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Why E-Bikes?

Category: Bike Trends, DBS Community, Pro Tips

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Have you ever found yourself wishing you could ride your bike to the store, the park, to work, but it’s a little bit too far? Or gone shopping on your bike and ended up buying things that are a little uncomfortably heavy? Or do you need the range of a car, but hate parking in Vancouver? (who doesn’t) If so, an electric bike might be right for you!

Electric bikes have come a long way since their conception. As early as the 1890s, US patents were being filed for electric-assist bikes, and e-bikes were available to consumers in a variety of configurations. These early e-bikes, however, were heavy, due to the materials in use at the time, and specifically due to the lead-acid batteries used to power them.

E-bike 1932 (by Philips & Simplex)

E-bike 1932 (by Philips & Simplex)

Luckily, today we live in a different world. Advances in materials have made quality e-bikes lighter, more powerful, higher range, and more pleasant to ride than ever before. Modern e-bikes often have frames of high-strength, low-weight aluminum, optimized geometry for the bike’s expected style of riding, powerful, compact motors placed in optimal drivetrain configurations, fully weather-sealed components, and energy-dense, light, fast-charging lithium-ion batteries.

What this means for a potential e-bike user is that not only do quality e-bikes ride like a normal bike, but they also provide the assistance you need, when you need it. Need to go that extra 10 kilometers? You can. Filled your bags too full of groceries? No problem. Want to go on a long bike ride with your fit friend, child, or grandchild? You’ll leave them in the dust. Hills getting you down when you want to go down to Spanish Banks? Leave it to an e-bike to get you back up.

As for maintenance issues, quality e-bikes are built with weather and wear in mind, so maintenance on the e-bike components will be minimal. In addition, the electrical components of all the quality e-bikes we sell come with at least a two year warranty. Legally, an electric bike is considered a regular bicycle, as well, so you won’t need any more safety equipment than you would need with a regular bicycle. However, one thing this entails is that the e-bike motor can take you to a legal maximum of 32.2 km/hr on level ground; if you’ve ever gone this fast on a regular bicycle, you’ll know that is pretty fast.

A modern e-bike (https://www.flickr.com/photos/testlab)

A modern e-bike (https://www.flickr.com/photos/testlab)

So, to conclude, who are e-bikes good for? In Vancouver, e-bikes are good for everyone! Many of our quality e-bikes come decked out with everything you could need for Vancouver and its weather – most have rain-defeating fenders already fitted, and some come with cargo transportation components ready-fitted. No matter your cycling experience, check out our catalogue of e-bikes, call (604) 559-9494 to book a test ride, or come down to Denman Bikes at 2607 Main Street and try out one of our e-bikes for yourself today!

The New Electra 2016 Townie Go! Demo w/ Bosch motor is Here and Ready to Test Ride! Pre Order Yours Today!

Category: Bike Trends, Current Events, Featured Items, News

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Ah e-Bikes. “The closest you can get to a motorcycle without makin’ yo mamma cry.”

Thanks to Electra, I don’t need one anymore! With a 32 kilometer top out speed I’m moving faster than I normally pedal uphill all without having to break my “don’t go any faster than the speed you’re willing to crash at” rule.

The Townie Go!, much like it’s non-electric counterpart still comes with a lightweight aluminium frame and the same great flat foot technology that has made the regular Townies the best selling bike in North America. Couple that with the new mid-drive motor from Bosch, and you’re so balanced the Dalai Lama is coming to you for advice.

If you got the chance to take last years model for a spin, let me tell you, the new Townie Go for 2016 is a whole new animal. This year Electra has partnered with Bosch to bring you a compact but powerful 250 watt mid drive motor with an Intuvia control center and 4 different modes of assist; Eco, Tour, Sport and Turbo. That mid-drive motor also means you get to keep the Shimano 8 speed rear internal hub  and roller brakes for greater cruise control. Clean, compact and low maintenance, we love internal hubs!

