Unboxing the Optibike electric bike
I'm test-riding an Optibike e-bike for a few weeks. Check out my collection of photos from the unboxing of this beautifully powerful electric bike.
Fri, Jun 25 2010 at 10:44 AM EST
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Photo: Shea Gunther Here's the box, freshly delivered by FedEx from Optibike, located in Boulder, Colo. (follow them on Twitter).
The outside straps were easy to remove and reusable. I dig that.
Opening the box was easy — four bolts unscrewed and the top lifted right off.
This thing looks like it comes from the future.
When I walked around to this side after lifting off the top, I started to get pretty excited.
Optibike really packed this well using mostly wood and reusable ties. More on that a couple photos down.
The box at the base of the bike.
The front wheel is light and looks like it costs more than I make in a month. Which, it probably does. The other piece to the right of the wheel is the back fender which is held in place by four bolts.
Here's the contents of the bike — you get an owner's manual on DVD, a couple other manuals and promo material, a pump for the shocks, a wrench for the pedals, the charger, the front wheel's axel, pedals, and disc brake spacers for reshipping.
I was impressed by how little disposable plastic they used in the packaging. This is the full extent (and even then I wonder if they could have used paper).
Most of the bike was held down with these plastic, reusable straps.
My daughters helped me out by holding the bike up for a shot. I think it would benefit from a two-pronged kickstand like the Pedego Comfort Cruiser has.
This is the control panel where you can turn on both the power and lights as well as select between Fast and Eco speed. I apologize for the soft focus on this one. My bad.
The rear disc brakes.
The rear shocks.
The lights are bright! I'm going to do some night rides to see how they affect the range, but I do like the integration between the bike and light power source.
The back derailleur.
I'm pretty excited about putting this thing through the paces over the next couple of weeks to write a more in-depth review.
Time for a ride!
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Comments
Grant Duff
10/08/2011 11:17 AM
This bike is awesome! It is professional from the moment you unbox it! Reminds me of the way the Apple products are packaged. It comes packaged like a Christmas Box!
valerie
07/26/2011 20:23 PM
was just reading this. craigs right you know. you get what you pay for! this bike may not be for everyone, but is the ferrari of all e-bikes combined. i should know. ive been there! dito to the rest! trust me, all others arent worth the paper their written on.and i tried em all. also, opposers dont seem to take into account, start up costs, equipments, hardware,advertising, testings,and all considerations in running of such business, from scratch yet. thats where some of the $ goes to, you.... More
Craig Taber
03/31/2011 15:41 PM
Every market has a leader in performance and quality. That leader is usually the target for haters, this is clearly no exception. Optibike has been in business since 1999, with the vision to create the worlds best electric bike and to push the market as a whole toward clean, sustainable transportation. In an industry often overlooked by government grants and big business $$, a small handful of electric bike companies have nurtured this industry for years through innovation and sheer love of.... More
Sodoff
03/23/2011 20:15 PM
And while you back slapping idiots congratulate yourselves on how 'caring' and 'wonderful' you are, maybe you'll think about this: $8,000 pissed away on this rip off bike could have been $1,000 tops spent on another electric bike, which would be just as good, plus SEVEN THOUSAND DOLLARS to do something useful with.
We're still waiting for the unbiased tests of this 'amazing' bike... I wonder where they are...
rey
03/31/2011 15:22 PM
i also sent an email to shea with similar analisis. that this thing is rediculisly overpriced, and shouldnt be long before their out of business. in fact right now things are so slow for them that they repeatedly having clearance sales. i too cant wait til they close their doors. its bad business practice, and wont get them far! even rich people are frugal and know better then to throw away loot on a $1500 bike. which is the max it costs them to make.
Sodoff
03/23/2011 20:13 PM
By the way, for that price, you would think they could include a kick stand...
And for $8,000, I could build an electric motorbike with a 1 KILOWATT motor, and enough batteries to travel at least 200 miles, AND enough storage space to hold a family's shopping for one week (at least 40kg of it), AND it would be a feet first design, supremely comfortable, and have a full body as well...
Sodoff
03/23/2011 20:08 PM
The bike is not "worth every penny". All this review tells us is one thing: A fool and his money are soon parted.
The Optibike is doing NOTHING to help save the planet, because it is ridiculously overpriced, and therefore 99.999% of car drivers would never consider it as an alternative to driving to work every day.
Where do you mount a pannier rack? Oh, you can't. So you can't actually carry anything with you, like shopping, cartons of juice, tins of food, etc.
Oh, I missed.... More
remf
07/28/2010 00:24 AM
I'm on my second Optibike and I've travelled over 20,000 miles. Durable, fast, long range, beautiful & the best gift ever for your cardio-vascular system.
