Leon Cycle NCM C5 Test: The Affordable Semi-Road/Urban Bike

Leon Cycle offers a typical urban road-style electric bicycle, the NCM C5, around 1,000 euros. Mobiwisy tested this affordable e-bike.

German manufacturer Leon Cycle has been offering very attractively priced electric bikes for 8 years. The range is mainly hybrid bikes, with best sellers such as the Milano, Miami, or Venice. But the brand has diversified its offerings with the VTT E Moscow M3, the folding Paris, and the fatbike Aspen. And it hasn’t forgotten road bike enthusiasts, with the recent NCM C5.

Bike overview: 4/5

The NCM C5 is a bike that plays on two fronts: commuting and leisure on the road. Both road and urban, this e-bike features a classic diamond frame, narrow CST Recourse tires, and road handlebars. Also, it lacks mudguards and racks, making this model geared a bit more towards leisure than daily use. This has the advantage of limiting weight, approximately 20 kg including the battery.

The battery blends into the frame, becoming almost invisible, with the motor housed in the rear hub. It’s not as thin as a Jitensha, but the style is well-balanced and successful. However, it does not have disc brakes as suggested by the official site; the C5 relies on modest rim pads. It includes a central kickstand, more practical than the rear. The lighting system is fairly powerful. As for comfort, the foam saddle isn’t designed for long rides; it’s somewhat uncomfortable over time, despite the active position that shifts weight forward.

At the handlebars of the NCM C5 electric bike: 2/5

As mentioned earlier, the NCM C5 has a rear-mounted motor. The Das-Kit X2 is a custom design, from the same group as Leisger. Its torque is 50 Nm and delivers 36 volts like all e-bike motors. While it includes a torque sensor, which makes it more reactive than a rotation sensor, the motor has significant latency and struggles to restart after short stops pedaling. The 50 Nm torque is sufficient on moderate slopes (around 15%) to reach 25 km/h without issue in the highest mode.

Three modes are available on the small control box: Low, Med, and High. The lowest mode of the NCM C5 cannot exceed 15 km/h and slows down noticeably on slopes; the second reaches 21 to 22 km/h with a bit more ease over inclines. All modes can start quite easily but quickly give a feeling of lack of power after 15-20 km/h.

Additionally, the NCM C5 is a single-speed bike, with a standard chain and fixed gear. This is part of its urban character, avoiding the need to shift gears at every slowdown, intersection, or red light. The gear ratio is fairly long, allowing speeds over 35 km/h without difficulty. In road mode, we even reached 40 km/h despite the weight of this e-bike. For comfort, the thin tires and lack of suspension make navigating cobblestones and potholes a challenge.

The electric assistance unit is quite basic. Yes, the bike is aiming for an affordable price, similar to Decathlon’s entry-level models like the 120E. The plastic block is straightforward to use. The large power button (for on/off) controls the lights (not intuitive at first). The second big “M” button is for modes. Pressing it cycles through: 1 to 2, then 3, then back to 2, and finally 1 again.

No connectivity features are available on this model; the NCM M5 e-bike offers no GPS tracking or app integration.

Battery, range, and charging of the NCM C5 : 3/5

The NCM C5’s battery is removable and fits perfectly into the frame. It stands out with its black color at the top of the frame and can be removed with a key. Bulky and somewhat heavy, it has a capacity of 432 Wh, or 12 Ah at 36 V.

A small indicator allows checking the battery level (out of 4) with each press. Unfortunately, there’s no option to charge directly on the bike; the battery must be removed. The included charger is quite large but doesn’t overheat. With a current of 2 amperes (2 A), it takes about 6 hours to fully recharge. The charger’s single indicator changes from red to green at the end of charging. To check the level during charge, press the button on top of the battery.

With a full charge, the bike can last approximately 70 km in “High” mode, which we recommend, and theoretically up to 100 km on the lowest “Low” setting.

Price of the Leon Cycle NCM C5: 5/5

The price of the NCM C5 is very affordable. With a catalog price of 1,099 euros, it competes with the Vélair Nova at 1,490 euros (often on promotion or sale for around 1,000 euros). The Nova features a smaller 280 Wh battery for a maximum range of 40 km, has a straight handlebar but offers more comfort thanks to its padded saddle and a display. The C5 is even on sale at 879 euros.

Leon Cycle’s NCM C5 is available in two sizes, M and L, and in three colors: navy blue, dark green, and silver gray. This German-designed electric bike is manufactured in Asia under the Leon Cycle brand, part of the Leisger group, based in Hanover. An additional C7 model, with fenders, a specific saddle, and a traditional handlebar, exists in Germany. Coming soon to France?

Photo gallery of the NCM C5 test

Also read: Test of Intersport Nakamura E-Crossover XA: an affordable electric hybrid bike