Photo: Bultaco
Bultaco is back, but the bang was replaced by a whizz, and an electric one. We’ve already seen the first bikes, the Rapitan and Rapitan Sport, and it looks like the old Spanish brand has what it needs to start a new, electric life. The upcoming model is the Brinco, a hybrid two-wheeler which blurs the borders between bicycles, pedelecs and electric motorcycles. However, we like this blur and it looks like there will be many guys willing to spend their money on this one.
The Brinco will first arrive as a limited edition bike, issued in 175 units, each selling for €4,800 ($6,000). Needless to say, for that kind of money, one can get a lot of motorcycle, a new small-displacement one or a bigger used machine. However, if you have a thing for going green, then maybe this money which gets you both a pedelec and something of a mountain bike, could hit the sweetspot for some.
The Urban mode provides mixed performance for 30 km (18 miles) or so, making it better for longer trips. The Eco mode only assists your pedaling, but will do so for 100 kilometers (62 miles).
With an aluminium chassis that’s strong and dependable, the Brinco can really tackle off-road trails, especially as its suspensions are top notch, with a long-travel telescopic fork and piggyback reservoir rear monoshock. Disc brakes equip both wheels, and the bike even comes with a 9-speed “gearbox”.
At 33 kilos (73 lb), Brinco is not exactly a fearsome competitor for a serious mountain bike, but is significantly lighter than a motorbike, and this may be a strong selling point for some. If you feel like your passion for riding green is worth so much money, get ready to order a Brinco, as deliveries are scheduled to start in April.
More than a bicycle, yet less than an electric motorcycle
Brinco is powered by a 1kWh lithium-ion battery sourced off a laptop, and while it doesn’t hold too much juice, it can be recharged in about 2 hours with a common charger. The power delivery has three modes, Sport, Urban and Eco. In Sport mode, Brinco will provide a top speed of 60 km/h (37 miles) and the full 60 Nm (44.2 lb-ft) torque. However, this will not last too much so the Sport mode is only useable if you’re in a big hurry and don’t have to travel too far.The Urban mode provides mixed performance for 30 km (18 miles) or so, making it better for longer trips. The Eco mode only assists your pedaling, but will do so for 100 kilometers (62 miles).
With an aluminium chassis that’s strong and dependable, the Brinco can really tackle off-road trails, especially as its suspensions are top notch, with a long-travel telescopic fork and piggyback reservoir rear monoshock. Disc brakes equip both wheels, and the bike even comes with a 9-speed “gearbox”.
At 33 kilos (73 lb), Brinco is not exactly a fearsome competitor for a serious mountain bike, but is significantly lighter than a motorbike, and this may be a strong selling point for some. If you feel like your passion for riding green is worth so much money, get ready to order a Brinco, as deliveries are scheduled to start in April.
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