Gasoline MXC 5 First Look

Ben Morrison Names | Photos by Jordan Riddle

The Gas Gas MXC 5 is a remarkable entry into the world of e-bikes that combines the rugged performance and ease of use of SRAM's Powertrain Motor and premium suspension. As part of the Spanish motor bike brand Gas Gas in the electric Mountain bike market the MXC range aims to bridge the gap between their gas powered off-road machines and the developing and growing electric bike market.

The MXC 5 sports a design that reflects its off-road DNA. With its full carbon frame offering very clean lines and specific size rear triangles its clear Gas Gas has done its homework working with the design team at the international design agency Kiska to reduce production costs and waste. What this means to the consumer is a bad and long-forgotten concept in cycling: value for money or bang for buck. This is seen in both Gas Gas MXC and ECC where the same frame is used with different properties in it to create a different price point.

The Gas Gas MXC and ECC both feature a red Gas Gas logo (as a nod to the companies moto roots; a removable protective cover over the top tube) that gives you amazing visibility on the track and a little extra protection. This is featured in all sizes with a style called the Swoosh. Kiska has produced a second livery option for the Gas Gas that I personally like called the Blade and I wouldn't be surprised if it comes out as an aftermarket option down the track and decal kits to keep things looking clean and individual like the world of the car. .

Build quality is impressive on the MXC 5 with attention to detail evident in high-end components including collaborations with House Moto Suspension brand WP and boutique brand DVO. Using a chassis from DVO in the form of the Onyx and Topaz forks, the shock team at WP set to work incorporating valve cone technology into these units and creating the first line of WP bike suspensions. The cone valve technology helps you stay up early in the ride while still providing minimal bump absorption—given the extra weight of the e-bike—it's great for performance and useful for setup. The MXC5 also features a host of components from SRAM including the GX Eagle Transmission which allows for unmatched shifting under power in any gear.

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Ben Morrison rubs the Gas Gas MXC 5

This goes hand in hand with the very thing that makes the MXC the e-bike engine of SRAM's new Powertrain. Putting out 90NM of torque the 250w drive unit with this juice from a small 630wh battery uses increased cell density to reduce volume and weight and helps to lower the center of gravity and create a fun and playful feel for the MCX range.

The Powertrain unit itself is special and offers all kinds of customization including coast shift so you can shift whenever you want braking rolling….yep even cruising! There is also an auto shift mode that uses the rider's input to shift like an automatic car does and we will go into these features and more on the SRAM Powertrain unit in the dedicated article.

My time so far on the Gas Gas MXC 5 has been great….and what I have found is that the bike is incredibly fun and balanced. We've pushed the bike's suspension and the car to its limits so stay tuned for a full review coming soon in issue #210.

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