http://www.engadget.com/2008/12/02/optibikes-ob1-hybrid-electric-mountain-bike-yours-for-a-cool/ Engadget Comments for Optibike's OB1 hybrid electric mountain bike: yours for a cool $13,000 http://www.engadget.com/media/feedlogo.gif http://www.engadget.com en-us Copyright 2012 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/http://www.engadget.com/2008/12/02/optibikes-ob1-hybrid-electric-mountain-bike-yours-for-a-cool/http://www.engadget.com/2008/12/02/optibikes-ob1-hybrid-electric-mountain-bike-yours-for-a-cool/
Not in this economy.]]>Dec 2nd 2008 12:20AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/12/02/optibikes-ob1-hybrid-electric-mountain-bike-yours-for-a-cool/http://www.engadget.com/2008/12/02/optibikes-ob1-hybrid-electric-mountain-bike-yours-for-a-cool/Dec 2nd 2008 12:53AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/12/02/optibikes-ob1-hybrid-electric-mountain-bike-yours-for-a-cool/http://www.engadget.com/2008/12/02/optibikes-ob1-hybrid-electric-mountain-bike-yours-for-a-cool/Dec 3rd 2008 1:22AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/12/02/optibikes-ob1-hybrid-electric-mountain-bike-yours-for-a-cool/http://www.engadget.com/2008/12/02/optibikes-ob1-hybrid-electric-mountain-bike-yours-for-a-cool/Dec 2nd 2008 12:25AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/12/02/optibikes-ob1-hybrid-electric-mountain-bike-yours-for-a-cool/http://www.engadget.com/2008/12/02/optibikes-ob1-hybrid-electric-mountain-bike-yours-for-a-cool/Dec 2nd 2008 12:30AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/12/02/optibikes-ob1-hybrid-electric-mountain-bike-yours-for-a-cool/http://www.engadget.com/2008/12/02/optibikes-ob1-hybrid-electric-mountain-bike-yours-for-a-cool/Dec 2nd 2008 1:08AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/12/02/optibikes-ob1-hybrid-electric-mountain-bike-yours-for-a-cool/http://www.engadget.com/2008/12/02/optibikes-ob1-hybrid-electric-mountain-bike-yours-for-a-cool/Dec 2nd 2008 1:36AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/12/02/optibikes-ob1-hybrid-electric-mountain-bike-yours-for-a-cool/http://www.engadget.com/2008/12/02/optibikes-ob1-hybrid-electric-mountain-bike-yours-for-a-cool/Dec 2nd 2008 12:26AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/12/02/optibikes-ob1-hybrid-electric-mountain-bike-yours-for-a-cool/http://www.engadget.com/2008/12/02/optibikes-ob1-hybrid-electric-mountain-bike-yours-for-a-cool/Dec 2nd 2008 12:32AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/12/02/optibikes-ob1-hybrid-electric-mountain-bike-yours-for-a-cool/http://www.engadget.com/2008/12/02/optibikes-ob1-hybrid-electric-mountain-bike-yours-for-a-cool/Dec 2nd 2008 12:34AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/12/02/optibikes-ob1-hybrid-electric-mountain-bike-yours-for-a-cool/http://www.engadget.com/2008/12/02/optibikes-ob1-hybrid-electric-mountain-bike-yours-for-a-cool/Dec 2nd 2008 1:01AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/12/02/optibikes-ob1-hybrid-electric-mountain-bike-yours-for-a-cool/http://www.engadget.com/2008/12/02/optibikes-ob1-hybrid-electric-mountain-bike-yours-for-a-cool/Dec 2nd 2008 2:36AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/12/02/optibikes-ob1-hybrid-electric-mountain-bike-yours-for-a-cool/http://www.engadget.com/2008/12/02/optibikes-ob1-hybrid-electric-mountain-bike-yours-for-a-cool/
You mean your feet? Aka your body performance? Aka How out of shape you are that after the battery dies out (after two hours) you have to actually exert energy to keep moving?

Yea, I'll pay 5 figures for that. I can easily spend low 3 figures and rig up something that will actually benefit you in the long run.

