Help me!!!! Emtb or egravel!!

[moseven]

Hi everyone, looking for some inspiration/help and real world knowledge please.
I'm thinking of an e-gravel bike, something like the specialized creo 2 sl

the idea is to use it for adventure rides mostly with the dog and would involve some camping etc.

But then I keep thinking would I be better with a e-mtb - hardtail or fs - that would make things a little easier on technical stuff and maybe give me the option to do some challenging terrain if and when I felt the urge.

So mostly exploring forest roads and exploring a bit but with the ability to add a bit of luggage etc for overnighters.

I've been looking at some Canyon emtb as well but maybe the Spec Creo will still be the most versitile?

anyone done or doing anything similar?

all the best
Mo

 

[Stihldog]

I think choosing the right type of tire for your use is the remedy. Road or trail. Suspension or lack of suspension can determine your comfort and stability.

I found that the gravel bike was useless on our DH trails, but suitable for other areas. A full suspension EMTB does it all.

I have two sets of tires for my Fuel EXE TQ motor. Down hill/trail and trail/road. That solves the problem when I know my ride will include pavement and tame trails. Two different sets of wheels and tires allows me to switch over quickly and easily. That’s cheaper than having different types of bikes.

Btw, I don’t like narrow drop bars anymore. I prefer mtb or hybrid bars.

 

[moseven]

I think choosing the right type of tire for your use is the remedy. Road or trail. Suspension or lack of suspension can determine your comfort and stability.

I found that the gravel bike was useless on our DH trails, but suitable for other areas. A full suspension EMTB does it all.

I have two sets of tires for my Fuel EXE TQ motor. Down hill/trail and trail/road. That solves the problem when I know my ride will include pavement and tame trails. Two different sets of wheels and tires allows me to switch over quickly and easily. That’s cheaper than having different types of bikes.

Btw, I don’t like narrow drop bars anymore. I prefer mtb or hybrid bars.

Thanks for the reply Stihldog - good option and I'm coming around to that way of thinking. As I can only have one bike then i think that setup will be the better - one thing the gravel bike had was good mounting points for bags etc but I'm sure I can get similar if needed when doing some camping.

 

[irie]

A full suspension EMTB does it all.

This ^^^

 

[johnnystorm]

Assuming you're Manchester in the UK then your eBike will stop helping at 15.5mph. A gravel bike will be less of a pig to pedal at 16mph than an MTB. Do you see yourself finding that a problem? If you're happy to stay at 15mph then the MTB has the same performance on road and less compromised off road.

I'd agree that full-suss makes sense as the motor makes the suspension drawbacks minimal compared to a normal bike.

The only reason to go for a hardtail would be having fewer bearings/shocks to service or more importantly for your use case, can a full susser hold the camping gear that you'll want for you and your dog?

One of these might work:

Aeroe Spider Rear Rack

The Aeroe Spider Rear Rack is designed with ease; useability and most importantly; your ride in mind. Whether you're adventuring for one day or three weeks; this lightweight but robust rack is designed to enhance your ride and will fit any bike; including e-bikes The Rack is the base layer of...

www.bikeparts.co.uk

 

[dadeadduck]

I have a Creo 2, it's a great bike. I use it for commuting, road, gravel and bridal way paths, pilgrims way etc.

It's about 13kg so can easily be ridden without power. Easier to carry over fences. It also means it's faster than my EMTB, I can do the same 10k mixed surface ride about 20% faster on the Creo2.

If you are going through mud, rocky surfaces, MTB trails, the lack of suspension and grip will be a problem.

 

[Amber Valley Guy]

A fully loaded anything is going to handle like a pig when adventure riding over rough terrain. I'd go hardtail emtb or FS and invest in a decent large backpack like an Evoc (wide shoulder and waist straps) to help take the weight off. The guys over at EMBN or MBN (on YT) have covered this a few times. And you seem to be forgetting range....we're going to need a larger boat*...ermmmm sorry, battery, than any e-gravel bike can probably offer. Or buy an emtb hardtail, and the grand or more you'll save on the cost of a fs will buy a bed for the night at a farm/cottage b&b for a couple of years, presuming you aren't after luxury or doing it every weekend.

*Jaws quote.

 

[Montana St Alum]

You can use an E-MTB on gravel more effectively that an E-GB on a mountain. It seems to me the E-MTB makes more sense.

 

[levity]

Maybe you need an “e-SUV-MTB”?

