The Lemond Prolog is a remarkable electric bike that stands out in the market due to its cutting-edge design and exceptional performance. With its carbon fiber frame, fork, fenders, seatpost, and monocoque handlebar-stem, the Prolog not only showcases its modern aesthetics but also achieves an impressive level of lightweight construction. Weighing in at a mere 26 pounds, this e-bike is undoubtedly one of the lightest options available, making it ideal for riders who value agility and maneuverability.
The Lemond Prolog sets a new standard for lightweight electric bikes with its carbon fiber frame, fork, fenders, seatpost, and monocoque handlebar-stem. Its integration of the Mahle X35+ smart e-bike system and powerful 250-watt rear hub motor ensures a seamless riding experience, offering effortless assistance and speeds of up to 20 miles per hour. With its lightweight design and impressive range of 40 to 70 miles, the Lemond Prolog stands out as a remarkable e-bike option for those who value performance, style, and reliability.
The Lemond Prolog, with its exceptional features and high-performance components, comes at a price of $5,495. While this may seem like a significant investment, it’s important to consider the value and quality that the Prolog offers.
The price of the Lemond Prolog reflects its top-of-the-line construction, utilizing carbon fiber materials for its frame, fork, fenders, seatpost, and monocoque handlebar-stem. Carbon fiber is known for its lightweight yet robust properties, providing a responsive and durable ride. The use of such premium materials contributes to the Prolog’s impressive weight of just 26 pounds, making it one of the lightest e-bikes on the market.
LeMond Prolog exceeded our expectations as an urban e-bike. Its carbon fiber construction, powerful motor, and long range came together to create an effective and enjoyable riding experience. The bike’s lightweight nature and nimble handling made it ideal for maneuvering through city streets, while the motor assistance provided a welcome boost without feeling overpowering.
| Frame | Carbon fiber |
| Motor | 250w Rear hub Mahle M1 |
| Torque: | 40N.m |
| Brake Levers | Shimano BL-RS600 Hydraulic Disc Brake |
| Shifter | SHIMANO RS-700 |
| Di2 Display | Shimano SC-MT800 SHIMANO DEORE XT |
| Rims | Token G23AR Prime |
| Tires | LeMond / Panaracer Gravelking Slick+ 700 x 38mm |
| Cassette | Shimano CS-M7000 11-40T |
| Chain | Shimano 11-Speed |
| Battery | 36V, 250W Panasonic |
| Range | 40-70 miles |
| Mobile App | Mahle My SmartBike (ios/android) |
LeMond Prolog: Design and Build Quality
The LeMond Prolog truly stands out with its impressive weight of just 26 pounds. This makes it lighter than many non-electric bikes on the market and is a notable achievement in the realm of e-bikes. During our testing, we found it to be one of the lightest e-bikes we’ve had the opportunity to ride.
The exceptional lightweight construction of the Prolog is primarily attributed to its carbon fiber frame, fork, fenders, seatpost, and monocoque handlebar-stem. Carbon fiber is known for its strength and durability while being significantly lighter than traditional materials such as steel or aluminum. The integration of carbon fiber components into the Prolog’s design contributes to its reduced weight without compromising on performance or structural integrity.
The advantage of a lightweight e-bike cannot be overstated. It enhances the overall riding experience by providing increased agility and maneuverability. The Prolog’s nimble nature allows riders to easily navigate through tight city streets, navigate crowded areas, and effortlessly handle tight corners. Furthermore, lifting and transporting the bike is a breeze, making it convenient for storage and transportation purposes.
It’s worth noting that a lightweight e-bike like the Prolog may have a slightly different feel compared to heavier models. The reduced weight can contribute to a more responsive and agile ride, and riders may experience a heightened sense of control and connectivity with the road.
The LeMond Prolog goes beyond just being a lightweight and high-performance e-bike—it also prioritizes rider safety with its integrated lighting system. One notable feature is the integrated headlight within the monocoque handlebar-stem. This design choice ensures that the headlight is seamlessly integrated into the bike’s overall aesthetics, providing visibility for the road ahead.
The integrated headlight serves a crucial purpose by illuminating the path in low-light conditions or during nighttime rides. This enhances the rider’s visibility, allowing them to navigate safely and confidently. Whether commuting through city streets or exploring unlit roads, the integrated headlight ensures that potential obstacles are easily spotted, reducing the risk of accidents and enhancing overall safety.
In addition to the integrated headlight, the LeMond Prolog also features rear and side taillights. These lights serve the important function of making the rider visible to other road users, particularly in group rides and traffic situations. The rear taillight is positioned on the back of the bike, providing clear visibility to vehicles approaching from behind. This helps to ensure that other road users are aware of the e-bike’s presence, improving overall safety on the road.
