Cyklær Ebike Newcomer: DNA Packed with High-end Genes

Too many cooks spoil the broth, they say. How many partners actually spoil the development of an ebike? Apparently four are not enough. With Porsche, Storck, Fazua and Greyp, four parties have come together under the new Cyklær brand and contributed their share to three new ebikes. And the result of this cooperation has certainly earned its media attention.

It was indeed one of the most noticed appearances at Eurobike 2021. Porsche and Storck used the trade show as a proper stage to announce their future joint tinkering with sporty ebikes under the independent name Cyklær. The two had the first three implementations of this project in their luggage: the Cyklær E-Gravel, the Cyklær E-Gravel with Streetwear and the Cyklær E-Urban.

Car and bicycle manufacturers join forces

We’ll take a look at the bikes in a moment. Before we do, we’d like to give you some information about the division of “responsibilities” at Cyklær. Storck will be responsible for the bicycle competence in the first place. Many of you are probably familiar with the company from Idstein. It represents speed, high quality and, yes, corresponding prices, especially in the road bike sector. Managing director Markus Storck himself is largely responsible for the design of the first Cyklær models.

Porsche, or more precisely Porsche Digital, put the finishing touches on the design. However, the car manufacturer is primarily focusing on the development of the digital environment of the ebikes, i.e. the integration into apps and the data exchange with other systems.

For the implementation of the bikes shown in Friedrichshafen, the brand owners brought two additional specialists on board. Fazua dealt with the integration of the e-drive. Greyp contributed knowledge and hardware for smart functions such as anti-theft protection, remote access to the ebikes and the equipment with two cameras installed on the bikes. We’ll tell you more about that later.

Sporty touch evident

With the E-Gravel as the first move, an ebike can be seen that definitely fits the general orientation of the two initiators Porsche and Storck. Agile, robust, comfortable on a variety of surfaces. In terms of design, an even more idiosyncratic approach might have been conceivable. The top tube, which slopes down in front of the seat tube and thus merges very early with the seat stays, nevertheless provides a certain independent look.

Cyklær relies on carbon for the material. Given Storck’s many years of experience with this material, this choice is not really surprising. Among gravel bikes, there have been quite a few with carbon frames for a while now. They underline that the combination of lightness and high strength also works for this type of bike.

Small, light and electronic

As already mentioned, the ebike system comes from Fazua. With the Ride 50 Trail, one of the revisions of the drive system presented in the summer is installed. It turns out a little lighter and its motor offers some extra torque. The battery capacity remains unchanged at 252 watt hours.

In keeping with the high-end claim, all Cyklær models are equipped with a Force AXS electronic shifting system from Sram. The single-speed drivetrain and the twelve-sprocket cassette also correspond to common gravel configurations. Perhaps the cassette could have been chosen a little wider in terms of range. Eleven teeth on the smallest sprocket and especially 36 teeth on the largest sprocket might be a little too limited for off-road excursions.

On the other hand, the high-quality G 1800 wheels from DT Swiss and the Force AXS hydraulic disc brakes from Sram should meet with unclouded approval. With the Schwalbe G-One, classic gravel tyres complete the overall picture of the drive.

Sram Force AXS electronic gears on the Cyklær E-Gravel

Launch with three versions

In addition to the E-Gravel, Cyklær is launching two offshoots that are more suitable for everyday use. These are fitted with the complete package of mudguards, rear carrier and lighting system. The brand calls this “streetwear”. The rest of the equipment corresponds to that of the E-Gravel. The only additional difference between E-Gravel with Streetwear and E-Urban is the change from a drop bar to a flat handlebar.

In the end, the bikes have a total weight of 14.8 kilograms for the E-Gravel and 15.9 kilograms for the E-Gravel with Streetwear as well as the E-Urban. Cyklær does not yet provide any information on the maximum permissible total weight.

Camera ready. Camera rolling.

The real eye-catchers on the Cyklær are two built-in cameras. From the handlebars as well as from the saddle, two devices film what is going on around you, if desired. And that is part of the standard equipment. Remarkable. The know-how for the integration of the cameras comes from Greyp Bikes. The company itself has some ebikes in its range that are equipped with this option.

The cameras are useful in two ways. Firstly, they can act as your third and fourth eyes, one of which is always looking backwards. What is happening there can be displayed on the screen of a smartphone via an app. The necessary smartphone holder from SP Connect is also included at the factory. Cyklær calls this the “digital rear-view mirror”. As long as it doesn’t distract you from what’s happening in front of you, which is at least as important, it’s probably a good thing.

Without any ifs or buts, this assessment applies to the second potential application – the recording of rides. Filming trips simultaneously with a view to the front and back sounds exciting. Especially those who do this kind of thing often and are experienced with editing programmes will quickly take this feature to heart. However, a certain disillusionment follows immediately. The installed holder is only suitable for iPhones.

View of the rear camera on the Cyklær App

App with crucial limitation

The same applies to the Cyklær app. Here, too, only a version for the iOS operating system has been announced for the time being. This is particularly unfortunate, as the planned scope could make the app a highlight of the bikes. With the bikes, Cyklær integrates the technologies 4G, WiFi and Bluetooth. This provides a solid foundation for numerous future applications.

Due to integrated 4G connectivity and GPS tracking, for example, navigation and anti-theft protection are part of what the manufacturer is planning. If an unauthorised person moves your bike, you will automatically receive a notification. The cameras installed on the bike may even record the thief in action. At least this is how this function is solved on Greyp ebikes.

Linked to the navigation, there is also supposed to be an integration of komoot. In this way, you can not only record rides, but also plan them and share them with others. Apple Health records your physical condition during the ride. Apple Music is also supposed to run with the app and put you in an even better mood on the road.

Navigation one of the basic functions of the future Cyklær app

When it comes to connectivity, remote access to the ebike and over-the-air software updates are still included.

Full range only for money

At the end of the day, there’s quite a lot. Some of it will only be available for a fee. If you go for an annual plan, the monthly costs will probably amount to 7.99 euros. If you want to save these additional expenses, you will only be able to use basic functions which require no connection to the bike.

In the Apple AppStore, the Cyklær app will probably be offered free of charge from December 2021. That is one month before the announced start of delivery for the Cyklær. All models will then be available in the online shop. You can start buying now. Please have 6,999 euros ready for the E-Gravel and 7,299 euros for the E-Gravel with Streetwear and the E-Urban ?

Pictures: Storck Bicycle GmbH