After the gold rush atmosphere of the Corona years, the bicycle industry is in a downturn. The gravel bike (racing bike suitable for gravel) is achieving enormous growth, and new and lighter electric drives are likely to further stimulate the bike market.
Racing handlebars and coarse rubber
Gravel bikes usually have wide racing handlebars, wider, grippy tires and no suspension. In the previous year, 12,230 of these were sold by industry to retailers in Austria, an increase of at least 20 percent. Racing bikes were just behind with 12,377 units (+9.8 percent), but e-gravel bikes beat all records with 3,688 units and an increase of 157 percent. The prices for gravel bikes were around 2,500 euros, and e-gravel bikes were even just under 5,800 euros. For the first time, more e-bikes were sold than non-electric bikes last year: 220,493 compared to 201,710. “The gravel bike is a luxury item and at the same time a huge opportunity for the bicycle industry and tourism,” says gravel expert and extreme cyclist Max Riese from Salzburg, analyzing the movement: Tourism now urgently needs to expand and optimize its route networks for the new target group, E -Bikers and gravel bikers have similar needs and would both like to move on technically easy routes with not too many meters in altitude (such as forest roads near the valley). Many traditional bike brands have ignored the trend for the time being, but completely new brands such as Mustache and Bombtrack have appeared on the market. With the gravel wave, “bikepacking” is also in vogue, i.e. short vacations by bike, with more or less luggage in special panniers. At Intersport, bike expert Stefan Dornetshuber expects a trend towards more comfort and suspension for gravel bikes: This would make long rides more pleasant. “More and more races are being held with increasing numbers of participants, which is also an indicator of the upward trend in this bike sector,” says Dornetshuber.
Counterarguments?
E-bike motors are becoming lighter
But riding uphill with full panniers is at least as strenuous as moving a 26-pound e-bike with an empty battery: This is where e-gravel bikes come into play, and the market is demanding lighter motors. With the Performance Line SX, Bosch has one of these new in its range. It pushes with up to 600 watts and still allows a total weight of under four kilos with a 400 watt-hour battery. “We are targeting sport-oriented bikers who want a natural riding experience for training laps on gravel or for a brisk ride in the city,” says Claus Fleischer, Managing Director of Bosch E-Bike Systems.
Higher cadence
The SX motors are designed for higher cadence and, in addition to the usual riding modes, offer a so-called “sprint” mode for rapid acceleration. They can be adjusted using an app, and if you want additional range, you can plug a range extender with 250 watt hours into the water bottle holder. Beyond 25 km/h, Bosch promises 50 percent less resistance than with previous drives, which is “hardly noticeable.”
At Bosch, we not only see e-gravel bikes as a possible application, but also increasingly light e-bikes with a total weight of around 16 kilograms. They are much more manageable and agile on trails and in tight curves and are also easier to load for transport.
Interview with Max Riese, Gravel Bike Expert and Extreme Cyclist
Editor: Thank you for joining us today, Max. It seems like the bicycle industry is experiencing some interesting shifts from the post-COVID boom to a more niche market focus. Can you tell us what trends you’ve observed in the gravel bike segment?
Max Riese: Absolutely, the gravel bike market is truly thriving right now. We saw a remarkable 20% increase in sales last year, with over 12,230 units sold in Austria alone. What’s particularly exciting is the surge in e-gravel bikes, which saw a staggering 157% growth, suggesting a significant shift towards electric bicycles in this category.
Editor: The numbers are impressive! What features do gravel bikes typically have that appeal to new riders?
Max Riese: Gravel bikes usually have wide racing handlebars and grippy tires designed for rough terrain, but notably they lack suspension. They’re meant for riders looking for a robust yet lightweight option for various terrains. The price point is also appealing, with gravel bikes averaging around 2,500 euros and e-gravel bikes under 5,800 euros.
Editor: It seems like the shift towards e-bikes is playing a crucial role in this growth. How do e-gravel bikes differ from traditional bikes in terms of usability?
