Riese and Müller UBN Seven Silent

Understated design combines with modern technology in a lightweight package

Riese & Müller has worked hard to earn its reputation for high-quality e-bike manufacturing. A pioneer in the field, the German maker has distilled years of knowledge to design and produce a technically advanced yet understated electric town bike in the form of the UBN Seven.

The frame is fabricated from aluminium to give it a lightweight base, and the tubes have been manipulated to hide the combined battery and motor unit as well as all of the bike’s control lines and cables.

Powering the bike is the well-regarded Fazua Ride 60 drive system, which is mounted low at the frame’s base and provides a brisk 60Nm of torque. The entire system is also extremely light, given the support on offer. Combined with the spread of gears provided by the belt-driven Shimano Alfine eight-speed hub gearing, it’s more than enough to tackle UK riding conditions, and should also be very low maintenance.

The standard bike uses a rigid fork to keep weight and servicing to a minimum and its tyres are also relatively narrow. These help make it efficient and easy to handle but limit the bike’s usefulness to smoother surfaces. Luckily, if you live somewhere with a lot of cobbles there’s the option to upgrade to front suspension if you wish.

A stylish integrated rack at the bike’s rear improves its suitability for running day-to-day errands around town. Similarly, Riese & Müller helps further the bike’s allweather practicality by fitting mudguards as standard, while integrated front and rear lamps ensure you’re safe and seen when riding in low-light conditions.

Further integration comes with the ability to mount a smartphone to the handlebars. The bike will charge your phone as you ride while simultaneously allowing you to use Riese & Müller’s RX Connect app to monitor your speed, range and performance data. The app can also be used as an alarm to notify you if your bike is moved without your consent.

 £4,909  r-m.de