Go Back  Bike Forums > Bike Forums > Commuting
Reload this Page >

New all smart bike from Volata cycles

Notices
Commuting Bicycle commuting is easier than you think, before you know it, you'll be hooked. Learn the tips, hints, equipment, safety requirements for safely riding your bike to work.

New all smart bike from Volata cycles

Old 07-22-16, 02:16 AM
  #1  
Member
Thread Starter
 
Join Date: Dec 2015
Location: Lithuania
Posts: 37

Bikes: Cube Editor

Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 9 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts
New all smart bike from Volata cycles

Today I came across these new bikes from Volata cycles which supposedly are the "smartest bikes" out there. Bike features Di2 Alfine 11 IGH, carbon belt drive, intergrated lights, dynamo hub, a computer intergrated into a stem and even a joystick on your drop bars. All in all, I'd say it's more suitable for commuting than any other type of riding. Their website specifies that size M bike will weight 10.6 kg (or 23.37 lb) which is pretty light considering everything the bike has. It's fully sustainable and pretty much maintainance free.

You can book one now for $300 and overall the bike will cost $3500. Sounds a bit steep but besides that I believe it really could be decent commuter for those who like design and function working together.

What are your thoughts on it? Would you consider buying one when it comes out?

martynaaas is offline  
Old 07-22-16, 09:32 AM
  #2  
Senior Member
 
Join Date: May 2014
Posts: 1,532

Bikes: Working on replacing my stolen Soma Buena Vista Mixte

Mentioned: 21 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 417 Post(s)
Liked 95 Times in 44 Posts
No rack? No fenders? Not quite sure it is an ideal commuter either. Maybe a long distance commuter who does zero utility cycling and leaves all their stuff at work.

That position feels very aero for riding the surface streets.
jade408 is offline  
Old 07-22-16, 09:43 AM
  #3  
always rides with luggage
 
bigbenaugust's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: KIGX
Posts: 2,109

Bikes: 2007 Trek SU100, 2009 Fantom CX, 2012 Fantom Cross Uno, Bakfiets

Mentioned: 3 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 273 Post(s)
Liked 20 Times in 17 Posts
Less electronics. Then a rack, at least.
__________________
--Ben
2006 Trek SU100, 2009 Motobecane Fantom CX, 2011 Motobecane Fantom Cross Uno, and a Bakfiets
Previously: 2000 Trek 4500 (2000-2003), 2003 Novara Randonee (2003-2006), 2003 Giant Rainier (2003-2008), 2005 Xootr Swift (2005-2007), 2007 Nashbar 1x9 (2007-2011), 2011 Windsor Shetland (2011-2014), 2008 Citizen Folder (2015)
Non-Bike hardware: MX Linux / BunsenLabs Linux / Raspbian / Mac OS 10.6 / Android 7
bigbenaugust is offline  
Old 07-22-16, 09:44 AM
  #4  
Senior Member
 
Robert C's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: Kansas
Posts: 2,248

Bikes: This list got too long: several ‘bents, an urban utility e-bike, and a dahon D7 that my daughter has absconded with.

Mentioned: 5 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 363 Post(s)
Liked 66 Times in 48 Posts
Originally Posted by jade408
No rack? No fenders? Not quite sure it is an ideal commuter either. Maybe a long distance commuter who does zero utility cycling and leaves all their stuff at work.

That position feels very aero for riding the surface streets.
^^^^^
It is an interesting looking bike; but I really have no idea who it is suited for. As stated, the lack of any type of rack mounts, and the rider position, along with its overall geometry, make this a bike that would be poorly suited for most commuters.
Robert C is offline  
Old 07-22-16, 10:25 AM
  #5  
aka Tom Reingold
 
noglider's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: New York, NY, and High Falls, NY, USA
Posts: 40,691

Bikes: 1962 Rudge Sports, 1971 Raleigh Super Course, 1971 Raleigh Pro Track, 1974 Raleigh International, 1975 Viscount Fixie, 1982 McLean, 1996 Lemond (Ti), 2002 Burley Zydeco tandem

Mentioned: 510 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 7287 Post(s)
Liked 2,362 Times in 1,381 Posts
The light are integrated into the frame. That's convenient if they work well. What do you do when they fail? What if they're not good enough and you want to replace them? All of the internal electronics (music, GPS, heart rate monitor, horn, anti-theft, etc) will be obsolete long before the bike is too old to ride. Generally, a good bike can last decades or a lifetime. Electronics like those are good for two or three years; either they stop working well or the new stuff is compelling enough to replace the old stuff.

