Optibike R22 Everest: A High-Performance Electric Mountain Bike Redefining Adventure
In the world of electric bicycles, few machines capture the imagination quite like the Optibike R22 Everest. Crafted by Colorado-based Optibike, a pioneering manufacturer with over 15 years of e-bike innovation, this extraordinary machine represents the pinnacle of electric mountain bike engineering. Named with audacious inspiration—suggesting it could theoretically scale Mount Everest if a trail existed—the R22 Everest is far more than a mere transportation device; it’s a testament to what’s possible when cutting-edge technology meets uncompromising design.
Design and Construction: Engineering Excellence
The R22 Everest immediately distinguishes itself through its meticulously engineered construction. Featuring a full carbon fiber frame and swingarm, the bike achieves an exceptional balance between structural integrity and minimal weight. Handcrafted in Colorado, each bicycle represents a commitment to precision manufacturing that goes beyond mass production.
The bike’s suspension system is equally impressive, incorporating a dual-suspension design with a remarkable 200mm of rear travel and a dual crown front fork. This sophisticated setup ensures exceptional stability and control across the most challenging terrains, from rocky mountain trails to steep, unpaved backcountry routes.
Powertrain: Unparalleled Performance Capabilities
At the heart of the R22 Everest lies its extraordinary PowerStorm mid-drive motor, delivering an astounding 1,700 watts of continuous power with peak performance reaching 2,500 watts. The motor’s 190 Nm of torque is nothing short of revolutionary, enabling the bike to conquer incredibly steep grades—up to 40%—with remarkable ease.
The proprietary Rohloff Speed 500 internally geared hub provides 14 distinct gear ratios, allowing riders to optimize their pedaling efficiency across diverse terrains. This sophisticated drivetrain, combined with the powerful motor, enables a top speed of 36 miles per hour, positioning the R22 Everest firmly in the realm of high-performance electric vehicles.
Battery and Range: Pushing Technological Boundaries
The R22 Everest’s battery system is perhaps its most remarkable feature. Comprising two removable lithium-ion battery packs with a combined capacity of 3,260 watt-hours, this system represents a quantum leap in e-bike energy storage. Optibike claims an extraordinary range of up to 300 miles when operated in pedal-assist mode at a moderate 15 miles per hour.
More impressively, the battery system is designed to support approximately 24,000 feet of total elevation gain on a single charge—a specification that transforms long-distance, high-altitude exploration from a dream into a tangible reality.
Practical Considerations and User Experience
While the R22 Everest represents the pinnacle of e-bike technology, it comes with certain practical considerations. Weighing 93 pounds, this is not a bicycle for casual riders. Its substantial weight, combined with its high-performance components, makes it best suited for experienced cyclists and adventure enthusiasts who understand and can leverage its extraordinary capabilities.
The bike offers both pedal-assist and throttle modes, providing riders flexibility in how they interact with the machine. An optional 2,700-lumen headlight further extends its utility for extended expeditions and challenging terrain navigation.
Price and Market Position
With a price tag of approximately $17,900, the R22 Everest is unquestionably a premium product. It is not designed for the average consumer but rather for passionate riders who view their e-bike as a serious piece of adventure equipment. The handcrafted nature, exceptional engineering, and extraordinary performance capabilities justify its substantial investment.
Conclusion
The Optibike R22 Everest represents more than just an electric bicycle—it’s a statement about the future of personal transportation and adventure technology. By pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in electric bicycle design, Optibike has created a machine that transforms how we conceptualize mobility, exploration, and human-powered performance.
For the right rider—someone who demands uncompromising performance, values meticulous engineering, and seeks to explore beyond conventional limits—the R22 Everest is not just a purchase, but an investment in an entirely new realm of cycling experience.