Testing the Lapierre e-Crosshill 5.2: Unexpected Uphill Fun

Together with e-road bikes, e-gravel bikes belong to the segment of ebikes that has seen the strongest growth in sales figures over the past two or three years. The sporty bikes that manage the balancing act between asphalt and off-road are captivating more and more people. They have long been available in all quality and price classes.

With the E-Crosshill 5.2, Lapierre has had an e-gravel bike in its range for some time now that strikes a pleasing balance between price and performance. For around 3,500 euros you get a model that weighs less than 15 kilograms, is supported by an extremely proven ebike system with the X35 + from Mahle and is equipped with high-quality shifting and braking components from Shimano’s GRX gravel group. We wanted to know what the bike can do and let our colleague Erik test it in detail.

Erik, in your private life you also own a gravel bike, but one without motor support. In comparison, what do you think was the biggest difference when riding the Lapierre e-Crosshill 5.2?

Clearly the ease with which I could ride uphill on the ebike. I’m a lot taller and a bit heavier than the best climbers for instance of the Tour de France. The e-crosshill gave me a little idea of how these guys probably feel. You just have to put in a lot less effort when you’re going uphill. Surprisingly, it can be really fun.

And apart from that?

In many riding situations you don’t even notice the difference between a gravel bike with and without a motor. How could you? The geometry between the two is identical at Lapierre, for example. This approach is also followed by several other brands. The same applies to the brake and shift groupsets. So a lot of things feel familiar. For me, switching from one to the other was no big deal.

One of the familiar things you come across on many gravel bikes is the GRX shifting system from Shimano. What impression did that leave on you?

It reacts quickly and precisely. I also like their grips. The hand rest fits the size of my hands exactly, which feels comfortable and safe at the same time. One finger is enough in both braking and shifting. So the levers can be operated very sensitively. Since all other fingers can stay on the hoods, you always keep control while riding. In the package with the GRX brakes, the bike’s equipment really appealed to me in this respect.

So is the e-Crosshill your new favourite?

I like the bike, no question about it. Riding out of the saddle or when it’s rolling along nicely on the flat, my own bike has advantages, of course. You simply notice the higher weight, although the Lapierre, with its 14.8 kilograms, doesn’t have to hide as an ebike.

Leaving aside the question of the drive, was the test bike convincing as a gravel bike?

Definitely. With 46 centimetres, the handlebars were pleasantly wide in the frame size L I rode, and with the flare of 16 degrees, they were also wide enough. This specificity gives you an enormous amount of control, especially when the ground gets a bit rougher. The handlebar tape used by Lapierre was also a good fit for me. Nice and grippy, with a pronounced structure. Just the way I like it.

Tyres play a decisive role, especially on this type of ebike.

Definitely. Lapierre apparently considers this to be the case. The WTB Riddler is one of the most used gravel tyres and rightly so. It copes really well with a wide variety of surfaces and is really reliable, which is why I think it is absolutely suitable for everyday use. Especially as the bike also features mounts for mudguards and rear carriers. The only criticism of the tyre: Fitted on the test bike, it had a width of 37 millimetres. It could have been something between 40 and 45 millimetres. Especially since the frame offers the necessary tyre clearance.

The Riddler was mounted in the Tanwall version. Does that suit your taste?

In any case, it harmonises impressively with the frame, which is painted in a shiny light bronze shade. Apart from the unusual colour, the bike is otherwise rather plain. The black fork, together with the other black attached parts, adds another accent. The lettering on the down tube is not highlighted in colour, but is worked into the tube in a raised position. I really like this rather restrained style.

Let’s come back to the e-drive. How did you experience it?

Basically the same as in other tests. The propulsion generated by the motor in the rear wheel hub is always surprisingly lively and powerful at the same time. You don’t really hear anything from the drive until it really gets busy in one of the highest support levels. And with the 250 watt-hour battery fitted as standard, 50 kilometres on profiled trails are always doable, even away from Eco mode.

Is there a detail of the e-Crosshill that you didn’t like as much?

At least one that I didn’t actually use. I’m talking about the second chainring. I always rode on the large chainring. Together with the e-drive, I didn’t need the relief of a small chainring. Of course, individual fitness comes into play here. It’s quite possible that others are very happy about it.

What is the bike suitable for?

I would rather ask for whom? The e-Crosshill could be something for anyone who enjoys riding longer tours and doesn’t want to decide in advance whether it should be on the road, a forest path or wherever. They just ride off and maybe let themselves be driven by their mood or the weather.

Thank you very much for the interview, Erik.

Pictures: Ebike24; Lapierre SAS