
Vanpowers UrbanCross-Ultra Overview
The Vanpowers UrbanCross-Ultra is the drop bar UrbanCross. Same 38.8 lb frame, 250W rear hub motor that peaks at 520W, and 345.6Wh battery hidden in the down tube, for up to 75 miles by Vanpowers’ test and 20 MPH on pedal assist.
The difference is the build: a Shimano GRX 600 11 speed with an 11 to 42 cassette, GRX hydraulic brakes on 160mm rotors, a one piece carbon flared drop bar with the 1.45 inch display built in, a carbon seat post, and the T-Box smart module with tracking built in. A torque sensor reads how hard you press and answers in proportion.
CST 700 x 40c gravel tires, three sizes, two colours, a headlight and tail light in the box. If you want a flat bar, that is the UrbanCross-Pro.
Built to be lived with
A 6061 aluminium frame tested to 150% of the ISO 4210 standard, in three sizes: S fits 5'1" to 5'7", M fits 5'6" to 6'1", L fits 5'11" to 6'7". A rigid aluminium fork with a 12 x 100mm thru axle and flat mount brakes, and CST 700 x 40c gravel tires on double wall rims.
A one piece carbon flared drop bar with the display built in, a carbon seat post, a 36V 4A charger, rechargeable front and tail lights and the T-Box built in. The frame, battery, motor and controller are covered for two years.
SHIMANO GRX, ELEVEN SPEEDS
GRX is Shimano’s gravel group, and the Ultra carries the 600 series: an 11 speed rear derailleur with a clutch that keeps the chain quiet on washboard, an 11 to 42 cassette on a 42T ring, and GRX hydraulic brakes on 160mm rotors with levers shaped for the hoods.
The one piece carbon flared drop bar is 440mm wide with a 100mm extension, cables inside, and the 1.45 inch display sits in the stem. On a 38.8 lb bike with a torque sensor, it rides like a gravel bike first.

345 WATT HOURS AND A TRACKER
The battery is built into the down tube: 36V 9.6Ah, 345.6Wh, LG cells, a battery management system built in. Vanpowers tested it to 75 miles with a 165 lb rider in ECO mode on flat ground; it charges on the bike from the 36V 4A charger.
The T-Box smart module is built in on the Ultra, linking the bike to the Vanlife app for tracking and security.


GRX Hydraulic Brakes
Shimano GRX calipers on 160mm rotors, with levers shaped for riding on the hoods.

GRX 600 11 Speed
Clutch derailleur and an 11 to 42 cassette, the gravel group at this weight.

Carbon Flared Drop Bar
One piece carbon bar and stem, 440mm wide, display built in, cables inside.

Display In The Stem
A 1.45 inch colour screen with Bluetooth to the Vanlife app.

Rigid Fork, 700 x 40c Tires
Aluminium fork with a 12mm thru axle and CST gravel tires with puncture resistant tubes.
Fit
Find your size
S and M share the same frame reach and stack and differ only in seat tube length, so between 5'6" and 5'7" pick by how high you like the saddle. The L is a longer frame with a steeper head angle.
| Motor | 250W brushless rear hub motor, 520W peak, 42 N.m torque |
|---|---|
| Battery | 36V 9.6Ah 345.6Wh internal lithium ion, LG cells, battery management system |
| Range | Up to 75 miles, Vanpowers test with a 165 lb rider, ECO mode, flat road |
| Top speed | 20 MPH on pedal assist |
| Sensor | Torque sensor |
| Modes | Pedal assist only, left hand assist switch, no throttle |
| Display | 1.45 inch colour TFT built into the cockpit, Bluetooth, Vanlife E-bike app |
| Smart module | T-Box built in |
| Lights | Rechargeable headlight, 3 modes; rechargeable tail light, 7 hours |
| Charger | 36V 4A charger |
| Frame | 6061 aluminium, road and gravel geometry, tested to 150% of ISO 4210, sizes S, M and L |
| Fork | Rigid aluminium, 12 x 100mm thru axle, flat mount disc |
| Drivetrain | Shimano GRX 600 11 speed, 11 to 42 cassette, 42T chainring, 170mm cranks, KMC E11 chain |
| Brakes | Shimano GRX hydraulic disc, 160mm rotors |
| Wheels | Aluminium double wall rims, 36 stainless spokes, 12 x 100mm thru axle front |
| Tires | CST 700 x 40c gravel, puncture resistant tubes |
| Handlebar | One piece carbon flared drop bar, 440mm wide, 100mm extension, internal routing, bar tape |
| Seat post | Carbon, 30.9 x 350mm |
| Saddle | Ergonomic sport saddle |
| Pedals | 9/16 inch aluminium |
| Weight | 38.8 lb |
| Certification | UL 2849 e-bike system, UL 2271 battery |
| Colours | Sand Yellow, Lava Red and Coke Black |
| — Frame geometry — | S / M / L |
| Seat tube length | 450mm / 470mm / 500mm |
| Seat tube angle | 74° / 74° / 75.3° |
| Top tube length | 570mm / 570mm / 591mm |
| Head tube length | 148mm / 148mm / 148mm |
| Head tube angle | 71° / 71° / 72.3° |
| Front centre | 629mm / 629mm / 650mm |
| Trail | 77mm / 77mm / 69mm |
| Wheelbase | 1065mm / 1065mm / 1083mm |
| Chainstay | 445mm / 445mm / 445mm |
| Bottom bracket drop | 70mm / 70mm / 80mm |
| Stack | 584mm / 584mm / 599mm |
| Reach | 403mm / 403mm / 434mm |
| — Rider height — | 5'1" - 5'7" / 5'6" - 6'1" / 5'11" - 6'7" |
WHAT'S IN THE BOX
The UrbanCross-Ultra
Charger And Lights
Toolkit And Manual
Questions before buying
Is 250W enough?+
On a 38.8 lb bike, yes for roads and gravel. The motor peaks at 520W with 42 N.m and the torque sensor puts that in proportion to your effort. It is a light gravel bike with a tailwind, not a hill hauler.
Does it have a throttle?+
No. The UrbanCross is pedal assist only, to 20 MPH, with the assist level on a left hand switch.
Can I take the battery out?+
No. It is built into the down tube and charges on the bike with the 36V 4A charger. That is what keeps the frame clean and the weight down.
Which size do I need?+
S fits 5'1" to 5'7". M fits 5'6" to 6'1". L fits 5'11" to 6'7". S and M share the same reach and stack; the L is a longer frame.
What is the Carbon Fiber option?+
Vanpowers lists a fork choice on the Ultra: the standard aluminium rigid fork or a carbon fibre one. Both use the same 12 x 100mm thru axle and flat mount brake. Pick it in the Fork selector above.
What is the warranty?+
Vanpowers covers the frame, battery, motor and controller for two years and the other original parts for one year, against manufacturing defects. Wear items such as tires, brake pads, chain and spokes are not covered. We are an authorized dealer, so it applies.
Vanpowers UrbanCross-Ultra on video
UrbanCross-Ultra, the lightest e-bike this reviewer has tested
Vanpowers test event with the UrbanCross-Ultra
Authorized Dealer for the World's Toughest
Complete Your Ride













