Electric bikes based loosely on mountain bikes (such as the Terminus and eSpire) might be well-suited to forest trails, but for increased stability through sand dunes and snow and ice, as well as steep rocky climbs, you’re better off riding a fat-tire bike like the Hanebrink electric bike. The company has now pulled back the curtains to reveal two new models for 2012 – one with added rear suspension for improved performance on steep or rocky trails, and the other designed specifically for golfers.

As capable as the original version of the Hanebrink electric bike was, the company’s Chief Product Engineer Dan Hanebrink felt that there was still something missing. To fill this void, the eight inches (20 cm) of adjustable travel in the dual crown triple clamp forks from previous models has now been joined by five inches (12 cm) of travel at the rear of the Hanebrink III, courtesy of Ducati-inspired RockShock air suspension for improved performance on the very steepest of rocky trails.

The unique frame-integrated rear shock is said to have been inspired by Ducati’s trellis rear suspension system, designed to increase the traction of the back wheel. The RockShock air suspension also gets progressively stiffer as it moves upward, to soak up small bumps while offering stronger resistance over big rocks and drops, making for a smoother ride.

[Source gizmag.com]