September 28, 2011
The REAL STREAM Motor-Assisted Cross Bike Equipped with an LED Multi-Function Meter that Calculates Remaining Assistance Distance Now on Sale
 
Bridgestone Cycle Co. Ltd., (president: Yuji Takeuchi) will release on nationwide sale from September 30 the REAL STREAM motor-assisted cross bike equipped with an "LED multi-function meter" that calculates remaining distance and other up-to-date assistance functions.

REAL STREAM was first introduced to the market in August 2008 as an urban-specification cross bike integrated with a mountain bike and fitted with a motor-assistance function in response to male sports users who were not satisfied with the motor- assisted bicycles that had been released up until then. This became very popular with active men between the 30s and 50s age groups who enjoyed cycling and used bicycles for commuting.

The REAL STREAM is equipped with suspension forks that easily enable the bike to negotiate the bumps and steps that are commonly found in urban environments, with disc brakes with high levels of braking power, with slick tires for smooth traveling, with a built-in 8-speed gear transmission that enables the optimal gear for all road conditions to be selected, and a motor-assisted function fitted with a lithium ion battery that can be detached for easy recharging. A motor-assisted cross bike combining the sporty design of mountain bike with enhanced comfort for urban cycling.

In addition to the constant display of speed, assistance power, assistance mode and remaining battery power, the changes that have been included in this model upgrade include new assistance functions in "the LED Multi-Function Meter" that can be displayed at the flick of a switch, such as maximum speed, distance traveled, possible distance with remaining assistance power, calories consumed and remaining battery power (in units of 1%,) and "a long-life 8.1Ah battery" with approximately twice the life span of conventional models. The speed sensor fitted to the "S.P.E.C.8." function, which provides finely-tuned assistance in alignment with the gears, has also been made more compact, and we have made the overall appearance much smarter with a new short-type chain case and simple design patterns.


<Overview of Sales for the REAL STREAM>
Sales Area: Nationwide
Annual Sales Target: 2,000 units (total)
Date of Release: September 30
Standard Cash Retail Price: 151,800 yen (including tax)



T. Black Matt

Product Configuration
Model
Model Code Wheel Size (inch)
Trans mission
Standard Case Retail Price (inc. tax.)*
Lithium Ion Battery Capacity
Frame Color
Estimated Traveling Distance per Recharge (Standard Pattern) Assistance Level
Auto Eco-Mode Plus Standard Mode Strong Mode
Real
Stream
RS681
26
8
151,800
yen
8.1Ah
T. Black Matt
M.Gun Metal Gray
T. White
E.Strong Khaki
47km 36km 31km
* The standard cash retail prices include the standard recharging unit.

[New Features of the REAL STREAM]

1. "LED multi-function meter" fitted with the latest functions
Speed (in units of 0.1km,) the assistance power at maximum power (in seven stages,) remaining battery power (in ten stages) and the current assistance mode (strong, standard or auto-eco) are constantly displayed. In addition to this, maximum speed in alignment with the cycling scenario, distance traveled, possible distance with remaining assistance power, calories consumed and remaining battery power (in units of 1%) can also be selected for display at the bottom right-hand side of the monitor.
The large LED monitor is also fitted with a background light function that is illuminated automatically when it gets dark. This allows information to be obtained even when cycling at night.
The new drive unit has also enabled complex calculations to be made by the Calorie Counter function, which calculates an estimate of the amount of calories consumed from pressure applied to the pedals with extreme accuracy, and the Remaining Assistance Distance function, which calculates an estimate of the distance that can be cycled with the remaining assistance power from past cycling scenarios in the real-time.




2. "Long-life 8.1Ah battery" with approximately double the life of conventional models
The life-span of conventional batteries (replacement period) was between 350 and 450 recharges, but this long-life battery has doubled this life-span to between 700 and 900* recharges. This means that the total distance that can be cycled with a single battery has been doubled, which provides an economical purchase from the point of view that the extra life represents a full replacement battery with conventional models. The shape of the battery has also been upgraded to enable it to be connected and disconnected with even greater simplicity.
* This figure is a yardstick. The conditions under which this yardstick were established involve an annual recharge count of 200 cycles when used in the standard pattern at a temperature of 25 degrees Celsius. (1 cycle = a full charge after the battery has been allowed to run out.)



3. A new, compact speed sensor
The position of the speed sensor has been moved from its original location on the chain stay to the wheel hub, and the new compact sensor is able to detect the gear in use and speed from the drive unit. "The S.P.E.C.8." function (Shift Position Electric Control x 8 speeds,) which provides optimal assistance in alignment with the gears, also enables the best possible level of assistance depending on road gradient in order to provide a comfortable ride.




4. An assistance mode with a function for switching off assistance has also been newly added
An assistance mode with a function for switching off assistance has also been newly added to the Strong Mode, which increases the sense of power, the Standard Mode, which provides both power and distance, and the Auto-Eco Plus Mode, which automatically controls the assistance power while saving battery energy. It is possible to use the meter functions even when the assistance mode has been switched off.

5. Aluminum housing drive unit
A new aluminum housing drive unit with levels of endurance that we are justly proud has been used.

6. Simple designs with soothing frame colors
With the logo graphic on the rear of the down tube and the soothing frame color, the design is laid-back enough to make it not seem out of place when ridden wearing a suit or casual clothes. A simple design for all age groups with its black and silver coloring that does not exude a gaudy image.




