The 2021 Orbea Gain range is complete redesign on their initial and very popular Gain platform. They have expanded their range even further too by adding some new gravel and carbon flatbar models.
The focus on the enhancements for 2021 is to further improve ride quality and the integration with a new motor. There are also some handy new user-friendly features that take advantage of having an electric drive system. Their most road-like 'E' yet.
What's New for 2021
New Motor and Display
- A new motor, remapped and now with torque simulation, and
- A new, larger display
Orbea changed the way ebikes were perceived with their original Gain platform. The first super lightweight ebike to operate on a power-on-demand basis and feel like a road bike to ride. For 2021 the Gain's motor has had a boost and this year all Gains will feature a new motor, the Mahle X35 Plus.
The new motor has also been re-mapped to bring the assistance modes closer to the natural roll feel expected on a manual bike.
Overall this provides a motor that still has the great oomph that has made it such a hit, delivered in a way that provides an even more natural feel.
Orbea have also introduced a new display which is bigger and more legible while riding.
New Frame and Geometry: Handling and Integration
A new frame incorporates the new motor and enhances the handling, comfort and integration of the Gain this year. The centre of gravity of the bike has been lowered to provide more stability, and cornering and handling is improved with a shorter chainstay.
This year Orbea have also adapted the ICR+ integration techniques featured on their Orca road models to completely hide all the cables.
Already a great looking bike, the new Gain has the speed sensor and motor cables concealed inside the frame and the cockpit cables are integrated under the stem and through the headtube. Overall its a very clean look and a bonus is that it is still easy to maintain.
New User-Friendly Features: Comfort, Safety and Convenience
While Orbea has sought to deliver an ebike that is more road-like than ever this year it has taken advantage of the 'E' through the provision of daylight running lights.
Each Gain this year will come with integrated front and tail lights that run off the battery. The front light is a 60 lumens daylight running light that has an optional high beam, and the tail light is seatpost mounted and is 11 lumens.
Each Gain also comes with
- a carbon fork which is more forgiving on rougher surfaces, and
- is fitted with 700 x 30C (min) tubeless ready tires. These are slightly wider and offer more comfort, grip and efficiency. The single chainring versions have 700 x 40 gravel tires.
The Gain 'M' (carbon) models also come with a carbon seatpost which provides even more comfort.
Orbea Gain 2021 Range: Naming Conventions
As for last year the Gain road ebike models come in either a Carbon or an Alloy frame. There is more variety offered this year with the introduction of new gravel and carbon flat bar versions.
If you're trying to decide which Gain to get it helps to understand their naming convention:
- "M" is a carbon frame; "D" is an alloy frame eg. Orbea Gain M20 or D20
- "i" is Di2 gearing eg. Orbea Gain M20i
- "1X" is their gravel series, offered in multiple versions this year eg. Orbea Gain M20 1X
- "F" is flat bar eg. Orbea Gain M20 F
Orbea Gain Carbon EBikes: 2021 Summary
Orbea have expanded their carbon offering in Australia this year with more gravel and flat bar versions. What is quite special about this range of bikes though is the ability to customise via Orbea's MyO portal.
With MyO you can choose your frame and fork colouring, add extra logos or detailing, and choose different components such as handlebars, cranksets, tires etc.
Here is an overview of the models available. Note that all groupsets and brakesets are Shimano, all groupsets are 11-speed and all brakes are hydraulic disc.
| Model | Groupset | Brakes | Wheelset | Price |
| Gain M10i* | Dura Ace Di2 | R9170 | OC2 Carbon | $13,999 |
| Gain M20i | Ultegra Di2 | R8070 | OC2 Carbon | $9,999 |
| Gain M20 | Ultegra | R8070 | Fulcrum E-Racing 900 | $8,399 |
| Gain M20 1X | GRX RX810 | ST RX810 | Fulcrum E-Racing 900 | $8,299 |
| Gain M20 F | Ultegra | XT M8100 | Fulcrum E-Racing 900 | $8,299 |
| Gain M30 | 105 | R7070 | Fulcrum E-Racing 900 | $6,999 |
| Gain M30 1X | GRX RX600 | RX400 | Fulcrum E-Racing 900 | $6,999 |
| Gain M30 F | 105 | SLX M7100 | Fulcrum E-Racing 900 | $6,999 |
* Pictured
Orbea Gain Alloy EBikes: Summary
Orbea have also expanded their Alloy ('D' models) range with a new gravel bike. The 'D' range offers excellent value for money and is consistently popular with those looking for dip their toes into the ebike world and still have a great quality road bike.
Here is a summary of what's on offer:
| Model | Groupset | Brakes | Wheelset | Price |
| Gain D20 | Ultegra 11-sp | R8070 Hydraulic | Ready GR | $5,999 |
| Gain D30 | 105 11-sp | R7070 Hydraulic | Ready GR | $5,499 |
| Gain D30 1X* | GRX RX600 11-sp | RX400 Hydraulic | Ready GR | $5,399 |
| Gain D40 | Tiagra 10-sp | Tiagra Hydraulic | Ready GR | $4,899 |
| Gain M50 | Claris 8-sp | RR Mechanical | Ready GR | $4,123 |
* Pictured
How Can I Get One?
The 2021 Orbea Gains are starting to arrive however stock is selling fast and supply is limited. If you are keen to get one please talk to us about what is available and how to order one.