LIGHTWEIGHT CARBON FOLDERS WITH MID-DRIVE POWER
I’m lucky enough to be the first reviewer of these supersmart looking and wonderfully light and powerful carbon-framed folders from UK company E-Go.
I’ve only had the two CarbonLite bikes a few days and managed a few short rides but here are my initial impressions of the two models in this full carbon range – a single speed and a three speed.
First thing I did was pop the bikes on the scales and to say they have 75Nm torque rated motors (similar to a mid-range Bosch mid-drive) I was impressed. The single speed weighed around 14.4kg and the three speed hub-geared model including an optional rear rack came in at 16kg (hardwired lights and mudguards are included with both models).
I rate any e-bike under 20kg as light, under 15kg as very light and anything around or under 12kg as superlight. What’s notable about the E-Go models is that they feature mid-drive motors which really puts them in a class of their own when it comes to their power to weight ratio. They are lighter than most of the Brompton electric range and any e-folders you find lighter than these are likely to be less powerful hub motor models.
Both models I’m taking a look at feature the same smoothly stylish carbon frames with 252Wh batteries incorporated into the seatposts – these can be removed or locked in place. 252Wh is not massive capacity but it’s more than some e-folders out there. As this kind of bike tends to be used for shorter cross town jaunts they are specced with batteries on the smaller capacity side and an efficient mid-drive motor will also help you get the most range from your precious Watt-hours of battery power.
Both use belt drives and the main difference between the two is the gearing – the Carbonlite is a single speed whilst the Carbonlite 3S uses the dependable Shimano Nexus 3-speed hub gears (I’ve done thousands of miles with these gears on a previous e-bike).
It’s not just the frames that are carbon; both models have a carbon front fork and carbon one piece handlebar stem and handlebars whilst the single speed Carbonlite model has carbon wheel rims and carbon 3D printed seat. On both models there is an attractive looking full colour TFT display integrated into the centre of the bars.
I was most keen to try out these bikes as they feature a mid-drive that was new to me, the Star Union CM2503 with an impressive sounding claimed max torque of 75nm. Initial impressions are very positive – it’s quiet and the torque sensing is nicely responsive to pedal pressure and cadence – that’s to say it’s a very natural feeling motor and delivers the power in keeping with your pedal efforts.
It’s impressive up the hills which is what this kind of motor is all about and should give you more of a boost than the small hub hub motors found on the majority of light electric folding bikes. I took both bikes up a 20% plus hillclimb – the single speed made it up (just) but if you live somewhere extra hilly then the three speed is the natural choice. The displays on both bikes showed power peaking at well over 400 watts which feels a very generous amount of assist on such lightweight and free running e-bikes.
The hardwired lights are neatly integrated into the frame and the front one is powerful enough for unlit paths; even better it is tiltable so it’s almost like having the option of full and dipped beam lighting.
The Tektro hydraulic disc brakes are well modulated and very powerful, adding to the nippy and maneuverable feel of the bikes.
They are nice bikes to ride too without the power on, along the flat – the frames and the folding joints feel very stiff so your pedal effort is rewarded with a nice rush of forward speed.
Folding is quick and easy – the mainframe folds the bike in two with the ubiquitous magnet fixing on the rear securing the two halves together whilst the bars fold down and the pedals fold too. The seatpost battery lowers into the frame and means the bikes can be stood on a flat surface when folded.
The Carbonlite bikes are actually small and light enough to be carried and wheeled around stations and onto most local trains without actually needing to fold them.
The bikes are assembled in the UK by E-Go and come with a two year warranty. The Carbonlite retails at £2,777 and the Carbonlite 3S at £2,283.
There will be a full promotional Youtube video coming shortly with a link posted here when it is available in around three weeks time.
Richard Peace - cycling journalist and author 