The breakdown for the four modes of assist are as follows:

Eco: Effective support at maximum efficiency
Tour: Steady support for long tours
Sport: Immediate, powerful support for athletic riding off-road and in city traffic
Turbo: Direct, powerful support up to maximum cadence for athletic riding

This addresses my only complaint with the 2015 version, having multiple modes and a way to see them makes all the difference. Like the 2015 version it still has the “Get On and Go” throttleless system that adapts assistance based on cadence, but with the Intuvia control system you can also see your speed distance and battery power giving you a greater control over your ride.

And of course all the things that have made the Townie the best selling bike in North America are all still there, as well as integrated front and rear lighting powered by a Dynamo hub, fenders and rack and an Abus frame lock that is keyed alike with your battery for extra convenience.

Exciting, no? These babies are so hot Electra is already sold out until April in the US – the only way you’re going to get to see or try one of these before spring would be if we could get our hands on a demo unit before then…Which of course we did! It’s here now for the next week so DON’T WAIT!

This ride is visiting us for a limited time only so don’t delay! Come on down to our 2607 Main Street location between now and Christmas and give the future a spin!

Townie Go! 2016 models have now started to arrive in store but supplies are limited so don’t miss your chance! You’ll want to make sure you pre-order yours before it’s too late!

Right off the Runway, Electra’s latest Fashion Cruisers

Category: Bike Trends, Featured Items

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We’re thrilled every year to see the latest new designs from the Electra Bicycle Company, especially in the line of their Ladies’ Fashion Cruisers.

First of all, the bikes are incredibly comfortable and easy to ride. Each constructed from the same frame geometry, with different paint design’s,  they feature Electra’s Flat foot technology;  a slighter forward pedaling position that allows for a lower centre of gravity, better control, and more room in the cockpit.   Their wide comfy sprung seats and wide cruiser bars allow you to sit fully upright in a position that leaves you riding relaxed and carefree.

For 2012 Electra has brought out 4 new ladies models that are right off the fashion runways.

First up, Electra Sugar Skulls 3i

Mexican Folk Art Sugar Skulls from El Dia de los Muertos, the Day of the Dead festival inspired this cruiser.   Known for their color and humor, the Mexican sugar skulls embody a light-hearted view of death, and celebrate life as it continues in another form.    Sugar Skulls Art is currently popular fashion trend in both tattoo and clothing.

The Electra Sugar Skulls 3i celebrates this concept right along-side with a multitude of fun and colorful sugar skills painted throughout the frame and accessories.  The bike is edgy and bold, and expresses a completely different personality than the typical “flowery” cruiser.

Electra Sugar Skulls 3i

Electra’s Navajo 3i

From the Southwest American Navajo fashion trend,  inspired by the hand-woven textiles of the Navajo that have been sought after by art collectors for over 150 years.  With bold contrasting colors and geometric patterns, the art form has been passed down through generations.

In the Navajo culture, The art of weaving is deeply felt expression of beauty, harmony, and balance.

The Electra Navajo 3i embodies this philosophy with its rich colours, geometric designs and embroidered and embossed saddle adorned with tassels.

Electra Navajo 3i

Electra Night Owl 3i

Right on trend with the popular Night Owl Fashion accessories is The Electra Owl 3i

The bike transitions from day to night, with the mysterious and wise old Night Owl watching in the dark night on the front fender.  The paint fades to blue as it transitions from night to day and ends with the Owl sleeping, eyes closed, on the rear fender.

The Electra Night Owl is classy, complex and inspiring.

Electra Night Owl 3i

Electra Mariposa 3i

Mariposa means Butterfuly in Spanish.  The bikes is adorned with beautiful blue butterflies on a rich black frame.

The Electra Mariposa embodies freedom and artistry.


Electra Mariposa 3i

Come in to our Vancouver Bike Store, and test ride an Electra Fashion cruiser today!

Help us Support children needing organ transplants

Category: Current Events, DBS Community

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Come join us this Friday Nov 18th , at the 1st  Annual Kids Help Kids Benefit starring young singing sensation Cole Armour with Brent Butt acting as MC.

