Gravel bikes have been running quite successfully at Bergamont for years. However, this statement comes with a significant restriction. It only refers to the models without electric assistance. The manufacturer’s first attempt to transfer the momentum to the ebike segment ended somewhat unexpectedly with the 2022 season. Now the manufacturer is making the next attempt.
1. Bergamont E-Grandurance: New motor, new luck?
2. Bergamont E-Sweep Adventure: A special kind of urban bike
1. Bergamont E-Grandurance: New motor, new luck?
Not enough buying interest. A few technical woes with the former Fazua Evation 1.0. The first E-Grandurance was not a success story. Call it conviction, an attentive eye on the competition or northern German stubbornness. In any case, Bergamont is not letting go of the idea of the E-Gravel bike so quickly and is relaunching the model series for the 2024 season programme.
The most important difference to the previous bikes is certainly the change from Fazua to TQ. The big sister brand Scott has already shown with the Solace eRide how well the HPR50 can suit an e-gravel bike. The combination of the small size, the total weight of just 3.8 kilograms and the power with a torque of 50 Newton metres fits extremely well to an ebike that wants to appeal to a sporty clientele.
Extremely versatile
When designing the model range, however, Bergamont does not emphasise the performance aspect alone. The idea of everyday cycling always resonates, which should cover more than just the two or three hours of cycling fun off paved roads. Thus, rather minimally equipped bicycles coexist peacefully with those that protect you from the dirt with mudguards, whose lights show you the way at all times of the day and night and whose rear racks voluntarily take 20 kilograms of your luggage. The mounts for all these accessories are also found on the sports rockets. Therefore, you can also ignite the everyday stage there at any time if you feel like it.
Even in the context of such a concept, the decision in favour of a drive system like the TQ HPR50 seems absolutely understandable. Its three riding modes Eco, Mid and High can be adjusted via the app. You can also save them in different profiles. For example, you could create a motor characteristic for everyday use and a second one for leisure time, when you feel like more physical exertion.
Light or featherweight? All-rounder or specialist?
The different models of the E-Grandurance mentioned are a total of four versions. Two of them are based on a frame made of carbon, the E-Grandurance RD Expert and the E-Grandurance Elite. The E-Grandurance RD 8 and the E-Grandurance 7 are made of aluminium. Those who prefer to differentiate according to everyday suitability draw the line between the RD Expert and the RD 8 on the one hand, and the Elite and the 7 on the other. RD stands for Randonneur and means that the equipment includes a permanently installed light system, a rear rack and mudguards. More consistently geared towards the actual gravel experience, the E-Grandurance Elite and E-Grandurance 7 roll along on Schwalbe G-One Bite Evo, while the other two models compromise between firm and loose ground with Schwalbe G-One Speed and Schwalbe G-One Allround.
In terms of gears and brakes, the concepts do not differ that much. Chainring, rear derailleur, cassette with eleven or twelve gears, shifters and brakes all come from Shimano’s GRX line. In terms of quality and therefore price, there are the usual gradations. Bergamont, however, sticks to variants with mechanical gears throughout. There is also only a single chainring mounted on the crank. Together with the motor assistance, this should usually be enough to cope with both larger climbs and the stormier Hamburg weather. Where you usually find the front derailleur, Bergamont prefers to install a special chain guide. This is to prevent the chain from falling off when the going gets tough.
For the carbon frame models, you can choose from four frame sizes: S, M, L and XL. With the aluminium frames, Bergamont even builds an XXL version. In terms of colour, however, you are very much tied down. The E-Grandurance RD Expert, E-Grandurance RD 8, E-Grandurance Elite and E-Grandurance 7 are only available in one colour.
Bergamont E-Grandurance for the 2024 season at a glance
- Variants: E-Grandurance RD Expert, E-Grandurance RD 8, E-Grandurance Elite, E-Grandurance 7
- Frame: Ultra lite HSC carbon, Ultra lite AL-6061
- Fork: BGM allroad carbon
- Motor: TQ HPR50, 250 W, 50 Nm
- Battery: TQ 360 Wh
- Display: TQ OLED screen
- Drivetrain: Shimano GRX 820, Shimano GRX 812
- Brakes: GRX 820, GRX 400
- Weight: n.a.
- Maximum permitted total weight: n.a.
- Price: from 4,799 euros
- Colours: Shiny Flaky Silver, Matt Flaky Beige, Clearcoated Raw Carbon, Shiny Rainy Green
2. Bergamont E-Sweep Adventure: A special kind of urban bike
At first glance, one might suspect that Bergamont is creating an internal competitor to the E-Grandurance with the E-Sweep Adventure. However, a closer look does not confirm this suspicion. This is primarily due to the frame of the E-Sweep. It is designed for riding in the city and therefore less suitable for off-road use. Of course, the drop bars – the most obvious difference between the E-Sweep Adventure and the E-Sweep Sport or E-Sweep Tour – automatically change your position on the bike. However, it is nowhere near as compact as that of the E-Grandurance, which becomes noticeable when the terrain becomes rougher or the route significantly longer.
Instead, this model invites you to a more relaxed riding style that is less performance-oriented. The Mahle X35+ drive placed in the rear hub provides ten Newton metres less torque than TQ’s HPR50. In addition, its response behaviour is different from that of a mid-mounted motor. As soon as you have to climb longer steep climbs or go really fast offroad, the rear-wheel motor is simply at a disadvantage.
Fun object for the flat
In the absence of such challenges, however, it shows its advantages. This is one reason why Bergamont uses it on an ebike like the E-Sweep Adventure. It is lively and gentle on the shifting components and should have its fans among those who appreciate the feeling of drop bars in city traffic and like to ride streamlined from time to time. To ensure that the bike continues to move quickly above a speed of 25 km/h without motor assistance, the manufacturer has opted for a crankset with two chainrings. Together with the eleven sprockets of the cassette, this gives you plenty of options for efficient riding.
Bergamont E-Sweep Adventure for the 2024 season at a glance
- Frame: Ultra lite AL-6061
- Fork: Sweep Alloy
- Motor: Mahle X35+, 250 W, 50 Nm
- Battery: Mahle integrated DT battery, 250 Wh
- Control unit: Mahle iWoc One
- Drivetrain: Shimano GRX 812
- Brakes: GRX 400
- Weight: n.a.
- Maximum permitted total weight: n.a.
- Price: 3.999 Euro
- Colour: Matt Olive Black
Pictures: Bergamont Fahrrad Vertrieb GmbH
