MATE X Folding Electric Bike

The MATE X is a folding electric bicycle. It was made possible in June 2017 by Christian Adel Michael and Julie Kronstrøm from Copenhagen, Denmark. This was the second Indiegogo campaign they successfully funded. The first campaign was the original MATE folding ebike.

Campaign started: 1st May 2018
Campaign published: 16th July 2018
Campaign concluded: ~~23rd July 2018~~ ~~15th August 2018~~ ~~14th September 2018~~ ~~22nd September 2018~~ ~~28nd September 2018~~ 26th April 2019
First big shipment: May/June 2019, majority July/August 2019, last shipment September 2019

Models

There are three different models of the MATE X, the 250, 250+ and 750. A set of accessories can also be added to the bike when placing an order.

There are two set of different bikes, due to the new APAC enforcement meaning that the bikes heading for EU (and all later orders) had to be manufactured outside of China. That meant that the majority of the bike components had to be made or sourced in Taiwan instead, making it a different bike than what was promised initial on Indiegogo and after the first batch of orders (all orders delivered after June 2019). The Chinese manufactured bikes made up until then were shipped to non-APAC countries.

MATE X 250 MATE X 250 (45001): 250W, 48V 11Ah 250W high performance hub motor 48V 11Ah Lithium-ion battery 55km range 32km/h max. speed 8-speed gear 20-inch fat tires Computer dashboard Front and rear suspension 2 year warranty Retail price 2199USD Indiegogo price 799USD Shipping 200USD	MATE X 250+ MATE X 250+ (45002): 250W, 48V 14.5Ah MATE X 250+ (45003) w/Boosted upgrade: 250W, 48V 17.5Ah 250W high performance hub motor 48V 14Ah Lithium-ion battery 80km range 32km/h max. speed 8-speed gear 20-inch fat tires Computer dashboard Front and rear suspension 2 year warranty Retail price 2399USD Indiegogo price 899USD Shipping 200USD	MATE X 750S MATE X 750S (55001): 750W, 48V 14.5Ah MATE X 750S (55002) w/Boosted upgrade: 750W, 48V 17.5Ah 750W high performance hub motor 48V 14Ah Lithium-ion battery 80km range 48km/h max. speed 8-speed gear 20-inch fat tires Computer dashboard Thumb throttle Front and rear suspension 2 year warranty Retail price 2699USD Indiegogo price 999USD Shipping 200USD	Perks and accessories Tektro Hydraulic Disc Brakes (129USD) Flashy color display (99USD) Custom MATE metal fenders (49USD) Thumb throttle (49USD) BOOSTED battery 17,5Ah (99USD) Limited Edition UNICORN Finish (49USD) Rear-rack with brake-lights (99USD) EXTRA high-speed charger (79USD) EXTRA BOOSTED 17,5Ah Battery (429USD) Spare set of tires incl. tubes (49USD) JOKER Light Set (front+rear) (49USD) JET GREY Color (29USD) IMPERIAL WOODLAND Color pattern (99USD)

Recommended accessories to get:

Hydraulic disc brakes
Flashy color display
Rear rack
Front and rear fenders - at the moment, these are flimsy
Extra tires and tubes

Features

Folding points: 4 steps (main body, steering stem, seatpost, pedals)
Max. speed:
- 250: 25 km/h / 15 mph
- 750S: 32 km/h / 20 mph
Battery range - w/pedal-assist, dependent upon terrain, weather conditions and rider’s weight
- 11Ah battery: 55km, max. - realistic mixed range 25km
- 14.5Ah battery: 80km, max. - realistic mixed range 65km
- 17.5Ah battery: 120km, max. - realistic mixed range 80km
Battery power output:
- 250, 48V 15A: Nominal power 250W, peak power 819W
- 750, 48V 25A: Nominal power 750W, peak power 1365W
Consumption:
- Mixed pedal/throttle: approx. 10Wh/km
- Throttle only: approx. 20Wh/km
Throttle only range:
- 14Ah battery: 20-30km
- 17.5Ah battery: 30-40km
Thumb throttle:
- 250: Not included
- 650S: Yes
Advanced controller configuration:
- Color display: Ludacris Mode 10 and 35mph / 56kmh real max. speed - see below
- Black/white display: Ludacris Mode 24mph / 39kmh max. configuration speed
Keep folded lock: No
Wheel lock: No
Kick-stand: Yes
Folded-stand: Yes
Carrying handle: Yes, by seat-post
Pedal assist: Yes
Walk assist: Yes (color display upgrade required))
Hand-free riding: No
Battery removal: Yes
Battery lock: Yes
Extra options: fenders, rear rack with light, front light, color display, thumb throttle

Hardware specs

This is a list of reversed model- and part-numbers, for future reference and compatibility use.

