E-gravel bike test: Lightweight athlete - Desiknio Endorphin Drop on test
Georg Bleicher
· 16.10.2024
The shimmering metallic paintwork on the seemingly liquid surface of the carbon frame radiates a sense of sophistication. You want to stroke the Desiknio Endorphin Drop. First seat test: The E-gravel bike is as long as a racing bike, you sit sporty but relaxed on the bike. Among other things, the short stem - the underside of which is the gateway for all cables and wires that are routed through the frame - ensures very lively handling. And the e-bike takes off: just 13 kilograms are waiting to be pushed.
Desiknio Endorphin Drop: Sporty gravel bike with light support
The extremely small Mahle x20 drive does this quite effortlessly after a short period of reflection for the torque sensor - and off you go! The x20 and its three support levels (plus a possible individualised level) are particularly good for dynamic acceleration in the mid-range. 23 Newton metres of torque are said to be equivalent to the mid-motor with 55, but our feeling on the mountain cannot confirm this. The x20 is rather meek on really steep climbs, but this is rather common in the geared rear engine category. On the flat, you can switch off the engine on the lightweight and only enjoy gravel riding with an audible rumble. With a 250 watt-hour battery, the bike is not a long-distance king - but the concept is: organic gravel plus thrust when necessary.
In terms of tarmac, the Desiknio is like many a racer, but in its field-and-meadow territory, no one can fool it. Almost playful manoeuvrability, getting through wherever there is no mud, and relatively high comfort thanks to the 45-millimetre tyres make the bike a pleasure to ride. The single-speed GRX drivetrain works precisely and crisply, and the 16-speed discs from the same groupset do the same. Points of criticism: The rear triangle quickly becomes very wide to accommodate the motor hub - some people hit the chainstay with their heel when pedalling - try it out! Only one size, too long mountain gear ratio.
Conclusion: Desiknio Endorphin Drop - E-gravel bike on test
The Desiknio Endorphin Drop is the lightest, most agile and most fun e-gravel bike in the test. Inferior to mid-drive motors on steep climbs, the drive and elegant bike are perfectly suited to slightly hilly organic biking with additional thrust and harmonious flow.
The Desiknio Endorphin Drop in detail
- Price: 5995 Euro
- Test bike weight: 13.1 kg
- Permissible total weight: 115 kg
- Frame size: M
- Frame: Carbon
- Fork: Carbon
- Circuit: Shimano GRX 600, 11-speed, crank: 40T, sprocket: 11-34 T
- Motor/battery: Mahle X20, Mahle iX250, 236 Wh (optional additional: extender, 171 Wh)
- Brakes: GRX 400, 160 mm /160 mm
- Tyres: Pirelli Cinturato GRAVEL H, 45-622
- Saddle: Ergon SR Pro
- Front/rear lighting system: front: Supernova V521, 100 lx / rear: Supernova E3
- Luggage carrier with maximum load: -
- Special features: Only one frame height (M), eyelets for bottle cage
- MYBIKE tip: Sport
