You ride at your own pace. You ride with your friends. You ride for the sheer joy. You ride. Short distances, long distances, epic climbs and sweeping descents. In rain and in sun. Pavé, strada bianca, city streets, fire roads and goat paths. It's not a race, it's not the destination. It's the journey. Ride your journey.
In late July of 2023, cyclists from around Alberta gathered for the annual Tour Alberta For Cancer, a two-day event which tests endurance and raises money for cancer research. Covering 100km each day, this event is more than just another ride – it’s a rallying call for a cause, and an opportunity for many to cycle farther than they think themselves capable.
On the first day of the ride, amidst the spirited atmosphere and a palpable sense of camaraderie, much of my excitement was directed toward my ride for the day: Le Taureau, a prototype from Cycles Toussaint based in Calgary. But this wasn’t just any bike; it was a titanium frame, electric all-road e-bike; a genre-blurring machine which I was eager to test on a 100km ride.
Right from the outset, Le Taureau made its mark. Despite its electric components, it was surprisingly light, defying the notion that electric bikes are typically bulky and unwieldy. As I navigated the roads, I marveled at how well it handled, carving through turns and gliding effortlessly along straightaways.
What struck me even more was its unassuming appearance. Unlike most electric bicycles that draw attention due to their distinctive, often bulky design, Le Taureau blended in seamlessly with the peloton. This led to a series of conversations with fellow riders, who were surprised to learn that I was pedaling an ebike. It was shocking to many that such a sleek and slim titanium frame could be housing a fully-functioning electric motor.
To truly test the “all-road” ability of the Le Taureau, for the majority of the ride, I opted to keep the power off. On the flat stretches, the electric assist was hardly missed – it was as if I was riding any other nimble road bike. However, as the road began to incline, the true test of Le Taureau’s prowess emerged. The added weight of the battery became noticeable, prompting me to engage the assist system on its lowest setting.
To my delight, the bike performed immaculately. The e-assist allowed me to conquer hills with a newfound ease, and I found myself easily (but not too easily) keeping up with fellow cyclists on their feather-light carbon fiber bikes. The blend of human effort and electric assistance created a synergy that enhanced my overall experience of the ride.
As the final stretch of the first day’s ride drew near, I couldn’t help but appreciate Le Taureau’s versatility. While designed largely with gravel adventures in mind, its performance on a 100km road ride was nothing short of spectacular. This electric all-road e-bike had proven its mettle, showcasing its ability to seamlessly transition between terrains and conquer challenges that lay in its path.
For me, this ride was a rejuvenation of cycling enthusiasm. It hadn’t only been a beautiful day for a ride with great people for a great cause, but Le Taureau had proven to me that boundaries are meant to be pushed, and that the future of cycling holds exciting surprises for us all.
For cycling enthusiasts who are interested in Le Taureau Titanium e-bike with the FSA E-System, a recurring question takes center stage: “How far can I journey on a single battery charge?” This query beckons us to explore the intricate interplay of influencing factors, the divergence of road versus gravel riding, the prowess of eco mode, and the tactical use of assistance levels. In this article, we’ll unravel the core components that shape cycling range, dissect the implications of varied riding types, illuminate the benefits of eco mode, and scrutinize real-life rides to calculate the maximum achievable range for each situation.
The Influential Factors
To truly grasp the expected cycling range with the FSA E-System, it’s vital to comprehend the key factors that hold sway:
1. Bike and Rider Weight: The total weight of the bike and rider collectively affects the energy needed for propulsion. Heavier loads necessitate more power, potentially resulting in a diminished range.
2. Tire Type and Pressure: Tire choice and pressure dictate rolling resistance. Broader tires and lower pressure could elevate resistance, potentially impacting range.
3. Average Speed: Riding velocity corresponds to wind resistance and energy expenditure. Higher speeds often translate to heightened energy consumption.
4. Wind Conditions: Challenging headwinds can escalate energy requirements, compelling greater motor output. Conversely, tailwinds can offer a favorable impact on range.
5. Topography: Uphill sections demand augmented energy input, while downhill stretches can contribute to battery regeneration through regenerative braking.
6. Temperature: Battery efficiency is affected by extreme temperatures. Optimal performance is usually attained in temperate weather conditions.
7. Assist Level: FSA E-System offers five assist levels. Eco Mode (Level 1) provides no assistance, while Levels 2-5 enhance assistance by increasing the motor’s watt output. Higher assist levels correlate with higher energy consumption.
8. Rider’s Ability to Produce Watts: The rider’s physical ability to produce watts of power plays a crucial role. A stronger rider can contribute more to the pedaling effort, potentially reducing the reliance on the motor and conserving battery power.