Max Riese: E-gravel bikes are changing the game. They allow riders to tackle longer distances and steep inclines without struggling as much, thanks to the electric motor assistance. This opens up cycling to a broader audience, including those who might find traditional biking too strenuous.
Editor: You mentioned the potential for tourism growth linked to this trend. Can you elaborate on that?
Max Riese: Yes, absolutely. There’s a huge opportunity for the tourism sector to cater to gravel and e-bike riders. Many existing routes need optimization for these riders. Both groups favor flatter, more accessible paths, which is crucial for enhancing their experience and drawing them to tourist locations.
Editor: That’s fascinating. Are we seeing any changes in the way bikes are designed in light of these trends?
Max Riese: Definitely. Many traditional bike brands have been slow to adapt, but new players like Mustache and Bombtrack are innovating rapidly. We’re also witnessing a trend toward more comfortable bikes equipped with suspension, enhancing the riding experience on longer journeys.
Editor: Lastly, what do you see for the future of the gravel bike market?
Max Riese: I believe we are just at the beginning. With more races being organized, the increasing participant numbers show that interest is strengthening. Regions need to become more equipped for this new wave of bikers, and as technology advances, we’ll see even more evolution in bike design and functionality, which will bring more enthusiasts into cycling.
Editor: Thank you for your insights, Max. It sounds like an exciting time for the cycling industry!
Max Riese: Thank you for having me! I’m excited to see where this trend takes us.
Interview with Max Riese, Gravel Bike Expert and Extreme Cyclist
Editor: Thank you for joining us today, Max. It seems like the bicycle industry is experiencing some interesting shifts from the post-COVID boom to a more niche market focus. Can you tell us what trends you’ve observed in the gravel bike segment?
Max Riese: Absolutely! The gravel bike market is truly thriving right now. We saw a remarkable 20% increase in sales last year, with over 12,230 units sold in Austria alone. What’s particularly exciting is the surge in e-gravel bikes, which saw a staggering 157% growth, suggesting a significant shift towards electric bicycles in this category.
Editor: The numbers are impressive! What features do gravel bikes typically have that appeal to new riders?
Max Riese: Gravel bikes usually have wide racing handlebars and grippy tires designed for rough terrain, but notably, they lack suspension. They’re meant for riders looking for a robust yet lightweight option for various terrains. The price point is also appealing, with gravel bikes averaging around 2,500 euros and e-gravel bikes under 5,800 euros.
Editor: It seems like the shift towards e-bikes is playing a crucial role in this growth. How do e-gravel bikes differ from traditional bikes in terms of usability?
Max Riese: E-gravel bikes are changing the game. They allow riders to tackle longer distances and steep inclines without struggling as much, thanks to the electric motor assistance. This opens up cycling to a broader audience, including those who might find traditional biking too strenuous.
Editor: You mentioned the potential for tourism growth linked to this trend. Can you elaborate on that?
Max Riese: Yes, absolutely. There’s a huge opportunity for the tourism sector to cater to gravel and e-bike riders. Many existing routes need optimization and expansion to accommodate these new target groups. Both e-bikers and gravel bikers enjoy easier, technically accessible routes with manageable elevation changes, which can lead to delightful experiences and economic benefits for the tourism landscape.
Editor: That sounds promising! What do you predict for the future of the gravel bike market?
Max Riese: I expect continued growth, especially as more traditional bike brands begin to innovate and offer gravel bike options. We’re also seeing a trend towards bikepacking, where cyclists can take short vacations with their gravel bikes. the market will likely expand as more people discover the joy of gravel riding and the added benefits of electric assistance.
Editor: Thank you for sharing your insights, Max. It’s clear that the gravel bike segment holds exciting potential for both the bicycle industry and tourism.
Max Riese: Thank you for having me! It’s a thrilling time for biking enthusiasts and those looking to explore the outdoors.
