Sonder Colibri AL
£1,249 Another great bike from Alpkit’s own brand
Weight 9.63kg (L) Frame 6061 aluminium Fork Carbon Drivetrain SRAM Rival 22, 50/34t, 11-32 Brakes Hydraulic disc Wheels Sonder Nova i19 Aero Finishing kit Sonder seatpost, Abode saddle, Storc stem & Spitfire 42cm bar, WTB Expanse Comp 32mm tubeless tyres
IF EVER A BIKE was designed with British roads, budget and modern riding styles in mind, then the Sonder Colibri is it. Since starting up in 2016, outdoor gear company Alpkit’s bike brand has become known for its practical, well-specced bikes that focus more on adventure than aero.
The Colibri has a 6061 aluminium frame and monocoque carbon fork, with tapered steerer, both beautifully finished with a glossy paint job. Beneath the paint, the frame welds are tidy, and the chunky dropouts are impressively neat with good-quality hardware. The gear cables and rear brake line are routed internally through the down-tube, exiting before the threaded bottom bracket shell, and continuing to their destinations on the outside.
There are mounts for a rear rack, full mudguards and a third bottle cage beneath the down-tube, but the bolts supplied for the cages are too short. At 10mm long, there’s insufficient length to install bottle cages, especially on the down-tube, where spacers are also needed to allow a cage to bridge the front derailleur’s clamping band. I swapped them for 20mm bolts, and added some spacers.
In a welcome departure from the Shimano-dominated norm, this Colibri model comes with SRAM Rival 22. It’s not the newest, flashiest groupset but, equipped with hydraulic discs, it functions brilliantly. With its 50/34 chain rings and 11-32 cassette, there are 22 gear ratios. Much like its Force 22 sibling, when the front mech is accurately set up, Rival 22 gives rapidly crisp shifts in either direction. I’m a big fan of SRAM’s HRD brakes, and the Colibri’s Rival units performed as well as any, with great feel and ample power.
As a 5’10” rider, I was on the upper limit that’s recommended for a medium frame, so plumped for a large, which covers 5’9” – 6’2”. The geometry all looked very familiar, with a 571mm top-tube, and 170mm headtube, but the head angle is very slightly relaxed at 72.5˚, which unsurprisingly lengthens the wheelbase a little too. I wasn’t expecting the short 90mm stem and flared bar, and thought the front end might feel too lively. At slow speeds, there is a little more ‘flop’ (the front wheel turns more readily to the side), but it only took moments to adjust to it.
The front end initially felt unusual when I was out of the saddle, as it’s 20mm shorter than my usual stem length, but a simple body-position shift sorted that out. The Spitfire bar’s stated 42cm width only applies when measured centre to centre beneath the hoods, as it’s 46.5cm at the bar ends. On the hoods it’s 39.5cm and,
thanks to the flare angling them inwards, the tips of the hoods are just 36cm apart. It feels superb, with generous width on the drops keeping everything stable while descending, and when hunched over the hoods looking for flatland speed, the narrow arm and shoulder position is ideal.
Sonder’s Nova I19 Aero aluminium rims are 30mm tall, with reasonable 19mm internal width, and wear 32mm WTB Expanse Comp tyres. Both are tubeless ready, but tubes are supplied. The frame is designed for this tyre size with mudguards fitted, or 36mm without, but there looks to be a little wiggle room too. I’m 75kg, and tested the Colibri with 60psi in the tyres on most rides, and occasionally less. This pressure seemed to keep the tyre walls firm enough for predictable handling, but still allow good vibration absorption.
The Colibri’s ride quality is outstanding. Of course, relatively low pressures in 32mm tyres will help, but wouldn’t mask a harsh frameset, and the Colibri is the opposite of that. For an aluminium frame, it’s an incredibly smooth ride that soaks up the effects of our usual fractured and rough road surfaces with ease. Even pointing it at the worst stretches of road failed to upset the bike’s composure.
“The Colibri AL’s ride quality was outstanding. For an aluminium frame, it’s an incredibly smooth ride that soaks up the effects of rough road surfaces with ease”
Lower pressures in larger tyres ensure a great feeling of connection to the tarmac, giving confidence in spades when corners get technical. Sonder’s Abode saddle and 27.2mm aluminium seatpost also play their part, providing fine seated comfort.
Its 9.63kg mass and slightly weightier wheel and tyre set-up mean the Colibri takes a little longer to accelerate than flashier machines, but it’s stiff and definitely no slouch, exhibiting a decent kick when poked. It responds well when attacking short rises, and is geared to ascend most things comfortably. If you’re looking for a truly versatile year-round machine at a great price, and which doesn’t feel like a budget alternative, the Colibri AL from Sonder won’t disappoint. Verdict The Sonder Colibri AL outperforms its modest price tag