The triumphant advance of e-bikes is unstoppable! After city e-bikes and trekking e-bikes conquered the city and the bike paths, E-MTBs set out to rediscover mountains and terrain. Every now and then in between there was an e-road bike, but these bikes were rather ridiculed. Too heavy, too sluggish and also much too slow! A road bike easily reaches the permitted 25 km/h, and then what??
But the manufacturers of the drives did not let up, they continued to tinker diligently and peeled off gram for gram from the electric systems. The batteries and motors also got smaller in the process, they are now barely visible. With that, the time was ripe for racing bikes with electric assistance. In the meantime, a completely new type of bike entered the scene, gravel bikes made the beautiful and delicate racing machines suitable for everyday use and ready for big bike tours, the now so popular bikepacking was invented (you can also call it "bike tour with overnight stay in a tent and dropbar"). All the more reason to support riders here with an electric motor!
Whether you're looking for a speed rush or enjoyable touring with road handlebars is on your agenda, an e-road bike or an e-gravel opens up many new possibilities.
The Shortcut:
This is an e-road bike or e-gravel bike
Race bikes and gravel bikes tend to get lumped together, but they have completely different uses. What they have in common at first glance is mainly the handlebars. Both bikes are usually ridden with a drop bar or road handlebar. Then, on closer inspection, you'll probably notice more and more differences. While race bikes live up to their name and mainly like to race, i.e. go fast and need a smooth surface, gravel bikes are much more comfortable and versatile. They are more comfortable and can be retrofitted with numerous pieces of equipment to suit the owner's needs. The same goes for the motorized versions, i.e. e-race bikes and e-gravel bikes.
> You can read more information about road bikes in the corresponding category.
> Our gravel bikes also have a detailed buying guide to help you choose the right gravel e-bike.
The geometry of an electric road bike and a gravel e-bike
Already in their frame construction, e-race bikes and gravels differ more or less significantly.
Aroad bike turns out significantly lighter than a Gravel, but this point is rather negligible for E-race bikes. You can expect a big reach, but there is less stack, so the handlebars are quite low. The saddle sits way up in the air on a long seatpost, I'm sure you've noticed this on road bikes. Overall, a road cyclist sits stretched out and bent far forward, with the nose almost at the stem. This geometry puts you in an aerodynamic and fast riding position. Comfortable? Well ... But fast.
On a gravel bike, the all-clear is given on all these points. The seating position is less extreme, after all, a gravel bike should be fun for everyday riding or for days of bikepacking.
Please remember, these are generalizations! You can also buy more comfortable road bikes or sporty gravels. There are many different manufacturers and also many different models, so there is a wide range of different geometries, and an e-bike to suit every cyclist.
The drive system of an e-race bike
On other e-bike drives, the records stack up, faster, further, more. That's not the case with a road bike, of course. Here, it's more about choosing a drive that's invisible and as light as possible. And indeed, a lot has happened in the drive system market in recent years. Many manufacturers now build their own motors and batteries. Other manufacturers have shrunk their systems and instead of clunky over-motorization, are now going for "just as much as necessary". This has the advantage that these motors can be perfectly integrated into the design of the bikes. Especially in the development of e-race bikes, this has provided a real leap forward.
The drives fitted to e-bike road bikes are particularly lightweight, they usually feature linear assistance rather than pushing forward at points with a lot of pull.
The invisible battery for e-race bikes and gravel e-bikes
A road bike with a clunky battery on the frame would be a real no-go, so the batteries on road bikes add little weight and can be fully integrated into the frame. The batteries have become lighter and smaller, they usually disappear in the down tube, but that is now the case with many e-bikes. Batteries that are built specifically for road bikes are particularly slim, often you do not see the bike even from the side that it has a battery. On thedrive by Fazua the battery unit can be completely removed, you can then just ride off with a few kilos less on board and pick up a workout.
E-race bikes don't usually have massive battery capacity and therefore range. They're meant to get you underway at points rather than provide sustained support.
Perfect motors for e-race bikes and gravel e-bikes
The motors also no longer dangle unsightly under the bottom bracket, they are part of the frame and disappear completely behind the crank - at least from the right side of the bike. With a medium amount of torque, the motors provide enough support on hills, when starting off or accelerating, otherwise they don't play up unpleasantly. As small and light as possible is the motto here!
At 25 km/h is the end?
25 km/h, about that road cyclists can actually only smile tiredly. After all, the fun on a road bike only just begins at 25 km/h! The legal regulation that limits e-bike motors at 25 km/h was a real stumbling block for developers for a long time. Older drives then did not provide any further support, but rather caused unpleasant pedalling resistance. But since modern e-bike motors decouple completely when the maximum permitted speed is reached and thus do not provide any unwanted resistance, there are no longer any limits to the speed rush, at least not technically!