Belt drives have some advantages, but what options are there for changing the rear cog or chainwheel for changing your gearing?

$3,500 is a lot to spend on a commuter bike. You can't afford for it to be stolen, so you can't lock it up outside. And most bike commuters want upright handlebars, not drop handlebars.

What do you mean sustainable? I can't even imagine.

What do you mean maintenance free? I've never seen a maintenance free bike. Bikes require more repairs per mile than cars because they have to be light enough to ride. If they were as reliable as cars, they would be too heavy to ride.

Doesn't the front skewer lever on the drive side look dorky or ignorant?

The integrated bike is an attractive idea but is fraught with problems. A bike has to be light, and different people's needs vary. How can you make a bike with all the accessories everyone wants and none of the accessories people don't want? It is necessary for each of us to accessorize our bikes differently.
__________________
Tom Reingold, tom@noglider.com
New York City and High Falls, NY
Blogs: The Experienced Cyclist; noglider's ride blog

“When man invented the bicycle he reached the peak of his attainments.” — Elizabeth West, US author

Please email me rather than PM'ing me. Thanks.
noglider is offline  
Old 07-22-16, 10:31 AM
  #6  
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: Worcester, MA, USA
Posts: 745

Bikes: Dawes Lightning DLX, 1988 Klein Performance, 1991 Peugeot Safari, 1985 Raleigh Alyeska, Carrera Phantom, 1973 Raleigh Record

Mentioned: 1 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 280 Post(s)
Liked 128 Times in 91 Posts
It makes me think of planned obsolescence, but it looks really cool! I'm okay with the electronics, but I'd want a model with rack mounts. Oh, and it's way out of my price range, but that's another story.
RichSPK is offline  
Old 07-22-16, 10:33 AM
  #7  
Senior Member
 
bmthom.gis's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2014
Location: Columbia, SC
Posts: 2,980

Bikes: 2014 Cannondale Synapse Carbon 4 Rival; 2014 Cannondale Trail 7 29; 1972 Schwinn Suburban, 1996 Proflex 756, 1987(?) Peugeot, Dahon Speed P8; 1979 Raleigh Competition GS; 1995 Stumpjumper M2 FS, 1978 Raleigh Sports, Schwinn Prologue

Mentioned: 3 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 213 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 4 Times in 4 Posts
A plaything of someone with too much money and not much sense. As @noglider stated - a bike should be able to last for decades. Fancy, integrated electronics will not. Also, way to have an aero/integrated stem with the rest of the bike lacks any aero features...
bmthom.gis is offline  
Old 07-22-16, 10:39 AM
  #8  
Senior Member
 
bmthom.gis's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2014
Location: Columbia, SC
Posts: 2,980

Bikes: 2014 Cannondale Synapse Carbon 4 Rival; 2014 Cannondale Trail 7 29; 1972 Schwinn Suburban, 1996 Proflex 756, 1987(?) Peugeot, Dahon Speed P8; 1979 Raleigh Competition GS; 1995 Stumpjumper M2 FS, 1978 Raleigh Sports, Schwinn Prologue

Mentioned: 3 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 213 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 4 Times in 4 Posts
For that price you can get a helluva lot of bike, like the CDale Super Sexy Evo with full Ultegra. You can a CAAD 12 disc Ultegra for $1000 less. You can get two CAAD 12 105s. The list goes on...
bmthom.gis is offline  
Old 07-22-16, 10:43 AM
  #9  
Keepin it Wheel
 
