Decathlon, a well-known French sportswear retailer, recently announced the launch of its latest Gravel electric bike, called Van Rysel E-GRVL. Incorporating top-of-the-line parts from Sram, Brose and Mahle, this bike is designed to provide riders with a versatile model that can handle a variety of terrains.
Gravel bikes sit between mountain bikes and road bikes, with a sturdy frame and wide tires that make it easy to conquer both road and off-road sections. The Gravel e-bike adds electric motor assistance to this foundation, allowing riders to ride faster and farther while reducing fatigue.
Decathlon's Van Rysel E-GRVL is available in two variants, the E-GRVL AF MD and the E-GRVL AF X30. The former is equipped with a 250W, 70Nm Brose Drive T Mag mid-drive electric motor with a 400Wh battery pack.
The E-GRVL AF X30 is equipped with a Mahle X35 rear-mounted electric motor. Both models are powered by Sram's 12-speed drivetrain, the MD uses the Apex series, and the X30 uses the XPLR series. In addition, the tires of the two models are also different, with the MD using the Michelin Power Gravel and the X30 opting for the Hutchinson Touareg.
Decathlon says the two bikes are designed to meet the needs of different types of riders. The MD is suitable for riders who prefer to ride on flat roads, but occasionally want to try gravel roads, with a more powerful electric motor assist. The X30 is more suitable for riders who like to challenge rough mountain roads but don't want to give up road riding, with a lighter, more agile electric motor.
The price and launch time of the two bikes have not yet been announced, but it is reported that the MD will be priced at about 3,500 euros, or about 27,000 yuan, while the X30 will be more expensive. Decathlon said the two bikes will be available in the U.S. market and look forward to attracting more consumers interested in Gravel e-bikes.