The EP-X pulls off a remarkable trick: it has the consumer-goods appeal to awaken design-conscious non-cyclists to the joys of cycling - yet offers real performance and practical value to the most experienced rider. The company logo One day all bikes will be made like this may seem ambitious, but they do have a point: its high time for new thinking in bicycle design.
The EP-X is built on new ideas: the chassis is moulded from aerospace composites around a foam core, with aluminium inserts for dropouts and bearing attachments. A synchronous belt replaces the chain, so city suits or going-out clothes wont get greased up. The belt requires little or no maintenance: it never rusts, and is little affected by water or mud. The Roadster uses a SRAM seven-speed hub gear. Disk brakes on the front wheel, and a SRAM drum brake on the back, make for sure stopping whatever the weather, and low maintenance.
When youve returned home, the Roadster has several tricks up its sleeve. First, the one-piece chassis is easily wiped down, and a once-over with a damp cloth is enough to ensure that it wont leave any nasty marks over the rest of your possessions. Then, just flip it over so it stands on bars and saddle, remove a quick-release, and the rear end swings right over, leaving the EP-X standing stable and small in a corner or under the stairs. The folding mechanism also provides the pivot for unobtrusive but effective suspension for the rear swing-arm. A carrier rack fits to the seatpost, and mudguards are under development.
The EP-X range goes beyond the Roadster, and beyond roads, with the Terra-Shark, a mountain-bike which combines the same level of style with full-performance long-travel suspension. Further models are in the pipeline.
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