RubeRad's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: San Diego
Posts: 10,238

Bikes: Surly CrossCheck, Krampus

Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 26 Post(s)
Liked 3,399 Times in 2,510 Posts
can't get the site to open up, I'm interested to see if they have innovative cable routing through/around that headtube to keep it so clean, but yeah, $3500 and no rack mounts? That's not a commuter. Are they really targeting the commuter market?
RubeRad is offline  
Old 07-22-16, 11:34 AM
  #10  
Member
Thread Starter
 
Join Date: Dec 2015
Location: Lithuania
Posts: 37

Bikes: Cube Editor

Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 9 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts
Everyone seems to be really pissed about this one for some reason

The site mentions that they are going to be adding additional "extensions" as they call (accessories in other words) soon. It's definitely not a bike for everyone. But I personally commute on a bike which has no fenders (I took them off) and no rack and I don't miss them in the slightest. Like I said, it's a bike for those who appreciate minimalistic design and the ease of use. I will agree that electronics don't last too long but that's the price you pay for that extra comfort.

The only thing I'm not going to argue against is the price. It is definitely too steep but I guess it's hard to launch such bike for any less, stay competitive and actually make some profit off it.
martynaaas is offline  
Old 07-22-16, 11:37 AM
  #11  
Senior Member
 
Stadjer's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2016
Location: Groningen
Posts: 1,307

Bikes: Gazelle rod brakes, Batavus compact, Peugeot hybrid

Mentioned: 84 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 5893 Post(s)
Liked 949 Times in 723 Posts
I guess those retractable fenders and rack make it very expensive.
Stadjer is offline  
Old 07-22-16, 11:54 AM
  #12  
Senior Member
 
bmthom.gis's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2014
Location: Columbia, SC
Posts: 2,980

Bikes: 2014 Cannondale Synapse Carbon 4 Rival; 2014 Cannondale Trail 7 29; 1972 Schwinn Suburban, 1996 Proflex 756, 1987(?) Peugeot, Dahon Speed P8; 1979 Raleigh Competition GS; 1995 Stumpjumper M2 FS, 1978 Raleigh Sports, Schwinn Prologue

Mentioned: 3 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 213 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 4 Times in 4 Posts
Originally Posted by martynaaas
Everyone seems to be really pissed about this one for some reason

The site mentions that they are going to be adding additional "extensions" as they call (accessories in other words) soon. It's definitely not a bike for everyone. But I personally commute on a bike which has no fenders (I took them off) and no rack and I don't miss them in the slightest. Like I said, it's a bike for those who appreciate minimalistic design and the ease of use. I will agree that electronics don't last too long but that's the price you pay for that extra comfort.

The only thing I'm not going to argue against is the price. It is definitely too steep but I guess it's hard to launch such bike for any less, stay competitive and actually make some profit off it.
I don't think anyone is pissed, I think we just see it as being minimally useful. It's not a minimalistic design. It looks cluttered with a lot of junk. Why bother with an integrated headset when nothing else is aero? You may as well get a race bike if that's what you want, for a lot less money.
bmthom.gis is offline  
Old 07-22-16, 12:00 PM
  #13  
Senior Member
 
phughes's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2011
Posts: 3,057
Mentioned: 7 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1018 Post(s)
Liked 1,246 Times in 719 Posts
I see that they will offer, "extensions," soon, that add carrying ability. In other words, proprietary add-ons of questionable usefulness costing more than necessary, instead of simple rack mounts.
phughes is offline  
Old 07-22-16, 02:16 PM
  #14  
Keepin it Wheel
 
RubeRad's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: San Diego
Posts: 10,238

Bikes: Surly CrossCheck, Krampus

Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 26 Post(s)
Liked 3,399 Times in 2,510 Posts
I don't think it looks cluttered, I think it looks quite nice with the only visible cables in that one spot near the head tube. And the custom headtube/headset design looks very interesting.
RubeRad is offline  
Old 07-22-16, 03:32 PM
  #15  
Disco Infiltrator
 
