Fiido C21 at Fatbikeskopen.nl

Eighteen kilograms with a Mivice mid-drive motor and nine gears. That is an unusual combination, because mid-drive motors are normally found on heavier bikes. The Fiido C21 is a lightweight urban gravel bike with an integrated 208-watt-hour battery, hydraulic TEKTRO brakes, and 27.6-inch wheels. It has no suspension, which explains part of its low weight. For anyone who wants a lightweight bike with natural assistance.

Mid-drive motor on a lightweight bike

The Mivice motor is located at the bottom bracket and transfers its power through the gears, making pedaling itself easier instead of pushing you from behind. On an eighteen-kilogram bike, this feels particularly natural: there is little mass to get moving. The torque sensor adjusts the assistance based on how hard you push, so the support increases gradually rather than in blocks. The assistance is controlled by a torque sensor: it measures how hard you push on the pedals and adjusts accordingly, rather than simply switching on as soon as the pedals turn.

Fiido C21 range

The 208-watt-hour battery is small, and the stated range is up to 100 kilometers. That may seem contradictory, but it makes more sense than you might think: an eighteen-kilogram bike with a mid-drive motor and nine gears requires little power. In practice, you can expect around fifty to sixty kilometers. Charging takes two hours, which is short and means that topping up along the way is a realistic option. Do not leave the battery outside in freezing temperatures, as this will reduce its capacity over time. You can charge it from a regular power outlet, so no dedicated setup is needed.

Nine gears without suspension

Nine gears provide smooth steps between ratios, which is useful on a lightweight bike because you can keep pedaling under your own power when the battery runs out. There is no suspension, front or rear. The 27.6-inch wheels help because larger wheels handle poor road surfaces better, but you feel everything on cobblestone streets. That is the trade-off for eighteen kilograms, and it is not a problem on asphalt and bike paths. The lights are permanently mounted on the bike and run on the main battery. When the bike is delivered, check the brake lever reach; you can adjust it in a few seconds.

TEKTRO brakes and the step-through frame

The hydraulic disc brakes come from TEKTRO, a manufacturer commonly found on sports bikes. They offer precise modulation and maintain their performance in the rain. On an eighteen-kilogram bike, that is almost overengineered, meaning you can brake with two fingers. The step-through frame makes getting on and off easy, which is unusual for a bike with such a sporty character and makes the C21 more versatile. Hydraulic brakes occasionally need bleeding, but otherwise require little maintenance. The lighting is permanently mounted on the bike and runs on the main battery.

Who is the Fiido C21 for?

For commuters who regularly need to lift or carry their bike and still want a mid-drive motor. The recommended rider height is approximately 1.70 to 2.00 metres, with 120 kilograms as the maximum total weight. Things to consider: there is no suspension and the battery is small. If you ride daily on poor road surfaces or cover long distances without access to charging, a heavier bike with a larger battery is a wiser choice. If you are unsure about the size, measure your inseam and compare it with the stated values. Anyone who rides it every day will notice these choices sooner than someone who only takes the occasional ride.

Ordering from Fatbikeskopen.nl

A mid-drive motor on an eighteen-kilogram bike feels different from anything you are used to, so take it for a ride. You can schedule a test ride at ten showrooms. For maintenance, you can visit more than 450 locations in the Netherlands, which makes a real difference for a brand that primarily sells online. When ordered online, the bike arrives at your home ready to ride. Three-year warranty on the frame and one year on the components and battery.

See also: Fiido e-bikes | Fiido | e-bikes | electric city bikes