Vitus esubstance

A lightweight mid-drive motor delivers electric assistance without compromising that fast gravel bike feel

The Vitus esubstance adventure gravel bike looks to take a different approach to most mid- motor e- bikes out there. By using the Fazua mid- drive option, it aims to be lighter than most and to give a riding experience much more akin to riding a non- electric bike. The extra motor power only needs to come into play when you really need it – up really steep hills, into headwinds or when you’re really fatigued at the end of a long ride. What’s more, the motor itself (along with the battery of course) is entirely removable should you want to chop and change between a regular bike ride and one where you think you could use a bit of extra electrical assist.

It’s no surprise Fazua has been a big hit with gravel bikers who see a sporty bike as central to the gravel biking experience – being able to travel fast and light, both on and off road. The 15kg weight of the esubstance is certainly a lot lower than many e-bikes and the characteristics of the motor system, combined with this light weight, mean that, when the power is turned off or you exceed the 15.5mph legal assist limit, you may not even realise your bike is packing a motor and battery.

The rest of the spec is just what you would expect to find on a high- quality gravel bike: 12- speed derailleur gearing with a huge range to get you climbing easily, off or on road; gravel- specific rims and a carbon fork to soak up the bumps and to give a touch of aero speed on the road; plus wide tyres with an off- road tread that also retain speed on the tarmac. Whilst it’s all the rage in bikepacking circles to keep things light and load bags straight onto the frame, bars and saddle, the esubstance frame features rack mounts, as well as mounts for front and rear mudguards.

► £2,999.99 vitusbikes.com