Darth Lefty's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2013
Location: Folsom CA
Posts: 13,775

Bikes: Stormchaser, Paramount, Tilt, Samba tandem

Mentioned: 72 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3126 Post(s)
Liked 2,102 Times in 1,366 Posts
I guess I don't see anything here that couldn't be accomplished more usefully at a lower price. But I acknowledge that's not always the point when fashion comes into the picture.
__________________
Genesis 49:16-17
Darth Lefty is offline  
Old 07-22-16, 03:37 PM
  #16  
Senior Member
 
Join Date: May 2014
Posts: 1,532

Bikes: Working on replacing my stolen Soma Buena Vista Mixte

Mentioned: 21 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 417 Post(s)
Liked 95 Times in 44 Posts
Meh, I do like the integrated cables! And I am thinking getting a frame with internal cable routing seems like an excellent splurge for my mid-life cries.

But, I might just have a weird opinion, as a woman, but I don't like using special bags on my bike for every day. I'd rather carry my everyday bag. And not wear it while biking. So a rack is a must have for me.

I also don't like integrated tech that can easily be obsoleted. Who knows if they will be around in 2 years when that computer dies. Then you are kinda stuck with no replacement options. And these won't likely sell enough to have a thriving 3rd party accessory market. It feels like a bike designed to trash in 2 years, because you have to upgrade to the latest model.
jade408 is offline  
Old 07-22-16, 03:38 PM
  #17  
Member
Thread Starter
 
Join Date: Dec 2015
Location: Lithuania
Posts: 37

Bikes: Cube Editor

Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 9 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts
Originally Posted by bmthom.gis
Why bother with an integrated headset when nothing else is aero?
I honestly think that an integrated headset is more of a design feature rather than aerodynamic. It creates a very interesting geometry of the bike which I personally quite like.

This bike is definitely not for any kind of racing but I see it being really fun for those daily road commutes or casual touring.
martynaaas is offline  
Old 07-22-16, 03:54 PM
  #18  
Member
Thread Starter
 
Join Date: Dec 2015
Location: Lithuania
Posts: 37

Bikes: Cube Editor

Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 9 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts
Originally Posted by Darth Lefty
I guess I don't see anything here that couldn't be accomplished more usefully at a lower price. But I acknowledge that's not always the point when fashion comes into the picture.
When evaluating something like this it is important to understand the work that's been done besides putting all of the components together. Designing integrated lights, creating easy and functional control system or making the frame to fit it all is definitely not something I would be able to do (myself or with help), at least not for that kind of money or with the same level of detail. And for those who love integrated bikes, that will be enough reasons to justify the price of the bike. If taken care of properly, I truly believe this bike could serve for long. It depends on the owner and not the bike.
martynaaas is offline  
Old 07-22-16, 04:08 PM
  #19  
Senior Member
 
caloso's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2002
Location: Sacramento, California, USA
Posts: 40,865

Bikes: Specialized Tarmac, Canyon Exceed, Specialized Transition, Ellsworth Roots, Ridley Excalibur

Mentioned: 68 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2952 Post(s)
Liked 3,106 Times in 1,417 Posts
What if you want a stem longer than 105mm? Are you just out of luck?
caloso is offline  
Old 07-22-16, 04:19 PM
  #20  
Senior Member
 
wphamilton's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2011
Location: Alpharetta, GA
Posts: 15,280

Bikes: Nashbar Road

Mentioned: 71 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2934 Post(s)
Liked 341 Times in 228 Posts
It looks like a nice bike but personally I'll not spend $3.5K on a commuting bicycle. I'd also be disappointed with all of those exposed cables, which I'd feel looks kind of unfinished. I wouldn't mind at all on a $350 bike but it would bug me on a $3500 bike.

Some great features though and the video on the site is pretty compelling. I wouldn't be that concerned about the computer electronics, as long as they're replaceable.

