Greetings, fellow e-bikers! I’m John with Electric Bike Report, and today we’re diving into the exceptional world of the LeMond Dutch. This super lightweight City Cruiser is not your average ride; it’s a unique and premium offering that promises an extraordinary experience. Buckle up as we take this beauty for a spin and uncover all the remarkable features it brings to the table.
The LeMond Dutch is designed to be more than just a means of transportation – it’s a statement. With its lightweight frame and a plethora of premium features, this electric bike is set to redefine your riding experience in the city. So, what sets it apart? Join me on this ride, and let’s unravel the magic of the Dutch.
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I’m John with an Electric Bike Report, and this is the LeMond Dutch—a symphony of premium features and unparalleled riding joy.
| Frame | Carbon fiber |
| Motor | Mahle X35+; Rear hub; 250W |
| Max. Torque | 40Nm |
| Cassette | Shimano CS-M7000 11-40T |
| Chain | Shimano 11-Speed |
| Brake Levers | Shimano BL-RS600 Hydraulic Disc Brake Lever - I-SPEC II - 3-Finger |
| Rims | Token G23AR Prime |
| Saddle | Selle Royal Essenza + |
| Headlight | Dual mode LED; 500 lumens |
| Fenders | Front/Rear; Carbon fiber |
| Battery | Embedded/down tube; 36V, 250W Panasonic |
Design and Build Quality
The LeMond Dutch stands out in the electric bike market with its unique design, carbon fiber construction, and a perfect balance of comfort and technology. Let’s delve into the distinctive features that set this bike apart.
The entire structure of the LeMond Dutch, from the frame and fork to the stem, handlebar, and seat post, is crafted from carbon fiber. This not only contributes to its sleek aesthetics but also results in a remarkably lightweight bike, weighing in at just around 30 pounds when fully assembled. The absence of welds gives the bike a seamless and smooth appearance, emphasizing its high-quality craftsmanship.
The aesthetic appeal of the LeMond Dutch is undeniable, with frame color options of pink, light blue, or black. The design is not just about looks; it’s about the overall riding experience.
The Dutch offers a relaxed and upright riding position, coupled with ergonomic handlebars, making it an exceptionally comfortable bike. The thoughtfully designed seating and hand placement provide a natural feel, making long rides a pleasure. LeMond caters to a range of riders by offering three frame sizes to ensure not only the right fit but also the right style to match individual preferences.
One of the standout features of the LeMond Dutch is its incorporation of high-end technology without compromising the traditional cycling experience. The Malay X3 35 drive system boasts a 250W rear hub motor and a fully internal, non-removable 36V 250W battery. The system, controlled by a single-button interface on the downtube, provides ample power for assistance while maintaining the essence of cycling.
LeMond has equipped the Dutch with top-notch components, including a Shimano GRX 11-speed drivetrain with a 40-tooth chainring and an 11-40 cassette. The hydraulic disc brakes with two-piston calipers ensure reliable stopping power, enhanced by 160mm Ice Technology rotors. The 700c by 38mm Panaracer Gravel King Slick Plus tires contribute to a smooth and stable ride.
Optional accessories, such as the kickstand, custom carbon fiber fenders, and Shimano Di2 electronic shifting system, further enhance the biking experience. The integrated lights, especially the tail lights on the carbon fiber seat stays, add a touch of sophistication to both form and function.
The bike’s user interface revolves around a single button on the downtube, allowing users to power the bike on and off, activate or deactivate lights, and cycle through three pedal assist settings. The LED ring around the button indicates the assistance level and battery status. The Malay My Smart Bike app provides additional insights, such as ride data, battery percentage, and estimated range.
For users opting for the Shimano Di2 electronic shifting system, the e-Tube app offers customization options for shifting speed and gear limits, providing a tailored riding experience.
While the LeMond Dutch is not currently UL certified, the company is in the preliminary stages of the certification process. This commitment to certification underscores LeMond’s dedication to safety standards, and potential buyers can anticipate this certification in the near future.
So, the LeMond Dutch is a stylish and technologically advanced electric bike that seamlessly blends comfort, design, and performance. Whether cruising through urban landscapes or exploring scenic routes, the LeMond Dutch promises a unique and enjoyable riding experience.
