Electronic bikes (e-bikes) have come a long way from just being the (generally) lane-hugging, road hazards driven by middle-aged women or teenagers. Now, these e-bikes are also offered in premium trims, complete with top-shelf components fit for the wealthy customer.
For Italian brand, Ducati, they have updated their 2022 MY lineup with the addition of three new premium e-bikes: the Futa, MIG-S and the limited-edition version of the TK-01RR enduro e-bike.
Futa: a race bicycle with pedal assistance
Not to be confused with the Filipino expletive, the Ducati Futa racing bicycle, is a pedal-assisted bike designed for those who want to train, have fun, and pedal to their maximum even over long distances and when covering the most demanding climbs.
The bike features an electric motor in the rear hub, FSA System HM 1.0 with 250W of power, boasts fluid and natural delivery in all conditions, and is among the lightest and most compact in its category at 4kg.
This engine is equipped with 5 assistance levels that can be selected via the Garmin control on the handlebar, which allows you to manage the desired level of support. The FSA app, available for iOS and Android devices, allows the rider to view statistics, system status, remaining battery life, and charge status quickly and intuitively. Through the app it is also possible to download any software updates and communicate with FSA service centers around the world.
Additionally, the Futa’s monocoque frame is made from carbon fiber, bringing the bike’s total weight to only 12.4 kg.
MIG-S mountain bike
The Ducati MIG-S is an agile, high-performance, and fun All Mountain bike, born to tackle any trail and ensure maximum fun in any condition. For 2022, the electric mountain bike is renewed in its aesthetics with a brand-new sporty livery which, as in all models in the range, was designed by Aldo Drudi in collaboration with the Centro Stile Ducati. The MIG-S also takes an important evolutionary step from a technical point of view by welcoming the more high-performance Shimano EP8 engine together with updated components.
The new Shimano EP8 drive unit represents a benchmark for the category. It is an exceptionally light engine (2.6 kg in weight), capable of delivering up to 85 Nm of torque with a maximum servo assistance ratio of 400%. In this engine, the torque is always delivered with fluidity and naturalness to ensure excellent control of the vehicle. Thanks to the Shimano E-tube Project App, it is also possible at any time to adapt the character of the motor to your needs even via your smartphone wirelessly, by adjusting maximum torque and assistance timing.
TK-01RR Limited Edition enduro bicycle
According to Ducati, “This limited edition is a concentrate of technology that confirms the key features of the TK-01RR version, but is enriched with more advanced components, with the aim of further improving performance, especially in difficult downhill sections.”
The Öhlins DH38 dual-plate motorcycle-style air fork (180 mm travel) and the Öhlins TTX spring shock absorber (170 mm travel) ensure incredible control of the vehicle downhill, while still maintaining great efficiency on uphill stretches. The 11-speed Shimano Di2 XT rear electronic shifter always provides fast and precise shifting, while the Magura MT7 brakes with 220 mm discs at the front and 203 mm at the rear are also of motorcycle derivation and are among the most powerful available on the market.
The differentiated format Crankbrothers Synthesis wheels (29" front, 27.5" rear) with variable thickness carbon rims help to further improve riding precision, guaranteeing an excellent weight/strength ratio. The set-up is completed by a Renthal carbon handlebar, a Fizik saddle with a special integrated tool holder, and finally a carbon battery cover and skid plate.
Pricing
While the pricing for these Ducati e-bikes hasn’t been announced as of this writing, premium pedal-assisted e-bikes with carbon and high-end components typically fetch in the upper PHP 200,000 price tag. Some even fetch between PHP 700,000 and PHP 1,000,000.
Big bike or the Futa?