Last edited by wphamilton; 07-22-16 at 04:40 PM.
wphamilton is offline  
Old 07-22-16, 04:37 PM
  #21  
Senior Member
 
caloso's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2002
Location: Sacramento, California, USA
Posts: 40,865

Bikes: Specialized Tarmac, Canyon Exceed, Specialized Transition, Ellsworth Roots, Ridley Excalibur

Mentioned: 68 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2952 Post(s)
Liked 3,106 Times in 1,417 Posts
I've never paid $3500 for a race bike, let alone a commuter.
caloso is offline  
Old 07-22-16, 06:43 PM
  #22  
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: Jersey City, NJ
Posts: 684

Bikes: Jamis Coda Elite - custom 1x9 setup

Mentioned: 1 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 222 Post(s)
Liked 8 Times in 4 Posts
I'd rather get a light flat bar steel frame and carbon fork from Gunnar for $1500 and spend the other 2 grand on components, and a Garmin 810 Bike GPS
idiotekniQues is offline  
Old 07-22-16, 07:01 PM
  #23  
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Sep 2015
Location: New Jersey
Posts: 1,631
Mentioned: 32 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 499 Post(s)
Liked 63 Times in 48 Posts
I'll bite. I wouldn't buy it just on the basis of integrated dynamo lighting. That particular market is somewhat stagnant (certainly not advancing as fast as battery powered lights--how could it, so heavily regulated in Germany?), but I've still seen almost no production bike equipped as new with a light that I would feel comfortable riding on a dark street. Doubly so, since that bike can't have better optics installed (or more to the point, will the company care to provide such?).

Fenders are a deal killer to me; one could always mount 'clip on' fenders, but full coverage fenders, which all but one company's require mounting points, will always be a requirement for me.

A solidly connected rack, too, would be necessary. It could've even been integrated into the frame without sacrificing aesthetics (Civia Twin City, Giant Momentum, et. al.).

As a 'sport' bike? I personally ride a bike with Alfine 11 and drop bars, formerly with skinny tires, and it is not equivalent to a high-end derailleur equipped bike at all. Does it do some things better? Sure, but light weight and low drivetrain inertia is not one of them. The Di2 version of the hub is much less finicky than the cable operated version, but it is still not maintenance free--the hub needs to be drained/filled every 2 years/1500 miles at the minimum. Mine is opened up completely every other service. Low maintenance, sure. No maintenance, that's just dishonest.

On any 'sport' bike other than a bike for randonee-ing, the drag added by a dynamo hub would be intolerable. Combined with the added rotating mass of the rear hub would make a faster paced group ride an exercise in futility (or at least a better workout than anyone else would be getting).

To me, it doesn't seem like they know what market they're gunning for. No bicycle (now) has enough mass appeal/utility for you to sell only one model to everyone.
wschruba is offline  
Old 07-23-16, 12:47 AM
  #24  
Senior Member
 
Join Date: May 2014
Posts: 1,532

Bikes: Working on replacing my stolen Soma Buena Vista Mixte

Mentioned: 21 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 417 Post(s)
Liked 95 Times in 44 Posts
I just watched the video. Wonder how they have it geared. There are some steep hills just around the corner from that office.

I have seen some quite fancy bikes near there but I don't know if I'd want that locked up outside all day.

But there are plenty of young tech workers that would jump on that in a heartbeat.
jade408 is offline  
Old 07-23-16, 12:51 AM
  #25  
Senior Member
 
Join Date: May 2014
Posts: 1,532

Bikes: Working on replacing my stolen Soma Buena Vista Mixte

Mentioned: 21 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 417 Post(s)
Liked 95 Times in 44 Posts
I love how the configurator NASA women's saddle and the size small recommends 5'5" to 5'8". Eliminating probably half of all women. I would be too short at 5'4"
jade408 is offline  

Thread Tools
Search this Thread

Contact Us - Archive - Advertising - Cookie Policy - Privacy Statement - Terms of Service -

Copyright © 2024 MH Sub I, LLC dba Internet Brands. All rights reserved. Use of this site indicates your consent to the Terms of Use.