9. Riding Style: A more aggressive riding style characterized by frequent acceleration and braking can lead to faster battery depletion compared to a smoother riding approach.
Road vs. Gravel Riding
The type of terrain navigated exerts a profound influence on the FSA E-System’s potential range:
Road Riding: Smooth roads with minimal elevation fluctuations generally yield a longer range. Reduced rolling resistance and uniform terrain foster efficient energy usage. Aligning the assist level with the terrain’s contours can optimize battery consumption.
Gravel Riding: Explorations off the beaten path encompass diverse terrains, including gravel, dirt, and uneven surfaces. While the assist system proves invaluable, energy demands typically escalate due to the unpredictable landscape and potential ascents. Employing strategic assist application becomes pivotal in extending range during gravel endeavors.
Unleashing Eco Mode and Strategic Assist Application
Eco mode is the energy-savvy choice within the FSA E-System as this mode provides no assistance and obviously extends battery life and, consequently, range potential. However, it’s important to recognize that Eco mode is not as much fun especially when tackling steep gradients or contending with formidable headwinds.
Strategic Assist Application encourages riders to employ the assist system judiciously. Rather than relying on the motor continuously, riders can selectively engage it during challenging segments or moments of fatigue. This strategic approach can significantly amplify the distance traversable on a single battery charge.
Real-Life Examples: Refining Maximum Range Estimation
Let’s delve into the specifics of two real life example rides and refine the calculation for the potential maximum cycling range:
1st Ride Data: Gravel Ride with Continuous Assist Level 2
Distance: 66 km
Ascent: 376 m
Ride Time: 2 hours 50 minutes
Average Speed: 23.2 kph
Temperature Range: 26°C to 33°C, average 28.2°C
Battery Charge Remaining after 66 km: 29%
In this case, the ride primarily consumed 70% of the battery over 66 km with assist level 2. With only 19% of battery capacity left, assuming the rider continues using assist level 2, the range would likely be limited to an additional 17-18 km. Therefore, the refined maximum range estimation for a similar gravel ride would be approximately 83-84 km.
2nd Ride Data: Road Ride with Strategic Assist
Distance: 85.32 km
Ascent: 766 m
Ride Time: 3 hours 21 minutes
Average Speed: 25.4 kph
Temperature Range: 18°C to 25°C, average 20.3°C
Battery Charge Remaining after 85.32 km: 67%
The second ride provides a glimpse into the potential of eco mode and strategic assist application. Over primarily paved roads, the ride covered significant distance and ascent while preserving battery life. With only 33% of battery capacity utilized over 85.32 km, the projected maximum range for a similar paved journey, assuming the rider doesn’t fatigue, could exceed 150 km.
Conclusion
The journey to ascertain the cycling range attainable with the FSA E-System involves a comprehensive understanding of multiple variables, encompassing weight, tire specifics, average speed, wind dynamics, terrain, temperature, and the chosen assist level. The dichotomy between road and gravel riding furnishes valuable insights into the intricate interplay between terrain and range. The synergy of Eco mode and strategic assist application empowers riders to push their boundaries.
The real-life examples underscore the importance of a deliberate approach to riding style and assist selection. Equipped with this knowledge, riders can unlock the full potential of the FSA E-System, venturing further and conquering more demanding routes. As you embark on your electrically-enhanced explorations, internalize these factors and allow your understanding of range dynamics to amplify your cycling adventures.
On May 28th, 2023, four hundred masochists took on the first ever British Columbia edition of the hellish 219 kilometer – 136 mile Belgian Waffle Ride (BWR). About four hundred slightly less masochistic souls lined up to test themselves on the 108 kilometer / 67 mile Wafer Ride or the 52 kilometer – 32 mile Wanna Ride.
Being one of those slightly less masochistic fellows, I signed up for the Wanna Ride with my new La Taureau e-bike prototype—despite only having a mere 200 kilometers under my belt on this titanium all-road beauty.
As we waited for our start horn, the corral buzzed with anxious energy, revved up by the unseasonably beautiful weather and the task that lay ahead. “The climbing numbers are wrong. It’s actually 500 mmore than they said,” one rider said. “It doesn’t include any of the rolling hills along the paved sections of the route.” With the FSA 250W motor neatly hidden in my rear wheel I figured I’d be fine with extra climbing but would soon find out.
When I first began road biking in my mid 40’s, I was riding an aluminum bike which was fine and got the job done. A few years later I added a carbon road bike that I’ve ridden over eighteen thousand kilometers. After moving to Vancouver Island in 2021, I’ve found it more difficult to enjoy road cycling given the limited paved roads often have no shoulder and busy traffic.
