E-gravel bike test: Steel star - Urwahn Waldwiesel with Pinion gears on test
Georg Bleicher
· 14.10.2024
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With the E-Gravelbike Waldwiesel The steel manufacturer Urwahn sent an unusual bike for comparison testing. This frame "without a seat tube" is something of a trademark. The characteristic rear triangle and some other parts are produced by specialists using a 3D printing process. But an e-graveler?
Try it out! The riding position is comfortable but also sporty, and the slightly offset handlebars can be lowered significantly using the stem spacer. The ovalised cross-section and the supple handlebar tape make the top bar in particular very comfortable to hold.
Cobblestones have surprisingly little effect on the bottom: for such a sporty bike, the Urwahn Waldwiesel is surprisingly comfortable with its 45 millimetre wide Conti Terra Trail tyres. However, a large part of the damping is probably provided by the unusual rear triangle design, which absorbs a lot of the shock.
Urwahn Waldwiesel: Comfortable e-gravel bike on several levels
Even more goodies: Shifting is electric and crisp via the Pinion twelve-speed gearbox on the TPR brake lever on the right. In the Pinion app, you can set the automatic to engage a specific starting gear when you stop at traffic lights. If only it weren't for the loud "Sssst" when changing gear ...
But this Pinion 12-speed drivetrain is almost perfect and delivers a gear ratio range of 600 per cent, which is enough to go anywhere. The power is transmitted cleanly to the rear wheel via a belt. And also via a Mahle hub motor.
Mahle X20: The inconspicuous motor is not a machine
The Mahle x20 in the rear hub pushes quickly, but is not a real climber here either. On the other hand, it can be motivated to push off in medium gears simply by pedalling off the pedals. Otherwise, man and machine harmonise very well, even if the rear wheel motor does not get going as directly as its good mid-engine counterparts.
And: The Mahle is practically invisible and only barely audible - a real benefit on such a stylish bike. The well-balanced bike and its lively handling are a lot of fun on the road and on dirt tracks, even if you can feel the extra weight compared to the motorless gravel bike. The Contis handle well on both surfaces, as long as the mud doesn't dominate.
The 6448 euros asked for the Urwahn Waldwiesel is no bargain. But there are also less exclusive bikes at this price. And this one even has a purist lighting system. Mini, but powerful.
Urwahn Waldwiesel: Technical data
- Price6448 Euro >> available here
- Test bike weight: 16 kg
- Permissible total weight: 115 kg
- Frame sizesS, M, L, XL
- FrameSteel, partly 3D-printed
- ForkCarbon
- Circuit: Pinion C1.12i, Gates timing belt 39/32
- Motor/batteryMahle x20 / Mahle, 236 Wh
- BrakesDisc, TRP Hiwire, 160 mm
- TyresContinental Terra Speed 45-622
- SaddleErgon SFC30 Stealth
- Lighting system f/hLightskin U2E 135 Lux/seatpost with 5-Dot LED
- Luggage carrier w. max. load: -(option, 7.5 kg)
Special features:
- 3D printing frame
- Semi-automatic transmission
- Eyelets for mudguards and 1 bottle cage
- opal green colourway lacquer
Conclusion: Urwahn Waldwiesel - E-gravel bike on test
Fine, lovely and expensive: The Urwahn Waldwiesel is an exclusive e-gravel bike with lots of high-tech and certainly has the highest lifestyle factor. In the test, the handling and comfort were also fun thanks to the special frame shape.
