At Denman Bikes, we stock only quality e-bikes, which function well as regular bicycles but also provide the help you need when you need it with their electric drive. One of the brands we carry is Electra, the original cruiser bike company.

Electra Townie Go!

The Electra Townie is the quintessential cruiser bike – wide, comfortable tires, a simple drivetrain, and comfortable frame geometry. As an e-bike, the Electra Townie Go! also comes equipped with powerful disc brakes for all-weather stopping power. The premium Electra Townie Commute Go! comes fully equipped with larger, higher-volume tires on larger wheels for maximum comfort, hydraulic disc brakes, a low-maintenance 8 speed Shimano Nexus internally geared hub (never have your chain fall off again!), fenders, a front and rear rack for maximum carrying capacity, and integrated front and rear lights.

These e-bikes are powered by a Bosch Active Line 3 bottom-bracket mounted electric motor, taking you to a maximum assisted speed of 32 km/hr. Its lightweight and powerful lithium ion battery lasts 40-120 km on a charge, depending on usage, and charges fully in 6.5 hours. A handlebar-mounted cycle computer selects from four assist modes, and shows other details such as battery life, speed, trip distance, and more. The electric system on these bikes is fully sealed, requires no maintenance, and features a manufacturer warranty.

Handlebar-mounted Bosch cycle computer

Starting at $2749, the Electra Townie Go! is a comfortable, smooth ride; it’s made for cruising and good times and is available with both a step-thru and a step-over frame. The fully-loaded, premium Electra Townie Commute Go! is $3699, also in both a step-thru and step-over frame. Call (604) 559-9494 to book a test ride, or come down to Denman Bikes at 2607 Main Street and try it out for yourself today!

Electra Loft Go!

The Electra Loft is a sophisticated, classic bicycle which would be equally at home in the cafes of Paris or of Vancouver. Its clean lines give it timeless style, and its simple drivetrain, light weight, and step-thru geometry make it a pleasure to ride. The Electra Loft Go! comes upgraded with hydraulic disc brakes, front and rear racks, and integrated lights.

The Electra Loft Go! features the same Bosch Active Line drive system as the Townie Go!, providing the same consistent power over long range.

At $3899, the Electra Loft Go! is a classic European-style city bicycle. Call (604) 559-9494 to book a test ride, or come down to Denman Bikes at 2607 Main Street and try it out for yourself today!

Electra Ace of Spades

Electra is known for stylish cruisers, and the Electra Ace of Spades Go! is the pinnacle of their offerings. Its sleek matte-black frame will turn heads wherever you go, but looks are only the beginning when it comes to this bike’s features.

The Ace of Spades Go! will get you up to speed with an 8 speed drivetrain, with a simple low-maintenance Shimano Nexus internally geared hub. To slow you back down, Tektro hydraulic disc brakes provide powerful all-weather braking performance. This bike has fat balloon tires and a sprung leather seat for maximum riding comfort.

This bike’s functionality is backed up by the same reliable, long-lasting Bosch Active Line drive system that powers the rest of Electra’s e-bikes. Not only can you cruise in style, but you can do so at speed without breaking a sweat.

The Electra Ace of Spades – the simplicity of a bicycle with the moxie of a motorcycle

At $4299, the Electra Ace of Spades Go! oozes style and baditude; it’s the ultimate cruising machine. Call (604) 559-9494 to book a test ride, or come down to Denman Bikes at 2607 Main Street and try it out for yourself today!

At Denman Bikes, we stock only quality e-bikes, which function well as regular bicycles but also provide the help you need when you need it with their electric drive. One of the brands we carry is Opus, a Canadian bicycle brand from Montréal, Québec.

Opus Grid

The first electric bike we’ll talk about is the Opus Grid. This bicycle has the simplicity of a single-speed bike: never worrying about a dropped chain, never trying to find the right gear or being in the wrong one, and decreased maintenance. The limitations of a single-speed bike, however, are overcome by the Vittoria E-wheel rear wheel, which assists with the power you need. This rear wheel combines three groundbreaking innovations to deliver a cutting-edge e-bike experience: first, it is entirely self-contained, with charging accomplished via regenerative braking; second, it connects to your smartphone to manage trip data and adjust settings; third, these combine to decrease your cycling effort by 30-40%! This simple, self-contained electric propulsion system also helps bring down the weight of the bike, making it one of the lightest e-bikes on the market.

In addition to the electric bike functionality, the Opus Grid has a host of other features and components that make it a pleasure to ride. It comes equipped with a kickstand, and a front rack with rack stabilizer keeps you upright and stable even when laden with heavy items. The nimble 26” wheels have comfortable high-volume tires that will makes rough roads a breeze. And finally, the internal cabling complements the clean matte black of the frame, which is offered in step-thru and regular.

