Cycles Toussaint, a Calgary-based company, is working on a lightweight bike geared to a wide array of cyclists and terrains. Founders Evan Hu and Mike Foster believe that as physical abilities evolve with time and rider priorities shift, pedal-assist ebikes can enable cyclists to sustain their involvement in rides and events. The brand is set to begin production in the fall with its new model, Le Taureau.
Road, gravel, touring or commuting
Le Taureau is designed for road, gravel, touring and commuter rides. It provides a boost to experienced riders with shifting fitness levels or those cycling with friends or partners who are just a bit faster. Whether your goal is to maintain the pace during group rides or conquer hills, pedal assistance transforms steep challenges into opportunities to connect with stronger peers and reduce strain on muscles and joints.
Beyond these advantages, ebikes offer additional benefits. Pedal assistance can mean less strain on the body, lowering the risk of overuse injuries and ensuring a longer and more comfortable ride. Additionally, the added watts from the hub-drive unit create a more leisurely experience, allowing riders to savour their surroundings and chat with fellow cyclists.
Looks like a regular (and fast!) bike
Le Taureau doesn’t “look” like an ebike, which is one of the company’s goals. “Le Taureau riders don’t wish to deceive other cyclists into thinking they aren’t on an ebike, however, they don’t want it to be painfully obvious either,” Foster says. “From a classic bicycle design perspective, many ebikes on the market, with their bulky battery compartments and oversized frames, are not pleasing to the eye. Le Taureau changes perspectives on what an ebike can look like.”
The bike features an FSA E-System hub-drive motor that complements pedalling efforts through torque and speed sensors, ensuring optimal wattage. The system drive unit and battery are a relatively svelte 4 kg, keeping in line with Cycles Toussaint’s goals for a lightweight ride.
Weighing in at 13.5 kg, the durable titanium bike won’t feel sluggish or cumbersome. “When you ride it, it feels quicker and more agile,” Hu says, which is important not just for scenic rides, but for gravel and commuting as well. “This is key, especially in environments where quick turns, stops and navigating through obstacles are common,” he adds.
Lightweight
Another benefit of a lighter ebike is that it is easier to transport….
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