The T Type was the only member of the E-Omnia family at this week’s premier that was available for testing. The “T” in its name stands for “Tourer,” but it’s stout Class 3 motor and built-in rack makes it a solid daily commuter.
It shares the same gravity forged angular aluminum frame we see in the other E-Omina bikes, but this version comes in a high step and mid-step option.
A Bosch Performance Speed motor capable of Class 3 (28 mph) speed is built into the bottom bracket and a 625Wh Bosch Powertube battery is hidden inside the frame. It’s got a Velomann suspension seatpost to smooth out bumps and a SR Suntour 120mm XCM34 front air fork with boost hub spacing and a thru axle for added stiffness.
It’s spec’d with a Shimano XT 12-speed rear derailleur and a Deore shifter, which makes for a really solid and crisp shifting commuter drivetrain. Like all the other E-Omnia bikes, it’s chock-full of thoughtful features like front, rear and side integrated lights, a Bosch Purion display and an extremely stout looking rear rack that’s welded to the frame. Bianchi couldn’t say how much weight that rear rack is capable of holding, but accessories are available for an integrated child seat and pannier bags and a Bianchi rep assured me the rack would easily hold a full-size adult.
We didn’t have lots of time on the T Type, but the bike rode exceptionally smooth during our short test ride. I’m usually a seatpost suspension skeptic (they can sometimes ride like a cheap pogo-stick) but the Velomann felt plush and supportive, especially paired with the SR Suntour fork. We’re seeing more high-end commuter bikes spec’d with mountain bike drivetrains and the Shimano XT rear derailleur that comes on the T Type seems to be the industry’s go-to of the bunch. It shifts crisp and the clutch mechanism keeps the chain from slapping the frame, even when romping over speed bumps and curbs.
The Bosch Performance Speed motor is one of my all-time favorites for commuting. Its responsiveness is top-tier and it gets up to speed very quickly. The bike in general rides well, especially considering it’s a little on the hefty side. Several Bianchi reps noted that the gravity forging process, while good for making unique shapes out of aluminum, is a heavier framebuilding method. Bianchi hasn’t published the weight of the E-Omnia bikes yet, but I was told the T Type likely clocks in around 60 lbs.
At $6,000, the T Type is likely going to be a commuter for people who’ve already discovered e-bikes and are sold on their transportation potential. In Europe, Bianchi’s got a fuller lineup of bikes including some more affordable options, and with the promise of more e-bike launches in the coming months it’s going to be interesting to see if the E-Omnia bikes start showing up at cheaper price points.
Keep an eye on Electric Bike Report for a full review of the T Type in the coming months.
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