BTW that's not a derailleur, it's a chain tensioner for the Rohloff Speedhub, standard on the 850R. I highly recommend the Rohloff, it makes maintenance a breeze & further enhances your ride, on or off-road, up 30% gradient mountains that few other e-bikes could even attempt...then freewheel downhill the other side. Simply amazing.... More
Kevin at Utah eBikes
07/03/2010 14:42 PM
I carry Veloteq ebikes, and they are coming out with several new pedal-assist models that I'm excited about, but Optibike will always be in a class of its own--good job being such a great blogger so you can have this opportunity! I only had about 10 minutes on an Optibike, and it made all my other ebiking experiences seem bland in comparison. My first thought on getting on an Optibike? "This thing will take me places I should not go!" Be careful, and have a great time!
Bruce Carper
07/03/2010 04:26 AM
Can you imagine a coherent politician grasping the real value of this two-wheeled machine?
Everyone on electric bikes is the answer.
The most ardent objections would dissipate like a snowflake in a furnace with just one hard glance and an ounce of intelligent thought.
The step by step photographs, demonstrating the unpacking procedure are yet another clear indication of the superior mentality behind this bicycle.
And that video defies any attempt to put words to.... More
Steve Findlay
07/01/2010 00:36 AM
I think he got on the bike and nobody has seen him since. Happy Trails Shea!
Heather
06/30/2010 20:59 PM
I'm very eager to hear about your test drives. Please update soon!
Steve Findlay
06/30/2010 00:10 AM
I drove a GM EV1 electric car for 2 years. Now I drive a 100% natural gas car. I would love to start riding an electric bike. I'm tired of waiting for my Aptera.
bob
06/29/2010 22:25 PM
Oh, I want one of these...but sooo expensive.
isaac
06/29/2010 21:45 PM
damn, who wouldn't want to ride this? 7 months with no car so far and when my Optibike comes, I will never drive again!
Victor
06/29/2010 14:16 PM
I really enjoyed the pics of the unpacking of the Optibike. It is a beautiful machine.... Can't wait to read the performance review.
shaffer
06/29/2010 12:32 PM
i'm a little late to the party, but it looks great. i agree about the commuter stuff though, i'd like to see more on the commuter package. i love that "owner's manual" is handwritten- proof you're dealing with actual people!
Mike Balbas
06/29/2010 11:08 AM
Wow! My mistake was to click on this link and look at this bike. This is the exact bike I am saving for. Nice marketing Craig - that was dirty - now I'm drooling!
Francisco
06/29/2010 09:09 AM
See you in Ipanema!
Heather Brooks
06/29/2010 07:21 AM
Wow. That bike looks like it is worth every penny. I agree with some other posters that a kickstand would be helpful.
Most of my commute is done before the sun rises so I am very curious as to how the headlights affect the range.
Man, the more I learn about Optibike, the more I become impressed. I had no idea they shipped the way they do and I think it's AWESOME they use reusable packing.
Heather Brooks
06/29/2010 07:20 AM
Wow. That bike looks like it is worth every penny. I agree with some other posters that a kickstand would be helpful.
Most of my commute is done before the sun rises so I am very curious as to how the headlights affect the range.
Man, the more I learn about Optibike, the more I become impressed. I had no idea they shipped the way they do and I think it's AWESOME they use reusable packing.
João Paulo Coelho
06/29/2010 03:11 AM
This bike is beautiful, fun, and have the best eficiency that i ever know. I have tried some ohther brands and systems and the OPTIBIKE is the better,
Allen Miller
06/29/2010 00:43 AM
I would love one of these bikes. However, I can't justify the high price tag when it only gets 70 miles max with an extra battery. I can ride my bicycle 70 miles and still have enough energy to do an extra 30 miles if necessary without the high cost of this electric bike.
Becky English
06/28/2010 23:05 PM
Better a two-pronged kickstand than two young girls holding up the bike. Why O why do most bikes not come with kickstands these days?
OptiBike rocks. I am so envious of my friends who have them.
nathan
06/28/2010 22:34 PM
I've been looking at optibikes for a while but the problem in australia is they only allow pathetic sized electric engines to be used legally but i really dont care about that fact because by looking at an optibike you just think its an experimental design mountain bike. Im into non motorized mtbing pretty seriously as a recreational sport and love the effort it takes to climb hills just to bomb down the other side. The idea of the optibike to me would allow me to ride to trails that i have to.... More
Mike Haden
06/28/2010 21:50 PM
Enjoy your new ride! I have been looking at these bikes for some time now, and if it wasn't for the cost (I think they are worth it) I would have one.
Simon
06/28/2010 20:42 PM
Gosh, I felt as if *I* was unpacking it.... Same story as above comments, waiting to get a refurbished unit that is within my budget. If I ever win the lottery for a reasonable amount (I'm not asking for millions!), that's the first thing I'm buying! Move over Porsche! Here comes Optibike! :)
Ricky Jones
06/28/2010 20:12 PM
The styling on this bike is very sleek and modern looking but to me it does not look like a bike. It looks much more like a electric scooter.
I have my bike to a year now and I can tell you I found no better ones n the world and it looks like a bike. The price is far more reasonable just under $3000
Kalkhoff Sahel Comfort E-Bike
That's my bike.
Maybe i am just old fashion and want a bike to look like a bike, maybe it's the high price that turn me off.
