das zeitgeist's weightless road e-bike will help you go uphill fast and furious

‘das zeitgeist’ has just unveiled an affordable yet high-end electric-motor assisted road bike aimed at helping people ride for longer and overcome problems of endurance, age and fitness level. germany holds a special place in road cycling hence it’s no surprise that next generation ‘pedelecs’ might be born here. das zeitgeist is a digitally native cycling brand that has just put out an eponymous bike that combines the best of both worlds — naturally aspirated cycling, along with a power boost to get you up to speed or conquer steep hills with ease. hardcore cyclists may knock electric bikes as ‘cheating’, but all trends indicate that e-bikes will rule the road within 5 years globally.

the signature audi R8 inspired burnt orange, the original design inspiration for das zeitgeist

german brand das zeitgeist has created a pedelec that is ultra-light, ultra-slim and ultimately affordable, opening up the sport to new cyclists. specially those who do not have the time or health to train consistently but still want to ride with their cycling club while taking on long, hilly rides with ease. no more endurance anxiety or shaming. no more uncertainty around running out of juice. pure acceleration and endorphins.

das zeitgeist has created a pedelec that is ultra-light, ultra-slim and ultimately affordable

das zeitigeist weighs a remarkably low 12.8 kg, no small feat for e-bikes, and is powered by the innovative aikema 350 w motor, which fits stealthily in the rear hub. it can produce up to 80 nm in torque with five levels controlled by a next generation topology color LCD display. to respect EU rules, the motor cuts out above a speed of 25km/h and 28km/h in the united states. das zeitgeist’s frame allows for 28 mm tires and 12 mm thru-axle hubs, with flat mount 160 mm disc brakes giving extra stopping power. das zeitgeist comes standard with the high-end shimano 105 derailleur and tektro hydraulic disc brakes. these specifications are typically found on costlier road bikes; so, at under $2000, das zeitgeist represents incredible value for the discerning road cyclist.

aimed at helping people ride for longer and overcome problems of endurance, age and fitness level

zeitgeist is based in munich and will enter in the 2019 red dot design awards. the brand pre-launched on aspirational retailer, touch of modern, in february 2018 and is now in full production for july 2018. ‘my test ride was effortless and well assisted, with the motor giving me a considerable boost on the climbs and the flat. the extra power cancelled out the added weight of the battery and motor, making the bike feel responsive and liquid. the disc brakes gave excellent stopping power on a twisting descent, with the low-slung position of the battery and motor acting as ballast when cornering‘, according to a das zeitgeist user. the high-end e-bike has torque measurement and cadence sensors integrated into its bottom bracket, so the extra power provided feels natural. there’s very little delay before the motor kicks in — but the more power you put on the pedals, the more the motor does too. you still have to push on the pedal to get the help, there’s no free ride, but it makes every climb possible and longer rides more bearable.

no more endurance anxiety or shaming

das zeitgeist comes in three sizes — small, medium and large. the frame is made with 6061 hydroformed aircraft aluminum and is rugged, sleek and warrantied for 5 years. the bike comes in the signature audi R8 inspired burnt orange, the original design inspiration for das zeitgeist. with virtually no exaggerated lines of typical e-bikes, das zeitgeist blends into pelotons with its aerodynamic lines and an asymmetrical design.

das zeitigeist weighs a remarkably low 12.8 kg

das zeitgeist blends into pelotons with its aerodynamic lines and an asymmetrical design

das zeitgeist has torque measurement and cadence sensors integrated into its bottom bracket

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edited by: apostolos costarangos | designboom