profstack

I don't own a Faraday yet. My Ohm Urban 700 and Sport 750 are doing fine, but I like the look of this new version of the Faraday. This could be a cool sunny Sunday rider.



Kickstarter has the information right now. Notice that the S model now has an 8-speed derailleur rather than the (clunky) 5-speed hub. I wonder how much weight that saves.

Hydraulic brakes have apparently replaced the non-assist brakes.

The auxiliary battery pack has about 290wH and costs less than $500.

I think the regular retail prices will be higher once the Kickstarter campaign is done.

Roytoy

Very clean looking design.

tds101 

Excellent written and video review on electricbikereview.com. The interview with the owner, IMO, justifies it's high price point. A bit much for me, but looks fantastic nonetheless.

Faraday Cortland Review - ElectricBikeReview.com


https://youtu.be/BabeyQe3H74

2old

Great design and execution. One of my LeBS's, Electric Cyclery in Laguna Beach, has a similarly designed steel framed bike with a rear hub motor. It's called the Everly and the price is just $999; weight 34 pounds.

profstack

Yesterday I pledged on their Kickstarter campaign. Assuming the campaign succeeds (its at 92% right now, with 19 days to go), I'll get the Cortland S model. It is $1k less than the "classic" version and has, for my eyes, classier fenders.

tds101 

Pics when you get it!!!

profstack

That might not be until late July. Today the Kickstarter campaign reached its goal. I pledged more money and ordered the auxiliary battery pack, which hold 290wH. Now to be patient...

NoPhart

Wow, that's a long wait... And one long video, but very informative.

Very nice package and build. Surprised at the low weight for a steel frame. Like the auxiliary battery that attaches tot he back of the seat. Definitely a commuter eBike.

A few questions for you:

1) How much are you into it for?
2) What other eBikes did you look at and consider? (Raleigh Misceo iE Shimano STePS Electric Shifting Mid-Drive?)
3) How do you get to the batteries in the downtube?
4) What different size frames do they offer?

I hope you don;t have too may sleepless nights waiting for this beauty!

profstack

My response is above. I don't know how many Kickstarter $1999 Cortland S models are still available as the "early-bird" special, saving $800. To me, this is an awesome bargain.

tds101 

I'll be patient,... Lol!!!

profstack

Yeah, you're probably right.

All the $1999 Cortland S "early-bird" bikes are sold, so now its a $2399 price for the next 14 bikes. That's still $400 less than what the retail will be.

NoPhart

Thanks profstack. Has the builder commented on how much drag the front hub electric motor has with all the batteries turned off? I'm curious if there is anything unique about this front hub that doesn't cause the normal huge magnet drag when riding it like a normal bicycle without power.

2old

NP, don't know what you've ridden with huge drag, but my front, geared hub has minimal, if any drag when ridden with the motor off; the extra six or seven pounds is noticeable, but that's it.

tds101 

Geared hub motors tend to have some of the lowest levels of drag (cogging). Gearless,...that's a whole 'nother ball game.

profstack

The two Faraday Porteurs I rode didn't have a noticeable front hub drag. I found it nice that I could easily ride the Porteur without any assist on level ground. The 40# weight is a good thing here. My two Ohm e-bikes with Bionx rear hub motors don't ride as easily on level ground without assist. They weigh near 60# each, so that contributes to the effort. But, with their 4 levels of assist, the first level pretty much negates the heavier weight of the bike.

What I will miss riding the new Faraday Cortland is the brake regeneration that the 557wH Bionx battery gives on my 2012 Ohm Urban 700. That's solid braking power down steeper hills AND energy back into the battery.

Roytoy

I just googled that bike. I think I know what my second ebike will be.

profstack

Okay, nice. Which one? The new sexy looking Faraday Cortland or the industrial strength Ohm Urban 700 ?

rocky289

Nice looking bike.
Just watched the you tube video.
Love the idea of the app for tuning

Roytoy

Ohm Urban 700. I like the looks of the Cortland, but the idea of regenerative braking is interesting.

profstack

I checked out a 2016 Ohm Urban 700 the other day. It is less than 50# with fenders, rack, and that 557wH Bionx battery. A little over $4k, which is good for what you get, a very nice but large 500W motor. My 2012 Ohm Urban, upgraded with that 557wH battery, is still in excellent shape. The Ohm e-bikes are very well made. But I'm really looking forward to the Cortland S.

Roytoy

It will be a while before I actually think about another bike. I'm really loving the heck out of the one I have. Its just fun to look at what else is out there, and every thread I read mentions a different model that I go investigate. It is neat to think however, that unlike cars, I could put about 10 more bikes in the garage. That Cortland is definitely a sweet looking ride.