heritage

origine x valeo

Heritage Origine x Valeo

January 13, 2025

Photo credit: Heritage Bike

If you liked the vintage look of Rayvolt's TORINO model, you'll definitely be interested in the Origine x Valeo which channels those sweet beach cruiser vibes.

This one comes from a French manufacturer, "Ateliers Heritage Bike", that offers an exceptional range of e-bikes and e-motorcycles.  

They're all about high-end design, manufacturing, and components, and you can see it in the clean lines and perfect finishes.  

Each model is produced in limited series, made in France, and sometimes uses European suppliers for the accessories.

Heritage Heroes Club

Heritage Style Escapade

Photo credit: Heritage Bike

Heritage Altitude

Heritage Spirit Scrambler

Heritage Style

Heritage Spirit Scrambler x R4

Photo credit: Heritage Bike

The Origine x Valeo is the second iteration of the Origine model. Previous "Origine" has a Shimano Step E6100 motor (60 Nm) and a Shimano 504 Wh battery. This new Origine x Valeo version has gotten a serious upgrade! It's packing a more powerful Cyclee by Valeo motor (130 Nm) and a higher-capacity Cyclee by Valeo battery (630 Wh). On top of that, it has a 7-speed automatic transmission and an anti-theft feature by immobilizing the motor.

Origine with Shimano Step E6100 motor

Origine with Cyclee by Valeo motor

Powering the bike is the Cyclee by Valeo motor, a technological powerhouse delivering an impressive 130 Nm of torque. This robust output provides ample electric assist for tackling steep inclines or maintaining speed on flat ground. The 7-speed gearbox, available in automatic or sequential shifting modes, allows riders to fine-tune their gearing to match the terrain and maximize the motor's efficiency. 

With that increased power comes a beefed-up braking system. They've gone from 2-piston Formula Cura hydraulic disc brakes with 160 mm rotors to 4-piston Magura MT Trail Sport hydraulic disc brakes with 180 mm rotors.

The range remains the same at about 60 miles (100 km).

Comfort Ebike Frame and Suspension: Built for Performance

The frame's unique architecture, which seamlessly incorporates the motor and battery, distributing the weight optimally and lowering the center of gravity provides exceptional balance, stability, and responsiveness. This results in improved handling, a more comfortable ride, and a heightened sense of control for the rider.

At the core of this bike is a Chromoly steel frame, a material celebrated for its strength, durability, and ability to dampen vibrations. 

The bike's bodywork is constructed from lightweight and durable carbon fiber and fiberglass. The frame is available in two stylish finishes: Aluminum Grey or Sanded Black. The bodywork offers color options of Heritage Green or Heritage Black, allowing for personalized combinations. Weighing in at 32 kg (approximately 70 lbs)

A Gates Carbon Drive CDX BELT (12mm) replaces the traditional chain, offering a quieter, cleaner, and lower-maintenance alternative.

Up front, an inverted telescopic fork with 40mm of travel soaks up bumps and irregularities in the road or trail, providing a smooth and controlled ride. 

Photo credit: Heritage Bike

"SIDE": A Smartly Built Trailer

The trailer is a true design gem, its look draws inspiration from classic 1960s sidecars but with a chrome finish reminiscent of the Porsche 356.

It's crafted from flax fiber, a material stronger than carbon fiber, using biocomposite technology from the startup "Bcomp". This Franco-American company's bio-sourced material delivers weight savings, cuts energy consumption, and lowers emissions compared to traditional plastic parts.  Even the varnish used is bio-sourced and recyclable.

After partnering with McLaren in 2020, Bcomp secured 30 million Swiss francs in funding in 2022. Porsche, Volvo, and BMW have already invested in this promising technology.

Origine x Valeo's specifications

Photo credit: Heritage Bike

Size Unique - Driver size 1,58 - 1,90 m - TT 610 mm - REACH 400 mm - RC 480 mm - HT 135 mm - FH 470 mm - STACK 622 mm -FO 45 mm - HA 67° - FC 683 mm - WB 1152 mm - STA 70° -  ST 450 mm

Origine x Valeo app basics features

Ateliers Heritage Bike has chosen to use a comprehensive white-label app provided by a third party.  It includes all the essential information you'd expect, such as route tracking, battery level, speed, and distance. It also allows you to set a security perimeter for remote monitoring of the ebike using its tracking feature.

This is an example of a limited-edition model designed specifically for a collaboration with a high-end retailer.

Photo credit: Heritage Bike

Final Thoughts...

Despite the ingenuity of the storage compartment, the designers overlooked a valuable opportunity. Considering its generous size and shape, it's disappointing that the "fuel tank" wasn't designed to accommodate a supplemental battery, especially since many manufacturers are currently in the process of intelligently integrating additional batteries.

Integrating a second power source would have significantly boosted the bike's range, making it even more appealing for extended journeys and adventurous riders. We recognize that for urban riders, an extra battery also means additional weight. 

Photo credit: HERITAGE BIKE

However, the Heritage Origine x Valeo offers a distinct advantage: the "Heritage Side." This ingenious add-on provides an alternative to dedicated cargo bikes or long-tail models, allowing riders to transport children, luggage, and other loads, echoing the classic era of sidecars. 

While the current design is undoubtedly impressive, the potential for extended range through a dual-battery setup combined with the utility of the Heritage Side represents a significant opportunity for enhanced versatility.

Ebikes that echo the successful lines of legendary American cruiser bicycles all face the same challenge: to combine this particular frame with motor and battery components without affecting the design, weight, and ergonomics. The Valeo mid-drive motor and battery combo seems to be one of the best options Atelier Bike has chosen.

J.V Mini-J

My thanks to HERITAGE BIKE for their courtesy in allowing me to use their photos.

More details by visiting HERITAGE BIKE website

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