Dr. Laura Bishop
Belgian bike brand Ridley has unveiled its latest creation, the Urbx, which aims to be the ideal bike for urban dwellers in the modern city. This urban e-bike incorporates a Bafang G310 motor for assistance and features integrated lights in both the handlebars and seatpost. However, what sets the Urbx apart is its focus on sustainable travel and the health benefits of cycling.
Ridley emphasizes the advantages of commuting by bike, promoting the Urbx as a means to conveniently travel between home, work, or school while exploring the surroundings in a healthy way and enjoying the outdoors. With this vision in mind, Ridley’s product developers diligently worked on crafting the Urbx e-bike.
Known for its high-performance road and gravel bikes, Ridley is expanding its portfolio with the Urbx, entering the commuter/urban riding sector. This year, many brands have been investing in this booming market.
While Ridley prioritizes aerodynamics and lightweight design in its road bikes, the Urbx posed a different challenge. The brand took user feedback into consideration and designed the handlebars and saddle for maximum comfort, ensuring an enjoyable riding experience.
The Urbx offers a choice between a belt drive or a traditional chain drive, increasingly common in urban commuter bikes. The belt drive, which requires minimal maintenance and eliminates the need for lubrication, is known for its durability. The chain drive version features Shimano’s reliable 10-speed Deore groupset with a single chainring for simplicity.
Powering the Urbx is Bafang’s G310 hub motor system, delivering up to 250 watts of additional power and 30Nm of torque. The motor is paired with a 360Wh internal battery concealed within the downtube. While specific range estimates are difficult due to various factors, Ridley claims the Urbx can provide assistance for approximately 80km on flat roads.
The Urbx embraces integration as a key aspect of its design. Ridley has seamlessly integrated front and rear lights into the bike, drawing power directly from the internal battery. The lights are cleverly embedded in the handlebar and seatpost, ensuring riders are always visible. Additionally, mudguards have been incorporated to enhance the bike’s practicality in all weather conditions.
The Urbx is available in three sizes (S/M/L) and offers a step-through model for easy mounting. Customers can choose between a belt drive or traditional chain and derailleur setup. With a retail price of €2,399 / £2,199, the Urbx falls within the more affordable range of commuter e-bikes.
Ridley’s Urbx presents a compelling option for city dwellers seeking a sustainable and convenient mode of transportation that promotes a healthy lifestyle. With its innovative features, comfortable design, and reasonable price point, the Urbx is set to make an impact in the growing urban commuter bike market.
The urban commuter bike market has been experiencing significant growth in recent years, with more people opting for sustainable and convenient modes of transportation in cities. Ridley’s entry into this market with its Urbx e-bike demonstrates the brand’s commitment to catering to the needs of urban dwellers.
As cities continue to invest in cycling infrastructure and promote active transportation, the demand for urban commuter bikes is expected to rise. According to market forecasts, the global urban bike market is projected to reach a value of $8.4 billion by 2025, growing at a CAGR of 9.5% during the forecast period. This indicates a promising future for brands like Ridley that are targeting this market segment.
One of the key challenges faced by manufacturers in the urban commuter bike industry is balancing comfort and performance. While road bikes prioritize aerodynamics and lightweight design, urban bikes like the Urbx need to focus on providing a comfortable riding experience. Ridley has addressed this challenge by designing the handlebars and saddle of the Urbx to maximize comfort, ensuring that riders can enjoy their daily commute.
Another important aspect of urban commuter bikes is drivetrain options. The Urbx offers customers a choice between a belt drive and a traditional chain drive. The belt drive, known for its durability and low maintenance requirements, has gained popularity in the urban cycling scene. On the other hand, the chain drive version of the Urbx features Shimano’s reliable 10-speed Deore groupset, providing simplicity and efficiency for riders.
The integration of technology and convenience features is also a notable trend in the urban commuter bike market. The Urbx incorporates integrated lights into the bike, drawing power directly from the internal battery. This ensures that riders are always visible and enhances safety on the road. Additionally, mudguards have been integrated into the design to make the bike suitable for all weather conditions, further enhancing its practicality for everyday use.
With a retail price of €2,399 / £2,199, the Urbx falls within the more affordable range of commuter e-bikes. This competitive pricing, along with its innovative features and comfortable design, positions the Urbx as an attractive option for city dwellers looking for a sustainable and convenient mode of transportation.
In conclusion, Ridley’s Urbx is set to make an impact in the growing urban commuter bike market. With its focus on sustainability, health benefits of cycling, and thoughtful design choices, the Urbx presents a compelling option for urban dwellers. As more individuals seek alternatives to traditional commuting methods, the demand for urban e-bikes like the Urbx is expected to rise, creating opportunities for brands to cater to this growing market.
