How to operate Ribble X35+ e-bikes

'How to operate Ribble e-bikes' is a step-by-step guide to getting your new e-bike up and running. We aim to provide you with a quick-start guide that makes riding your new e-bike as easy as... well, riding a bike! In this guide, we'll explore the X35+ motor system's functions/features and break down MAHLE's companion app. All of which can only serve to enhance your e-bike experience.

When first considering branching out into the e-bike market, the brief wasn't simply to create a range of advanced e-bikes. Our aim was to create the lightest range of electric bikes in the world. To make this happen, we first needed to devote some considerable time to deciding which motor system was best suited to helping us achieve this goal.

Should we go the hub-mounted route or opt for a mid-drive (bottom bracket) motor? Then, of course, there's the battery to consider. Do we mount it internally for a full 'stealth' build or do we go fully accessible with the battery fitted to the underside of the downtube?

Both systems offer their own distinct advantages. For instance, the hub drive motor, whilst not typically as powerful as a mid-drive is often lighter and doesn't stress the drivetrain components to the same degree a mid-drive motor does. This additional strain typically leads to premature component wear, meaning you need to replace components ahead of time. With a decision made, we could now focus on which hub-drive system we preferred. Thankfully, one system stood head and shoulders above all others - MAHLE's X35.

This advanced motor system was first conceived by a team of engineers and cycle enthusiasts at the German automotive giant MAHLE. If you've never heard of MAHLE before, you're not alone. But they are the leading pioneers in the use of environmentally friendly and energy-efficient technology in the motor industry.

So, what about the X35 system made us choose it over the others? In truth, there were many key factors that closely matched our vision for the e-bikes of the present and future;

• While the X35 motor system is both light and powerful, it is also extremely compact. Weighing in at just 3.5 kg for the ENTIRE system.
• Combine this market-leading weight with a 250 watt motor and you have the perfect blend of power and weight. A bike that's so light you can ride it without assistance and feels little different to a non-assisted model. The X35 creates little drag and seamlessly blends into the background when its not providing assistance.
• The MAHLE X35 system relies on a slimline Panasonic battery fully enclosed within the frame's downtube, which gives our bikes their clean, stealth-like looks. In fact, you'd be mightily hard-pressed to tell our e-bikes apart from non-assisted models if you didn't know precisely what to look for.

Depending on the type of bike, the control button will be located on the top tube or handlebars.

iWoc One Top-Tube Control Unit

This easy to use, multi-function button lets you access all of the functionality the X35+ system has to offer whilst riding the bike. Literally, all you need for a pedal-assisted ride at your fingertips. The button itself is surrounded by an LED display that illuminates when the button is pressed. The display itself fulfils various functions including: indicating the current assistance setting, battery level, message alerts and more. Press the button to:

• Turn the system on/off.
• Select the desired assistance level.
• Display the available battery capacity.
• Turn compatible lights on/off (if fitted).

iWoc Trio handlebar-Mounted Control Unit

All Ribble flat handlebar models will come equipped with a handlebar-mounted control unit in lieu of the top-tube button. Which offers the distinct advantage of being able to adjust assistance levels without ever having to remove your hands from the bars. The unit also differs in the fact it has 3 distinct buttons to control the various settings rather than just one.

Left Image: The top-tube mounted iWoc One featured on all of our drop-bar models. Right Image: The iWoc Trio is exclusive to bikes with flat handlebars.

Where the instructions refer to a 'short press' this indicates one quick push of the button and release.

Top-Tube Button (iWoc One)

• To turn the system on, short-press the button to illuminate the LEDs.
• During the start-up procedure, the button will initially turn green to indicate everything is working correctly.
• Once the start-up procedure finishes, a single solid colour will be displayed. This colour indicates the amount of battery charge that is available for use.
• To turn the pedal-assist system off, simply hold down the button for approximately two seconds. At which point the LEDs should turn white and then release.

Handlebar Button (iWoc Trio)

• Short pressing button C (middle button) turns the system on and a long press of the same buttom switches it off again.
• During the start-up procedure, the button will initially turn green to indicate everything is working correctly.
• Once the start-up procedure finishes, the LEDs will display a single solid colour. This colour indicates the amount of battery charge that is available to use.

As mentioned briefly above, whenever a button is pressed the LED will always revert back to display the available battery charge. For added simplicity, the battery level is displayed using a traffic light-style system, albeit with the addition of the colour white. Here, we break down what each colour indicates:

• White: 75% of the battery or more remains
• Green: 50-75%
• Orange: 25-50%
• Red: 15-25%
• Slow Red Flash: 10-15%
• Rapid Red Flash: Less than 10%

The X35+ SmartBike system offers three levels of power assistance - low, medium and maximum. We would encourage you to try all three out and see which works for you on any given terrain. For instance, if it is a less challenging climb, you may find that low power (green) assistance is sufficient.

However, when it gets steep you may find you need to crank up the power to keep pace with the group or to conquer the climb. Of course, using minmum assistance where possible or just being judicious with maximum assistance will result in more range. It should also be noted that the three power assistance levels are pre-set to offer a set amount of power per level.

So, when you first receive your Ribble e-bike, we thoroughly recommend downloading the MAHLE companion app from the Apple Store or Android Play. Once connected to the bike, you can select one of three cycling modes: Eco, Urban, or Sport. Each offers a slightly different power configuration per assistance level.

