First contact: a sturdy but welcoming bike. From the first meters, it’s impossible not to notice the size of the Xroad. Its well-studded 27.5” tires, its generous fork and its low frame give this impression of robustness which is immediately reassuring once you are comfortably seated in the saddle.
What’s more, stepping over is disconcertingly easy: we understand why Mustache has definitively buried the high frames. For everyday urban use, that changes everything. The driving position is upright, comfortable, a bit “SUV of the bike”. We feel that the Xroad wants to take care of the cyclist, even one who hasn’t ridden for a while. It’s a bias: the bike doesn’t try to be sporty, it first seeks to be pleasant. And that doesn’t stop him from being sporty!
Bosch PX: the ideal motor for this mixed use
The model we rode was equipped with the Bosch Performance Line PX engine, the latest from the German equipment manufacturer. On paper: 85 Nm of torque (90 Nm after adjustments via the Flow application), more progressive behavior than the CX, and a redesigned Auto mode. In practice, we were able to see what he had in his stomach by alternating between slopes of almost 10%, restarts in varied urban environments and slightly muddy autumnal forest crossings.
The engine responded in a frankly convincing manner. Auto mode manages almost everything: it keeps the pace without making the pedals scream, compensates for the headwind and avoids “rolling” on hills. If you want to play on a steep slope, Turbo mode allows you to have fun. Certainly, it is not the most explosive engine on the market, but for mixed use, it is probably the most coherent. It maintains this rare middle ground: enough punch to climb, enough smoothness to never surprise, and fine energy management which avoids draining the battery for nothing. During our express test, we never had the feeling of forcing, even on beautiful bumps decorated with leaves and roots.
Comfort: yes, you can drive fast on cobblestones
We wouldn’t say it like that, but the Xroad could almost claim the Paris-Roubaix as it swallows the cobbles without flinching. In this treacherous terrain, most electric VTCs become nervous or vibrating. In any case, unpleasant. Here, the 120mm fork, suspension seatpost and Schwalbe Smart Sam tires work together to provide an experience comfortable enough to maintain a certain riding speed without having to grit your teeth.
Same feeling on dirt roads: the bike filters out rough spots a lot, whether small roots or hollows well hidden under the leaves. The result is simplified piloting. It would be an exaggeration to say that the Xroad performs as well as a pure VTTAE, but for a VTC, it is clearly at the top of the basket.
Stability and grip: reassuring, but not light
With its 26.6 kg – and more, depending on accessories – on the scale, the Xroad is obviously not a featherweight. In town, you can feel it in slow maneuvers: tight U-turns, going up curbs, passing obstacles. Nothing impossible, but we are not in the “super manageable” category as long as we are stationary or almost stationary. On the other hand, once launched, it’s the opposite: the bike gives a feeling of solidity and remarkable stability.
In the forest, we deliberately took some slightly degraded areas (stones, puddles, ruts). Even there, the Xroad remains predictable and forgiving. You can really allow yourself to leave the asphalt without wondering if the bike will follow. The Shimano braking performs its role well: sharp stop, easy dosage. At very high speeds going downhill, we would have liked a little more bite, but in 95% of everyday situations, it is more than enough.
Transmission and sensations: very smooth
The Xroad tested had a Shimano Cues 10-speed transmission, sufficiently stepped to pass dry hills as well as long rolling sections. The gear change is smooth, the chain does not hit, and the in-house chain guard prevents accidental derailments.
Generally speaking, the bike invites more fluid riding than nervous driving: its DNA is regularity, comfort and always available assistance. Those who want to “send” will prefer the Bosch CX motor, but for urban use and, from time to time, paths, the PX is clearly the best compromise.
The Smart System: a real plus in everyday life
During this test afternoon, we were able to test the connection with the Flow application: quick installation, visual settings, personalization of assistance, output statistics… Nothing to complain about. The alerts in the event of unauthorized movement of the bike are a reassuring point, especially since the 600 Wh battery linked to the bike is unusable on another model – a detail which will deter some thieves.
It’s impossible to accurately judge the autonomy over an afternoon, but on the mixed terrain covered, consumption seemed consistent with estimates: 60 to 70 km in urban use, more if you drive a lot in Auto mode.
Real versatility, not marketing
Where many electric VTCs are content with a rather superficial “city + road” discourse, the Xroad really keeps this promise. It rides well on asphalt, remains comfortable when the road disappears, and maintains constant assistance even when it climbs.
The bike is designed for everyday use with its effective mudguards, its solid rear luggage rack, and the possibility of adding a front luggage rack (new for 2025) as practical as it is stylish. To cycle, do your shopping, go for a walk or take unstabilized paths, it ticks all the boxes.
The Price: high… but justified
The range starts at €3,199 (model with Bosch Performance Line motor, 540Wh battery) and climbs to €4,199 (Xroad 6) for the most high-end iteration. With the PX engine, the model we tested, the price starts at €3,699. Yes, it’s a serious budget but compared to premium competitors, the quality/price ratio remains good, especially for a bike assembled in France, well equipped and truly versatile.
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