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Co-op Cycles debuts first fat-tire bike and e-bike models for fall

Published September 16, 2020
REI Co-op's cycle brand expands to include big tire and commuter electric-assist bike options.

SEATTLE (BRAIN) — REI announced three new models to its Co-op Cycles lineup: a fat-tire mountain bike and two commuter e-bikes. The co-op also announced additional bicycle shop e-bike service capabilities.

DRT 4.1 fat-tire mountain bike

The DRT 4.1 ($1,299) is a rigid-designed mountain bike built on a 6061 aluminum frame and 6061 aluminum fork with 26-inch wheels. It features SRAM components X1 100 Eagle DUB fat 5 crankset, DUB English BSA 100mm fat bottom bracket, SX Eagle 12-speed sifters, SX Eagle 12-speed rear derailleur, and Eagle 11-50t, 12-speed cassette. The brakes are Shimano Acera MT-400 hydraulic disc with Shimano levers. It has a 15mm thru-axle front hub, 12mm thru-axle rear hub, and 26x4.8 inch tires. 

CTY e2.1 and 2.2 e-bikes

Both models share the frame and geometry and come with an integrated rack, low stand-over, front suspension, and Shimano motor and battery. 

The CTY e2.1 ($1,799) is a Class 1 pedal assist bike with 20 mph maximum speed and 6061 aluminum mid-motor frame and integrated rack. It features a 75mm travel Suntour fork, hydraulic disc brakes, Shimano Acera/Alivio drivetrain and 27.5x1.95 Schwalbe tires. The three power modes include a walk mode and a 50-mile pedal assist range. It weighs 50.5 pounds. The Shimano E5000 250W motor has 40Nm max torque output with a Shimano E8014 36V/418Wh battery, featuring 6 1/2-hour charge time.

The CTY e2.2 ($2,199) includes all of the e2.1 specs but adds front and rear fenders, a Shimano E6100 250W motor with 60 Nm max torque output and a Shimano E8010 36V/504Wh battery with a four-hour charge time.

REI bike/e-bike shop services

A full-service bike retailer and dealer, REI is staffed with master technicians who are Barnett Bicycle Institute certified. In addition to regular tuneups and maintenance, REI also provides full services for e-bikes, including diagnostic services for most major e-bike brands, including all e-bikes it carries. 

All bicycles sold include a free tune-up. Customers who purchase any bike qualify for a free tune-up within 20 hours of use or six months from purchase, whichever comes first. 

REI virtual bicycle expertise

Most REI stores are open and provide curbside pick-up and drop-off services, and for those who prefer not to visit during the pandemic, it features tips virtually through YouTube videos and Co-op Journal stories.

Where to ride

Co-op Cycles' e-bikes are categorized as Class 1 and do not include a throttle. Generally, Class 1 bikes can go anywhere other bikes can go, but laws differ from state to state.

PeopleForBikes, the voice for bicycle advocacy in America, is making it easier for customers to decipher local laws and find nearby rides and routes. This year the nonprofit organization launched Ride Spot, a platform providing super simple on-screen route navigation with turn-by-turn directions and customizable maps and photo capabilities for sharing with family or friends. REI and PeopleForBikes have collaborated to include local ride cards with basic route information, a map, and a QR code to share new rider-friendly local routes. Ride cards can be found in many REI stores, or sign-up for local route information online at ridespot.org.

Co-op Cycles' DRT 4.1 retails for $1,299.