Canyon’s new Pathlite:ON 5 electrical bike follows on from the very good Precede:ON, and never simply in having an uncommon title.
But the place the Precede:ON was all about slick integration and futuristic seems to be, the Pathlite:ON 5 takes its cues from the world of one of the best hardtail mountain bikes.
Its easy journey high quality, the ample quantities of energy on faucet and the spectacular worth for cash make it a severe contender if you happen to’re searching for a commuter machine that will help you get pleasure from the advantages of driving an electrical bike.
Some spectacular dealing with chops convey the brand new Canyon into the realms of one of the best electrical mountain bikes, too, however at 23.5kg there’s a heavy weight penalty to pay.
How we examined
Since Covid arrived, extra of us need alternate options to public transport and the automotive. Electric commuting bikes are greener and extra enjoyable than driving, whereas nonetheless offering train.
Some fashions are motor-outfitted folding bikes for nipping round city. Others have mountain-bike fashion extensive tyres and might deal with rugged terrain.
Besides commuter-bike staples resembling racks and full-size mudguards, some have built-in lights and locks. The vary of most is enough for all however the longest and hilliest journeys residence from the workplace.
In this check, we’ve checked out 4 premium assisted bikes that provide totally different driving experiences within the £2,000 to £4,000 bracket.
Also on check
Canyon Pathlite:ON 5 body and suspension particulars
One nod to the mountain biking world is the Pathlite:ON 5’s aluminium body, which is paired with an SR Suntour suspension fork that has 100mm of journey. The fork carried out nicely, even after I tried it down steps and driving over pace bumps and kerbs.
The fork lacks some excessive-pace bump response and, as a coil spring fairly than an air spring, it’s tougher to regulate for a selected rider, however I used to be impressed with it, and on easy roads you possibly can lock out the suspension to maintain the journey environment friendly.
Canyon Pathlite:ON 5 geometry
Canyon Pathlite:ON 5 spec particulars
![Canyon Pathlite On 5 - 03 The Canyon Pathlite:ON 5 eBike is comes with mudguards](https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2022/02/Canyon-Pathlite-On-5-03-04237bc.jpg?quality=90&resize=619%2C413)
The off-street flavour is sustained within the drivetrain, which makes use of Shimano’s workhorse Deore parts, with a 42t chainring and a protracted-cage rear derailleur to shift throughout the tremendous-extensive 11-51 cassette. Shimano’s MT200 hydraulic brakes mix with the rotors to supply ample management in stopping the bike’s appreciable 23.5kg weight.
The massive 29in wheels are shod with Schwalbe’s tightly studded G-One All-Round tyres in an enormous 57mm width. The mixture of such giant-quantity tyres, the entrance suspension and the tyres’ diameter makes the Pathlite vastly succesful over just about any floor you encounter.
The Bosch Performance Line CX powertrain is managed by Bosch’s Purion show, which allows you to swap between off, Eco, Tour, eMTB and Turbo modes.
The show/controller doubles as an on/off swap for the built-in lights, and the system additionally has a Walk+ button that’s helpful for pushing the bike up steep ramps.
Canyon claims a formidable 100km / 62-mile vary, and I discovered that just about spot on. My check rides included 64 miles / 103km with 2,750ft / 838m of climbing and 56 miles / 90km with 3,635ft / 1,108m of climbing on a very lumpy route.
Canyon Pathlite:ON 5 journey impressions
![Canyon Pathlite On 5 - 05 Male cyclist riding the Canyon Pathlite:ON 5 eBike](https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2022/02/Canyon-Pathlite-On-5-05-60a724f.jpg?quality=90&resize=619%2C413)
Bosch’s newest Gen 4 motor is a perfect companion for commuting. It’s unobtrusive once you’re pedalling above the 15.5mph help restrict, however when the street begins to steepen to a severe diploma, the motor has heaps of meaty torque on faucet to maintain your common pace as excessive and relative effort as at the same time as if you happen to had been on the flat.
I nonetheless get a little bit of a thrill in switching into ‘Turbo’ and utilizing the 85Nm of oomph to blast up double-digit ascents.
The eMTB mode takes the motor to a brand new degree of management, with the ability supply progressive and extra delicate than on earlier Bosch methods.
This means the bike doesn’t reply with a kick as the ability is delivered, which boosts your confidence once you’re coping with moist or unfastened gravelly surfaces.
The battery is built-in into the down tube, which not solely seems to be nice however is sensible for commuters, as one flip of the important thing enables you to drop the battery out. The newest Bosch charger is gentle and compact too.
The mudguards present very good protection from the weather, although over chattery surfaces at pace the entrance guard buzzes like a plastic ruler.
The built-in lights are neatly carried out, with the entrance delicate to ambient gentle ranges and the rear’s three LEDs set neatly into the seatpost.
The extensive bar and straight-backed driving place are nice for navigating busy streets and bike paths, and the Fizik saddle isn’t cumbersome but is cozy sufficient that you simply don’t must put on padded biking shorts.
Canyon Pathlite:ON 5 backside line
Canyon’s Pathlite:ON 5 goes far past the realms of your common e-commuter. It’s snug, however its dealing with chops allow you to hit mountain bike terrain.
It has an incredible driving place, highly effective motor in a wonderful drivetrain and it’s a great deal of enjoyable.
You’re unlikely to seek out something that delivers this many smiles per mile, which isn’t one thing I typically say a couple of commuting machine.
Throw within the vary, plus Canyon’s standard worth for cash, and about the one draw back is the Pathlite’s weight. But, if you happen to don’t must haul it upstairs, it’s laborious to beat.
Also contemplate
Much more
- Canyon Pathlite:ON 7
- £3,199
The similar rugged body and fork however upgraded to Shimano’s premium XT for the rear derailleur and 12-pace 1x Deore. Up-rated brakes and a rear rack make this an excellent higher all-street commuter possibility.
Rather less
- Canyon Pathlite:ON 4
- £2,349
This shares the identical body and fork as the opposite two choices right here, nevertheless it strips down the bike to its naked minimal. So, if you wish to spend much less and journey lighter, the ON 4 could be what you’re searching for.