Cyklaer E-City: Noble, Lightweight and with a Low-Step, if You Like

Do you ever wonder what happened to the Fazua Ride 50? With the option of removing it from the ebike completely except for the bottom bracket and reinserting it, this ebike drive offers unparalleled flexibility. However, it has been increasingly pushed into the background since the introduction of its successor, the Ride 60, two years ago. Now the system is appearing again in a new ebike. Premium manufacturer Storck has played a major role in this.

Prominent joint project

We are talking about the Cyklaer E-City. In 2021, the Cyklaer brand brought together Storck Bicycles, Porsche Digitals, Fazua and Greyp. The latter two have since merged into Porsche eBike Performance. Three years ago, all the partners developed an e-gravel bike that appeared as a pure gravel bike, as a version with full equipment suitable for road use and as an urban bike with a flat bar. To this day, the Cyklær E-Gravel, the Cyklær E-Gravel with streetwear and the Cyklær E-Urban use the Fazua Ride 50 Trail. And that is exactly what Cyklaer is now installing in the new Cyklaer E-City.

The Fazua Ride 50 Trail is easily recognisable by its distinctive cooling fins.

In addition to the ebike system, the carbon frame, fork and handlebar stem unit are other key components of the concept that have been retained. This makes it clear that we are talking about a very sporty ebike. It inherits the geometry of its sister models, which is geared towards active cycling. Fortunately, the same applies to the low total weight of the bike, which is just over 15 kilograms.

First low-step model from Cyklaer

So far, it can be said that the Cyklaer E-City with the diamond frame has a lot in common with the models already available. On the other hand, the Cyklaer E-City Easy Entry shows that Storck & Co. have done something. Its low-step frame has been completely newly developed. Its small strut, which connects the seat tube to the down tube, serves as a handle if you have to lift the ebike over stairs or curbs. We encountered this principle recently on the revised Bergamont E-Ville. In addition, the strut increases the stability of the frame.

The E-City models also share the same derailleur as the top model, the Cyklaer E-Gravel. Thanks to the Sram Force eTap AXS, you can change the gear electronically in a fraction of a second. The twelve gears are finely tuned. However, the cassette with its range of ten to 36 teeth emphasises the manufacturer’s sporty approach. If you want to cover longer distances with gradients of eight, nine per cent and more, you will either quickly reach the limits of the battery capacity or you may want even larger sprockets. Basically, you can expect ranges of 100 kilometres and more with the 252 watt-hour battery. However, this requires rather flat terrain, light luggage and, ideally, a bit of a natural tailwind.

An electronic derailleur in the price range of the Cyklaer E-City is anything but commonplace.

Upgrade wanted?

The lightweight wheelset from DT Swiss helps you to make fast progress, both in terms of how it feels and in terms of actual speed. For an additional charge, you can even get high-quality carbon wheels. In this case, the purchase price jumps by 1,000 euros. The price is completely reasonable and for some people the additional weight saved is probably worth the extra money. However, at the latest at this point you should think about theft protection if you actually want to use the Cyklaer E-City for your daily journeys in the city.

The fact that you are riding an ebike may not be immediately obvious to everyone. The discreet appearance is enhanced by the fact that there is no standard display on the handlebars. Only the control unit integrated into the top tube unmistakably indicates the hidden electric support. However, if you still prefer a display while riding, you can turn your smartphone into a bike computer. The Biking app can be used to display current riding data on it. Thanks to the mount for the SP Connect system integrated into the handlebar-stem unit, your smartphone is securely in place where you can easily keep it in view at all times. The Cyklaer even features the version of the interface with the extra module for inductive charging.

The rear rack and versatile Schwalbe G-One Allround tyres are likely to prove just as useful in everyday life. Cyklaer developed the rear rack together with SKS exclusively for its own models. They are compatible with the MIK system, which means that you can attach accessories such as bags and baskets with a single click.

Cheaper because less smart

The question remains as to why the Cyklaer E-City, with a starting price of 4,699 euros, is exactly 2,800 euros cheaper than the Cyklaer E-Urban, which is basically aimed at the same use in urban areas. The price difference is explained by the fact that the E-City does not have features such as integrated GPS tracking, its own SIM card, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, motion sensors or integrated cameras at the front and rear. This comprehensive security package is reserved for the E-Urban. However, some of these components can also be added to the E-City at a later date. This definitely applies to anti-theft protection and a rear camera, which transmits images to your smartphone attached to the cockpit.

Not all of us necessarily need that much technology on our ebikes. That’s why the solution of adding it later is a good move. It seems a little strange, however, that the manufacturer does not provide the Cycklaer E-City with permanently installed lighting. Especially in an urban context, this should be standard.

Both versions of the E-City will be available from autumn 2024. They can already be ordered on the website. The delivery time is three months from the date of order. Both the model with the diamond frame and the one with the low-step frame are available in the four frame sizes S, M, L and XL for people with a body height of 164 centimetres and above.

Cyklaer E-City at a glance

• Variants: E-City diamond frame, E-City Easy Entry
• Frame: carbon
• Fork: carbon
• Motor: Fazua Ride 50 Trail, 58 Nm, 250 W
• Battery: Fazua 250 Wh
• Control unit: Fazua Remote fX
• Drivetrain: Sram Force eTap AXS
• Brakes: Sram Force AXS
• Weight: from 15.3 kg
• Maximum permitted total weight: 120 kg
• Colour: Frosted White
• Price: 4,699 euros

Pictures: Storck Bicycle GmbH