Bicycle pricing has been quite insane. It's possible to find bikes at a bargain price of less than $1,000. However, you can also spend more than $10,000 to buy a top-of-the-line road bike. Although electric bikes are not as extreme, they have a wide range of appeal. They are very much commodityized at the lower end. Many companies offer similar options, which provide basic ebike functionality. At the high end, prices can easily exceed $5,000. This is where differentiation really takes place.Recently, we had the opportunity to ride a new offering by Civilized Cycles, a company that is based in Brooklyn Navy Yard. The launch model is expected to be available late in the year. It has many thoughtfully designed features and a strong sense of design. The price of the extras will be $5,500, and you get a lot that isn't available in commoditized options.CivilizationZach Schieffelin, founder of Civilized Cycles, met Ars in the Navy Yard. We talked about the inspirations behind the Model 1's design. This included his personal experience as a bicycle rider and his own ownership of a Vespa scooter dealer. The result is an ebike that sits somewhere in between these two.The Model 1's design allows riders to easily step through the U-shaped frame before they get on, rather than having to lift their legs over the bike. The rider's seat has a padded, extended area behind it that is similar to some scooters. The pedals and front suspension forks are also straight from the bicycle world.What stood out to me was the meticulous attention to detail, which created elements that I hadn't seen before. The hard-covered casings at the rear wheels keep passengers' legs and clothing protected from the chain and spokes. The casing can also open up to create two cargo areas. Softer fabric forms the rear and front walls. The floor is also formed by the casing, which gets support from the metal platforms either side of the wheel. These can double as foot rests for passengers when necessary.AdvertisementThe cargo area is large enough to carry a backpack, bike helmet or grocery bag when unfolded. These are the most common cargoes that can be used with this type of bike. These cargoes have an elastic fabric wall within the hard shell that can hold items close to the frame, if they aren't too heavy.This all seems well thought out and practical. Civilized believes that the premium price is worth it for the design elements.There are lights and pumps, not bells and whistlesMost e-bikes come with a lot of electronics. The Model 1 is no exception. Its main interface, which is integrated (others can be accessed via mobile phones), is largely functional. You can see your speed and how much electric assistance you are receiving (there are five options). You can set a pin code for unlocking the bike from the interface, but it doesn’t do much more than that. Schieffelin stated that although the interface will collect a lot performance metrics, they will mostly be useful for servicing the bike.The front headlight adjusts its brightness by using an ambient light sensor. It can also automatically switch on high-beam illumination if it isn't detecting oncoming riders. The handlebars have right- and left-turn signals, and a control allows you to navigate the options on your main screen.The rear suspension is perhaps the most interesting piece of hardware. It can handle any number of riders, including a single rider or two.The Model 1's air-based suspension is connected to a compressor to deal with these differences. To reset the suspension before you ride, the controller can be found on the handlebar. The Model 1 will allow all air to escape and then begin reinflating to ensure it is able support its current load. Ars told by Schieffelin that the Model 1 does this by measuring the angle of the wheel supports relative the frame.This is a useful feature. It worked well on rough pavement, with or without Schieffelin riding as my passenger.Learn more about the rideThe battery, all the extras, and the battery that powers them are very heavy. A more experienced rider will also appreciate the sturdy aluminum frame. The bike is a little over 40kg (90 lbs) and that's not counting the 180-pound carrying capacity. Schieffelin stated that this is about the limit of the components (suspension, disk brakes).AdvertisementIt's also difficult to balance the bike, especially when you first start. The bike has wide tires that help with balance. Civilized added a power start to help the bike move without the need for pedals. Civilized's top speed is quite low.The rider will enjoy a very standard e-bike experience. The Model 1 features an internal rear hub that can be adjusted to five gearing ratios. There are five levels of power assistance available, six if you include shutting it off. These levels range from "my pedaling feels strangely efficient" to "my pedaling only provides a hint of how fast I would like the motor to move my bike." These power levels can reach speeds that vary from "a bit frightening" to "positively hazardous" depending on context.The Model 1 has a range of 30 miles if you use the highest level of assist. However, its eco mode will take you farther. The Model 1 can accommodate a second battery if you plan to use it frequently for longer trips.The Model 1 has the same advantages and limitations as other e-bikes. The Model 1 won't give you as much exercise than pedaling and can make inexperienced cyclists dangerous to other bicyclists and themselves. The Model 1 is a great option for those who struggle to ride a bike or want to increase the number of trips they take with a bike. Even a serious cyclist may find a commuter bike useful, even if it leaves them feeling cool and refreshed when they get to work.Are we ready for civilization?Civilized is betting that the Model 1's design features will be enough to justify its high-end price tag, considering that the performance was typical for an e-bike. The bike is a great design. I was truly impressed by how well-thought-out many of the features were. Schieffelin wants the Model 1 to be able to be used on trips that would otherwise require a car. The Model 1 seems to have everything needed to do the job.For many, however, the main issue is price. A Model 1 model could be purchased for the same price as a good bike or scooter. Civilized's plans for the Model 2 are intriguing to me. Schieffelin stated that Civilized started at the top end and plans to fill out more models. However, Civilized does not plan on competing at the bottom end. Schieffelin didn't, however, provide details on which parts of the Model 1's design could be sacrificed in order to move into the middle range.
