CNC machining is emerging as an alternative to traditional bicycle manufacturing, with potential to shake up the way mountain and enduro bikes are built. By using CNC milling, makers can deliver lighter and more durable bikes.
For the time being, though, they’re restrictively expensive.
Last week, German bicycle manufacturer Alutech introduced its latest electric mountain bike (eMTB for short), with impressive specs and the promise of a more durable, lighter and more customizable ride. The CNC eFanes is built using CNC (computer numerical control) milling process, from a single block of 6061 aluminum, PinkBike explains.
This wouldn’t be the first bike build this way (the Frace F160 we discussed this past July comes to mind) and it won’t certainly be the last, but it’s definitely the priciest offer in recent months. eFanes costs €16,000, which is almost $19,000 at today’s exchange rate, which makes it as expensive as a car. Well, to be more precise, it’s priced €15,999.90 ($18,683), but you get the idea.
The frame of the eFanes, which is designed as a mullet bike, is made of two large pieces of aluminum. They’re milled by a machine out of single aluminum blocks, which helps to cut down on the total weight of the bike and make the frame more resistant. Then, the two sides of the frame were welded together using a special shielding gas and polished.
This MTB is electric, too. It’s powered by a mid-mounted Shimano motor and a 504Wh battery, upgradable to a 630Wh one. There’s also Fox Factor suspension (suspension fork and rear shock), DT Swiss HXC wheels, Maxxis Minion tires, and a Shimano XTR drivetrain. The total weight is 25.89 kg (57 pounds), which Alutech says is low for a mountain bike, considering it’s electric.
For the time being, Alutech offers two sizes of the eFanes (L and M), with no customization option as regards components. However, one of the advantages of CNC milling is that, in theory, it allows customers to customize the frame to their exact needs. For this kind of money, this feels as if it should be a given.
Last week, German bicycle manufacturer Alutech introduced its latest electric mountain bike (eMTB for short), with impressive specs and the promise of a more durable, lighter and more customizable ride. The CNC eFanes is built using CNC (computer numerical control) milling process, from a single block of 6061 aluminum, PinkBike explains.
This wouldn’t be the first bike build this way (the Frace F160 we discussed this past July comes to mind) and it won’t certainly be the last, but it’s definitely the priciest offer in recent months. eFanes costs €16,000, which is almost $19,000 at today’s exchange rate, which makes it as expensive as a car. Well, to be more precise, it’s priced €15,999.90 ($18,683), but you get the idea.
The frame of the eFanes, which is designed as a mullet bike, is made of two large pieces of aluminum. They’re milled by a machine out of single aluminum blocks, which helps to cut down on the total weight of the bike and make the frame more resistant. Then, the two sides of the frame were welded together using a special shielding gas and polished.
This MTB is electric, too. It’s powered by a mid-mounted Shimano motor and a 504Wh battery, upgradable to a 630Wh one. There’s also Fox Factor suspension (suspension fork and rear shock), DT Swiss HXC wheels, Maxxis Minion tires, and a Shimano XTR drivetrain. The total weight is 25.89 kg (57 pounds), which Alutech says is low for a mountain bike, considering it’s electric.
For the time being, Alutech offers two sizes of the eFanes (L and M), with no customization option as regards components. However, one of the advantages of CNC milling is that, in theory, it allows customers to customize the frame to their exact needs. For this kind of money, this feels as if it should be a given.