We've got 2 CGR ALe in the fleet and they're terrific bikes, using the X35 motor. The 3 assist levels are completely customisable with the smartphone app (which has just been updated) within the maximum power outputs of each of the settings, so you can manage the tradeoff between range and assist. For example, you might set the lowest level (green) to output 50% of it's own max, just to compensate for the slight weight penalty of the motor and battery (it's still the lightest system out there), put the middle level (orange) at 75% of it's max but leave the highest assist (red) at 100% for fun, emergencies and super-steep hills.
The 'IWOC' button situated at the front of the top tube really is all you need and you will get the hang of it straight away: one press to wake it up (at which point it flashes green/amber/red/white to show you the current assist level) then each subsequent press scrolls you to the next assist level, with red (maximum) taking you back to zero and back round again. In simple terms, if you want to make life easier, press the button twice. (unless you're in 'red' max mode, in which case the rest is up to you! Honestly, it's easier to use than it is to describe
The button also acts as your battery level meter when you're not changing assist levels, showing constant white/green/amber/red for >75%/>50%/>25%/<25% battery levels.
You can also have the assist adjust automatically to your heart rate if you use an HRM. You can still get a proper max heart-rate workout if you want one, you will just travel a lot further in the process!
The torque from the motor is not as impactful as a mid-drive unit, which can give you quite a startlingly punchy boost - it kicks in more calmly, like having an invisible hand in the back from an incredibly powerful rider, which makes it feel a lot more natural. At the risk of offending eMTBers it's much more of an enhanced pushbike than an electric motorbike!
@Jenkins If you're ever near the Thames Riviera you're welcome to come have a play.
