Most ebikes look like acoustic bikes with a battery bolted on. LeMond's new Dutch and Prolog models look like carbon sculpture. Both use monocoque carbon construction for the frame, fork, and integrated handlebar-stem, with carbon fenders, racks, and baskets as options. The price is $4,500. The weight is about 12.25 kg—lighter than any ebike on the market. That combination is the whole pitch.
What happened
- Two models: the upright Dutch and the more aggressive Prolog.
- Both use Mahle X35 rear-hub drive with the battery hidden in the down tube.
- 250W motor with torque sensing, no throttle.
- Total weight around 12.25 kg per bike.
- Carbon fenders, racks, and baskets available as options.
- Single-button LED-ring control interface.
What the reviewer found
The reviewer called the bikes the prettiest ebikes they had ever ridden. The integrated headlight in the handlebar and the taillights in the seatpost were particular favorites, along with the matte finishes and a pastel pink Prolog.
The bikes handled Manhattan greenway conditions with responsiveness closer to a road bike than a typical heavy commuter. Despite weighing about 12 kg, the carbon frame felt stable, and torque-based assist gave smooth power delivery. The reviewer also noted getting a compliment on the bike within 30 minutes of riding.
Our analysis
The interesting call here is what LeMond did not include. There is no GPS, no alarm, no integrated lock, no theft-recovery system. On a $4,500 bike, that is a real gap. VanMoof, the obvious benchmark, builds its whole brand around those features, and that is why it has a foothold in city buyers who actually commute.
There is also no kickstand. At this price, that is a strange omission for a model positioned for daily use. The company is clearly optimizing for weight and aesthetics over practicality, and the trade-off will be obvious to anyone who has locked a nice bike to a street pole.
The 250W motor is another trade-off. The reviewer did not feel constrained by it, but riders in hilly terrain or seeking Class 3 speeds may disagree. The Mahle X35 system is proven and smooth, but it does not offer the raw power of mid-drive alternatives.
The waiting time of 8–10 weeks is also worth noting for anyone considering an order.
Who should care
| Get the LeMond | Look elsewhere |
|---|---|
| You live in a walk-up and need to carry the bike upstairs | You commute in a high-theft area and lock up outside |
| Aesthetics are a core value—you display your bike, not just store it | You need a kickstand, GPS tracking, or integrated security |
| You want an ebike that rides like a light road bike | You want maximum motor power or a throttle |
| You have the budget and can insure the bike | You are budget-conscious; similar-weight options exist under $2,000 |
What to watch next
Watch for a follow-up model with a more sensible feature set at a similar weight. The bike is gorgeous, but the market for an unmotorized-looking carbon ebike with no security stack is smaller than the market for a slightly heavier one that keeps people from walking away with it. If LeMond adds connectivity in a v2, the price still works. If it does not, VanMoof and others will keep the city buyer.
Key takeaways
- LeMond has built a genuinely light, genuinely pretty ebike at $4,500.
- The omission of GPS, alarm, and theft recovery is the obvious gap.
- The single-button control and lack of kickstand will divide buyers.
- This is a lifestyle bike for riders who prioritize aesthetics and weight over security features.
Frequently asked questions
How much do LeMond's ebikes weigh?
About 12.25 kg, per the review. That makes them lighter than virtually any other ebike available.
What is the price?
$4,500 for the base bike, with carbon accessories available at extra cost.
Do they have a throttle?
No. They are pedal-assist only, with a 250W rear-hub motor and torque sensing.
Do they have built-in security or GPS?
No. The review notes the absence of any theft-recovery system.
What is the waiting time?
The review mentions a current waiting time of 8–10 weeks for orders.