If you were listening to our podcast with Cairn a few weeks back, you’ll know that there was a new bike on the way. Now, here is its officially: the new BRAVe from Cairn.
Available in a drop or flat bar option, this employs a Shimano Steps E7000 motor – making this BRAVe a clearly different beast to the Cairn Adventure 1.0 with its ‘just enough assist’ Fazua motor system.
Cairn Cycles
The BRAVe takes inspiration from gravel and mountain riding and combines the benefits of both into one do-it-all electric bike. Our goal with the BRAVe was to design a bike that takes us back to the core of what cycling is all about – discovery, adventure, freedom and most importantly, fun. For us here at Cairn Cycles, the ability to explore the world, regardless of the terrain or the route, is the definition of fun. Whether loaded up for adventure, or just riding to explore, there is no better way to see the world than from a bike.
Behind the design
Cairn Cycles explains the thinking behind this design:
“There were no boundaries or limitations throughout the design and development process of the BRAVe. We aimed to bring riders balanced geometry that had flavours from both the mountain bike and gravel bike worlds. Compared to most gravel bikes, it’s both slacker and longer, offering better stability and control, whilst keeping the handling manageable for fully loaded rides. The shorter and steeper MTB-inspired seat tube, taller stack height and 29 x 2.5 tyre clearance increase comfort and capability for long days prospecting and encountering all types of terrain.
“After extensive testing of several E-Bike systems, we found that some systems can abruptly propel the rider into obstacles on the trail, which can be unpredictable and even dangerous on a rigid bike, especially while loaded with gear. With this in mind, we have equipped the BRAVe with the extremely subtle and controllable Shimano Steps E7000 system. With 60nm of torque, the system balances power, range, and weight, which helps keep the rider upright and in control regardless of the terrain.
“The BRAVe is all about exploring possibilities and unlocking new riding experiences. To that end, we’ve given the rider the choice between drop and flat bar configurations. Whether you are a mountain biker looking to get off-piste and navigate the areas far beyond the bike park, or a gravel rider looking for a more capable off-road machine while maintaining the numerous riding positions offered by drop bars, the BRAVe can power your adventure.
“The semi-integrated 630wh external fitted battery packs massive range and offers easy removal, while leaving room inside the main triangle for frame bags. Bottle cage mounts and fixing points for gear are thoughtful placed throughout the frame and fork (5 bottle mounts and 14 bosses in total), offering the rider ample options for outfitting the BRAVe with whatever is needed on the ride ahead. Boost hub spacing makes the huge tyre clearance possible and the lowered fork bridge maintains full fender compatibility for year-round service.“
How might you use one? We can imagine that some trans-Alps touring might be a lot of fun on one of these – maybe one of those mountain hut to mountain hut trips? Perhaps it’s the kind of thing you might load up and take on a tour of the further reaches of the Scottish Highlands? Would you go flat bar or drop bar? Whichever choice you make, the specifications and price look competitive:
Drop Bar BRAVe Specification
- £2549/€3249/$3530 USD
- Frame: 6061-T6 alloy with Fully internal cable routing, mounts for 3x Bottle Cage (NOTE: 2x on small Size)
- Fork: Full alloy with mounts for cargo cages, fenders and rack
- Rims: Ryde Disc 30 tubeless rims
- Hubs: Formula boost 32H with sealed bearings
- Tyres: Maxxis Rekon Race 29 x 2.35 Exo TR tanwall
- Shifters: SRAM Apex 1 11 speed
- Rear Mech: SRAM Apex 1
- Cassette: Sunrace 11 – 42t
- Chainring: Shimano SM-CRE80 38t
- Chain: KMC X11
- Crank: Shimano FC-E8000 170mm
- Brakes: SRAM Apex 1
- Rotors: SRAM Centreline 6-bolt 180mm
- Handlebar: Ritchey Beacon Comp 80mm Drop, 65mm Reach, 36 Degree Flare, 4.5-degree Backsweep
- Stem: Cairn Adventure 60mm, 7 Degrees, 31.8mm
- Seat Post: Cairn Alloy 30.9mm 0 offset
- Motor: Shimano Steps E7000
- Battery: Shimano BT8016 630wh
- Display: Shimano SC-E7000
- Accessories (included): top tube-mounted fuel bag, kickstand, rack and fenders
Flat Bar BRAVe Specification
- £2189/€2789/$3032 USD
- Frame: 6061-T6 alloy with Fully internal cable routing, mounts for 3x Bottle Cage (NOTE: 2x on small Size)
- Fork: Full alloy with mounts for cargo cages, fenders and rack
- Rims: Ryde Disc 30 tubeless rims
- Hubs: Formula boost 32H with sealed bearings
- Tyres: Maxxis Rekon Race 29 x 2.35 Exo TR tanwall
- Shifters: Microshift Advent X 10 speed
- Mech: Microshift Advent X
- Cassette: Sunrace 11 – 46t
- Chainring: Shimano SM-CRE80 38t
- Chain: KMC X10
- Crank: Shimano FC-E8000
- Brakes: Tektro HD-M275
- Rotors: Tektro 6-bolt 180mm
- Handlebar: Cairn Adventure 760mm wide, 12mm rise, 6-degree backsweep, 31.8mm
- Stem: Cairn Adventure 60mm, 7 Degrees, 31.8mm
- Seat Post: Cairn Alloy 30.9mm 0 offset
- Motor: Shimano Steps E7000
- Battery: Shimano BT8016 630wh
- Display: Shimano SC-E7000 w/SW-E7000-L
- Accessories (included): top tube-mounted fuel bag, kickstand, rack and fenders
Both options of the BRAVe will be available in four sizes (S-XL) covering riders from 5 feet 2 inches all the way up to 6 feet 4 inches. Riders within the UK can choose to purchase via Cyclescheme and Klarna Finance with free shipping. If you’re in the EU and Scandinavia, you can buy via eu.cairncycles.com and have your bike shipped for €40 and €60 respectively. Riders throughout the rest of the world can purchase via cairncycles.com, with a shipping cost of £165.
Cairn Cycles offers a 60-day ride or return benefit for all bikes purchased in all locations.
If you’re thinking you’re ready to see the world by bike, or that this is just what your shed needs next, the Cairn BRAVe is available for pre-order on from today with an estimated delivery date of December 2021.
Comments (1)
Comments Closed
The only ebike I fancy is a touring bike makes pooling around with a tent and 2lts wine a much more civilised event.