General setup

Type: Electric folding fat bike
Frame: MATE-customized 6061 aluminum alloy frame
Suspension front: MOZO FATMAN-26-20 adjustable front fork, drop-out 135mm, stanchions Ø32mm, stem Ø28.6mm, travel 80~120mm, disc brake, responsive adjustable spring tension, mechanical lock-out
Suspension rear: HLT HLT-620 rear spring adjustable shock suppressor, 125L x 750 LBS - pre-adjusted with 24 +/- 2 mm travel
Front hub: 135 mm, 20-inch 36-hole
Rear hub: 185 mm, 20-inch 36-hole
Shifter: Shimano SL-RS45-8R Tourney 8-speed RevoShift SIS right twist shifter
Rear derailleur:
- Shimano RD-M310 Altus SGS 7/8-speed rear derailleur black
  - Shimano Altus RD-M310 Y5W898030 pulley set
- Shimano RD-M360 Acera SGS-L 7/8-speed rear derailleur black
  - Shimano RD-M360 Acera Y5VP98050 pulley set
Cogsets: 8-speed 13-32T freewheel (not cassette type)
Crankset: 170mm alloy crank arms
Chain ring: Single 53T 130mm BCD 5-point chain ring with guard
Chain: KMC Z51RB RustBuster IG-compatible 6/7/8-speed chain
Bottom bracket: BB988 68 mm x 164 mm, threaded
Tires:
- Chaoyang Big Daddy 20x4.0-inch wide fat bike wire bead studded all-terrain tires [1] - lots of asphalt/tarmac road noise
- Chaoyang Sand Storm 20x4.0-inch wide fat bike wire bead street road tires [2]
Tire pressure: 20-23 psi / 1.4-1.6 bar - higher under more load
Rims: 80mm wide rims, 36-hole front and rear, with reflectors
Spokes: 36 spokes front/rear, 12-gauge Ø1.6mm rear, 13-gauge Ø1.4mm front, black
Pedals: Wellgo F265 folding aluminium bicycle pedals black with reflectors
Brakes:
- Tektro EL350-RS mechanical wire brakes, aluminium lever and caliper, with motor cut-off brake sensors
- Tektro HD-E350 hydraulic brakes, aluminium lever and caliper, with motor cut-off brake sensors
Brake discs: Tektro TR160-24 aluminium 160 mm disc rotors
Brake pads: Tektro A10.11 metal ceramic compound brake pads
Fenders: Custom made all covering (upgrade option)
Rear rack tube diameter: Ø16 mm
Handlebar-stem clamp diameter: Ø22.2mm
Handlebar controls diameter: Ø31.8mm (MTB standard)
Handlebar grips: Marspro 2058-44 ergonomic handlebar grips
Seat saddle: Chaunts FU-5700-1F touring and cruising saddle, PU+Gel, 260x165mm, 440g
Seat-post diameter: Ø33.9mm
Seat-post length 450mm
Kick-stand: Single leg with two mounting points
Colors: Black/Subdued Black Matte, White Ice, Red/Burnt Orange, Green/Dusty Army, Yellow/Desert Storm Matte, Grey/Jet Grey, Pink-green/Unicorn, Camouflage/Imperial Woodland pattern
Bike dimensions: L180cm/71in x W65cm/25.6in x H124cm/48.8in
Bike dimensions when folded: L103cm/40.5in x W59cm/23.2in x H78cm/30.7in
- Old Folded size: approx. L95 x W40 x H73cm
Weight w/o battery: 26kg / 57.3 lbs
Weight w/ battery: 29kg / 63.9 lbs
Rider height range: 150-215 cm
Rider max. weight: 150 kg / 330lbs
Rider minimum age: 16 years old
Retail price:
- 250: 2199USD
- 250+: 2399USD
- 750S: 2699USD
Campaign price July 2018 to November 2018:
- 250: 799USD
- 250+: 899USD
- 750S: 999USD

