# Featherweight Gravel E-Bikes The 'Skitch' Uses a Sleek Carbon Frame to Keep Its Weight Down By Rahul Kalvapalle | Published 2023-08-30 | Eco Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/featherweight-gravel-ebike References: [pinkbike](https://www.pinkbike.com/news/santa-cruz-bicycles-launches-skitch-e-commuter-bike.html) & [santacruzbicycles](https://www.santacruzbicycles.com/en-US/bikes/skitch)  [Santa Cruz](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/skitch-gx-axs) Bicycles, a California-based company that is known to be one of the top innovators in the gravel bike sector, has launched a lightweight gravel e-bike that offers a phenomenal balance of ruggedness, speed and maneuverability. The 'Skitch' is a gravel e-bike that makes use of a pure carbon fiber frame, which allow for the bike to weigh in at around 30 pounds, a figure that can be further reduced or increased depending on optional add0ons. Available in both flat-bar and drop-bar designs, the 'Skitch' gravel e-bike makes use of a lithium-ion battery that works in conjunction with a motor to offer 44 pounds-feet of torque, allowing riders to access maximum speeds of around 45 km/h. Priced between $5,999 and $7,299 depending on build option, this gravel e-bike will appeal to riders looking for a [lightweight and reliable bike](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ponomarets-eidolon) that can handle versatile terrain. Image Credit: Santa Cruz Bicycles ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 4.3/10 - Popularity: 64% | Activity: 48% | Freshness: 17% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Eco](https://www.trendhunter.com/eco) > [Transportation](https://www.trendhunter.com/transportation) ## Key Themes ### Key Themes Behind This Trend - **Lightweight Gravel E-bikes:** A trend in the cycling industry is the development of lightweight gravel e-bikes like the 'Skitch', which features a carbon fiber frame and weighs around 30 pounds. - **Rugged and Manueverable Gravel E-bikes:** The 'Skitch' demonstrates a trend of gravel e-bikes that offer a balance of ruggedness, speed, and maneuverability, catering to riders who want versatility in tackling various terrains. - **Innovative Lithium-ion Battery and Motor Systems:** The 'Skitch' incorporates an innovative lithium-ion battery and motor system to deliver 44 pounds-feet of torque, enabling riders to reach speeds of approximately 45 km/h. ### Where This Applies - **Cycling Industry:** The gravel e-bike sector within the cycling industry is seeing innovation in the form of lightweight and versatile bikes like the 'Skitch' that offer a superior riding experience. - **Carbon Fiber Manufacturing Industry:** The development of gravel e-bikes with carbon fiber frames presents opportunities for the carbon fiber manufacturing industry to provide materials for lightweight and durable bike frames. - **Electric Bike Market:** The 'Skitch' represents an opportunity within the electric bike market to offer e-bikes with advanced lithium-ion battery and motor systems, satisfying the demand for powerful and efficient electric bicycles. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Flat Drop-Bar Carbon Bikes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/skitch-gx-axs.md) - [Range-Roving Gravel E-Bikes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/rangeroving-gravel-ebikes.md) - [Carbon Fiber Gravel E-Bikes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/gravel-ebike.md) - [Ultra-Light Gravel Bikes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/crux.md) - [Lightweight Mid-Power E-Bikes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/heckler-sl.md) - [Lightweight Gravel E-Bikes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/nytro.md) - [Carbon Gravel E-Bikes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/r-r275x.md) - [Optimized Gravel E-Bikes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/barolo-i.md) - [Premium Gravel Bikes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/desiknio.md)