Cross e-bikes – the all-rounders on and off the trail
Mountains, forest trails, asphalt, city. Those who cycle on a wide variety of routes are spoilt for choice between mountain bikes, road bikes and city bikes. And, of course, all variants are available with electric motors. But very few people want to buy several bikes at once. A cross e-bike is a good choice for riders with all-round interests. These models are light, manoeuvrable and yet robust enough to cope with tough terrain. Equipped with an electric drive, the world is your oyster when you ride a cross bike.
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What is a cross e-bike?
Cross bikes are one thing above all else: fast and versatile. Cross e-bikes, which fall somewhere between mountain bikes (sporty) and road bikes (agile and light), embody this concept 100 per cent. The icing on the cake is the electric motor, which makes the bikes even faster on paved and unpaved trails. This makes electric cross bikes the ideal companions for daily commutes and the perfect slimline runabouts for leisure time – where they can really demonstrate their all-round qualities. While mountain bikes tend to be small and manoeuvrable, racing bikes have a geometry that is designed for long distances. The cross bike lies exactly in the middle. The rider sits in a more upright position, which is ideal for longer distances and ensures a more comfortable ride.
The difference to a mountain bike, for example, is also clearly evident in its lighter, road-friendly design. Typical features include slightly wider tyres and a sturdy handlebar. However, it is not always easy to distinguish it from a trekking e-bike, which is mainly used in urban areas. In some cases, the transition is fluid – trekking bikes are often referred to as cross bikes.
What should you consider when buying a cross e-bike?
Since cross e-bikes travel at considerably higher speeds than cross bikes without an electric motor, there are a few things to consider when buying one. Hydraulic disc brakes, for example, are an advantage. Whether the hybrid tends more towards an off-road bike or a racing bike that travels at high speeds on paved roads depends on the equipment. Components such as lights, bells, mudguards and luggage racks are not usually included as standard. If you also use your e-cross bike for commuting to work, you should choose accessories that comply with road traffic regulations when purchasing. Manufacturers such as KTM offer "street models" that are approved as standard in accordance with the German Road Traffic Licensing Regulations (StVZO) thanks to their appropriate equipment.
Manufacturers usually equip modern models with suspension forks, wide tyres, mountain bike gears and straight handlebars as standard. It is important to compare these features. The quality of the components usually accounts for the difference in price and ultimately the quality of the cross e-bike.
Weight is a very important factor when making a purchase. Carbon or aluminium frames make bicycles particularly light. These materials are also used in e-cross bikes. However, the additional stability also means that cross bikes are slightly heavier.
Why is the cross bike the ideal e-bike?
As a specialised bike that was traditionally used by cyclists in cross-country competitions, it is extremely robust. It performs well on flat terrain where it can be ridden at high speeds. When conditions become muddy and slippery, it offers sufficient stability – not least thanks to its wider tyres. Its lightweight construction makes it possible to carry the cross e-bike on your shoulders, even with the drive system, which makes the bike slightly heavier. The motor helps on climbs and allows you to tackle longer and more difficult routes that you might not otherwise have been able to manage.
Who is an electric cross bike suitable for?
To enable e-cross bikes to fully exploit their strengths in moderately difficult terrain, manufacturers support their robust construction with a sophisticated weight distribution of the frame, drive and components. The motor is installed in the bottom bracket or rear wheel hub. The battery is located in the frame or seat tube. This provides more control and better handling.
Riders who are not yet professionals benefit particularly from the assistance provided by the motor. This makes it easy to improve your own performance and fitness. With most e-cross bikes, the settings can be adjusted again and again depending on your personal progress. On many models, for example, the pedalling frequency can be adjusted so that the rider can determine exactly how much effort they want to exert without motor assistance. The power transmitted by the drive can also often be adjusted. The maximum power of the electric cross bike is reflected in the wattage of the motor.
In our online shop, you will find cross e-bikes in different performance classes and designs. We would be happy to help you find your individual e-bike.