A trip to the grocery store with the Opus Grid

At only $2499, the Opus Grid is a mean, clean, city-riding machine. Call (604) 559-9494 to book a test ride, or come down to Denman Bikes at 2607 Main Street and try it out for yourself today!

Opus Connect

The Opus Connect is a step-thru European city-style bike powered by the Shimano STEPS e-bike system. This features a high-density lithium polymer battery which powers a bottom bracket-mounted motor. This system also incorporates built-in lights, which are controlled from a detachable speedometer and cycle computer mounted on the handlebar. This system offers three levels of assist: eco, normal, and high. As seen in the picture of the cycle computer, high will get you moving pretty quickly indeed!

The Shimano STEPS cycle-computer (yes, that is 32 km/hr!)

The Connect features a 9-speed Shimano drivetrain and Shimano hydraulic disc brakes for all-weather stopping power. In addition to integrated lights, it comes fully equipped with a rack and fenders. This bike is equipped with everything you’d need for Vancouver riding – while Vancouver stays wet, you’ll stay dry as you zoom through the city.

The Opus Connect keeps Vancouver wet – but you dry

At $3499, the Opus Connect is a fully loaded city cycling machine – if you want a slightly less pricy option, there are lower power options without fender, rack, and lights starting at $2999. Call (604) 559-9494 to book a test ride, or come down to Denman Bikes at 2607 Main Street and try it out for yourself today!

Opus WKND

Our final Opus e-bike offering is the Opus WKND. A sportier alternative to the Connect, it features the same Shimano STEPS e-bike technology, Shimano 9-speed drivetrain, Shimano hydraulic disc brakes, and full suite of accessories, but in a package more suited to multipurpose riding. A suspension fork provided a bit more comfort, skinnier rims and tires add speed, and a more aggressive riding position and frame geometry add efficiency and improve handling.

At $3499, the Opus WKND is your choice for conquering the city, for riding trails: for exploration and fun. As with the Opus Connect, lower power options without fenders, rack, and lights start at $2999. Call (604) 559-9494 to book a test ride, or come down to Denman Bikes at 2607 Main Street and try it out for yourself today!

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)

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)

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!

INTERNAL AND EXTERNAL GEARS: WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE?

When shopping for a bike, you may notice that they are advertised as having either  “derailleur” or “ internal” gear systems. Ever wondered what the difference was?

The simplest explanation  is that derailleur systems are external, while internal are – you guessed it – on the inside.

But first, let’s get our terms straight. What are gears?

Gears and Speeds

It’s helpful to think of gears as “speeds” – a bike with 7 gears is a 7-speed bike.

Lower numbered gears are the low gears (slower/easier), and higher numbered ones are the high gears (for going faster/harder).

“Shifting” means going from one gear to another.

Derailleur (External) Gears

Ever noticed that thing that hangs down at your rear wheel? That’s a derailleur. It’s a french term referring to the literal derailment of the chain.

In an external gear system, the rear derailleur literally “de-rails” the chain, moving it to different sized rings to achieve different gear ratios, or speeds.  Because it’s on the outside, it is important to keep it clean and properly cared for.

Pictured above: A rear derailleur system

Internal Hub Gears

In a Hub Gear system, the gears are enclosed within the bicycle’s rear hub. You’ll notice that the rear wheel hub on an internal system is much larger than usual.

In general, an internal gear hub is less maintenance because it is a sealed system. You can also shift gears while stationary, which is great for gearing down at a light before heading off again.

Pictured above: An internal hub system

Which System is Best for Me?

Take a bicycle with each system for a test ride. Find out what you prefer. Generally, it will come down to your personal preference, the system availability of different bike models, your maintenance expectations, and your budget.

Some find that an internal system is a smoother shifting experience, and prefer the low maintenance of the hub. Others are happy with the cost effectiveness and tried-and-true derailleur.

If you’re in the market for a low-maintenance city bike to ride to and from the grocery store or the occasional Sea Wall cruise, an internal system would be a great choice: say a Loft 7i.

If you’re after a light, fast and easy-to-customize commuter with an ample gear range for tackling hills on your way around town, an external system would be a great way to go – like with our Brooklyn Lorimer or Opus Orpheo models.

At the end of the day, they are both great systems – the fun part is choosing your bike.

So get out there and get riding!

I LOVE my new Levis Trucker Commuter Jackets.

That’s right; I bought 2 LEVIS Trucker Jackets !