Electric drive train

Motor:
- China bikes:
  - Bafang RM G060.750.DC 48V 750W brushless geared rear-drive hub motor
    - 36V to 48V supported
    - Hall-effect sensor built-in
    - Gear reduction ratio 1:5
    - Nominal 50-60 Nm torque (from Mate)
    - Maximum torque of 80 Nm
    - 20 magnet poles
    - Fork width 175mm
    - Cable exit on right hand-side
    - 36 spoke holes 12-guage
    - Efficiency >80%
    - IP65 waterproof
    - Noise <55dBA
    - Weight 4.6kg
  - Shengyi DGW25 SY25N4820TA 48V 250W brushless geared rear-drive hub motor [3] [4]
    - Hall-effect sensor built-in
    - Gear reduction ratio 1:5
    - 16 magnet poles
    - Fork width 175mm
    - Cable exit on left hand-side
    - 36 spoke holes for 13-guage
    - IP54 waterproof
    - Efficiency >80%
    - Noise <55dBA
- Taiwan bikes:
  - JiaBo CZJB JB-104C2 24V-60V 750W brushless geared rear-drive hub motor
    - Wheel size 16-28-inch
    - Gear reduction ratio 1:5
    - Cable exit on right hand-side
    - 36 spoke holes for 10 to 13-guage
    - Efficiency >82%
    - IP65 waterproof
    - Noise <55dBA
    - Weight 3.3kg
  - JiaBo CZJB 48 250 250W brushless geared rear-drive hub motor
Controller:
- China bikes: Bafang MATE-customized sine-wave e-bike controller
  - 24V/36V/48V support
  - 12A continuous
  - 25A max. peak current
  - UART-port for communication and upgrades
  - HIGO-connectors for all bike functions
  - XT60-connector for battery connection
- Taiwan bikes: AICO controller or Lishui LSW1545-5-2M / LSW856-66-1M e-bike controller
  - Rated voltage 48V
  - Max. current 25A
  - Rated current 12A
  - Throttle adjustment 1.2V to 4.4V
  - Low battery voltage protection 39V
  - UART-port for communication and upgrades
  - HIGO-connectors for all bike functions
  - XT60-connector for battery connection
  - Size 114.3x63.5x57.1mm
Computer display:
- China bikes:
  - Key-Disp KD51C monochrome/black-white display
    - 24V/36V/48V battery supply support
    - Rated operating current: 30mA
    - Max output current to controller: 50mA
    - Operating temperature: -20 to 60°C
    - Dimensions: L85 x W80mm
  - Bafang DPC-14 / 850C 3.2-inch MATE-customized TFT LCD color display, left in photo (upgrade option), developed by Aptdevelop - Open Source Ebike firmware
    - 3.2-inch IPS TFT LCD screen
    - 24V/36V/48V battery supply support
    - Rated operating current: 40mA
    - Max output current to controller: 100mA
    - Operating temperature: -20 to 70°C
    - Software upgradable through UART-port (regular USB-to-serial adapter required)
    - Default advanced pin code: 1919
    - Dimensions: L92mm x W60 x H14mm
  - Ukriver UKC1 / UK-CT-18 / UKCT-18 3.5-inch MATE-customized TFT LCD color display, right in photo (upgrade option)
    - 3.5-inch IPS TFT LCD screen
    - 24V/36V/48V battery supply support
    - Rated operating current: 40mA
    - Max output current to controller: 100mA
    - Supported protocols: Bafang controller, 5S, J, APT, Omid number 2, Tongsheng controller, Wan Jia controller
    - Operating temperature: -20 to 70°C
    - Software upgradable through UART-port (regular USB-to-serial adapter required)
    - Default advanced pin code: 1801
    - Dimensions: L110 x W65mm
- Taiwan bikes:
  - Most suitable one, Bafang or Ukriver (Mate statement)
USB-port: Yes, 5V 500mA USB-A output
System connectors: HIGO Mini-b connector
Internal battery connector: XT60 60A rated
Throttle: Wuxing 108X-R right-hand thumb throttle, HIGO-connector
Pedal sensor: Key-Disp KD-2PS-L left-side pedal sensor, 6 magnets, spindle Ø44mm, shaft Ø15.2mm, HIGO-connectorr