The event, in support of the David Foster Foundation, raises money for children needing life-saving transplants.  There is a dinner, auction and Vegas-style show at the Red Robinson Theatre.

We’re donating this beautiful Electra OM Ladies Cruiser and an Early Rider balance bike for the Live-Auction portion of the evening.

Electra "Om" Ladies Cruiser

With a Symphony Orchestra, Celebrity Guests and young stars, the Show is sure to be a fantastic time all in support of a very important cause.

Early Rider Balance Bike

Proceeds will go to www.davidfosterfoundation.com

Tickets are available at www.ticketmaster.ca

It’s time Ladies to get the cruiser bike of your dreams!!

Category: Bike Trends, Promotions

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For a limited time, Electra Ladies “Fashion” Cruisers are on Sale! 
Summer’s finally here and there’s still time to show off your ride.  With Electra Fashion series Cruisers* on sale, up to $100 Off , it’s a great opportunity to express your personality with a sweet and stlyish Electra Cruiser. 

Electra Cherie Pink

Electra Butterfly Blue

Electra Numbers Pink

Electra Koi

Check out our on-line catalogue for a preview of all the beauties.

Hurry, while supplies last… Sale ends Aug 7, 2011

*Excludes Electra Cruiser 1, Cruiser 7 and “Coaster” named models.
Electra Fashion Cruisers.

Electra Owner’s Ride This Saturday!

Category: Uncategorized

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Join us for our Annual Electra Owner’s Bike Ride around Stanley Park & the Vancouver Seawall.

Over $1000.00 worth of Prizes & SWAG again this year!!
Also a Photo Scavenger Hunt, Contests, Trophies and more! 

See our Facebook page for details of the Scavenger Hunt this week. 

Your Partner, Spouse, Date or Friend doesn’t have an Electra bike ?
Each Electra Rider is allowed a “plus One” whom isn’t on an Electra bike !

Whether you ride an Electra Cruiser, Amsterdam, Townie or Ticino;
get together with other Electra owner’s and Celebrate your Electra Lifestyles.

Details of the Photo Scavenger Hunt on your Electra bike,
will be reveled days prior to the event.   To the Victors goes the Trophy/Glory.

RSVP  to our Facebook Event or Email us to let us know you’re attending. Or, just show up at 5:30 on Saturday.

We meet at the Lost Lagoon Roundabout in Stanley Park, near the entrance to Stanley Park at the end of Denman Street and Georgia.   

Rain or Shine
Carpe Diem!

Leave your car and Ride like Royalty

Category: Bike Trends, Featured Items, Uncategorized

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The best reason to leave your car behind and use Vancouver’s new downtown bike lanes is Electra’s Amsterdam Royal 8i .

Ride like Royalty on this European inspired bike.

The Amsterdam Royal 8i rides like it has an engine, thanks to Shimano’s 8 speed Nexus Internal hub.

Electra’s forward pedaling position provides balance and comfort with an upright cycling position, available in either step-thru or traditional frame.

Meanwhile, the Shimano nexus roller brakes stop safely and reliably in all weather, and contribute to the low maintenance appeal of this Regal Ride.

Arrive at work in style without having to change! The skirt/coat guard, full fenders with mud flaps and fully enclosed chain guard protect your fashion sense from harm.

For Vancouver’s rainy days, try the New Oxford Rain Cape from Brooks of England’s John Boultbee line.  This cape keeps you dry while avoiding having to wear unfashionable rain pants.

Also now available at the Denman Bike Shop, the New Bern Watts Helmet, for safety and subtle sophistication.

Here’s one glowing new Amsterdam owner who sold her car and now pedals her Sexy Boots business around town on the Amsterdam Royal 8i in white.  Check out her line of lovely boots at vashtishoes.com

The Royal 8 is perfect for keeping fashion boots clean !

Test Ride the Electra’s pinnacle of riding style and performance, the Amsterdam Royal 8i, at the Denman Bike Shop today.