7. LED lamp taking its power from the assistance battery
A new type of lamp with a slim form that takes its power from the assistance battery. This means that battery replacement is no longer necessary, and it also uses LED bulbs that never blow. A compact lamp that provides bright lighting when cycling at night.




8. New type of short chain case
Uses a new type of short chain case.
This gives it a sportier appearance in comparison to the previous model, which covered the entire chain.




9. Aluminum pedals
Changing the conventional resin pedals to aluminum pedals has added a sense of sophistication to the bicycle.




< REAL STREAM Features>
10. Wires built into the frame for a smart appearance
The drive unit wire has been built into the frame in addition to the brake and gear shift wires to provide a smart appearance.




11. Front suspension fitted with preload adjuster
A preload adjuster has been fitted to the front suspension to enable the strength of the suspension to be easily adjusted.




12. Uses "F Disc Brakes" for firm braking power
"Disc Brakes" that are used on top-range mountain bikes, etc., have been used on the front brakes to match up with the sporty specifications. These brakes are perfect for sports cycling with their firm levels of braking power.




13. Slick tires
Uses easy-running 26x1.5HE slick tires that are thicker than MTB ties and
more stable than road ties.




14. "Variable Handlebar System" that enables the height of the handlebars to be adjusted
Being able to adjust the height of the handlebars means that it is possible to set them at the upright position for comfortable cycling and at the forward angled position for sports cycling.




15. Built-in 8-speed gears that can be selected for optimal cycling conditions
Proving a larger gear range than the normal 3-speed built-in gears and detailed gear positions enables the most suitable gear for road conditions to be selected. There is no fear of the chain becoming detached with built-in gears, and they also allow the gears to be changed when stationary, which guarantees starting in light gears. Built-in gears also provide the bicycle with a much smarter appearance.




16. Warranty on main parts
A warranty on main parts has been added for peace of mind, with a two-year warranty on the battery and a three-year warranty on the frame, the front forks and the drive unit.

17. Complete with a three-year theft compensation package
Motor-assisted bicycles come complete with a three-year theft compensation package. This package will discount 70% of the standard cash retail price off a new bicycle in the event of the bicycle being stolen.

18. BAA Standards
Manufactured with environmentally-friendly parts that conform to the BAA (Bicycle Association (JAPAN) Approved) standards that were voluntarily established by the bicycle industry.
http://www.baa-bicycle.com/index.html



< REAL STREAM Specification Chart>
1. "LED multi-function meter" fitted with the latest functions
2. "Long-life 8.1Ah battery" with approximately double the life of conventional models
3. A new, compact speed sensor
4. An assistance mode with a function for switching off assistance has also been newly added
5. Aluminum housing drive unit
6. Simple designs with soothing frame colors
7. LED lamp taking its power from the assistance battery
8. New type of short chain case
9. Aluminum pedals
10. Wires built into the frame for a smart appearance
11. Front suspension fitted with preload adjuster
12. Uses "F Disc Brakes" for firm braking power
13. Slick tires
14. "Variable Handlebar System" that enables the height of the handlebars to be adjusted
15. Built-in 8-speed gears that can be selected for optimal cycling conditions
* Warranty on main parts
* Complete with a three-year theft compensation package
* BAA Standards





[Main Specifications]
Product Name
REAL STREAM
RS681
Size Wheels (inches)
26
Tire Size
26×1.5HE
Overall Length (mm)
1740
Overall Width (mm)
535
Saddle Height (mm)
780-960
Wheelbase Distance (mm)
1115
Minimum Rider Height
146cm or taller
Bicycle Weight
22.9kg
Motor Performance Assisted Speed Range
Less than 24km/h
Model
Brushless DC System
Assistance Drive
3-mode Assistance (Strong, Standard and Auto Eco Mode Plus)
Assistance Level *1
Assistance Control
S.P.E.C.8
Handlebar Switch
LED Multi-function Meter
Carefree Battery Light System *2
Standard Equipment
Rated Output
240W
Assistance Control System
Pedal Strength Comparison Control System
Housing
Aluminum
Continual Traveling Distance
(Standard Pattern) *3
Strong Mode
31km
Standard Mode
36km
Auto Eco Mode Plus
47km
Yardstick for Battery Replacement and Number of Charges
700 to 900 charges
Battery Model
8.1Ah Long-Life Battery (8.1Ah Lithium Ion)
Capacity *4
8.1Ah 25.2V
Recharger System
AC100V Stand System
Recharging Time
Approx. 4 hours
*1 The assistance level represents the assistance output. Slight differences are apparent between models. *2 The light system is safe in that the light remains on even when the switch to the assistance unit has been turned off. *3 The standard pattern represents repeated cycling at a predetermined speed along two areas of flat road for 1km and up and down a hill with a 4-degree gradient for a total of 4km. The traveling distance data is based on our own data under the conditions of the battery being new, the ambient temperature being 20 degrees Celsius, the load on the bicycle being 65kg (the total load of rider and baggage,) the surface of the road being flat and smooth, there being no wind, with the lights being extinguished, in second gear when traveling up gradients of 7.0% (4 degrees) and in third gear for all other occasions. There are cases in which traveling distance will become shorter under different conditions and in different environments. *4 The PSE rated capacities for battery capacities are listed on the right-hand side in accordance with PSE revisions (Electrical Appliance and Material Safety Law.) 8.1Ah listings represent 7.6Ah.