Asfalt from Switzerland already gained notoriety in 2019 by winning the Eurobike Award for the Asfalt LR. A purist urban bike with a mid-motor, continuously variable hub gear in the rear wheel and two batteries — one of which was placed in the seatpost and could be removed. Apart from a small series in its home country, however, the bike failed to make a big breakthrough, and the last thing we saw was a modified version of it from N+ with the label of the Mercedes-Benz Formula 1 team.
But back to Asfalt: today they announce their return with the new Asfalt GT2, which is visually reminiscent of the predecessor, but technically goes different ways. Instead of complicated new developments, they now use proven components, which will certainly help the bike’s success.
The electric drive system is the X35+ from Mahle — a now extremely popular drive with a 40 Nm hub motor in the rear wheel and a permanently installed battery with 250 Wh capacity in the down tube. Optionally, the system can be supplemented with a range extender: this additional battery in the format of a drinking bottle offers another 210 Wh of capacity. The system is controlled via a button on the top tube (iWoc One), which can be used to switch between three speed levels.
As standard, the Asfalt GT2 is now equipped with the Pinion bottom bracket gearbox, standard is the version with 9 gears, optionally the 12-speed gearbox can be installed. The drive is completed by the Gates Carbon Drive belt drive instead of the conventional bicycle chain.
Other equipment includes Curana mudguards, in the rear with an integrated taillight, and a Supernova mini headlight at the front. The total weight remains pleasantly light at 15.5 kg despite this extensive equipment!
A completely new feature of the GT2 is the additional variant of a comfort frame in trapezoidal form: this model is then called the GT2 Lounge, while the diamond frame carries the suffix “Sport”. And in addition to the choice of frame shape, customers also have a wide range of options when it comes to the color scheme of the bikes: there are five frame colors to choose from (brushed aluminum, matte black, matte olive, matte mint and matte rose), and the logo on the front can be ordered in a whole nine colors.
The wide seat tube is interesting, which was a typical design element of the original Asfalt LR bike. But where the second battery was previously stowed, there is now a quite spacious empty space. Asfalt now refers to this as a trunk, which can accommodate a waterproof box. This is supposed to be a safe way to transport a bike lock, umbrella or “architectural plans”. However, you have to accept that the saddle cannot be adjusted in height due to the lack of a classic seat post.
Starting today, the Asfalt GT2 can be pre-ordered. The price of the bike with the 9-speed transmission is 4290 CHF. For the 12-speed transmission, a surcharge of 199 CHF is due. Interested parties can choose between three different frame sizes, as well as between a comfortable and a sporty handlebar position. The first bikes will be delivered in August 2022.
All further information about the bike can be found directly on Asfalt’s website.
