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I recently took out a Cannondale Synapse Neo for a spin and was left with a very big smile on my face at how easy it was to zip up the hills. I was very tempted, but the price was just too much and I did think whether I need such a large battery, especially, give the bike is for commuting 20 miles each way. Just really want the assistance for the morning ride into work as that is the one that seems to leave me feeling wacked. Although 20 miles, it's still 1400ft elevation.
I then spotted the Boardman offering which uses the Fazua motor instead of the Bosch Active Line Plus. The stats states the Fazua has greater torque than the Bosch, so did this mean that the assist up the hills would be just as good as the cannondale?
I think the Fazua system looks ideal for anyone who's already a cyclist and simply wants that extra bit of assistance for day in day out riding. Should make for a lighter bike which means speeds above 15.5 should be more easily achievable and while I'm not sure if it's the case with boardman on other models battery and motor can easily be removed to leave you with a conventional bike when you want it or if you needed the motor serviced. You could commute all week on such a bike and then take the motor and battery out for a Sunday club run. Seems ideal if you have limited resources or space and can't have multiple bikes for multiple uses.
The New Trek Domane+ is using the fazua system, might be worth a look.
From a review I read the reviewer said the motor was a bit like a freewheel in that it sometimes needed some pedal moVEment before it engaged and it appeared to loose power as battery got lower (reviewer thought it was trying to do power mgmt)
With such a hefty price tag, I think it's best to try and get a demo bike to see how it compares. The Cannondale with the Bosch Active Plus was super smooth to ride.
I’ve been told that certain Halfords branches will allow a proper demo of their ebikes.
In theory the Fazua system seems ideal for a lightish road/gravel bike. The unpowered resistance is supposed to be minimal.
Very keen to try one myself.