The 6 best electric racing bikes

In this article, we explore the best electric road bikes, also known as e-race bikes in Flemish culture. These sporty bikes are particularly popular among cycling enthusiasts.

Cycling, whether on Mont Ventoux or local hills, remains a highly enjoyable and healthy hobby. With the advent of electric road bikes, almost anyone can take up the sport. They’re especially helpful for older cyclists, providing assistance when the incline gets too steep.

Online, you’ll find numerous models, which can sometimes be confused with electric gravel bikes. That’s why we’ve created this overview to assist you in comparing and choosing.

There are models available for both men and women, with little difference between them. It’s crucial to select the right size based on your height. Your choice will also depend on your budget, as the best electric road bikes can cost around €10,000. However, there are also more affordable options.

Within our selection, you’ll find more information on comparing electric road bikes. Pay attention to build quality, design, and weight. You want a bike that’s as light as possible without compromising on the heavier electric components.

Top segment 12k to 15k

Trek Domane+ SLR 9 etap

When searching for the very best electric racing bike, our choice falls on the Domane+ SLR. Trek has long been known as a brand of high quality. The Domane+ SLR comes in 6 different options, with the SLR 9 etap being the best (and most expensive).

All Domane+ SLR bikes use the ‘Trek OCLV 800’ carbon frame. This makes the bike very light, even with the built-in electric motor and battery. The SLR 9 etap weighs only 11.8 kg.

The electric components are of very high quality. The ‘TQ harmonic pin ring motor’ provides 50 nm of power, which is enough to help you climb the mountain. The motor is also much lighter than the traditional Bosch or Shimano motors.

You also have an automatic gearbox from SRAM. This is also a premium component of the bike. This is important because you don’t want to be adjusting gears while climbing. You also have a 12-speed derailleur from SRAM.

The design of the bike is also important. The Trek Domane+ SLR looks sharp and has a good aerodynamic posture. The riding comfort is good, even for long rides. Cables and electrical components are almost completely integrated. Charging can be done via the small charging port.

If you plan to ride long and often, you can also attach a ‘range extender’. This provides extra battery for more kilometers. If you adjust the tires, this bike can also serve perfectly as an electric gravel bike.

Weight: 11.8 kg | Motor: 50 nm | Battery: 360 Wh (+160 wh) | Frame: carbon | Model: 2022

From 8k to 10k

Trek Domane+ SLR 6

The SLR 6 from Trek is the younger sibling of the expensive SLR 9 E-tap. The bike uses the same frame and the same electric motor and battery. However, the purchase price is considerably lower.

The difference lies mainly in the gearing. The high-quality automatic gearbox from SRAM has been replaced here by a standard Shimano 12-speed derailleur. The chain, cassette, and chainring are also from Shimano.

For the hobby cyclist, the SLR 6 is a better choice due to the pleasant price-to-quality ratio. If you take your hobby extremely seriously or if you are semi-professional, then the SLR 9 may be the better choice.

Weight: 12.5 kg | Motor: 50 nm mid-drive motor | Battery: 360 Wh (+160 wh) | Frame: carbon | Model: 2022

From 5k to 8k

Orbea Gain M20i

Orbea is primarily known for its high-quality mountain bikes. However, they also offer some excellent electric road bikes for cyclists. The Gain M20i may not be their top-of-the-line bike, but it offers excellent value for money.

At 12.2 kg, this remains a very lightweight electric road bike. The frame is sleek and aerodynamic. Orbea mainly uses Shimano components, including the choice for the disc brakes, derailleurs, gears, and chain.

Electrically, they opt for the reliable X35 system from Ebikemotion. This rear-wheel motor provides about 40 nm of power. While not much, according to Orbea’s ‘Enough Power’ concept, it’s sufficient to assist your lightweight e-road bike uphill.

According to Orbea: “this bike supports you exactly when you need it – and saves energy when you pedal.” With the 248 Wh battery, you have enough power for a journey of up to 100 km (eco mode).

Also noteworthy is the integrated lighting. Like all cables, it’s neatly built-in, contributing to a clean design.

Weight: 12.2 kg | Motor: 40 nm rear-wheel | Battery: 248 Wh | Frame: aluminum | Model: 2022

Cannondale Supersix Evo Neo 2

The Supersix Evo has been around for a while. In 2020, this non-electric racing bike won the ‘Bike of the Year’ award from Bikeradar. This year, this model was electrified. The Evo Neo 2 is lightweight, rides well, and offers above-average value for money.

Electrically, you benefit from an extremely quiet electric rear-wheel drive. The battery is also almost invisible, beautifully integrated into the lightweight frame. A rear-wheel motor is also lighter than a mid-drive motor. As a result, the carbon bike weighs only 11.7 kg.

