I love riding my trusty road bike around London, but I spend a lot of time testing out the best running shoes while training for a marathon or trying out a new workout. So when I hit a hill or have a particularly long commute, my legs don't have the same appreciation for the bike.

You would think that an electric-assist bicycle would be the obvious solution, but I naively assumed that electric-assist bicycles were for the elderly or those with mobility issues who want to enjoy cycling without the effort that a traditional bicycle requires. Until I test rode Orbea's newest electrically assisted bicycle.

The bike was launched earlier this month and is called the Diem. Inspired by the well-known Latin phrase "Carpe Diem" (which translates to "seize the day"), the Diem is designed to make getting from A to B painless and fun. Sleek, lightweight frame, built-in wraparound lights, and Shimano motors. Having tested Shimano's EP8 motor in the Scottish Highlands last year, we had high hopes for the motor alone. But what about the actual ride? I headed to Düsseldorf, Germany, and spent a day riding the Diem along the scenic riverside roads along the Rhine and through busy urban streets to see how the bike really felt

. Don't worry, no matter which model you choose, you'll get the same urban, minimalist look. But the differences to consider, which will help you determine which Diem model best suits your needs as a cyclist, are the battery and motor variants.

The Diem 30 ($3,799) combines a Shimano EP600 motor and a 540 Wh battery to provide a balanced blend of performance and range. The Diem 20 ($4,599) also features the same EP600 motor but boasts a larger 630Wh battery, ideal for riders looking to increase range without compromising motor efficiency. And for riders who prioritize power and performance, the Diem 10 ($5,599) with Shimano's EP801 motor and 630 Wh battery pack is a standout, offering torque and responsiveness for more demanding riding conditions.

In addition, all models have the flexibility to further extend their range with an optional 250 Wh range extender, catering to those who want more endurance for their journeys.

I rode around on the Diem 30 all day, enjoying the near-silent sound of the motor and testing the bike on steep downhills not designed for cycling, and could see just how powerful the motor is. In total, they cycled about 13.5 miles, and according to the watch, the Diem had consumed 32% of its battery by the end of the cycling session.

Tracking the bike's battery life was very easy and could be synced to my phone using the E-Tube app, and I was surprised to see the bike's battery life displayed in the Garmin Fenix e-bike activity tracking mode.

When I use the word easy, I am of course thankful to Shimano EP motors for the seamless boost. After all, Shimano is the world's leading e-bike motor manufacturer. But I would also use the term to describe the overall riding experience.

First, the Diem 30 was easy to get on and off. It is not fun to gracefully climb on a bike that is heavy and difficult to get on and off, or one with a noticeably taller frame. Thankfully, the Diem has a low center of gravity frame, making it easy to get on and off. This is especially beneficial for those with mobility issues, limited flexibility, or those who ride the Diem in skirts or dresses.

The bike was also equipped with a rear carrier, so I didn't have to worry about the feel of a backpack on my back. I attached panniers to the rear carrier and rode with everything from a laptop to a bag full of mini Kit Kats. Diem offers a choice of a 44 lb/20 kg rear carrier or a 66 lb/30 kg rear carrier. There is also an option to install a front rack that can hold 22 lbs/10 kg.

Simply put your feet up on the kickstand, push the power button on the handlebar, and you are ready to go. LED lights on the small display bar indicate which mode you are in, and the buttons are within touching distance of the handlebars to make adjusting the power mode as easy as possible.

As I got used to the feel of the bike and how it responded to my movements and efforts, I understood what the Orbea team meant when they said that the bike should feel like an extension of yourself. The bike seemed to understand what the surface changes and inclines demanded and adjusted itself accordingly without jolting me forward or bringing me to an abrupt stop.

I know I have the best carbon running shoes, but this was my first experience with a bicycle carbon fiber fork. A bicycle fork is the part of the bike that holds the front wheel and attaches to the bike frame. It plays an important role in steering, stability, and overall bicycle handling. They also absorb vibrations and impacts from the road surface, contributing to the comfort and control of the bicycle. The Diem bike combines a carbon fork with wider tires to help absorb bumps in rough urban terrain. I felt the benefits of both while riding in Düsseldorf, especially when I hit the cobblestones in the city center.

Now let's talk about weight: the Diem 30 weighs 50.7 lbs/23 kg, the Diem 20 52 lbs/23.6 kg, and the Diem 10 53.3 lbs/24.2 kg. e-bikes on average weigh between 30 lbs and 80 lbs, and the Diem falls pretty evenly in this range. The Diem is about evenly distributed in this range. For urban commuting, these weights are reasonable and manageable for most riders.

However, while using the bike in Düsseldorf, I thought about my London apartment, which I have to climb steep, narrow stairs to reach; after a 45-minute commute, some days I resent the thought of climbing stairs on a road bike, let alone a 23 kg e-bike. But with e-bikes, it is important to remember that dealing with a motor and battery-powered bike makes the overall riding experience considerably less physically demanding.

The Diem's handlebars centralize all of the cables and buttons needed to manage the e-ride; while riding the Diem, I had easy access to the power button and switch settings. There is also a button to lower the seat post, which is useful when waiting at traffic lights to keep your feet on the ground for stability or when maneuvering tight corners on the bike.

As on most e-bikes, there is a built-in smartphone mount in the center of the handlebar, and to safely secure your smartphone to the bike, you need a case that is compatible with the bike. This is useful for people like me who are not good at navigating and rely on maps. It also has a built-in USB-C charging port, so you can ride according to your route and GPS functions and not worry about the battery draining and not being able to power your phone. One thing I will say is that the phone mount feels quite low and is a bit of a strain to look down for long periods of time, but this is a fairly minor complaint.

As for the lights, every rider needs them on their bike, and they are a non-negotiable accessory on a Diem that is integrated into the bike's exterior. Diem's design incorporates front and rear lights that remain on at all times while the bike is turned on, ensuring visibility on the road regardless of lighting or weather conditions. Although we did not have the opportunity to drive the bike at night, we were able to confirm that the lights were effective from the moment they were turned on. We were also able to test the lights while driving through a tunnel and were impressed with the amount of light the bike projected onto the road and oncoming traffic.

My biggest concern with owning an attractive e-bike like the Diem is that it could be stolen in a city like London, where bicycle theft is common. However, I was relieved to discover that the Diem's battery is mounted inside the bike, making it quite difficult to steal this expensive component.

But could someone steal the entire bicycle? However, there is a hidden space on the bicycle for mounting an AirTag or other compatible tracker. So even if the worst-case scenario occurs and the bicycle is stolen, there are means to facilitate tracking. The risk of bicycle theft will vary from city to city, but having had my bike stolen in my first week of moving to London, I am always on the lookout.

Overall, I am pleased with my riding experience with the Diem e-bike. Since I was testing the bike in a strange city, I am eager to test it in my daily life back home to get a feel for how its performance and features adapt to the various terrains and traffic dynamics of urban commuting in a bustling metropolis like London.