With belt drive & two-speed gearbox: Clayton O2 Urban E-Bike - Black Beauty!
Barbara Merz-Weigandt
· 29.10.2025
The young company Clayton Bikes wants to reinterpret urban mobility. Founded in Hamburg in 2022, with design inspiration from Copenhagen and production in Portugal, the brand focuses on minimalist e-bikes that are barely recognisable as such on the outside. Following the initial O1 model, Clayton recently presented the O2: a further development with a lower step-through, removable battery and components such as the dual-speed motor from Bafang and integrated lighting.
The Clayton O2 enters the urban e-bike scene with a clear focus on integration and suitability for everyday use. The manufacturer has opted for an aluminium frame with a seamless design in which all cables run invisibly inside. This clean look emphasises the modern character of the city bike, which relies on a low-maintenance belt drive and electric assistance.
Drive system with automatic gear selection
At the centre of the drive concept is the Bafang H700 Dual Speed hub motor, which offers a special technical solution: The electric motor has an integrated two-speed gearbox that automatically selects the optimum gear. With 50 Newton metres of torque, the unit delivers sufficient power for city traffic and moderate inclines. The power is measured by a torque sensor integrated in the bottom bracket, which is designed to provide natural and needs-based assistance.
A Gates Carbon Drive CDN is used to transmit power from the bottom bracket to the rear wheel. The carbon belt promises several advantages over a classic chain: It works without lubrication, wears more slowly and runs almost silently. These properties make it particularly attractive for urban use, where low maintenance and clean operation are valued.
Battery and operating concept
The electrical energy is supplied by a removable Samsung battery with 36 volts and 10 ampere hours, which corresponds to a capacity of 360 watt hours. According to the manufacturer, this energy storage system should enable ranges of between 60 and 80 kilometres. The battery can be removed from the frame for charging, which is particularly advantageous for city dwellers without charging facilities in the bike cellar.
The drive system is operated via a Bafang LED control button, which is discreetly integrated into the top tube. For advanced functions, the Clayton O2 offers a Bluetooth connection to the smartphone. The Bafang GO app allows users to use real-time tracking, make personalised settings and start navigation. This digital connection is in line with the current trend of connecting bikes more closely with everyday digital life.
Integrated lighting and components
A special feature of the Clayton O2 is the fully integrated lighting.
Both the handlebars and the seat post come from the manufacturer LightSkin and have built-in LED lights. This StVZO-compliant lighting solution is powered directly by the e-bike battery and ensures good visibility in road traffic without having to attach additional components to the bike.
For the brakes, Clayton relies on Shimano MT-200 hydraulic disc brakes, which should provide reliable deceleration in all weather conditions. The comfort is rounded off by a Brooks B17 leather saddle in brown - a classic element on an otherwise modern bike. The tyres are CST 700 x 35C tyres with reflective strips for additional visibility in the dark.
The aluminium frame made of 6061 alloy forms the basis of the bike and its seamless construction is not only visually appealing, but also offers structural advantages. The internal cable routing contributes to the tidy appearance and at the same time protects the cables from environmental influences and mechanical damage.
Technical specifications
Electronics:
- Motor: Bafang H700 Dual Speed hub motor with 50 Newton metres
- Battery: Samsung 36V 10AH, 360 Wh capacity
- Range: 60-80 km
- Lighting: LightSkin LED handlebar & seat post, StVZO-compliant
- Display: Bafang LED control button integrated in the top tube
- Sensor: Bafang torque sensor in the bottom bracket
- App: Bafang GO app with real-time tracking, personalised settings and navigation
Components:
- Frame: Aluminium 6061, seamless design with integrated cable routing
- Brakes: Shimano MT-200 hydraulic disc brakes
- Drive: Gates Carbon Drive CDN belt drive
- Saddle: Brooks B17 leather saddle in brown
- Tyres: CST 700 x 35C with reflector stripes
- Handlebars: LightSkin LED handlebars with integrated front light
- Seatpost: LightSkin LED seatpost with integrated rear light
Barbara Merz-Weigandt
Editor-in-Chief
