Chimera BMX Launches a Competitively Priced Steel Version of Their Coveted Titanium E-BMX

    LOS ANGELES, CA, February 06, 2024 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Chimera BMX announces today the "Shadow Chimera" Electric BMX. The all-black 24" throttle-on-demand ebike is hand-assembled in Los Angeles with a highly durable 4130 heat-treated chromoly frameset, CT series Magura brakes, ASI BAC855 controller, Sun/Ringle rims, peg-compatible Chimera disc hubs, and Chimera's own meticulously designed modular High-Drive motorization system (patent pending) featuring a silent, instant engagement transmission. With a total weight of 45lbs and up to 3800 watts of max power, the Shadow Chimera offers one of the highest power-to-weight ratios of electric bicycles on the market.

MSRP for the Shadow Chimera starts at $2890. Each bike is made to order, with a variety of titanium customizations available to achieve a total weight as low as 41lbs. The Shadow Chimera is aimed as a competitively priced alternative to the even lighter 37lb, 3800 watt, all-titanium flagship that Chimera launched on Indiegogo in the Summer of 2022. Those high-end bikes were successfully manufactured and delivered in 2023, with riders gleefully confirming the hard-to-believe performance stats.

Customers of the Shadow Chimera have a choice between two batteries. The "Competitor" battery is a 52V 8.4Ah Molicel P42a pack. It is meant for "off-road only" high performance at 3800W max, generating speeds up to 35mph and a zero-to-thirty acceleration time of 5 seconds. By contrast, the new "Commuter" battery is a 36V 15ah Samsung 50S pack. It is meant for longer distances at street-legal speeds, offering up to 26MPH and close to 40 miles of throttling range while still offering the impressive power of up to 3000W max. Each pack is of comparable weight, easily removable, thermally potted, aluminum encased, and made in the U.S. Riders who choose to purchase both batteries can swap them out, and properly adapt the bike's settings using a mobile app to enjoy either battery setup.

Chimera bikes are single-speed, and made in a stripped down "streetfighter" style with no pedal assist, no display, only four wire connections, and user-friendly mechanics. The proprietary high-drive transmission allows riders to pedal the bike just as easily as non-motorized bicycles without assistance from the motor. The design is suited for more engaged riding postures in the spirit of BMX, encouraging riders to stand and pedal as often as they crouch and throttle. The brand name "Chimera" is meant to reflect this juxtaposition of nimble bicycle with small e-moto.

"It fills a gap in the market", says Founder Austin Duggan. "There are a lot of cool ebikes out there, but the high power ones aren't really bicycles. They're too bulky, heavy, and overburdened with wiring. I wanted a sleek and simple bicycle I could pedal unassisted, toss into my hatchback, easily carry up my apartment stairs, and wrench on in the garage just like my other BMX bikes. At the same time, I wanted it to be powerful and durable enough to blast through dense traffic, climb steep hills, or launch off ramps just like a little motorcycle. So that's what we created."

Pre-orders for the Shadow Chimera begin on Feb 13th, and are limited to just 100 First Edition units, with delivery promised by August of 2024 for anyone who orders in February.

Images here

Further materials here

Summary of key points about the Shadow Chimera Electric BMX:
- Hand-assembled in the U.S., with customizations available.
- 4130 chromoly steel frame, fork, and handlebar with BMX geometry.
- Patent pending High-Drive powertrain is modular, and runs at up to 3800 watts peak.
- Top speed of 35mph.
- Total weight of bike w/ battery is 45lbs stock, and as light as 41lbs with customizations.
- Parts package includes Magura CT hydraulic brakes, Accelerated Systems BAC855 motor controller, and a thermally potted and aluminum encased battery pack made with 21700 cells; either Molicel P42a or Samsung 50S.
- Pre-orders limited to 100
- Pre-orders begin Feb 13th 2024
- MSRP $2890

The Los Angeles startup hand assembles high performance throttle-on-demand electric bicycles featuring their proprietary "High Drive" powertrain.

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