Both the integrated headlight and the rear and side taillights are designed to offer enhanced visibility, keeping the rider safe and visible in various riding conditions. By incorporating these lighting features into the Prolog’s design, LeMond has demonstrated a commitment to rider safety, ensuring that riders can confidently ride day or night, in groups or in traffic, with improved visibility and reduced risks.
The LeMond Prolog takes a sleek and minimalist approach with its monocoque carbon fiber handlebar and stem, which encases the integrated headlight. This design choice not only contributes to the bike’s overall aesthetics but also enhances its strength and durability.
The monocoque construction refers to a design technique where the handlebar and stem are crafted as a single, unified structure. By utilizing carbon fiber, a lightweight and strong material, the Prolog achieves a high level of structural integrity while keeping weight to a minimum. This ensures that the handlebar and stem can withstand the demands of rigorous riding without compromising on performance.
The integration of the headlight within the monocoque carbon fiber structure is a notable feature of the Prolog’s design. This design choice creates a cohesive and streamlined appearance, providing a clean and uncluttered aesthetic. The headlight is seamlessly integrated, appearing as a natural extension of the handlebar and stem, adding to the overall sleekness of the bike.
These size ranges provide a general guideline to help riders choose the appropriate frame size based on their height. It’s essential to consider individual body proportions and riding preferences, so it’s always recommended to test ride the bike or consult with a professional bike fitter for personalized advice on choosing the correct size.
- Small:
- Height Range: 5’2″ – 5’10” / 158cm – 178cm
- Standover Height: 767mm
- Medium:
- Height Range: 5’8″ – 6’2″ / 172cm – 187cm
- Standover Height: 818mm
- Large:
- Height Range: 6’0″ – 6’6″ / 182cm – 198cm
- Standover Height: 842mm
The LeMond Prolog comes equipped with an 11-speed Shimano GRX drivetrain, offering riders a wide range of gearing options and exceptional performance across various terrains. This drivetrain system is designed to deliver reliable and smooth shifting, ensuring an optimal riding experience whether you’re riding with or without motor assistance.
The Shimano GRX drivetrain is specifically designed for gravel and adventure riding, making it well-suited for tackling diverse terrains. The 11-speed setup allows for a broad range of gear ratios, enabling riders to find the perfect gear for efficient pedaling, whether it’s a steep climb, a fast descent, or flat terrain. This versatility ensures that riders can conquer any type of terrain, regardless of the intensity or gradient.
The GRX series from Shimano also incorporates innovative features to enhance performance and durability. For example, the Shadow RD+ rear derailleur provides improved chain retention and stability, minimizing the chances of chain drops during rough off-road sections. The drivetrain components are designed to withstand the demands of off-road riding, ensuring reliability and longevity.
The minimalist approach to the Prolog’s design adds to its unique appeal. The absence of unnecessary clutter and excessive branding allows the bike’s form to speak for itself. The focus on simplicity gives the Prolog a timeless quality, ensuring it remains visually appealing for years to come.
The clean aesthetic of the Prolog not only enhances its visual appeal but also serves a practical purpose. The streamlined design minimizes wind resistance, optimizing the bike’s efficiency and performance. Additionally, the absence of unnecessary protrusions or bulky accessories contributes to a lightweight construction, further enhancing the bike’s agility and maneuverability.
The Prolog’s clean and minimal aesthetic is sure to catch the attention of onlookers. Whether you’re cruising through city streets or embarking on an adventure in the great outdoors, the Prolog’s unique design is bound to turn heads and spark conversations.
While the monocoque stem and handlebar design of the LeMond Prolog certainly adds to its aesthetic appeal and structural integrity, it’s important to note that this design choice limits the adjustability of the handlebar position. The integrated monocoque stem and handlebar are fixed in their position and cannot be easily adjusted for reach or height.
This design approach is primarily aimed at maintaining a sleek and seamless appearance, creating a cohesive and minimalistic look. By eliminating the need for visible bolts and adjustable components, the Prolog achieves a clean and streamlined aesthetic.
However, it’s essential to consider individual rider preferences and ergonomic needs when it comes to handlebar positioning. Different riders have varying preferences for handlebar height and reach, depending on factors such as riding style, body proportions, and personal comfort.
LeMond Prolog: Motor and Battery
The LeMond Prolog is equipped with the Mahle M1 system, a rear hub motor that provides reliable and efficient electric assistance. With a power output of 250 watts and a maximum torque of 40 Nm (Newton-meters), the Mahle M1 motor delivers a smooth and responsive ride, enhancing the overall performance of the e-bike.
