Kellys Theos F100 and Theos R-Series Review
09.05.23 07:54 1.6762023-05-09T07:54:00+02:00Text: Ralf Hauser (translated by AI)A composite E-MTB? When Kellys introduced the Theos just over a year ago, both the manufacturing process and the final product were captivating. In 2023, the Slovaks are upping the ante by presenting on one hand the Theos F100 with plenty of power and low weight. On the other hand, the Theos R series - a fully suspended aluminum platform with a Panasonic motor, completely welded by robots.09.05.23 07:54 1.7792023-05-09T07:54:00+02:00Kellys Theos F100 and Theos R-Series Review
09.05.23 07:54 1.7792023-05-09T07:54:00+02:00 Ralf Hauser (translated by AI)A composite E-MTB? When Kellys introduced the Theos just over a year ago, both the manufacturing process and the final product were captivating. In 2023, the Slovaks are upping the ante by presenting on one hand the Theos F100 with plenty of power and low weight. On the other hand, the Theos R series - a fully suspended aluminum platform with a Panasonic motor, completely welded by robots.09.05.23 07:54 1.7792023-05-09T07:54:00+02:00
To prevent E-MTBs from becoming too heavy, bike developers are taking different approaches: optimizations to the frame, the drive system, the specifications... Lately, it seems especially popular to reduce battery capacity in conjunction with throttled engines or even to develop smaller, less powerful engines.
For Kellys, all these paths are compromise solutions - paths, therefore, that they did not want to take.
Kellys Theos F100
The Slovaks were much more interested in full power and a considerable range while still having a low weight. Therefore, they set out to develop the Theos F100 - according to the manufacturer, a completely new version of the Theos F frame with high strength despite its low weight.
The newcomer in brief: Shimano EP8 motor, 825 Wh battery, and 20.6 kilograms.
Frame Details
The frame of the Theos F100 is entirely manufactured in the European Union and uses a new carbon fiber-aramid composite structure that Kellys has developed in collaboration with a research and development facility for automotive composite materials, which researches and develops composite monocoques for a well-known hypercar manufacturer.
Designed for a mixed-wheel setup with 29" at the front and 27.5" at the rear, the frame of the F100 provides 140 mm of travel, coupled with a 150 mm suspension fork. A 1.8" tapered head tube, 203 mm post mount brake fittings, and 12 x 148 mm Boost axle standard are part of the package.
As another major component, Kellys tackled the battery and introduced the next generation of the Kellys Re-Charge K1 battery.
The battery has a juicy 825 Wh (23 Ah) and a low weight of only 3.91 kilograms, which according to Kellys was achieved through the highest energy density per kilogram of all e-bikes in the world. The ratio of capacity to weight for the brand-new Kellys Re-Charge K1 battery is 211 Wh per kilogram of battery weight.
For comparison: The current 750 Wh battery from Bosch has an energy density of about 174 Wh/kg and a total weight of 4.3 kilograms, while the last generation of Kellys 725 Wh Re-Charge K1 battery has an energy density of 193 Wh/kg.
Like other E-bikes in the Theos F series, the F100 utilizes the Retractable Battery System. This is a design that allows the battery to be removed from the lower end of the downtube, in front of the motor. To do this, simply a screw must be opened or removed using a 6-mm Allen key. Since the tube is not structurally compromised by this, higher stiffness with less weight is possible.
As the motor, Kellys F100 relies on the latest generation of Shimano EP8, the EP801, with a magnesium casing and weighing only 2.7 kg, 85 Nm of power, and improved integration options for electronic shifting components.
Kinematics
In terms of kinematics, the Slovaks rely on their own Think Link Virtual Pivot suspension system with asymmetric shock linkage.
Sensitivity, independence from braking and pedaling forces, as well as no pedal kickback due to the virtual main pivot point of ThinkLink, which is located at the center of the bottom bracket, are supposed to be the main characteristics of this concept, which allows for a constant chainline length during the 140 mm rear travel movement.
Geometry
Kellys refers to the Theos F100 as having a progressive enduro geometry, combined with a mixed-wheel setup consisting of a 29-inch front wheel and a 27.5-inch rear wheel. Most would probably categorize a bike in this travel range more as All-Mountain, but it is certainly reassuring that Kellys has designed the frame to withstand today's enduro stresses.
