The Buzzraw X from Coast Cycles has been dubbed “The Unconventional Commuter” and the extrovert of extroverts”; and you only need to look at that long seat, the fat bike tyres and full suspension to see why this is an e-bike that certainly stands out from the crowd.
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First announced back in November at the Tapei Bike Show, the Buzzraw X now has an Indiego campaign and is offering 50 bikes at a special price to those who pre-order. It has a flat top tube with the seat built directly on top of it upon it, that Coast Cycles say should fit at least two, possibly three people on the bike at once.
There is a handlebar-mounted display that allows users to monitor their speed, battery, distance and other parameters. Riders can also select between multiple pedal assist modes. It is powered by a 48V lithium-ion battery which can be locked and removed from the bike and taken inside to charge when you're at home or at work.
There is 80mm of linear travel through DNM shocks at the front and rear, with the front fork featuring the BuzzWalker linkage design that keeps the effective trail of the frame constant. Instead of a traditional chain and derailleur system the bike uses a Gates Carbon Drive, which means no lube required and just a splash of water to clean the belt. As well as the lack of maintenance required, no chain means zero chain clatter giving a much quieter ride (apart from the motor, of course).
With a frame and fork made of chromoly it should be a bike that lasts – at least that’s what you would hope from a bike as robust looking as this. Along with the solid frame, the massive 4″ fat tyres, full suspension and the 750w motor option with the Buzzraw X750, this e-bike on roids should be able to tackle almost any urban furniture.
Two types of motors for the European and US markets are available due to the different restrictions on power. So that means 750w for US customers and 250w for EU customers; the latter still includes the UK for now, would you believe...
To start with Coast Cycles will be offering just 50 750w Buzzraw X bikes via Indiegogo at a discounted price, with a short lead time of just two months promised. It makes a change from most crowdfunders, where money for the product is raised via backers who are offered big discounts, and not enough or too much backer cash can lead to fulfilment issues. The sale of those 50 bikes will provide funding for the next stage of their campaign, where 250 watt versions for EU customers and custom build options will be offered. You can check out the campaign here.
Coastcycles will also have prototypes available to test in Paris and Amsterdam, with more details released soon. What do you think? The bike of the future, or Frankenstein’s monster? Let us know in the comments below!
