Nov 13, 2017
by Robert Rast

The Blade rounds third base...

Nov 13, 2017
by Robert Rast

Are you excited yet?

Production is rounding third base on the Blade. We've spent the last few weeks perfecting the final details to make sure these bikes kick ass. Check out what's been going on below:

Gear Sensor

We've been considering putting gear sensors on FLX Bikes since our original prototypes. Having a powerful mid motor means putting more strain on the drivetrain of the bike. With original Generation 1 and Generation 2 bikes shifting isn't an issue, though you do feel a stronger click when the gears engage if you're running at power. With the Blade, if you're running max power and shift, you'll really feel it kick in. To smooth out shifts, we were dipping off the power a bit before changing gears... But we'd rather leave that to technology. Gearsensor.com has developed a sweet sensor that integrates with the Blade's motor. It will sense when you click the gear, cut the power for just long enough for the gear to engage and the power will reengage. Not only does it make for butter smooth shifting, but long term will increase the life span of the Blade's SRAM EX-1 drivetrain.

The gear sensor needs to be installed on the shift cable, so typically they're slapped and zip tied somewhere on the frame like a barnacle.

Here's the proposed location for the Blade's gear sensor-

It's just hanging out there, flapping in the wind. Not good for street cred.

After a few revisions, we came up with a better solution. The gear sensor will live inside the top tube. Stealth and hidden like our little secret.

Stress Testing

All FLX Bikes need to handle a serious beating. Not just in the outdoors but in the lab as well.

In this test, according to ISO4210 standards, the frame is put in a test rig and a 1200 newton force is applied at the seat tube twice per second for 50000 cycles. It simulates the stresses you might put on the frame when going downhill or over bumps.

The workmanship of our new manufacturing partners, who produce the frames and assemble in house passed with flying colors.

Motor

All of the Bafang Ultra motors have been delivered. The good news is they're ahead of schedule. The bad news is the motors delivered have an orange logo from some halloween nightmare and sport giant Bafang logos on the cranks. Again, not good for street cred.

We were expecting to receive aesthetically the exact same motor as all of our samples, which looks sexy with the rest of the Blade's design accents.

Bafang was very acommodating and took the motors back to swap the housings for the original design and cranks to all black. Meanwhile... Bafang engineering has confirmed that they've concluded testing on a-

Steel Drive Gear

The drive gear on all Ultras manufactured to date was nylon and all other gears were metal. Now that the precise manufacturing process is perfected to make the gears precise enough to use stronger materials without increasing noise, Bafang's greenlighted using the new gear in Ultra motors. Metal gears means more robustness, and with this kind of power, we had to have it. When Bafang changes out the logo'd motor cover, they're going to swap out the gears for us at the same time. The motors will come back in about 10 days, concurrent with the arrival of the long awaited Rockshox suspension, SRAM gears and Magura brakes from Taiwan.

Pete and team make sure everything is "Bang On"-

That's it for this update, stay tuned as we'll be at the factory more this week and next week with the latest Blade news!

We love you,

Team FLX

3 comments

- Nov 09, 2017
- by Robert Rast
Can you ride an electric bike in the rain?
- Nov 15, 2017
- by Robert Rast
Can You Wheelie an eBike?

Frequently Asked Questions

Have a question? We've got answers.

What's the best commuter ebike?

For daily commuting, the Babymaker II Pro is our most popular pick. It weighs just 35 lbs — light enough to carry up stairs or onto transit — and its Gates Carbon Belt Drive means virtually zero maintenance. A single charge gets you 20–70+ miles depending on assist level.

If you want cargo capacity and a more upright position, the Moonrider is a great alternative with dual racks and a Bafang mid-drive motor that handles hills with ease.

What's the best lightweight ebike?

The Babymaker II is our lightest model at just 33 lbs — significantly lighter than most ebikes on the market. Its minimalist frame and compact battery keep the weight down without sacrificing range or performance. Perfect if you need to carry it up stairs or store it under a desk.

Do I need a license to ride a Superhuman ebike?

In most US states, no license, registration, or insurance is required to ride an ebike — as long as it meets federal ebike classification standards. Most Superhuman models meet these requirements. Rules vary by state and municipality, so we recommend checking your local laws, especially for Class 3 bikes on trails or shared paths.

What's a fat tire ebike?

Fat tire ebikes feature oversized tires — typically 4 inches wide or more. Those wide tires give you more traction on loose surfaces like sand, gravel, and snow, better shock absorption, and increased stability at low speeds or in technical terrain. Great for riders who want to go off the beaten path or ride year-round regardless of conditions.

If you're looking for the best fat tire electric bike for all-terrain riding, the Superhuman Bikes Bomber is our top pick. The Bomber is a 750W scrambler-style fat tire ebike built to go anywhere — sand, trails, dirt roads, or city streets. It runs on a 48V 17Ah battery with 40+ miles of range, 20-inch fat tires for maximum grip, hydraulic brakes, dual suspension, a comfortable bench seat, and optional foot pegs for a moto-inspired feel. Available in multiple colors and two configurations, it's one of the most capable and versatile fat tire ebikes on the market.

What's the best ebike for beginners?

We recommend the Moonrider or the Photon for riders new to ebikes.

The Moonrider has a step-through frame (easy to mount and dismount), an intuitive mid-drive motor, and comes with front and rear racks so you can start using it for real errands right away. Its Shimano 10-speed lets you gradually learn how to blend pedal assist with gear selection.

The Photon is a great option if you want something lighter with a throttle option, so you can start by letting the bike do the work and increase your own pedaling input as you get comfortable. It ships 95% pre-assembled — front wheel, pedals, and handlebars and you're ready to ride. (And they glow in the dark!)

How long does shipping take?

All in-stock Superhuman bikes ship within 3–7 business days of order confirmation. You'll receive a tracking number via email once your order leaves our warehouse. For the most current availability on specific models, check the product page or contact our support team.

What's the longest range ebike in your lineup?

The Weapon leads the lineup with 70+ miles of range on its 840Wh battery — the highest-capacity battery we offer. The F5 Trail also carries an 840Wh battery and delivers 50+ miles per charge under typical conditions.

Real-world range depends on rider weight, terrain, wind, temperature, and how much you pedal vs. rely on the motor. Using lower assist levels and pedaling more actively will always extend your range.