Two frame sizes, M and L, are available. With a reach of 469 and 489 mm, respectively, one should probably have a certain body size to not sit too stretched out on the bike even with a short stem; however, the extremely low standover height and short seat tubes can also make the bike interesting for smaller riders. With 150 mm of travel at the front, the head angle measures 65 degrees, the seat angle 76.5 degrees.
Equipment
The lighter the weight, the higher the price, goes an old cyclists' wisdom - and this applies to the Theos F100 as well. With its powerful 825 Wh battery, RockShox Lyrik Ultimate suspension fork, Super Deluxe Select+ shock, and Shimano XT Di2/XTR drivetrain, the bike is priced at €12,999.-
With a smaller 725 Wh battery, one can get the F-Series starting at €5,499.- (F50) and can choose from several models up to the F90 (with 170 mm of travel) for €9,499.-
Theo's R-Series
With the Theos R series, Kellys introduces a completely new range of robot-welded e-bikes to the market. A powerful 95 Nm Panasonic motor and 725 Wh battery powerfully drive the mix of 150 mm of travel at the front and 130 mm at the rear.
Frame Details
The frame of the Kellys Theos R was designed in the EU and is manufactured there from aluminum. Thanks to an advanced manufacturing process using CNC laser cutting, CNC robotic welding, and the most precise finishing, the Theos R frame becomes "piece by piece a precise aluminum workpiece," according to the manufacturer.
Also designed for a mixed-wheel setup with 29" at the front and 27.5" at the rear, the frame provides 130 mm of travel. Like the Theos F, it features a 1.8" tapered head tube, 203 mm post mount brake fitting, and 12 x 148 mm Boost axle standard.
Joining the party is the Kellys Re-Charge K1 Li-ion 725 Wh (20 Ah) battery. The capacity is slightly below the new 825 Wh size, but with 193 Wh/kg and a weight of 3.76 kg, it is still very impressive.
As with the Theos F series, the Theos R series uses the Battery Retractable System, which allows the battery to be easily pulled downwards out of the downtube after releasing a screw with a 6 mm Allen key. Accordingly, the structure of the frame is not negatively affected in the Theos R either.
The Theos R is powered by the new Panasonic GX Ultimate motor. With 95 Nm of torque, it is currently one of the strongest in its class - with a total weight of 2.95 kg. Moreover, it features an improved auto mode that only provides power when it is needed, aiming to allow for a consistently high power output with significantly lower energy consumption and a longer range.
In addition to all the basic information on the handlebar-mounted, color Panasonic Side Display, the Bluetooth function offers compatibility with the Komoot sports app, and direction signals can be read directly from the display. Additionally, mobile devices can be charged via the USB port on the side of the display using the E-bike battery. The pressure buttons integrated on the side of the display allow for easy switching between the four riding modes - Eco, Standard, Auto, and High.
Kinematics
The asymmetrical direct linkage of the suspension element is done without using a yoke, and utilizes, like the F-series, the Think Link Virtual-Pivot suspension system.
Accordingly, high sensitivity, independence from brake and drivetrain, and no pedal kickback due to ThinkLink's virtual main pivot point, which is located at the center of the bottom bracket for a constant chain length during suspension movement, also apply here.
The rear end offers 130 mm of travel and is paired with 150 mm at the front.
Geometry
With the new Theos R series, Kellys speaks of a progressive enduro geometry with a lower center of gravity and a low standover height, combined with a mixed-wheel configuration featuring a 29" front and 27.5".
Three frame sizes - S, M, and L - are available in total. The reach ranges from 433 to 498 mm, paired with rather short seat tube heights to facilitate size selection. With a 150 mm suspension fork, the head angle measures 65 degrees for all models, and the seat angle is 76.5 degrees.
Equipment
The Theos R-Series is offered in two equipment variants and various color options. Magic Green and Magic Pink change their appearance depending on the sunlight. With Steel Blue, the available color palette is completed.
Prices start at an attractive €4,799 for the Theos R30 P with RockShox 35 Silver Tk suspension fork and Deluxe Select R shock with Shimano Linkglide transmission. With RockShox ZEB Select and Deluxe Select+ as well as XT Linkglide transmission, the price comes to €6,299,-
The Theos R-Series will hit the market in June 2023.
| Kellys Theos F100 |
| Frame Details |
| Kinematics |
| Geometry |
| Equipment |
| Theo's R-Series |
| Frame Details |
| Kinematics |
| Geometry |
| Equipment |
| Links |
