pOnomarets

eidolon

Ponomarets EIDOLON

June 19, 2025

Ponomarets's logo depicts Pegasus, inspired by Greek mythology.

At Smarty Bikes, we appreciate the intelligence that equips an e-bike, but even more so, we value the rarer Intelligence that precedes its design—one born from a unique Philosophy, with its own History, its own Destiny. This is the creation of Myth, of Legend.

Yes, we are talking about a subtle alchemy of talent and materials, creating balance and harmony.

And today, we see how this intelligent process, from concept to final creation, has given us an exceptional smart e-bike: the limited-edition EIDOLON model from the young but highly reputable company, Ponomarets.

Founded in 2022 by two talented young Germans, Ludwig Eickemeyer and Roman Ponomarets, their first limited-edition model, the Ponomarets Serie 1 "Founders Edition," was released in 2023 through crowdfunding.

Ponomarets Serie 1 "Founders Edition" - 2023

With an aesthetic inspired by supercars and aircraft, it features a carbon fiber frame and fork, and a Mahle drive system connected to an app. It includes an X35+ rear hub motor with 40Nm of torque and a 250Wh Panasonic battery offering about a hundred kilometers of range. The drivetrain is a Shimano GRX RX810 11-speed system, with Magura MT4 FM brakes. A set of premium components brings the weight of this first model to only 11.3 kg, as lightness is a key priority for the two young founders.

Photo credit: Ponomarets

Ponomarets Serie 1 "Founders Edition"

EIDOLON {εἴδωλον} - 2025

In its second creation, the EIDOLON model, Ponomarets has once again combined high-quality components with their vision of an ideal e-bike, staying true to a connected drive system from Mahle.

With a minimalist, clean, and refined design, the EIDOLON embraces the latest advancements, incorporating a Mahle X20 motor (250Wh, 55Nm). It maintains the same range (100 km / 62 miles) and speed (25 km/h / 15.5 mph) as their first model and is equipped with a SRAM RED wireless drivetrain system.

As you may have discovered in the article "The Carbon Wave," the freedom offered by the use of carbon fiber allows for the most surprising, elegant, and aerodynamic designs.

The EIDOLON is lighter than its predecessor, weighing only 9.9 kg. This feat was made possible through a collaboration with the German company Bike Ahead Composites, which handled the manual manufacturing process for the monocoque carbon frame. This is modern and precise craftsmanship.

Here, the EIDOLON is clearly inspired by classic racing bikes, and its brakes were designed in collaboration with the Belgian designers from Voyager.

The visible external cabling—which runs counter to current minimalist designs with hidden, invisible cables—is a deliberate choice. This approach facilitates maintenance on the EIDOLON and remains in keeping with the "racing bike" spirit that inspired its design.

Photo credit: Ponomarets

Ponomarets EIDOLON

Photo credit: Ponomarets

EIDOLON's features

Drivetrain Options

Ponomarets offers the EIDOLON with two distinct drivetrain choices.

The first option delivers the tactile precision and feedback of a traditional gear system, featuring the Italian-made Ingrid RD1. This modern interpretation of a mechanical derailleur combines CNC-machined and 3D-printed parts.

The second option embraces the latest in cycling technology: SRAM RED, the brand's premier wireless electronic shifting system. Renowned for its flawless, crisp, and precise shifts, it provides reliable, effortless gear changes at the touch of a button, enhancing the ride with precision and ease.

Crafting the Premium, High-Performance Braking System

The system's technical foundation was provided by "612 Parts," a company renowned for its Swiss precision engineering in high-performance components.

To complement this engineering, the Belgian designers at "Voyager" brought their keen eye for sleek, functional design. They ensured the brakes would not only deliver top-tier performance but also perfectly match the EIDOLON’s elegant, race-inspired aesthetic.

These brakes were developed exclusively fo Ponomarets e-bikes and are built for performance. The design incorporates an advanced flat-mount system and dual-piston power, outfitted with premium Trickstuff pads and Goodridge brake lines.

Each system is CNC-machined with absolute precision from high-grade 7075 aluminum, guaranteeing outstanding reliability and stopping power.

Photo credit: Ponomarets

EIDOLON's Onboard technologies feature Mahle X20 System

Ponomarets is following a trend among smart e-bike manufacturers by opting for a fully integrated system. With this single-source approach, all onboard technology comes from one supplier, which streamlines maintenance and software updates.

Generally, powertrain manufacturers provide a complete package including the motor, battery, HMI button or display, sensors, and connectivity modules. (ADO's Air Carbon, for instance, is built around a comprehensive Bafang system). For its part, Ponomarets chose a similar turnkey solution from Mahle (X20 system). Mahle's X20 system is an integrated drive unit that utilizes a comprehensive suite of sensors to analyze ride data in real-time.

