New Product: Electric-Assist Bikes

The category of electric-assist bikes (read: bikes with motors) continues to grow. OHM Cycles of Vancounver, B.C., introduced two new electric-assist bicycles this month, including the Urban XU700 and the Sport XS750. Both have OHM’s “Intelligent Drive System,” which combines a rider’s pedal power with an electric motor integrated with the rear wheel. An LCD console mounted on the handlebars shows rider speed, remaining battery charge, and level of assistance or regeneration. (Go here for Gear Junkie’s review of the 2009 XU700 model.)

The bikes, which target the market of affluent city commuters, aren’t cheap. Priced at $3,299, the Urban XU700 has an aluminum frame, upright riding position and front suspension. The “all-terrain” Sport XS750 model costs $3,799 and has front suspension and a suspension seat post. Both bikes have a 27-speed Shimano Deore LX drivetrain. They are available now from dealers throughout the country. www.ohmcycles.com

—Cecilia Garcia-Velez