The Ultima Mobility eGRAVEL YIN SPORT makes a statement on two wheels! With its single-sided leaf spring fork, reminiscent of the legendary Cannondale Lefty, a sleek carbon frame, and the electronic SRAM Apex AXS drivetrain, it boasts a striking design and top-notch tech. When developing their E-Gravel bike, the French specialists placed great emphasis on European manufacturing.
Alongside the French-made frame and eye-catching fork, the newly released motor system also stands out. The ZF CentriX motor delivers a powerful 75 Nm of support, while the removable 504 Wh battery promises plenty of range for long rides. Big numbers, big weight? Not at all – at just 17.66 kg including the large battery, the total weight is actually below the test field’s average.
As expected, where there’s a YIN, there’s also a YANG. As an e-commuter and adventure bike, the more affordable YANG model would have been a better fit for our comparison test. However, at the time of testing, only the sportier YIN Sport was available – and that too as a pre-production model, priced at € 7,238. Since the frame, motor system, and optional leaf spring fork are identical on both versions, our findings should apply to both models.
ULTIMA Mobility Egravel Yin Sport
€ 7,238
Specifications
Motor ZF CentriX 75 Nm
Battery ZF SI 504 Wh
Display ZF Color Display
Brakes SRAM Rival eTap AXS FM 160/160 mm
Drivetrain SRAM Rival 1×12
Light –
Tires Hutchinson Override 45 mm
Suspension(f/r) Leaf spring by Motion Engineering 40 mm / –
Rack –
Technical Data
Size S M L XL
Weight 17.66 kg
Perm. total weight 130 kg
Special Features
Removable Battery
The Ultima Mobility eGRAVEL YIN SPORT on Test – A Perfect Balance?
The first thing that stands out about the Ultima Mobility eGRAVEL YIN SPORT is its striking design – this bike is anything but ordinary! One of the most eye-catching features are the unique carbon seat stays, which run either side of the seat tube before connecting part way along the top tube, creating an elegant and distinctive silhouette.
Another standout feature is the single-sided fork, which, like the frame, is made in France. Instead of a traditional telescoping fork with a coil or air spring, Ultima Mobility use a composite leaf spring. A neat tech detail: unlike telescopic forks, this leaf spring doesn’t compress under braking. This adds stability and confidence, especially at high speeds. While the bike comes with a rigid fork as standard, the single-sided version can be selected as an optional upgrade in the configurator.
The idea is promising, but how does it feel to ride? This is where the suspension fork of the Ultima Mobility eGRAVEL YIN SPORT truly shines. Of the non-air suspension forks, it delivers the most sensitive response in the test field, making the front wheel feel almost glued to the road – a clear advantage for stability and control.
It isn’t all good, though. The fork flexes noticeably while cornering, and while this was predictable, it wasn’t an instant hit with all of our testers. Ultima Mobility follows a one-size-fits-most approach here, with a maximum rider weight of 140 kg. However, during testing, we found that the leaf spring bottomed out occasionally on rough trails with a rider weight of around 100 kg. In the long run, an adjustable or replaceable spring would be a welcome improvement.
The rear of the YIN, however, is unsuspended, which slightly reduces overall comfort compared to other test models with both front and rear suspension, like the Specialized Tero X or the Moustache Dimanche. Off-road, this contrast becomes clear: while the forgiving one-legged fork absorbs a lot, the stiff rear end transmits bumps directly to the rider. This creates a certain imbalance in the ride feel. That said, anyone used to riding hardtails won’t be too bothered by it.
Powering the YIN’s forward momentum is the new CentriX motor from German manufacturer ZF, delivering a solid 75 Nm of torque. No doubt about it – when needed, this bike climbs with some serious power! That’s undeniably fun, but also slightly at odds with the bike’s sporty character – but more on that later. For those looking to fine-tune the YIN’s performance, there’s an alternative to the large 504 Wh battery: a lighter 348 Wh option, which encourages a more energy-conscious use of the assist modes. Regardless of the battery choice, the YIN ranks as the second most powerful bike in the test field. Its motor outperforms the Bosch SX found in the Canyon Grizl:ONfly and Moustache Dimanche, only trailing behind the almost excessive Shimano EP8 in the ROSE BACKROAD EQ. Despite the high motor power, the electronic SRAM Apex AXS drivetrain remains unfazed, shifting through its 12 gears quickly and reliably via wireless command.
While the young CentriX motor is already flexing its muscles, it still has a few teething issues. In Boost mode, it cuts out a bit abruptly, and on climbs, it’s the loudest motor in the test. On the plus side, the ZF motor system earns points for its optional, user-friendly ZF Color Display with touch functionality, as well as the removable battery – something not all test bikes offer. Cool bonus: The Core Controller, seamlessly integrated into the top tube, features a dedicated charging port with adapters for common standards to keep your smartphone or navigation device powered on long rides!