Also, anyone notice that the 'integrated GPS' seems like just a normal portable GPS system? I'll use my Garmin Nuvi, thanks.

Aren't most electric scooters cheaper than this anyway? I think that it defeats the whole purpose of a bicycle.]]>Dec 2nd 2008 12:36AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/12/02/optibikes-ob1-hybrid-electric-mountain-bike-yours-for-a-cool/http://www.engadget.com/2008/12/02/optibikes-ob1-hybrid-electric-mountain-bike-yours-for-a-cool/Dec 2nd 2008 12:42AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/12/02/optibikes-ob1-hybrid-electric-mountain-bike-yours-for-a-cool/http://www.engadget.com/2008/12/02/optibikes-ob1-hybrid-electric-mountain-bike-yours-for-a-cool/like seriously how fat and sessile r we gettin in this country...]]>Dec 2nd 2008 12:46AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/12/02/optibikes-ob1-hybrid-electric-mountain-bike-yours-for-a-cool/http://www.engadget.com/2008/12/02/optibikes-ob1-hybrid-electric-mountain-bike-yours-for-a-cool/
If we're talking about societal ailments, let's discuss how people no longer find it necessary to make an effort to type coherently on the internet. I'm sure this post of full of errors, but damn, man, damn.

like seriously how lazy r we gettin in this country...]]>Dec 2nd 2008 1:11AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/12/02/optibikes-ob1-hybrid-electric-mountain-bike-yours-for-a-cool/http://www.engadget.com/2008/12/02/optibikes-ob1-hybrid-electric-mountain-bike-yours-for-a-cool/Dec 2nd 2008 12:53AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/12/02/optibikes-ob1-hybrid-electric-mountain-bike-yours-for-a-cool/http://www.engadget.com/2008/12/02/optibikes-ob1-hybrid-electric-mountain-bike-yours-for-a-cool/Dec 2nd 2008 12:55AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/12/02/optibikes-ob1-hybrid-electric-mountain-bike-yours-for-a-cool/http://www.engadget.com/2008/12/02/optibikes-ob1-hybrid-electric-mountain-bike-yours-for-a-cool/Dec 2nd 2008 1:07AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/12/02/optibikes-ob1-hybrid-electric-mountain-bike-yours-for-a-cool/http://www.engadget.com/2008/12/02/optibikes-ob1-hybrid-electric-mountain-bike-yours-for-a-cool/Dec 2nd 2008 2:29AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/12/02/optibikes-ob1-hybrid-electric-mountain-bike-yours-for-a-cool/http://www.engadget.com/2008/12/02/optibikes-ob1-hybrid-electric-mountain-bike-yours-for-a-cool/http://www.cycletrader.com/find/listing/photos/93999506/ the $8k bike]]>Dec 2nd 2008 2:37AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/12/02/optibikes-ob1-hybrid-electric-mountain-bike-yours-for-a-cool/http://www.engadget.com/2008/12/02/optibikes-ob1-hybrid-electric-mountain-bike-yours-for-a-cool/
http://www.zapworld.com/electric-vehicles/electric-bikes/zap-powerbike]]>Dec 2nd 2008 2:48AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/12/02/optibikes-ob1-hybrid-electric-mountain-bike-yours-for-a-cool/http://www.engadget.com/2008/12/02/optibikes-ob1-hybrid-electric-mountain-bike-yours-for-a-cool/
That being said, this thing is just silly. Sure some of the components are nice (like the above-mentioned fork) but the frame and wheels are painfully reminiscent of 1996. Bike tech has come a looooong way since then. And anyone who would spend thousands of dollars on a mountain bike (I'm guilty on multiple counts) would hate to have such a bulky, top-heavy, unbalanced bike that is going to get you laughed off any and every trail.