However, if you feel these pre-sets aren't quite right and are reasonably tech-savvy, you can also customise the power output for each level. You can find more detailed information about the companion app in our separate MAHLE app blog.

You have turned the system on and the LEDs are now displaying a solid colour to indicate the amount of battery charge available to you. How do you then select an assistance level? It really is very simple and will quickly become second nature to you.

Walk assist

The iWoc Trio handlbar unit comes with a handy bonus feature in the form of a walk assist mode. Should you ever need to push the bike, you can hold button B for a second to gain a little boost from the motor.

Additional LED Colours

If you regularly use the companion app, you may notice the LEDs flash various colours that have notjhing to do with battery level or assistance mode etc. Here's a brief overview of what these 'extra' colours indicate:

Blue - If you have downloaded the companion app to your smart device and have previously connected to the bike, the LED will briefly display a blue light to indicate that the bike and app are now connected.

Light Blue - Whilst connected to the companion app, the LEDs will briefly illuminate a light blue colour when you receive a phone notification.

Pink - If the LED displays a solid pink colour, this means that the system has entered 'safe' mode. Contact our helpful and friendly customer service team for assistance.

Pink flash/Coloured Flash - If the LED alternates between flashing pink and other colours this indicates the bike has entered 'demo' mode. The assistance will still work but only for approximately 50 miles or so. Contact us for further assistance.

With your e-bike purchase, you can link to the MAHLE SmartBike Systems companion app. The app raises interaction between bike and rider to a new level. It's an invaluable tool that enables you to monitor the charging status and other key details of the e-bike system in real time. To learn more about the app and the many amazing features it offers, delve into our dedicated companion app blog.

What sort of range can I expect from the bike? There is any number of factors that can affect what range an e-bike can reach. Rider weight, fitness, route profile, tyre width/pressure and wind strength to name but a few. A rider of 90 kg, over variable terrain, can expect an average distance of approximately 60 miles from a single charge. An optional range extender is also available, which extends the available range by a further 70%.

Do I need to pedal to ride this bike? Yes. All our e-bikes are pedal-assist models and require rider input at all times. If you stop pedalling, the bike will come to a stop like any non-assisted bike.

Can I ride faster than 15 mph? Yes. Though the motor will only provide assistance up to 15 mph, at which point (by law and as with all e-bikes in the UK) the assistance will cut out. If you drop back below 15 mph, the motor will automatically re-engage but above this speed it's all down to you.

Do I need tax, insurance or a licence to ride the e-bikes? No. Pedal-assisted electric bikes do not require you to hold a valid drivers licence, pay tax or take out insurance.

How do I charge the battery? Simply plug the bike into a household power socket using the supplied charger and cable. An optional range extender is also available which can be charged away from the bike. When connected to the bike it charges the main battery when assistance is not being provided (i.e. when the bike is stationary or while descending etc).

What type of battery is it? The system uses a 36V/250Wh Panasonic 18650GA-10S2/P Li-Ion battery hidden within the frame's downtube.

How long does it take to charge the battery? From flat, the battery takes approximately 3.5 hours to reach full capacity.

Do I need to/ Can I remove the battery to charge? No. The slimline battery is mounted within the downtube and can only be accessed via a port underneath the bottom bracket shell. It is necessary to remove the bottom bracket to access the battery. Instead, a port located just above the bottom bracket provides easy access to charge the battery (the optional range extender is mounted in place of a bottle cage and can easily be removed and charged away from the bike if a socket is not close at hand).

Is the battery and /or motor replaceable? Yes. Both the battery and motor are easily replaceable.

How will I know how much battery charge remains? Both the top-tube and handlebar mounted control units indicate battery life at a glance via a simple traffic light system. White means it is at full capacity; progressing down through Green, Amber and Red to indicate a maximum of 25% remaining. You can also download a companion app, which displays information about the e-bike system, including available range, current assistance level, remaining battery charge and ride data.

What is the life expectancy of the battery? The battery has a life expectancy of around 500 charge cycles. One charge cycle is equal to charging the battery from 0 to 100% once, 80-100% 5 times or 25 to 100% 3 times.

Can I ride this in the wet? The bike and hub drive motor drive system components are IP54 rated, and are protected against splashing but not full immersion or the powerful effects of a jetwash or a pressurised hose.

What electronic drive system does it use? Ribble e-bikes are built around the MAHLE SmartBike Systems X35+ 36V/250W M1 Motor System.

Can I alter the assistance levels provided by the motor system? Yes. You can cycle through three different assistance modes (which can be configured further in the companion app), or choose to have the motor turned off completely; all at the press of a single button.

How does the motor work? The motor is a pedal-assist system (pedelec). A sensor detects the pedalling rhythm and provides assistance based on the power level selected.

Is the amount of assistance supplied by each individual assistance level configurable? Yes. By default, each motor map is set to 100%. You can adjust these motor maps in the MAHLE companion app, so that the motor limits the amount of available power based on a percentage of the 250W max output.

How does the range extender connect/fit? The optional range extender is supplied with its own bottle cage-style bracket. This cage replaces the bottle cage typically situated on the bike's seat tube. A cable then exits the bottom of the extender and plugs into the charging port situated atop the bottom bracket.