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The Delfast Top 3.0 Is Here to Put All Other e-Bikes to Shame

Maker Delfast has always toyed with the line between bicycles and motorcycles, but the third iteration of the Top bike is blurring it almost altogether. The Delfast Top 3.0, just announced, will deliver several upgrades and insane range and speed.
Delfast Top 3.0 is part e-bike, part motorcycle 6 photos
Photo: Delfast
Delfast Top 3.0 is part e-bike, part motorcycleDelfast Top 3.0 is part e-bike, part motorcycleDelfast Top 3.0 is part e-bike, part motorcycleDelfast Top 3.0 is part e-bike, part motorcycleDelfast Top 3.0 is part e-bike, part motorcycle
Clearly, this is not your regular e-bike. It’s not even that much of a bicycle as it’s more a motorcycle, or at least a moped-type of vehicle.

It retains the enduro-style frame from the original record-breaking model, but comes with actual bicycle parts like pedals, a bike seat and bike handlebar. Everything else seems to be ripped off a motorcycle, down to the massive battery and powerful motor, able to deliver incredible range and speed.

Delfast Top 3.0 will go into production in August 2020, but interested parties can already place a pre-order – and potentially get a good discount. Upgrades include new Gates carbon belt drive transmission, updated lights, more connectivity and longer range, and they are bound to put all other e-bikes (and even some electric motorcycles) to shame. So let’s see what the fuss is all about.

First things first, Delfast really is a record-breaker, officially recognized as such by the Guinness Book of World Records in 2017. The Delfast model Prime was used to achieve the greatest distance by electric bicycle on a single charge: 367.037 km (228.066 miles). Vitalii Arhipkin rode the Prime at the Kiev Velodrome, Kiev, Ukraine, to set it.

Long range was always a priority with Delfast, as was speed and reliability. Moreover, Top 2.0 was used as a base for the TopCop special edition, which is currently being used by several PDs across the U.S., as part of a special testing program.

Delfast Top 3\.0 is part e\-bike, part motorcycle
Photo: Delfast
Top 3.0 now boasts 200 miles (322 km) of range on a single charge, thanks to the 72V and 48Ah battery, an improvement over the previous version. Delfast doesn’t say so specifically, but that top range can presumably be attained with some level of pedal-assist, not in torque-only mode. In the latter scenario, range would probably drop by half, which would still be very impressive for an electric bicycle.

The Top 3.0 is powered by a 5,000W peak-rated hub motor that puts out 182 Nm of torque and takes it to top speed of 50 mph (80 kph). On the downside, this means that even riders in some U.S. states, not to mention the EU (Delfast ships worldwide), will need a driver’s license and to register the bike in order to be able to operate it.

The bike is single-speed and comes with two modes: pedal-assist and motor only. It’s slightly lighter than the predecessor, tipping the scales at 154 pounds (69.9 kg), whereas normal load capacity is at 298 pounds (135 kg). Keep this in mind when you order cargo racks and panniers from Delfast with the bike.

Now with a Gates carbon belt drive instead of a chain, Top 3.0 is less of a hassle in terms of maintenance in this regard. 19-inch wheels wrapped in motorcycle tires and rear and front Tektro disk brakes will help you conquer even the most treacherous ground.

Delfast Top 3\.0 is part e\-bike, part motorcycle
Photo: Delfast
Improvements to the lighting system includes turning lights and a new front light that can be set to low and high beams, depending on your needs. Handlebar-mounted mirrors have also been included, while the color display will offer you important ride info and stats.

Last but not least, the Top 3.0 comes with improved connectivity. You get Bluetooth connectivity for remote launch and motor blocking in case of theft, GPS tracking and the ability to monitor stats on the dedicated app.

Delfast Top 3.0 comes with an MRSP of $6,649, which, yes, is a lot. However, if you pre-order now and are willing to wait a few more months until you get to go all wild with it, you can get a $1,000 discount off the final price. Delfast ships internationally, but make sure to check local regulations before making this kind of investment. Top 3.0 may be part-bicycle, but not as regards price.
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About the author: Elena Gorgan
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Elena has been writing for a living since 2006 and, as a journalist, she has put her double major in English and Spanish to good use. She covers automotive and mobility topics like cars and bicycles, and she always knows the shows worth watching on Netflix and friends.
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