Tested in preview by Frandroid in February, the Decathlon LD 920 E – in its almost final version at the time – is now available in the catalog of the French brand. His great strength? An automatic gearbox associated with an RPM (Round Per Minute) manager. We explain all this to you.
Early 2023, Frandroid had been invited by Decathlon to the huge BTWIN Village in Lille to discover a whole host of new products. It was also and above all the opportunity to preview the famous Elops LD 920 E, a high-end urban electric bike equipped with a very promising technology to which we will return.
In February, the tricolor sign told us that a release in June 2023 was targeted. The group’s catalog has in any case recently welcomed the famous Elops LD 920 E, which is decked out with a “New” annotation. Proof that the addition was made recently… although the product is currently out of stock, regardless of its version.
A very convincing triple system
Nevertheless, we advise you to monitor it very closely over the next few weeks. Because for 3000 euros, this machine had won us over when we got started. Its biggest strength was based on a combination of three components: the central engine of 65 Nm, an automatic gearbox and an RPM manager.
One, the central positioning of the engine is already a good thing. It allows, among other things, to better balance the bike and its dynamism. But the most interesting is none other than the CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission) box and the possibility of playing with its RPM.
RPM, what is it? This is the Round Per Minute, or the number of revolutions of the crankset in one minute. On the LD 920 E, it is adjustable from 40 to 90. Clearly: the lower your RPM, the more resistance will be applied to your pedaling. Conversely, the higher the RPM, the less there will be.
To configure it, it was enough to play with a small joystick placed on the left part of the handlebar. For its part, the CVT box varies the gear ratios automatically and linearly. You have absolutely nothing to do.
A very small front suspension
The harmony of its three technologies gave us real driving pleasure, with dynamic, natural and ready-to-use behavior. The torque of 65 Nm made it possible to make the bike nervous, without being abrupt. We invite you to read our handling to go further. But one thing is certain: we were conquered and very enthusiastic.
For the rest, this LD 920 E relies in particular on a battery of (702 Wh), a color screen (time, battery gauge, assistance mode, USB-C charging port), a fork incorporating a Headshock shock absorber 30mm of travel or even Tektro R280 hydraulic disc brakes.
The 28-inch Vittoria E-Randonneur Tech tires are also equipped with a 3 mm nylon strip under the tread, in order to reduce the risk of punctures. At the time, the manufacturer told us that it had voluntarily abandoned the choice of balloon tires, in order to contain the weight and not weigh down the agility of the cycle.
Built-in GPS plotter
Bluetooth, integrated GPS plotter, luggage rack (27 kg load) and mudguard as standard, side stand, weight of 26.5 kg in size L, frame guaranteed for life, handlebars and electrical components guaranteed for 2 years: that’s it for other essential information to remember.
Two types of frame are available on the menu: closed frame (M, L or XL) or open frame (S, M and L). Undoubtedly, stocks should soon be available.
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