Flyer Recalls Its Beginnings with New Ebikes for 2023

One of Flyer’s most important innovations for the 2023 season is neither a bike, nor a motor, nor any other component. What is meant is a decision that should be entirely in the interest of most customers. In future, the Swiss manufacturer will only announce new ebikes when their production has actually started. As little time as possible should elapse between the presentation and the possibility of actually buying the bike. With other manufacturers, it can easily take six, seven, eight or nine months between the publication of the information and the actual availability of the products.

Update 9th December 2022

1. Flyer Upstreet: Top Seller Re-Interpreted
2. Flyer Gotour: Greater variety in future

1. Flyer Upstreet: Top Seller Re-Interpreted

Are any of you wishing for an updated version of Flyer’s Upstreet5? Well, for those we have some good news and some bad news. Better the bad first. There will be no new edition of this urban success model. That leaves the good news. The brand new Upstreet from Flyer is the successor to the Upstreet5. The manufacturer has just presented it.

It feels like the new launch has come at exactly the right time. The Touring Club Switzerland rated the S-pedelec of the model series, the Upstreet5 7.10 HS, as “highly recommendable” in a test from this year. Nevertheless, the last technical and visual update was a few seasons ago.

A more modern look

Since then, ebikes have taken a few steps forward. Flyer is now paying tribute to this development. The most obvious sign of this is that the battery, which used to be placed on the top tube, is now fully integrated into the down tube. The stem has also changed. The cables from the cockpit run through it directly into the frame. Since all the other cables are also routed completely inside the frame, the new Upstreet looks even a bit classier than the previous models.

Aluminium continues to be used as the material, which is hydroformed into the respective shape. This results in three frame designs. Flyer calls the low-step frame “Comfort”, the trapezoidal frame “Mixed” and the diamond frame “Gents”. The latter is only available in three frame sizes from M to XL. For the other two, size S is added in each case. The rest of the basic concept also remains the same. The frame features 28-inch wheels, while the suspension fork offers the familiar 75 millimetres of travel.

The full Panasonic programme

Based on the Usptreet5, the model range of the new Upstreet also offers a considerable variety of different configurations. This becomes apparent, among other things, when you take a look at the motors. You will find one of these five units installed in the nine models:

• Panasonic GX Ultimate Pro FIT
• Panasonic GX Ultimate Pro HS FIT
• Panasonic GX Ultimate Eco FIT
• Panasonic GX Force Pro FIT
• Panasonic GX Force Pro Coaster FIT

Typical for Flyer: Two motors are used, which support you up to a speed of 45 km/h. You can recognise the respective S-pedelec by the “HS” for Highspeed, with which the respective product name ends. These motors as well as the Panasonic GX Ultimate Pro FIT have a torque of 95 Newton metres. The other three listed motors have a somewhat more restrained torque of 75 Newton metres. But even this level promises a lot of sporty riding fun.

Software specifically improved

All e-drives are based on the FIT 2.0 system. With its help, you can individualise the support levels and adjust them according to your preferences. Regarding ease of use, Flyer is now on a par with systems from Bosch, Fazua or Shimano. Another new feature is the “boost function”. With this option, you can switch the motor to turbo mode – regardless of the support level you are currently using. However, the extra boost is only available for a few seconds. This should help you to master a particularly steep passage or to make particularly fast progress in a tricky traffic situation.

Almost 1,300 watt hours possible

Although Flyer installs the corresponding battery in the down tube, fortunately, its capacity is just as large as before. Only the entry-level model of the Upstreet with derailleur gears, the Flyer Upstreet 5.10, as well as the entry-level models with hub gears, the Flyer Upstreet 5.40 and the Flyer Upstreet 5.41R, have to get along with the FIB-630 with 630 watt hours. Strictly speaking, this also applies to all other models where a frame in size S can be selected. There is simply less space in the down tube, which is only sufficient for the smaller battery.

In this case, however, you have the opportunity to improve the range. These models are prepared for expansion with a second battery as standard. The FIT RE-540 range extender is mounted on the down tube and adds another 540 watt hours of capacity. Together, this adds up to a maximum of 1,290 watt hours. For many people, this would probably mean being able to commute to work on an ebike for two weeks without recharging. Whether this is worth the one-off costs and the additional weight of 3.3 kilograms, you can decide for yourself 😉

You can operate the ebike system via the FIT DSP1-M and FIT DSP1-L displays, familiar from the Goroc X, for example. The screen of the former measures 2 inches diagonally, while the latter measures 3.5 inches. Besides the usual tracking of crucial riding data, the functions include GPS navigation with turn-by-turn navigation.

No two the same

Nine models also mean you’re spoilt for choice when it comes to the type of gears. Derailleur or hub gears? If derailleur, then with the extremely robust Linkglide group from Shimano or will the simpler Alivio group do? If hub gears, then with a belt or with a conventional chain? If it has to be the belt, then the stepless version from Enviolo for high shifting comfort or would you prefer a Shimano Nexus with a manageable five gears and a coaster? Flyer offers all of that. In the end, your requirements and perhaps also your wallet determine the direction.

No matter which model it is, it will be quite sturdy. Flyer has considered many of the things that a modern urban ebike should have. Whether shopping, other transport goods or children are to be carried on the Usptreet, weight plays a major role. Therefore, it is very helpful that the rear carrier can carry a maximum load of 27 kilograms. In your case, if this means a child seat and your offspring, remember to add the weight of both to stay within the safe range.

The bicycle is also approved for a bicycle trailer. Including the goods to be transported, it may weigh up to 40 kilograms. Depending on the equipment, the Upstreet itself weighs around 32 kilograms. Its permissible total weight is 150 kilograms.

