FLIT Unveils New Folding Ebike in Extreme Commute to Snowdon Summit
FLIT, the Cambridge-based ebike developer, has released a new video showcasing its latest folding ebike, the FLIT M2, in an unexpected and daring test: an ‘extreme commute’ to the summit of Wales’ highest peak, Mount Snowdon.
The video, which can be viewed at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0cl4qsDdIYc, captures the FLIT M2 navigating challenging terrain from town streets to Snowdon’s lofty peak. Along the way, it highlights the joys of slow travel, the ingenuity behind ebike design, and the breathtaking beauty of a route less travelled.
Alex Murray, FLIT’s Co-founder, explains the motivation behind this unconventional challenge. “We often hear that small wheels are no good on rough ground or don’t ride like a ‘proper’ bike,” he says. “The truth is that they are much better than most people think, but it’s a trade-off. Small wheels are lighter and nippier, accelerating quickly and handling choppy turns well. Bigger wheels are better for sustained effort and can roll over obstacles more easily. We decided to challenge this misconception head-on by completing a commute so extreme it would leave no doubt about the M2’s versatility and durability. What better way than riding it up a mountain?”
The FLIT M2 is designed for performance, with its electronics and battery seamlessly integrated into the frame for a balanced and stable ride. Its front hub motor, unlike many folding bikes, is designed for climbing, allowing it to use its full power when tackling steep hills. The M2 also stands out for its unique adhesive bonding process, similar to that used in aerospace and automotive industries, which results in a precise and stiff frame that is 25% more compact and 1kg lighter than welded equivalents. Its hard-wearing anodised finish and internally routed cables further contribute to its clean look and resilience.
The M2 also features upgraded components for any terrain, including a powerful and quiet 250W rear hub motor, responsive torque sensor, hydraulic disc brakes, and Schwalbe Marathon tyres for robust grip and puncture protection. And for those who value locally made products, the FLIT M2 is designed, prototyped, tested, and assembled in Cambridge.
While the Snowdon climb is a dramatic demonstration, the underlying message is serious: small wheeled ebikes like the FLIT M2 are genuinely capable when designed well. “We’ve designed the FLIT M2 to handle all of the journeys we want to do, and some of our team are quite adventurous!” says Alex. “This makes us very confident that it can handle anything thrown at it during a regular commute. Ultimately, this film is a celebration of what cycling can be. We hope it inspires people to see ebikes not just as a practical tool, but as a way to explore the world around them, however big or small their journey.”
The FLIT M2 is available at £2,499 in the UK and can be purchased through all major cycle to work schemes. It is shipped directly from the Cambridge workshop, and test rides are available in Cambridge or through FLIT’s London partner, Zelo (Fix Your Cycle), at their Hackney or White City shops.
Derick is an experienced reporter having held multiple senior roles for large publishers across Europe. Specialist subjects include small business and financial emerging markets.