One is Bad–Ass Black denim & the other is “Cougar” colored. (also available in classic indigo – blue denim)

I get complements every time I wear them; So I wear them a lot. They look sharp & tailored with copper zipper tabs. They’re cut similar to café-racer performance jackets & feel James-Bond”ish” with so many hidden pockets.

Perfect for Vancouver; Comfortable, washable, all–weather protection. When it’s nice outside – it’s vented in the back and has fast-opening snaps instead of buttons. When it’s not so nice – it’s longer in the back and in the arms, with a water-proof hood stashed in the collar.

Available now in Indigo Denim, Black Denim and Cougar Canvas for the men, and Indigo Denim for the ladies at our 710 Denman Street and 2607 Main Street locations or online!

Bike to Work Week is almost upon us! The folks at HUB are partnering with local bike shops to set up commuter stations around Vancouver providing information, services and snacks!

In addition to stations around Vancouver, you can register yourself or a team online to be entered for a chance to win a trip for two to Vietnam! Check out HUB’s website to see how you can get involved!

As for us, we can be found at 10th and Ontario this upcoming Monday, October 26th from 4.30 onward handing out minor service, info and prizes! It’s always a fun time, so you should definitely stop by and say hello!

Obligatory shots from last year below!

It’s Bike To Work Week next week (October 26th – November 1st) and we are pretty excited to be a part of it! Check us out on October 26th from 4.30 onward at Ontario and 10th Avenue for minor adjustments, air, beverages as well as your chance to win one of several Abus Bordo uGrips!

In the spirit of gearing up for Bike To Work Week we want to help you gear up for your daily ride with sales on all Endura rain gear! Come in now and enjoy 20% off all Endura jackets and pants. Endura is a fantastic company founded in Scotland in 1992, so you know they’re going to know a thing or two about rain – perfect for bike to work life in Vancouver!

Brooks Rain Capes are also on sale, up to 20% off for the Cambridge line, and $100 off all Oxford capes in stock!

Come in to either location, 710 Denman Street or 2607 Main Street or order online!

Simcoe  Bikes have arrived in Vancouver at the Denman Bike Shop!

Inspired by traditional European City bikes and Designed in Toronto, Simcoe bikes are built to last.
They’re a classically styled bike with intuitive geometry, and modern quality components that meet our city transportation needs; and tickle our old school charms.

These are attractive bikes, with attention to style and aesthetic detail.  They’re comfortable and easy to ride on long rolls through the park.  Yet, they’re also something you can really ride in traffic; upright and in eye contact with drivers.

The frames are either full chromoloy or chormoly/steel, depending on the model and they’re durable.  A ride you can depend on with puncture resistant tires, reinforced double wall wheels, and tektro dual-pivot brakes that really STOP, without squealing,

The internal Shimano Nexus 3 or 7 speed gears will provide you with a long lasting, low maintenance and clean drive train, and the fully enclosed chain guards will keep city grease off your pants.

All this in an investment grade bike at a reasonable price.

We have a select range of models and colours in stock now!

Come on in and test ride a Simcoe city bike at one of our Vancouver Bike shops today.

If you’ve seen our November Elevator ad, you’re eligible to SAVE

Simply,

• Come into one of our two Vancouver locations, Denman Street or Main @ 10th
• Complete the phrase from our Elevator Ad

“Feel  Freedom, Ride the Wind, _____ _____ ____”

• You’ll get a 10% Discount on Commuter Rain wear and Bike Lights

Come in and find out how enjoyable it can be to cycle Vancouver’s mild and moist November weather.  All you need is the right gear, and great visibility.

Getting your bike tuned, lubed, and brakes adjusted is recommended too!

We’re happy to give you the advise you need to have a safe and enjoyable ride.

Check out our selection of commuter wear and bike lights in our online catalogue

When looking for a comfort bike, you can’t go wrong with the Electra brand.  With patented geometry, comfortable smooth rides, quality construction and style like no other, you’re sure to find one you’ll love.

But how do you know which Electra comfort or cruiser bike is right for you?   Well, speaking strictly in terms of function and not fashion (that’s another topic), the following factors affect the feel of your ride the most:

• Frame geometry including pedal position
• Handlebars
• Wheels/tires

In this blog we’ll explain the difference between the ride feel of:

• Electra Beach Cruisers
• Electra Townies
• Electra Amsterdams

If you’re looking for a comfort bike with a higher performance for faster city rides, then read these articles on  Electra Ticino and Electra Loft (coming soon!)

Electra Beach Cruisers

Cruisers are easy casual riding bikes, fully upright with wide comfy handlebars, 26” comfort wheels with fat tires.

