Folks, we’ve all witnessed neighborhoods flooded with electric bicycles that appear identical despite being from different brands: we’ll delve deeper into that topic in a future article. And so, in the spirit of discovering something unique in the market, I’ve come across Temple Cycles.
You may recognize this name because we’ve previously featured their work, but this time, we’ll be exploring their range of electric bikes, and for good reason: these beauties boast a classic and timeless aesthetic while being equipped with top-notch technology. However, it’s important to note that they come with a hefty price tag, starting at £3,985 for both the step-through and step-over versions, which is a little over $5,000 (based on current exchange rates).
Now, both bikes showcased in the image gallery are equipped with the same components, and the only real distinction lies in the frame style. Even the step-through model isn’t a complete step-through; it still features a top tube, although it sits lower on the seat tube. Personally, I appreciate the slight mountain bike look of the top tube.
Personally, I’m not particularly fond of step-through bikes, although I understand their appeal in terms of safety and comfort. Hence, I will be focusing the remainder of this article on the step-over version. Make sure to compare and contrast both of these bikes with the images provided in the gallery.
Temple has opted for nothing but 6061 aluminum to bring these two bikes to life, which is a departure from their usual choice of Reynolds steel, as their regular customers may know. The reason behind this change remains undisclosed, but it could be due to the inclusion of the mid-mounted motor and integrated battery in the downtube.
The presence of these systems alters the dynamics of a frame depending on the base material used for construction. Aluminum also helps reduce the overall weight of the bike, which is crucial when designing an electric bike, especially for urban use where maneuverability is essential.
Speaking of weight, the step-over version is the heavier of the two, weighing around 19 kg (42 lbs). Considering the addition of a mid-mounted motor, battery pack, wiring, and gearing, this weight is quite impressive.
Now, let’s talk about the electronic components. I appreciate that Temple didn’t just aim to offer the general public an e-bike that would be discarded after a year or two. Instead, they decided to create a frame with a mid-drive, which provides power, durability, and control – exactly what you’d want in an electric bike.
Regarding the manufacturer that Temple selected, Bafang is the team behind it. Before you become upset about that name, please consider that Bafang is one of the pioneers in this industry. Based on my previous experience with their equipment, I can confidently say that you won’t encounter any problems with the M420 motor. However, it does have a maximum speed of only 25 kph (15.5 mph).
The motor generates a maximum torque of 80 Nm (59 lb-ft) and operates at a power of less than 250 W. This means it has the capability to conquer any incline your urban environment may present, without requiring frequent battery recharges. Samsung provides a 504 Wh battery, which, when combined with the motor, can achieve an impressive range of up to 120 km (75 mi). That’s quite substantial!
Now, it’s important to note that cities are rarely flawless. One noteworthy aspect of these bicycles is that they are designed to accommodate 38 mm tires. For me, this tire size strikes the perfect balance. It is neither too large nor too small, allowing you to reach high speeds while also minimizing the impact of road bumps. You might even be able to venture onto hard-packed dirt roads occasionally.
Lastly, my favorite feature of these two bikes is their ability to support cargo racks. Why is this significant? Well, firstly, with cargo racks, you can leave your car behind for quick trips to the grocery store, pharmacy, or even your workplace. However, when the weekend arrives, everything changes.
On Saturday mornings, even before the sun rises, you can load up your electric vehicle with essentials like water, snacks, and food. After meeting up with your friends, head towards the outskirts of town, where you can camp overnight and escape the mundane routine. The best part? You accomplished all of this without using a single drop of gasoline, all while looking incredibly stylish. I believe it’s time to invest in a new e-bike.
According to the Source autoevolution.com