E-bikes or gravel bikes? Experts reveal what you need to pay attention to!

E-bikes or gravel bikes? Experts reveal what you need to pay attention to!

More and more Cologne residents are getting on their bikes - but which one is right for you? E-bikes have blossomed as indispensable companions in many households during the Corona pandemic and now make up around 90% of new bicycles sold. This is pointed out by the expert from Wolfgruben, who gives some valuable tips on buying a bike on his platform. The trend towards environmentally friendly mobility extends throughout the entire cycling industry.

If you look around the bike shop, you will come across many different types: In addition to the popular e-bikes, the newer gravel bikes are also very popular. These are special racing bikes with coarse tires that are ideal for off-road excursions. Mountain bikes, on the other hand, are designed for the rough trails, while trekking and touring bikes offer a mix of on-road and off-road capability. Choosing the right model clearly depends on your individual needs.

Sporty riders often swear by mountain bikes and gravel bikes, while the robust but comfortable features of trekking bikes offer many riders the best experience. If you want to buy an e-bike, you should pay particular attention to the battery capacity of 600 to 800 watt hours and a torque of between 85 and 100 Newton meters. A decent e-bike should cost between 2,500 and 3,000 euros; Cheap bikes, some of which are available online or at discount stores, often cannot keep up with the quality and safety standards of specialist retailers.

Tips for proper fitting

An often overlooked aspect when purchasing is the correct frame size and the individual adjustment of the saddle and handlebars. The rule of thumb is simple: When the heel of your foot is on the pedal, your leg should be locked. It is also essential that the saddle is horizontal and the pressure is distributed evenly on the rear bones. This can go a long way in preventing pain.

If you are thinking about buying a bike, you should also take the appearance into account when making your decision. Ultimately, it is important that you feel comfortable with your new vehicle. For this, it is good to seek advice from expert dealers in the region to ensure that the quality and design is right.

Market figures and trends

According to the current market analyzes by the Two-Wheeler Industry Association (ZIV), there are an impressive 84 million bicycles in Germany - an increase of 8.1 million since 2019. The explosive growth in the number of e-bikes is particularly noticeable. The number of e-bikes in the fleet rose to 11 million in 2023, compared to just 1.6 million in 2013. These e-bikes are used on average 1,500 to 2,000 kilometers per year, which underlines their value as a daily means of transport.

Sales in the bicycle industry will be 7.06 billion euros in 2023, which also speaks for the booming industry. The market for e-mountain bikes in particular is showing strong growth with a 39% market share. Anyone thinking about buying a bike should also keep in mind the figures that show that specialist retailers are setting exciting trends with a market share of 77%. After all, 74% of sales come from brick-and-mortar stores and only 3% from the Internet - which shows that personal consultations are still highly valued.

So if you want to do a good deal, you'll be spoiled for choice thanks to the wide range of e-bikes, trekking and gravel bikes. In any case, if you are well informed and ask the right questions, you will surely find the right vehicle for your next bike tour through the streets of Cologne or the surrounding greenery.

The article by offers more information on the topic op-marburg.de and up bikeboutique.bike as well as the market data CIV.