Since 2024, the Spanish motorbike label Gasgas has also been really stepping on the gas with its e-bike offshoot. The Race Enduro ECC, with which a motivated team chased seconds in the E-Enduro World Cup, caused quite a stir. The MXC, which we have tested here, is the "small" all-mountain platform of the Steel spring enduro bikes Gasgas ECC (tested here). The two bikes have the high-quality carbon chassis and the Sram Powertrain drive in common. The difference lies primarily in the suspension travel and the equipment.
With 160/140 millimetres of travel, the MXC should be the ideal all-rounder for touring and trails. The look with fiery red and massive MX-style frame covers is polarising. However, in addition to its look, the bike also has some special technical features. First and foremost is the WP suspension, which utilises a special damping technology (Cone Valve) that cannot be found anywhere else in the mountain bike sector.
The facts about the Gasgas MXC 6
- Motor: Sram Eagle Powertrain, 90 Nm max. torque
- Battery: 630 Wh (removable)
- Frame material: Carbon
- Suspension travel: 160/140 mm
- Wheel size: 29/27.5 inch
- Frame sizes: S, M, L
- Price: 9999 Euro
- Weight: 23.7 kg (test bike in size L, EMTB measurement)
- Max. System weight: 130 kg
- Warranty: 2 years
The e-bike drive
There are not many bikes with the Sram e-drive. Gasgas was one of the launch partners of the American company and relies on the Sram system for all of its high-end e-mountainbikes. On the hardware side, the motor is identical to the high-torque Brose Drive SMag. However, the powertrain becomes something special thanks to its networking with Sram's transmission gear system. The motor is coupled with the gearstick, allowing fully automatic gear changes if required. The Powertrain also allows you to shift gears without pedalling while rolling.
The operation of the Sram drive is deliberately kept simple and works intuitively. Whether the limited depth of information on the display and the restriction to just two support levels are a blessing or a curse is a matter of taste. This also applies to the sonorous humming of the drive. The Sram Powertrain with identical hardware is no longer as quiet as Brose's SMag once was. In the test, however, the background noise was rather pleasant and unobtrusive.
The Sram drive in the Gasgas MXC is powered by a battery with 630 watt hours. The battery can be removed quickly and easily and is also pleasantly light. The fastening mechanism can't exactly be described as a quick release, but the screw mechanism ensures that the battery sits securely, firmly and rattle-free in the frame.
The geometry of the Gasgas MXC
A little caution is required when choosing the size of the Gasgas MXC. This is because L is the largest of the three sizes and is more like a classic XL. This means that our test bike is longer and larger than most other bikes in this frame size. Gasgas also allows itself the luxury of chainstays that grow with the bike. On our test bike in size L, this adds up to a generous wheelbase of 1295 millimetres. This is despite the fact that the steering angle is rather moderate at 65 degrees. Also striking and in keeping with the long reach: the high stack. However, thanks to the rather flat handlebars and flat headset end, the steering centre does not sit uncomfortably high.
BIKE measurements at a glance (frame size L)
- Seat tube length: 460 mm
- Wheelbase: 1295 mm
- Reach: 496 mm
- Stack: 672 mm
- Steering angle: 65 degrees
- Seat angle: 78 degrees
- Chainstay length: 450 mm
The equipment of the Gasgas MXC 6
For 10,000 euros, Gasgas usually reaches for the top of the shelf. Sram's X0 wireless drivetrain, Code RSC brakes, a wireless dropper post from Rockshox and high-quality aluminium wheels from Newmen - there's nothing to complain about here.
- Fork / Damper: DVO Onyx D1CV SL Air / DVO Topaz Air CV
- Gear system: Sram X0 Eagle Transmission
- Brakes: Sram Code RSC / 220/200 mm
- Wheels: Newmen Evolution SL E.G.
- Tyres: Maxxis Assegai Exo+ MaxxGrip, 29 x 2.50 / DHR II Exo+, 27.5 x 2.40
- Seatpost, stroke: Rockshox Reverb AXS, 170 mm
- Special features: Automatic gearshift
Practical test: This is how the MXC 6 gas-powered bike rides
This means that the Gasgas MXC 6 shines on downhill trails, where it makes its way smoothly and safely. In addition to the length, the suspension also plays a big part in this. The fork absorbs small and large bumps with astonishing ease. As a result, hardly any of the ground reaches the rider, even if the descent is rough. The low, integrated riding position behind the high front end increases the feeling of safety. The unagitated and energy-saving character is particularly impressive on demanding, long descents.
The fact that the rear has nominally two centimetres less travel is not noticeable in a negative way. Rather, the testers criticised a somewhat undefined feel or a lack of support in the suspension. The 46 adjustment positions of the high and low-speed compression stages on the fork alone need to be precisely adjusted. This requires a little more effort and experience than with most other suspension systems. However, even after an extra round of setup, the throttle doesn't really like to whizz over the trails. It prioritises smoothness and riding safety. And it does this really well. For an all-mountain bike, the MXC is already very close to the enduro category. It is also pleasantly quiet. However, with so much downhill power, the tyres could be even more robust.
The bike is also very confident on the climbs. The motor pushes stoically and with plenty of torque, while the rider sits stretched out on the bike and the rear suspension filters out even the subtlest bumps. Thanks to the steep seat angle and rather long chainstays, you hardly need to worry about a rising front wheel or a lack of guidance.
BIKE review of the Gasgas MXC 6
Strengths
- Suspension that absorbs shocks
- safe driving geometry
- Option for automatic gearshift
Weaknesses
- Only two motor modes
- Warranty and weight release
- Complex chassis set-up
The BIKE conclusion
The MXC from Gasgas is the surprise in our big comparison test. On the trail, it impresses with its somnambulant safety and massive traction. In addition to the long geometry, the special suspension is particularly impressive. The price is steep, but there are currently drastic discounts on the Gasgas fleet. - Florentin Vesenbeckh, Test Editor BIKE Magazine
Florentin Vesenbeckh
Editor CvD
