McLaren launches world’s most potent e-bike

While there are plenty of fast car fans out there who also appreciate the thrill of pedal power in all its forms, it’s not often that brands branch out from four wheels to two. At least with much critical success, that is. McLaren is hoping it can buck that trend with its new range of e-bikes. This is no mere collaboration or badge-engineered bike, either, as the ‘hyperbikes’ have been designed and built in-house. From carbon, of course – McLaren has really committed to this. 

So much so, in fact, that you can’t buy one of them, because it’s too fast. The Extreme and Sport 600 will only be sold in the USA as the 600W and 118lb ft potential means it can reach 20mph, which exceeds EU limits. Fortunately the range features two other models that will be available here: a Sport and Extreme 250 that tones things down a little to 250W and 89lb ft. The Sport is a 29-inch hardtail bike, the Extreme a full suspension model with a 29-inch front wheel, 27.5-inch rear and plentiful suspension travel: 160mm on the front forks, 145mm rear. The bikes are said to represent ‘a translation of McLaren’s automotive legacy applied to an aggressive and uncompromising eMTB platform’, with input from the Artura development team.

These e-bikes being McLarens, they’re crammed with rider-focused tech (that even includes Pirelli tyres). As well as the carbon construction, the Extreme model is equipped with SRAM’s 12-speed wireless XX Eagle Transmission; the Sports get the XX Eagle. Like the supercars, there are modes for the bikes, selectable on a digital display: off for the committed pedaller, Eco to keep boost in the battery, Trail that’s described as a ‘set-it-and-forget-it balance of power and efficiency’, Sport for some speed and Race that delivers maximum everything. So bring your A-game for that. Despite the availability of some very serious riding modes, McLaren says it’s created the ‘ideal, all-purpose mountain bike that is just as at home off the beaten track as on an aggressive single track, with integrated componentry and minimalist frame design for pure McLaren style.’

As per many Woking creations of recent years, the bikes are limited production. They’re available from mclarenbikes.com or at a dealer in small, medium and large sizes. Buyers will get a two-year warranty, and the bikes are made to order in 90 days. In the UK the Sport 250 is £8,640, the Extreme £11,520; cheap for a new McLaren and not out of the ordinary for e-bikes, with eight or nine grand possible for the best. And none of those will make you a McLaren customer. See you on the trail.