Flyer Upstreet 2023 at a glance

• Variants: Flyer Upstreet 7.43, Flyer Upstreet 7.43R, Flyer Upstreet 7.43 XC, Flyer Upstreet 7.23, Flyer Upstreet 7.23 HS, Flyer Upstreet 7.12 XC, Flyer Upstreet 7.10, Flyer Upstreet 7.10 HS, Flyer Upstreet 7.10 SE, Flyer Upstreet 7.12 XC, Flyer Upstreet 5.41R, Flyer Upstreet 5.40, Flyer Upstreet 5.10
• Suspension fork: SR Suntour Mobie-A32 Coil, SR Suntour Mobie25 Coil, SR Suntour Mobie25 Air
• Motor: Panasonic GX Ultimate Pro FIT, Panasonic GX Ultimate Pro HS FIT, Panasonic GX Ultimate Eco FIT, Panasonic GX Force Pro FIT, Panasonic GX Force Pro Coaster FIT
• Battery: Flyer FIB-750, Flyer FIB-630
• Display: FIT DSP1-L, FIT DSP1-M
• Drivetrain: Enviolo TR Mech, Shimano Deore, Shimano Alivio, Shimano Nexus 5-speed, Shimano Nexus Coaster 5-speed
• Brakes: Shimano MT402, Shimano Deore BL-T6000, TRP C2.3
• Weight: approx. 32 kg
• Permitted rear rack load (incl. child seat): 27 kg
• Permitted trailer load: 40 kg
• Maximum permitted total weight: 150 kg
• Colours: Frosty Sage, Mercury Red Gloss, Pearl Black Gloss
• Price: from 4,999 euros

Original post 13th July 2023

2. Flyer Gotour: Greater variety in future

That’s for the preface, and now just to the bikes. To start with, Flyer is showing a bike that ties in with the company’s absolute brand essence. At the beginning of the 2000s, the C-series ebikes were introduced to the market to provide a new travel experience. Today, this claim is still in the manufacturer’s touring and trekking ebikes. This special type of ebike is now getting a new top model with the Gotour. Its goal is to provide you with so much comfort that you will want to extend your trips even further. At the same time, thanks to a high-quality motorisation, this should feel so sporty that in principle it doesn’t matter what profile awaits you.

The basis for the Gotour is a completely newly developed frame made of aluminium. There are versions with a low step-in (“Comfort”), with a conventional diamond frame (“Gents”) and with a trapezoidal frame (“Mixed”). The latter had always been missing among Flyer’s various touring bikes. This is also the case with the Gotour 6, the current top model. Flyer offers all new frame shapes in sizes S, M, L and XL. One exception is the Gents frame with the continuous top tube. Here, the range only extends from M to XL.

Comfortable and chic

Due to their geometry, all frames support an upright sitting position, which many cyclists find very convenient, especially on long journeys. Similarly popular on such ebikes are suspension seat posts, which Flyer has also opted for. Those who prefer a somewhat sportier riding position can get there, for example, via adjusting the angle of the stem.

Visually, the new products cut a fine figure. All cables are consistently routed inside and only emerge from the stem just below the handlebars.

Particularly safe

Flyer sticks to the Bosch e-drive system. The only difference is that the new Gotour is equipped with the Smart System. You already know the motor, battery and control unit from last year. The display, however, is the newcomer from Bosch, the Intuvia 100. This allows you to read the current riding data directly on the handlebars without having to use an app on your smartphone.

Two of the five versions of the Gotour are equipped with the brand-new Bosch anti-lock braking system (ABS). In principle, such systems are a good idea on just about any ebike. On a bike that you want to ride particularly often and for particularly long periods of time, even more so. “Safety is our top priority. I am pleased that we can maximise safety with the new ABS,” says Thomas Beger, Flyer Product Manager.

Intelligent lighting

So, the brakes are top notch – so is the drive. Depending on the model, you’ll find either stepless hub gears from Enviolo in combination with a low-maintenance belt drive or derailleur gears with ten speeds and the Linkglide group from Shimano on the Gotour. Both are great options that have already proven themselves in everyday use.

With the 2023 season, Flyer is introducing a new lighting system on its ebikes. The front headlight in particular stands out with a light ring running around the outside of the housing. However, the inside is just as convincing. The aluminium housing contains an integrated sensor. This automatically registers whether it is day or night based on the lighting conditions. Accordingly, the headlight automatically switches between daytime running light and low beam.

More than just a touring bike

The Gotour’s rear carrier also deserves some credit. You can load it with a maximum weight of 27 kilograms. If you often ride with panniers which are full to the brim, you’ll be happy to hear that. Given this robustness, even carrying children in a child seat becomes an absolutely realistic option. Attention here: the Gotour 7.10 SE is the only version of the novelty that comes without a rear carrier. It has a slightly sportier design than the others and has therefore been given the chubby Schwalbe Johnny Watts.

Back to the rear carrier and the child seat: If you’re looking for a solution for several children, you don’t have to search for another bike right away. You can attach a trailer to the Gotour that can weigh 40 kilograms including passengers.

Flyer Gotour 2023 at a glance

• Variants: Gotour 7.10, Gotour 7.10 ABS, Gotour 7.10 SE, Gotour 7.12 XC, Gotour 7.12 XC ABS, Gotour 7.23
• Motor: Bosch Smart System Performance Line CX
• Battery: Bosch PoweTube 750
• Display: Bosch Intuvia 100 with LED Remote
• Suspension fork: SR Suntour Mobie25 Coil, SR Suntour Mobie25 Air, SR Suntour Mobie34 Air
• Drivetrain: Enviolo TR Mech, Shimano Deore Linkglide
• Brakes: Shimano MT402
• Colours: Frosty Sage, Cold Anthracite, Gentian Blue
• Maximum permitted total weight: 150 kg

Pictures: Flyer AG