With a fully charged battery, you can expect about 100 km of autonomy (eco mode). The harder you use the motor, the faster the battery will drain. Using the ‘range extender’, you can expand the battery to 450 Wh.

Furthermore, you enjoy strong Shimano brakes, a Shimano 11-speed derailleur, and an automatic hub gear. The Vittoria Rubino Pro tires are not bad, but there are better options available.

Weight: 11.7 kg | Motor: – nm rear-wheel | Battery: 250 Wh (+208 wh) | Frame: carbon | Model: 2022

Under 5k

SPECIALIZED Turbo Creo SL E5

The electric racing bikes from Specialized are globally renowned but challenging to find. This e-road bike features a powerful mid-drive motor that assists you on every incline. The battery (320 Wh) is sufficient for a range of about 50 to 120 km.

The design is sleek, very slim, and notably lightweight. The Creo SL is even the lightest bike in its (electric) class. They achieve this without using carbon; it has an aluminum frame. Additionally, the mid-drive motor is heavier than a rear-wheel drive.

The total weight of 10.9 kg is the result of a design where every gram is carefully considered. Moreover, the bike is highly affordable. This is because Specialized wants you to purchase directly from them, eliminating margins for bike shops or online stores.

You can also connect the bike to your smartphone via the Mission Control app. This provides various statistics, including battery and motor status.

Weight: 10.9 kg | Motor: 50 nm mid-drive motor| Battery: 320 Wh | Frame: aluminum| Model: 2022

Under 3.5k

Trek Domane+ AL 5

Trek offers an electric racing bike with a good price-quality ratio for every budget. The Domane+ AL 5 is a new model from 2023 designed for the average cyclist with an interest in road cycling.

The bike is heavier than the premium models but still relatively light, with a total weight of 14.6 kg. This is due to the aluminum frame; only the SLR model features the ultra-light carbon frame. The motor is also more economical, featuring a good rear-wheel drive motor (40 nm) from the brand Hyena.

However, the battery is equally strong, with 250 Wh providing enough autonomy for 50 (turbo) to 100 (eco) km. Like the cables, it’s nicely integrated into the frame.

The remaining components such as brakes and chain (11-speed) are from Shimano. The handlebars, wheels, tires, and saddle are from Bontrager, a Trek brand.

Weight: 14.6 kg | Motor: 40 nm rear-wheel | Battery: 250 Wh (+208 wh) | Frame: aluminum | Model: 2023

What to Consider When Buying an Electric Racing Bike

A racing bike, or “koersfiets” in Dutch, is different from a regular bike. They are designed for speed. The riding position is completely different, and so is the handlebar. Due to the speed, powerful brakes are also crucial. Additionally, the electric components differ.

Electric Motor – Mid-drive or Rear-wheel

Everything revolves around weight. An electric mid-drive motor is more powerful but weighs more than a rear-wheel drive. With a mid-drive motor, the power is better distributed, and the bike has a better center of gravity.

However, many brands opt for rear-wheel drive because they are lighter. The goal of the motor is to assist when the climbs become too challenging. They are legally limited to 25 km/h. The question then arises whether a mid-drive motor is necessary.

If you need a lot of assistance, then opt for a mid-drive motor. If you prefer to pedal mostly on your own with some electric assistance to maintain a high cadence, then a rear-wheel drive motor is sufficient.

Battery and Range Extender

The battery of an electric racing bike is usually less powerful than that of a traditional electric bike. The weight must remain low, and the battery must be integrated aerodynamically.

Furthermore, the electric assistance in these racing bikes is limited. Typically, you cycle most of the route above 25 km/h. The e-support is intended for steep climbs.

Several bikes also offer a range extender. With this additional battery in the bottle cage holder, you can provide extra power to the battery.

Design & Weight

When climbing, a lightweight bike is crucial. The choice of material determines the weight of the design.

You can opt for a carbon frame. This is evident in the most expensive electric racing bikes in the top segment. The alternative is aluminum. It is heavier but also cheaper.

The design of the e-racing bike is also important, as evidenced by Specialized. Their lightest electric racing bike has an aluminum frame.

The choice of motor and battery also influences the weight. Always consider the total weight of the bike.

Tires & Brakes

Good tires with plenty of grip are essential, especially when descending a mountain at high speed on a lightweight bike. Slowing down for sharp corners and eventually coming to a stop are highly recommended.

Having the right brakes ensures that you can slow down quickly without accidents. The higher the speed, the more dangerous it is to brake. Therefore, never go cycling without a safe cycling helmet.

So far the search for the right or best electric racing bike of 2023.

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