Electric bikes: great idea for commuting.
Electric mountain bikes: insulting to real mountain bikers.]]>Dec 2nd 2008 9:46AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/12/02/optibikes-ob1-hybrid-electric-mountain-bike-yours-for-a-cool/http://www.engadget.com/2008/12/02/optibikes-ob1-hybrid-electric-mountain-bike-yours-for-a-cool/
Before completely bashing an innovative product perhaps people should take a look at what's actually being accomplished here. No other bike on the market has the battery life, speed, not to mention actually look decent. EVERY other pedal assist bike looks like some socially challenged key punching cave dweller slapped pieces from their stripped down inkjet to their 87 huffy.

]]>Dec 2nd 2008 3:03AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/12/02/optibikes-ob1-hybrid-electric-mountain-bike-yours-for-a-cool/http://www.engadget.com/2008/12/02/optibikes-ob1-hybrid-electric-mountain-bike-yours-for-a-cool/Why not just stick a petrol engine on it, and be done with it?]]>Dec 2nd 2008 3:36AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/12/02/optibikes-ob1-hybrid-electric-mountain-bike-yours-for-a-cool/http://www.engadget.com/2008/12/02/optibikes-ob1-hybrid-electric-mountain-bike-yours-for-a-cool/
]]>Dec 2nd 2008 7:15AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/12/02/optibikes-ob1-hybrid-electric-mountain-bike-yours-for-a-cool/http://www.engadget.com/2008/12/02/optibikes-ob1-hybrid-electric-mountain-bike-yours-for-a-cool/http://www.users.bigpond.com/cool386/trek/trek.htm

How ugly this is]]>Dec 2nd 2008 3:58AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/12/02/optibikes-ob1-hybrid-electric-mountain-bike-yours-for-a-cool/http://www.engadget.com/2008/12/02/optibikes-ob1-hybrid-electric-mountain-bike-yours-for-a-cool/I saw the pic of the OB1 and the Y-bike was (obviously) the first thing that came to mind. Admit it though, in 1995, you wanted a Y-33, or the Gary Fisher with identical geometry.]]>Dec 2nd 2008 9:50AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/12/02/optibikes-ob1-hybrid-electric-mountain-bike-yours-for-a-cool/http://www.engadget.com/2008/12/02/optibikes-ob1-hybrid-electric-mountain-bike-yours-for-a-cool/
Come on, fat boy, PEDAL TO THE METAL...]]>Dec 2nd 2008 6:02AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/12/02/optibikes-ob1-hybrid-electric-mountain-bike-yours-for-a-cool/http://www.engadget.com/2008/12/02/optibikes-ob1-hybrid-electric-mountain-bike-yours-for-a-cool/
Consider buying four or five of them for each of the family?? thats $65k! I will buy TWO brand new Toyota Prius's and guess what, I can carry those 5 member of the family X 2!

