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Best Lightweight E-Bikes [Page 2]
Orbea Gain M30 Flat Bar
- Country availability: UK / Global
- Weight: 26.5 lb. (12 kg)
- Frame: Carbon
- Motor: Ebikemotion X35 Plus 250W motor / 40 Nm
- Battery: Ebikemotion 36V/6.9A 248Wh ANT+
Range: Up to 60 miles - Sensor: Torque
- Drivetrain: Shimano 105 2×11 drivetrain with an 11-32T cassette
- Brakes: Shimano R7070 Hydraulic Disc
- Tyres: FULCRUM E-Racing 900 wheels and Schwalbe ONE 700x30mm
- Price: £3,895
The Orbea Gain M30 Flat Bar is an expensive bike but it uses high-quality components. The Shimano 105 groupset currently costs £400 for the full set, and the carbon frame adds significantly to the costs. At this price, it is not a bike I’d buy for commuting but more for leisure cycling.
LeMond Prolog
- Country availability: UK/ US
- Weight: 27 lb / 12.2 kg
- Frame: Carbon fibre
- Motor: Mahle M1; Rear hub; 250w – Max. Torque: 40N.m
- Battery: Embedded/down tube; 36V, 250W Panasonic
- Range: 40-70 mile
- Sensor: Torque?
- Drivetrain: Shimano GRX RD-RX812 11 speed / Shimano CS-M7000 11-40T
- Brakes: Shimano BL-RS600 Hydraulic Disc Brake
- Tyres: Token G23AR Prime / Panaracer Gravelking Slick+ 700 x 38mm
- Price: £4,228
The LeMond Prolog is a beautiful but very expensive e-bike. It is more aesthetically pleasing than the Orbea but also has some practical additions, like an integrated front light and reflectors built onto the frame.
It uses an MTB/gravel-based groupset, and the full Shimano GRX 810 Gravel Groupset will set you back about £875 by itself, which helps justify the high cost of the bike.
There are some good but very expensive upgrade options. This includes upgrading to DI2 electronic shifting (£800), a LC30 carbon wheelset (£1800) or specially designed carbon fenders (£210)
Overall
There are more lightweight e-bikes that are chain based vs belt driven, but the vast majority are most expensive than the belt-drive alternatives, even when looking at the single-gear options.
Once you start adding gears, you add both weight and cost. The budget Shimano Alivio groupset can cost £150 just by itself.
The KBO Hurricane 2.0 is undeniably an attractive option for US buyers. It is a bit basic, but you can’t complain about the price.
For UK buyers, the Estarli e28 hybrid or Quella ELECTRIC Varsity seems to be your best bet. I am torn between which one I’d buy if it was my money, probably the Estarli because it is both cheaper and has the flexibility of gears for cycling without power. The aesthetics and lightweight design of the Quella do make it very appealing, though.
As much as I would love to own the LeMond or Orbea, they are targeting a more affluent or serious cyclist. I wouldn’t be locking either of these in the town centre where I live.
I am James, a UK-based tech enthusiast and the Editor and Owner of Mighty Gadget, which I’ve proudly run since 2007. Passionate about all things technology, my expertise spans from computers and networking to mobile, wearables, and smart home devices.
As a fitness fanatic who loves running and cycling, I also have a keen interest in fitness-related technology, and I take every opportunity to cover this niche on my blog. My diverse interests allow me to bring a unique perspective to tech blogging, merging lifestyle, fitness, and the latest tech trends.
In my academic pursuits, I earned a BSc in Information Systems Design from UCLAN, before advancing my learning with a Master’s Degree in Computing. This advanced study also included Cisco CCNA accreditation, further demonstrating my commitment to understanding and staying ahead of the technology curve.
I’m proud to share that Vuelio has consistently ranked Mighty Gadget as one of the top technology blogs in the UK. With my dedication to technology and drive to share my insights, I aim to continue providing my readers with engaging and informative content.
