#8 on this list
Gain
Orbea
The Orbea Gain stands out as one of the most customizable and elegantly integrated electric road and gravel bikes available. Built in Spain, it is aimed at discerning drop-bar riders who want the aesthetics, handling, and lightweight characteristics of a traditional performance bicycle, but with an on-demand boost to conquer alpine climbs. Through Orbea's MyO program, buyers can customize paint, components, and gearing to create a truly bespoke machine. Out on the tarmac and hard-packed gravel, the Gain is defined by its subtlety. The hub-based drive unit and internal battery are so neatly tucked into the carbon frame that casual observers rarely realize it is motorized. The assistance curve is tuned according to Orbea's 'Enough Energy' philosophy: it does not propel you like a scooter, but rather acts as an invisible tailwind that amplifies your natural pedaling input. Handling remains sharp, precise, and communicative, mimicking the feel of an endurance road bike. The trade-off is clear: power output is intentionally modest. If you are looking for an effortless ride that does all the work, the Gain will feel underpowered on steep ascents. Approaching $10,000 depending on the build, it is also a massive financial investment aimed strictly at dedicated enthusiasts. Finally, rear-wheel maintenance—such as fixing a flat tire—is more complicated due to the integrated hub motor wiring. **Highlights** - Exceptional integration makes the motor and battery virtually invisible - Extensive MyO program allows custom frame paint and component spec - Lightweight carbon construction delivers authentic road-bike handling - Natural, progressive assist tuned for fitness-focused endurance riding - Clean cockpit design with minimal display clutter **Watch-outs** - Extremely expensive, particularly on high-end custom builds - Lower torque output requires meaningful rider effort on steep grades - Rear flat repairs require unplugging motor cables
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#9 on this list
Ramblas ADV
Aventon
The Aventon Ramblas ADV brings true mountain bike capability to the sub-$3,000 category, targeting riders who want a dedicated trail hardtail without an exorbitant price tag. It fills the void for outdoor enthusiasts who want to explore singletrack, rugged access roads, and backcountry trailheads on a machine that features genuine mountain bike geometry rather than modified commuter parts. At the center of the Ramblas ADV is a proprietary mid-drive motor that delivers impressive climbing torque, integrated directly into a stout aluminum hardtail frame. Paired with a trail-worthy suspension fork, modern progressive reach, and a factory dropper seatpost, the bike is legitimately trail-ready out of the box. Testers note that the motor delivers clean, predictable power that allows the rider to negotiate rock steps and loose climbs with surprising control for a value-oriented platform. The primary limitation is inherent to its hardtail nature: without rear suspension, the back wheel bounces over rough roots and rock gardens, requiring the rider to pick smooth lines and use their legs as shock absorbers. On long, bumpy descents, this contributes to rider fatigue compared to a full-suspension e-bike. Additionally, the overall bike weight is substantial, making technical trail hops and airborne maneuvers a physical workout. **Highlights** - Dedicated mid-drive motor system providing trail-ready torque delivery - Factory-installed dropper seatpost allows quick saddle height adjustment on descents - Modern trail geometry with a slack head angle for confident descending - Air-sprung front fork offers adjustable damping for varied trail conditions - Exceptional value proposition well below typical mid-drive e-MTB pricing **Watch-outs** - Lack of rear suspension increases rider fatigue on rough, rocky trails - Substantial overall weight requires deliberate effort on tight, technical singletrack
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Specs side by side
| Spec | Gain | Ramblas ADV |
|---|---|---|
| Frame Material | OMR Carbon | Formed aluminum alloy |
| Motor Type | Integrated rear hub motor | Proprietary mid-drive system |
| Customization | Orbea MyO factory personalization | — |
| Bike Style | Endurance road and light gravel | — |
| Estimated Price | Around $9,999 (spec dependent) | — |
| Cockpit Interface | Integrated top-tube control button | — |
| Category | — | Electric hardtail mountain bike |
| Front Suspension | — | Air-sprung trail fork |
| Seatpost | — | Internal-routing dropper post |
| Base Price | — | Around $2,899 |
What our reviewers liked and didn't
Gain
- Sleek hub motor and battery integration preserves traditional road bike aesthetics
- MyO program allows factory-level paint, ergonomic, and component customization
- Virtually drag-free pedaling above the electric assistance speed cutoff
- Lightweight carbon chassis delivers sharp, predictable endurance handling
- Steep financial investment approaching $10,000 for top-tier builds
- Modest motor torque requires significant rider effort on steep alpine grades
- Rear flat repairs are complicated by the hub-motor wiring harness
Ramblas ADV
- Proprietary mid-drive motor delivers smooth, balanced climbing torque
- Modern progressive geometry provides stability on trail descents
- Factory dropper post and air fork come standard out of the box
- Sub-$3,000 price point undercuts most performance-focused e-MTBs
- Rigid rear triangle transmits heavy trail chatter on rocky terrain
- Substantial overall weight makes technical hopping and maneuvering strenuous
- Lacks the descending forgiveness of a full-suspension setup
Prices change constantly — the figure shown is the last verified catalog price, and the buy buttons always go to the current listing.