Bikes
Lankeleisi Golf X : test / review
Published on: 23-04-2025 / Modified: 23-04-2025
I tested 3 Lankeleisi fat bikes last year, and what they had in common was their adventurous nature, which meant they could tackle all types of terrain, preferably with one or two very powerful engines. This time, I'm going to change the register completely by testing the Lankeleisi Golf X, which is aimed at a more feminine audience and is not intended to be abused on a stony track. The 960 watts of power are there, as are the big wheels, but I can't see myself going off-road after picking up my bread from the bakery... although!
Where to buy?
The Lankeleisi Golf X is available on the official website:
Lankeleisi Golf X on lankeleisi.co.uk
When you order from the official site, you get a 3-year guarantee, whereas most other sites offer a 1-year guarantee.
Montage
The Lankeleisi Golf X is less imposing than the RV800 Plus that I tested last year, but it's still very heavy, weighing in at 37kg and with the accessories the box must weigh close to 40kg. The bike is almost completely assembled in the box. All you have to do is straighten the handlebars, fit the mudguards, attach the saddle, install the basket and front light and finally fit the wheel. The process is fairly straightforward, but I wasted a lot of time with ... the front mudguard! The screw that attaches it to the bike is too short, so I had to force the fasteners a bit so that the screw could touch both ends.
The rest of the assembly went off without a hitch, and the bike comes with all the tools needed for assembly. Lankeleisi has always been generous with its tools and accessories, so there's nothing missing.
Overview
The Lankeleisi Golf X has a family resemblance to Lankeleisi's other fat bikes. The frame has the same shape, the bike is foldable and it is a configuration with 20-inch tyres. However, the target audience and use are likely to be completely different. The bike weighs 37 kg and can carry a load of up to 200 kg (with a maximum of 100 kg on the luggage rack). The bike is suitable for heights between 160 cm and 195 cm...phew, I'm 194 cm but with a seat tube that long, I think I'll be OK.
The tyres are quite large for this type of bike, 20 x 4 inch Arisun tyres. I haven't yet tested tyres from this brand. They are unique in that they are two-tone, with the colour matching that of the saddle, luggage rack and grips. There's clearly a desire here to create a more harmonious aesthetic than on the usual fat bikes.
The seat height is adjustable, with a difference of about fifteen centimetres between the high and low positions. That's the theory, but I think it's a bit more in reality. I'll check this point with my road test. The seat tilt is also adjustable.
The saddle is covered in leather and should be able to absorb some of the impact of the road, even though there is no suspension at the rear.
The bike comes with a luggage rack that is not removable, but part of the frame. The rack is covered with a wooden board that matches the colour of the saddle and grips. The use of wood gives the bike a warmer feel, but I suspect the surface could be slippery. It's also possible to fit foot supports on either side of the bike so that someone can sit on the luggage rack with their feet on a fixed support.
The bike is fitted with Zoom hydraulic disc brakes. I think these are the same brakes as on the other models I tested. If so, they will have the same strengths and weaknesses. The rear brake probably isn't powerful enough to stop the bike quickly, so you'll probably need to use both brakes for really effective braking. I'll also be checking this point during my road test.
The wiring isn't very discreet, but its position and colour blend in quite well with the bike's frame. This part of the wiring seems to me to be fairly exposed to splashes and perhaps also to foot traffic. I had this problem with a previous model where my foot hit this part of the frame. I wear a size 47/48, so not everyone will be affected by this kind of problem.
With its size, you'd almost forget that this bike is foldable. To fold the bike, simply unlock the lever and push on the frame to put it in the folded position. The process is fairly straightforward, but don't underestimate the weight of the bike and the fact that the front wheel can be turned completely on itself.
The aluminium frame looks as solid as the other models. The Lankeleisi brand is clearly visible and the paintwork is metallic/pearl to give it a more chic/premium look.
The battery is well integrated into the frame, so it can be charged directly on the bike, or you can remove it and charge it at home without having to take the bike inside. It's a 20 Ah battery, which is probably the same as in previous models, although the format is a little different.
The brakes are Zoom brakes, as on the other models. The configuration here is reversed compared to a conventional bike, so it takes a while to get the right reflexes, but in any case, I recommend using both brakes at the same time for more effective braking.
The control panel is different from what I've seen so far. You can, of course, switch the bike on and off, change the assistance level, switch on the headlights, use the horn and also operate the indicators on the underside of the luggage rack.
