Wander-ee: A Titanium Gravel eBike Powered by the X20 System
Viral Bikes has entered the eBike segment with the Wander-ee, a titanium gravel model developed for riders who want a capable adventure platform without compromising agility or ride feel. For this project, the brand selected the MAHLE X20 System, aligning with their goal of creating a bike that remains true to its gravel origins while benefiting from precise, natural assistance.
A Lightweight System for a Performance‑Driven Gravel Platform
When designing the Wander-ee, Viral Bikes focused on maintaining the characteristics of a high‑performance gravel bike: predictable handling, low weight and responsiveness on technical terrain. These priorities made the X20 System the right choice.
The X20 System offers:
- A lightweight drive unit suited to gravel geometry and riding dynamics.
- A compact hub motor, smaller than the rear cog used by Viral Bikes.
- A balanced power delivery, ensuring support without disrupting natural cadence.
- A fully integrated architecture that maintains the clean aesthetic expected from a premium titanium frame.
This level of integration allows the Wander-ee to remain a capable gravel bike first, while adding assistance that supports long days and challenging routes.
Smart.Shift Compatibility for an Advanced Riding Experience
One of the defining elements of the Wander-ee is its compatibility with Pinion Smart.Shift. The MAHLE system communicates directly with Smart.Shift, enabling:
- Use of the eBike battery for the shifting system.
- Reduced cable routing and simplified assembly.
- Full access to pre-select and start-select functions.
These features allow the rider to customise shifting behaviour, automatically selecting the preferred starting gear when stopping or adjusting gear ratios during technical changes in terrain. This combination highlights how the X20 System enhances the capabilities of modern drivetrain technologies.
Geometry and Features Designed for Demanding Adventures
The Wander-ee maintains Viral Bikes’ approach to gravel performance, including:
- Cane Creek Invert CS suspension fork with 40 mm travel.
- Tyre clearance up to 29 x 2.1, adapted to the fork crown.
- A passive suspension system in the seat tube, designed to reduce vibrations through a titanium flex plate.
- A slack front end for stability and control on fast descents or uneven tracks.
These elements support the position of the Wander-ee as a gravel bike intended for both long-distance comfort and technical capability.
A New Benchmark for Titanium Gravel eBikes
The Wander-ee shows how brands can integrate electric assistance without altering the essence of a performance‑oriented gravel bike. With the MAHLE X20 System at its core, the model achieves a balance between efficiency, handling and modern technology.
At MAHLE SmartBike Systems, we are pleased to see how companies such as Viral Bikes use the X20 System to expand what riders can expect from lightweight eBikes. The Wander-ee is a clear example of how integration, weight optimisation and thoughtful engineering can redefine the adventure‑gravel category.