The frame geometry on the Electra Cruiser has a slightly forward pedaling position, allowing a lower centre of gravity, more room in the cockpit, and better control than other cruiser bikes.

The bikes have wide handlebars that ride a little like driving a bus (big steering wheel).

The handle bars come back toward you so that you are sitting FULLY upright, on a nice wide comfy seat, with a smile on your face.

Thanks to the handle bar position, it’s very easy to stand up erect and pedal, allowing your body weight to do a lot of the work, making hills easier to climb.

Wide tires on 26” wheels  provide more traction and allow for more stability, rolling over a variety of terrain.

Traditionally,  beach cruisers have a pedal back to brake, with 3 -speed internal gears being the most popular.  Internal gears are clean and very low maintenance, and if properly built and maintained, will not present problems with chains falling off.

Some Electra Cruisers have 7 speeds (external with a derailleur like a mountain bike), and Hand  Brakes front and back.  These models are recommended for people who live in an area with steep hills.

There are so many colour and fashion choices in the Electra Cruisers.  A great place to start is our website catalogue.   Use the filters to narrow your selection.

Electra Townie

The Townie is Cruise-ee bike, similar to a beach cruiser but with a little more function.

Designed with Electra’s patented Flatfoot Technology, The Townie has an even more forward pedaling position than the Electra Cruisers.  On a Townie when you take your feet off the pedals, you can put your feet flat on the ground, and still have a proper leg extension, so you don’t hurt your knees.

The Townie’s Handlebars are higher in front of you and  feel more like driving a car.  You are not 100% fully upright;  leaning just a little, and still very happy!

Townie’s are all made of light-weight aluminum, and are a little lighter than the cruisers.  The step-through models make it easy to get on and off the bike.

Tires on the Townie are not as fat as the cruisers, but do still provide a comfort-stable ride.

The riding position on the Townie feels laid back, relaxed, and takes the pressure off your neck, shoulders, wrists and knees.  Though this riding position is not for a high performance ride, the Townie is an excellent choice for someone who has body pain and joint issues,  someone who is nervous about riding a bike, or is just looking for a really comfortable ride.

The most popular model is the Townie 7D, with 7 speeds (external), and hand brakes.    Those who prefer internal gears choose the Townie 3i which has a pedal brake on the back, and a hand brake on the front.

With the forward pedaling position, it’s not as easy to stand up and pedal on a Townie as it is on a Cruiser or Amsterdam, so if you have a lot of hills, the 21 speed version is recommended.

View the complete line of Electra Townie’s in our on-line Catalogue.

Electra Amsterdam

The Amsterdam model is a modern take on the Dutch city bike, made practical for North America.

The main difference between and Amsterdam and an Electra Cruiser is the wheel and tire size.  The Amsterdam has a taller 700C wheel (28” vs. 26” on the Cruiser), and a skinnier tire.  The taller wheel provides more travel with each pedal stroke, and the skinnier tire less roll resistance.  These two factors make the bike automatically faster than a cruiser.    However, at slower speeds and rolling over bumps you will find the Amsterdam to be less stable and bit wobbly if you have trouble keeping your balance.

The handlebars on the Amsterdam are not as wide as the Cruiser.  They come back towards you in a more narrow fashion, and allow for a fully upright riding position with elbows closer to your waist.    Just like with the Electra cruisers,   you’re able to stand up erect and pedal using your body weight to get up hills more easily.

All of the Amsterdams have internal gearing, with fully enclosed chain guard making them very clean and easy to ride with casual clothes.

Light-weight aluminum frames, have a deep step-through for easy on and off (Ladies Models), and the Slightly forward pedaling position provides a comfortable riding platform.

The Electra Amsterdam is a very popular bike for someone who is looking for upright comfort, but would like a little more performance out of their ride.  They’re Great for riding on city streets, seawalls, and hard packed trails such as Dykes.

View the line of Electra Amsterdam’s here.

Fit, Adjustments and Personalization

Each of these 3 lines of Electra bikes come in 1 size fits most frames.  Seats and handlebars are very adjustable.  Unless you are shorter than 4’10 or taller than 6′ 2′ you’re likely to fit either the men’s or ladies models

As always, we recommend the best way to choose a bike is to take them for a test drive.

You can also change just about anything on a bike except the frame (seats, grips, handlebars, tires).  So it’s worthwhile to try them all.  You may find you like everything about the Townie, but prefer the Cruiser bars.  Change them, we say, and get yourself the perfect bike!

Come in to one of our Vancouver Bike Shops today and discover the difference of Electra’s comfort bikes.