Founded in Germany in 2014, NCM, a Leon Cycle brand, recently launched its Class I e-bikes in the U.S. The new C5 and C7, offer single-speed and 8-speed, respectively, with torque-based pedal-assist power, full racks and fenders for urban commuting and fitness riding.
Both models include a “double triangle” aluminum frame, 700C wheels with wide tires, integrated front and rear lighting powered by Das-Kit 350w motor, and integrated batteries (C7: 36V14AH, 504WH; C5: 36V/12AH, 432WH). The combination enables a top pedal-assisted speed of 20mph (Class I rating) and a 75-mile or 60-mile range. The bikes also include a torque sensor instead of a cadence sensor, whereby power assist is distributed by the input to the pedals rather than the number of revolutions, saving battery life.
“With our European heritage as a background, we set out on the C series hoping to bring some of that culture and flavor to our city bikes while also meeting the North American needs for combining form and function, and I feel like we nailed it in the C5 and C7,” said Annie Kao, brand manager, NCM. “The C5, with its ‘fixie’ culture aesthetic, is perfect for riders who love to dodge traffic, race the lights and hold a track stand at every stop sign. And the C7 caters to the traditional urban commuter looking for a fast, efficient bike that’s equally agile and stable.”
Key differences be include the bars, gearing and features. With its slightly backswept wide, flat handlebar, which provides a more upright position, the C7 offers hydraulic disc brakes and 8-speed index shifting.
The C5 includes a narrow, straight, flat handlebar with added bar ends for versatility. But e-bikes have a single-speed freewheel replacing the fixed gear hub and front and rear caliper brakes.
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Photo courtesy NCM
