Kira, Leon and Marius wanted to find out. Their plan: ride the GRID :eLight from the SIMPLON headquarters in Hard, Austria, to the Eurobike trade fair in Frankfurt – in just three days. 400 kilometers, 2,500 meters of elevation gain, and plenty of adventure along the way. Would the e-gravel bike live up to its promise?
TIP: Want to follow the route yourself? You’ll find the full GPX track at the end of this article.
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Stage 1: From Lake Constance to the gateway of the Swabian Jura
The journey starts in Hard, Vorarlberg. The route initially follows the shore of Lake Constance along flat, perfectly paved cycle paths. Despite having electric support, Marius, Kira, and Leon are pedaling entirely under their own power. According to TQ, the HPR60 motor is designed to rotate almost resistance-free when turned off – creating a very natural riding feel. The bike handles almost like a classic gravel bike, with only a minimal weight difference.
Even on this first leg, it becomes clear: the sporty geometry of the GRID :eLight makes for a fast, efficient ride. Leon, a die-hard road cyclist on the SIMPLON PRIDE, is impressed: “I never thought an e-bike could feel so agile and direct.”
E-gravel in action: How the motor helps on the climbs
After Friedrichshafen, the terrain gets more demanding. The route becomes hillier, with a mix of asphalt, forest trails, and gravel. Now, the whisper-quiet and barely noticeable HPR50 motor kicks in. It integrates smoothly into the ride and adjusts its power depending on the gradient.
Stage 2: Up and down through the low mountain range
The second day’s stage is no less demanding in terms of distance and elevation. Starting from Reutlingen, the route continues through hilly terrain with constant ups and downs. It's the perfect opportunity to complement your own effort with motor assistance and conserve energy.
The motor support can be easily controlled via the sleek handlebar remote or the top-tube integrated display. Kira describes it like this: “I’m still pedaling myself, but I can feel a gentle push – quiet, subtle, without taking away any control. Perfect when your legs start to tire.”
The look of a road bike, the soul of a mountain bike
One thing is clear: the GRID :eLight turns heads. Its sleek, road-bike-inspired design immediately draws attention. And on tarmac, it performs like one. But where a road bike would reach its limits, the GRID :eLight keeps going – thanks to its 45 mm tires. Want more grip and comfort? You can fit tires up to 50 mm wide.
After conquering the hilly terrain, a rewarding downhill awaits. TheGRID :eLight proves it can pick up serious speed. And when things get steep, specially designed gravel brakes provide outstanding stopping power. The remaining kilometers to Heidelberg are mostly flat and follow well-maintained bike paths.
Stage 3: To Eurobike with the e-gravel bike
The third and final leg leads from Heidelberg to the Eurobike show in Frankfurt. After two long days in the saddle, fresh clothes are more than welcome – and thankfully, the GRID :eLight offers plenty of room for your gear. With twelve smartly placed mounting points, you can carry everything you need for your next adventure.
Worried about battery life near the end? A range extender with an additional 160 Wh can be added to the bike, bringing the total battery capacity to an impressive 450 Wh. That means nothing stands in the way of those final kilometers to the trade show.
Once they arrive at the finish line, everyone agrees: Gravel biking with electric support isn’t less athletic – it’s just different. More flexible, more accessible, and above all: a lot of fun.
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