Orbea have had a long history of developing quality e-Bikes and the Orbea Vibe is testament to that. Some denouncers of the e-Bike claim they can be heavy, bulky and not the most easy on the eye, but these accusations can not be thrown at the Vibe. Stylish, lightweight and nimble with high calibre components to match – it’s a maverick paving the way for the future of motor assisted cycling.

Orbea Vibe

LIGHTWEIGHT

Due to a weight of just 15kg (around the same as your average Mountain Bike) you don’t even have to always use the motor! An added benefit is not having the hardship of lugging it around the home or workplace when not riding it. However, even if you are tired at the end of your cycle and would like some help, a walk assist option is included.

VIBE IS FOR RIDERS LOOKING FOR MORE STYLE, MORE RANGE AND MORE FREEDOM IN A REVOLUTIONARY PLATFORM.

INTEGRATED

An integrated motor, battery, lights and cables mean even Sherlock Holmes would find it difficult to deduce it is an eBike and not a (suave) Hybrid he is looking at! The battery is purposefully compact so it can fit in the frame with a small port enabled to charge when required. The sacrifice for that does mean its battery life isn’t as long as some other electric bikes on the market – typical range in the region of 30 – 70 km per charge depending on how much assistance you use and on what terrain. However, you can add a battery extender (sold separately) which increases its range by 70% should you yearn for the longer ride!

E-BIKE MOTION E35 PLUS

The cornerstone of the Vibe and and a glowing example of Orbea’s innovation is their Enough Power concept. The idea being the motor gives you the perfect amount of motor assistance required at any given time rather than an overzealous explosive boost! Orbea want it to keep the ambience of a bike rather than the character of a moped! The Vibe H30 includes the Ebikemotion X35 motor which weighs just 2.1kg yet produces 40Nm of torque to turn mountains into molehills (with an e-bike this light, that is more than enough pulling power). They’ve also stationed the motor at the rear wheel hub, which will help provide minimal drag free pedalling when the motor is not in use.

QUALITY COMPONENTS

Some eBikes have a powerful motor but weak components which make all the difference in performance and enjoyment. Not the Vibe. Shimano Deore gearing, a carbon fork and Magura disc brakes beefs up the bikes quality for a more pleasurable ride!

URBAN GEOMETRY

The geometry is designed for the hustle and bustle of the City environment. It’s been tailored to give the rider a more upright position allowing greater vision, comfort and stability. Comparatively short chainstays also help the Vibe feel agile meaning you can ride with grace and guile. The Lezyne lights (which turn on automatically) were carefully designed to be just as useful in the daytime improving your visibility to fellow road users. In the Vibe H30 EQ (equipped) version the mudguard, kickstand, pannier rack, and a decent set of lights wired into the battery (for your total convenience) are also included.

Some of the Vibe H30 EQ’s artillery

PRICE + THE BIKE TO WORK SCHEME

The Orbea Vibe H30 EQ is available for €2,599 at The Edge Sports Shop, Cork. Don’t forget the fantastic initiative which is the Bike To Work scheme! You can receive tax relief up to the value of €1,500 on an e-Bike (and 1,250 on a regular one). You can re-use the Bike to Work scheme every four years so if you have used it before you may be eligible again!

If you would like to know more about the Vibe don’t hesitate to contact us at [email protected] or by calling us on 021 432 0522.

Author

Love to cycle, run and swim!