The Mahle M1 system is designed to seamlessly integrate into the Prolog’s frame, ensuring a clean and cohesive aesthetic. The rear hub motor provides assistance specifically to the rear wheel, enhancing traction and power delivery. This configuration allows for a more natural and balanced riding experience, as the motor assistance is applied directly to the point of contact with the road.
With its 250-watt power output, the Mahle M1 motor offers a respectable level of assistance, providing an extra boost when needed. Whether you’re tackling steep inclines, accelerating from a standstill, or maintaining a consistent speed, the motor’s power output ensures a smooth and efficient ride.
The maximum torque of 40 Nm is another notable feature of the Mahle M1 system. Torque is the rotational force produced by the motor, and a higher torque value translates to increased acceleration and climbing ability. The 40 Nm torque offered by the Mahle M1 motor ensures that riders can confidently conquer challenging terrains and enjoy a responsive and powerful ride.
In addition to its performance capabilities, the Mahle M1 system is known for its reliability and durability. Mahle, a reputable manufacturer with extensive experience in automotive and electric mobility technologies, brings their expertise to the e-bike industry. The M1 motor is built to withstand the demands of daily riding, providing long-lasting performance and peace of mind.
The LeMond Prolog features a pedal assist system (PAS) with a 3-level PAS configuration, allowing riders to choose their preferred level of electric assistance. The PAS system detects the rider’s pedaling motion and provides motor assistance accordingly, making the riding experience more enjoyable and efficient.
The 3-level PAS on the Prolog offers varying levels of electric assistance, allowing riders to customize their ride based on their desired level of exertion or the terrain they’re riding on. The different levels typically include options such as low, medium, and high assistance, providing flexibility to adapt to different riding conditions and personal preferences.
To control the PAS system, the Prolog is equipped with the Mahle iWoc ONE remote interface, which is conveniently mounted on the top tube of the bike. This top-tube-mounted remote interface allows riders to easily switch between the different PAS levels with a simple press of a button. The intuitive design and placement of the remote interface ensure quick and convenient access to the PAS controls without having to take hands off the handlebars.
The LeMond Prolog is equipped with Shimano hydraulic disc brakes, featuring 160 mm rotors. These high-quality braking components ensure reliable and powerful stopping performance, enhancing the overall safety and control of the e-bike.
Shimano is well-known for producing top-of-the-line braking systems, and the hydraulic disc brakes on the Prolog are no exception. Hydraulic brakes utilize fluid pressure to transmit force from the brake lever to the brake caliper, resulting in consistent and precise braking power.
The 160 mm rotors provide an optimal balance between braking performance and weight, making them suitable for a variety of riding conditions. The rotor size influences braking power, with larger rotors typically offering increased stopping power. The 160 mm rotors on the Prolog strike a balance between stopping power and weight, ensuring effective braking without adding unnecessary bulk to the bike.
Hydraulic disc brakes offer several advantages over other types of brakes, such as mechanical disc brakes or rim brakes. They provide excellent modulation, allowing riders to easily control the braking force with minimal effort. The hydraulic system also eliminates the need for manual adjustments, such as pad-to-rotor alignment, often required with mechanical systems. Additionally, hydraulic disc brakes are less prone to issues such as cable stretch or contamination, ensuring consistent and reliable braking performance.
The LeMond Prolog comes equipped with LeMond/Panaracer Gravelking Slick+ tires in a size of 700 x 38mm. These tires are specifically designed for gravel riding and offer a versatile and high-performance option for various terrains and conditions.
The Gravelking Slick+ tires provide a smooth and efficient ride on both paved roads and gravel surfaces. With a slick center tread pattern, they offer low rolling resistance, allowing for effortless pedaling and increased speed on smoother surfaces. This makes them well-suited for urban commuting or longer rides on paved roads.
However, the Gravelking Slick+ tires also feature side knobs or a more aggressive tread pattern towards the edges. These knobs provide additional traction and grip when transitioning onto loose or uneven terrain, such as gravel paths or dirt roads. This versatility allows riders to confidently tackle a wide range of surfaces, making the Prolog suitable for both urban and off-road adventures.
With a width of 38mm, the Gravelking Slick+ tires strike a balance between comfort, stability, and performance. The wider profile offers increased stability and a smoother ride by absorbing vibrations and providing better traction. Additionally, the larger volume allows for lower tire pressures, enhancing comfort and grip over rougher terrain.
The LeMond Prolog is equipped with a 36V, 250 Wh battery, which is indeed smaller in capacity compared to some other e-bikes on the market. The battery capacity directly affects the range, or the distance the e-bike can travel on a single charge.
