Ridgeback Arcus 3W

A town and country bike that mixes a stepthrough frame with off-road capabilities

One side effect of the proliferation of e-bikes is that the lines between different types of bicycle are becoming increasingly blurred. The Arcus 3W from Ridgeback is a prime example of the constant evolution of styles and uses. Is it a city bike with the wheels and suspension fork pinched from a mountain bike? Or is it a mountain bike with a stepthrough frame, accessories and integrated lights borrowed from an urban commuter?

Looking at it from a distance, it would appear capable of managing most tasks. The combination of a step-through frame, lights and mudguards suggests the skills to take on the town, but the large-volume mountain bike-inspired tyres hint at off-road capability.

The official line from Ridgeback is that this is a proper do-it-all bike that’s as at home on woodland trails as it is on the morning commute. What can be agreed upon easily is that the open design of the Arcus’s frame makes it appealing to a broad range of riders.

It’s easy to get on and off of because there’s no need to swing a leg up and over the seat, which is a bonus if you lack a bit of flexibility as there’s no top tube to whack yourself on.

The same chunky step-through frame also hides the Sportdrive MDS250S drive unit and 500Wh battery that powers it. Elsewhere the bike is fitted with mounting points for two water bottle cages, plus fixings for mudguards, a rack and a rear wheel lock, all of which are included in the pleasingly modest price.

The SR Suntour Mobile25 suspension fork at the front of the Arcus suits its split personality. With a remote lockout for efficiency on fresh tarmac, the press of a button allows it to smooth out potholeriddled city streets or tame off-road trails.

Offering even more comfort is the inclusion of a suspension seatpost, which, combined with the voluminous WTB tyres, will ease trail buzz. Then when you return to the urban environment, the integrated AXA headlamp will light your way as you carry your shopping home in panniers hung off the rear rack that cleverly doubles up as a mount for the rear mudguard.

 £3,000

 ridgeback.co.uk