Lee Cougan is expanding its range with a full-sized enduro e-bike. The new Flö combines 160 millimetres of suspension travel with a lightweight carbon frame, mullet wheels and the powerful Avinox M2S drive unit. Two models are available, starting at 6,899 euros.
Initial assessment of the Flö
A strange name: but with the Flö, Lee Cougan is making a remarkably consistent entry into the full-power e-enduro class. Instead of an electrified XC bike, the Italians are launching a 160-millimetre full-suspension bike featuring a robust ZEB fork, enduro tyres and a modern mullet platform. However, caution is advised given the large differences in reach between the three sizes. A test ride will be needed to see how the rather high bottom bracket and low stack measure up in practice. - Adrian Kaether, Test & Technology Editor
Lee Cougan has so far been known primarily for sporty cross-country mountain bikes and gravel bikes. However, with the Flö unveiled at Sea Otter Europe, Basso’s sister brand is now taking a decidedly more rugged direction: The Italian brand’s first Avinox e-MTB offers 160 millimetres of suspension travel at both the front and rear, positioning it firmly in the downhill-oriented e-bike segment.
The Flö is powered by the compact Avinox M2S, which provides ample support with a standard maximum torque of 130 Nm and up to 150 Nm in boost mode. Both models are powered by a permanently integrated 800 Wh battery. With prices of €6,899 and €8,699, Lee Cougan remains, at least on paper, below some of Avinox’s higher-priced competitors. However, there is no truly affordable entry-level bike.
Flat carbon frame with a four-bar rear suspension system
The Flö makes no secret of its downhill ambitions. The large-diameter tubes flow seamlessly into one another without making the bike look overly bulky. The motor and battery are neatly integrated into the carbon frame. Lee Cougan states that the frame set in size M, including hardware, weighs 2.5 kilograms and describes it as the lightest frame in its class.
At the rear, a four-link suspension is used with a pivot point arranged concentrically with the rear axle, similar, for example, to as with the iLynx bra (reviewed here). The shock absorber, which is mounted vertically in front of the seat tube, is easily accessible and should also make it easier to switch between different shock absorber models. Overall, the design appears functional.
The cable routing is interesting: the bike on display at the trade fair featured classic routing along the frame. However, with the production model, buyers and dealers will be able to choose between external cable routing and internal routing through the headset. In this way, Lee Cougan leaves the decision between a tidy appearance and easier maintenance up to the owner.
Standard as a Mullet, optional as a 29er
Straight from the factory, the Flö hits the trails with a 29-inch front wheel and a 27.5-inch rear wheel. The mullet configuration is designed to combine the roll characteristics of a large front wheel with a more agile rear end. Alternatively, a flip chip can be used to adjust the frame to a full 29-inch setup. Tyres up to 2.6 inches wide are said to fit in the rear triangle.
Short 160-millimetre cranks are designed to reduce the risk of the pedals hitting the ground. Added to this are an integrated chain guide and Vario seatposts that can be lowered relatively far: Lee Cougan features 150-millimetre travel in size S, whilst sizes M and L each have 170 millimetres. Given the short seat tubes, however, one might wish for a little more travel.
Avinox M2S with an 800 Wh battery
According to the manufacturer, the M2S weighs around 2.6 kilograms and delivers up to 130 Nm of torque continuously. In the temporary boost mode, the torque rises to 150 Nm. The peak power output is up to 1,300 watts. The system is operated via wireless handlebar controllers and the OLED touchscreen display embedded in the top tube. A fast-charging function is also included in the system.
With the Carbon Pro, integration goes one step further: the SRAM GX AXS electronic rear derailleur is powered directly from the bike’s main battery. This means, as with many bikes, there’s no need for a separate AXS battery on the rear derailleur – which is handy, as you only need to check and charge one battery before setting off on your ride.
