While we're starting to see more and more e-road bikes that can't easily be told apart from their non-assisted counterparts, most hybrids and commuter e-bikes tend to still look like... well, e-bikes! But the same can't be said of these Indiegogo-funded beauties from Capri, that look almost completely indistinguishable from a classic commuter from way back when.
Cannondale launch the SuperSix Evo Neo
Are electric bikes cheating?
The lines of the steel frames on the Capri Metz (above) and the Azur are completely uninterrupted thanks to a rear hub motor, and the battery that looks exactly like a vintage silver bidon - you could probably turn up for an Eroica on one of these and most folks would be none the wiser! There is a charge port underneath what looks like the bottle cap, and the battery provides up to 40km of range while weighing just 1.16kg.
The bikes are designed in Spain and made in Italy and Portugal, with Capri saying: "Our aim is to bring down the manufacturing carbon footprint of each bicycle, and also help to maintain a legendary European industry that has been hit hard by off-shoring to Asian countries."
The rear hub motor provides 250 watts of power with a 25km/h limit and five levels of assistance, and you get a quality 7 speed Shimano drivetrain. On the Metz+ and Azur you also get a super classy Brooks saddle and Weinnman wheels to top off the classic look, and there are up to four colours to choose from that are inspired by metallic colours of the classic Ford Capri car. The claimed weight of both bike models is just 16kg.
Capri's Indiegogo campaign to get the bikes into production was hugely successful, raising over £135,000 and over 300% of their original goal. The Metz can be pre-ordered for £938, while the Metz + and the Azur are both £1,092, discounts of 41% off the eventual RRP. Capri say the bikes bought through Indiegogo will start shipping in April 2020 - you can check them out here.