Crazy, that thing is fugly to the core. i wonder how much it costs to replace the battery after it wears out.]]>Dec 2nd 2008 6:22AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/12/02/optibikes-ob1-hybrid-electric-mountain-bike-yours-for-a-cool/http://www.engadget.com/2008/12/02/optibikes-ob1-hybrid-electric-mountain-bike-yours-for-a-cool/
I forgot that you could ride you Prius on bike trails. The above statement applies to the Prius as well.]]>Dec 2nd 2008 5:22PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/12/02/optibikes-ob1-hybrid-electric-mountain-bike-yours-for-a-cool/http://www.engadget.com/2008/12/02/optibikes-ob1-hybrid-electric-mountain-bike-yours-for-a-cool/
This is the later...]]>Dec 2nd 2008 7:54AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/12/02/optibikes-ob1-hybrid-electric-mountain-bike-yours-for-a-cool/http://www.engadget.com/2008/12/02/optibikes-ob1-hybrid-electric-mountain-bike-yours-for-a-cool/Dec 2nd 2008 8:17AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/12/02/optibikes-ob1-hybrid-electric-mountain-bike-yours-for-a-cool/http://www.engadget.com/2008/12/02/optibikes-ob1-hybrid-electric-mountain-bike-yours-for-a-cool/Dec 2nd 2008 7:54AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/12/02/optibikes-ob1-hybrid-electric-mountain-bike-yours-for-a-cool/http://www.engadget.com/2008/12/02/optibikes-ob1-hybrid-electric-mountain-bike-yours-for-a-cool/Dec 2nd 2008 9:44AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/12/02/optibikes-ob1-hybrid-electric-mountain-bike-yours-for-a-cool/http://www.engadget.com/2008/12/02/optibikes-ob1-hybrid-electric-mountain-bike-yours-for-a-cool/
I don't really see a GSXR 750 qualifying as a mountain bike. However, if you want to take one up or down a step narrow dirt mountain trail by all means let me know how it works out for you.]]>Dec 2nd 2008 9:17AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/12/02/optibikes-ob1-hybrid-electric-mountain-bike-yours-for-a-cool/http://www.engadget.com/2008/12/02/optibikes-ob1-hybrid-electric-mountain-bike-yours-for-a-cool/Dec 2nd 2008 9:33AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/12/02/optibikes-ob1-hybrid-electric-mountain-bike-yours-for-a-cool/http://www.engadget.com/2008/12/02/optibikes-ob1-hybrid-electric-mountain-bike-yours-for-a-cool/Oh and by the way as an ex downhill competitor I know how to ride and would beat any of you downhill and uphill on any bike ........
]]>Dec 2nd 2008 11:45AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/12/02/optibikes-ob1-hybrid-electric-mountain-bike-yours-for-a-cool/http://www.engadget.com/2008/12/02/optibikes-ob1-hybrid-electric-mountain-bike-yours-for-a-cool/Dec 2nd 2008 12:06PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/12/02/optibikes-ob1-hybrid-electric-mountain-bike-yours-for-a-cool/http://www.engadget.com/2008/12/02/optibikes-ob1-hybrid-electric-mountain-bike-yours-for-a-cool/Dec 2nd 2008 5:23PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/12/02/optibikes-ob1-hybrid-electric-mountain-bike-yours-for-a-cool/http://www.engadget.com/2008/12/02/optibikes-ob1-hybrid-electric-mountain-bike-yours-for-a-cool/
Douche]]>Dec 2nd 2008 5:59PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/12/02/optibikes-ob1-hybrid-electric-mountain-bike-yours-for-a-cool/http://www.engadget.com/2008/12/02/optibikes-ob1-hybrid-electric-mountain-bike-yours-for-a-cool/Dec 2nd 2008 1:29PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/12/02/optibikes-ob1-hybrid-electric-mountain-bike-yours-for-a-cool/http://www.engadget.com/2008/12/02/optibikes-ob1-hybrid-electric-mountain-bike-yours-for-a-cool/
I have an Optibike 800Li, cost me $8.2k, that I got for commuting. From June 2 to Nov. 2 I logged over 3000 miles with 45 mile round trip commutes. I added aero bars and an extra throttle. Top speeds on flats are 32-33mph. This is a hill buster. My average speeds for the commutes were 24-26mph, including stops, traffic and weather. These are real numbers. Avid Juice carbon disk brakes, Fox Talas forks. The bike is solid going downhill at 35+mph. SHow me a roadie that can average 25+mph with a backpack and lunch.

It is power-assist, not lack-of-power sit on you ass-is t. I peddal hard for an hour to work and back. After two days and 4 hours of riding, and I want to go moderate, I can back off and allow for more assist, and still average 22-23mph.

On the Optibike website, there are reps listed around the country that offer test rides.

It's green, American made, and top of the line.

]]>Dec 3rd 2008 8:46AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/12/02/optibikes-ob1-hybrid-electric-mountain-bike-yours-for-a-cool/http://www.engadget.com/2008/12/02/optibikes-ob1-hybrid-electric-mountain-bike-yours-for-a-cool/Dec 3rd 2008 6:53PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/12/02/optibikes-ob1-hybrid-electric-mountain-bike-yours-for-a-cool/http://www.engadget.com/2008/12/02/optibikes-ob1-hybrid-electric-mountain-bike-yours-for-a-cool/
Please read more carefully, the averages are 24-26 MILES PER HOUR. or 38.6-41.9 kph.

