2009 Optibike OB1: Revolutionary Golden Mountain Bike
December 2nd, 2008 5:08 AM | by M Dee Dubroff | 1 Comment
The amazing Optibike OB1 is a unique electric/manual hybrid with the durability of a mountain bike that sets a standard all its own. The Optibike 08, which was created by award-winning bike designer, Jim Turner, was touted as the “the future of transportation” by the California Academy of Sciences museum.
The Optibike 2009 model has arrived with a state-of-the-art bang, boasting a list of options that might justify (at least to some) the staggering price of $13,000. I paid just a little more for my car, so forgive me if the price makes me pant. Still, the features are staggering, and they include: ultra-light carbon fiber components, top-of-the-line GPS navigation, and a fully integrated PDA that displays all of the performance details of the patented Motorized Bottom Bracket (MBB). The lithium ion battery allows the user to ride for two hours pedal-free.
Proud owners get their choice of three custom paint designs from the world class paint artists at Gunslinger Custom Paint that includes flawlessly embedded hand cut 23ct gold leaf that perfectly matches the 23ct gold plated Motorized Bottom Brackett (MBB).
Optibike only makes only make 24 of these bikes for each model year. The 2009 model is truly the gold standard in the category of Light Electric Vehicle (LEV) and this cool electric bicycle represents the most advanced cutting edge technology available.
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Wow, this is (IMHO) an amazing waste of intellectual effort. To design a bike
which has you out in the weather but either:
1) Denies you the exercise of riding
or
2) Has you pulling the load of a motor and battery
seems to fit a nearly void market niche. And at $ 13,000, the niche
shrinks even more. I paid, after rebates and other credits, only slightly more ($14,700)
for a new Prius (Great state and fed rebates and strong negotiating). After converting the Prius to PLUG IN I am at less than twice this …
and it will carry a pedal mountain bike in the back … which I can get out and ride
when I want to pedal….without having to drag the weight of the motor and battery.
The good news is that I can be out of the weather! And I
can be on Electric Drive for 30 miles. And, if needed I can use gas and drive along
way.