E-MTB / TEST: The new Thok Gram comes along as an uncompromising e-enduro. Massive suspension travel and a descent-oriented geometry promise a lot of fun downhill. We were able to test the bike extensively at the Thok Tribe. You can read how the e-bike performs here.
Thok Gram RC: E-Enduro for the rough
Downhill weapon from Italy: The e-bike manufacturer Thok, founded in 2015, recently added a new e-enduro to its range. The futuristic-looking Gram from Italy is made for rough terrain. With 170 mm / 180 mm of travel at the front and 170 mm at the rear, that's what it offers E Enduro loads of reserves to run it properly. Nevertheless, the Italians try to construct the jack of all trades in a way, because the geometry tries to be the interface between downhill performance and good uphill properties. The Gram is available in two configurations, in which value is placed on functional, robust components instead of driving the price well beyond the €10.000 mark with extremely lightweight construction. At around 23,5 kg, the Gram is still quite light for its equipment and properties.
Data & equipment of the E-Enduro Thok Gram
- Frame material: Carbon
- Engine: Shimano EP8 (85 Nm)
- Battery pack: Shimano, 630Wh
- Suspension travel: 180mm front, 170mm rear
- wheel size: Mullet, 29″ front, 27,5″ rear
- models: 2 trim levels (Gram, Gram RC)
- Price: 7.499 € to 9.900 €
Equipment
On the equipment side, Thok finds a good compromise between high-quality, functional parts that don't rise to absurd dimensions on the cost side. So Thok attaches great importance to function and affordability, instead of saving the last gram of weight with noble and light carbon components. Thok offers two trim levels. These differ primarily in four points: With the Shimano XT, the Gram RC has the correspondingly stronger disc brakes. In addition, the Fox Factory suspension is used here, while the Gram "only" comes with Rhythm suspension. The third point is the wheels: The top model Gram RC is equipped with Crankbrothers Synthesis wheels, while the Gram has in-house wheels. Finally, the Gram RC shifts electronically thanks to the GX Eagle AXS, while the Gram with the NX Egale relies on conventional shift cables. The variant in our test is the Gram RC.
| Model | Gram | Gram RC |
|---|---|---|
| Frame | THOK - Unidirectional full carbon, 29"/27,5", UDH Hanger technology, 170 mm travel | THOK - Unidirectional full carbon, 29"/27,5", UDH Hanger technology, 170 mm travel |
| engine & battery | SHIMANO EP8 - 85 Nm (250W) - integrated Shimano 630 Wh | SHIMANO EP8 - 85 Nm (250W) - integrated Shimano 630 Wh |
| Display | SHIMANO – SC-E7000, Remote Control SW-E7000 | SHIMANO – SC-EM800, Remote Control SC-EM800 |
| Fork | FOX - 38 RHYTHM 29" Boost, Float E-Optimized GRIP, 170 mm travel | FOX - 38 Float Factory Kashima 29" Boost, GRIP2, 180mm travel |
| Suspension shocks | FOX - Float DPS, 3 Pos, PS, Evol LV, THOK Custom tuned, 230x65 | FOX - X2 Float Factory Kashima, 2 Pos Adj, THOK Custom tuned, 230x65 |
| Brakes | SRAM – DB8, HS2 200mm discs | SHIMANO - Deore XT, 4 pistons, 203mm discs |
| percussion | SRAM-NX Eagle 12s | SRAM-GX Eagle AXS |
| Shifter | SRAM-NX Eagle | SRAM-GX Eagle AXS |
| Cassette | SRAM - 12 speed, 10-50T | SRAM - X-Glide 12 Speed, 10-50T |
| Chain | SRAM-Eagle 12V | SRAM-Eagle 12V |
| Crank | FSA 165mm, 34T | FSA 165mm, 34T |
| Wheels | THOK DRIFT, front 29 x 30mm, rear 27.5 x 35mm | CRANKBROTHERS - Synthesis Alloy Ebike, front 29"x 30 mm, rear 27.5"x 35 mm |
| Stem | THOK - Alloy, 37mm length | THOK - Alloy, 37mm length |
| Handlebar | THOK - Alloy 6061 oversize 35mm DB, rise 20mm, width 780mm | RENTHAL - Fatbar Carbon, rise 20mm, width 800mm |
| Grips | THOK - Lock On Grips | THOK - Lock On Grips |
| Tires | MAXXIS - Assegai 29x2.6 ant. e 27.5×2.6 post. 3C / EXO+ / TR | MAXXIS - Assegai 29x2.6 ant. e 27.5×2.6 post. 3C / EXO+ / TR |
| Seatpost | THOK dropper post micro height adjustable, remote control (S/125 mm - M/150 - L/XL 170 mm) | THOK dropper post micro height adjustable, remote control (S/125 mm - M/150 - L/XL 170 mm) |
| Saddle | THOK Fit in hollow Cr.Mo rail | THOK Fit in hollow Cr.Mo rail |
| Weight | 23,8kg, size M | 23,3kg, size M |
Geometrie
The geometry of the Gram is very descent-oriented. A slack steering angle of 64° ensures stability on fast descents. The modern reach of 475 mm in test size L supports this downhill stability, as do the long 450 mm chainstays. In addition to the steep seat tube angle of 78°, the latter ensure that the Gram RC is extremely strong on climbs. The riding position is upright and the bike feels quite short when seated for the modern geometry, but we found that to be positive and comfortable.