Shape: Flat, central and quite long
When it comes to geometry, Lee Cougan has opted for established enduro specifications, but offers the bike in just three sizes rather than the usual four. This results in larger gaps between the individual frame sizes. The head angle is 64 degrees across all three frame sizes. This promises a smooth ride on steep descents, without the bike becoming too wobbly on extremely flat downhill sections. The 77-degree seat angle is designed to position the rider centrally over the motor and bottom bracket when climbing.
The reach increases from 443 millimetres in size S, through 467 millimetres in M, to an impressive 500 millimetres in L. Whilst size M strikes a good balance and has a modern feel, the large Flö is decidedly long. Anyone considering a bike that falls between two sizes should therefore take a close look: there is, after all, a 33-millimetre difference in reach between M and L.
The chainstays remain at 445 millimetres across all sizes. For a 160-millimetre e-MTB, this is neither particularly short nor excessively long and is likely to strike a sensible balance between traction, smoothness and manoeuvrability in corners. However, because the rear triangle does not increase in size in line with the frame sizes, the weight distribution changes: in size L, the ratio between a 500-millimetre reach and a 445-millimetre rear triangle results in a significantly more front-heavy balance than on the smaller frame.
An Overview of Geometry
| Recommended height | 155–170 cm | 170–180 cm | 180–190 cm |
| Reach | 443 mm | 467 mm | 500 mm |
| Stack | 620 mm | 634 mm | 647 mm |
| Seat tube | 400 mm | 420 mm | 445 mm |
| Steering angle | 64° | 64° | 64° |
| Seat angle | 77° | 77° | 77° |
| Chainstays | 445 mm | 445 mm | 445 mm |
| Wheelbase | 1,224 mm | 1,255 mm | 1,294 mm |
| Bottom bracket height | 348 mm | 348 mm | 348 mm |
| Dropper travel | 150 mm | 170 mm | 170 mm |
The short seat tubes are a real highlight. Even the large model measures just 445 millimetres, offering plenty of freedom of movement on steep terrain. The wheelbase has increased from 1,224 to 1,294 millimetres – the L model should therefore feel particularly at home on fast, open stretches of road. However, the rather low stack height and the quite high bottom bracket could hinder the rider’s integration with the bike.
Lee Cougan Flö Carbon: Entry-level model with mechanical transmission
The Flö Carbon is the entry-level model, priced at 6,899 euros. The frame, motor, battery and suspension travel are the same as on the top-of-the-range model. For the suspension, Lee Cougan has opted for a RockShox ZEB Select with 160 millimetres of travel and a Super Deluxe Select. This means even the more affordable model is clearly designed for challenging trails.
Gear changes are handled by a mechanical SRAM Eagle 90 drivetrain. Braking is provided by Magura MT5 four-piston brakes. The Mullet wheels in the Ursus Pura M range are made of aluminium and are fitted with Continental Kryptotal tyres featuring a robust enduro casing. The choice of components appears practical and is likely to appeal particularly to riders who prefer mechanical gear changes due to their ease of maintenance.
Lee Cougan Flö Carbon Pro: Ultimate suspension and carbon wheels
The Flö Carbon Pro costs 8,699 euros. Its RockShox suspension comprises a ZEB Ultimate and a Super Deluxe Ultimate. As mentioned, the SRAM GX Eagle electronic drivetrain is powered directly by the main battery.
When it comes to brakes, Lee Cougan has switched to the Magura Gustav Elite. Another key difference is the use of Ursus Pura M carbon wheels. Continental Kryptotal tyres underline the bike’s enduro credentials.
Models and prices
| Flö Carbon | RockShox ZEB Select / Super Deluxe Select | SRAM Eagle 90 drivetrain, mechanical | Magura MT5 | Ursus Pura M Aluminium | 6,899 euros |
| Flö Carbon Pro | RockShox ZEB Ultimate / Super Deluxe Ultimate | SRAM GX Eagle AXS drivetrain | Magura Gustav Elite | Ursus Pura M Carbon | 8,699 euros |
Adrian Kaether
Editor