Top cruising speeds on flats : 32 Miles/hour, 51.5 kph. Can you maintain that speed?

Range with full throttle and pedalling hard - 38 miles, 61km, at 25mph, 40 kph.

]]>Dec 4th 2008 9:55AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/12/02/optibikes-ob1-hybrid-electric-mountain-bike-yours-for-a-cool/http://www.engadget.com/2008/12/02/optibikes-ob1-hybrid-electric-mountain-bike-yours-for-a-cool/Dec 27th 2008 1:42AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/12/02/optibikes-ob1-hybrid-electric-mountain-bike-yours-for-a-cool/http://www.engadget.com/2008/12/02/optibikes-ob1-hybrid-electric-mountain-bike-yours-for-a-cool/
The OB-1 is a custom-fitted machine, built essentially by hand, in low volume. Getting American skilled craftsmen to create these machines takes money and time, and and the manufacturer is (I hope) earning a fair profit as it builds the market. Every market has its segments, and the fact that American Optibike occupies the top price/top performance segment is perfectly legitimate. The comments from the readers herein seem to miss the point that there are buyers like myself who value quality and innovation and are willing to pay for it. ]]>Dec 4th 2008 7:35PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/12/02/optibikes-ob1-hybrid-electric-mountain-bike-yours-for-a-cool/http://www.engadget.com/2008/12/02/optibikes-ob1-hybrid-electric-mountain-bike-yours-for-a-cool/Sorry for the rant but this is just another slippery slope for the lazy American - well shit not me I don't need you to carry me up Mt Everest so I can say I climbed it at the cocktail party. ]]>Dec 7th 2008 7:35AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/12/02/optibikes-ob1-hybrid-electric-mountain-bike-yours-for-a-cool/http://www.engadget.com/2008/12/02/optibikes-ob1-hybrid-electric-mountain-bike-yours-for-a-cool/mobitech@live.com

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]]>Dec 15th 2008 11:16PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/12/02/optibikes-ob1-hybrid-electric-mountain-bike-yours-for-a-cool/http://www.engadget.com/2008/12/02/optibikes-ob1-hybrid-electric-mountain-bike-yours-for-a-cool/Electric bikes such as this Optibike are designed to allow folks to avoid trips in their 2000+ lb automobile or 4000lb+ SUV, not replace recreational cycling for fat **s Americans.
This particular model is Optibike's high end artisan limited edition that costs about 2X their mainstream series bikes and takes the price point to an extreme, something like a limited edition Signature Series Cobra Mustang, I suggest that you consider the standard edition Optibikes before getting too dismissive.
In the context of a $5K or $6K complete Optibike, how many $ per year do you spend on gas DRIVING to and from work or the corner market that is less than 10 or 20 miles from home? If you're honest with yourself you'll likely find that you spend $5K-$10K/year on car related expenses (insurance, fuel, repairs, depreciation etc).

I hear everyone's point about lazy, overweight & out of shape Americans an it's true, but this ped-elec bike could be part of the solution, not part of the problem if we could open our eyes to the possibility of learning to skip a few trips a week with our car in favor of doing some moderate pedaling on a SUPER efficient hybrid electric vehicle such as this.

I love to ride MTB's XC & Downhill, -and I commute to work by bike whenever I can afford the extra few minutes to shower up on either end of the trip I'm now saving up my $ to buy one of the ~$6K Optibikes (with CASH, not credit, dummies) in order to avoid some of my CAR trips, not to replace any of the full pedal powered rides that I do now.

An Optibike is a high-end, long range (add a 2nd rack mounted battery for 100+ miles/charge), reliable, high performance and ultra-efficient American made machines. Comparing this thing to a $500 Zap Chinese special that will fall apart or die in 6 months is like comparing a Chevy Corvette to a Yugo.

Buy American, drive less, burn less OPEC oil, live healthier, get out & around town once in a while without hiding inside your car, this is all good stuff.

Open your minds up a little and you'll realize that our car/suv centric culture is killing us, economically and physically, both as individuals and as a country.

]]>Dec 18th 2008 2:11AM