A few years ago, when the e-bike scene really started to grow, we saw all kinds of giant machines. These machines didn’t look or feel like bikes at all. Big brands have always aimed to pack the new tech into smaller, sleeker designs. Just recently, Pashley launches new ultra sleek e-bikes that perfectly showcase this evolution.
Classic Design Meets Modern Electric Power
Yes, that’s exactly what you’re looking at here. These are the latest electric bikes from Pashley, a brand that’s been around since 1920. They just launched two new models called the Britannia-E and the Briton-E, featuring step through and stepover frames respectively.
So, tell me, what do you see when you look at these two bikes? If your answer is just a bicycle, then you got it right. That was Pashley’s goal, and it’s also the goal of all the big brands setting trends in cycling these days.
- Also Read: Yamaha Reveals Stunning Y-00B E-Bikes
Innovative Battery Placement and Sleek Frames
If you’re like me, you might be wondering how they managed to pack all the batteries into the downtube. Well, actually, the downtube doesn’t hide any batteries at all. That’s exactly why the frames of these two bikes look so sleek, classy, and traditional.
How did Pashley do it? They simply moved the battery pack that powers the rear hub motor to the back of the bike. It is cleverly disguised as nothing more than the cargo carrying case sitting under the seat on both bikes.
Sure, moving a battery pack off a bike’s frame is something others have done before. But it looks like no one has taken the time to make it look this good. Plus, this design frees up all those Reynolds steel tubes—Pashley’s preferred building material—from the bulky designs that most e-bikes usually have.
Urban Comfort and Practical Features
There is one thing I want to point out, and that is the size and shape of the battery. From what I can tell, it is the range extender from Mahle. According to Pashley’s press release, the eX1 model is used, offering 171 watt hours. It looked familiar to me mainly because I have tested a Mahle system before.
If I may say one thing about the Mahle setup, it is one of the most natural e-systems around for an urban e-bike. It does not have too much power, still lets you feel the burn in your legs if you want to, and is really efficient. If you want that natural feel, you should try this one out.
As for what this battery pack powers, it is a Mahle X30 motor, part of the X30 system. It gives us 45 Newton meters of torque while weighing just 1.9 kilograms. It is a little snappy powerhouse, and it feels like you are not really riding an e-bike in all the right ways. Nice choice, Pashley, nice choice.
It’s important to know that both bikes are designed for the city, which you can tell by the lack of suspension and the very pure looks of both rides. To add some comfort, the first bike uses springs under each saddle, and the second has nice, thick 42c tires on 700c alloy rims. They offer more than just a soft ride; they also provide good grip.
I also want to point out that both frames really follow Pashley’s goal of giving riders bikes that do more than just look good. They are built to carry cargo too. Both bikes have cargo racks on the back, and while the Britannia shows off a basket on the front, the Briton is sure to be flexible in this area as well.
To complete the classy look of these bikes, they have nice little features like headlamps at the front, cruiser style handlebars, a solid bell, and fenders that keep every ride clean. The Mahle remote mounted on the handlebars also helps keep things tidy and easy to control.
Lightweight Drivetrain and Impressive Specs
As for my favorite of the two, it’s definitely the Briton. It’s not just about the frame style, but two little touches made me say, “nice.” One is the Brooks saddle, which is also available in a vegan option if you care about that. The other is the air pump tucked right underneath.
Last but not least, let’s talk about the drivetrain. On the Briton, it’s a three-speed crankset with just one sprocket on the rear. The Britannia uses the same setup. For those who want to go fully modern, you can even choose a belt-driven option. Add hydraulic brakes, and you have one of the classiest e-bikes of the year, maybe even for years to come.
All that, along with a few other nice touches, adds up to two e-bikes that weigh just 20 kilograms or less. The complete Britannia comes in at 20 kilograms, and the Briton is even lighter at 19 kilograms. That’s well below the usual weight, which is pretty impressive if you ask me.