The gears
On e-race bikes and e-gravel bikes you get derailleurs, usually 1-speed or 2-speed gears are mounted, which are combined with 11- or 12-speed cassettes. This gives you plenty of leeway for any incline or different surfaces if you're riding a gravel.
Brake systems on the e-road bike and the e-gravel
While rim brakes are still popular on organic road bikes, the electric versions are all hydraulic disc brakes. The heavy vehicles benefit from better stopping power, especially on downhills and at high speeds.
Make sure the brakes on your new bike are approved for e-bikes! Since more weight and high speeds place high demands on the brakes, there are special braking systems here and also the spare parts and wear parts are particularly durable!
And the brakes are also suitable for e-bikes.
The perfect tires
Road bike wheels are narrow, light and have little tread. They have excellent rollover behavior. However, they tend to get slippery when wet, on loose surfaces or in autumn leaves, as much grip is not one of their positive characteristics. Since there is little air cushion, they do not cushion much.
The tires of gravel bikes are wider and treaded. So they cushion better, allow riding on worse surfaces and have a better grip.
The same applies to gravel bikes.
The same goes for the corresponding e-bikes.
How much does an e-road bike or e-gravel bike weigh?
Finally, the all-important question: how much weight should you expect? Road bikes are some of the lightest bikes around, with a carbon road bike only weighing in at a couple of kilos. Gravel bikes, of course, weigh a bit more thanks to their comprehensive equipment. But what about the e-bike versions?
E-road bikes are also cutting weight at every turn, with more expensive models in particular scraping the 10kg mark. Robust e-racers weigh a bit more, the wide tyres alone add more weight. Adding accessories such as a rear rack, large tyres, mudguards and lights will increase the weight. Expect about 15 kilograms or more.
To ensure that the bike is suitable for off-road use, i.e. to better withstand vibrations, dust and loose surfaces, the equipment on a gravel e-bike is always more robust and particularly durable, while on a road bike the low weight plays the supporting role!
Is an e-road bike or gravel e-bike the right bike for you?
A road bike is perfect for you if, for whatever reason, you're frustrated by a lack of fitness. Every road cyclist is getting on in years, so it would be much more of a shame to stay home than to treat yourself to a bit of support! Especially if you like to ride in a group and don't want to chase the others, an e-road bike or a gravel bike will help you maintain brisk speeds.
An e-bike is also great motivation for convalescents or bikers who simply don't have enough time for constant training. Before you put your bike in the corner in frustration because cycling takes too much out of you - get help! If your dream tour is just too long for your fitness, a motor can help you every day on the last meters. If alpine passes are your dream, you don't have to get in the car, with a little electric assistance the breathtaking views are yours!
If you like to set speed records on the road and have some tailwind, you should buy an e-road bike. If you like to go on enjoyable bike rides or need a sporty bike for your everyday rides, you should shop at our gravel e-bikes.
The features of e-race bikes and gravel e-bikes at a glance:
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E-race bike:
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E-gravel bike:
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- Deep, athletic seating posture
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- Comfortable, more upright sitting posture
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- without everyday equipment
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- Comfort equipment possible
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- enables longer tours without fatigue
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How does an e-road bike ride, how does a gravel e-bike ride?
E-gravel bikes are more like touring bikes or city bikes. Instead of chasing speed records, they are often ridden in everyday life and then replace a city bike. Or they may go on a big tour with you, in which case they pass for a trekking bike. Both types of bike are known primarily for their riding comfort, and e-gravel bikes fit the bill. You ride in a relaxed, more upright riding position. Gravel bikes like to be a little flexible, and not just in the area of use. Even in the frame construction, ulitmative stiffness is not the top priority, the compliant frame increases the ride comfort a bit more. Still, you get a race bike handlebar, but adapted to the demands of a long bike ride. A Gravellen handlebar not only curves downward, it also flared outward. This "flare" allows you to reach around to change the position of your arms so they don't tire too quickly. Wider handlebars also improve your control of the bike, giving you a better grip on your gravel e-bike off-road.
A E-road bike, just like a regular road bike, delivers propulsion first and foremost. The riding position is low and therefore aerodynamic. Comfortable? As I said, rather nay...
Most road bikes have excellent stiffness ratings, so they ride even more efficiently, for that there's really nothing at all to dampen your ride a bit.
Generally, a road bike is for fast riding on well-maintained roads, while a gravel bike is a good-natured all-rounder that can get around town, on gravel, dirt roads or forest trails.
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E-race bike:
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E-gravel bike:
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- Dynamic and with a lot of propulsion, therefore fast
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- Decent engine assistance on inclines and when starting
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- Sustained support on long tours
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- Deep, athletic seating posture
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- Comfortable, more upright sitting posture
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- Comfort equipment possible
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What are the advantages of an e-road bike or an e-gravel bike?
When it comes to benefits, the differences between the two bike rates are particularly apparent. An e-race bike will get you from point A to point B. The scenery? Doesn't matter. The view? Doesn't matter. The comfort of the ride? Doesn't matter either. The main thing is to go fast, every second counts!
