All-road and gravel in one, with a little assistance to boot? With the roadie twin of the Solace Gravel eRIDE 10, SCOTT already have an incredibly versatile bike in their range. But how does the gravel variant fare against the competition in our adventure gravel bike group test?
This bike was tested as part of our 2024 adventure gravel bike group test – you can find an overview of the group test and test field here:
You’ll be hard-pressed to find more capable drop bar ebikes than those of the SCOTT Solace range – the SCOTT Solace eRIDE 10 already proved as much in our all-road group test, mopping up the field and taking home the victory. Will speccing some bigger tires and wider handlebars be enough for it to excel further off the beaten track? And how does the minimalist TQ drive unit compare to the competition from MAHLE? We put the SCOTT Solace Gravel to the test to find out!
SCOTT Solace Gravel eRIDE – The best you can do?
Like the all-road Solace, the Solace Gravel is a beautiful looking bike. It looks very sturdy and aggressive with its oversized tubes, yet subtle and well-proportioned. We like the green paint job of the flagship HMX model on test even more than the glittery blue of the all-road version.
The electric motor is also neatly integrated. The down tube has to be relatively thick to accommodate the integrated battery, but it doesn’t look disproportionate. Due to its compact size, the minimalist TQ motor also blends discreetly with the bottom bracket. It’s only the display and controls in the top tube that reveal the bike’s true nature, so it’s only those who know that will be able to identify the bike as an ebike. Giving it away more easily, however, is the included range extender that can be slotted into the rear bottle cage, increasing the range by 50%.
The inconspicuously integrated TQ motor is surprisingly powerful, providing ample thrust on the climbs.
You can even go on big adventures thanks to the range extender, but you’ll only be able to fit one bottle cage.
SCOTT and their in-house brand Syncros have done a great job with the remaining components. The Syncros gravel handlebar proved to be one of the highlights of the test as it doesn’t just look good, but also delivers unparalleled ergonomics. After riding the Solace for the first time, our drop bar connoisseur Martin immediately declared that he needs a pair of his own. It’s too bad the modern carbon handlebar won’t fit on his steel bike.
Unlike the handlebars, we were already familiar with the Zipp 303 Firecrest wheels from the road version. Paired with 50 mm Schwalbe G-One Overlander tires, it proved to be a capable and fast gravel riding combination.
With 50 mm tire clearance, the SCOTT Solace Gravel eRIDE is very well positioned, but the 50 mm Schwalbe G-One Overlander tires push the bike’s clearances to the limit.
The Zipp 303 Firecrest wheels and Schwalbe G-One Overlander tires suit the SCOTT Solace down to a tee, providing a lot of traction yet rolling incredibly fast.
Transferring the power to the wheels is a SRAM Force XPLR AXS groupset. With a wide range 10–44 t cassette and 42 t chainring, the gearing is a little higher than on the analogue competition, but it has a motor to help with that. We also really liked the fact the derailleur is wired to the bike’s main battery, eliminating the need to recharge the small AXS batteries.
However, SCOTT were somewhat stingy with mounting points on the Solace Gravel. Besides bosses for just two bottle cages inside the front frame triangle, you’ll find mounting points for a kickstand on the chainstay. You can also fit mudguards for winter riding. If you want to go bikepacking, despite the dearth of rack attachment points, we recommend taking a closer look at the matching Syncros bags.
The SRAM Force AXS derailleur can be wired directly to the ebike’s main power source, eliminating the need for a separate AXS battery.
Tuning tips:
– a second set of wheels with all-road tires will open up even more possibilities
– stylish outfit to match the bike
Scott Solace Gravel eRide 10
€ 9,999
Specifications
Fork rigid fork
Seatpost Syncros Duncan Aero SL
Brakes SRAM Force 160/160 mm
Drivetrain SRAM Force eTap AXS XPLR 1x12
Stem Synros Creston IC SLX 100 mm
Handlebar Synros Creston IC SLX 420 mm
Wheelset Zipp 303 Firecrest
Tires Schwalbe G-One Overlander 28"
Technical Data
Size XS S M L XL
Weight 12.86 kg
Specific Features
TQ mid-drive system
Exclusive and high quality appearance
Main battery also powers the electronic shifting
Handlebar ergonomics are exceptional
| Size | XS | S | M | L | XL |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Top tube | 518 mm | 534.2 mm | 554.5 mm | 578.4 mm | 592.5 mm |
| Seat tube | 477 mm | 507 mm | 527 mm | 547 mm | 567 mm |
| Head tube | 85 mm | 110 mm | 128 mm | 154 mm | 175 mm |
| Head angle | 69.5° | 70° | 71° | 71° | 71° |
| Seat angle | 74.5° | 74° | 73.5° | 73° | 73° |
| Chainstay | 435 mm | 435 mm | 435 mm | 435 mm | 435 mm |
| BB Drop | 76 mm | 76 mm | 76 mm | 76 mm | 76 mm |
| Wheelbase | 1,021.5 mm | 1,030.1 mm | 1,036.8 mm | 1,056.2 mm | 1,071.1 mm |
| Reach | 374 mm | 378 mm | 387 mm | 398 mm | 406 mm |
| Stack | 519.3 mm | 544.7 mm | 565.6 mm | 590.2 mm | 610 mm |
SCOTT Solace Gravel eRide – Performance through and through?
