Orbea Gain M30i

An accomplished and lightweight electric road bike that’s more than happy to try its hand at gravel too

The definition of what makes a gravel bike has become increasingly blurred as ever more bikes hit the market. Take, for example, the Gain M30i from Orbea. At first it appears to be a slinky carbon fibre electric road bike, but a closer look reveals clearance for tyres up to 35mm wide, which definitely makes it capable on gravel. To top it all off, Orbea offers the bike with a choice of either roadfocussed 30mm Pirelli P Zero Race tyres or chunkier 35mm Centurato Gravel models.

Whichever rolling stock you opt for, Orbea has saved weight and improved ride quality by making the frame and forks from carbon fibre. This lack of mass then partly offsets the inclusion of a larger but slightly heavier battery. The frame-integrated 335Wh ix350 power pack from Mahle matches the firm’s equally discreet X20 motor, which is built into the bike’s rear wheel hub. There’s also the option of an external range extender battery that slots into a bottle cage and adds another 185Wh of capacity should the standard battery not prove enough.

In keeping with the bike’s svelte looks, the idea behind the system is to provide subtle assistance, with the rider contributing to their progress rather than being a passenger.

To this end the rear hub also carries a wideratio 12-speed Shimano 11-34t cassette. This combines with the matching compact crankset to offer a spread of gears that works both on and off-road.

The derailleurs and shifters also come from Shimano’s 105 range. However, unlike cheaper units, they use the firm’s Di2 electronic system for precision shifting every time. The control wires for the shifters, along with the cables for the hydraulic disc brakes, are all hidden inside the frame, with the only clue to their existence being where they enter the frame underneath the stem.

The stem also integrates the mount for the Mahle control display and includes a builtin front light. Similarly, there’s an integrated rear light built into the seat clamp – and these are just a couple of the many neat touches on this slickly designed and multi-talented drop-bar bike.

► £5,999

► orbea.com