LeMond Dutch: Driving Test
Embarking on a speed test adventure with the LeMond Dutch, we sought to gauge its prowess in each of its pedal assist settings. Buckle up as we take you through the journey of speed and performance.
Pedaling comfortably at around 12 mph without motor assistance, the Dutch felt akin to an analog bike – effortless and nimble. This initial impression set the stage for a test that promised to uncover the bike’s true capabilities.
Eco Mode – Pedal Assist 1:
Engaging the first pedal assist setting, or Eco Mode, provided a subtle boost from the motor. Shifting up a gear, the speed effortlessly rose to approximately 15 mph. The Dutch maintained a smooth and comfortable ride, demonstrating a harmonious integration of human and motor power.
Tour Mode – Pedal Assist 2:
Stepping up to the second pedal setting, Tour Mode, revealed a more substantial boost. With ease and comfort, the Dutch cruised at around 17 mph, showcasing a balanced blend of pedal power and motor assistance. The acceleration was notably pleasant, making for an enjoyable riding experience.
Turbo Mode – Pedal Assist 3:
Reaching the pinnacle with Turbo Mode, the Dutch displayed an additional surge of power. Although the difference from Tour Mode was perceptible, the acceleration wasn’t as pronounced. Riding in the bike’s top gear, speeds averaged around 19 mph, offering that extra push for conquering hills or achieving a swifter journey.
One noteworthy aspect of the LeMond Dutch was its surprising ease of pedaling without motor assistance. Unlike some electric bikes that can feel cumbersome without the motor, the Dutch maintained a light and agile demeanor.
The speed test revealed that the bike responded promptly to pedal pressure, making it a bit challenging to measure precise speeds due to its quick adjustments. Nevertheless, moderate efforts resulted in impressive speeds—13.1 mph without the motor.
Analyzing the distribution of speed and power across settings, the Dutch demonstrated consistent and even increases from no motor assistance to Tour Mode. While Turbo Mode felt slightly less powerful than expected, the overall distribution pleased riders seeking simplicity and efficiency in their biking experience.
With only three pedal assist settings—Eco, Tour, and Turbo—the Dutch simplifies operation. Eco Mode offers a workout-friendly ride, Tour Mode balances speed and conservation, and Turbo Mode provides that extra push for challenging terrain.
Our testing grounds at the infamous Hellhole Trail became the ultimate challenge for the LeMond Dutch, and we handed the reins over to Justin to assess how this e-bike would fare in the uphill battle. Let’s dive into the details of the Dutch’s performance on the demanding terrain.
With its rear hub motor, the Dutch tackled the hill with a grace that hinted at the characteristics of a mid-drive system. Justin emphasized the bike’s lightweight nature, making it feel more like a mid-drive despite being a rear hub motor. The absence of a throttle meant that the climb was a pure pedal test, requiring Justin to exert some effort.
As the Dutch ascended the initial hill, Justin highlighted the need to push a bit more, emphasizing that this bike wouldn’t effortlessly throttle up a steep incline. However, the power of the motor was palpable, providing a noticeable boost to aid in the climb. Justin, despite taking it somewhat easy, acknowledged that the climb would still provide a good workout.
The LeMond Dutch’s motor operation stood out for its remarkable quietness. Justin showcased the silence of the motor as he navigated through the trail, providing a pleasant auditory experience for the rider.
The Shimano Di2 electronic shifting system on the Dutch earned praise for its smooth transitions, even during uphill climbs. Shifting down to third gear while maintaining an upright and comfortable position, Justin found the climbing experience enjoyable.
Justin’s effort on the hill, while expected due to the 250W motor, showcased the Dutch’s capability. The bike requires some pedaling, maintaining the feel of a non-electric bike and providing riders with a balanced workout. The measured time of 2 minutes and 14 seconds, with an average speed of 8.1 mph, reflected the more casual and comfortable riding position of the Dutch.
Despite a slightly slower pace compared to bikes with a more aerodynamic riding position, the Dutch’s casual feel aligned with its design intent. The hill test reaffirmed that the Dutch successfully fulfills its role of providing assistance without completely taking away the need for rider effort.
