Lectron Taura - test of a domestic brand electric bike with a Panasonic drive.

How to improve what works? Following the example of master chefs, use the same base, i.e. the frame, add a few new ingredients, i.e. new components, let it sit, and finally serve a completely different side dish, i.e. the engine! This is exactly what the domestic manufacturer Lectron did with its universal and proven Lectron Taura PSX model. This seemingly women's city electric bike is actually a fun and universal electric SUV bike for women, men and all other users who identify themselves as lovers of agile and comfortable riding. It has recently received a motorization from the Panasonic brand. In the last issue, we already introduced the Esconder PSX mountain electric bike model, i.e. the first Lectron e-bike with a Panasonic GX Ultimate engine, and now we have another interesting initiative in this area and we can introduce the second model of this brand with a Japanese power unit.

FAMOUS MODEL, NEW PARAMETERS

The centerpiece of the bike is the aforementioned Panasonic GX Ultimate drive unit, the most powerful in the motor manufacturer's range. This electric drive gives this touring crossover great performance and powerful support on climbs. However, anyone who thinks that it is just raw and clumsy power without feedback is mistaken. The motor has a very well-developed software setting, so in addition to the pull and maximum torque of up to 95 Nm, it is also gentle and refined when starting and gradually increasing the support depending on the selected mode and pedaling frequency. The assistance is suitably graduated and we would guess that, just like us, the future owners of this e-bike will be most satisfied with the automatic mode. It can almost read minds and be intuitive, as it doses the support according to the riding style and pedaling strength of the rider, and thus makes every ride a great experience.

COURAGE TO BE DIFFERENT

When introducing the Taura model two years ago, the manufacturer stepped on thin ice, as users were not used to an off-road-looking electric bike with a lowered frame. Nota bene with rich equipment, mudguards, a rack and a kickstand. The Taura MZX with Bafang was a pioneer and compared to the current PSX version, although it looks the same, it is slightly less equipped in terms of components. However, the current Taura with a Panasonic engine is not afraid to offer a quality component menu for an even better experience behind the handlebars and full use of the potential of the premium drive unit. Let's cite as an example the modern Shimano Deore 5100 derailleur with eleven speeds and also a rear cassette with a huge range of gears and sprockets from 11 to 51 teeth. More gears will allow the rider to conquer even the steepest climbs and also fine-tune the pedaling frequency at any speed.

STIFFNESS AND COMFORT

The derailleur and rear cassette are also complemented by Shimano gearing, which ensures sensitive, smooth and easy gear changes and everything works without the slightest hesitation. Speaking of steep climbs, it is worth mentioning that the Lectron Taura is really suitable not only for roads, gravel and cycle paths, but also for more broken dirt roads or forest terrain. Here it can act de facto as a full-fledged mountain e-bike, maintaining a certain track, stability, good handling and acceptable comfort. However, it also offers what a mountain e-bike with a regular frame cannot – namely easy and comfortable boarding thanks to a lowered main frame tube. The frame structure without a top tube is still perfectly stiff, because the manufacturer remembered to shape the aluminum alloy by hydroforming and appropriate reinforcement in the middle area. The bike is therefore easy and light to steer and is still perfectly stiff when climbing or descending over breakneck obstacles. Comfort is ensured by a high-quality RockShox air fork, which is another significant component upgrade compared to the previous generation of the Taura model. Let's also mention the functional cockpit with easy access to everything, including the well-readable Panasonic handlebar motor controller.

VERDICT

We get on, grip the soft and comfortable grips on the handlebars and turn on the Panasonic controller, where we can see all the important values ​​and also adjust the brightness for better readability. The engine's alignment and the proven frame concept are perfect - simply a perfect match... The engine has a gentle
and a certain pull right from the first pedaling, and the rest is corrected by the rider according to the pedaling frequency and the selected riding mode. The characteristic weak hum is roughly on the level of competing engines, but because it kept urging us to gravel and dirt roads, the sound of the engine was soon drowned out by the air flow around our ears and the noise of the wheels rolling over the terrain. The bike's confidence is great especially on such trips off paved roads, which we had regular fun and joy from. Nothing pleases a person behind the handlebars of an electric bike as much as having the ride fully under control and knowing that the e-bike can be relied on. When we then took the Taura onto a hard surface and into urban civilization, it was reliable and problem-free here too. It is perfect for various shopping trips, commuting to work and meetings, or just riding around the neighborhood. If we add a modern and sporty-elegant design, we have a real blockbuster, namely an electric bike with an excellent price tag and literally a plethora of positive features and capabilities.

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LECTRON TAURA PSX

Price: 64,990 CZK

Frame: Taura 2024, Alu alloy 6061, sizes 17 and 1"

Fork: RockShox Judy Silver Boost, 120mm travel, thru-axle

Motor: Panasonic GX Ultimate, 250 W, 95 Nm, peak up to 750 W

Battery: Li-ion Samsung 720 Wh (36 V, 20 Ah)

Control : Panasonic LCD color display

Rims: 27.5", double-walled, 30 mm width

Tires: Maxxis Crossmark II 27.5 × 2.25"

Derailleur: Shimano Deore M5100 (11 speed, 11-51 tooth cassette, 38 tooth chainring)

Brakes: Shimano MT400, 180 mm discs