Practical test - Urtopia Fusion e-bike - carbon eye-catcher with a Bauhaus look
Utopia's latest Bike, the Fusion, takes a completely different direction than the initial models. The smart electronics have been retained, but the wheel is a totally different type. The Chord and Carbon 1 models are avant-garde designed "Cafe Racer" bikes – intended for a young urban audience. The Fusion also stands out optically, but it is a budget model. The frame forms a "V" shape – making getting on and off easier. Typical for city bikes, but the Fusion does not look like an older generation bike. The design can be called a work of art. The carbon frame is partly round, partly angular in shape. In the test version, the upper part of the wheel is lacquered in an iridescent orange, the lower part and the wheels are black. Visually, the Fusion achieves a "10 out of 10". No wonder, as the design comes from legendary Apple and Sony designer Hartmut Esslinger.
Wormwood drop: No series carrier is included, but such a bike is also suitable for transporting a bag. A suitable carrier can be installed. Even he was given some effort, but the carrier and especially a shopping cart still break the clean Bauhaus look. Despite the emphasis on appearance, the Fusion does not have a handlebar integrated into the frame. The lamp and the control center of the display are mounted on a regular handlebar. In principle, the handlebar stem can be disassembled and replaced with another handlebar if the position on the bike is not comfortable.
On the Fusion, you sit very upright, the weight is on your butt. There is very little pressure on your shoulders and hands on the front wheel. The series saddle is almost too sporty for this comfortable seating position. The bike itself is surprisingly agile and can be steered exactly. This is due to the steep angle of the front fork. The bike rolls on moderate balloon tires. They are the only suspension, the fork provides a generous 100 millimeters of travel. With this model, accessories such as brakes are valuable – the Utopia Carbon impressed with its carbon frame, but savings had to be made in other places.
Fusion with Bafang Mid-Motor
The Fusion's motor also comes from a different class. Here, a mid-motor from Bafang was chosen. It delivers powerful 80 Newtonmeters of torque. The support is sensitive and intuitive. It stands up to competitors like Bosch and Yamaha. No comparison to the Chinese crank motors that reliably get a bike going – but often feel more like a moped than a bike. The motor is combined with a chain and the Shimano CUES shifting system with ten gears. The Fusion can be purchased with a dual battery. The integrated standard battery holds 540 Watt-hours and can be extended with a range extender of 360 Watt-hours. The company then gives a combined range of 240 kilometers (140 plus 100). These maximum values are only reached with low support – like with the specifications of all other motors. The second battery sits in the V of the frame and can be removed if it is not needed.
Utopia advertises the Rad as an All-Terrain Beast and SUV-Bike. An SUV comes along, this bike is only suitable for country roads and not for rough terrain. The Fusion performs well on paved roads and can handle field roads with occasional mud patches. However, it doesn't fit for real mountain biking in city look. For steep climbs and difficult trails that require quick and controlled handling, this sitting position doesn't work. Biking? Yes. Downhill? Rather not. This is hardly a drawback when you see the bike, you wouldn't think of such adventures.
Smart E-Bike with extensive functions
Along with the bike comes the smart side of Utopia. The Fusion is a moving computer. It can navigate and shows the direction on the handlebar display. When it is carried away, it sets off an alarm. With an integrated SIM card, you always know where the bike is located. In addition, there is a fitness coach and the ability to save and compare tours.
The value of these gadgets can only be judged by the individual rider. The location tracking in case of theft is certainly a benefit for everyone. The feature of bringing music from the smartphone to the built-in speaker via Bluetooth may not be a real added value for everyone. The same applies to route storage, navigation, and fitness control. If you use these functions, they are fun. If you use the bike mainly for shopping or work, you don't need them.
Fusion is affordable - but not cheap
As with the earlier Utopia bikes, the Fusion is not a cheap Jacob's ladder. There are numerous Chinese manufacturers who want to conquer the market with very affordable and yet solid E-bikes. Utopia is in the upper price segment. The Fusion is priced at 3999 Euro. That's not much considering the offer, but it's still almost 4000 Euro. And yet, the Fusion is cheaper than established competitors, whose lightweight carbon frames are significantly more expensive than an aluminum frame. Our opinion: The striking feature of the Fusion is the design combined with the special haptic feeling of the frame. If it clicks, the bike is a great buy. Interested parties should monitor prices. Utopia occasionally starts larger discount campaigns.
The Fusion's mid-motor, sourced from Bafang, sets it apart in the realm of electronics in transportation. It delivers 80 Newtonmeters of torque, rivaling competitors like Bosch and Yamaha. The Fusion, marketed as an affordable e-bike, also boasts smart features, such as navigation, a fitness coach, and a location tracking system, all accessible through its handlebar display. The design of the Fusion, a collaboration between legendary designers Apple and Sony, is a fusion of electronics and aesthetics, making it a desirable choice in the e-bike economy.
