Bicycles

M55 aims to make the most sophisticated human-electric bikes

M55 aims to make the most sophisticated human-electric bikes
M55 is set to release the Beast 55 pedelec bike, featuring a CNC-machined aluminum frame, Formula One braking technology and top of the range components
M55 is set to release the Beast 55 pedelec bike, featuring a CNC-machined aluminum frame, Formula One braking technology and top of the range components
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The Beast's cast and CNC-machined handlebar and stem, with ESI grips
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The Beast's cast and CNC-machined handlebar and stem, with ESI grips
Front view of the Beast showing the built-in LED headlight, Fox suspension and one piece handlebar and stem
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Front view of the Beast showing the built-in LED headlight, Fox suspension and one piece handlebar and stem
The handlebar and stem features a built-in LED headlight
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The handlebar and stem features a built-in LED headlight
At the heart of the Beast is the futuristic-looking 19-inch CNC-machined Monocoque 7075 aluminum frame
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At the heart of the Beast is the futuristic-looking 19-inch CNC-machined Monocoque 7075 aluminum frame
The first Beast bikes to leave the workshop will be part of a limited run
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The first Beast bikes to leave the workshop will be part of a limited run
The Beast enjoys its intended setting - at the top of a mountain track
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The Beast enjoys its intended setting - at the top of a mountain track
Inside the belly of the Beast
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Inside the belly of the Beast
The Beast benefits from Fox fork and rear suspension, the latter with a "Nukeproof titanium spring"
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The Beast benefits from Fox fork and rear suspension, the latter with a "Nukeproof titanium spring"
Brembo disc brakes also feature, which would otherwise normally be found on Formula1 cars but not on bikes - until now
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Brembo disc brakes also feature, which would otherwise normally be found on Formula1 cars but not on bikes - until now
The Beast being shown off to an adoring crowd recently
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The Beast being shown off to an adoring crowd recently
The Beast visits the Brembo factory in Italy
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The Beast visits the Brembo factory in Italy
The drive consists of a Gebhardt GP custom front chainwheel, Rohloff rear cog and a specially developed KMC X1 chain with a Rohloff Speedhub 500/14 tandem version with Rohloff twist shifter gearing system
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The drive consists of a Gebhardt GP custom front chainwheel, Rohloff rear cog and a specially developed KMC X1 chain with a Rohloff Speedhub 500/14 tandem version with Rohloff twist shifter gearing system
M55 is set to release the Beast 55 pedelec bike, featuring a CNC-machined aluminum frame, Formula One braking technology and top of the range components
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M55 is set to release the Beast 55 pedelec bike, featuring a CNC-machined aluminum frame, Formula One braking technology and top of the range components
The Beast features a brushless electric motor that is said to make uphill climbs a relatively easy affair
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The Beast features a brushless electric motor that is said to make uphill climbs a relatively easy affair
View gallery - 14 images

Budapest mountain bike enthusiasts coming together as M55 have spent the last four years bringing their pedelec dream into existence. Now the Beast has risen. The first hand-built, luxury human-electric bikes out of the workshop doors will be restricted to a limited production run of just 55 and are said to feature the very best that technology has to offer. In addition to the fully CNC-machined aluminum frame and carbon fiber plates, the Beast 55 benefits from Formula One stopping power, a brushless electric motor that is claimed to make uphill climbs a relatively easy affair, and Fox suspension.

The company's aim is a lofty one – to "build the best hybrid bikes on the planet." To this end, input from numerous electronic and mechanical engineers, industrial designers, and avid cyclists was aimed squarely at the design goal. M55 decided early on that its end product would be the result of a no-compromise attitude, and gathered what it considered to be the very best components available into one place. Custom-made solutions would be developed to answer any troublesome technical issues.

The Beast features a brushless electric motor that is said to make uphill climbs a relatively easy affair
The Beast features a brushless electric motor that is said to make uphill climbs a relatively easy affair

Putting it all together

After four years in development – during which time various frame designs and materials were tested and numerous components tried out – the Beast 55 has now taken on form. At its center is the futuristic-looking 19-inch CNC-machined Monocoque 7075 aluminum frame. To this has been added a Fox fork and rear suspension, the latter with a "Nukeproof titanium spring." The 26-inch wheels benefit from Syncros rims with Syncros and Rohloff hubs and DT Alpine spokes.

