We’ve had the privilege of riding and testing a wide range of electric bikes. The Orbea Denna stands out as something special. However, like all high-performance machines, proper setup and understanding make a world of difference.
Ride Feel – Smooth Power That Works With You
One of the most impressive aspects of the Orbea Denna is how engaging and natural it feels to ride. Unlike some e-bikes that deliver an obvious surge of power, the Denna’s motor is tuned to feel seamless and intuitive. Climbing grassy hills that would normally have you grinding to a halt suddenly feels smooth and effortless—but never disconnected. You still feel like you're doing the work, but the motor subtly amplifies your effort rather than taking over completely.
This is key because it keeps the ride engaging and rewarding while still allowing you to tackle terrain you might normally avoid. The bike works with you, not for you.
Tuneable Power – Adjust It to Suit Your Riding Style
One of the standout features of the Orbea Denna is how customizable the power delivery is. The motor’s assistance levels can be fine-tuned to match your needs. For me, full power is rarely needed—I see it as a ‘get me out of jail free card’ for when the going gets really tough. But if you’re a heavier rider or someone tackling steeper, more demanding terrain, the motor settings can be adjusted to provide more assistance exactly where you need it.
Orbea’s built-in settings are brilliant straight out of the box, and we always recommend trying them first. However, if you need fine-tuning, MULE Cycles can help—either in-store or when we deliver the bike to you. We’ll ensure everything is dialled in to match your weight, riding style, and terrain.
Why the M20i Model is Worth It
If your budget allows, we highly recommend the M20i model. This version is equipped with a single front chainring and a mountain bike cassette and derailleur, giving you a massive range of gears and an incredibly durable drivetrain. This setup isn’t just for convenience—it’s designed to handle rugged terrain while remaining simple and reliable.
One of our favourite aspects of this model is how intuitive the controls are. The right shifter operates the electronic gears, while the right trigger controls the power assistance. This makes switching between mechanical and electric assistance incredibly smooth and natural, giving you total control without overcomplicating the ride.
Where It Can Go – More Than Just a Gravel Bike
The Orbea Denna is not limited to typical gravel routes. Thanks to generous tyre clearance and well-balanced geometry, this bike can go where other e-gravel bikes struggle. Whether it’s tackling rough bridleways, forest tracks, or long-distance adventure routes, the Denna remains comfortable and capable no matter the surface.
The ride comfort and handling are exceptional, making long rides less fatiguing while still maintaining the nimbleness needed for technical sections. This is a bike that expands what’s possible, allowing you to explore further and ride with more confidence.
Impressive Weight for an E-Bike
Many e-gravel bikes are held back by their weight, but the Denna manages to keep things impressively light. Our real-world weight measurement for the size medium model came in at just 13.56 kg—a number that is seriously competitivefor such a well-equipped electric gravel bike.
Weight, power, and simplicity come together perfectly here, and with best-in-class battery range, the Denna lets you redefine your expectations of what’s possible on an e-bike.
Frame Design – Comfort Without Compromise
The Orbea Denna isn’t just about power and efficiency—it’s also about ride comfort. The frame is specifically shaped at key points to allow for controlled vertical flex. This helps absorb bumps and vibrations from rough terrain, making rides more comfortable without losing performance. Importantly, the frame design resists lateral flex, meaning you don’t compromise pedalling efficiency or handling.
Final Thoughts – The Best E-Gravel Experience
The Orbea Denna is one of the best e- bikes we’ve ridden. It’s light, powerful, and simple to use while offering a ride feel that remains engaging. Whether you’re an experienced rider looking for extra range or someone wanting to explore routes you wouldn’t normally attempt, this bike delivers.
At MULE Cycles, we don’t just sell e-bikes—we help you get the most out of them. That’s why we personally deliver and set up your bike, ensuring you’re ready to ride with confidence. If you’re considering an Orbea Denna, get in touch—we’d love to help you experience what this incredible bike can do.