Orbea GAIN M31e 1X 20mph Review
- Price: $6,799
- Frame: Carbon
- Tires: 700C Aluminum
- Gear: 1 × 12 Electronic
What we like about it: Lightweight frame, great geometry plus the motor add up to a powerful enduro road bike.
What we didn’t like about it: Expensive and not friendly enough for novice or budget riders.
Rating: (4.9/5)
The Orbea GAIN M31e 1X 20mph has a lighter weight among bikes in its class with wider tire clearance, and has the ability to ride on more surfaces.
Below, we analyze the Orbea GAIN M31e 1X 20mph riding experience, key features, components and specifications, and other versions.
At the end of the REVIEW, we also compare several best bike models. If you want to know more about bike reviews, you can follow us.
Cycling Experience
The Orbea GAIN M31e 1X 20mph is an enduro road bike made of carbon with a motor that gives it a longer ride distance, which I do like in this type of road bike.
For this reason I packed my gear with the intention of riding with the Orbea GAIN M31e 1X 20mph to my side of the country town.
Having booked a hotel around my destination via IHG, I set off immediately.
The route was expected to be over 100 miles long, all mainly tarmac interspersed with some unpaved gravel roads.
Cruising on a Level Road
Once on the road, I was blown away by the agility and responsiveness of this Orbea GAIN M31e 1X 20mph.
The carbon frame felt very light and stiff, and the transfer of power from my pedals was so responsive that I could feel the bike rolling forward as fast as I pedaled.
As I cruised and rode on the smooth tarmac, the SRAM Rival XPLR eTAP AXS’s electronic shifting provided a perfect shifting experience with efficient drivetrain efficiency.
Thanks to the 700C’s large wheelset, I quickly got into an aerodynamic riding position and could feel the wind whistling across my face.
On the unpaved gravel road, the bike’s comfort was also good enough.
Carbon frame material has a certain vibration absorption ability and could help me filter jitter.
The bike was very comfortable, even if this time I had more than 1 hour of non-stop riding, there was no feeling of fatigue.
Climbing and Descending
The climbing performance of Orbea GAIN M31e 1X 20mph was what attracted me the most, because the Mahle motor hub X20, ALC motor had a constant power output, and the kinetic energy output was smooth and supple.
It maximized my climbing easier and reduced physical exertion.
Then, with the geometry of the enduro bike, when climbing, my center of gravity stayed nice and stable, allowing the bike to always have a forward impact on climbs and a faster speed on climbs.
Finally, the Orbea GAIN M31e 1X 20mph used inertia on long descents and I didn’t even need any pedaling, with a big 700C wheelset that had the ability to go downhill quickly and consistently.
When it comes to slowing down in downhill corners, the SRAM R ival eTap AXS’s hydraulic disc brakes had a reliable performance, and even with fast and continuous braking maneuvers, it maintained a good braking capacity.
It also gave me the confidence to ride safer in long downhill distances.
All in all, it is a, well, enduro e-bike that I really like, and the addition of the motor has made my climbs much easier.
Specification
The Orbea GAIN M31e 1X 20mph uses a carbon frame, which has a certain amount of deformation to absorb some of the road vibrations, making the whole riding experience more comfortable.
There are a total of (XS-XXL) 6 sizes of frames to choose from across the board, with a wide range of applicability, suitable for almost all heights of riders to choose from.
In addition, the internal cable routing design gives the frame a cleaner look and makes daily cleaning easier, while the silent cable management design and integrated handlebar set reduces the amount of noise emitted while riding.
Finally, the 35mm tire clearance gives this bike more possibilities for smooth road riding and even some gravel road.
Video
Other Version
The Orbea GAIN M31e 1X 20mph has a lightweight carbon frame coupled with a performance Mahle motor hub X20, ALC.
But this bike has a higher-end version that uses top of the line components to realize the greater potential of this frame.
For this reason, we offer an enduro e-bike with the exact same carbon frame, but with top-of-the-line components that have even more performance for a more intense riding experience.
