Electra Loft 7i Equipped Step-Over

List the components used to build up the bike.

Frame : 6061-T6 aluminum

Fork : Hi-ten steel unicrown, straight/tapered leg

Wheels

Front hub : Shimano Nexus Dynamo 32h

Rear hub : Shimano Nexus 7-speed internal F/W 32h

Rims : Double-wall alloy, 700c– 32h

Tyres : 700 x 38c City tread

Drivetrain

Shifters : Shimano Revo 7-speed twist shifter

Crank : Forged alloy, 170 mm w/44T, alloy chainguard

Bottom bracket : Sealed cartridge 68 mm/116 mm

Cassette : 20T

Chain : KMC Z7 nickel plated

Pedals : Alloy platform w/non-slip rubber tread

Components

Saddle : Retro leatherette dual spring

Seatpost : Alloy micro adjust 27.2 mm x 300 mm

Handlebar : Alloy custom bend 30 mm rise

Grips : Hand-stitched leatherette

Stem : Steel 25.4 mm quill

Head set : 1" steel threaded

Brake set : Front/rear: alloy dual pivot caliper

Accessories

Front light : Dynamo powered Spanninga LED

Rear light : Battery powered LED

Tell us what the bike is for and who it's aimed at. What do the manufacturers say about it? How does that compare to your own feelings about the bike?

Two words sum it up - comfortable commuting. Trek (Electra's parent company) bill it as lightweight, durable and fun to ride. The latter two seem true but any bike with a hub dynamo, seven rear hub gears and a full array of city bike extras is going to struggle to be a lightweight - 'comparatively light' is a better description, compared to other machines of similar spec.

Where does this model sit in the range? Tell us briefly about the cheaper options and the more expensive options

This is the fanciest model in the UK range before you get to the electric Loft Go! 5i EQ Step-Thru 400Wh at £2,900. The mech-shifted Loft 7D (D is for Derailleur, 7 is for 7 gears) is the cheapest at £575, and as it's not 'Equipped' it lacks the lights and rack.

There are mech and hub-geared step-thru versions as well.

Tell us about the build quality and finish of the frame and fork?

As you would expect of a bike from the Trek stable, build quality and finish looks spot on.

Tell us about the materials used in the frame and fork?

The 6061-T6 aluminium frame could easily be steel judging by appearances, with its trad-looking cylindrical black tubing. It's matched with a high-tensile steel fork.

Tell us about the geometry of the frame and fork?

The most notable aspect of the geometry is its so-called Flat Foot Technology, which gives a rather more raked-back seat tube and places the rider further back from the pedals. It means the seat can be relatively low to the ground while still giving you a decent stretch to the pedals, allowing you put your feet reassuringly flat on the ground when stopped.

How was the bike in terms of height and reach? How did it compare to other bikes of the same stated size?

There are two frame sizes: medium (advised for 5'4" to 6'2" riders) and large (5'8" to 6'3"). My medium model felt quite large, but that was probably due to the sit-up-and-beg riding position and the wide, high, swept-back handlebars.

Was the bike comfortable to ride? Tell us how you felt about the ride quality.

The Loft gives an exceedingly comfortable ride.

Did the bike feel stiff in the right places? Did any part of the bike feel too stiff or too flexible?

The frame feels very stiff and transfers power nicely, while the steel forks no doubt help with the very comfortable ride.

How did the bike transfer power? Did it feel efficient?

For a heavyish town bike it feels nippy on the flat, but a little slow up the hills; that's more to do with gearing than frame stiffness, perhaps.

Tell us some more about the handling. How did the bike feel overall? Did it do particular things well or badly?

Extremely predictable and safe feeling...

Which components had the most effect (good or bad) on the bike's comfort? would you recommend any changes?

The hub dynamo and hub gears worked faultlessly. Braking from the dual pivot rim brakes is acceptable rather than spectacular, and disc brakes - cable or hydraulic - would be a good upgrade.

Which components had the most effect (good or bad) on the bike's efficiency? would you recommend any changes?

Lower gearing would transform performance uphill, and good discs would do the same on the way down.

Tell us some more about the drivetrain. Anything you particularly did or didn't like? Any components which didn't work well together?

The Shimano Nexus hub has evenly-spaced gears, and can be shifted through several gears whilst on the move or stationary - ideal for stop/start town riding.

How does the price compare to that of similar bikes in the market, including ones recently tested on road.cc?

It's okay - there are slightly heavier bikes out there with similar (or even extra) features for lower prices, though.

Use this box to explain your overall score

This is a well-made town bike that saves a kilogram or two over cheaper competition, and comes fully equipped for easy, low-maintenance use. If your home town is relatively flat it's a great option – if not, the rather tall gearing and merely adequate brakes may disappoint given the price.