Battery

Battery charger:
- 48V 2A regular charger
- Coming Data CP05460400 54.6V 4A super charger (upgrade option)
- Sans MATE-branded SSLC300V55 54.6V 5A Lithium-ion battery charger [5]
Battery charging connector: RCA-type, centre-positive (+)
Battery capacity:
- 48V 11Ah - 529,1Wh (0.53kWh)
- 48V 14.5Ah - 697,45Wh (0.70kWh)
- 48V 17.5Ah - 841,75Wh (0.84kWh) (upgrade option)
Battery enclosure: Aluminum casing, with fuse, RCA-charging socket and key-lock
- Make your own battery from barebone case only [6]
Battery brand: Samsung/Sanyo/Panasonic/LG-cells, MATE Tesla-battery Sanyo/Panasonic NCR 18650-cells, Panasonic-cells for Taiwan bikes
Battery configuration:
- 65x Lithium-ion 18650 cells, of varying capacity, 13 in series to get the 48V voltage, 5 parallel to build capacity
- 11Ah battery: 48.1V 11Ah 13s5p (3.7V 2200mAh cells, 2.2x5=11Ah)
- 14.5Ah battery: 48.1V 14.5Ah 13s5p (3.7V 2900mAh cells, 2.9x5=14.5Ah) - Samsung INR18650-29E [7]
- 17.5Ah battery (upgrade option): 48.1V 17.5Ah 13s5p (3.7V 3500mAh cells, 3.5x5=17.5Ah) - LG INR18650MJ1 [8]
Battery lifespan: between 400 and 600 charges (full to empty)
- Longer lifespan if the battery is charged when around ~40% / 46,6V empty and only up to ~80% / 52,65V full
Battery dimensions: L345 x W115 x H58mm [9]
Battery weight: 3.85kg - 17.5Ah battery

Upgrades

Must-have upgrades:

Rear shock:
- DNM AOY-36RC Air Rear Shock 165x35mm [10] - for better off-road performance
- CaneCreek DB Air IL BAD2060 165x38mm 24x8mm bushing [11] [12]
Chain ring: LitePro 58T BCD 130mm black aluminium front chain ring with guard flange [13] - for lower cadence/peddle comfortably on high speed on assistant level 5 and over, no need to change/extend chain
Cogsets: DNP Epoch 11-34T or 11-32T 8-Speed freewheel - wider gear-ratio for high speed peddle on assistant level 5 and over, while still retaining good low speed cadence
Bike lock - sling it around the steat-post
- Kryptonite Evolution Series 4 1090 10mm chain 2.77kg - solid, flexible, and insurance certified lock
- ABUS CityChain 1060/85 10mm chain 2.10kg
- ABUS CityChain 1010/85 9mm chain 1.85kg
- Kryptonite Keeper 785 7mm chain 1.59kg
Inner tube: 20x4-inch fat tire tube with Schrader/car valve

Great upgrades:

Sticker: Bafang 48V 250W sticker - for 750W models [14] - for quick checks
Helmet:
- Bell Local helmet
- Bell Segment helmet
- ABUS Scraper 3.0 / ACE helmet
- Bluegrass Super Bold helmet
Pedals: Mzyrh Mountain Bike CNC Machined 9/16" pedals
Panniers:
- Ortlieb City Plus panniers (rear rack required)
- Ibera PakRak IB-BA6-RA6 Quick-Release Mini Commuter Bag and Rack Combo [15] [16]
- Ibera PakRak Mini Commuter Bicycle Carrier Rack [17]
Chain guide: Mountain Bike Chainline Director Chain Guide
Bell: Bicycle Bell Classical Vintage Handlebar Black Ring Bell [18]
Charger:
- D-Power 48V 2A charger, quiet no fan, with RCA-plug (special request) [19]
- Luna 48V Advanced Adjustable Charger [20]
- Sans 48V 2A Lithium-ion battery charger, fan-less [21]
Stand: Bicycle Maintenance Stand Pedal Foldable Workstands Bike Repair Tool PH [22]
Computer: EggRider V2 Bluetooth display [23]
Tire:
- Vee Tire Co Speedster Fat Tire 20x4-inch folding bead [24]
- Kenda 20 x 4.0-inch wire bead all-terrain tire
Saddle:
- MSDADA Comfortable Bike Seat-Padded cushion memory foam seat - more comfortable than the original
- Selle Royal Bicycle Saddle Comfort Breathable SR saddle
- Velo Plush Pace Saddle [25]
Derailleur: Shimano Deore M591 7/8/9-Speed rear derailleur black

Controller configuration

Enter the settings by double-tapping the M-button on the left handlebar. All of these settings are available on the Bafang color display but only a limited set is available on the Ukriver color display.