Even if the gearing looks a little ambitious at first glance, the motor makes up for it. The powerful TQ drive unit performs excellently on technical routes with its organic feel and perfectly balanced centre of gravity, providing ample thrust on steep climbs when pedalling at a low cadence. In direct comparison to MAHLE X35 and X20, it’s also significantly quieter, and therefore more pleasant on long rides.
The compliant ride of the Solace Gravel further underlines its long-distance capabilities. While the frame and seat post themselves don’t provide much comfort, the 50 mm tires make up for it, absorbing most vibrations and small bumps.
Like its all-road twin, the Solace Gravel strikes a good balance between composure and agility – at least for active riding styles. The handling is well suited to regular types of gravel riding, though it may be too playful for ultra-distance adventures. The SCOTT Solace Gravel eRIDE is a bike that wants to have fun, letting you chuck it through the corners on fast, winding trails and setting speed records on the straights – perhaps a bit overwhelming for absolute beginners. As with most bikes without suspension forks, however, it doesn’t fare all that well on rough terrain, but the SCOTT performs convincingly in every respect on gravel roads and classic woodland paths.
The best, most fun e-gravel bike on test
The perfect adventure for the SCOTT Solace eRIDE 10
Absolute versatility is what the SCOTT Solace Gravel eRIDE 10 promises to offer, and it delivers. As a sporty e-gravel bike with all-road potential, it’s capable of tackling any terrain and will also handle the occasional trail, if necessary. Thanks to the powerful motor, it’s the SCOTT of choice for hilly and mountainous terrain, as well as for well-planned day trips and extended tours with charging stops. However, it lacks the necessary mounting points to be the ultimate adventure bike.
Our conclusion on the SCOTT Solace Gravel eRIDE
The SCOTT Solace Gravel eRIDE 10 is a functionally and visually outstanding bike – it’s sporty and pure fun to ride, and performs brilliantly even without the support of the motor. The TQ drive unit and its all-road capabilities just add to the versatility. That said, the bike is a bit too reactive, and lacks mounting points to make it suitable for long adventures. Ultimately, the SCOTT Solace Gravel eRIDE is an excellent choice for fun-loving gravel riders who want an active bike with a little extra help.
Tops
- a sporty bike that’s a lot of fun to ride
- stylish and sporty look
- TQ motor is excellent for gravel with its natural feeling support and clean look
- Syncros components offer perfect integration and excellent ergonomics
Flops
- no bosses for a third bottle cage, and a general lack of mounting points
For more information visit scott-sports.com
The testfield
This bike was tested as part of our 2023 adventure gravel bike group test – you can find an overview of the group test and the test field here:
All bikes on review:Argon 18 Dark Matter | BMC URS 01 ONE | Cannondale Topstone Carbon 1 Lefty | Canyon Grizl CF SLX 8 Force AXS Trail | Falkenjagd ARISTOS TRAIL GRAVEL | Focus Atlas 8.8 | Ghost Asket Advanced | Giant Revolt X | Merida Silex 10k | Mondraker Dusty XR | Orbea Terra M21e Team Custom M | Ridley Kanzo Adventure | Rose Backroad AL Plus | Santa Cruz Stigmata | Scott Solace Gravel eRIDE 10 | Specialized Diverge STR Pro | Trek Checkpoint SL 7 AXS | Wilier Adlar | YT Industries Szepter Core 4
Did you enjoy this article? If so, we would be stoked if you decide to support us with a monthly contribution. By becoming a supporter of GRAN FONDO, you will help secure a sustainable future for high-quality cycling journalism. Click here to learn more.
Words: Calvin Zajac Photos: Mike Hunger
