O2feel the French Flair for e-MTBs

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An emphasis on high-quality European brands has effectively positioned Melbourne-based company Dutch Cargo as a distributor and retailer of cargo bikes, and now it’s taking a similar approach to e-MTBs.

As electric mountain bikes grab a rapidly increasing share of floor space at most bike stores in Australia and NZ, Dutch Cargo announced last September it was introducing emerging French brand O2feel to both countries.

The relatively young company, launched around 10 years ago, is spearheading Dutch Cargo’s move into the more mainstream e-bike market, including the burgeoning e-MTB segment.

“Our main focus at Dutch Cargo is on bikes for transport, but that doesn’t exclude us from having a bit of fun included in the range. And that fun comes in the shape of O2feel’s e-MTB models – Karma, Amplitude and Soar,” Dutch Cargo marketing head Chris Young said.

“Of all the categories of cycling, mountain bikers tend to be the ones who adopt new technology the quickest. Perhaps it’s to do with being a sport that constantly pushes the boundaries, but whatever the reason, pedelec mountain bikes have been one of the fastest adopted advances in the sport in a long time.”

O2feel’s range is divided into four categories – Comfort, Dynamic, Utility and Sport – with its three e-MTB models at the heart of the Sport options.

“Like all the other models across the O2feel range, all three e-MTB models are built from bulletproof, beautifully finished triple-butted aluminium,” Chris said.

“Quality is the name of the game for O2feel, beginning with their frames and continued with component choices from industry standard-bearers Shimano, Rock Shox, Maxxis and others.”

O2feel uses Shimano motors for all its bikes, with the e-MTBs based around the Steps E7000 or EP8 motors.

The company uses its own iPowerpack Advanced 432 or 720 options for the batteries. That is understandable given the 720WH battery has one of the largest capacities on the market.

Hard Tail – Easy Ride

The hard tail Karma is O2feel’s cross country e-MTB, built to glide along XC trails, fire roads and rail trails.

“This affordable model is the perfect entry point for enthusiasts who aren’t too fussed about the gravity side of the sport,” Chris said.

“Riders will keep rolling thanks to Shimano’s Steps E7000 motor, coupled with a choice of 432WH or 720WH batteries, depending on the model.”

The Karma’s medium and large sizes run on 29-inch wheels shod with Schwalbe Smart Sam tyres, while the small is fitted with 27.5-inch wheels.

Braking, shifting and suspension duties are handily covered by Shimano and Suntour.

“Available in a choice of two colours, brilliant olive green or garnet red, the Karma is the perfect bike for XC riding in style and comfort,” he said.

Go Far and Wide

The Amplitude is O2feel’s full suspension all-mountain offering for all-day trekking and adventure trails.

“O2feel has created a highly reliable and comfortable all-mountain bike suited to hours of riding hills, fire-roads and trails,” he added.

Suspension on the Amplitude is handled by Rock Shox and is set at 120mm at the rear and 140mm up front. Trusty Shimano discs take care of the stopping power.

“Rolling duties are on 27.5-inch wheels, shod with Maxxis Minion tyres to create the best balance between being fast rolling and grippy, yet still nimble and easy handling,” Chris explained.

“A Crankbrothers Highline 3 dropper seat post adds to the comfort and ease-of-use trail-wide, and the ‘slate blue’ or ‘sandy beige’ colour options look great.”

O2feel’s iPower Pack Advanced 720 ensures there’s plenty of battery range on hand to power those epic adventures, coupled with Shimano’s EP8 motor.

Get Up Easy. Get Down Fast!

The O2feel Soar caters for e-MTB riders who want to get the uphills done easily and quickly, so they can descend as fast as possible.

It’s fully equipped to deliver speed and control on the downhill, while the integrated iPower Pack Advanced 720 battery and Shimano EP8 motor combine to offer powerful and lasting uphill performance.

Like its all-mountain sibling, the Soar has Rock Shox suspension – with a plush 150mm out back and 160mm in the front.

Both front and rear brakes are four-piston Shimano discs for rapid stopping power.

The Soar also has 27.5-inch wheels with Maxxis rubber and is available in ‘slate blue’.

Peace of Mind

The high quality and reliability of O2feel e-MTBs is complemented by an industry-leading four-year warranty on its batteries.

However, Chris said it’s the bikes’ good looks and French pedigree that make them a particularly attractive addition to bike store showrooms.

For further information about the O2feel e-MTBs and the other bikes in its range, email info@dutchcargobike.com.au or contact Dutch Cargo in Australia on 1300 414 843 or in New Zealand on 0800 388 240.

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