Lemond Prolog

A carbon-framed e-bike with impressively racy features as you’d expect, and a good deal more to offer besides

For those not familiar with the name, American Greg Lemond won the Tour de France three times in the 1980s and 1990s and went on to become a serial entrepreneur. One of his latest ventures is a range of carbon fibre-framed e- bikes.

In the early 90s Lemond rode his own- branded carbon fibre-framed bikes in races so he should know a thing or two about the lightweight material – good news, as that is what is used for the frame, forks and handlebars.

The Prolog model certainly gives more than a nod to racing bikes in its design, and not just in the streamlined- looking, lightweight carbon frame and fork. The Mahle X35+ rear hub motor system is a firm favourite on electric road bikes (its meagre 2.1kg motor weight being one reason it’s a stable for e- roadies).

As is standard for bikes of this type, the battery has a relatively small capacity of 250Wh (though there is a 208Wh ‘range extender’ frame- mounted option). Slick road tyres will also help speed you on your way.

Gravel bike-typical components figure in the form of the Shimano GRX gearing and braking and the Token wheels, making it clear the Prolog is built for toughness as well as light weight and performance.

There is a fair helping of city- bike practicality built in as well, with a 500- lumen headlight and powerful rear lights beautifully integrated into the frame. What’s more, mudguards can be fitted and carbon fibre ones are included in the purchase price, with mounting points for rear and front racks in bespoke carbon fibre. For a more relaxed ride the Dutch model features a step-thru frame and swept- back bars, though it retains many of the Prolog’s other features.

So, overall, the Prolog is perhaps best described as a lightweight sporty commutercum-tourer with a racing twist. As Lemond says, it looks to be a bike in a class of its own.

► £4,350

(Shimano Di2 upgrade £750) lemond.com