Coming from one of the oldest bike manufacturers in Europe, the Orbea Gain D40 is a road electric bike designed to enhance your ride.
It is essentially a road bike, but it can also add a whole new dimension to the daily commute. Remember that it’s not as comfy as a touring bike for long rides.
Outstanding power and energy concepts, minimalist commands, and app integration are just a few of the things that make it outstanding, in my opinion.
Table of Contents
Gain D40 Specs Summary (basic)
| MANUFACTURING YEAR: 2024
MOTOR & TOP SPEED
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BATTERY
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RANGE (based on brand information)
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CONTROLLER, RIDING MODES & DISPLAY
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FRAME
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GEAR SYSTEM
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BRAKING SYSTEM
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ORBEA GAIN D40 WEIGHT
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TIRES & FORK
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SENSORS
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FEATURES
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Riding Experience
Frame
The main thing I noticed was undoubtedly its frame. Clearly, the brand knows how to maintain flawless road bike lines without giving a hint that it might be electric.
Made from aluminum alloy, it comes in a standard crossbar design. Unfortunately, short people won’t be able to choose a step-through version like the Trek Verve +. Luckily though, there are a few frame sizes to choose from (to accommodate people from 160cm to 190 cm tall).
Orbea Gain D40 Battery
While the Orbea Gain doesn’t seem like an e-bike at first glance, it does have a battery hidden in its frame.
A generous battery that is capable of providing assistance for up to 90 km.
I tested the battery until it was fully drained. From my test, it recharged back again in approximately 3 hours, which isn’t bad.
To prevent damage, try not to let your battery get fully drained; read our e-bike battery guide to learn more.
Motor Efficiency & Performance
This bike has a small rear hub motor, manufactured by Ebikemotion, that complements the battery and enhances power. Although my first impression was how small the motor was, it powered up to 25 km/h without any issues.
What struck me about this motor is that it delivers a really gentle assistance.
So far, this would be one of the lightest road electric bikes I have reviewed in the market.
I also liked the rear hub configuration, which allowed me to experience drag-free pedaling when the assisted mode was turned off.
Controller
Orbea Gain D40 didn’t have a bulky control panel on the handlebar but a sleek, discreet button on the tube. I believe it can attach a display called Pulsar One.
The lack of the display opens the possibility of mounting a GPS, or a smartphone, which can be used to access more features. The button lets you select from 3 assist modes.
Hint: level of assist
When you press the button, you will see three (3) different colors flashing.
- White: there is no assistance.
- Green: you have level 1 assistance.
- Orange: level 2 of power.
- Red: maximum level provided by the e-bike.
It was surprising how versatile this button was. Thanks to the innovative color codes provided by LED lighting, I think the assist levels were easy to view, including the battery charge left.
Hint: button colors to check the battery charge
- White: the battery level is above 75%.
- Green: your battery is between 50 and 75% charge.
- Orange: battery level from 25 to 50%.
- Red: constantly flashing means the battery is below 10%.
Other features that I find a bit fancy:
- Activate the bike with voice commands (if a smartphone is connected through Bluetooth).
- Turn on and off the system.
- Receive alerts and notifications of any e-bike deficiencies.
- Enable/disable locking systems and security (if configured).
What I like and didn’t like
Positives
- Built-in battery system and discreet rear hub motor.
- Gravel bike frame and capabilities.
- Hydraulic brakes stop the bike almost instantly and enhance safety.
- I was really impressed by its weight, which is around 12 kg.
Opportunities
- This bike is only available in a crossbar frame model.
- Even though the smartphone app can provide most things, a separate LCD controller could be a better choice, considering the good quality of some on the market.
Other Considerations
There are quite a few positive traits that would make me want to pull out my wallet and buy this bad boy. Its main drawback, however, is the price.
Orbea is a Spanish brand renowned for the reliability of their bikes, so that’s a big plus. But there are other performing e-bikes out there that come with better batteries and motors and cost less than this one.
On the positive side, which I’m sure many of you appreciate, this is a lightweight bicycle, which makes it appealing for road cycling.
Orbea Gain D40 Review Final Verdict
It offers reliability and suitability for riding on road terrains, which I think makes the final price go high.
If you want an e-bike that looks just like a regular one, this model could be the one. It delivers smooth rides, and it can be customized.
However, if you’re aiming for the utmost power, perhaps you should look at the Giant Explore E+ 1.
What can I say? The Orbea Gain D40 is an excellent e-bike for road cycling and high performance.
Images courtesy of Orbea
4 Comments
Hi, I bought the D40, and I am impressed. I am 70 years old and live in Naxos, a VERY hilly island. I have been feeling that the mountains are getting to hard for me sometimes, and when I crashed with my Bianchi I decided to by an e-bike. I am a very experienced rider, been competing as young and been cycling since om road bikes since I was 12 years old. Anyway, the bike blow my mind. I go on the eco and that is enough to take the biggest mountains with joy, I really enjoy the ride, before It was a hell of a fight to get to the top, that means that I go longer rides, up to 50 km climbing. The bike, compared, to my Bianchi, is about 7 kg more, but the gearing is so nice, so I can easily climb without the engine, but the engine makes it funny. I don’t know what I thing about the tubeless tires, I feel they are not so smooth like the Continental 25 I had on the Bianchi, feels heavier in the corner but I will get used to it. So gearing, engine, beauty, brakes, everything is perfect for me. I would recommend this bike to a rider who is getting older and feel that its hard to always be dropped in the mountains when you go with guys that are 25 years younger. Now I can follow and they joke about me but I feel very happy and that’s why I am a bike rider.
Hi Mickhael,
it is inspiring to read this kind of reviews from passionate e-bike riders. I actually also like the Orbea D40 and now that you are mentioning you like the Bianchi brand, they also have an e-bike line. Check this link to read the review (https://electricbikeadvisor.com/bianchi-aria-e-road-review/). Interestingly, Bianchi has a similar approach to what Orbea has developed, but there is minimal differences that would look more appealing to some riders.
Regards,
Matt.
I just bought a D50, same configuration as D40 except shift, Shimano Claris, and brakes, mechanical disk. I already used it for 300km, 5000m elevation, with and without the app. very satisfied about this product.
on flat and downhill is very stable, brakes are ok. using the app with the heart sensor connectes it’s possible to have the motor on above a specified heart rate (I selected some 85%fc). in this way ebike can be used to avoid too much of anaeroibic exercise, whilst staying in the high range of aerobic sector. also the add on weight compared to a standard road bike, let’say +5kg, can be used as strenght improvement when motor is off. also with the app is possible to modify the power of the motor in the three levels. setting the first one, white, around 50%, i had enough battery for 1800 m elevation, using 2nd and 3rd only in the last 900 m of elevation. no way of such flexibility with Fazua based bikes. just ordered thr range extender, additional 200 wh; should be enough for 3000+ elevation.
Hi Giovanni,
thanks for sharing your thoughts with other e-bike riders. Very appreciated. Feel free to share your impression after testing the additional 200 wh.
Regards,
Mat.