ARCC Bikes is very pleased to have appeared in the second edition of Cyclist magazine’s eBike supplement, Cycling Electric, in their review of the ARCC Moulton® TSR Electric.
You can pick up Cycling Electric #2 in WHSmiths, Sainsbury’s and other key independent retailers now, but check out what Cycling Electric had to say about ARCC’s bike below:
ARCC Moulton TSR + Intelligent Drive Pod
With looks like this it must be frivolous, right? Don’t be fooled – this is a robust electric bike that’ll get you around town in comfort
Pros
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Fantastic ride quality
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Timeless design update with sophisticated electric assist
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Lots of custom spec options
Cons
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Battery position means it’s not feasible to fit a front-rack
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Front-heavy
Specs
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Stated weight: From 17kg
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Frame material: Columbus Spirit and Reynolds 525 CrMo steels, hairpin construction, fillet brazed by hand
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Motor: Bafang front hub geared motor
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Battery: Bosch powertool batteries, 144Wh or 216Wh options
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Stated range: 32km (20 miles) for the larger capacity battery over hilly terrain
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Gearing: 8 speed Shimano Alfine gears as standard, options available
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Saddle: Selle Royal Viper as standard, Brooks B17 Leather Brown option
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Bars: Kalloy AL-007 DB flat bar as standard, Deda Piega 44cm drop bar option
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Tyres: 20 x 1.5in Schwalbe Marathon Green Guard protection tyres as standard (Marathon Plus upgrade option available)
The Moulton TSR with Intelligent Drive Pod marries two sophisticated designs: one a classic English bicycle design dating back to the 1960s, the other a high-quality, modern electric assist designed and in large part manufactured in Cambridge. The result is a truly unique eBike ideal for commuting or touring – indeed the Moulton has been called the best touring bike in the world. An added bonus is that the frame splits down (it’s not a true folder) to cater for occasional storage and transport needs.
ARCC can fit its pod electric assist system to several ‘stock’ bikes (including Bromptons as well as Moultons). It consists of a 250W geared front hub motor and a unique ‘pod’ (electronic control centre) fixed to the bike’s head tube which communicates wirelessly with the handlebar-mounted Bluetooth control unit, or an iPhone with app if preferred.
The pod also acts as the battery mount and standard (very tough) Bosch powertool batteries are used. Electric assistance is delivered via a bottom bracket-housed torque sensor and brake lever sensors are used for the launch control feature which gives a few seconds of full power for pulling away at traffic lights or in other situations where a speedy take-off is helpful.
The combination of Moulton’s unique rubber suspension – inspired by the designs of the original Mini cars – and ARCC’s smooth power delivery produces an e-bike that glides rapidly along.
Individual batteries are relatively small but ARCC offers the option of a neatly machined alloy on-frame battery holder to double your riding range, while larger-capacity Bosch batteries are available to buy via DIY outlets. If you already have a Moulton ARCC also offers a retrofitting service.
Cycling Electric Issue 2 is out now for purchase.