Fantic claims its Gravel-X is the world's first electric gravel bike. The Italian company's bike range encompasses urban bikes, a wide range of e-MTBs, and a pair of gravel, drop-bar e-bikes. All of its bikes are electric.
Fantic is not alone with its battery-powered gravel machine, as Focus offers its more road-oriented Project Y with room for 35mm tires.
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The Gravel-X features a 250 watt Brose motor
A drop bar MTB hardtail
Fantic's take on a gravel bike appears to be solidly planted in, and even beyond, Category 4, which consists of the least maintained roads, the biggest, nastiest rocks, and toughest overall gravel conditions.
And it lines up with BikeRadar's prediction of how gravel and/or adventure bikes will basically just become mountain bikes in a few generations.
Conceding more to the mountain-bike world, the Gravel-X rolls on MTB-sized 29x2.2in Vittoria tires and features a very cross-country-style 100mm RockShox Recon fork on the front.
In fact, a bit of research shows Fantic is using the same alloy frame for its 27.5+ hardtail, 29/27.5 hardtail, and gravel e-bikes. The component choices differ, but the frame, motor, and battery are all the same.
Modes and range
The Gravel-X uses a Brose motor and has three power modes. Cruise mode is claimed to provide an additional 60%, so 100 watts from your legs equals 160 watts in total. Tour mode is claimed to multiply your power by 160%, so 100 watts turns into 260 watts. The most powerful is Sport mode with an alleged 320% gain, turning 100 watts into a hill-smashing 420 watts.
Two batteries are offered. A 417-watt-hour battery allows assistance up to 112km (70mi). The larger, more expensive 630-watt-hour battery lasts up to 193km (120mi), depending on terrain, rider weight, and power-assist mode.
Fantic Gravel-X specs
- Frame: aluminum
- Fork: RockShox Recon, 100mm
- Motor: Brose Midmount 36 Volt
- Max power: 250 Watt, Torque: 90 Nm
- Battery: BMZ, Lithium Ion, 36 Volt, 417Wh (optional 630Wh battery)
- Drivetrain: SRAM Apex, 11-speed
- Brakes: SRAM Apex hydraulic discs
- Wheels: Aluminum, Boost thru-axles
- Tires: Vittoria Saguaro, 29x2.2in
Fantic Gravel-X pricing and availability
The Gravel-X is offered in four sizes (S, M, L, XL) and retails for $4,290 (UK and Australian prices are TBD). The bigger 630Wh battery tacks on an additional $400 when bought with the bike. Purchased separately the longer range battery costs $950.
The Gravel-X can be purchased through Fantic's site in the US.