Today, Ari Bikes is launching the new Shafer HP e-gravel bike. It combines Ari’s versatile 3rd-generation Shafer gravel bike platform with the lightweight, mid-power TQ-HPR60 drive system to provide quiet, natural pedal assistance. It’s available in five complete builds with upgrade options including wheels, suspension, and range extenders. Let’s check it out.
“The Shafer HP is everything riders love about the Shafer, electrified. It’s for the rider who wants to go farther, keep up with friends, or use it as a training tool for Zone 2 days.“
-Tyler Cloward, Director of Product
Ari Shafer HP Details
To create the Shafer HP, Ari essentially took its 3rd-gen Shafer gravel bike and added the TQ-HPR60 drive system. Other than the compact TQ-HPR60 motor and a slightly thicker downtube, the standard Shafer and the HP look nearly identical. Looking at the pictures, it’s almost hard to tell there’s an e-bike drive system at all.
Ari says it shares the exact same geometry as the standard Shafer (see below for details), which has made it one of the most versatile gravel bikes around. The frame has been engineered to provide the same ride quality with compliance in the rear triangle and fork to smooth out rough roads while being strong enough to tackle singletrack trails.
The frame and fork also have the same massive tire clearance for modern gravel tires up to 60mm wide. It comes stock with 55mm tires and can go as big as 2.25” wide. The Shafer HP is also compatible with dropper posts and gravel suspension forks for those looking for a bit more cushion. Riders have the option to upgrade to a suspension fork when purchasing.
The Shafer HP frame has three bottle mounts inside the front triangle, making it possible to carry plenty of water, even if you use one of the mounts for the optional range extender. There are also fender mounts, three pack mounts on the fork, and plenty of space for frame bags if you’re looking to haul some gear.
TQ-HPR60 Drive System
We’ve covered the TQ-HPR60 drive system as well as numerous bikes equipped with it already. You can learn the details of the system here. The quick and dirty is that it is a lightweight (1.92 kg or 4.2 lbs) and compact mid-drive motor that is concentric to the crank spindle. It puts out up to 60 Nm of torque and 350 W of peak power with three customizable assist levels to choose from.
On the Shafer HP, the TQ-HPR60 is powered by a downtube-integrated 360 Wh battery. It’s also compatible with the optional 160Wh range extender for longer rides. The Shafer HP features TQ’s top tube-integrated color display to monitor your ride info, and assist levels are changed using TQ controllers on the hoods. The whole TQ drive system stays fairly lightweight, and Ari says the Shafer HP’s complete bike weights average around 28 pounds.
We’ve tested bikes with the TQ-HPR60 motor, and can confirm that it’s impressively quiet with a smooth and natural power delivery that’s far more subtle than the full-power options. Preferences vary, but we think it’s one of the best motors on the market.
Builds and Pricing
The Shafer HP comes in Emerald Metallic and Clay Gray Bone frame colors as a frame kit for $4,199 or your choice of five complete builds. All builds include the same TQ-HPR60 drive system and components and a CleanCast carbon frame that’s backed by a lifetime + transferable warranty. As mentioned above, numerous component upgrade options are available when purchasing, including wheels, suspension, range extenders, and more, so you can customize your ride.
Sport – $4,899: Shimano Cues 11-speed drivetrain, Shimano Cues brakes, WTB Sportterra i25 wheels
Comp – $5,499: SRAM Apex 12-speed drivetrain, SRAM Apex brakes, WTB Speedterra i25 wheels
Elite – $5,999: SRAM Rival XPLR AXS 13-speed, SRAM Rival brakes, WTB Speedterra i25 wheels
Pro – $6,999: SRAM Force XPLR AXS 13-speed, SRAM Force brakes, Reynolds G30 Expert Alloy wheels
Team – $9,899: SRAM Red XPLR AXS 13-speed, SRAM Red brakes, Zipp 303 S XPLR wheels
Availability
The new Shafer HP e-gravel bike is available now directly from Ari. Head to the brand’s website to learn more.