Orbea GAIN M10i
The Orbea GAIN M10i has a smooth and powerful power delivery with an identical internally cable routing carbon frame and an identical Mahle motor hub X20, ALC.
In the drivetrain components, it uses Shimano Dura-Ace Di2 R9250 top components, with the highest efficiency and the ultimate smooth shifting feel, electronic shifting debugging is also more simple and convenient.
As for the braking components, the hydraulic disc brakes of Shimano R9270 have the top braking feel, and the gentle pressure can bring powerful braking ability, which can reduce the speed of the bike in the longest time.
Finally, the 700C’s carbon wheelset reduces weight while allowing for a lighter feel to the pedaling, further enhancing the ride.
What we like about it
- The drivetrain of the SRAM Rival eTap AXS has excellent efficiency, and the electronic shifting is easy to adjust.
- Hydraulic disc brakes are for reliable braking capability, no matter how harsh the environment.
- Excellent geometry helps maintain a more upright riding position and will be more comfortable.
- Carbon frame design, along with an excellent motor and battery combination, makes the bike lighter in weight.
- Maximum support of 35mm outer tire width gives the bike more possibilities to adapt to a wide range of riding surfaces.
- Full internal cable routing design with silent cable ducting for a cleaner, fresher look and lower noise while riding.
What we don’t like about it
- Expensive and not friendly enough for novice or budget riders.
FAQs
- Where is Orbea a bicycle brand located?
Orbea is a bicycle manufacturer based in Marabia, Spain. It is part of the Mondragon Partnership and the largest bicycle manufacturer in Spain.
- Is this bike good for distance riding?
It has a motor to add to the mix and a battery with enough capacity to have a great range for long rides.
- How to choose the right size?
Here we have provided you with a sizing chart, but of course this doesn’t strictly have to be followed. The best way to find the best fit is to test ride.
| Rider height | SIZE |
| 5’1″-5’7″ | XS |
| 5’4″-5’9″ | S |
| 5’7″- 6’0″ | M |
| 5’10”-6’2″ | L |
| 6’0″-6’4″ | XL |
| 6’2″-6’10” | XXL |
Orbea GAIN M31e 1X 20mph Specs
Build
| Frame | rbea Gain Carbon OMR monocoque structure, Integrated Seat clamp with STVZO light, ICR cable routing, Thru Axle 12x142mm rear, thread M12x2 P1, Flat Mount disc, 700×35 max tyre, BB386 EVO, Mahle X20 AMC plug. BB Standard: BB86/BB92, Press Fit Colors: White Chic – Metallic Green Artichoke (Gloss); Tanzanite Carbon View (Matt) – Carbon Raw (Gloss) |
| Fork | Gain OMR carbon fork, 700×35 maximun tyre, flat mount disc mount, 12x100mm Thru Axle |
| Bottom Bracket | BB86/BB92, press-fit |
| Headset | FSA 1-1/2″ Integrated Aluminium Cup |
| Stem | OC Road Performance RP10, -8º |
| Handlebar | OC Gravel GR30, Reach 80, Drop 125 |
| Saddle | Fizik Aliante R5 |
| Seatpost | OC Performance XP10 Carbon, 27.2mm, Setback 0 |
Groupset
| Rear Derailleur | SRAM Rival XPLR eTAP AXS |
| Crank | SRAM Rival 1 Dub Wide 40t |
| Shifters | SRAM Rival eTap AXS |
| Cassette | SRAM XG-1251 XPLR 10-44t 12-Speed |
| Chain | SRAM Rival 12-Speed |
| Brakes | SRAM Rival eTap AXS |
Wheels
| Rims | Alloy, Tubeless, 700c, 21c |
| Tires | Pirelli Cinturato™ Gravel H 700x35c TLR |
Electric Components
| Motor | Mahle motor hub X20, ALC |
| Battery | Mahle iX350 36V 353Wh |
| Remote | Mahle Pulsar One monochrome ANT+ LEV |
| Charger | Mahle Active Charger up to 4A |
Comparison Table
| Bike | Click View | Wheelset | Frame Material | Brake | Drivetrain |
| Specialized Turbo Creo SL Comp E5 | Click View | 700c Aluminum | Carbon | Shimano 105 | 1 × 11 |
| Scott Contessa Addict eRIDE 15 | Click View | 700c Carbon | Carbon | SRAM RIVAL | 2 × 12 Electronic |
| Colnago E-64 Ultegra Bike | Click View | 700c Aluminum | Carbon | Shimano Ultegra 8070 | 2 × 11 |
| Moustache Dimanche 28.7 Open | Click View | 700c Carbon | Carbon | Shimano, Ultegra | 2 × 11 |
Orbea GAIN M31e 1X 20mph VS Specialized Turbo Creo SL Comp E5
Orbea GAIN M31e 1X 20mph and Specialized Turbo Creo SL Comp E5 both have lightweight carbon frames.
