ARCC Abington

ARCC Innovations has taken the classic styling cues of a British roadster and added an extraordinary clever electronics package

The unparalleled rise in the popularity of electric bikes is continuing to bring new manufacturers to the market and with that invariably comes some innovative thinking. In many cases this ‘outside the box’ approach simply results in crazy- looking frame designs and other ideas that can come across as little more than meaningless novelties. However, this is not the case with the Abington from ARCC Innovations.

The classic double- diamond frame has been around since the invention of the very first safety bicycle at the end of the 19th century and it is this hugely successful design that ARCC has kept faith with for the Abington. Continuing the classic theme is the choice of Reynolds steel tubing for the construction of the frame – it really is a case of if it ain’t broke, don’t try and fix it.

Do not be fooled by all that into thinking that the Abington is a simple e- bike, however.

Take a closer look at the drive system and controller and you’ll notice that the front hubmounted 250W motor is an accepted standard but the way it is controlled – using the e2- pod Intelligent Drive System – is far from it.

Aside from the motor itself, the e2- pod Intelligent Drive System is made up of the e2- pod computer, a Bluetooth controller and a Bosch battery (a choice of 4.0Ah or 6.0Ah). Inside the pod there is a threeaxis accelerometer, and it uses microelectromechanical technology to determine how steep a hill or gradient is at any moment, adjusting power accordingly. An added bonus is the presence of three fully compliant USB- C ports on the side of the pod for charging your phone or GPS while you’re out and about.

The built- in accelerometer comes into play when the Bluetooth controller is in what ARCC calls ‘A mode’. Even with this option disabled – in ‘M mode’ – the e2- pod torque sensor still reacts to how hard you’re pedalling and automatically adjusts the level of assistance within the level you’ve set at the controller.

ARCC also gives you a wide choice of just how you want that power deployed at the rear. Options include a Shimano single- speed rear hub, a Shimano Alfine 8 or Alfine 11- speed, or a 14- speed Rohloff Speedhub, all driven by a Gates belt drive.

► From £3,099 arccbikes.com