It’s not just the big brands that are embracing e-bikes. British hand-built manufacturer Sven Cycles has announced the launch of its first electric bike, the Swift. The bike uses a specially-designed Reynolds 631 frameset and incorporates a Shimano STEPS city motor.
> See this bike at our Bike Live demo event in Bath!
“The Swift has been an evolving idea for a long time”, says Darron Coppin, founder of Sven Cycles. “I wanted to build an e-bike with classic lines, incorporating the latest technology, ensuring that it’s robust, balanced and fun to ride. I feel e-bikes are the future of personal transport.”
“I have been riding a Sven Cycles Swift prototype for some time now as my daily run about”, he added. “It’s perfect for the daily commute with my two dogs Woody and Snoop. I get some fresh air and exercise and don’t arrive at work needing a shower. I still love a good bike ride but I see the e-bike as a great alternative to using public transport or the car for most trips.”
The bike will be available as either a standard diamond or a lower step-through mixte frame, and it’s very much an amalgamation of old and new. The Reynolds steel tubing is mated with Shimano’s excellent E6000 series motor, and the bike uses a Gates Carbon belt drive and a Shimano Alfine hub gear with electronic Di2 shifting. The Shimano STEPS system allows the hub to be controlled automatically, shifting into a higher or lower gear depending on the terrain, so you never need to worry about what gear you're in.
The bike uses 650b wheels instead of the larger 700c standard, and this gives space for nice big tyres to soften the ride over broken city roads. E-bike rated Schwalbe 650Bx2.00 tyres have been specced for their great puncture resistance, high efficiency rolling and grip.
Sven Cycles will be offering the Swift as a semi-custom build, which means that you’ll be able to tweak the componentry to suit your riding. The Swift is compatible with a selection of accessories that can be added to the bike upon request: A wicker basket, a Porteur rack and panniers can provide plenty of carrying capacity. An optional USB charger will keep your smartphone charged. The rear rack on the low step through bike is designed for the quick release Thule Yepp Maxi child seat, with optimum shock absorption ensuring extra comfort for little ones.
The £3,250 price is for the base bike with a 400Wh battery, giving a claimed range of 63 miles. Other options, such as the accessories listed above, or a bigger 500Wh battery (upping the claimed range to 90 miles), will cost you more. Of course.
See the Swift at Bike Live Bath!
Interested in this bike? Sven Cycles will be at our Bike Live demo event on Sunday 18 February. You’ll be able to try out a big range or e-bikes, as well as road and mountain bikes, all at one great event. Tickets cost £15 and are available over on the Bike Live website. Book your place today!
