E-gravel bike: The Corratec E-Gravel EL with Bosch SX motor
The gravel bike is enjoying great popularity: a sporty bike for everyday use or touring is arousing the interest of many cyclists. With the e-component, which has been trying to conquer the gravel market for some time now, the all-rounders are expanding their target group. After all, who doesn't appreciate a little help from the motor when pedalling on a long tour with lots of climbs?
To date, most e-gravel bikes have come with a motor in the rear hub. This is because it is relatively cheap and light and also causes less wear on the chain and sprockets. In the Corratec E-Gravel EL, however, the motor is installed in the frame. With the Bosch Performance SX, the manufacturer has opted for a reliable, more powerful motor with a longer range.
The Corratec E-Gravel EL with mid-motor
The frame of the Corratec E-Gravel EL is made of aluminium, the fork of carbon. This is equipped with three threads on each side for bikepacking equipment. The Bosch Performance SX motor is integrated into the aluminium frame and delivers up to 600 watts of power. This clearly outperforms the competition with hub motors (usually around 250 watts), but also places a significantly greater load on the battery.
The drive developed for lightweight e-MTBs also impresses with a lively ride feel and good modulation. Simple and intuitive operation is achieved via the System Controller display integrated in the top tube, which is compatible with Bosch's ebike flow app. The app can be used to control the functions of the smart system, such as the individual fine adjustment of the support levels.
Even though Bosch's SX motor consumes a lot of energy, the new 400 watt-hour battery from Bosch should provide enough range. This is removed from the front of the down tube in the classic way. Bosch's Powermore 250 range extender can be purchased for additional range. The charging port and frame of the Corratec E-Gravel EL are already designed for this additional battery.
These were all very positive points. However, you have to bear in mind that the powerful motor with a large battery has a major impact on the overall weight. Although the e-gravel bike should weigh less than 18 kilos, it still can't keep up with the hub motor models, which often weigh less than 14 kilos.
An equipment option for the Corratec E-Gravel EL
The e-gravel bike comes in a single equipment option. The manufacturer combines the chassis with the mechanical Apex twelve-speed groupset from Sram and the Mavic Allroad wheels in the higher-quality S version. The bike is fitted with the tried and tested G-One tyres from Schwalbe.
Who is the Corratec E-gravel bike made for?
The manufacturer is aware that racing cyclists are unlikely to be interested in an e-bike. The Corratec E-Gravel EL is therefore primarily designed for sporty tour riders and bikepackers for sure. Especially on longer tours, you are more grateful for a powerful motor and large battery than complaining about the extra weight.
Nevertheless, the Corratec E-Gravel EL is not just a touring bike: Even in everyday life, on the way to workthe e-gravel bike should be a loyal companion. The frame is already designed for mounting a side stand and the battery is lockable. The C-Finder is an additional safety tool - and Corratec's new e-theft protection. The e-bike can be easily found again using the Apple "Find My" service.
The Corratec E-Gravel EL with Bosch SX motor in detail
- Motor: Bosch Performance SX (40 Nm / 400 watts continuous load, briefly up to 55 Nm / 600 watts)
- Battery: Bosch 400 watt hours, removable
- Frame: Aluminium frame with carbon fork
- Sizes: 39, 44, 49, 54, 57 cm (seat tube length)
- Weight: Under 18 kilos (manufacturer's specification)
- Security: Theft protection via Corratec C-Finder
- Extras: compatible with side stand and Bosch's Powermore 250 range extender
- Price: 4999 Euro
Lukas Niebuhr
Working student