With the Mahle kit providing the core components, Ponomarets only needed to handle the physical and software integration. This involved designing for the battery, HMI button, and internal wiring, and finally, integrating the EIDOLON's model-specific data into the Mahle manufacturer portal/app.

Mahle's X20 System

Release year : 2022

The system measures key metrics such as rider torque and cadence, along with acceleration and speed. A gyroscopic sensor detects the terrain's incline, while other sensors monitor motor and battery temperature, power output, and remaining battery life.

This data stream allows the system to intelligently and automatically adjust power delivery to suit the conditions and rider input.

Riders can manage the system through a handlebar-mounted head unit. This HMI (Human-Machine Interface) features a control button, an ambient light sensor, and displays for speed and battery level, allowing the user to select the desired assistance mode.

For deeper customization, the system uses ANT+ and Bluetooth connectivity to communicate with Mahle's digital platforms. Through these platforms, riders can track over 100 live data parameters, allowing them to fine-tune the system's power and acceleration behavior to precisely match their needs and riding style.

The X20 system is offered to e-bike manufacturers with a standard set of components. The final decision on which components to integrate, as well as the choice of battery capacity, is left to each manufacturer. The images below are from the Mahle X20 system user manual.

Photo credit & source from MAHLE X20 SYSTEM

In-Tube Battery Options

Photo credit & source from MAHLE X20 SYSTEM

"The setup of MAHLE ’s rear hub system makes it possible to configure high performance eBikes close to 10 Kg..."

Mahle's X20 system is a lightweight and intelligent drive unit designed to provide a natural cycling experience, making high-performance e-bikes nearly indistinguishable from their non-electric counterparts.

At the heart of the system is a compact rear hub motor that delivers 55 Nm of torque while weighing just 1.39 kg - 2.20 lbs. The entire X20 system maintains an impressively low total weight of approximately 3 kg - 6.60 lbs, preserving the authentic feel and handling of a performance bicycle. It features advanced torque and cadence sensors, using AI and machine learning to continuously adapt to the rider's input for a seamless and personalized assist.

Meticulously engineered for seamless power delivery, the X20 System's gear ratio strikes the perfect balance between torque and speed to ensure peak performance.

Battery options include 236 Wh or 350 Wh internal units, with a 171 Wh range extender available to achieve a maximum range of up to 200 km. The system also supports fast charging, reaching 80% capacity in under two hours.

The X20 System's drive unit is whisper-quiet, producing only 35 dB of sound.

Photo credit & source from MAHLE X20 SYSTEM

Main battery 250Wh / 100 km - 62 miles or 350 Wh /140 km - 87 miles. With Range extender 180 Wh / + 60 km + 37 miles

Mahle's "My SmartBike" app specs

Ride Tracking and Management: Record your activities and manage all your ride data in one place. The My SmartBike app also gives you direct control over your eBike's settings.

Seamless Smartphone Integration: Your smartphone instantly pairs with your eBike, allowing for real-time adjustments and immediate access to performance data.

Intelligent Ride Assistance: Receive personalized support that automatically adapts to the demands of your ride, ensuring optimal power delivery.

Sync with Strava: Link your account to Strava to navigate routes, log activities, and access more features directly within the My SmartBike app.

Apple Watch Integration for On-the-Go Control :

Riders can manage their EIDOLON directly from their wrist using the "My Smartbike" app for Apple Watch. This integration provides essential, mid-ride controls without requiring the use of a smartphone.

The watch interface allows users to easily start or end a ride recording. While in motion, they can adjust the eBike’s assistance level and monitor their heart rate in real-time to track performance. Key metrics, including battery status and activity summaries, are also available at a glance for maximum convenience.

EIDOLON's specifications

Release Year : 2025

Photo credit: Ponomarets

My take on it?

The two creators of Ponomarets truly bet on "Durability" when designing the EIDOLON model. Its components (not all of which were detailed in this article, but they do appear on the spec sheet) are high-end and premium. Deep down, the EIDOLON is an e-gravel with a look that is, for my taste, quite common, but it is finished to an extraordinary, top-tier quality.

The design of the brakes and drivetrain is incredible—a remarkable work of craftsmanship! It was only natural to integrate a smart system like the Mahle X20, which meets every expectation.

It was a true pleasure for me to write this article. I admire the strong and authentic character of the German creators, the Belgian designers, and the German and Swiss manufacturers behind these absolutely prestigious components.

J.V Mini-J

My thanks to Ponomarets for their courtesy in allowing me to use their photos.

More details by visiting Ponomarets website

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