MOMSEN R355 ONE

IF YOU’RE NOT TOO KEEN ON TECHNICAL MOUNTAIN BIKING, BUT YOU’D LOVE TO WATCH THE SUN RISE ON A DIRT ROAD IN THE KAROO, GET A GRAVEL BIKE. THERE ARE HUGE ADVANCES BEING MADE IN THIS CATEGORY–AND THE BIKES ARE JUST PLAIN COOL.

IN 2017, VICTOR MOMSEN INTRODUCED TWO GRAVEL BIKES INTO HIS STABLE: the alloy ‘cheapie’ R300, with mechanical disc brakes, and the top-of-the-range R355 carbon version, with a top-line spec and hydraulic brakes.

For 2019, Momsen has expanded the range to four models to fill in the price gaps, starting with the two alloy versions – the R300 and R500 – and moving up to the two carbon options: the R355 ONE and the R355 TWO.

Momsen’s a master at speccing a great-looking bike, and our featured R355 ONE represents a superb mid-range buy with muchneeded 2x11 gearing. The extra gearing expands the range of use and offers great value in a market that’s growing rapidly in South Africa.

Before 2019, Momsen only had 1x offerings; but in a country with such varied terrain, the 2x configuration is a welcome bonus for the true gravel enthusiast.