Reid cycles launch Corratec e-bikes in Australia
E-bikes powered by Bosch Pedalec
Reid Cycles are now the exclusive distributor of German outfit Corratec and have just launched the brand’s e-bikes in the Australian market. With Bosch equipped bikes starting at AU$2,999, these are some of the cheapest we have seen of this quality. These low prices are a common trait of Reid Cycles, who have built a reputation for lowly priced, factory-direct bicycles.
With a few commuter style bikes, and even a 27.5in mountain bike, each bike is powered by Bosch’s Pedalec e-bike system and features Shimano components. The Bosch system sees the motor mounted at the cranks to provide a lower center of gravity and is claimed to offer better stability over other systems.
Alongside the Corratec e-bikes comes the announcement that Bosch is opening a local service center in Sydney. Cameron Burke, having worked in key roles within the Australian cycling industry for many years, is leading the local division as the Regional Technical Manager for Bosch Australia.
The Bosch Pedalec e-bike system offers two different versions of drive units
Corratec e-bikes come with either the Bosch Active or Performance motors. The Active Drive Unit offers 48nm of torque and pedal assistance up to 25kph; while the Performance Drive Unit offers 60nm of torque and assistance up to 45kph — though they are restricted to 250-watts of assistance (or about 25km/h) because of recent regulations passed in Australia to reflect the standards set out by the European Union’s Committee for Standardisation.
All e-bikes on offer come with Bosch’s Intuvia Performance head unit, which acts as the control center for the bike. The display shows metrics like speed, charging state, distance, as well as the level of pedal assistance. A handlebar mounted remote controls the level of assistance or ‘riding mode’ which ranges from ‘Eco’ to ‘Turbo’ mode.
Bosch’s Intuvia Performance headunit is the brain of the opperation
According to Bosch their battery will retain more than 70% capacity after 2 years or about 500 full recharge cycles. Each Corratec e-bike in Australia comes with an 11-amp hour battery which is claimed to offer a range of 140km on Eco mode and 40km on Turbo mode.
It’s worth noting that these are pedal assist bikes which differ greatly from motorbikes. When you stop pedaling, the motor cuts out and there is no ‘throttle control.’
Reid Cycles invited us out to have a look at some of the new Corratec e-bikes which are now available in Australia.
Corratec Life Bike 10-Speed
The Life Bike has been designed to make cycling appealing to those who may not think they are fit enough to go for a big ride
Corratec designed the Life Bike for those who may not usually ride, and may be looking to shed a pound or two. Rated for riders up to 150kg (331lbs), the Life Bike features Bosch’s mid-mount Active line motor, rear rack mounted battery.
At AU$3699, the Life Bike also comes spec’d with a tapered 100mm Rockshox XC 30 fork, 27.5in Continental Race King rubber, 10-speed Shimano Deore drivetrain, and hydraulic disc brakes.
Corratec 28″ Active Coaster Nexus 8
The Coaster Active Nexus 8 is the cornerstone commuter in the range
The Active Coaster Nexus 8 (AU$3,499) features the Bosch Active drive unit, a coaster brake and a Shimano Nexus 8 internal gearing. Somewhat surprising given the presence of a coaster brake are the Magura hydraulic rim brakes — there should be no problem bringing this bike to a stop. Corratec says this is to allow for stress-free hand signaling.
Also featured are front and rear mudguards, rear rack, 50mm front suspension and a downtube mounted battery.
Corratec 29er Trekking Step-Through
The 29er Trekking Step-Through should make a great cargo bike
Ideally used as a utility bike, the Trekking Step-Through (AU$3199) features ergo shaped leather covered grips and saddle, a rear rack Shimano 8-speed gearing and disc brakes. While the Reid website shows this bike equipped with the Active Drive unit, the bike on show featured the Bosch Performance mid mount motor — both will get you and your groceries (or case of beer) up the dreaded hill at the end of your street.
Corratec X-Vert 650B Performance
Trail focused e-bikes are the centre of quite a lot of controversy
The X-Vert 650B Performance is one of the off-road options from Corratec. Despite that trail focused e-bikes are surrounded by controversy, Reid has said there has been a lot of interest in Corratec off-road e-bikes. Before holding judgment, it’s worth remembering that these particular bikes are just pedal assist, and may allow those with injuries or poor fitness to enjoy the trails.
Adding a bit of extra umph to get you up steep climbs is the Bosch Performance mid mount motor and a downtube mounted battery.
The X-Vert also sees Deore XT 1 x 10 speed gearing, Shimano non-series hydraulic disc brakes and Manitou Marvel 650b Comp 100mm travel fork with remote lockout.
