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The new Fiido C21 E-Gravel is a lightweight hybrid electric bike aimed at recreational and commuter riders. Marketed as a ‘gravel e-bike,’ it’s perfect for tarmac or unpaved surfaces, such as canal towpaths or woodland trails. With an attractive price tag of $1599, the C21 E-Gravel boasts high-end features usually reserved for more expensive models. In this review, I’ll take a detailed look at the bike’s key features, and answer some frequently asked questions.
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Key Features
- Torque-sensing pedal assist
- Silent Mivice hub motor
- Thru-axle front wheel
- Tektro hydraulic brakes
- Tapered headset
- Relaxed frame geometry
In the interest of full disclosure, the electric bike reviewed in this article was generously provided to me by Fiido. This gesture, however, does not influence my opinions, and the ensuing evaluation remains impartial, reflecting my genuine experience and assessment of the product.
When I learned of Fiido’s new 2023 range, the one bike that stood out for me was the C21. I’m a big fan of lightweight e-bikes and prefer riding them over heavier models. As someone who cycles daily for fitness, I like an electric bike that feels and rides like a regular bike but has the added benefit of a boost on hills.
Unboxing and Assembly
The Fiido C21 E-Gravel arrived in a sturdy box and the first thing that struck me was how light the box was. Inside, the bike was well-protected and included a comprehensive toolkit and instruction manual.
All the ancillary components like the display, lights and mudguard stays were in a very well-presented box that looked like the kind of thing you’d get with an e-bike costing twice the price. Assembly of the C21 E-Gravel was fairly straightforward, requiring only the fitting of the handlebars, front wheel, pedals, and display unit.
Test Route
I decided to take the Fiido E-Gravel on a regular route I ride, up to Dartmoor National Park in Devon in the UK. This is quite a demanding ride for an e-bike as it involves over 30 miles and 2000ft of elevation gain. There is also a small off-road section which takes in gravel and rough off-road surfaces.
Electrics
The C21 E-Gravel is fitted with the award-winning Mivice M080 hub motor and during my 32-mile test ride, I found assist levels 1 and 2 more than adequate for tackling a variety of terrains. There are several pros and cons of a hub motor vs mid-drive but the Mivice rear hub motor left a lasting impression with its smooth, virtually silent operation.
One standout feature is the torque sensor, which delivers smooth and responsive pedal assist. As soon as pressure is applied to the pedals, the motor kicks in, making it one of the best torque sensors I’ve encountered. The transition from assist to non-assist at the 15.5 mph cut-off point is seamless and barely noticeable.
The 208Wh battery is integrated into the frame, giving the C21 E-Gravel a clean, polished look. The battery’s range is respectable, allowing me to complete my 32-mile test ride with one bar remaining. The test route had a 2,000 ft elevation gain, and my weight is 105 kg. I would imagine the range would be quite low if higher assist levels are used but Fiido will be offering a range-extender option in future. On the flip side, a lighter rider riding a less hilly route should be able to achieve a higher potential range.
The high-resolution, full-colour display is among the best I’ve seen. With five levels of assist and Bluetooth smartphone and smartwatch connectivity, it provides ride data such as distance, total distance, and average speed. A small keypad near the left-hand grip controls the display.
Bike Components
The Fiido C21 E-Gravel features a wide-range 11-32 9-speed cassette, with L-Twoo 9-speed derailleur and trigger shifter. L-Twoo is a high-quality Chinese bike component company founded by two former SRAM engineers. Gear shifting was crisp and precise.
My only complaint in the gearing department was the 50-tooth chainring was too large for off-road riding and steep hills; I would recommend a smaller 40 or 42-tooth chainring. Also, there was quite a lot of chain-slap when riding off-road. Any upgrade to a clutched derailleur would be recommended if you were regularly riding rougher terrain.
I was impressed with the braking performance of the Tektro hydraulic brakes. It’s great that Fiido has used a premium brand of brakes on the C21 E-Gravel. These brakes are commonly found on e-bikes costing much more and offer good stopping power and excellent modulation.