The YIN puts the rider in a sporty, forward riding position, encouraging powerful pedaling – whether for short sprints or long, fast-paced rides. However, with its relatively long 90 mm stem (tied with the ROSE BACKROAD the longest in the test) the bike feels extremely stable, almost to a fault. This high stability slightly clashes with the YIN’s sporty character, making a shorter stem a good upgrade for those craving more agility. Despite its stability, our pre-production model noticeably lacked grip off-road. No surprises there – the narrow MAXXIS semi-slick tires were clearly designed for pavement. The good news? The production model will be equipped with more aggressive Hutchinson Override tires in 700×45, which should completely resolve this issue.
When it comes to everyday practicality and equipment, we have to cut the YIN some slack – it’s clearly a pre-production model with a road-focused setup. That said, it has all the essentials to be a solid daily rider. There are mounting points for mudguards and a rear rack, plus two mounts on the main frame. And if you opt for the rigid fork instead of the single-sided one, you’ll get even more attachment options. One thing’s for sure: you won’t go thirsty on long rides!
A big plus for everyday usability is the removable battery – something only one other pure e-gravel bike in our test offers (the Riese & Müller UBN Five Commute). This means you can charge it anywhere with ease, without disturbing the balance of YIN and YANG. Speaking of which: since these forces complement each other, it’s no surprise that the YANG will soon join Ultima Mobility’s lineup. However, these models won’t feature a French-made carbon frame, but rather a Chinese-manufactured one. Paired with a more affordable setup, pricing will start at € 5,246 for the YANG Urban Flatbar spec, and € 5,642 for the YANG Adventure model.
Who is the Ultima Mobility eGRAVEL YIN SPORT for?
The Ultima Mobility eGRAVEL YIN SPORT is a standout bike for enthusiasts who appreciate sleek design, innovative tech, and European manufacturing. While our pre-production model is clearly geared toward asphalt and sporty rides, the frame has everything it takes to be built into a capable everyday or commuter bike. For those with this focus, we recommend checking out the YANG Adventure and YANG Urban Flatbar models on Ultima Mobility’s website. The Adventure is designed for off-road exploration, while the Urban Flatbar comes fully equipped for daily use.
The new ZF motor delivers plenty of power on the YIN. However, if a super-quiet ride is your priority, you’d be better off with a motor from Specialized, TQ or FAZUA – though keep in mind, they don’t pack nearly as much punch as the ZF.
A real technical highlight is the single-sided leaf spring fork, though it’s not for everyone. Riders over 100 kg might be happier with a stiffer fork, as would those who like razor-sharp handling on technical trails. Luckily, Ultima Mobility’s shop lets you choose the setup that suits you best.
Riding Characteristics
Safety Feeling
- low
- high
Motor Performance
- low
- high
Stability
- nervous
- composed
Handling
- demanding
- intuitive
Everyday Usability
- low
- high
Riding Fun
- low
- high
Versatility
- low
- high
Comfort
- firm
- comfortable
Intended Use
Commuting
Adventure
Everyday
Ice Cream Shop
Conclusion about the Ultima Mobility eGRAVEL YIN SPORT
In our test setup, the Ultima Mobility eGRAVEL YIN SPORT plays slightly out of its weight class, as the manufacturer positions it as a purebred e-Road bike. Given this starting point, the YIN has proven to be adaptable and customizable, making it an interesting option for bike enthusiasts who appreciate a unique frame design. That said, we found the combination of an aggressive riding position, a powerful motor, and slow handling not entirely cohesive, even for its intended sporty focus. A slightly shorter stem would likely enhance the bike’s overall concept.
Tops
- striking, high-end design
- innovative single-sided leaf spring fork
- powerful motor support
Flops
- slightly inconsistent overall concept
- relatively noisy motor
For more info head to ultima.com
The Test Field
You can find an overview of this comparison test here: The Best E-Gravel Bike of 2025 – The most exciting models in a comprehensive comparison test
All bikes in the test: BMC URS AMP LT TWO, Canyon Commuter:ONfly 7, Canyon Grizl:ON Daily, Moustache Dimanche 29.4 EQ, Riese & Müller UBN Five commute, ROSE BACKROAD Plus EQ, Specialized Turbo Creo 2 Expert, Specialized Turbo Tero X 5.0, Ultima Mobility eGRAVEL YIN SPORT.
Words: Jonny Grapentin Photos: Jan Richter
About the Author
Jonny Grapentin
Editor
Jonny Grapentin is an editor at 41 Publishing for E-MOUNTAINBIKE and DOWNTOWN. His background as a publisher in digital education explains his didactically grounded approach. He is responsible for "The MIRROR" column, focusing on development logic and the long-term relevance of products beyond launch cycles. His expertise lies in evaluating technological innovation and everyday utility, which he demonstrates in his numerous product tests. Whether it’s kids' bikes, pizza ovens, or espresso machines, he consistently tests innovations for real-world value, and critically questions market trends.
