Analysis by Max Fuchs, BIKE test editor
The new carbon frame of the e-gravel bike combines 50-millimetre tyre clearance with numerous mounting points for luggage and accessories. In addition, a 630 Wh battery is housed in the down tube, whilst the 2.1 kilogram SEG-BLM motor delivers up to 80 Nm of torque and 700 watts of peak power. The standard 180 Wh XPro range extender brings the total capacity up to a substantial 810 Wh.
With the iGravelX, BH is therefore taking a different approach to most other e-gravel bikes, which primarily aim to impress with the lowest possible weight and just a touch of extra assistance. Here, it’s all about endurance: long days in the saddle, plenty of luggage, and routes that quickly become a sporting challenge without a motor.
Purists are likely to frown upon this, however: after all, bikepacking is all about independence, minimalism and the freedom to simply set off. An e-bike, on the other hand, needs electricity – and therefore time to recharge whilst on the move. Anyone setting off for several days must plan their route accordingly and factor in charging breaks at campsites, cafés or accommodation.
That doesn’t, however, detract from the concept’s real appeal. After all, not everyone is able or willing to power a fully loaded gravel bike for many hours and up long climbs under their own steam. The motor therefore opens up the world of bikepacking to a much wider audience. Perhaps that is precisely the most exciting aspect of the iGravelX: It doesn’t make bikepacking any more independent, but it does make it more accessible.
iGravelX bra – key facts
- Engine: SEG BLM
- Max. torque: 80 Nm
- Peak power: 700 watts
- Engine weight: 2.1 kg
- Battery: 630 Wh built-in
- Range Extender: 180 Wh XPro
- Total capacity: up to 810 Wh
- Range: up to 150 km; with XPro, up to 190 km
- Ground clearance: up to 50 mm
- Frame: Carbon or aluminium
- Circuit: Shimano GRX, 12-speed or 24-speed depending on the model
- Prices: 3,699.90 to 6,999.90 euros
- Models: five variants
Plenty of battery life rather than minimalism
E-gravel bikes often rely on drivetrains that are as light as possible and compact batteries. BH is taking a different approach. The down tube houses a generous 630 Wh battery, and all models come with the 180 Wh XPro range extender. Together, this adds up to an impressive 810 Wh of battery capacity.
BH claims a range of up to 150 kilometres on the integrated battery alone. With the XPro fitted, the range is said to be up to 190 kilometres. How far the bike actually goes naturally depends heavily on the assistance level, the terrain, the weight of the system and riding style.
The dual-discharge technology sounds interesting. The internal battery and the XPro can supply power either together or independently of one another. This is designed to ensure a consistent level of assistance, but also offers the option of running the bike solely on the range extender for short rides, in order to save weight.
80 Nm on a gravel bike
Even more remarkable than the large battery: BH has fitted a new SEG-BLM motor to the iGravelX. SEG Automotive develops and manufactures the drive unit in Spain. The motor, which delivers 80 Nm of torque, is said to weigh 2.1 kilograms. BH states that the peak power output is up to 700 watts.
BH also promises a quiet motor, smooth assistance and no noticeable pedalling resistance when the motor is switched off. Sensors for torque, cadence and speed operate contactlessly and, according to the manufacturer, record up to 1,000 measurements per second. This is designed to ensure that the assistance responds particularly directly to the pedalling motion.
Controls are operated via a pair of iButtons on the handlebars. A display on the top tube shows information including speed, assistance mode, battery level, range, power output, cadence and torque. The SEG eBike app also allows you to customise five parameters per assistance profile.
Carbon frame with 50 millimetres of tyre clearance
For the frame, BH has opted for a new carbon construction. The Ballistic Carbon Layup is designed to combine low weight with high stiffness and durability. In addition, the HCIM technology, already used in the brand’s other carbon bikes, is employed here. It controls the internal structure of the frame and is designed to optimise material usage in a targeted manner.
The new carbon fork accommodates tyres up to 50 millimetres wide. This opens the door for the iGravelX to tackle rough gravel tracks and easy trails. At the same time, the manufacturer promises a geometry designed to combine comfort over long distances with precise handling.
Bikepacking instead of a coffee trip
If you’re only using the iGravelX for a quick trip to the bakery, you’re not making the most of its potential. The frame and fork offer numerous mounting points for bags, luggage racks and the like. Combined with 50 millimetres of tyre clearance and the large battery, the bike is clearly geared towards long tours and bikepacking trips with plenty of luggage.
BH hasn’t skimped on stylish details either. Thanks to the ACR system, the cables disappear completely into the frame, whilst BH has integrated the seatpost clamp invisibly into the seat tube. Added to this are UDH derailleur mounts, 12-millimetre thru-axles with removable quick-release skewers and a sealed charging port on the lower seat tube.
Five models, carbon or aluminium
BH offers the iGravelX in five versions. At the top of the range is the iGravelX Carbon 2.9 Featuring Shimano GRX Di2 and Vision TC45 carbon wheels. Next in the range are the Carbon 2.8 with a 24-speed GRX and the Carbon 2.7 with a 12-speed GRX.
Those looking to spend less should opt for the aluminium iGravelX 2.4 or 2.2 models. These also differ in terms of their Shimano GRX groupset, offering 24 and 12 speeds respectively. The carbon models are available in sizes S, M, L and XL, whilst the aluminium versions come in sizes S, M and L.
Prices start at 3,699.90 euros and go up to 6,999.90 euros for the top-of-the-range model.
Conclusion
The iGravelX takes the concept of e-gravel bikes and bikepacking a step further: 810 Wh, 80 Nm and 50 millimetres of tyre clearance are clearly designed for long tours with plenty of luggage. Whilst the motor does require regular charging stops, it does make bikepacking accessible to a wider audience. The iGravelX doesn’t make bikepacking more independent, but it does make it more accessible.
But what do you think? More and more manufacturers are adding motorised gravel and bikepacking bikes to their ranges. Is this a positive development that makes adventure accessible to more people – or does motorised assistance run counter to the fundamental idea of freedom and self-determination on two wheels? Do you have to go out of your way to find adventure? Please share your thoughts in the comments – we look forward to hearing from you!
Max Fuchs
Editor