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Are you in the market for a light, comfortable and elegant electric bike to get around Dublin? Then we recommend the Italwin Prestige. This e-bike belongs to the premium segment of the Urban line by Italwin, an Italian brand that's been producing electric bikes since 2003. As part of our electric bike spotlight series, we want to dive into the unique features of this electric bike and hopefully help you decide if this is the right e-bike for both your commute and leisurely city cycles.

Electric Bike Models

The Italwin Prestige comes in two models: unisex and men's. Both models are built on solid aluminium frames and 28" wheels. The unisex model has a lower top tube for easier access, while the men's model has a more classic design. Both models have a frame height of 46 cm and a weight of 23 kg (without battery).

Battery

The battery is one of the most essential features of an electric bike, as it determines the range and performance of the e-bike. The Italwin Prestige offers three options of battery size: 313 Wh, 417 Wh and 461 Wh, all with 36V and equipped with Samsung or BAK cells. The battery is mounted on the rear rack and can be easily removed for charging. Depending on the battery size, the autonomy of the e-bike can vary from 50 km to 75 km, which is enough for most urban trips.

Motor

The motor is another crucial feature of an electric bike, providing the power and torque to assist pedalling. The Italwin Prestige has a rear 250W brushless FIVE motor with a torque of 40 Nm. This smooth, silent and reliable motor can help you climb hills and accelerate with ease. 

Display

The five levels of assistance the electric motor offers can be selected by the 3.5" LCD on the handlebar. The display also shows the battery level, speed, distance and other helpful information. It also has a USB port to charge your smartphone or other devices.

Gear System, Brakes, Suspension

The Italwin Prestige has a 7-speed Shimano gear system that allows you to adjust the pedalling resistance according to your preference and terrain. The e-bike also has front and rear disc brakes that ensure effective and powerful braking in any condition. The front fork is suspended with a Zoom 40 mm suspension that absorbs shocks and bumps on uneven roads. 

Saddle

The saddle is made by Selle Monte Grappa, an Italian company that produces high-quality saddles for comfort and style.

Accessories 

The Italwin Prestige also comes with many standard accessories that make it suitable for everyday use in the city. It has front and rear LED lights by Axa that provide visibility and safety at night. It also has mudguards, a chain guard, a kickstand and a bell. The e-bike is available in three colours: white/blue, white-Bordeaux and British green.

The Italwin Prestige is a premium electric bike that combines lightness, comfort and elegance in a stylish design. It is equipped with high-quality components and features that make it easy and fun to ride in the city. Are you interested in testing this e-bike? Please visit our Dublin bike shop, and we can organise a test cycle. The Italwin Prestige can also be purchased directly from our online bike store.  

If you want a lightweight electric bike that doesn't compromise on fun or performance, you could do a lot worse than the Orbea Rise H10. This trail-ready e-bike features a smooth and efficient Shimano EP8 motor with custom tweaks, a 540Wh battery that can be extended with an optional range extender, and a 140mm travel suspension system with Fox Factory components.

In this post, we here at Mike's Bikes spotlight some of the features of the Orbea Rise H10 to help you decide if this is the right electric bike for you.

Frame

The Orbea Rise H10 has a hydroformed aluminium frame that is sleek and sturdy. The welds are smoothed at the head and seat tube junctions, giving it a carbon-like appearance. The down tube houses the battery, which is not removable but can be charged in situ. The frame geometry is modern but not too aggressive, with a 500mm reach, a 65.5-degree head angle, a 76.5-degree seat tube angle and a 1,255mm wheelbase for the XL size. The bike also has a single-pivot swingarm with a concentric pivot at the rear axle and a shock link to control the leverage curve.

Electric Bike Motor

The motor of the Orbea Rise H10 is the Shimano EP8, one of the most advanced e-bike motors on the market. It delivers up to 85Nm of torque, but Orbea has limited it to 60Nm for the Rise H10 to give it a more natural feel and extend the battery life. The motor is also very smooth and efficient, with minimal drag when pedalling without assistance. The bike has a minimal Shimano EW-EN100 junction box instead of an LCD, which shows the motor mode and battery level with two small LEDs. If desired, the junction box can be replaced with a standard Shimano STEPS display.

Electric Bike Battery

The battery of the Orbea Rise H10 is a 540Wh unit that is integrated into the frame. This gives the bike a significant range advantage over the carbon Rise, which has a 360Wh battery. The battery can also be boosted with an optional 252Wh range extender that attaches to the frame via a bottle cage mount. This gives the bike a 792Wh battery capacity, enough for long rides in any terrain. The battery can be charged with an Orbea Smart Charger that delivers 42V-4A of power.

