Johannes "Fischi" Fischbach is only in his mid-30s, but already feels like a veteran of the German gravity scene. For many years, the man from the Upper Palatinate was first strong in 4Cross, then in the Downhill World Cup. His fearless disposition Fischi 2021 at the Red Bull Hardline under proof. At what is probably the world's most challenging and dangerous downhill event, he suffered a major crash during the 20-metre finish jump in training. In 2019, Fischbach wanted to Breaking the 80 metre mark in the MTB long jump and set a new world record in the process. The attempt over the large ski jump in Klingenthal ended in a horror crash, but without serious injury. In the recent past, Fischbach has been particularly successful in the spectacular city downhill races in South America. Most recently he was Third at the Red Bull Valparaiso, the oldest urban downhill race in the world.
Fischi has been competing in the E-Enduro World Cup since the 2023 season. And here, too, the full professional doesn't do things by halves. In Team Gasgas Sram Racing, Fischi has found a strong and committed partner for his e-biking adventure. The current, downhill-heavy format suits the versatile and powerful rider very well. Here, he can fully utilise his downhill strength and passion for biking. In his debut year, he didn't make the big breakthrough yet, but with the experience he has gained, he is all the more motivated for the coming season. Fischi has not only made a name for himself in the scene as a fearless downhill racer, the man from Tirschenreuth is also known as a real joker.
Who is Johannes Fischbach?
- Nationality: German
- Age: 35
- Team: GasGas Sram Racing
- Greatest successes: 4Cross World Cup podium finishes, multiple German downhill champion, victories in the City Downhill World Tour
Johannes Fischbach's bike: the GasGas ECC
- Frame: Carbon
- Suspension travel: 170/160 mm
- Wheel sizes: 29/27.5 inch
- Weight: 23.9 kilos race-ready
- Motor: Sram Eagle Powertrain, 90 Nm
- Battery: Sram, 625 Wh, optional range extender with 250 Wh
As a prototype, the GasGas ECC with Johannes Fischbach in the saddle had already been travelling through the Enduro World Cup since the beginning of 2023. However, as the drive unit was all too skilfully disguised from the eyes of the curious, it attracted the attention of knowledgeable observers. So for several months, Fischi had to avoid not only the obstacles on the trail but also many questions from journalists and spectators. The race enduro was then officially presented to the public in October. And the real reason for the months of secrecy quickly became clear: the new e-drive from Sram, the Eagle Powertrain.
The drive
The Sram Eagle Powertrain is the centrepiece of Fischi's Race Enduro. The basis is the well-known Brose Drive S Mag drive with 90 Nm torque. The special feature of this system is the networking of the motor with the Eagle Transmission gearstick. Battery, controls, display, software, gearstick - everything comes from Sram. The highlight is the automatic shifting functions Auto-Shift and Coast-Shift.
The frame of the GasGas ECC is made entirely of carbon fibre and has attached frame covers, a reminiscence of the Spanish company's motocross history. In addition, the battery cover and the top tube panelling are designed to protect the frame from damage and are particularly easy to replace if necessary.
In the standard version, the GasGas ECC has 29-inch wheels and DVO suspension with a 38 mm Onyx fork and coil shock. However, as a team rider for the GasGas Sram Racing Team, Fischi naturally opts for Rockshox suspension: Rockshox ZEB at the front and a Vivid Air Ultimate shock at the rear. The geometry of the GasGas Enduro is racy and long. However, Fischi rides the bike with a smaller 27.5-inch rear wheel, which suits his aggressive riding style and the sometimes narrow enduro courses. An angled headset compensates for the resulting slacker steering angle. Very short cranks (150 mm) offer extra ground clearance. And tyre inserts developed in-house by its own Tire Tropper brand ensure even more puncture protection during races.
The details
The Brose motor, which forms the basis of the Sram Powertrain System, was under embargo for the entire 2023 season and was tested by Fischi under competition conditions, among others. There are a few hacks on Fischi's bike that bear witness to his many years of experience as a racer: a rubberised chainstay, for example, to make the bike as light as possible. There is also a mini-tool that is always attached to the frame within easy reach. And Fischi doesn't go out without a stopwatch on his handlebars either - so he can check his times immediately during training rides.
Josh Welz
Editor-in-Chief