The handlebar and stem have been cast and CNC-machined, and sport ESI grips and an integrated LED headlight. M55 has secured exclusive use of Brembo disc brakes, which would otherwise normally be found "on Formula1 cars but not on bikes – until now." The drive consists of a Gebhardt GP custom front chainwheel, Rohloff rear cog and a specially developed KMC X1 chain, with a Rohloff Speedhub 500/14 tandem version coupled with a Rohloff twist shifter gearing system.

The Beast 55 is a hybrid human-electric bicycle where "the electric-powered assistance is only offered during active pedaling." Located near the custom crank, within the frame, is a 1900W EB-PC brushless electric motor with a rated torque of 32Nm, although there's a mechanism included which is said to "increase the maximum assist torque to 104Nm." A drive-integrated sensor looks for moments when some assistance might be needed and kicks in the electric motor. M55 says that its e-bike has a maximum speed of 77 kph (47.8mph) at 120rpm pedal cadence.

The company reports that at full pelt, the 44V Tenergy Li-polymer battery pack rated at 20mAh will power the motor for about 44km (27 miles), but in ECO mode the Beast is claimed to run for 100-120 km (62 - 75 miles) on a single charge. If the battery dies mid-journey, then the bike simply loses the electric assist and the rider can complete the trip by pedal-power only. A "virtually maintenance free" experience is also promised.

At the heart of the Beast is the futuristic-looking 19-inch CNC-machined Monocoque 7075 aluminum frame
At the heart of the Beast is the futuristic-looking 19-inch CNC-machined Monocoque 7075 aluminum frame

Unleashing the Beast

There will be a couple of distinct product release waves. The first run to be manufactured in the new center in Budapest, near the Pilis mountains, will be limited to just 55 units. This represents the model featured in the gallery – the Beast 55 – complete with fully CNC machined aluminum frame with carbon-fiber plates. This special collector's edition has recently been shown off at the SEMA trade show in Las Vegas and will be available for purchase from February next year for US$35,300.

In April 2011, the company will make the first of its "standard edition" Beast e-bikes available. This model will feature much of the same technology as the limited "55" model but with "hydroformed aluminum not CNC machined." This is reflected in the reduced pricing of US$15,200. Every 55th e-bike produced will be a special edition model sporting a custom paint job.

M55 is currently working on an urban model called the Daemon, which will be available with optional one-sided front suspension and come in male and female tailored varieties. This model is also set for an April release and will cost US$13,300.

Personalizations and customizations can also be created on request.

View gallery - 14 images
5 comments
5 comments
Antony Innit
you can make one of these yourself... a ATB beast that goes faster than a motorbike and can climb a steep mountain for one hour and take you back down again....

you can configure it at 2000 watts of output which can take you up 20 percent hills, 25 percent with effortless pedallung, and going through woods etc.

just choose a light dual suspension bike frame, with a short forwards leaning angle because your back will be softer on an e bike. and fit it out with 1200 dollars of gear recommended to you by users of endless sphere. forums.

engineer a low centre of gravity for it and 1500 watts high torque motor, minimum, and you can go through woods and up mountains and enjoy the company of birds and deer that stay to enjoy the silence.

dam i need money, i need to build one!~!!
Lee Dilkes
Awesome site so uch cool info!
PeetEngineer
Looks good but, how much does it weigh?
beckerjoe
Looks inspired by the Honda RN-01 G-cross
Pablo9176
What planet do these manufacturers come from??? $30,000 US for an electric bike, or buy a new car or a new Honda CBR1000rr and a cheaper electric bike. I think I know which way I would go.
These things need to retail for about $1,000-$2,000 Max. I can buy a pure electric scooter/bike for a lot less and go faster/farther without ANY pedalling.
I really can\'t see the point of this bike, when it costs so much.