However, the former’s SRAM Rival XPLR eTAP AXS drivetrain has a higher speed than the latter’s Shimano GRX810, and the electronic shifting is easier to adjust.
In terms of braking components, both bikes have hydraulic disc brakes that are powerful, reliable and trustworthy.
Lastly, the Orbea GAIN M31e 1X 20mph is more aesthetically pleasing than the Specialized Turbo Creo SL Comp E5, which is one of the things appealing to me.
So, between these two bikes, I would recommend the Orbea GAIN M31e 1X 20mph even more.
Learn More: Is Specialized Diverge Comp E5 Worth Buying? [2022 Specialized Diverge Comp E5 Review]
Orbea GAIN M31e 1X 20mph VS Scott Contessa Addict eRIDE 15
The Orbea GAIN M31e 1X 20mph and Scott Contessa Addict eRIDE 15 are both powerful enduro e-bikes.
Both have carbon frame construction for a lighter ride, but the latter has a higher-end carbon wheelset for a more efficient ride.
Drivetrain-wise, both the former and the latter use an electronic version of SRAM’s shifting, with the former’s 1×12-speed being simpler to keep the ride focused, and the latter’s 2×12-speed having more speeds to go with it for a faster ride.
So, between the two bikes, the latter may have more diverse components, but the former’s frame has more powerful potential.
Orbea GAIN M31e 1X 20mph VS Colnago E-64 Ultegra Bike
The Orbea GAIN M31e 1X 20mph has a cool looking frame compared to the Colnago E-64 Ultegra Bike, but the former has an integrated handlebar set for a more aerodynamic look and lower wind resistance.
The SRAM Rival XPLR eTAP AXS drivetrain is an electronic version, which makes it easier to adjust and makes the shifting feel drier.
The latter, the Shimano Ultegra 8000, has a 2×11-speed mechanical version, which makes the shifting feel a bit smoother.
In terms of braking components, the SRAM brakes on the former have a more violent and direct braking ability, while the Shimano brakes on the latter will be lighter.
So, between these two touring, I would recommend the Orbea GAIN M31e 1X 20mph as I think the 1×12 would be easier and less hassle to operate with the electronic shifting.
Orbea GAIN M31e 1X 20mph VS Moustache Dimanche 28.7 Open
Comparing the Orbea GAIN M31e 1X 20mph to the Moustache Dimanche 28.7 Open, the former will have a more aggressive geometry and a more direct pedaling feel.
The latter’s low top tube design makes it easier to get on and off the bike, but accordingly the former will have a faster ride speed.
In terms of drivetrain components, the SRAM Rival XPLR eTAP AXS in the former has a drier feel and will be easier to adjust. On the latter, the Shimano, Ultegra 2×11-speed kit is a bit more compact.
To summarize, the Orbea GAIN M31e 1X 20mph will be more suitable for speed-seeking rides, while the Moustache Dimanche 28.7 Open has a more laid-back riding experience. So you can choose according to your riding needs.
Summary
Above is my riding review of the Orbea GAIN M31e 1X 20mph. In our opinion, it is an enduro e-bike that rides well and has a great range. That’s why we gave it a rating of 4.9.
Of course, if you want to know about other enduro e-bikes, we also review a lot of interesting bikes at various price points, so feel free to take a look at our tests on that as well.
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