Leitner Ultimate

Value for price – This article is not in any way to be taken as a promotion for Leitner, neither is it to recommend or condemn Leitner electric bikes, but rather a review of what I see as the pros &cons of these machines. The Ultimate range of bikes come in three styles, Step-though, Semi Step-through and Step-over. They are driven by a 250W motor in the rear wheel… Read more

coupled to a 10 aH, 36 V Samsung lithium battery mounted internally within the frame. There are 5 power settings available from the selector on the handlebars. The 7 speed Shimano Tourney gears with a single chain ring is fine when you have power to assist. They run 700c wheels fitted with Tecktro disc brakes. The biggest ‘pro’ by far is the cost! At around $1500, it is far below the mean for comparable bikes. At 17kg, weight is also a plus (especially when it requires lifting onto a car rack). Cons are, it comes in a box and needs assembly (not difficult) and it does not have mounting for water bottles, pumps etc. The Tecktro brakes, although efficient can be very noisy. The worst problem is the supplied controller/readout is FAR TOO SMALL TO BE USED EFFICIENTLY. However, for around $100, a much larger unit can be purchased from Leitner that we have all found to be highly beneficial, even close to mandatory. In summary, these cycles are good value for money, but like all things you get the components that you pay for. I am sure that you can find brilliant e-bikes with top equipment fitted if you want to pay for it, but for the price these bikes I find are satisfactory for Cynthia and my use. Dave

Some things good, some things bad – Very excited to get this bike and enjoyed riding it first few times. Seemed nicely made apart from the computer which is too small and no good with polarised glasses. Then I noticed the first repeating problem, a design flaw, the chain falls off very easily. Ive owned 3 electric bikes, a Xiaomi for about 5 years and a giant for 2 and this chain… Read more

came off more in the first weeks than both my other bikes in all the time I had them. When I emailed Leitner to my surprise they were aware of this problem and emailed me a link to a part I should buy to stop it happening. Couldn’t believe it, design problem and they wanted me to buy a part!

The second problem was more serious, the motor would either not activate or would pulse causing a jerking ride. To there credit they sent me multiple emails to help but unfortunately I’m not bike expert and while I was trying to follow there instructions could not figure them out. Turns out they were sending me instructions for the wrong model. After some back and forth we worked out the optical sensor had failed and arranged a repair in Marrickville with the part.

Since then has been ok (apart from the chain problem). The Leitner people seemed very nice but I’d be reluctant to recommend to anyone outside Melbourne considering I couldn’t just take it to the shop and get checked.

Great bike – The Leitner Ultimate 700C is a great bike. I travel on average 46km a day five days a week. On a single trip of 23.3 km it takes 49 – 55 minutes. I average between 25-28 km/hour (this is due to the terrain, my own fitness, and petal assist). Due to the long distances each day would be a daunting experience without it, I feel the Leitner is my… Read more

best companion.

It provides a workout and allows me to have the ability to keep momentum even when traveling inclines.

At work I can park it outside the building without having to waste time as I would if I was in a car.

I found the support amazing, as recently I had an issue with the derailer. I contacted Leitner and they posted the part and arrange a bike shop to complete the repairs in Darwin, which was great service, all covered within the warranty.

The battery lasts 75-80 km but it is a petal assists so it kicks in up hills or when I am facing a headwind.

I am very pleased with my bike, and highly recommend the bike to those who are commuters.

Great value, Great service – Bought this bike on the recommendation of a friend who had purchased a different model. I was particularly attracted by the price, the relatively light (17kg) weight and the stealthy location of the battery. At first glance it doesn't look like an e-bike. Not having a local Leitner dealer, I had to rely on delivery from Leitner Melbourne but was… Read more

pleasantly surprised when the bike arrived two days after order placement (despite the cautionary words about potential Covid-induced delays). One small issue with the electrics was addressed in their stride (detailed, prompt, personalised communication was greatly appreciated).

I'm 68yo and live in a hilly location at the top of a steep hill that I haven't managed to ride a bike up for over 25 years ... until today. The Ultimate saw me comfortably up that hill and two or three others on my first ride. The hub motor did take this novice e-biker by surprise at first but I found that I adapted quickly to the extra motive power. I would have liked a larger display...it is a tad hard to read on sunny days (when I'm most likely to be riding). The small sun shade recommended by one of the other reviewers is on my list of things to do. Having said that, the controls are straight forward and not being able to see them clearly does not compromise the rideability.

If, like me, you're forced to buy on-line, consider seeking recommendation from your dealer for someone to assist in getting your bike ready for the road. There will be things that need that expertly applied torque wrench and other tweaks to get you comfortably and safely on the road ... and you'll also have a suitably willing and skilled someone lined up for your next service.