people.  He wanted to overcome the limitations found in other electric bikes such as limited range (often caused by small batteries), limited speed, limited hill climbing ability, poor styling, and poor handling becuase of poor design.  The Optibike was designed to be different- to actually work for people who want to ride 20, 30, 50 miles through varying terrain in sometimes inclement weather.  In other words, Optibikes are designed for the real world.

Each part of the Optibike is the best that is available, from reputable manucaturers that are trusted suppliers to the cycling community.  Fox Suspension systems are used by more professional mountain bikers than any other brand.  Optibike does not just use the best equipment to raise the price, we use the best components because our riders demand it.  Optibike riders are not the type of people who compromise performance, and they demand the most from their equipment.  If you want to talk to a group of truly amazing riders who are pushing the limits of their bikes almost daily, check out the Optibike Owners Group here:

https://groups.google.com/group/optibike-owners-group

So the answer to the question, in short, is: If you want a cheaper electric bike- there are plenty out there.   You will not find them at Optibike,     Someone had to take the lead and build a real bike for people that demand the best- and for those people there is Optibike.

Did you know that over 25% of Optibike riders have owned other electric bikes before they purchased an Optibike?  If you currently own another electric bike and you are not happy with the range, power, quality, or styling- you are not alone.  For you, we have a $500 trade in credit that you can use towards the purchase of any new Optibike- give us a call at 303.443.0932 x202.