Gevenalle HYDRAULIC: Fresh Gravel

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Gevenalle HYDRAULIC: Fresh Gravel- by Guitar Ted

In the world of cycling there are situations which require specific solutions which may not fit what the major cycling companies offer as answers to problems. Perhaps they are situations which the major component manufacturers do not address at all. Such was the case for “The Goats” at Gevenalle. They saw integrated brake-shifting components as the weak link in durability in extreme situations during cyclo-cross racing in their home state of Oregon. So they came up with a solution which at once simplified shifting issues, was easily upgradeable, and was built upon a platform which has proven to be not only durable, but versatile.

Gevenalle
Gevenalle’s HYDRAULIC “CX” shifter-brake levers

Now that platform also includes hydraulic levers and calipers. Dubbed simply “HYDRAULIC”, the Gevenalle shifter-brake levers, hoses, calipers, and rotors are offered in versions which can be used for anything from internally geared hubs to Shimano road or mountain bike based drive trains. Riding Gravel recently received a set of the “CX” style shifter-brake levers which are meant to work with Shimano 11 speed road components.

Gevenalle didn’t stop with the shifter-brake lever idea either. they were also noticing that rear derailleurs were not designed to deal with the muck and crud of cyclo-cross, or many gravel events, for that matter. So, they got a rear derailleur model they could modify and now offer it as the “BURD” (Blatantly Upgraded Rebranded Derailleur). We did not get that component as the test bike we are riding has a 36T rear low gear and the BURD is only rated to 28T for a double ring crank set up. However, if that limitation doesn’t affect you, check out the BURD rear derailleur here.

Gevenalle does also offer a front derailler with a stiffer, steel construction and which has been optimised to perform best with a 36T/46T ring combination, which just so happens to be what the test bike at Riding Gravel is set up with. So, we did get this piece to try out and the BURD front derailleur will be a part of this review as well. The BURD front derailleur is offered as a braze on style  or with a band clamp style mount.

Gevenalle
The BURD front derailleur in the braze on style

In the next post there will be more technical information, weights, and prices for these components. The parts and pieces are being bolted to our test bike now and when that is finished you can expect the “Getting Rolling” post to show up here. Until then, check out these bits and more at Gevenalle’s website: www.gevenalle.com

NOTE: Gevenalle sent the BURD front derailleur and HYDRAULIC levers over to RidingGravel.com at no charge for test/review.We are not being paid nor bribed for this review and we will strive to give our honest thoughts and opinions throughout.

Discuss and share your questions or thoughts about gravel bikes, gear, events and anything else on the Riding Gravel Forum.

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Author: Guitar Ted

Guitar Ted hails from Iowa. Home of over 70,000 miles of gravel and back roads. An inaugural member of the Gravel Cycling Hall of Fame and Co-creator of Trans Iowa in late 2004- Guitar Ted has been at the forefront of the growth of gravel events and riding since then. Creator of Gravel Grinder News in 2008, he produced the premier calendar of gravel and back road events. GT joined forces with Riding Gravel in late 2014.

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5 thoughts on “Gevenalle HYDRAULIC: Fresh Gravel

  1. Would the rear BURD work maybe with a Wolf Tooth derailleur hanger extender ?? And do you think the front would handle a 34 tooth small chainring? Thanks!!

  2. Thx for giving these a spin!

    Hydraulic brake set ups like this can really be a luxury for rough rides and long days in the saddle. They are super comfortable and require very little effort for speed control.

    While Hydraulic and 1X systems are getting a lot of attention these days we are also super happy that you will be taking a look at our BURD front derailleur. It is a 10 speed compatible unit if used with STI levers or 9, 10 or 11speed compatible if used with our shifting systems (as we utilize advanced friction technology for front shifting – ok we are joking a little about the ‘advanced’ but friction is a great way to go for a front derailleur!).

    The BURD front derailleur is optimized as noted for 36/46 but due to its smaller size is also a closer match for a compact 34/50 than a standard road unit.

    Cheers,

    The Goats

  3. As I contemplate my impending geezerdom, I have to wonder. How well would the BURD would work with a 46/30?

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