Opinion of the BIKE editorial team
This bike really is something special! And in a good way. The unique battery design, the low centre of gravity and the special rear triangle make perfect sense in theory – and really make you want to ride this bike. Even if its market relevance is likely to remain limited, its bold design is a hit and gives us hope that we’ll be hearing more from the French manufacturer. Although the price is, of course, on the high side. – Florentin Vesenbeckh, Deputy Editor-in-Chief, BIKE Magazine
A new brand from France isn’t just relying on an unusual drive system for its first e-MTB. Obscur combines the Intradrive GD8 with a specially developed battery, the shape of which sets it apart from the usual long battery bars. The weight specification is particularly striking: with a capacity of around 840 watt-hours, the removable battery is said to weigh just over 3.1 kilograms. The frame, too, is anything but ordinary. For a debut model, the Obscur makes a truly polished impression.
Who is behind Obscur?
Obscur is a brand-new bicycle brand from France, which, according to its own statements, is backed by specialists in carbon fibre construction. Their background lies in aircraft and prototype construction. For their first e-MTB, they are developing not only the frame but also the unusually shaped battery itself. The approach: to house the battery and gear motor as compactly and as low down in the bike as possible.
The facts about Obscur Enyx
- Area of application: All-Mountain
- Frame: Carbon
- Suspension travel: 160 mm at the front, 150 mm at the rear
- Wheels: 29 inches at the front, 27.5 inches at the rear
- Drive: Intradrive GD8 with an integrated 8-speed gearbox and electronic gear selection
- Battery: removable; 840 Wh and 3,150 g according to the manufacturer
- Price: 12,500 euros (Enyx), 15,900 euros (Enyx Ultra), 4,900 euros (frame kit)
Battery: High capacity, low weight?
Instead of housing the energy storage unit as a long block inside the down tube, Obscur has opted for a compact, wedge-shaped casing in the lower section of the frame. This is designed to ensure that the battery and drive unit are positioned close together and as low as possible. According to the manufacturer, the housing is made from recycled carbon fibre, and the battery is manufactured in France. Obscur also states that the battery can be fast-charged in two and a half hours and explains that it can be reconditioned in the company’s own workshop.
But it’s not just the shape and positioning of the battery that are special. Weighing just 3,150 grams with a capacity of 840 watt-hours, the battery is said to be record-breakingly light. A figure we won’t believe until we’ve weighed it ourselves. By way of comparison: even a particularly lightweight Rotwild battery with a capacity of 840 watt-hours and a carbon fibre casing weighs 3.7 kilos according to our own measurements. We are not aware of any lighter battery with a similar capacity.
Intradrive GD8 instead of a derailleur gear system
The Scottish Intradrive GD8 combines the motor and eight-speed gearbox in a single enclosed unit. Gear changes are controlled electronically and wirelessly. The manufacturer’s specifications regarding motor power are contradictory: in one instance, it states 700 watts and 80 Nm, whilst the specifications table lists 750 watts and 100 Nm. It therefore remains unclear which figures apply to the production model.
The all-mountain bike features a 29-inch front wheel and a 27.5-inch rear wheel. It also boasts 160 millimetres of front suspension travel, 150 millimetres at the rear, and a carbon frame with a high-mounted rear pivot. Obscure refers to this as a “mid-high pivot design”. The bike will be available in the Ride and Max specifications, both of which will feature either Öhlins or Formula suspension. It stands to reason: a special bike needs special suspension. Obscure has not yet provided any details on price or weight.
What do you think of this piece of art? Would you like to give Obscur Enyx a go? Join the discussion in the comments.
Florentin Vesenbeckh
Editor CvD