Optimal controller settings:

Display settings:

Language: English
System: Imperial - for km/h
Brightness: 5
Auto off: 5 minutes - power down the bike after idle period
Scenes: Digital - the theme of the display layout
Battery indicator: Voltage - easier to determine battery state, percentage only in 20%/five steps
- Ranges from 54.6V when full, down to 41.6V when empty, but always charge at around, or before, 44V
Power indicator: Digital - shows instantanous wattage
Clock: Set the date and time
Start password: Prompted for your password when you power on the bike

Basic settings:

System voltage: 48V - the type of battery drive system used
Wheel size: 24-inch - even though the real wheel size is 20-inch, gives a more accurate speed indication on the display, can also be input in measured cm
USB port: On - USB-port beneath the display
Information: shows max./avg. speeds and ODO meter

Advanced settings:

Go to the "Advanced settings" menu-option and enter the following pin code.

Enter pin code:
- Ukriver display: 1801
- Bafang display: 1919

Speed limit - max. speed before controller/motor stops assisting
- 250: 25 km/h default/EU
- 750S: 32 km/h default
- Max. value: 99 km/h (Bafang) 52 km/h (Ukriver)
  - Unlocks Ludacris mode for ~35mph / ~56kmh max. real speed - does not void warranty anymore
  - Unlocks hidden assistant level 10 - turbo mode
Current limit - maximum current through controller during acceleration and climbing steep gradients
- Default: 18A (48x18=864Watt)
- Boost performance: 20A (48x20=960Watt)
- Max. controller current: 25A (48x25=1200Watt) - short bursts only, could overheat motor coil - Bafang 50A max. value, Ukriver 30A max. value
Poles in motor: 1 - magnetic poles inside the motor, used to calculate the speed indicator
Start poles: 1 - number of poles (speed sensor) needed to be detected by controller before starting the motor
Clockwise start: Yes - speed sensor turn direction, "Yes" means forward looking from right-side of bike
Throttle 6km: No - "Yes" turns ON walk-mode after twisting throttle
Throttle level: No - "Yes" limits the top throttle speed to match the assist level
Start mode: ECO - Power/ECO/Standard, sets the maximum current curve when starting riding/accelerating, limited current with ECO
Assist levels: 9 - 3/5/9, how gradual/number of steps the levels should be
Assist setting: Further adjust each assist level, all default to 0

Configuration presets

A few presets depending on your preferences. Note that there is no way to turn off the motor cut-off after you stop pedaling, use the brake levers instead to cut the motor.

Default

The default riding configuration is meant to conform to the EU and regional speed regulations.

Speed limit:
- 250: 25km/h
- 750S: 32km/h
Current limit:
- 250: 12A?
- 750S: 18A
Assist levels: 9
- Level while riding: 3 to 5

Smooth and quick

For gradual acceleration and great top speed. Suitable for stop-and-go city riding and road riding/commuting. Unsuitable for hilly rides, as the top speed will be low because of the current limit. Using stock 53T front chainring.

Speed limit - black/white display bound to 39km/h
- 250: 35km/h
- 750S: 35km/h
Current limit:
- 250: 12A
- 750S: 12A
Assist levels: 10 - "Ludacris" turbo-mode enabled
- Level while riding: 3 to 8

Smooth and rapid

Same gradual acceleration but for improved high speed pedaling when using the 58T chainring upgrade part.

Speed limit - black/white display bound to 39km/h
- 250: 45km/h
- 750S: 45km/h
Current limit:
- 250: 12A
- 750S: 12A
Assist levels: 10 - "Ludacris" turbo-mode enabled
- Level while riding: 3 to 10

Responsive and fast

For max. acceleration and highest speed. On circuits or racing stretches. This introduced jumpy acceleration.