The CST Tirent 700x40c gravel-specific tyres weigh 510g each and offer low rolling resistance on the tarmac and decent grip on gravel and off-road surfaces. In addition, they have a puncture-resistant layer which should help reduce the risk of punctures from things like glass and thorns.
The high-quality wheels have smooth bearings, and the front wheel uses a modern thru-axle format. The frame features a sleek, modern design with a tapered headtube and dropped seat stays. The Fiido E-Gravel looks like a high-end e-bike but comes at an affordable price. Internal cable routing adds a neat touch.
Accessories include mudguards, a kickstand, and front and rear lights. I chose not to fit the mudguards and lights for the initial test ride but will do so later and update this section accordingly.
Comfort and Sizing
The Fiido C21 E-Gravel is available in medium (5’2”-5’7”) and large (5’6”-6’4”) sizes. Our 6-foot tester found the large frame a perfect fit and remained comfortable throughout the 32-mile ride. The handlebar is nicely designed with a small rise and back sweep giving a comfortable hand position and the saddle strikes the right balance between firmness and padding.
The tyres are large enough to absorb road surface imperfections while maintaining low rolling resistance for rapid progress on the tarmac.
Who is the Fiido C21 E-Gravel Suitable for?
The C21 E-Gravel will be an excellent e-bike for commuting, leisure riding, and fitness enthusiasts. Its lightweight design makes it easy to ride without assistance, and its efficiency makes it perfect for daily commuting. As a tool for building fitness after a long break from cycling, it would be great as you can really fine-tune the assist to suit your current fitness levels.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Affordable price with high-end features
- Smooth and silent Mivice hub motor
- Torque-sensing pedal assist
- Tektro hydraulic brakes for confident stopping power
- Sleek, modern design with integrated battery
- Reasonably lightweight for an e-bike at 18 kg
Cons
- Gearing too high for off-road riding and steep hills
- A clutched derailleur would be better for off-road riding
- Battery range will be low if used in high assist levels
FAQs
How long does it take to charge the battery?
The battery takes approximately 4-6 hours to charge from empty to full.
What is the maximum speed of the Fiido C21 E-Gravel?
The maximum assisted speed is 15.5 mph (25 km/h), as per legal requirements for electric bikes.
Can I ride the Fiido C21 E-Gravel in the rain?
Yes, the Fiido C21 E-Gravel is designed to withstand normal weather conditions, including rain. However, it is not advisable to ride through deep water or puddles.
Is the Fiido C21 E-Gravel suitable for taller riders?
The large frame size accommodates riders between 5’6” and 6’4”, making it suitable for taller riders.
Conclusion
Overall, the Fiido C21 E-Gravel is a fantastic e-bike that punches well above its weight in terms of value for money, specification, refinement and looks. I was particularly impressed with the silky smooth performance of the Mivice hub motor and torque-sensing assist.
The relatively small battery will limit long-distance applications for some riders but the bike is so easy to pedal without assist it shouldn’t be too much of a problem. I found levels 1 and 2 provided plenty of help on the hills with level 2 being the ‘sweet spot’.
Although the C21 is marketed as a gravel e-bike, it does lack some of the credentials to make it a true electric gravel bike. The gearing is too high and the derailleur does bounce around on rough surfaces. Having said that, the Fiido performed well enough on the rough stuff but I would recommend avoiding large rocks, tree roots and jumps.
All in all, the Fiido C21 E-Gravel is a great e-bike for the price and I’d have no problem recommending it. It’s comfortable, stylish and performs great.
Specifications
- Motor: Mivice M080 250w rear hub motor
- Motor torque: 40Nm
- Sensor: Mivice torque-sensing bottom bracket
- Battery: 208Wh internal
- Display: Hi-res full colour
- Frame: Step over
- Front fork: Aluminium with thru-axle
- Handlebar: Flat bar
- Headset: Tapered bearing
- Sizing: M(5’2”-5’7”) / L(5’6”-6’4”)
- Tyres: CST Tirent Gravel tyre 700*40C
- Weight:18kg
- Range: 80km
- Max load: 120kg
- Gearing: L-Twoo 9-speed derailleur
- Cassette: 11-32 9-speed
- Brakes: Tektro hydraulic disc brakes 160mm rotors
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