Corratec E-Gravel EL: E-gravel bike with Bosch SX motor presented

You can't call it a wave yet, but e-gravel bikes are no longer a real rarity on the market. Whether high-end bikes like the new Mondraker Dusty, as favourable as Roses Backroad Plus AL or extravagant like the Waldwiesel from Urwahn: They all want to inspire bikers who are looking for a bike with a sporty look, who occasionally ride on easy terrain and appreciate a little electric tailwind.

And almost all bikes have one thing in common: the electric motor in the rear hub. No wonder, because it is relatively light, inexpensive, wears out the chain and sprocket less and does not have to be integrated into the frame. Corratec, on the other hand, opts for the new Performance SX from Bosch, prioritising performance, responsiveness, range and, last but not least, reliability thanks to proven Bosch technology. Almost exotic in this bike class.

>> You can read all about what the new Bosch Performance Line SX motor can do here in the detailed test report <<

The Corratec E-Gravel EL with Bosch SX at a glance

• Motor: Bosch Performance SX ( 40 Nm / 400 watts continuous load, briefly up to 55 Nm / 600 watts)
• Battery: Bosch 400 watt hours, removable
• Aluminium frame with carbon fork
• Sizes: 39, 44, 49, 54, 57 centimetres (seat tube length)
• Under 18 kilos (manufacturer's specification)
• A model for 4999 euros
• Theft protection via Corratec C-Finder
• Compatible with side stand

Lots of power, large battery: motor and frame of the E-Gravel EL

For the E-Gravel EL, Corratec relies on an aluminium main frame and a carbon fork, which is already prepared for luggage transport with three threads on each side. The frame houses the Bosch SX motor, which delivers up to 600 watts at its peak, putting classic hub motors (usually around 250 watts) in the shade but also sucking more power from the battery. The drive, which was developed not least for lightweight e-MTBs, also shines with good modulation and a lively ride feel. The drive is operated via the System Controller top tube display, which is also compatible with Bosch's ebike flow app. The support levels, for example, can be fine-tuned here.

>> At the same time, Corratec has added two sporty models to its e-bike portfolio with its first Light E-MTBs <<

The new 400 watt-hour battery from Bosch is designed to provide sufficient range despite the high motor power and is removed from the down tube at the front, as is usual with many e-bikes. The two other SX bikes from Corratec also rely on this system: the RS 140 EL E-Fully and the X-Vert EL hardtail mountain bike.

If you need more range, you can connect Bosch's optional Powermore 250 range extender in water bottle form to the E-Gravel EL. The charging port and frame are already prepared for this. The clear disadvantage of the mid-motor, larger battery and relatively high power output is that the bike is not really light. Corratec promises a 17 before the decimal point. For comparison: E-gravel bikes with hub motors often weigh less than 14 kilograms.

Only one model for 4999 euros: The equipment of the E-Gravel EL

The E-Gravel EL will only be available in a single equipment variant for 4999 euros. Corratec combines the chassis with Sram's mechanical Apex twelve-speed groupset and Mavic Allroad wheels in the slightly higher-quality S version. The bike rolls on proven G-One tyres from Schwalbe.

E-Gravel: For whom does this make sense?

When it comes to the target group, Corratec remains realistic: an e-gravel bike for road cyclists? Probably not. Anyone who is used to shaved legs and eight kilograms will rarely switch to an e-bike. The E-Gravel EL is aimed more at sporty touring cyclists, bike-packing fans and mountain bikers who like to go the distance. The 400 watt hour battery, which is quite large for an e-gravel bike, the additional battery with 250 watt hours, the luggage eyelets and the powerful drive are a perfect match. The E-Gravel EL is designed to be easy on the legs on long tours and to flatten out long climbs in mountainous terrain.

But the Corratec E-Gravel EL should also be able to shine in everyday use. The frame is already prepared for mounting a side stand and the battery is secured with a key. Corratec's new electronic anti-theft protection is located in the frame: the C-Finder. If the bike is stolen, it can be found again using the Apple "Find My" service. More details on the function in our article on the new E-MTBs from Corratec with Bosch's SX drive.