Hase Bikes have long been synonymous with recumbent trikes. They have just announced their new top of the line model called the Kettwiesel Evo Steps with full-suspension and e-drive system as well as automatic gear shifting
This is a direct descendant of their classic Kettwiesel with the rider sitting between three 20-inch wheels. The low centre of gravity, light weight and playful agility indicates a fun ride is in store.
An important new feature of the 2015 overhaul of their Kettwiesel is the independent rear-wheel suspension which adds considerably to the comfort of the rider on bumpy roads or off-road. The 2017 Evo model has taken this comfort one step further by adding the Shimano Steps e-bike motor and Shimano Di2 electronic shifting system: pedalling is even easier, and shifting requires no effort whatsoever.
The Shimano mid-motor is inconspicuously integrated into the bottom bracket. Bike designer and company founder Marec Hase adapted the motor’s control system to the Kettwiesel’s 20-inch wheels. It harmonises perfectly with the rider: when pedalling, it feels like the energy is coming from your own legs – but with much more power and less exertion. As a “pedelec”, the EVO STEPS requires no registration or driving licence because, in most countries, the trike is legally classed as a bicycle – with all of the advantages in traffic, such as the use of bike paths and the freedom to ride past traffic jams. The robust eight-speed hub located under the fully adjustable ergonomic seat is a perfect, maintenance-free counterpart to the motor. It transmits torque to the differential unit, which drives both rear wheels. This is why the Evo has no problem maintaining traction when riding over slippery or loose surfaces – even on slopes where others have to give in.
However, the ultimate in riding comfort is the Di2 shifting system from Shimano, a standard feature on the EVO. Gears can be shifted with the touch of a button – electronically. As a result, there are no gear cables, which otherwise require maintenance and adjustment.
And you can even let the Di2 do the shifting for you: it can be set to change gears automatically so that you can focus on the ride and the scenery. This clever control system even learns over time, adapting to the rider’s preferences.
High-quality engineering in every detail
The disc brakes guarantee superior stopping power, and there are other technical goodies everywhere you look. With the patented quick-adjust mechanism, the length of the front boom can be adjusted to a new rider without having to change the chain length, which is a massive time saving feature if you wish to share your recumbent trike.
For transport, Hase say that it only takes a few minutes to fold the EVO to a size that fits into practically any hatchback. There are also some optional accessories which transform the trike into a “wonder of multi-functionality”. For example, there is an ingenious roller bag that hangs behind the seat which can haul a week’s worth of groceries for the family. It doubles as a wheeled shopping basket and is available in two versions: 50 or 100 litres. Understandable then that Hase has earned a reputation for combining head-turning design with real-world practicality and convenience.
Total length: | 69″-87″ (176-221 cm), without front wheel 60″ (153 cm) |
Total width: | 35″ (90 cm) |
Total height: | 32″ (82 cm), with seat folded down: 21″ (53 cm) |
Turning circle: | left 10’10” (3.30 m), right 11’6″ (3.50 m) at mean length adjustment |
Seat height: | 19½” (50 cm) |
Bottom bracket height: | 20½” (52 cm) |
Size when folded: | 38″ x 35½” x 19″ (96 x 90 x 49 cm) |
Wheelbase: | 52″-70″(132-178 cm) |
Frame: | 7046 aluminium |
Fork: | Spinner Grind 1 suspension fork |
Front boom: | 6061-T6 aluminium |
Max. load: | 265 lb (120 kg) |
Features and equipment: | |
Suspension: | Hase Bikes Evo independent wheel suspension with sway bar and Hase air shocks |
Folding mechanism: | Hase Bikes folding joint |
Brakes: | Rear: Tektro Auriga Twin hydraulic disc brakes with integrated parking brake, Front: Avid BB7 mechanical disc brake with parking brake lever |
Wheels: | 20″, Hubs: Hase Quickstick (rear), Rims: double wall with eyelets, Spokes: Sapim, Tyres: Schwalbe Marathon 47×406 |
Gears: | Shimano Alfine Di2 8-speed gear hub ? |
Crankset: | Shimano Steps 170 mm 38 tooth |
Drive system: | Hase Bikes Differential |
Lighting system: | motor battery, B&M Toplight Flat Plus, Headlight: Busch & Müller Lumotec Lyt, LED, standlight |
Mudguards: | SKS matte black |
Weight: | 71.7 lb (32.5 kg) |
Colour: | me with matte RAL 7023 Concrete Grey powder coating, front boom black anodized with length-adjustment markings |
Price: | from approx. €7,499.00 |
Hase will be exhbiting this new model of recumbent trike at this year’s Eurobike Exhibition, with trade only days from August 31st, and two general public days on the weekend of 3rd and 4th September.
Bike & Cycling News – SpyCycle
See More Bike Articles