Since its inception in Germany in 2014, NCM, a Leon Cycle brand, has grown into one of Europe’s most popular e-bike brands, and it recently launched a new line of Class I e-bikes in the states that pay homage to that urban European heritage.
The new C5 and C7, single-speed and 8-speed respectively, offer torque-based pedal-assist power combined with sleek, minimalist style and full racks and fenders for urban commuting and fitness riding.
Both models share the same traditional ‘double triangle’ road-bike-inspired aluminum frame, featuring a comfortable, confidence-inspiring geometry, plus 700C wheels with wide tires and integrated front and rear lighting.
Both are powered by Das-Kit, through their smooth, efficient 350w motor and integrated batteries: 36V14AH, 504WH battery for the C7; 36V/12AH, 432WH battery for the C5. The combination enables a top pedal-assisted speed of 20mph (for a Class I rating) and a 75-mile or 60-mile range respectively.
What makes that combination more efficient compared with similar bikes is the use of a torque sensor instead of the more common but less sensitive cadence sensor. Power assist is distributed according to the power being put into the pedals rather than simply the number of revolutions.
So, if you’re pedaling hard – say up a steep hill or for a fast acceleration – the power assist automatically will be greater even at the same selected power level, and vice versa when soft pedaling. This also saves battery life since less power is used during the normal pedaling.
Other key differences include the bars, gearing and features: With its slightly backswept wide, flat handlebar which provides a more upright position, the C7 is reminiscent of what you might see cruising around London or Frankfurt. It also offers hydraulic disc brakes and 8-speed index shifting.
The C5 on the other hand takes its inspiration more from the younger urban ‘fixie’ crowd commonly seen zipping around cities like New York and San Francisco, including the obligatory narrow, straight, flat handlebar and adding bar ends for increased versatility. But with a single-speed freewheel replacing the fixed gear hub, and front and rear caliper brakes, the C5 is easier and safer to ride.
MSRP: C7 $1,599; C5 $1,199. Each of the bikes can be purchased directly through the Leon Cycle website, Leon retail stores (below), and its network of more than 100, and growing, independent North American dealers.
Leon Cycle Stores
- Seattle Ballard – 1400 NW 49th St,98107 Seattle, WA
- Santa Monica – 2803 Main St, Santa Monica CA 90405
- Vancouver Store – 302 W 2nd Ave Vancouver BC V5Y1C8
- Montreal store – 3467 Notre-Dame St W Quebec H4C 1P3
- Vancouver Port Moody – 3030 St. John’s Street BC V3H 2C5
For U.S. sales inquiries, email: Dealer.us@leoncycle.com.
