Temple Cycles Classic Electric

Retro looks and modern features converge in a slick package

As you might expect from the name, Temple Cycle’s Classic model has more than a hint of retro cool with its muted colours, leather grips and seat, and vintage-looking swept-back bars.

It’s perhaps unsurprising to learn that one of the company’s founders started his career bringing vintage bikes back to life.

In a way, that’s what this bike does too. Like its sibling, Temple’s Step Through Electric, the Classic is made predominantly for paved surfaces. It can withstand a bit of light off-road use, but this is not a full-on, do-it-all bike in the most modern sense.

That’s not to say the Classic isn’t up to date regarding the electric motor system it discreetly carries aboard its aluminium frame. At its heart is a 250-watt Bafang M420 mid-drive with up to 80Nm of torque and a respectably sized removable 504Wh down tube-integrated battery.

Although Bafang isn’t as well known as market-leading brands such as Bosch, the M420’s claimed torque output is up there with the most powerful models. The same goes for the battery, which provides the plentiful stores of juice you want at this price point.

Other high-performance features that riders of old didn’t have the advantage of include the modern Shimano MT-200 hydraulic disc brakes, nine-speed derailleur gears and hardwired integrated lights that automatically switch on in the dark. Riders also get a choice of a cool, if slightly idiosyncratic, Brooks leather saddle or a more plush modern comfort design. The attractive tan wall tyres are also top-quality Panaracer Pasela models. Along with mudguards, all come as standard, while optional extras include a kickstand and a pannier rack.

Temple Cycles is a Uk-based company that builds all its bikes in its Bristol workshop. And if you’re wavering as to whether this might be the bike for you, you can book a test ride there or in London via the Temple Electric website.

▶ From £2,995

▶ temple-electric.com