At Delfast, we always prioritize our customers' feedback when developing new models or improving existing ones. Approximately 70% of our customer base resides in the United States, and their input played a significant role in the creation of our previous model, the Top 2.0. This version was designed to be more powerful than its predecessor, the Top 1, catering to those who wanted to explore further without being confined to traditional roads. However, despite the enhanced capabilities of the Top 2.0, which falls under the category of an electric mountain bike, it still had its limitations. Even though it was more akin to light enduro than a conventional mountain bike, it wasn't the primary motivation behind the development of our latest model.

The real push came from the diverse geographical and climatic conditions where our American customers operate. From mountains and beaches to snowy plains, forests, and deserts, Delfast bikes have been put through some rigorous testing. Given that we have customers in over half of the U.S. states, it became imperative for us to launch a model better suited for rural terrains and capable of regular use throughout the year. After thorough research, we decided on the concept of a bike equipped with low-pressure tires, commonly referred to as fat bikes or snow bikes. These are essentially the rugged SUVs of the cycling world, excelling particularly on icy surfaces, snow, and sand. Imagine riding one across a frozen lake for some winter fishing—it’s practically second nature. Or perhaps towing a surfboard to reach a secluded beach unreachable by car—fat bikes make such adventures feasible.

While integrating the robust features of a heavy-duty electric bike with the versatility of a fat bike seemed straightforward, it proved to be anything but simple. The capabilities of the Top 2.0 platform, which we leveraged to build the Delfast Offroad TOP 3.0, are exponentially greater than what even professional athletes could achieve manually. Consequently, this meant we had to address several challenges related to load distribution, suspension systems, and tire durability. Finding the right balance between performance and practicality was crucial to ensure our bike remained adaptable to various terrains.

In the initial prototype phase, we experimented with the widely popular and highly rated Rockshox Bulto front fork. Surprisingly, it didn't offer much of an advantage over our custom-designed rubber. At extreme loads, the fork acted as an additional shock absorber, but under normal conditions, the rubber itself handled the impact effectively. Thus, we opted for metal-reinforced tires that could withstand far greater stress without compromising performance.

As we continued refining our design, we noticed a slight reduction in speed and overall range compared to the Top 2.0. However, the trade-off was worth it—our new model gained unparalleled versatility, excelling in all weather conditions and handling loose soil and snow effortlessly. Additionally, fat bikes are known for their superior cargo capacity. We’ve summarized these improvements in the graph below.

Overall, the journey from concept to final product was challenging yet rewarding. By combining the best aspects of both worlds—powerful electric bikes and rugged fat bikes—we’ve created something truly unique. Whether you're tackling rugged trails or cruising through snowy landscapes, the Delfast Offroad TOP 3.0 is built to deliver an unforgettable riding experience.