New Cairn E-Adventure 1.0 Rambler Edition gets updated geometry and added versatility

By Nick Clark

Published: Wednesday, 09 November 2022 at 12:00 am

Cairn has released the third iteration of its E-Adventure electric gravel bike, with the Rambler Edition sporting a new frame design said to prioritise light weight and versatility.

This new Cairn E-Adventure Rambler Edition will also accommodate a 30mm to 40mm front suspension fork thanks to the revised geometry, according to Cairn.

Only one model is available at launch, priced at £4,289 / $4,935.61 / €5,000. It comes with a Campagnolo Ekar 13-speed gravel-specific groupset. Cairn says there will be more models to follow in 2023.

Cairn E-Adventure Rambler Edition at-a-glance

  • All-new geometry and suspension-ready
  • Mounts for racks, luggage and mudguards
  • Campagnolo Ekar groupset and Hunt Gravel wheelset
  • Now available in extra small

New frame, new motor

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The Cairn E-Adventure Limited Rambler Edition features updated geometry.
Cairn Cycles

Cairn has taken feedback from V2 E-Adventure owners in the creation of this new frameset.

Geometry changes include a steeper 74-degree seat tube angle and a slacker 70-degree head angle. The bottom bracket drop has also increased to 80mm.

Cairn claims these changes make the Rambler’s descending characteristics more predictable than the V2 E-Adventure without losing any responsiveness.

Other frame updates include shortened seatstays, which Cairn says has the benefit of adding more flex to the seatpost for added comfort, while also decreasing the standover height in all sizes.

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The head tube angle is slacker than the previous-generation bike at 70 degrees.
Cairn Cycles

A slimmer forged chainstay yoke, with smaller tube diameters, is said to increase compliance while maintaining stiffness for pedalling.

Cairn says it has made significant weight savings by reducing the down tube profile by around 25 per cent, which has also led to a more compliant front triangle. Cairn hasn’t stated the exact weight saving over the previous model.

These changes allow the Rambler Edition to be fitted with a front suspension fork that has a maximum travel of 40mm and a maximum offset of 45mm.

The Rambler Edition comes with the new Ride 50 Street Drive pack electric bike motor from Fazua, which has a claimed increase in torque output to 58Nm compared to the previous model (55Nm).

The BB is also from Fazua and has new torque and cadence sensors, which are said to be 70 per cent more sensitive to pedal input. Cairn says this gives the power delivery a more natural feel.

Versatility

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Rear rack mounts offer increased versatility.
Cairn Cycles

Cairn offers the E-Adventure Rambler Edition with 700c wheels only, because Cairn believes this wheel size makes the most of the bike’s updated geometry.

The Rambler has a maximum tyre clearance of 45cm, but this is reduced to 38cm with the addition of mudguards.

In keeping with the versatility theme, the bike has mounts for a rear rack. There are also triple boss mounts on the fork legs and down tube for cargo cages or bikepacking bags.

Cairn E-Adventure Rambler Edition spec details

"Cairn
The new Cairn features a 13-speed, gravel-specific Campagnolo Ekar drivetrain.
Cairn Cycles
"Cairn
The Fazua remote is situated in the top tube.
Cairn Cycles
"Cairn
The Fazua motor sees torque increase to a claimed 58Nm from the previous bike’s 55Nm.
Cairn Cycles

Cairn is only offering one spec for the Rambler Edition at launch and says more options will be available in 2023.

Cairn continues to work with sister brand Hunt wheels and together they’ve developed wheels specific to the Cairn E-Adventure Rambler Edition.

Hunt’s Gravel X-Wide Rims, which have an internal rim width of 25mm, are built onto Hunt’s E-Gravel Hubs. They run on Vittoria Terreno Dry 38c tyres.

Cairn claims the weight of the Rambler Edition will be 14.3kg for a medium-sized bike.

Cairn E-Adventure Limited Rambler Edition

  • Sizes: XS, S, M, L, XL
  • Frame: Alloy with top tube integrated Fazua touch remote
  • Fork: Full carbon with triple boss mounts
  • Groupset: Campagnolo Ekar 13-speed
  • Saddle: Selle Italia X-Base
  • Wheels: Hunt Gravel X Rim, Hunt E-Gravel Hub
  • Tyres: Vittoria Terreno Dry
  • Motor: Fazua Ride 50 Street Drive System
  • Price: £4,289 / $4,935.61 / €5,000