Brands with a great racing bike tradition such as Pinarello, Bianchi and Wilier have taken the lead in the e-road bike trend. Why? No manufacturer wants to be accused later of having missed out on a trend. Some die-hard racing cyclists may get their hair standing on end when they imagine the legions of e-road cyclists on the road. Nobody can yet predict how the e-trend in racing bikes will affect everyman events and Alpine marathons. Nevertheless, we plead for serenity. For less trained and older cyclists, the e-road bike can mean that they can enjoy their favourite sport for longer and with more fun. E-road bikes can also help weaker cyclists to stay with the group for longer.
Here is an outlook on the biodiversity of the coming season:
Bianchi Aria E-Road
Alongside the Fazua system, the hub motor from Ebikemotion in Spain is currently the hottest bet on the young e-road bike drive market. Bianchi also uses it on the Aria E-Road. Info: www.bianchi.com
Cannondale Synapse Neo
The aluminium frame of the Synapse Neo contains the genes of the Synapse marathon racer and an Active Line mid-motor from Bosch. The 500 Wh battery capacity should enable ranges of up to 200 kilometres. The bike rolls on 35 millimetre tyres, and an SE version with 650B wheels and 47 millimetre tyres is also available for light terrain. Info: www.cannondale.com
Corratec E-Corones
Corratec boss Konrad Irlbacher is a big fan of e-road bikes and is offering two models with Fazua drive in 2019. On the E-Corones, the motor is located in the down tube of the aluminium frame and provides up to 400 watts of assistance in three stages. The E-Allroad e-gravel bike is also based on the same technology. Info: www.corratec.com
Orbea Gain
Barely visible cables, perfectly integrated battery: an e-road bike could hardly be better disguised than the Gain. The motor comes from the Spanish supplier Ebikemotion and is located in the rear wheel hub. The lightest version of the bike is said to weigh just 11.3 kilos. Info: www.orbea.com
Storck E:nario
Storck is also involved in the e-road bike sector. Like many other brands, the Hessian company relies on the Fazua drive for its E:nario carbon bike. At 4,877 euros, the bike is comparatively affordable - and sold directly. Info: www.storckworld.com
Wilier Cento1 Hybrid
On the Cento1 Hybrid, the hub motor can be coupled with a heart rate monitor. If a set threshold value is exceeded, the motor switches on until the heart rate falls below the limit value again. The lightest version should weigh less than twelve kilos. Prices from 4,500 euros. Info: www.wilier.com.
