Finally, an e-bike with a true bicycle feel in a stylish and affordable package

Leon Cycles has slowly but surely been making inroads into the e-bike market in North America, opening retail outposts in cities such as Seattle. And there are good reasons for the growing popularity — stylish and fun pedal-assist e-bikes that are both affordable and capable urban commuters.

We’ve been touring around the city for the past four weeks on an NCM C7 from Leon Cycles. It’s a lightweight e-bike with similar geometry to a hybrid, and it is ideal for city commuting. Think a set of wide and flat handlebars, rear and front fenders, ergonomic and stylish saddle, integrated and slender rear rack and hydraulic disc brakes.

We found the NCM C7 to be an enjoyable bicycle for about town with a true-bicycle feel at such an appealing price point ($1,699) that it makes e-bikes accessible for many.

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What we like about the NCM C7 starts with the 504 Wh battery, which is integrated into the bicycle down tube, and is lockable and easily removed for remote charging. The battery offers an impressive life and the range can stretch to about 75 miles at the lowest of three power levels. There is no optional charging port with the battery on the bicycle, it needs to be removed to charge, which it does easily and quickly.

The first level of assist is okay, but the second of three levels was most often used and provided a nice cruising speed of around 20 km/h. The third level provided a suitable boost for making it up hills at a decent clip when required and can hit speeds of approximately 32 km/h.

The NCM C7 is powered by a 350W Das-Kit rear drive motor with Intelligent Torque Sensor technology and a peak torque rating of 60NM at 250 Watts. It powers the bicycle not by pedal revolutions but by the force of the pedalling, which offers a more natural ride. The eight-speed index shifting works well.

The handling is nimble and feels much like you want a bicycle to feel as opposed to a heavier, or overburdened e-bike that is stiff to move. It’s quick to turn, lightweight and perfect for cruising the bicycle lanes on the way to work.

Ideal User

The urban commuter is the ideal target for this e-bike. It’s light enough, when the battery is removed, to store like any other bicycle, whether in the shed, basement or anywhere else. The battery is easy to handle, and quick to charge.

The custom-made, fully integrated rear rack is perfect for sporting those stylish pannier bags for commuting and adventure. While the front and rear fenders and lighting systems work well.

Anything beyond urban travel might be a stretch for the C7, but within city limits, it shines.

Summary

A lot is going for the Leon NCM C7 e-bike. The bike has quality components where it matters most — with the battery and motor, for example. And other components such as the handlebar display are a simpler, pared-down version that helps to keep the price tag at a very affordable level. For instance, the display offers just the battery and assist level in a series of simple green lights, and that’s it. No speed display, or anything else. It’s effective.

And it looks sweet. It’s a stylish ride with a slender battery and motor that makes it hard for others to see that this is an e-bike. It’s very sporty and quick to accelerate as well. It is perhaps not as smooth with the power as some more expensive e-bikes sporting higher-end components and costing thousands more. But, for the price, it’s easily one of the best e-bikes we’ve reviewed.

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