Have a look at these articles -

The Best SUV E-Bikes of 2025 – The Top 10 Hottest Models on Test

SUV e bikes! Our reviews of 10 SUV e bikes will help you in everyday life and on exciting adventures. Find out what factors to consider before you buy.

ebike-mtb.com

Specialized Turbo Tero X 6.0 on Test – Still the Benchmark SUV E Bike of 2025, or Has the Competition Caught Up?

Specialized Turbo Tero X 6.0 on test – Still the best SUV e bike in 2025? Strong performance, smart integration, and a well-rounded overall package?!

ebike-mtb.com

These SUV eMTBs haven’t really caught on here in the U.S. You can get new Specialized Teros at steep discounts or used ones for much less. We found a couple of Tero X 6 bikes at good prices and decided to give them a try. We stripped off the fenders and luggage racks and use them as day trip adventure bikes. Strong motor (90Nm), good range (710Wh battery), Class 3 top speed (28mph), and enough suspension (130/120mm) for mild off-road excursions. Heavy at 50+ lb, but comfortable and surprisingly capable. We’ve had Creos and Vados for road adventuring and like these the best.

Here are some pics from a recent trip to Death Valley Natl Park in California -

 

[Just gan]

Hi everyone, looking for some inspiration/help and real world knowledge please.
I'm thinking of an e-gravel bike, something like the specialized creo 2 sl

the idea is to use it for adventure rides mostly with the dog and would involve some camping etc.

But then I keep thinking would I be better with a e-mtb - hardtail or fs - that would make things a little easier on technical stuff and maybe give me the option to do some challenging terrain if and when I felt the urge.

So mostly exploring forest roads and exploring a bit but with the ability to add a bit of luggage etc for overnighters.

I've been looking at some Canyon emtb as well but maybe the Spec Creo will still be the most versitile?

anyone done or doing anything similar?

all the best
Mo

Get both I did

 

[Stihldog]

Get both I did

That’s a good option.
A gravel bike was in my stable amongst a few road bikes. It was my most used bike at the time. The turning point for me was when the front wheel of the gravel bike plunged thru the trail and caused an unexpected otb.

I blame the width of the tires, the drop bars, lack of suspension, trail conditions and my stupidity.

 

[Just gan]

That’s a good option.
A gravel bike was in my stable amongst a few road bikes. It was my most used bike at the time. The turning point for me was when the front wheel of the gravel bike plunged thru the trail and caused an unexpected otb.

I blame the width of the tires, the drop bars, lack of suspension, trail conditions and my stupidity.

I don't use it in any serious off road rides mainly roads or forest tracks
It fits the wife as well so we can ride together ( steady on now don't get excited ) .

 

[Superses]

I agree.This mirrors my experience

 

[MountainBoy]

Hi everyone, looking for some inspiration/help and real world knowledge please.
I'm thinking of an e-gravel bike, something like the specialized creo 2 sl

the idea is to use it for adventure rides mostly with the dog and would involve some camping etc.

But then I keep thinking would I be better with a e-mtb - hardtail or fs - that would make things a little easier on technical stuff and maybe give me the option to do some challenging terrain if and when I felt the urge.

So mostly exploring forest roads and exploring a bit but with the ability to add a bit of luggage etc for overnighters.

I've been looking at some Canyon emtb as well but maybe the Spec Creo will still be the most versitile?

anyone done or doing anything similar?

all the best
Mo

It really comes down to the surfaces you will be riding on. The gravel bike is really out of it's element on irregular terrain while the mountain bike feels sluggish and out of place on any smooth surfaces. I have both and will always take the E-gravel bike if the surface is smooth and mostly hard. It's just so much faster, it has e-assist to a considerably higher speed. If you have a need for speed and range, a E-gravel bike with an equivalent battery will go considerably faster/further.

That said, if you will be loaded with camping equipment you won't be able to ride that fast anyway. But if you are just on roads in good condition, paved or gravel, the gravel bike is probably the better choice. If the route becomes anything but mostly smooth, the EMTB is your ticket.

And other commenters are basically right, the EMTB can go wherever the E-gravel bike can go (even if it feels like a slug doing it) while the E-gravel bike cannot go wherever the EMTB can go, and not as naturally on the edge cases. In the end it comes down to what your priorities are. It also depends upon how hard you pedal. If you like to get into the cadence and crank out some miles, the E-gravel bike transfers the pedal strokes more efficiently, which makes the pedaling more rewarding, if you like to let the motor do more of the work, the EMTB is not that far behind.

