Rediscover the joy of riding with the 2019 Orbea Gain M21, a pioneering road e-bike that set the standard for what a “light electric” bicycle should be. Now available in a Large frame, this machine is for cyclists who want a subtle, natural-feeling assist that simply makes every ride more enjoyable without the bulk or weight of a traditional e-bike. The Gain was designed from the ground up to look, handle, and feel like a conventional road bike, with the added magic of a whisper-quiet hub motor that flattens hills and extends your adventures . Featuring a premium hydroformed aluminum frame, a full carbon fork, and a reliable Shimano Ultegra mechanical groupset, the Gain M21 offers a refined, engaging, and genuinely fun riding experience .

Frame and Fork

Frame: The foundation of the Gain is its Orbea Gain hydroformed aluminum frame . Orbea’s engineers spent three years developing this specific frame, focusing on creating something that was both lightweight and aesthetically pleasing. The result is a frame with a “Smart” look that hides the battery entirely within the downtube, maintaining the sleek profile of a standard road bike . It features a tapered head tube for precise steering and a PressFit 30 bottom bracket for efficient power transfer. The frame is designed with a longer chainstay and a slacker head tube angle than a pure race bike, providing a stable, confidence-inspiring ride that’s perfect for long days in the saddle .
Fork: The matching Orbea Gain carbon fork is designed to absorb road vibrations and provide smooth, predictable handling . It features an integrated fender mount, hinting at the bike’s versatility for commuting and all-season riding .
Integration & Aesthetics: The defining feature of the Gain is its clean, uncluttered look. The battery is seamlessly integrated into the downtube, and the only external clue that this is an e-bike is the discreet control button on the top tube and the subtle bulge of the rear hub motor .

Motor and Battery

Motor: The Gain is powered by the innovative Ebikemotion X35 rear hub motor system . This 250W motor delivers a smooth, natural-feeling boost that ramps up progressively, making it feel like you simply have a helpful tailwind . It operates almost silently and provides up to 40Nm of torque, offering assistance up to 25 km/h (in EU markets). The assist is so seamless that many riders forget they’re on an e-bike .
Battery: A discreet 250Wh lithium-ion battery is fully integrated and hidden within the downtube, accessible via a clever magnetic charging port . It provides a real-world range of approximately 60–100 km (37–62 miles) , depending on the assistance level used . This is more than enough for the daily commute, a long weekend ride, or for keeping up with faster friends on the group ride. An optional range-extender battery can be mounted on the seat tube for even longer adventures .
Operation: The system is controlled via a minimalist iWoc button integrated into the top tube. A simple press changes the assistance level (Eco, Medium, High), indicated by colored LEDs, while a long press turns the system on or off. The iWoc can also be connected to your smartphone via Bluetooth to access the Ebikemotion app for detailed ride data, navigation, and battery management .

Drivetrain

Shifting: The bike is equipped with the crisp and reliable Shimano Ultegra R8000 2×11-speed mechanical groupset . The shifters are ergonomically refined and offer the precise, positive action that Shimano is known for.
Derailleurs: The Shimano Ultegra R8000 front and rear derailleurs deliver fast, dependable shifting performance across the entire gear range.
Crankset: Power is transferred through a stiff and efficient Shimano Ultegra R8000 crankset with a compact 50/34T chainring combination, ideal for spinning up hills with the help of the motor. For the Large frame, the crank arms are appropriately sized at 175mm to ensure optimal fit and leverage for taller riders .
Cassette & Chain: The wide-ranging Shimano Ultegra R8000 11-32T 11-speed cassette provides the gearing needed to conquer steep climbs, paired with a durable Shimano Ultegra chain for flawless integration .

Brakes

Confident and consistent stopping power comes from Shimano Ultegra R8070 hydraulic disc brakes . These brakes offer excellent modulation and reliable performance in all weather conditions. They are paired with 160mm rotors, providing ample stopping force for confident descending, even with the added momentum of the e-bike system .

Cockpit and Finishing Kit

Handlebar & Stem: The cockpit features a FSA Gossamer Pro compact alloy handlebar . For the Large frame, the bar width is 44cm . It’s paired with an FSA Gossamer Pro alloy stem, sized at 110mm for the Large frame to ensure a proper, stable fit .
Seatpost: The bike uses a standard alloy seatpost, allowing for easy saddle height adjustments.
Saddle: Comfort is provided by a Selle Royal Saddle , a reliable and comfortable choice for all-day riding.

Wheels and Tires

Wheelset: The Gain rolls on a set of Orbea’s own alloy wheels, built to be durable and reliable for everyday riding.
Tires: It is fitted with fast-rolling and grippy Vittoria Zaffiro Pro tires in a 700x28c size, offering excellent puncture protection and a comfortable ride quality .

Sizing: The “Large” Fit

This size Large frame is specifically engineered for taller riders seeking a stable, confident, and endurance-oriented fit.

Rider Height: Designed to fit riders approximately 180cm to 190cm (5’11” to 6’3″) tall .
Key Geometry (Size Large):
- Stack: 595 mm
- Reach: 391 mm
- Head Tube Angle: 71.0°
- Seat Tube Angle: 73.5°
- Chainstay Length: 423 mm
- Wheelbase: 1008 mm

Why This Bike?

The 2019 Orbea Gain M21 is for the cyclist who wants a subtle, elegant boost without the visual bulk of a traditional e-bike. It’s a bike that “looks, sounds, and rides like a normal road bike” but with the superpower of flattening hills and extending your range . It’s perfect for commuters who want to arrive fresh, weekend warriors looking to keep up with faster groups, or anyone who simply wants to ride more often and with a bigger smile on their face. As one long-term review noted, the Gain is “so much fun to ride,” and its natural power delivery encourages you to ride more, not less .