BIKE TEST – CHEAP OR CHEERFUL?
Six British-designed wide-tyre all-rounders that will expand your riding boundaries...
Can two £250 roadies go the distance on the route of seriously tough sportive, The Struggle
Whether you call them gravel bikes, adventure bikes, allroaders or whatever – there’s no doubt that this new breed is here to stay. And with reason, as the more we ride them, the more we become addicted to their smooth speed and the freedom they allow us to ride whatever a route throws at us.
For this test we chose bikes that can take a bit more than 23-25mm tyres – or a lot more in the case of some. The fatter the tyre the more cushioning you’ve got between rough ground and the rim, so the bike feels plusher and shrugs off impact punctures better. The greater volume also allows you to run tyres at lower pressures for better grip and more comfort through the saddle. Recent research also shows that lower pressure, large volume tyres can also roll faster on rougher surfaces because they lose less energy bouncing over lumps and bumps. In addition to wider tyres, these bikes are likely to have disc brakes for better all-weather control and a slightly more relaxed geometry for more stable handling, which helps on slippery surfaces.
Whether it’s reclaimed railways and towpaths, or bridleways and shooting tracks in the middle of the moors, these bikes hugely expand your riding options. These routes are places you can enjoy quiet journeys, settings in which you can appreciate your new smooth, controlled, disc-braked rides confidently rather than flinching at every passing truck. And whether it’s single-lane back roads, bridleways or forest tracks, the UK is laced with rides like this.
Which is why we plumped for bikes from British designers. But just which of our free-spirited twowheelers is best for you...?