Schindelhauer ARTHUR X20 SSP / graphitschwarz M (56cm) | graphitschwarz | Mahle X20 / Singlespeed

ARTHUR X20 SSP – singlespeed e-bike with 55 Nm hub motor and LightSKIN lighting

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The frame of this bike was developed with a single goal in mind: as little weight as possible with as much stability as necessary. The basis is an aero-shaped AL6061-T6 tubeset, triple butted – thick at the welds, medium in the transitions and slim in the middle of the tube. A forged bottom bracket shell and forged dropouts absorb the highest loads; the sliding dropout system sets belt tension precisely, and the patented belt port, an almost invisible opening at the dropout, allows the toothed belt to be changed. An integrated motor connector, an integrated seat clamp, smoothed welds and fully internal cable routing ensure that cables and brake lines are nowhere to be seen. At the front, a hydroformed tapered aluminium fork with internal cable routing, post mount brake mount and 15 mm through-axle completes the picture, guided by an Acros ICR headset.

Power is transmitted by a Gates Carbon Drive CDX with 60 teeth at the front and 22 at the rear on a 118T toothed belt. A single gear ratio means efficiency here rather than limitation: every pedal revolution arrives immediately, without a gear change costing time and without chain oil reaching clothing. A press-fit bottom bracket and a Shimano Alfine Hollowtech II crankset form the bearing, completed by CNC-machined aluminium urban pedals. The carbon toothed belt works with low maintenance, quietly and free of rust – a drivetrain that functions without preparation even after long periods of standing still.

The special feature of this model lies in the drive. The Mahle X20 Hub Drive works as a hub motor with 250 W and 55 Nm of torque and connects to the wheel via a 12 mm through-axle. Compared with the previous generation this means noticeably more reserves: at junctions, on gradients and when setting off frequently, thrust engages earlier and more strongly without the rider's own pedal power losing effect. Control sits as a head unit in the top tube and offers several assistance levels; Bluetooth and ANT+ as well as the app for iOS and Android integrate the system. The Intube battery of around 250 Wh lies invisibly in the down tube, delivers roughly 50 to 80 km depending on the level, charges in about three hours and can be removed for servicing.

The wheels match the specification: Schindelhauer StraightPull high-flange hubs with disc mount at the front and the StraightPull hub motor of the Mahle X20, Kinlin TL23R rims and Sapim Race spokes laced 3-cross and 2-cross. The Shimano Alfine S7000 hydraulic disc brakes with 160 mm rotors deliver predictable deceleration in any weather, and Continental GP Urban Classic tyres in 35-622 roll quietly over asphalt. Added to this are a LightSKIN Riser handlebar with integrated headlight and a LightSKIN seat post with integrated rear light, both StVZO-compliant and powered from the battery, a Brooks Swift saddle with chromed frame, Schindelhauer ergo leather grips and the Satori Stealth aluminium stem. Rear rack mounting, kickstand mount and bottle and lock holder mounting are provided. At 13.4 kg in size M and a system weight of 130 kg, this bike combines the lightness of a singlespeed with the power reserves of a modern e-bike generation.

What the designation ARTHUR X20 SSP means

The model name consists of three pieces of information. “ARTHUR” stands for the range, whose internal designation is the avant-gardist – a bicycle that is electrically assisted and yet still looks like a classic bike. “X20” names the drive generation from manufacturer Mahle: hub drive, head unit in the top tube, Intube battery. The suffix “SSP” refers to the single-speed principle and highlights that a single gear ratio replaces the gear unit here. The colour graphite black is listed separately in dealer naming; the same equipment is also available in garnet red. Important for classification: the X20 generation replaces the electric side in this model, while the belt mechanics of the singlespeed edition are retained.

Differences from the other ARTHUR configurations

This bike stands apart from its siblings on two levels. First the drive: compared with the X35 generation at around 40 Nm, the X20 unit delivers 55 Nm, brings a control unit in the top tube with several assistance levels and connects the motor via a 12 mm through-axle. Second the equipment in detail – StraightPull hubs with Kinlin TL23R rims, Alfine S7000 hydraulic brakes and the riser handlebar with lighting are the consequence of a stricter demand for stiffness and ride comfort. Compared with the VI and IX versions featuring a Pinion C-Line gear unit, it stays with a single gear, and the weight drops accordingly; the familiar 13.4 kg are retained despite the stronger motor. Compared with the ARTHUR Cruiser in 47er tyres with front basket, this configuration works with 35 mm tyres on 28 inches and a sporty-comfort seat position. In colour the palette ranges from graphite black and garnet red to cream white and midnight blue on the geared models.

What this bike is designed for in everyday life

The combination of a single gear, a very low weight and 55 Nm of hub torque results in a vehicle for everyone who wants to arrive quickly and relaxed in city traffic. Doing without a gear unit reduces maintenance effort and weight, and the torque of the X20 compensates by supporting the rider at the foot of a hill and when pulling away from a standstill. The belt keeps clothing clean and makes any inspection unnecessary, while the lighting in handlebar and seat post ensures that nothing has to be retrofitted in the evening or at dusk. Above all in stop-and-go traffic, at junctions and on spontaneous trips into the surrounding area, you feel how immediately the assistance engages. Set against the Emil and Emilia family, which combines gear unit, upright position and comfort-focused appearance, this bike appears more agile and more focused on the riding experience.

A female counterpart exists as well: the ANTONIA range carries the same VI and IX pairings of Pinion gear unit and Mahle drive, yet is built as a step-through with a lowered top tube and an additional XS frame. Anyone who prefers an upright posture therefore chooses between two frame silhouettes – a diamond frame for a sporty-classic seat and a lowered entry for relaxed arrival – with identical technology at the respective level of specification.