A Gravel will also get you from A to B. With camping gear. With picnics. With panniers, child seat and lights. While an e-road bike is built for blazing fast speeds, at the expense of comfort, a gravel e-bike is comfortable enough that you can enjoy long bike rides on it. It has a wide range of equipment, so if you're missing a part or two, it's very likely that the attachment points are available and you can retrofit luggage racks, bike lights and the like. So that it does not fall apart on the way, it is built robustly and durably like every trekking bike.
An e-road bike is a specialized piece of sports equipment, a gravel e-bike is versatile all-rounder. While a road bike tends to be a fair-weather bike, a gravel e-bike can be ridden year-round and in all weather conditions.
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The advantages of an e-road bike and a gravel e-bike at a glance:
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E-race bike:
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E-gravel bike:
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- Deep, athletic seating posture
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- Rideable all year round, weather independent
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- Comfortable, more upright sitting posture
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How much does an e-road bike or a gravel e-bike cost?
Race bikes are among the more expensive bikes, there's not a lot of equipment "on it". But so that the then weighs as little as possible, particularly noble materials are installed. Gravel bikes are usually less luxurious, which is also reflected in the purchase price. But how deep do you really have to dig into your pocket?
The entry-level class for e-race bikes is around 2500 euros, ranging up to 4000 euros. This relatively high entry-level price comes from the combination of e-bike and the lightest possible materials. While in other areas, especially the drives with less cost, lightweight versions with small dimensions are currently not yet really available as a bargain. On the other hand, you get racing bikes that deserve their name. They are comparatively light, have solid components and promise good performance on shorter tours.
Already in the middle class E-race bikes cost as much as some used cars, here you should plan about 4000 to 5500 euros. An integrated cockpit and invisible wiring make these bikes shapely and so clean an e-bike can only become, because even the small and lightweight motor systems do not look at them. Here you will find bikes and powerful drives from well-known and proven manufacturers, very good shifting groups, good tires and braking systems are included. For gravel e-bikes, the top segment is already reached here, you can look forward to a robust and well-equipped long-distance vehicle when buying such a bike, which reliably expands your radius and makes a lot of fun on the road.
The luxury class is indeed "open to the top" when it comes to e-race bikes! The most expensive bikes to have right now are e-race bikes. If you want, you can splash out 13,000 euros and more. But it doesn't have to be quite that expensive, from around 5500 euros you're in the absolute top class of e-race bikes. You get electronic shifting groups that attract envious glances, excellent drivetrains and carbon frames. Of course, the lightest e-bikes can be found here.
- The entry-level class for e-race bikes is around 2500 euros, ranging up to 4000 euros.
- In the mid-range, e-race bikes cost around 4000 to 5500 euros.
- The luxury class of e-race bikes starts at 5500 euros.
What should you look for when buying an e-road bike or e-gravel bike?
Which bike you end up buying depends on your budget, fitness level, and preferences. Here are a few questions for you to help you choose the right bike.
- How often and how long do you plan to ride?
The more often you get on your e-road bike, and the longer your trails, the more fun you'll have on a better bike. With a gravel bike, as the price goes up, so does the durability of the bike. Especially on long trips far away from the trail, such a bike is not only comfortable, but also safer. The quality also increases the off-road capability, so if you're bored of paved roads, a good gravel bike will open up completely new horizons.
- How much comfort is important to you?
A road bike is efficient, but not particularly well-sprung or otherwise designed for comfort. If you want to tackle long distances and appreciate some ride comfort, an e-gravel bike is a better choice.
- What are the surfaces like?
Clearly, here's the question of whether you should buy road bike, or better yet, a gravel bike. If you ride on the road and like to do it fast, an e-road bike is perfect for you. If you also ride on dirt roads or off-road, you'd better buy a gravel e-bike.
- How much athletic ambition do you bring with you?
If you demand a lot of performance from yourself and your bike and like to push your limits, you should also buy a powerful e-race bike. A bike in the lower price ranges will not be much fun for you in this case. Also, if you have been performing at your best on a road bike and are switching to an e-bike because of an injury, a cheap e-road bike will probably be more frustrating than fun.
On a road bike, there's only room for the rider. A gravel bike brings rear racks and lowriders, it's also not above bringing a handlebar bag and a saddlebag.
Buy yourself an e-road bike or gravel e-bike from the best manufacturer
You can rejoice, the selection keeps getting better! More and more road bikes and gravel bikes with motors are hitting the market. By the way, this also means you can save big on last year's models in our Sale! If you're not sure whether to buy an e-bike or another bike, check out our other bike categories, where you'll find lots of great bikes as well as in-depth buying advice on bikes, e-bikes, mountain bikes or city bikes. Don't forget to buy the right bike helmet if you're going fast. We also have functional bike clothing for you, for road training or bikepacking the right clothing is especially important!
