eBikes continue to grow in popularity, which means that new models are popping up all the time. While some are from new companies wishing to throw their hat into the ring, others are from traditional bike companies like Mission Bicycle. The company’s recently launched Lyra hopes to offer an eBike that sacrifices neither form nor function.
From the get-go, Lyra stands out from other smart bicycle due to the fact that it is solely human powered. That’s right you won’t find motors, custom propulsion systems or anything else to propel you through the streets. Rather than being focused around the smart functionalities emphasized by other eBikes, Mission Bicycle focuses on enhancing its already great commuter bike.
While Lyra doesn’t feature a built-in electric motor, it is still equipped with a few smart features that allow it to be one of the most ‘high-tech and premium commuter bikes coming to the market’. The bicycle incorporates 100 high-brightness LED lights distributed throughout its frame. Conventional bike lights tend to provide around 60 degrees of coverage, often only lighting the area directly ahead of you. Lyra’s system offers nearly 360 degrees of lighting to ensure heightened visibility when riding at night or in low-light conditions. Two modes are incorporated which allow you to choose between super bright lighting, and conservative energy efficient lighting.
Lyra also tackles any anxiety associated with parking your bike. An integrated GPS system allows you to keep track of your bicycle’s whereabouts from anywhere. A companion iPhone and Android smartphone app provides access to up-to-date info on your vehicle. Mission Bicycle has also partnered with BikeIndex.com to further enforce the safety of your ride.
Lyra’s battery lasts about a month on a full charge and is removable so that there’s no need to keep your entire bike plugged into the wall. The battery itself charges via a micro USB port, which effectively allows you power up your bike from your nightstand, desk or really anywhere with an outlet.
Just like the rest of Mission Bicycle’s lineup, Lyra sports a stylish and light-weight design. Weighing in at just 20 lb, the bike is available in both a variety of colors as well as several frame sizes. In terms of the former, the bike is available in Bay Blue, Matcha Green, Steel Clearcoat, Matte Black, and for the latter, provides six different sizes to ensure a comfortable ride. Lyra is electro-static powder-coated in San Francisco to achieve ‘the most durable, vibrant, scratch-resistant finish possible’.
Lyra is currently available for preorder on Kickstarter. With 17 days still to go, Mission Bicycle has raised $17,626 of its $40,000 campaign goal. Pricing varies depending on which model you opt for. If you’re a bicycle enthusiast and want to customize your own vehicle, the smart frame itself is for $500.
In terms of complete packages, a single speed version is available for $999, while a geared 8 speed variant can be backed for $1,450. Assuming all goes well, the former two models will be shipping in August, with the 8 speed version shipping in September. If you’re interested but waiting to see how the campaign plays out, Lyra intends to have a public release in early 2018.
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