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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.
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.
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.