Flashing lights:
The bike is delivered with a basket that needs to be fitted, but it can work just as well without the basket. You'll need to find another place to attach the headlight, as it fits directly onto the luggage rack.
This bike is fitted with front suspension only. Maximum travel is 45 mm, which should help absorb most minor road bumps. The suspension is adjustable, so you can choose the comfort level yourself. There is no rear suspension.
The crankset has a unique 52-tooth configuration, which is huge. I'm a big fan of cranksets of this size, as it allows for greater development, but it comes at a cost in terms of the effort required to move the bike forward. Fortunately, the 960 watts are there for that.
The cassette is a 7-speed with a Shimano derailleur. I haven't received any information on the configuration, but it will no doubt be similar to the X3000 Max, with 14 teeth for the smallest bearing. With a 52x14 configuration, you'll be able to continue pedalling beyond the motor clamping to gain speed without the help of the motor.
The screen seems to me to be the same as on the other models I tested. The 'Dukawey' branding has disappeared, but the screen size and format seem similar. If that's the case, I'd expect the readability in bright sunlight to be less than ideal, but we'll see on the road.
Road test
Level of assistance
To take full advantage of the bike's power, you need to understand how it is configured. Here's an overview of the limitations by level.
Level 1: assistance up to 15 km/h and 20% of total power
Level 2: assistance up to 24 km/h and 40% of total power
Level 3: assistance up to 33 km/h and 60% of total power
Level 4: assistance up to 40 km/h and 80% of total power
Level 5: assistance up to 46 km/h and 100% of total power
The bike is limited to 25 km/h, so you can reach maximum speed from the second level. You can, of course, unbridle the bike to reach the next levels. It's only at level 5 that you can use the bike's full power.
This bike is also equipped with a torque sensor that makes using the motor even more enjoyable. The bike reacts immediately and adapts to your pace. There's no latency like on previous models.
Effort test
To test the impact of assistance on effort, I use a 2.5% gradient that stretches for 690 metres. First I climb this slope without assistance, then with level 1 and finally with level 5. I climb this slope trying to keep my speed as close as possible to 25 km/h and I measure my heart rate for each run.
Route 1: no assistance
Journey time: 2 minutes 14 seconds
Average speed: 18.53 km/h
Maximum heart rate: 168
This bike is very heavy and climbing a slope (even a slight one) is a challenge. My heart rate skyrocketed to almost 170 and I couldn't keep up the 25km/h pace.
Route 2: Level 1 assistance
Journey time: 2 minutes 2 seconds
Average speed: 20.36 km/h
Maximum heart rate: 149
Assistance level 1 does a good job because the heart rate gradually rises towards 149 and the average speed is much higher.
Route 3: Level 5 assistance
Journey time: 1 minute 58 seconds
Average speed: 21.05 km/h
Maximum heart rate: 140
Assistance level 5 allowed me to get up to 25 km/h quickly and stay on course to the end. The average speed of 21 km/h should actually be 23 km/h because the bike was configured for 24-inch wheels and the actual speed was higher. With 140 pulses and keeping on course for 25 km/h, this climb was a walk in the park.
Brake test
Up until now, brakes have not been a strength at Lankeleisi. If they were used individually, the braking distance was far too long. I've noticed a marked improvement in the efficiency of the brakes on this bike. The braking distance with the brakes used individually is much better. The best solution is obviously to use both brakes, but that's not necessary here.
Note that the brakes are reversed compared to a normal bike. The front brake is on the right.
Battery range
When I test a bike, I don't use it normally because I test all the assistance levels in abnormal proportions. When I'm riding, I also tend to push the bike to its maximum capacity. Under these conditions, I got a range of around 50 km. If you ride a bit more normally, I think you could reach 80 km. You should be able to reach 100 km if you stay at the first assistance level and in ideal conditions. In reality, you'll probably never have ideal conditions, which is why I'd go for 80 km.
Comfort
- Saddles
Saddle comfort is excellent, and not just because of the seat. The saddle is fitted with suspension in the tube, and this is the first time I've tested a bike with this type of suspension. It provides enormous comfort compared to a saddle without suspension. It's clearly one of this bike's strong points.
- Suspension
The front suspension is probably of the same type as the X2000 Max and X3000 Max because I didn't really notice any difference with those bikes. I've ridden them on roads in poor condition and the combination of front suspension and saddle offers a level of comfort that's well above average.
Route
I used one of my routes to measure time, speed and heart rate. I then compare the results with what I've obtained with other bikes.