Speed limit - black/white display bound to 39km/h
- 250: 52km/h
- 750S: 52km/h
Current limit:
- 250: 18A - motor max.
- 750S: 25A - controller and motor max.
Assist levels: 10 - "Ludacris" turbo-mode enabled
- Level while riding: 10

Usage

For daily use, assist level 5 or 6 is a good combination of speed and battery capacity conservation
View current, average and max. speed, press "M"/"i"-button multiple times
View ODO, trip time and trip distance, press "Power"-button multiple times
Enter configuration menu, double tap "M"/"i"-button
Walk assistant up hills, set assist level 0 and hold "-" for "P" to appear on the display and it will begin to roll, release to stop
Charge via the USB-port at 5V 0.5A (2.5W), press and hold the "M"/"i"-button for a USB-icon to appear, stays on until power-off
Turn on the lights, press and hold "+"-button, same to turn off
Reset average speed, max speed, trip distance and trip time, press "+" and "-" at the same time
On steep hill climbs or starts, it is curial to assist the motor as subjecting the motor to unnecessary load can cause the controller to blow/overheat
Ranges from 54.6V when full, down to 41.6V when empty, but always charge at around, or before, 44V
For the smoothest ride, set current to 12A and max. speed to 52km/h

Guides

Initial setup

Insert the seat stem and adjust the lock bracket
Mount the handlebar and lock it in place
Install the front wheel and insert the lever
Screw in place the pedals
Put the reflectors on the wheels
Install the fenders and rear rack (if acquired)
Attach the front lights and remove the left handle bar grip to install the horn/turning-inducator (if acquired)
Adjust to get a flat saddle
Adjust the handle bar height and level with the lever
Inflate the tires to 20-25 psi, 1.4 to 1.6 bar
Charge the battery by plugging the wall socket first, then charger plug
Press and hold power button and configure the bike computer, double tap "M"-button

Charging procedure

Park bike securely
Turn off bike by holding power button on left handle
Either take out the battery, or leave it in the bike
Plug in charger into wall socket/mains
Insert the other charger lead into the battery
Wait for the charge to complete, max. 4h for 4A charger, max. 8h for 2A charger
Unplug lead from bike then from wall socket
Power on bike by holding the power button
Verify battery state of charge by looking at the battery indicator on the display

Connect front and rear lights, horn

Open the harness under the frame where the MATE-logo is placed
Find the yellow 3-pin connector for the integrated front-light/horn
Open the controller compartment to find the black 6-pin connector for the rear-light/turning-light/horn-switch
The 6-pin black cable connects to a Y-split where the rear-light/turning-light is connected to one end, and the horn-switch to the other

Tighten and secure bike

Tighten the two kick-stand screws
Fasten the steering folding-stem screw to the headset just enough so it is hard to fold the handle in place
Adjust the seat-post clamp-screw for a tight secure fit
Secure the handlebar height clamp-screw so it is hard to unfold the handle by accident
Adjust the main frame lock handle screw located on the bottom hinge when the lock is open, adjust from bottom side for a secure lock

Remove tire from rim

Gear down to the 8th-gear
Unplug the rear wheel-cable
Unscrew the kick-stand
Remove silver bolts and washer holding the axel
Bend back the rear derailleur
Then lift the wheel out
Deflate tire and use a plastic spudger to lift the tire bead off
Push in the valve and carefully remove inner tube
Lift the tire off the rim

Brake sensor sensitivity

If the brake handle keeps cutting off the motor, decrease the sensor sensitivity, essentially moving the reed-sensor further away from the built-in magnet
On the under-side of the brake handle, loosen the small 2mm hex bolt slightly
Adjust the 7mm nut with a wrench, do a half-turn at a time and try the bike
1. Turn it counter-clockwise/out to decrease the sensitivity
2. Turn it clockwise to increase the sensitivity
Tighten the 2mm hex bolt again

Videos

Adjusting mechanical brakes

Adjusting hydraulic brakes

Changing fat bike tire and tube

Installing rear and front lights/horn

Enabling Ludacris mode - Taiwan bikes

Maximize range and battery life

Third-party upgrade ideas

LED-light strips underneath frame
Strong head-beams
GPS tracker hidden
Folding magnet lock
Rack wth storage bag/box
Custom front and rear lights - light comparison
- Connector used: HIGO Mini-b connector
Extra frame battery or rack battery

MATE X Folding Electric Bike

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