We’re all on-board with the idea of e-bikes as tools for bike commuting, but the new Vitus Mach-E doesn’t want to get stuck on the city streets. With fat tires, a flat bar, and capable geometry this new city commuter e-bike will help you avoid public transit on the way to work, then slip in a little e-gravel on the ride home…
Vitus Mach-E affordable commuter e-bike doubles up for e-gravel
These days, many of us are looking for a way to self-isolate on the commute to work, without resorting to driving in what is likely increased post-pandemic traffic. So e-bikes are looking like a much more viable alternative, and this Vitus Mach-E might be just the affordable option to get you back and forth, with some fun diversions along the way.
Developed as an electrified version of Vitus’ direct-to-consumer alloy commuter/fitness bike (based on their popular eMTB offerings), the Shimano STePS powertrain paired with room for big tires and long/slack geometry, the Mach-E is ready to take on any terrain. It’s not quite a full-on e-gravel bike per se, but it gets pretty close at a surprisingly affordable price level.
Tech details
The Mach-E is built with a double butted & hydroformed 6061 alloy frame welded in Cambodia, integrating both the Shimano STePS E6100 motor and 504Wh battery semi tucked into the downtube. The frameset includes a full carbon 1.5″ tapered steerer fork, and features internal cable routing, flat mount brakes, 12mm thru-axles, full-coverage front & rear fender mounts, and rear rack mounts. Because of the battery in the main triangle, it gets just a single set of water bottle bosses.
That E6100 e-bike powertrain drive unit is said to be 20% more efficient than the E6000 model for extended range. And paired with the E8010 504WH mountain bike battery, Vitus claims up to 100km riding on a single charge. (5 hours for a full 100% recharge, 2.5hrs to 80%, or 2 hrs to 50%.)
Vitus fits the single stock e-bike build with high-volume 700c x 38mm Vee G-Sport almost slick diamond-tread road tires for added comfort & control of smooth roads. But they are also quick to point out that there is more than enough clearance for up to 700c x 42mm tire (or even a few mm more), as well as plenty of space to go 650b x 47mm to extend its mixed-surface capabilities. Beyond those looking to head off the tarmac, large volume tires are quite important when you figure the extra weight of adding the pedal-assist powertrain (this e-bike is more than 6kg heavier than the comparably spec’d Mach 3 without a motor & battery). Those bigger tires should mean running lower tire pressure to take the edge off on bumpy surfaces, without sacrificing speed or rolling resistance.
Pricing & availability
Vitus bikes are a UK direct-to-consumer brand and are available through Wiggle & Chain Reaction Cycles online shops. The new Mach-E is available now in four sizes (S-XL) in this single complete e-bike build for £2100 / 2400€ with a Shimano Alivio 1×9 drivetrain, UR300 hydraulic brakes & house-brand 32 spoke alloy wheels (likely not tubeless-ready). Complete bike weight is claimed at 17.3kg (38.1lb), or you know 2.72 stone.