Transitioning from the hill test to a ride on diverse terrains, the Dutch continued to shine. The responsive handling, excellent traction on the Panaracer Gravel King series tires, and the absence of suspension were complemented by the carbon fiber frame’s ability to absorb bumps. The ride, characterized by a unique light and airy feel, delivered exceptional comfort even without suspension.
The Dutch’s electronic components played a significant role in enhancing the ride quality. While the single-button interface on the downtube offered simplicity, the iwok Trio remote and Malay’s wireless display, the Pulsar 1, provided additional convenience. The Shimano Di2 electronic shifting system, an unexpected yet welcomed addition, elevated the ride quality with its smooth and precise shifts.
With three frame sizes catering to different height ranges, the Dutch ensures that riders find the perfect fit. Justin, at 5’11”, felt that the medium frame provided an ideal fit, emphasizing the carbon fiber frame’s unique light and energetic ride feel.
Braking Test
In our rigorous evaluation of the LeMond Dutch, we turned our attention to its hydraulic brake system, aiming to assess its effectiveness and safety. The methodology involved pedaling the Dutch up to its Class One max speed of 20 mph, engaging the brakes, and measuring the distance it took to come to a complete stop. To ensure reliability, this process was repeated three times, and an average stopping distance was calculated from the test results.
The LeMond Dutch showcased consistent and reliable braking performance, providing an average stopping distance of 22 feet and 5 inches. This result aligns exceptionally well with data obtained from testing other cruiser-style and city e-bikes, which yielded an average stopping distance of 22 feet and 6 inches within those categories. Technically, the Dutch outperformed the average, highlighting its commendable braking capabilities.
During the braking tests, the Dutch demonstrated stability and control, instilling confidence in the rider. While the rear wheel exhibited a slight lock-up under heavy braking, this was anticipated, especially given the presence of slick tires. Notably, the bike maintained a straight trajectory as it decelerated, contributing to a smooth and controlled stop.
Range
The LeMond Dutch underwent a comprehensive range test to evaluate its performance in terms of distance covered on a single charge. While the advertised range by LeMond is between 40 to 70 miles, our test results may seem initially lower, ranging between 17.5 and 41.9 miles. However, a closer examination of the bike’s specifications and comparison with similar models revealed that our findings were well-aligned with realistic expectations, and in some aspects, even exceeded them.
In our tests, we covered distances in both Eco and Turbo modes, with Tour mode expected to fall in between. The bottom line is that the LeMond Dutch demonstrated a highly practical range for an e-bike equipped with a 250W motor and a 250W battery. For riders seeking extended range, LeMond offers an external range extender battery, providing an additional 208 watt-hours.
In Turbo mode, our tests yielded approximately 19 miles over the course of about an hour. This result was consistent with our expectations, considering the presence of hilly terrain on our test course that naturally consumes additional battery charge. On the other hand, in Eco mode, where we anticipated covering around 40 miles over 2.5 hours, the Dutch surpassed our expectations, providing an extra hour of riding time.
LeMond Dutch: Conclusions
In the realm of electric bikes, the LeMond Dutch stands out as a remarkable and impressive offering. Every tester who had the pleasure of riding the Dutch found it not only impressive but thoroughly enjoyable. Crafted for those seeking a premium experience, the Dutch effortlessly delivers a top-notch ride encapsulated in an aesthetically pleasing package.
Whether it’s a leisurely cruise or a daily commute, the Dutch excels in both realms. Its allure is not confined to functionality alone – it’s a head-turner, attracting attention wherever it goes. Throughout our tests, the Dutch consistently demonstrated solid performance, ticking the boxes in speed, power distribution, stopping power, and range.
As a bike designed for relaxed and casual rides, the Dutch strikes a perfect balance. It doesn’t aim to do all the work for you, especially when conquering hills, but therein lies the beauty of the ride. The Dutch seamlessly blends the feel of a regular bike with enhanced capabilities, creating an experience that can only be described as “regular bike, but better.”
For those keen on staying informed about the latest in e-bike reviews, don’t forget to like, subscribe, and keep an eye out for more electrifying content. If you prefer diving into the details, our written review is also available in the video description.
In signing off, I’m John with Electric Bike Report, and this is the LeMond Dutch – a masterpiece on two wheels.
