VALD 037: a commuting bicycle fitted with a mid-drive motor producing 280 Nm of peak torque. Gates carbon drive. Hydroformed aluminium frame, 19.2 kg complete. Designed for daily passage between home and workplace, in all weather, over distances of 60–75 km.
Specimen no. 037
The frame is hydroformed from 6061 aluminium alloy, with smooth welds at all junctions. Internally routed cables exit only at the handlebar and at the chainring — the Gates belt requiring no derailleur, the routing is singular and clean. Observed in Copenhagen, March 2024. Rider reported no chain maintenance in 14 months of daily use.
The Brose T motor sits within the bottom bracket shell. It is noticeable only when climbing: a low, geared whir beneath the rider's feet, producing 280 Nm at the chainring. On flat ground, assist is subtle, reaching its 25 km/h cut-off before most riders shift beyond fourth gear. Motor casing is magnesium. Full housing weight: 3.1 kg. No external gears between motor and drivetrain.
Battery capacity is 530 Wh. Full charge takes 4.5 hours from a standard 230 V outlet. Range varies between 60 km (high assist, hilly) and 75 km (eco assist, moderate terrain). The pack is removable via a keyed latch beneath the downtube.
Belt drive rated to 30,000 km. Frame carries a 10-year warranty against manufacturing defect.
Observations recorded over 12 months of regular use, lat. 55.67° N
3.4 s
Standing start to 25 km/h on flat tarmac, eco mode. Sport mode reduces this by approximately 0.8 seconds. Assist is progressive rather than sudden — no lurch at pedal engagement.
8%
Gradient sustained at 22 km/h in tour mode, rider 78 kg. Motor temperature remained within nominal range after 4.2 km of continuous climbing. No power reduction observed.
IP54
Motor and battery enclosure rated IP54. Ridden through 47 rain days without electrical fault. Belt drive requires no lubrication and does not accumulate road grit in the manner of a chain.
6061 Aluminium
Frame tubes hydroformed, then heat-treated to T6 temper. Yield strength 276 MPa. Smooth welds are filed and polished by hand before painting.
Gates Carbon Drive
Polyurethane belt with carbon-fibre tensile cord. No lubrication, no grease on trouser legs. Rated service life: 30,000 km in mixed conditions.
Brose T Motor
Internal belt reduction, magnesium housing. 280 Nm at the chainring. No external gears between motor and drivetrain — direct, quiet, mechanically simple.
530 Wh Battery
Lithium-ion pack, semi-integrated within the downtube. Removable with a keyed latch. 500 full-charge cycles to 80% capacity retention.
Three frame sizes: S (160–172 cm), M (172–184 cm), L (184–196 cm). Two colours: Feldgrau, Kalkwit.