Gravel is still fairly young cycling discipline, and over the last decade, the gravel bike has evolved by leaps and bounds. Many innovations have been kooky, but some have yielded positive results by making modern gravel bikes faster, more capable, and more fun. Now, the definition of the perfect gravel bike is becoming clearer and ENVE has submitted its first entry into the gravel pantheon with the new MOG gravel bike. If you ask me, it looks pretty dang good, so let’s dive in and check out the details.
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ENVE MOG Gravel Bike Highlights
- Lightweight and durable carbon construction
- Internal routing using ENVE’s IN-Route System and components
- 1x and 2x drivetrain compatibility
- Threaded T47 bottom bracket
- In-frame storage in the down tube
- Dropper post compatible
- Fender and rack mounts
- Clearance for 700c x 50mm tires
- Frame weight: 950g (56cm, painted, no hardware)
- Chassis retail: $5,500 — includes the frame, fork, headset, stem, handlebar, and seatpost
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ENVE MOG Gravel Bike Details
“MOG is a noun, verb, acronym, and unequivocally a state of mind for those who push the boundaries of distance and rolling exploration. There's no road too long, no course too tough for those willing to MOG.” - ENVE
ENVE made a name for itself with American-made carbon wheels renowned as much for their price as their quality and performance. Along with wheels, ENVE components have always been at the top of the bike bling food chain. In the last two years, the Utah-based brand entered the world of framebuilding with its Custom Road Bike, which offers custom fit and astounding paint, and its Melee aero road bike. If you follow gravel racing, it's been a bit of an open secret that ENVE has been working on a gravel bike. Alexey Vermeulen raced the 2022 season on the MOG, proving its performance with a 2nd place finish in the inaugural Life Time Grand Prix.
The MOG is a purpose-built gravel bike, designed and engineered to meet the demands of modern gravel riders and racers. So what does that mean? Well ENVE has been in the gravel game for a long time. Its wheels have taken riders to victory at some of the world’s biggest gravel races. Beyond wheels, it also introduced other gravel-focused components like handlebars and dropper seatposts. Every year, ENVE celebrates the bikes, builders, and people that make gravel special at its own Grodeo gravel event in Ogden, Utah. Many employees at ENVE are avid gravel riders and racers, and they've paid attention to what serious gravel riders want. With the MOG, they're bringing to life their vision of the ultimate gravel bike.
MOD: Material Optimized Design
The MOG is manufactured in ENVE’s overseas factory where it produces all of its industry-leading carbon components. It’s constructed using ENVE’s “material optimized design” process. Laminates built from unidirectional carbon are manipulated to achieve zone-specific performance in specific parts of the frame, optimizing stiffness, weight, impact toughness, and ride quality. While not specifically billed as an aero gravel bike, the MOG also borrows many of the slippery tube shapes used on the Melee aero road bike.
Like all ENVE products, the MOG frame has been extensively tested in the lab and on the trail to ensure its performance is worthy of the ENVE badge. The frame is backed by a factory warranty that covers the original owner against defects in materials and workmanship for five years from the original purchase date. The paint is covered for two years. Secondhand owners are also covered from the product's date of manufacture. ENVE’s incidental damage protection program will also provide prorated replacement coverage for damage inflicted during racing, riding, or transport.
Drivetrain and Component Options
Rather than a frameset, MOGs are sold as a "chassis" and customers are able to select the handlebar, stem, and seatpost that comes with it to dial in their fit. Choose between G Series, SES AR, SES Aero Road, and Compact road handlebars, which are all compatible with ENVE’s IN-Route Aero stem to keep cables fully hidden and out of the wind. To take it to the next level, add G Series, SES, or Foundation wheels to create a "rolling chassis."
The MOG is compatible with most drivetrain brands and models on the market and can handle both 1x and 2x configurations. Two exceptions are SRAM mechanical 2x and Campagnolo mechanical 2x drivetrains. They require full-length cable housing for the front derailleur which the MOG frame doesn’t accommodate.
The frame geometry is optimized for racing on 700c x 40-44mm tires, but for maximum traction and comfort (and fun), you can fit up to 700c x 50mm tires. If you really want to send it, a 27.2mm seatpost means riders can swap in a dropper seatpost, like the ENVE G Series Dropper, for tackling rowdy terrain.
ENVE Cargo Bay System
Many riders love the luxury of downtube storage, so the MOG comes with a large Cargo Bay in-frame storage solution that can carry anything from spares to snacks to survival gear. Each MOG comes with two neoprene Cargo Bags that fit in the Cargo Bay to protect your stuff and prevent rattling. Both Cargo Bags can be run concurrently with one going up the downtube while the other fits down the downtube for maximum storage.
Geometry
The MOG's geometry is designed to provide confidence and control on any terrain. There are six frame sizes and three unique fork rakes (most brands only offer 1 or 2) to ensure that optimal handling is achieved regardless of frame size.
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Final Thoughts
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To address the elephant in the room, yes, the MOG is expensive. At $5,500, it’s in the upper echelon of gravel bike frames, competing with halo bikes like Specialized’s range-topping S-Works Diverge and Crux. Since it’s sold as a “chassis,” the MOG does come with your choice of handlebar, stem, and seatpost, and they’re all top-of-the-line ENVE carbon components, so it has that working in its favor.
In reality, the MOG is a frame for gravel riders who know exactly what they want and can afford it. If you can swing one, you’re damn lucky, because it’s one of the most enticing gravel frames I’ve seen. The Sand colorway (which is currently the only color available) looks fantastic in person. The finish is excellent. The geometry, component kit, and in-frame storage are dialed. The tire clearance is massive. While headset cable routing can be controversial, there’s no denying that the IN-Route system creates an incredibly clean and modern silhouette. But the real reason to choose the MOG over anything else is that few brands exude the quality and exclusivity that ENVE does. The MOG is unique, eye-catching, and out to compete with the best gravel bikes in the world.
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Photos courtesy of ENVE.