Suspension

The suspension of the Orbea Rise H10 is composed of Fox Factory components that offer excellent performance and adjustability. The fork is a Fox 34 Float Factory with 140mm of travel, FIT4 damper and Kashima coating. The shock is a Fox Float DPS Factory with 140mm of travel, three-position adjust, Evol air spring and Kashima coating. The suspension system is tuned to provide a confident and smooth ride feel on any trail.

Brakes

The brakes of the Orbea Rise H10 are Shimano XT M8100 hydraulic disc brakes with 180mm rotors front and rear. These brakes offer powerful and consistent braking performance in any weather condition. The drivetrain of the Orbea Rise H10 is also a Shimano XT M8100, with a 12-speed cassette that provides a wide range of gears for any climb or descent. The chainring is an e*thirteen e*spec Direct Mount 32T Boost compatible with the Shimano EP8 motor.

Wheels

The wheels of the Orbea Rise H10 are Mavic Crossmax XL S UST Tubeless with 6-bolt hubs and Boost spacing. These wheels are strong and light and feature tubeless-ready rims that can accommodate wider tyres for better traction and comfort. The tyres are Maxxis Dissector 2.40" on the front and Maxxis Rekon 2.40" on the rear, both with 3CMaxxTerra compound and Exo protection. These tyres are designed for fast rolling and cornering on loose or hard-packed terrain.

Seatpost

The seatpost of the Orbea Rise H10 is an OC Mountain Control MC20 dropper post with a 31.6mm diameter and various travel options depending on the frame size. The seatpost lever is integrated into the Shimano SL-MT500 I-Spec EV shifter for easy operation. The saddle is a Fizik Taiga S-alloy rail that offers comfort and support for long rides.

Conclusion

As you can see, the Orbea Rise H10 is an impressive electric bike that combines lightweight, long-range, smooth power and high-quality components. It is a bike that can take you on any adventure, whether a casual ride with friends or a challenging trail with steep climbs and descents. Of course, the proof is in the ride; call our Dublin bike shop for a test cycle or call us today to discuss this bike in more detail.

The Dawes Curve E-Bike is an excellent choice for those looking for a reliable commuting option. Its foldaway design, small wheels and light frame make it perfect for transportation on a busy train or bus. Its powerful 36v10Ah battery can reach speeds of up to 25km per hour, and the storage capacity means you'll be able to maintain this speed for around 45 minutes.

These topline stats show why this electric bike is one of our biggest sellers; however, let's dive more deeply into some of this curve bike's stats.

Intuitive E-Bike Controls and Features

Navigating the features of the Dawes Curve E-Bike is a breeze, thanks to its user-friendly controls and intuitive interface. The handlebar-mounted display provides essential information such as speed, distance travelled, and battery level, keeping you informed throughout your ride. The multiple power-assist modes allow you to tailor the level of assistance to match your desired riding style and conserve battery life.

Comfort and Ergonomics

The Dawes Curve E-Bike places a strong emphasis on rider comfort. The ergonomic design, including an adjustable saddle height and handlebar position, ensures a customised fit for riders of various sizes. Additionally, ergonomic grips and a well-padded saddle enhance overall comfort, reducing fatigue during long rides.

The commuter’s choice

The Dawes Curve E-Bike offers unparalleled convenience as a commuting option thanks to its thoughtful design and features. Its folding capability allows the bike to quickly transform into a compact size, making it effortless to carry onto public transportation or store in tight spaces at home or the office. The lightweight construction of the Dawes Curve further enhances its portability, ensuring that riders can effortlessly handle and manoeuvre the bike during their commute. With its electric assist and powerful motor, the Dawes Curve provides a seamless and efficient ride, tackling hills and covering longer distances effortlessly. This combination of folding convenience and electric assistance makes the Dawes Curve E-Bike an efficient and time-saving commuting solution for urban dwellers, allowing them to easily navigate congested Dublin streets and seamlessly integrate cycling into their daily routines.

See the Dawes Curve E-Bike page for product information, or visit Mike’s Bikes in Dublin today.

As one of the premier providers of quality Electric Bikes in Dublin, we often discuss these bicycles' advantages with our customers at Mike's Bikes. While electric bikes have been around in one form or another for decades, the recent advances in battery technology have made them a cost-effective, attractive choice for Dubliners on both sides of the Liffey.

inevitably clients have questions about electric bikes, and our team of experts often field en quirieson everything from pricing to safety. So, to make selecting an electric bike that much easier, we've gathered some of the most common questions and added them below.

Of course, if you have a query not explored in this blog, please reach out to our Dublin bike shop directly. Our team of bicycle experts will happily answer any questions – electric bike related or otherwise – that you may have.