Well you.... More
Albert
06/28/2010 20:08 PM
I'm looking forward to what your review. i want one of these so bad that i'm gonna go carfree on foot just to save enough money.
Floyd Pote
06/28/2010 19:34 PM
I can't afford one, but the idea of being able to own and enjoy one is one of my selfish dreams. Looking forward to your review.
John Paul Hudson
06/28/2010 19:25 PM
Schwinn Electric bike was warrantied again so far I cannot say anything bad. It is three years old next next april. Not nearly as nice as Opti-Bike. The bike your testing is exactly what I would want.
Erik Breedveld
06/28/2010 19:12 PM
I realy can not wait to place my order, but I have to wait till mid
july, and I am still consider to let my frame polished.And what to do with the fenders collors.
Tom Short
06/28/2010 19:07 PM
Great packing - should survive the trip down here to Cabo. If you take it off road, would like to read about your experience.
Thanks,
tom
Syeus Mottel
06/28/2010 19:06 PM
Living in New Yorkj City means using an electric bike exciting.
Getting around the city is the focus of using this bike.
Steve Findlay
06/28/2010 18:42 PM
I like the way the packaging was done. I am more impressed with this company the longer I work with them and see their products. Well done indeed!
Warren McIntosh
06/28/2010 18:18 PM
I have ordered an optibike and looking at these pictures is going to lessen the surprise when it comes. Im impressed no other bike I have bought ever came with pedals let alone a pedal wrench.
Im Excited
Warren McIntosh
06/28/2010 18:18 PM
I have ordered an optibike and looking at these pictures is going to lessen the surprise when it comes. Im impressed no other bike I have bought ever came with pedals let alone a pedal rench.
Im Excited
Cathi B
06/28/2010 17:57 PM
My husband has been researching electric bikes for years - nothing satisfied him until he found the Optibike. I ordered one for him a few months ago - we are anxiously waiting for it and if I like it, I am ordering my own.
Kristin
06/28/2010 17:55 PM
wow- thanks for all of the photos...someday I hope to make my 32 mile commute on one of these beauties. Really impressive product. I've been watching them for awhile, but don't quite have the budget...Now with their trade-in and trade up program maybe I'll get a refurbished one :) Can't wait to read about your experiences!
Ben
06/28/2010 17:51 PM
I am in love with this bike, just about every thing about it would suit my needs and passions. I have been riding bikes since I was 5 years old...now 30 years later I still ride. I have a few bikes mostly garage sale an hand me downs but I have fixed each on up to serve a curtain purposes. I have the mountain bike (this one I actually bought retail when I had the cash) to ride in the dirt. I have the old shwinn road bike that i use to commute( its strong fast and can handle the urban roads). I.... More
Steve Kimelman
06/28/2010 17:45 PM
Makes my Optibike seem dated. They keep making a great thing even greater!
Greg Holman
06/28/2010 17:38 PM
I have been following Optibike for some time. This is a company that truly cares about the product it builds, and listens to customers. The fact that these are made in the States and are one of the first real products that can shift us towards sustainable transportation is promising. I am hoping to make my 14 mile commute on one someday, and anxiously wait to hear more about your review!
Wally J
06/28/2010 17:38 PM
I was impressed with the attention to detail in the packaging
as expected,, wish I was unpacking it in my garage.
Neel Jetpur
06/28/2010 17:38 PM
Please go offroad and report back on your adventure!!
Charlie O'Keefe
06/28/2010 17:30 PM
I want to know more about charging the bike. How big/heavy is the charger? How expensive (can I have extras for home, work etc)? How long does it take to do a full charge?
Adam Logan
10/19/2010 05:13 AM
I visited an ambassador in Eugene, OR and tried his optibike out. One of the first things I asked about was the charger, I figured it would be a brick and it is almost exactly the same dimension as a brick. It's not bad though, I thought it would be worse. It's a little bit bulky but it's very light. Definitely something you could put in a backpack or pannier. I don't know if you can purchase extras or not.
pdxebiker
06/28/2010 17:25 PM
Enjoy the review - I'm interested to hear what you think. I rode one briefly around a parking lot and really liked it.
Joe
06/26/2010 10:11 AM
Is this a true production model, or prototype? Reason I ask is if the intent is to produce a commuter it would seem that there should be at least some hard points for mounting storage options (basket and/or trunk), locking chain, etc.. Plus, a rear tail light is a must for night visibility.
Craig Taber
06/28/2010 17:27 PM
We do offer a Commuter Package with a rack/pannier setup. The rack connects to the seatpost and is quick release so you can bring the bag into the market to do your shopping. All production bikes come with an LED taillight, the demo models have a limited accessory package (like the bike Shea has).
Happy riding,
Craig Taber
Craig Taber, Optibike
06/25/2010 15:14 PM
Pieter-
The box the Optibike was shipped in is Re-usable, we designed them to be used several times before we recycle the cardboard and continue to use the wooden base and straps.
Craig Taber
Optibike