More than one Vancouver Island local has mentioned they sold their road bike in favor of a gravel bike to unlock the Island’s beauty on the hidden gravel trails and old logging roads—places my road bike couldn’t take me.
Plus, the experience of zipping through the trees or enjoying a break by a lake is a whole level above the basement trainer set-ups or dealing with the looming fear of drivers staring at their phones.
On a couple of group rides with La Taureau, most people didn’t even realize I was riding an e-bike unless they noticed the glowing button on the top tube. The FSA E-System is so elegantly concealed in the downtube you could probably trick fellow riders into thinking you had unlocked some cycling cheat code.
But that wasn’t my plan. In order to maximize battery life and continue to challenge myself, I kept my assist level at the lowest setting, meaning it only really helped me out when I slipped below 26 km/h – 16 mph. Our prototype bikes were shipped with the European standard motors instead of the North American 32 km/h – 20 mph so when the pace picked up on the flats, the fitter riders on carbon bikes started to pull away.
I’ll confess, I did use a bit of extra e-assist during some of the steep gravel uphills and passed some of those same carbon riders leaving them to wonder how that old fart riding the titanium bike was now passing them without appearing to be breathing that hard. “E-bike on your left!” I occasionally announced with glee, fully disclosing my pseudo-superpower cycling.
The bike tracked well on the descents and was compliant on the single track. Only occasionally, on the really loose gravel sections, did I wish for tires wider than the 33mm ones I had. The worst moment for my ego was around kilometer fifty, when a twenty-something year-old kid on a mountain e-bike slipped past and beat me to the finish line by twenty seconds. But hey, I probably have 25 years on him. And I’ll tell myself he had his e-assist cranked way up.
Of the ~120 Wanna Ride participants, six rode e-bikes. If we merge the times for both categories four out of six of those e-bikes landed themselves in spots among the top ten (1st, 2nd, 6th, and 8th). Even with the extra weight of a motor and batteries, the e-assist obviously improved our ride times.
Hats off to everyone that finished any flavor of the Belgian Waffle Ride, especially those without assistance. Overall the FSA e-system worked flawlessly for my ride and I even managed to arrive at the finish line with 18% battery. Perhaps next year I’ll challenge myself with the Wafer…maybe with the extra external battery.
In the meantime, you can find me out on the trails and backroads on Le Taureau, riding my journey with a smile on my face.
We started Cycles Toussaint without aspirations to be another mega bike corp but to make great, affordable bikes for exploring, randonneurs and light touring. Since we launched the original cro-moly Velo Routier ten years ago, we’ve also worked on several other prototypes including two stainless steel prototypes. We built and tested a Velo Routier 650b prototype. We dabbled with a 700c allroad prototype, the Pave. While feedback was very positive, the minimum order quantity necessary to place a production order was too risky for us to consider.
In the meantime, the allroad / gravel bike concept took off. For us original mountain bikers, it was a déjà vu moment that brought us back to early days of mountain biking exploring fire roads and single tracks on our rigid framed 26” bikes. At the same time the nascent ebike drive trains began to evolve. We had the good fortune to meet the FSA engineers working on a road-specific rear hub electric-assist motor system in Taiwan just before the pandemic shut everything down. It got us thinking.
Life with all its responsibilities made training hard or near impossible at times. We have to battle the middle age spread brought on by metabolic changes as well as VO2max and strength decreases with advancing age. Our ability to keep up with the youngsters was fine on the flats and downhills, but uphill was a totally different matter. Could the developments in electric-assist level the playing field?
Could we design a bike that weighed less than 15kg that would ride, look and handle “normally”? Perhaps with a battery fitted in a slightly oversized downtube? Aesthetically the bike could look like a conventional allroad bike and could fit right in with any group ride. With all of this in mind, the Le Taureau eAllroad project was born!
As a rider and engineer, I respect the application of carbon fiber composites for many high-performance applications. At Toussaint we believe that titanium is the most appropriate choice for the Le Taureau frame with its superior impact resistance and in spite of today’s fashion-driven, throwaway zeitgeist, long-term durability. Titanium has a smooth and lively ride quality that in our opinion has not been duplicated by composites.
It has taken a while for the bicycle industry to recover from the pandemic induced chaos and settle back to its normal cadence that allows small companies like ours to consider placing orders. We finally managed to have three Le Taureau prototypes made up and shipped this past winter to Canada to begin our testing.
We have several tweaks to the design in mind and are planning to launch an Indiegogo campaign to gauge interest for the production run of frames. Here is a preview of the campaign.
Ride Your Journey 