This time I chose a 13km route, which I covered with the bike clamped and the wrong configuration limiting assistance to 23km/h.
Journey time: 33:40
Maximum heart rate: 155
Average heart rate: 138
Top speed: 39.6 km/h
Average speed: 23.5 km/h
If I compare these results with the same route on my (non-electric) racing bike:
Journey time: 31:19
Maximum heart rate: 172
Average heart rate: 153
Maximum speed: 51.7 km/h
Average speed: 25.3 km/h
The comparison is obviously not very fair, as the course is obviously more difficult without assistance. This comparison shows just how easy it is to cover these 13 km with the Lankeleisi Golf X.
Speed test
The bike is limited to 25 km/h and this speed can be reached from the second assistance level. If you want to unlock the bike, you need to press and hold the M button on the console and then press M several times to reach the speed configuration screen. You'll recognise it easily because it's the only one indicating a speed of 25 km/h. So you can blow up the limit and keep the motor assistance on a higher speed. In theory, you can go up to 46 km/h, but this will depend on road conditions and your weight. With the wind resistance of this bike and my weight, I'm just over 40 km/h.
If you decide to debride the bike, don't forget to check the local legislation for this type of bike, as you may have to register it and take out insurance.
Taking the bike out of gear changes the cycling experience, because you get a very high-performance bike, but don't forget that it also means that the bike's fuel consumption will skyrocket. Your range is therefore likely to drop below 50 km.
The speed displayed is not correct, it is too high in relation to reality. If you are doing 25 km/h with the bike, the real speed will be 23 km/h. If you want to correct the problem, simply enter the bike configuration using the M button and change the wheel size from 24 to 22 inches.
Target audience
The target audience for this bike is undoubtedly not the same as for the X3000 Max, even though Lankeleisi's DNA is clearly visible in this bike too. It's a more practical bike with its equipment (luggage rack, basket, etc.) that doesn't compromise on power (960 watts). The public is undoubtedly more feminine, but not necessarily, the bike is still quite heavy and even folded, you need to be able to lift 37kg to put it in a boot, for example. It's not for everyone, men or women.
That's why I don't think this bike is going to be as gendered as it looks. The chassis is solid enough to take a beating, as are the tyres, so you could just as easily pick up your bread from the bakery by taking a short diversions along a muddy path.
Conclusion/opinion
I was a bit sceptical when I received this bike because it's clearly not my kind of bike. I have no use for such a practical, heavy bike. But I'm glad I tested it, because it really surprised me. The performance of the motor (power, torque) and the torque sensor provide incredible comfort and add to that the suspension in the saddle, and you have a very high-performance bike without the slightest sacrifice in comfort at . You get the best of both worlds, with a practical bike on the one hand and a high-performance bike on the other.
I also noticed a few improvements over previous models. In particular, the brakes are more efficient and the display is much easier to read, even in bright sunlight. This bike will appeal to a wide range of riders, men and women, young and old. You can opt for a leisurely ride with minimal effort, or you can decide to push a little harder, with the torque sensor to help you out.
The few weaknesses are not really blocking points. I was surprised by the wind grip, I could hear the wind whistling through the bike and the very upright position caused a lot of friction with the wind. The front mudguard doesn't stay in place very well and as it's made of plastic, it tends to make a lot of noise. Using the maximum comfort of the bike is very tempting but it plays a big role in the range, which is quite normal but you have to take it into account for long journeys. There's also an error in the wheel configuration, you need to configure 22-inch wheels otherwise the speed displayed by the bike isn't correct.
Lankeleisi has hit the nail on the head with this bike. Previous models such as the X3000 Max were not accessible to everyone because of their size and power. The Lankeleisi Golf X, on the other hand, is accessible to everyone, offering excellent comfort thanks to its suspension and saddle, while also offering very good engine performance.
Strenghts
Engine power
Couple
Torque sensor
Suspension / saddle
Complete equipment
Aesthetics
Braking power
Screen legibility
Suitable for larger sizes
Weaknesses
Big catch in the wind
Front mudguard that moves
Autonomy with maximum level of assistance
Incorrectly configured wheel size
LAURENT WILLENHead of myself on this blog
I share my passions on my blog in my free time since 2006, I prefer that to watching nonsense on TV or on social networks. I work alone, I am undoubtedly one of the last survivors of the world of blogs and personal sites.
My speciality? Digital in all its forms. I have spent the last 25 years working for multinationals where I managed digital teams and generated revenues of over €500 million per year. I have expertise in telecoms, media, aviation, travel and tourism.
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