The new GASGAS ECC 2024 – Full gas with the SRAM Eagle Powertrain?

When you hear GASGAS, the first thing that comes to mind is motocross bikes flying through the air or ploughing their way through dense, muddy forests and uninhabitable deserts. But the Spanish brand aren’t just petrol heads, and they proved it in 2021 with the introduction of their first eMTB. GASGAS now have several ebikes in their range: from cross-country and trekking ebikes, to gravity focused eMTBs, to the rather bizarre MOTO series, they’ve got something for everyone. For 2024, the team presents their new ECC eMTB, which has been developed from the ground up and is designed to tackle the roughest trails. There’s no denying the new ebike’s racing ambition considering the fact it was developed in collaboration with the GASGAS SRAM Racing Team, who have already given the bike a thorough beating in the UCI E-Enduro World Cup. The GASGAS ECC rolls on 29″ wheels and provides 170 mm travel up front and 160 mm at the rear. For the drive unit, GASGAS rely on the brand-new SRAM Eagle Powertrain with automatic shifting via the SRAM Transmission drivetrain.

Motocross genes – The new GASGAS ECC in detail

There’s no mistaking the ECC for anything other than a GASGAS. This is mainly due to the bold branding: you could read the white lettering on the signature red frame from a mile away. Other than the branding, the new ECC has little in common with previous GASGAS eMTBs. The carbon frame features a modern design language, and the plastic covers on the frame show the brand’s motocross heritage, lending the eMTB an imposing look. One cover is mounted to the top tube, while the other is mounted to the underside of the down tube where it doubles as a battery cover. Besides making for an extravagant look, the covers should also protect the frame and are held in place with pins. To protect the motor, the developers took further inspiration from their motocross lineup, placing a metal skid plate beneath the SRAM ebike motor. The cables enter the frame through the head tube and only reappear where they’re needed. GASGAS opted against a tool mount, though it wouldn’t just be useful for UCI E-Enduro World Cup races, but also on your home trails.

The SRAM Eagle Powertrain in the new GASGAS ECC

For the ECC, GASGAS rely on the brand new SRAM Eagle Powertrain with an integrated Transmission drivetrain and AutoShift function. The Auto Shift function selects the gear according to an algorithm and shifts automatically, though it’s only suitable for touring as the automatic shifting reaches its limit on demanding trails. With the Coast Shift function, you can also shift without pedalling. To do so, the motor spins the chainring so that the derailleur can shift gears. It can’t shift while stationary because the motor can only spin the chainring while the rear wheel and thus the cassette are also turning. The SRAM Eagle Powertrain motor will be familiar to many of our readers since it’s based on the proven Brose Drive S Mag, just like the Specialized 2.2 motor. It’s got similar specs, it’s capable of churning out 90 Nm of torque and offers a maximum power output of 680 watt. You can tell by its proportions that the motor is somewhat dated. The area around the bottom bracket is a bit bulkier than some more modern ebikes, but it suits the beefy look of the GASGAS ECC. We recommend checking out our detailed review of the SRAM Eagle Powertrain for an in-depth look at how it performs on the trail and what other features the system has to offer.

On the GASGAS ECC, the SRAM Eagle Powertrain motor is powered by a 630 Wh battery, which you can remove through the underside of the down tube. This allows you to charge the battery indoors if you don’t have access to a power outlet where you park your bike. The battery cover is held in place with pins and easily removable, though you’ll need an Allen key to loosen the battery. If you choose to leave the battery in the bike for recharging, you’ll have to contend with the fiddly charging port cover. Fortunately, it’s easily accessible above the bottom bracket, and water or dirt shouldn’t have a chance of collecting on the cover. The drive unit is controlled via the SRAM AXS Bridge display, which is located in the top tube. The colour screen provides only the most necessary information, such as the selected support and shifting modes, and the current percentage of the battery level. The system doesn’t come with a dedicated remote, but can be controlled via the existing SRAM AXS Pods, which keeps the cockpit nice and clean. The buttons of the Pods are assigned with two functions each. For example, you can use the top button of the right hand Pod to shift to an easier gear by pressing it briefly, or long-press it to toggle the Auto Shift function. The functions are freely configurable via the SRAM AXS app.

The variants of the new GASGAS ECC

The GASGAS is available in the three variants, the ECC 4, ECC 5, and ECC 6, all of which are equipped with the SRAM Eagle Powertrain system.

Slotting in beneath the GASGAS ECC 6 is the ECC 5, which can be yours for € 8,999. It also relies on DVO suspension, and in terms of shifting, it is equipped with the slightly more affordable GX Transmission groupset. GASGAS opt against the wireless RockShox Reverb AXS dropper post here and spec a mechanical in-house model instead. This requires its own cable and remote, which will probably reduce the clean look and ergonomics of the cockpit. The four-piston SRAM G2 brakes are combined with 200 mm rotors at the front and rear, and the Mach1 TRUCKY 30 aluminium wheels are fitted with a MAXXIS ASSEGAI tire up front and a DHR II at the rear.

The GASGAS ECC 4 is the entry-level model and available for € 7,999. The biggest difference of the ECC 4 compared to the more expensive models is that it comes with a mechanical 12-speed SRAM GX Eagle groupset. In contrast to the ECC 5 and ECC 6, therefore, you’ll have to make do without the Auto Shift and Coast Shift functions. Furthermore, the shifter and the chain are sourced from the budget SX groupset, cutting corners where it’s not immediately evident to the untrained eye. From our experience, the SX chain has a much shorter service life, so you’ll have to budget for a replacement early on, especially if you’re planning to race. In addition to the cable of the mechanical GX drivetrain, you’ve got a cable and remote for the mechanical GasGas Pro dropper post. This will result in a more cluttered looking cockpit compared to the models with full AXS integration. The SRAM DB8 four-piston brakes are paired with 200 mm rotors. The DB8 is SRAMs entry-level brake and – untypical of SRAM – uses mineral oil instead of DOT fluid.

The geometry of the new GASGAS ECC

The GASGAS ECC is available in sizes S/M, M/L, L/XL. In size M/L, the reach measures 475 mm and is paired with a 440 mm seat tube. The chainstay length is 461 mm on the smallest size and grows by 4 mm with each size up.

Our conclusion on the new GASGAS ECC

GASGAS are breaking new ground with the ECC, presenting their first race-focused eMTB. It features a new and modern design language paired with a beefy look that suits the brand’s motocross heritage. From our experience with the Auto Shift function of the SRAM Eagle Powertrain motor, the automatic shifting doesn’t meet our demands of a racing bike. However, we look forward to putting the GASGAS ECC through its paces as soon as we can get our hands on one.

For more information, visit gasgas.com

Source: e-bikes4you.com