The Prolog’s webpage states a range of 40-70 miles, indicating the manufacturer’s estimated range based on various factors such as terrain, rider weight, assist level, and other conditions. However, during testing, the actual range achieved fell within a span of 23 to 39 miles. This means that the Prolog’s performance was reasonably close to the manufacturer’s base claim of 40 miles.
It’s important to note that the actual range achieved can vary depending on several factors, including the riding conditions, terrain, rider weight, assist level used, wind resistance, and the overall efficiency of the e-bike system. These factors can have a significant impact on the battery consumption and overall range.
The Prolog’s smaller battery capacity should be considered when planning longer rides or when riding in areas with challenging terrain that may require more power from the motor. Riders should be mindful of their battery level and plan their rides accordingly to ensure they can reach their destinations comfortably without running out of power.
Despite the smaller battery capacity, the Prolog’s range performance reasonably aligns with the manufacturer’s claim of 40 miles. The e-bike is designed to offer a balance between weight, range, and performance, catering to riders who prioritize a lightweight and agile e-bike rather than an extended range.
LeMond Prolog: Conclusions
In result, the LeMond Prolog stands out as a lightweight and stylish urban e-bike that offers a unique blend of performance and aesthetics. With its carbon fiber frame, fork, fenders, seatpost, and monocoque handlebar-stem, it is one of the lightest e-bikes available on the market, weighing just 26 lbs. This lightweight construction, combined with the Mahle X35+ smart ebike system embedded throughout the frame, provides efficient electric assistance and a range of 40-70 miles.
The Prolog’s 250-watt rear hub motor, part of the Mahle X35+ system, delivers a maximum torque of 40 Nm, ensuring a responsive and powerful ride. The integrated headlight within the monocoque handlebar-stem, along with the rear and side taillights, enhances visibility and safety on the road.
While the monocoque handlebar and stem design adds to the bike’s sleek aesthetic, it limits adjustability. Riders who prioritize fine-tuning their handlebar position may need to consider alternative options or accessories.
The Prolog’s 11-speed Shimano GRX drivetrain offers the necessary gearing and performance for navigating diverse terrains, whether with or without electric assistance. The Shimano hydraulic disc brakes with 160 mm rotors provide reliable and powerful stopping power, ensuring safety and control in various conditions.
The LeMond Prolog’s Gravelking Slick+ tires in a size of 700 x 38mm offer a versatile and high-performance option for both urban and off-road riding, with low rolling resistance and added grip when needed.
Although the Prolog’s 36V, 250 Wh battery capacity may be smaller compared to some other e-bikes, its range performance of 40-70 miles is reasonably close to the manufacturer’s claim. Riders should be mindful of battery consumption and plan their rides accordingly.
Pros of the LeMond Prolog:
- Lightweight: With its carbon fiber frame, fork, fenders, seatpost, and monocoque handlebar-stem, the Prolog is one of the lightest e-bikes on the market, weighing just 26 lbs. This lightweight construction contributes to its nimble and agile performance.
- Sleek Design: The Prolog’s clean and minimal aesthetic, along with its artful contours, make it a visually appealing e-bike that turns heads. The monocoque carbon fiber handlebar and stem, in particular, add to its stylish appearance.
- Powerful Electric Assistance: The Mahle X35+ smart ebike system, with its 250-watt rear hub motor and maximum torque of 40 Nm, provides responsive and powerful electric assistance, making uphill climbs and longer distances more manageable.
- Versatile Gearing: The 11-speed Shimano GRX drivetrain offers a wide range of gears, allowing riders to tackle various terrains with ease, whether they choose to rely on electric assistance or pedal without it.
- Reliable Braking Performance: The Shimano hydraulic disc brakes with 160 mm rotors deliver reliable and powerful stopping power, enhancing safety and control in different riding conditions.
Cons of the LeMond Prolog:
- Non-Adjustable Handlebar-Stem: While the monocoque handlebar and stem design contributes to the bike’s sleek aesthetic, it does not offer adjustability. Riders who prefer to fine-tune their handlebar position may find this limitation less accommodating.
- Smaller Battery Capacity: The Prolog’s 36V, 250 Wh battery is relatively small compared to some other e-bikes on the market. This smaller capacity may limit the range for riders seeking longer distances or more extensive electric assistance. Planning rides accordingly and considering options like carrying a spare battery or accessing charging stations may be necessary.
- Limited Terrain Capability: While the Prolog performs well on urban roads and light off-road trails, it may not be the best choice for more challenging off-road or mountainous terrains. Its design and components are more suited for urban commuting and recreational riding rather than aggressive off-roading.
