Haibike 2019: FLYON, 120Nm motor, 630Wh battery with quick charge
Haibike have just announed their new 2019 FLYON system to huge applause at EuroBike. FLYON is a new category of bikes in the Haibike line up. They offer more torque, assistance and better range and a whole host of other things from lights to a huge integrated screen. Let's check out what FLYON includes and the features that it brings. I had earlier met up with TQ, who make the motor for this bike. They told me that there was a 'world exclusive' announcement happening today with their motor, seems this is it!
Haibike have been developing the FLYON bikes for over two years, around the relatively unknown TQ motor. When I met up with TQ they mentioned that they had developed the motor originally in 2015 and have been refining it over the past couple of years ready for the market.
Speaking to Haibike. its quite clear that they are super passionate and excited about this new FLYON range. It's the first time that they have had an entire package that is their own; their own software and custom motor firmware that is not just another off-the-shelf Shimano or Bosch, but more like what Specialized have done with their partnership with Brose. You'll not see the TQ branding or marketing used anywhere, instead Haibike will brand everything as their own.
This bike really does look awesome. It looks futuristic. It even has air intakes on the head tube to cool the battery. The TQ motor is integrated into the frame and the Haibike designed chainring make it look like something you might see on an AMG Mercedes. What about that headlight! 5000 lumens of light output. I'm still not 100% convinced its needed (I beleive it will be on the higher-end models only), interesting that they've decided it is going to be a factory fit option. The back also has tail lights which look pretty cool. I asked are they easy to change when they break. They said yes and dealers will carry spares.
The TQ HPR120S motor is the most powerful motor on the market, using a patented gearbox system. I got a chance to speak to the TQ inventor of the motor. He claims that the motor is actually capable of over 120Nm of torque, but they wanted to limit it as anything over that is pretty pointless. Also, no issues with heat build up, even on extended punishing rides and large ascents. It will still maintain a powerful 120Nm, even at low cadences.
The speed sensor is on the actual disc, more commonly found on motorcycle ABS systems, you can see the smaller black disk inside the regular brake disk. The system monitors revolutions 18 times per revolution meaning that its more precise. What this also means is that it will be pretty much impossible for anyone that wants to unlock the speed restrictions as the disc is coded to prevent any speed modifications being added.
The 630Wh battery is completely integrated into the down tube but can be removed for charging. The battery contains 56 cells, the highest density currently on the market. An uprated battery charger can be bought separately that charger as 10A (vs the regular supplied 4A charger). This will give an industrly leading charge time of 0-80% within an hour. Incredible! A bit tight that you dont get it included, but nonetheless, that's a fantastic charge time.
The huge display gives excellent rider visibility on whats happening during the ride. Whilst I didnt get to see it on this bike (must be still not quite 100% finished) the details were shared in the presentation. The display will indicate a colour coded way of showing the rider what mode the bike is in, and is apparently really easy to read at a glance. In your peripheral view it should be easy to make out what colour the screen is and you'll know the mode. As you go faster, the speedo gets larger so you don't have to squint down to see how fast you are when you're blasting down your local trails.
I've been saying it for a while in my videos now integrated displays would be really cool done right. I cant wait to see this one working during a ride to see how useful it is.
Theres more innovation on too. Better dropper posts without running wires that Haibikes have always had. Geometry is also changeable with the flip chip too.
This is a remarkable bike. New powerful TQ motor, integrated accessories, beefy, muscular looks and years worth of work, design and engineering have gone into making this bike. Never before have we had so much torque available on an EMTB or this level of add-on kit off the shelf.
The cost? Up to €8,999 for the flagship NDURO 10.0 and the entry level NDURO 5.0 comes in at €6299. Not cheap at all, in fact this puts them at the top of the pricing tiers that we see on EBikes now.
Haibike has really upped the ante in innovation here and it's going to be an awesome year seeing how the rest of the pack keep up. 2018 and 2019 are going to be really exciting times!
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