This is the first electric bike from the brand owned by former cyclists Alberto Contador and Ivan Basso

03/11/2026 10:00

Updated to

03/11/2026 10:00

AURUM’s new NOVA is the first electric bike from the brand founded by Alberto Contador and Ivan Basso. For a brand created by two former professional cyclists, this is big news, as it represents clear recognition for electric bikes that many still view with skepticism (towards them and their users).

This new bike falls into the eRoad category, with a focus on long-distance riding: its design aims to provide comfort on multi-kilometer routes without sacrificing AURUM’s competitive spirit.

A frame that doesn’t look like an eBike’s

Looking at the design of the new NOVA, it’s hard to believe it’s for an electric bicycle. Part of the reason lies in the motor, which is located in the rear wheel hub rather than on the pedal crankset. The model appears extremely lightweight, with a weight of around 11.5 kg—a figure that, of course, varies depending on the specific model.

"Invisible integration: AURUM’s sleek silhouette remains intact" (AURUM).

The frame is made of carbon fiber and features a more relaxed geometry compared to the brand’s other “muscular” models, providing greater stability and comfort for the rider: for example, the wheelbase in size M (available in 4 sizes total) is 1,015 mm, and the head tube height in the same size is 157 mm, allowing for a more upright riding position. Another detail is the stay cables, which are mounted very high on the seat tube (a classic design), which helps provide slightly better rear wheel clearance.

The frame is designed to accommodate two types of drivetrains: either a dual-disc setup with a clear asphalt-oriented setup or a single-disc system used in the allroad models. The wheelbase is 32 mm for road models and 38 mm for allroad models. Its versatility as a bike is evident in details such as the ability to carry up to three fenders and a hidden bag in the upper tube, along with mounts for fenders.

Engine: The MAHLE X20 continues to perform strongly

MAHLE offers its best mid-drive motor in the X20, delivering impressive performance despite being a lightweight unit: it provides up to 65 Nm of torque (about 23 Nm at the rear wheel) and a maximum power output of 275 W. Its weight is just 1.39 kg, which is a significant advantage.

It features torque and cadence sensors that provide very natural assistance, as is typical of MAHLE’s motors. It supports Bluetooth and ANT+ connectivity for use with various cycle computers and MAHLE’s digital ecosystem.

The battery is quite capable for what’s standard in this type of bike: AURUM has chosen the MAHLE iX3 (350 Wh) to further enhance its riding range, which theoretically offers a range of up to 140 km or an accumulated elevation gain of 2,300 meters. However, the 171 Wh Range Extender eX1 is also available as an option. One interesting detail: to avoid revealing its eBike status, they hid the charging port under the pedal cranks...

Up to 7 models, one world

It’s hard to believe that such an exclusive brand would launch nothing less than 7 different models with its first eBike. The prices are quite competitive compared to Contador’s usual offerings: starting at 5,999 euros, we can get a basic model equipped with a Shimano 105 transmission.

We see models equipped with SRAM’s single-chainring drivetrains, as well as a gravel-specific option like Shimano’s GRX. There’s also the Japanese brand’s Dura-Ace, which is the most expensive at 8,799 euros, alongside SRAM Red (at the same price), giving an idea of the different directions this NOVA series aims to take. For more information: AURUM