This well-known brand’s new road electric bike is more Spanish than ever: it features a new, powerful motor that will make it “fly”.

BH has completely redesigned its road electric bike: the new iRS1 is truly a fresh model. With no changes to the components and new colors, this bike features both a new frame and engine, moving slightly away from the pure and rugged concept of “light” bikes by installing a new engine that delivers quite impressive power and torque figures.

"The new iRS1 retains its sporty and aerodynamic character, with a comfortable riding position, very high range, and powerful, natural, and smooth assistance" (BH Bikes).

But don’t let its aerodynamically designed frame deceive you: the iRS1 is built for long-distance riding, offering a very natural riding posture. BH also claims it has been designed to “provide driving sensations close to those of a conventional bike.”

The Aero Frame

The tubing used to construct the frame (BH’s Performance Carbon Layup, of course) features Kamm Tail design, which reduces aerodynamic resistance. The same applies to the fork, as it’s designed to ensure smooth airflow around the wheel.

It’s worth noting that an aluminum frame is also being released: it doesn’t have the same aerodynamic design as the carbon version, but the welds have been polished to give it a similar appearance.

Speaking of wheels, the frame supports tires up to 32 mm wide. This ensures a comfortable riding experience and increases the range on poorly maintained roads. Other features include fully internal wiring, a universal UDH stem, and 12 mm thru-axles on both wheels.

The geometry contributes to the aforementioned comfort, thanks to a long head tube that keeps the handlebars elevated, resulting in an upright riding position.

New 'made in Spain' motor

A new domestically manufactured motor, the SEG BLM developed by SEG Automotive, has just been launched. Its specifications suggest it falls somewhat outside the ‘light’ category: for example, it boasts peak power of up to 700 W and a torque output of 80 Nm. However, its weight is indeed ‘light’ at 2.1 kg. BH states that “its design aims to provide powerful, progressive, and natural assistance, adapting immediately to the effort exerted by the cyclist.” In other words, it’s not a ‘full power’ motor.

With the SEG Automotive eBike Systems app, it’s possible to fully customize the motor’s assistance modes (there are five adjustable parameters per profile).

"It features contactless sensors for cadence and speed, along with a sampling rate of up to 1,000 Hz. This enables immediate response to any changes in pace or slope" (BH Bikes).

A 630 Wh battery is integrated into the frame, which can be supplemented by the well-known 180 Wh XPro range extender, allowing for a range of up to 190 km according to BH. With only the internal battery, the iRS1 can cover up to 150 km.

A SEG BLM display is integrated into the upper tube, showing standard information such as speed, assist mode, range, power, cadence, or torque. There are also ‘iButtons’ located on the handlebars that allow us to adjust the assist level via a wired connection (they are not wireless, so no batteries are needed).

Finally, it’s worth noting that the motor’s extremely low weight, combined with the new carbon fiber frame, results in a weight of 12.9 kg at best. For a bike with such a powerful battery, this is an impressive figure.

Four models are released

There are currently four models available, catering to a wide range of users. Prices start at 3,699 euros for the iRS1 1.2 (aluminum frame) and go up to 6,999 euros for the most exclusive version, the iRS1 1.6.

BH iRS1 1.2 (3,699 euros)

Frame: hydroformed aluminum / Motor: SEG BLM / Battery: BH 630 Wh / Transmission: Shimano 105 12s / Wheels: Shimano RS171 TR / Tires: Hutchinson GP Explorer 700X32 / Handlebars: FSA Energy SCR / Seatpost: Prologo Nago RS

BH iRS1 1.4 (4,599 euros)

Frame: carbon fiber / Motor: SEG BLM / Battery: BH 630 Wh / Transmission: Shimano 105 12s / Wheels: Shimano RS171 TR / Tires: Hutchinson GP Explorer 700X32 / Handlebars: FSA Monocoque ACR / Seatpost: Prologo Dimension N2

BH iRS1 Carbon 1.5 (4,599 euros)

Frame: carbon fiber / Motor: SEG BLM / Battery: BH 630 Wh / Transmission: Shimano 105 Di2 12s / Wheels: FSA Team 35 TR / Tires: Hutchinson Blackbird 700X32 / Handlebars: Vision Metron SC Aero / Seatpost: Prologo Dimension R2

BH iRS1 Carbon 1.6 (6,999 euros)

Framing: carbon fiber / Engine: SEG BLM / Battery: BH 630 Wh / Transmission: Shimano Ultegra Di2 12s / Wheels: FSA Vision TC45 Carb TR / Tires: Hutchinson Blackbird 700X32 / Handlebars: Vision Metron SC Aero / Saddle: Prologo Dimension Nack

This new bike was developed to meet the needs of the user profile that seems to be emerging in the road electric bike category: those who choose a motorized bike are looking for exactly that—a bike with a motor.

The attempts (by all brands in general) to create minimalist bikes that don’t look electric, with minimal power output and batteries with very short range, seem to be failing. We’ll see how well the new iRS1 performs. More information at: BH iRS1