It's not just grandmas anymore. E-bike riders are getting younger and the product needs to reflect this change in demographic, according to Marcel Geurts, senior e-product manager at Cannondale, which launched three new models yesterday; all powered by Bosch's second-generation e-bike motors.
Cannondale partnered with Bosch to help it develop its e-bike drive system back in 2009 and delivered its first production bike equipped with a Bosch motor in 2011. But much has changed since then. The age of the average e-bike consumer is going down and that's prompting the expansion of different e-bike segments, including trekking, commuters, city/urban and full-suspension MTB. And bikes need to reflect modern and attractive designs, said Geurts.
For the off-road rider, it's offering the Tramount aluminum 29er hardtail. The bike has internally routed cables and includes fenders, kickstand and rack mounts. It's offered in two spec versions: an XT build with Cannondale Lefty fork and an SLX/Deore model with RockShox Recon Gold fork. Both become available next March.
"Since we launched an e-bike, people have been asking us when are we coming out with a mountain e-bike," said Bob Burbank, Cannondale's general manager, adding that the Tramount will increase e-bike awareness and demand from consumers in their 20s.
The two other additions are the Mavaro HS and Mavaro Rigid, targeted to trekking/commuting and city/urban riders, respectively. Offered in three frame types and two fork options, they have integrated racks, lights and Cannondale developed a proprietary stem for a more upright riding position. These become available in October.
The new models complement Cannondale's Kinneto, a sportive touring model that carries over and is available with either a headshock or rigid fork.?
The E-Series is just sold in the European market, but Burbank said Cannondale plans to offer them in the U.S. The company offered 10 units for demo at its recent dealer sales meeting in Utah and said interest in them was high.
"We're still assessing that and working with state governments to ensure it meets regulations. We will be coming to U.S. with e-bikes, but we're still determining what models and the timing."
Full-suspension bikes are not far off, he added, but that market needs to be created and developed. The Tramount is a good start, he said.
