Road bike or e-Road Bike? What if you could have both in the same frame? That’s what the Fazua Drive system has promised, and now it looks like it’s coming to North America on the all new Trek Domane+ LT e-road bike. We’ve written about the Fazua system a number of times from Eurobike and on a number of different bikes, but according to Bicycle Retailer, their entry into the U.S. market was hindered by battery certification issues. Now, Fazua seems to have passed those tests and has teamed up with QBP as a service partner.
What makes the Fazua system unique? Not only is the electric drive system impressively light, it can also be completely removed from the frame so that the bicycle can be used as a standard, human powered bicycle. That makes a 56cm Trek Domane+ LT a 29.9lb e-bike, or a 23.6lb road bike! Sure, that’s a slight weight penalty over a standard road bike, but for someone who might want electric assist some of the time and a standard bike the rest of the time, it’s an interesting option.
When the drive system is removed, there is an available cover that will keep the inside of the frame clean and will also make it look like there isn’t a large chunk of the frame missing.
Built with a 250Wh battery, the Domane+ LT will provide assist up to 20mph, and has an average range of 65 miles.
The 500 Series OCLV Carbon frame itself includes Trek’s IsoSpeed front and rear to absorb road chatter, with the rear offering adjustability like you’d find on the regular Domane. Just behind the front IsoSpeed unit, you’ll find integrated controls for the Fazua system on the top tube – which keeps the handlebar area clean and uncluttered of any extra control units.
Tire clearance is huge with room for 700c x 38mm tires, and of course disc brakes will slow you down when needed. Stock bikes will include Bontrager R3 Hard Case tires in 700c x 32mm.
Available now, the Domane+ LT is offered for $6,499.99 with a Shimano Ultegra R8000 drivetrain and is available through Trek’s Project One custom program so you can customize the paint and spec.