| Size | S | M | L | XL |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Top tube length (horizontal) | 573 | 587 | 612 | 632 |
| Reach (mm) | 443 | 455 | 475 | 495 |
| Stacks (mm) | 617 | 625 | 638 | 656 |
| Seat tube length (mm) | 385 | 415 | 430 | 475 |
| Chainstay Length (mm) | 450 | 450 | 450 | 450 |
| Steering angle | 64 | 64 | 64 | 64 |
| Seat Tube Angle | 78 | 78 | 78 | 78 |
| Bottom bracket drop (mm) | 9,4 | 9,4 | 9,4 | 9,4 |
| Wheelbase (mm) | 1235 | 1246 | 1275 | 1300 |
| Head tube length (mm) | 99 | 106 | 118 | 130 |
| Fork Offset (mm) | 44 | 44 | 44 | 44 |
| Bottom bracket height (mm) | 361 | 361 | 361 | 361 |
Drive & Motor
A Shimano EP8 motor with 85 Nm torque ensures powerful propulsion. This means that the Gram has one of the best engines on the market, which is also one of the lightest in its class. This delivers good propulsion, especially in the lower pedaling area - trail climbs are a lot of fun with it. Three riding modes provide different levels of support: Eco, Trail and Boost.
The energy is supplied by a suitable battery with 630 Wh. The latter saves a little weight compared to larger batteries, but is still sufficient for most tours and excursions. The battery can be easily removed from below and charged via a charging socket integrated in the frame.
Test: The Thok Gram RC on the trail
Biking, beer & sea - we were able to test the Gram RC extensively on the varied trails near Castiglione della Pescaia in Tuscany. As part of the Thok Tribe 2023, in addition to the trails, there were also interesting insights into Thok's corporate culture and the opportunity to get in touch with Thok's model bikers. More about the bike festival of the likeable Italian company will follow later - now for the test.
Driving characteristics uphill
Endless propulsion, the front wheel sticks to the ground - no, we're not talking about a light e-trail bike here, but about an e-enduro with 180 mm of travel at the front and 170 mm at the rear. The Gram RC climbs incredibly well. Thanks to its steep seat angle, you sit far forward and upright. This is how you master the steepest, most blocked climbs without the front wheel even lifting slightly off the ground. The benefit: no more uphill trail will be left out and the Gram RC definitely lives up to its claim of an uphill enduro. The length associated with the steep seat angle seems unusual at first - or rather the shortness of the bike: the seating position is very upright, the bike seems quite short. We really liked this position because it combines a comfortable basic position with extraordinary climbing properties. The rear stays inconspicuous and doesn't wobble, even with strong input on the pedals.
The Shimano EP8 motor reliably delivers the necessary power and more. Riding in Eco or Trail mode is perfectly sufficient, especially on trail climbs, otherwise you run the risk of being pushed over the trail in tight corners. Nevertheless, the thrust can also be controlled fairly well via the cadence. Boost mode is used for extremely steep sections.
Driving characteristics downhill
On the descents, it is noticeable that the rear end works very inconspicuously. One could almost ask oneself: is he still there? The response behavior is very sensitive, the characteristic curve rather progressive. Accordingly, the Gram can also be ridden with a steel spring. Incidentally, Ducati even sells it in the appropriate configuration. The rear end reliably irons out all bumps in the trail and harmonises well with the Fox 38 Factory suspension fork - regardless of whether it's rough and slow or full throttle on rough passages. The Gram offers the driver a lot of security and has plenty of reserves. Of course, the flat steering angle also plays a role here. The chassis still has enough pop to use the bike playfully and, for example, to pull off various edges and kickers. The overall body position is balanced and not too stretched.
You can really let it go with the grief - the catch only shows up in tight bends: Due to the long wheelbase, long chainstays and flat steering angle, the E-Enduro loses some maneuverability. Overall, the bike gave us a lot of downhill fun. This is also ensured by the solid equipment: Shimano XT brakes ensure good braking power and Maxxis Assegai tires provide reliable grip in all driving situations. In our opinion, for maximum freedom of movement, a 170 – 190 mm seat post should be installed instead of the 200 mm retractable seat post.
Thok Tribe: Festival by bikers for bikers
When company bosses are on the trail with their employees and customers, it should be something special. Especially one of the founders, Stefano Migliorini - former BMX world champion and downhill pro - the joy of the tours together is absolutely noticeable! In addition to greats from rallying such as Stéphane Peterhansel and Edouard Boulanger as well as ski touring professional Matteo Eydallin, Thoker enjoy the trails and the Italian flair around Castiglione della Pescaia. As part of the event, interested parties can test the new and old e-bikes, explore trails together and end the evening with refreshing cold drinks and a buffet.
With this event, Thok is very close to the customer and is authentic - not least because many employees also start on the trails with the customers. So if you are looking for a capable e-enduro and don't want to buy anything off the shelf from the giants of the bike industry, you could be in good hands with Thok.