If I had to choose, I think I would give up my EMTB because I love the feeling I get on the E-gravel bike cruising on mostly smooth paths and graveled or roughly paved roads. I would give up the single track trails and rugged terrain for the speed and range of the gravel bike. Many would not. It's up to you and the kinds of places you want to go.

 

[atypicalguy]

Maybe you need an “e-SUV-MTB”?

Have a look at these articles -

The Best SUV E-Bikes of 2025 – The Top 10 Hottest Models on Test

SUV e bikes! Our reviews of 10 SUV e bikes will help you in everyday life and on exciting adventures. Find out what factors to consider before you buy.

ebike-mtb.com

Specialized Turbo Tero X 6.0 on Test – Still the Benchmark SUV E Bike of 2025, or Has the Competition Caught Up?

Specialized Turbo Tero X 6.0 on test – Still the best SUV e bike in 2025? Strong performance, smart integration, and a well-rounded overall package?!

ebike-mtb.com

These SUV eMTBs haven’t really caught on here in the U.S. You can get new Specialized Teros at steep discounts or used ones for much less. We found a couple of Tero X 6 bikes at good prices and decided to give them a try. We stripped off the fenders and luggage racks and use them as day trip adventure bikes. Strong motor (90Nm), good range (710Wh battery), Class 3 top speed (28mph), and enough suspension (130/120mm) for mild off-road excursions. Heavy at 50+ lb, but comfortable and surprisingly capable. We’ve had Creos and Vados for road adventuring and like these the best.

Here are some pics from a recent trip to Death Valley Natl Park in California -

View attachment 174026

View attachment 174028
View attachment 174029

I just picked one of these up for my wife. They are mostly sold out in the 6.0 except XL. Which speaks to the idea they must have sold reasonably well. I do not yet see a replacement within the Specialized lineup; no full suspension commuter bikes on offer since this one went out of production in 2023 (?)

 

[Type1]

This ^^^

+1.

If you're not fussed how quickly you are going on flat terrain then 100% the emtb - its a do it all and will be more comfortable.

 

[Roughshod]

As an EMTB focused forum you're going to get a lot of voices for that side of things. I don't have a car and commute on my e-gravel bike which I got back in 2020. All roads on the way there more scenic bridleways on the way back.

They tend to be cheaper, and you've a lot more options for loading up for bikepacking, though there's a lot less choice of bikes compared to EMTBs.

Unfortunately I've got a Fazua powered one and have been quoted over £900 to fix it after the third big failure. I didn't manage to get more than 18 months use before the bike decided to stop working again. I highly recommend avoiding anything to do with Fazua powered bikes, even review model EMTBs often seem to have problems. Rather than do that I'm giving serious consideration to getting a Velduro Phantom, probably frame only as I can reuse some parts from my Cairn.

Velduro Range | Avinox-Powered Electric Bikes UK

Explore the Velduro Range of Avinox-powered e-bikes — premium enduro, e-gravel and commuter models including Rogue and Phantom bikes and frames.

velduro.co.uk

The Velduro Phantom is compatible with gravel suspension forks if you want that as an option, either straight away or can be swapped in later down the road. Compared to the Creo it has the much more powerful Avinox motor and the battery is nearly twice the capacity. The AVINOX power is probably overkill for a gravel bike but there's plenty of other advantages and you can always limit the power. It's nice to have it there as an option and price wise a built starts similar to a Creo.

The Phantom also has UDH frame so you can run SRAM AXS XPLR gravel drivetrain on it, put the MTB SRAM Tranmission drivetrain, or even do a mullet drivetrain with the SRAM Transmission cassette at the back and a dropbar with road shifters at the front. Another bonus with the SRAM AXS system is that it links into the AVINOX motor for some other advantages as well.

As has been mentioned, think about where most of your riding is going to be and how you are going to use the bike. I initially was looking at an EMTB but prices when I got it were out of reach for me and thinking about how I would actually use it most of the time a gravel bike makes the most sense for me. Not having a vehicle to put an EMTB in to drive to places to ride, I can do most local stuff on the gravel bike and get the other advantages it offers. Throwing a bike down some steep trails sounds fun but it's not something I realistically would get to do very often.

Hope this helps, feel free to shout if you've any more questions!