What are electric bikes?

An electric bike, also known as an e-bike, is a bicycle with an integrated electric motor that can assist the rider in propelling the bike forward. The rider can control the level of assistance the motor provides, making riding uphill or against headwinds much easier. Some e-bikes also have a throttle that allows the rider to control the amount of power the motor delivers, independent of pedalling.

E-bikes are becoming more popular in urban areas as they can make it easier for people to get around without relying on a car. They are also becoming a popular alternative to traditional bicycles for commuters and recreational riders who want to extend their distance or tackle hills with less effort.

How much are electric bikes in Ireland?

The cost of electric bikes in Ireland can vary widely depending on the type of bike, its features, and the brand. For example, our Online store has a budget Italwin Lite E-Bike that costs €1,800.00. On the upper end of the price spectrum, we also stock the Orbea Urrun 10, which will set you back €4,799.00. Your budget and requirements should dictate the price you pay. However, the cost of an electric bike is affected by:

Motor: Different types of motors can have different price points. Mid-drive motors, which are integrated into the bike's crank, tend to be more expensive than hub motors, which are integrated into the wheel hub.

Battery: The capacity and type of battery used in an e-bike can also affect the cost. Lithium-ion batteries are more expensive than lead-acid batteries but are also more lightweight and have a longer lifespan.

Features: E-bikes with additional features, such as suspension, lights, racks, and bags, may be more expensive than those without these features.

Brand: Some brands are well-known for making high-quality e-bikes, which are more expensive than lesser-known brands.

It's worth noting that the prices of our e-bikes change. Mike's Bikes runs promotions, so check our website and call in-store regularly. The government also runs a Cycle to Work Scheme, which helps to offset the cost of e-bikes and cycling accessories.

How do Electric Bikes Work?

Electric bikes, or e-bikes, work by using an electric motor to assist the rider in propelling the bike forward. The motor is powered by a rechargeable battery, which stores electrical energy that can be used to drive the motor.

Here's a basic overview of how an e-bike works:

The rider pedals the bike in the usual way, turning the cranks and drivetrain. The pedalling motion activates a sensor, which sends a signal to the bike's controller.

The controller, typically located on the handlebars, receives the signal and determines the level of assistance needed based on the rider's pedalling effort and the bike's speed.

The controller sends power from the battery to the motor.

The motor then assists the rider by turning the wheel, making it easier to pedal.

Some e-bikes use a "throttle" in addition to the pedal assist, allowing the rider to control the amount of power the motor provides independently of pedalling.

The amount of power the motor provides is measured in watts, and typical e-bikes have motors that deliver between 250 and 750 watts of power. Some advanced e-bikes can have higher power motors, up to 1000 or 1500 watts. The battery capacity also varies widely between e-bikes, with some batteries having a total of 300 to 400 watt-hours, while others can have over 1000 watt-hours.

How fast are electric bikes?

The speed of an electric bike, or e-bike, can vary depending on the type of bike, the level of assistance the motor provides, the rider's pedalling effort, and the terrain.

As per European regulation, most e-bikes have a maximum assisted speed of around 25-45km/h (15-28mph).

This means that the bike cannot go faster than this speed when the rider is pedalling and the motor is providing assistance. The rider can still pedal more quickly than this speed, but the motor will not provide additional help.

However some e-bikes might have a higher maximum assisted speed, but it depends on the local laws and regulations.

In addition, some e-bikes are equipped with a "throttle" feature that can allow the rider to go faster without pedalling, but again the maximum speed will be restricted by the region's regulations.

Keep in mind that e-bikes are not designed to be fast; they are designed to assist the rider in making pedalling easier, allowing longer rides, climbing steep hills and so on.

E-bikes should be used within the legal limit, and always be aware of the surrounding traffic.

There you have it, some of the most common questions regarding electric bikes answered. Are you ready to quit the car and take up cycling? We recommend calling Mike's Bikes today. We can advise on the right bike for your unique needs and budget. We can also discuss payment plans and advise on availing of the government's Cycle to Work Scheme. When looking for the best selection of electric bikes in Dublin, please check out Mike’s Bike’s retail shop or our online store today.

Are you tired of being stuck in traffic on your morning commute? Are you done with squeezing into packed trains? Or are you hoping to use your time commuting to get fitter and healthier? It sounds like you have decided to begin cycling to work.
In the last couple of years, any stigma around cycling has disappeared. Cycling is very much the in thing to do. It's obvious why cycling has become so trendy. Not only does it help a person stay fit and healthy, but cycling also has mental health benefits and is an environmentally responsible transportation method. Not only this, but in a city like Dublin, which is often traffic-clogged, cycling to work is often faster than driving or getting a bus.

