Orbea Optima E50 Urban E-Bike

Orbea Optima E50 Key Features

• The Frame
  The Optima E40 features a lightweight aluminum frame. Our test model weighed in at 44.25 pounds. The step through design is ideal for a wide variety of different riders, making it easier to get on and off the bike.

• Specialized U1-500Wh Battery
  Fully integrated into the downtube, the lithium-ion battery is both powerful and inconspicuous with 500Watt hours and 25-60 miles of range.

• Ebikemotion X35 System
  The X35 ebike system is lightweight and powerful. In fact, the entire electrical system and motor weighs in at under 8 pounds. This makes the E40 more like a regular bike to ride.

• Accessories
  The E40 comes with useful accessories including running lights, fenders, a rear rack and a bell. The comfort-oriented accessories include ergonomic grips as well as a special handlebar and stem. It all adds up to a very versatile yet comfortable bike.

• Hydraulic disc brakes
  The Shimano hydraulic disc brakes have excellent stopping power and are far superior to mechanical disc brakes, which are typically offered on bikes in this category. You don’t have to be a racer to appreciate the benefits of hydraulic disc brakes.

• 10 Speed Shimano Drivetrain
  Shimano Deore shifters with RapidFire function make it so you can quickly and easily move through gears. The 10 speed drivetrain features 11-42t sprockets in the rear and a 48T chainring with nice guard for protection.

• Nimbus Sport Reflect Tires, 650b x 2.3″, 60 TPI (front and rear)
  The 650b Nimbus tires have street-tread and reflective stripes on the sidewall for visibility. Schrader valves can be refilled at any air station.

• 30-degree Backswept Handlebars, 26mm rise, 680mm width, 31.8mm
  Sweptback handlebars with 20 degree stem post facilitate an upright position. Leather-wrapped ergonomic grips are both stylish and comfortable

• Specialized Commuter Pedals w/ grip tape & reflectors
  Flat pedals with reflectors work with any shoe (or sandal). They aren’t super grippy, but offer a wide surface for any size foot or shoe.

Comfort and Utility

The Orbea Optima E50 is lightweight and comfortable. Weighing in at only 16Kg, this is an ebike that you can actually lift over the curb. The ergonomic handlebar grips, high rise stem and swooping handlebars help to alleviate hand and wrist pressure while keeping your posture upright. However, it would be nice if the stem offered more adjustability in terms of the rise.

The Orbea Optima E50 does have a unique comfort feature: shorter 152mm cranks. They end up being a bit easier to pedal in a circle, especially for the cyclist that has a limited range of motion. This makes the E50 ideal for someone who is just getting into cycling as well.

The Orbea Optima E50 was also designed with utility in mind. It features integrated front and rear running lights: which turn on at the push of a button, a rear rack, and a chain guard. This makes the E50 ideal for everyday use. A trip to the store in the dark is no problem. A ride in the rain becomes easier. The Optima E50 is up for anything.

The Electrical System

Comfort style ebikes come in a few different classifications. The Orbea Optima E50 is a class 1 ebike, meaning that it is pedal assist up to 15.5 mph. The E50 does not have a throttle.

The controls on the E50 are simple and easy to use. Press the centre button on the handlebar remote control to turn the system on. The first colour flash gives you a general indication of battery life. Then use the arrow buttons on the remote control to choose your level of assistance. Up provides more assistance and down provides less assistance. The coloured light on the control module indicates the current level of assist. There are four different modes or levels of assist:

• White, no assist – You can save power and ride it just like a regular bike.
• Green, low assist – Gives you a small boost, but easy on battery life.
• Orange, medium assist – More helpful on the hills.
• Red, high assist – Very helpful on hills, but uses the most battery life.

The Optima features the Ebikemotion X35 ebike system, manufactured by MAHLE. The Ebikemotion system provides an experience that feels more like riding a regular bicycle because the drivetrain isn’t too heavy and overpowering.

Here are a few key advantages to the Ebikemotion system:

• Hidden – most of the X35 system is hidden inside the bike frame. The biggest giveaway is an oversized rear drive hub.
• Lightweight – the entire ebike system and motor weighs under 8 pounds.
• Modular – Add an additional battery that fits inside a water bottle cage to double your mileage range.
• Connectivity – Connect to the ebike system and get metrics with a handy app. Features Bluetooth connectivity on 2019 models and Bluetooth and ANT+ for 2020 models.

The Ebikemotion system is driven by a relatively quiet 250-watt rear hub motor. When the motor is on, you will hear a bit of a whirring noise. However, it’s not loud enough to attract attention or prevent you from having a good conversation. MAHLE explains that the motor is also designed to reduce drivetrain friction when it is off.

The bottom line is, the Orbea Optima E50 rides very much like a regular bike, even when the motor is not providing assistance. The Ebikemotion system creates an experience that feels very much like riding a regular bike versus riding a really heavy ebike.