The Futura SL 12 LTD is set to launch in 2027 with updated features. Hercules has replaced the wheels and tyres and introduced a new paint finish, whilst retaining the tried-and-tested combination of an aluminium frame and Bosch drive. The total weight starts at 17 kilograms, excluding pedals.
Bosch Performance Line SX with upgrade option
Following the update, the Bosch Performance Line SX motor delivers a maximum of 60 Nm of torque, 600 watts of power and 400 per cent pedal assistance. The update is carried out via the Bosch eBike Flow app. The 400 Wh CompactTube battery is housed within the frame, as before, and is charged using a Bosch 2A charger. The Bosch Purion 200 display shows ride data and controls the motor assistance.
eTrekking R37 Series frame with carbon fork
The frame, which remains unchanged in design, is taken from the eTrekking R37 series and is made from AL6061 aluminium alloy. Hercules offers three frame shapes: Diamond in sizes 48, 53, 58 and 61; Trapeze in 45, 48 and 53; and Wave in 45, 48, 53 and 58. All variants feature 28-inch wheels. The R37 Series’ carbon rigid fork features threaded eyelets and helps to save weight. The maximum permissible weight is 135 kilograms.
DT wheels and Schwalbe tyres help reduce weight
The most significant change concerns the wheels. DT Swiss GR LN Classic hubs, measuring 15x100 millimetres at the front and 12x142 millimetres at the rear, replace the Shimano hubs and radial rims of the standard model on the LTD version. The Schwalbe G-ONE RS Pro Evo tyres, featuring V-Guard puncture protection and in size 50-622, replace the Schwalbe G-ONE Overland tyres and shave off a few more grams.
Shimano Deore XT 12-speed derailleur
The Shimano Deore XT RD-M8100 rear derailleur has 12 speeds. The Shimano SL-M8100-12 shifter controls the rear derailleur, whilst the Shimano CS-M8100-12 cassette offers a range from 10 to 45 teeth. The Hercules Classic crankset with ISIS mount features a 42-tooth chainring, whilst the Shimano CN-M8100 chain transmits the power. Hydraulic Shimano BR-UR300 disc brakes with BL-MT201 levers bring the e-bike to a halt; the Shimano SM-RT64 brake discs measure 180 millimetres at the front and rear.
Cockpit and lighting
The aluminium handlebars with a 31.8-millimetre clamp and the stem with a 7-degree angle are manufactured in-house. The stem features an integrated adapter for the in-house-manufactured headlight, which provides up to 50 lux of light. The Busch & Müller ILU rear light is mounted in the mudguard.
Everyday essentials and a new colour
Curana C-Lite 55 aluminium mudguards protect against splashing water. The Selle Royal Aidon saddle is mounted on the Hercules SP-719 aluminium seatpost, which has a diameter of 30.9 millimetres, a length of 350 millimetres and an offset of 7 millimetres. An Abus IT3 battery lock with an X-Plus cylinder secures the bike, whilst the Hebie Lite Fix 40 stand keeps it upright. The Hercules Futura SL 12 LTD is available only in gloss black with gold accents.
Technical specifications:
- Motor: Bosch Performance Line SX (Smart System), max. 60 Nm
- Battery: 400 Wh Bosch CompactTube
- Charger: Bosch 2A
- Display: Bosch Purion 200
- Frame: eTrekking R37 Series, AL6061, with mounting for front luggage rack
- Fork: Rigid carbon, R37 series, steerer tube 1.1/8" – 1.5", with mounts for bottle cages or a luggage rack
- Gear system: Shimano Deore XT RD-M8100, 12-speed
- Shift lever: Shimano SL-M8100-12
- Translation: 42, 10–51 teeth
- Crankset: Hercules EC-37, ISIS, 42 teeth
- Brakes: Shimano BR-UR300, hydraulic disc brakes, brake discs: 180 mm front and rear
- Front wheel: DT Swiss GR LN Classic, 15x100 mm, Centre Lock
- Rear wheel: DT Swiss GR LN Classic, 12x142 mm, Centre Lock
- Tyres: Schwalbe G-ONE RS Pro Evo, V-Guard, 50-622
- Handlebars: Hercules Riser, aluminium, 31.8 mm
- Stem: Hercules A-Head, with light mount
- Handles: Velo VLG-1906
- Saddle: Selle Royal Aidon
- Seatpost: Hercules SP-719, aluminium, Ø30.9 mm, 350 mm, 7 mm offset
- Spotlight: Hercules FS-52 EB, up to 50 lux
- Rear light: Busch & Müller ILU, integrated into the mudguard
- Mudguards: Curana C-Lite 55, AL
- Lock: Abus IT3 battery-operated lock, X-Plus cylinder
- Stand: Hebie Lite Fix 40
- Sizes: Diamond 48, 53, 58, 61 / Trapeze 45, 48, 53 / Wave 45, 48, 53, 58
- Wheel size: 28 inches
- Weight: from 17 kg (excluding pedals)
- Maximum permissible weight: 135 kg
- Colour: glossy black
- Price: 3,999 euros
- Availability: Model year 2027
Sebastian Brust
Editor