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Riese & Müller plays the card of dynamism and light electrification with its new range of electric bicycles UBN Five and UBN Seven. VAE equipped with Fazua engines which are available in three versions.
After its versatile Charger4, Riese & Müller adds a string to its bow in terms of electric bikes. This time, a resolutely urban line has been chosen for the aptly named UBN Five and UBN Seven. A more dynamic philosophy thanks to light electrification provided by a Fazua Ride 60 engine, the weight of the bike starting at 18 kg.
The UBN Five and Seven are distinguished by their geometry. The former uses a diamond frame while the latter opts for a lower top tube for easier step-over. For the rest, the two models are completely identical. They are based on a central motor located in the crankset, the Fazua Ride 60. Capable of developing 60 Nm for less than 2 kg, it has a reduced volume. Associated with this motor is a 430 Wh battery housed in the downtube. It can be removed for separate recharging, which is practical when you cannot charge your bike where it is parked.
As often with Riese & Müller, several versions are available. The most affordable, UBN touring, relies on a Shimano Deore transmission and an 11-speed derailleur. The UBN Five and Seven are also available in a “silent” version, which combines a belt transmission with a Shimano Alfine internal gear hub. Finally, the two new electric bikes from the German brand exist in a “singlespeed” version for those who are not put off by the absence of gears. Braking is provided by a pair of TRP disc brakes, Tektro’s top segment.
The UBN Five and UBN Seven are fitted with 28-inch Schwalbe Marathon Supreme tires (42-622). As standard, they come with a rigid fork, but lovers of comfort can choose a Suntour suspension fork if they wish. A choice that will logically inflate the bill as well as the weight of the machine. The weight, precisely, is one of the assets put forward by Riese & Müller for its new UBN. Depending on the version, it oscillates between 18 and 21 kg. In the same vein as what a Cowboy 4 offers, but well above the 15 kg of a bike like the Canyon Roadlite:On. The idea of the UBN Five and Seven is to offer electric assistance which does not hinder the cyclist who wishes to ride beyond 25 km/h, the speed at which the assistance is cut off.
The German manufacturer also emphasizes the connectivity of its bikes. Thanks to the RX Connect application, it is possible to keep an eye on all the statistics related to the UBN Five and Seven. Their localization is ensured by the presence of a GPS chip. The use of the smartphone will be a good complement to a fairly basic cockpit. Indeed, no screen to get your teeth into here. Riese & Müller equips its machines with Ring Control, which gives indications on the driving mode used via LEDs placed on the handlebars. The level of assistance and that of the battery are indicated by LEDs placed on the upper tube of the frame.
For urban models, the Riese & Müller UBN Five and UBN Seven incorporate fairly basic equipment. Admittedly, they do not overlook mudguards or well-made lighting and are all equipped with a parking stand. On the other hand, German bikes opt for pannier racks, abandoning the more classic luggage racks. Similarly, no frame lock is offered as standard. Riese & Müller offers optional locks for around fifty euros.
A choice that may seem a bit stingy for electric bikes whose prices start at €4949 for the UBN Five and Seven touring. Count nearly 5600 € for a “silent” model with suspension fork and lock.