However, once you've committed to cycling into work, you need a few bike accessories. While cycling is undoubtedly good for cardiovascular health, it can be dangerous if you don't use the proper safety equipment. As one of Dublin's premier bicycle sales shops, we recommend the six must-have accessories you need when cycling to work.

1. Helmet

Every time you get on a bicycle, you must wear a helmet. Even the slightest bump to the head can cause a concussion, which can have potentially drastic consequences for your cognitive ability in years to come. In a more severe accident, it's no exaggeration to say that a helmet can save your life.
A good quality helmet can be purchased for under €100. For someone who wants to use their bike for commuting, we recommend the Oxford metro V helmet or the Lazer compact DLX Mips helmet.

2. Rain jacket

There's no getting away from it; we live in Ireland. This means that if you live in the south of Ireland, you'll likely live through 151 days of rain; in the west of Ireland, you'll endure 225 days of rain every year. When you cycle to work five times a week, you will get wet. Investing in a high-quality rain jacket is therefore essential. We also recommend investing a little bit extra in waterproof cycling trousers. A massive variety of rain jackets are available. Of course, we always recommend going for a vivid, eye-catching colour to increase visibility in the rain.

3. Bike lock

According to the latest crime figures, almost 6000 bicycles get stolen in Ireland every year. Unfortunately, an unlocked bike is irresistible to an opportunist thief. With this in mind, you must invest in a good quality lock. We recommend the Kryptonite Original Keeper or those willing to spend a little more with the Abus Bordo 6000.

4. Backpack

A backpack to carry your office supplies is essential when commuting on a bicycle. Unfortunately, your old nylon school bag just won't cut it here. What you need is an economically designed, high-visibility waterproof backpack. See our online bag page to review our range of backpacks and saddlebags.

5. Lights

When you are cycling early in the morning, and late in the evening, visibility will always be a problem. That's why you need flashing lights on your bicycle. Lights are there to alert other road users of your presence and hopefully prevent any accidents from occurring. We provide a range of lightweight lights equipped with long-lasting batteries.

6. Basic repair kit

On a city street, sometimes there's going to be a stray piece of glass or even a nail. Yep, punctures are inevitable. Therefore you are going to need a basic repair kit. A good repair kit should include a tool for removing the tyre from the bicycle wheel, a pump and, of course, a replacement tyre tube.

There you have it, the six essential items you'll need when commuting by bike. All these items can be purchased in-store or ordered online. Still not sure what items are right for you? Please get in contact with us. Our team of bike accessory experts can make recommendations based on your requirements.

While electric bikes certainly aren’t new – they’ve been around in one form or another for decades. – it would certainly seem as though in 2022 e-bike’s are having their moment. With the proliferation of electric ride-ables flooding the market. Everything from skateboards to scooters are now fitted with electric motors, the e-bike has the advantage of pre-existing bicycle infrastructure. Most major roads now have bicycle lanes. While electric scooters may not be comfortable moving into these lanes, e-bikes are quite literally made for the bicycle lane. Other electric ride-ables may very well prove to be a short-lived tech fab, but e-bikes will stick around and could be the future of transportation.
This isn’t an exaggeration, when we look at a bike heavy nation like the Netherlands, e-bikes have been outselling standard bikes year on year since 2018. While here in Ireland we are a little behind our Dutch friends, e-bikes are becoming ever more prominent on Dublin’s streets.
The Bicycle to Work scheme, which gives tax incentives to purchase a standard bike or an electric bike has certainly encouraged this move to cycling. If you’re thinking about ditching the car, tram or train in favour of cycling to work, we highly recommend considering an e-bike. Our buyer's guide breaks down everything you need to know before purchasing an electric bike

Budget

Most electric bikes are within the €2000 range. City shaped e-bikes with the battery pack behind the saddle are usually a little cheaper than mountain e-bikes that have the battery pack integrated with the bike’s frame.

Commuter E-Bike

If you’re going to use your bike to commute through a city or town and want to keep the budget as modest as possible we suggest the Italwin Lite city bike. If you’ll likely be taking your bike on and off trains or buses a foldable electric bike may be more convenient. In this instance, we recommend the Dawes Curve E-Bike.

Trail Bike

Perhaps you intend to use your e-bike on trails. If that’s the case you will need a more robust frame and a battery that holds a charge for longer. We would suggest either the Italwin Trail Rear or if you have a little more money to spend consider the Italwin Trail Ultra. Both these bikes offer a powerful long-lasting motor.

Still not sure what bike is right for you? Check out our Range of Dublin electric bikes online or visit our Dún Laoghaire bike store to discuss your options with our Electric bike experts.