Editor’s Note: In the merge with Gravel Grinder News we knew there was a wealth of reviewed tires, bicycles, and components that might be a good resource on the new site here. With that in mind here is a condensed version of a review that originally appeared on Gravel Grinder News. Any updates on these reviewed products will appear at the end of the article. Thanks and Enjoy!
Introduction: This review on this particular bicycle is a bit unique, perhaps, in that the person reviewing the bicycle, (Guitar Ted), had an influence on the design of the bike. Secondly, although the bicycle is a 2014 model, it is being carried over as a 2015 model, largely unchanged, by Raleigh. First, there will be a bit more background given on the nature of Guitar Ted’s input on the bike and following will be a condensed version of the original three part review from Gravel Grinder News.
My input on the bike apparently was something that made an impression, since many of the suggestions I gave them made it though to the final product. In an effort to be transparent, I will list what things I suggested here that Raleigh ended up using:
- Steel frame and fork
- Slacker head angle, (71-ish degrees)
- Big triangle for frame bags
- Downtube routed cables to make using frame bags easier.
- 430-ish mm chain stays
- Clearance for up to 42mm tires.
- Rack, fender, and chain hangar braze ons and fittings.
- Lower than 70mm bottom bracket drop.
- Disc Brakes
- Clement MSO tires
I will also add that these have been my opinions for a minimum basic gravel set up. The basic differences from standard cyclo cross bikes are the bigger tire clearances, slacker head tube angles, (than many cross bikes), and lower bottom bracket, besides the frame material, which I suggested should be steel. Finally- I didn’t know going in if this all would be the best thing since sliced bread, or a huge failure. I was basing my theories on my previous experiences observing riders on gravel, talking with them, riding in events myself, and from my experiences on several geometries used on gravel. One more thing to add…….
I purchased the bike here on review with my own money.
The geometry was arrived at to lend stability to the rider at speed on loose, deeper gravel roads. The geometry is quite different than that of a typical cyclo cross bike. Featuring a lowered bottom bracket, slacker head tube angle, and slightly longer chain stays, the theory was that these things would indeed bring the rider more comfort, control, and not sacrifice speed on gravel roads. Indeed- it should actually increase speeds on gravel roads due to its better handling.
- Head Tube Angle: 71.5° (58cm tested) Smaller sizes use a 71° head angle.
- Seat Tube Angle: 72.5° Smaller sizes range from 73 to 74 degree seat tube angles for the smallest size.
- Chain Stay Length: 440mm
- Bottom Bracket Drop: 72.5mm on largest sizes down to 77mm on smallest.
- Fork Offset: 50mm
- Size Range: 52cm-62cm in increments of 2cm for a total of 6 sizes.
The Tamland is made from steel, Reynolds 631, to be exact. Raleigh went to Reynolds when they were developing the Tamland with the intentions of using an 853 tube set. However; it was changed to 631 on the insistence of Reynolds when they learned it was to be a more vibration reducing design for gravel. 853 being deemed too stiff for the application. The tubes are tig welded into a frame with a slightly sloping top tube and a large opening in the main triangle for frame bag usage. The fork was designed to have plenty of offset to keep the front from being too floppy, help mitigate gravel road vibrations, and features a nice radiused curve for that “retro look”. (NOTE: Some 2014 Tamlands were sold with straight blade fork legs due to the unavailability of the curved blades for a time.) The frame features two water bottle bosses in the usual locations and a chain hangar on the drive side seat stay. Rack and fender mounts are also featured.
Components:
Ride Feel:
The ride feel of the Tamland was immediately apparent within the first few miles. The feeling of smoothness was uncanny. I eventually pulled over to check the tire with a squeeze, fully expecting to find that I needed air, and me without a pump! The thing was, the tire was fine. The smooth ride feel continued in the front of the bike as well, showing that it wasn’t just the rear end of the bike, but the entire front end and the fork were working in concert to damp vibrations and mitigate bigger impacts.
Handling:
So while the Tamland Two is smoother than most bikes, that doesn’t tell you much about whether or not the geometry is worth it here. In terms of handling on gravel roads, so far I think the Tamland is firing on all cylinders with this lower bottom bracket, slightly slacker head angle, and longer fork offset. Purposely pushing the bike into loose patches of gravel on my recent rides shows me that the stability necessary to keep the wheels underneath you and give the rider confidence that the bike won’t swap ends is there.
Verdict:
Given that I, as the reviewer, had a hand in how this bike was designed, one could be forgiven for not taking anything said here with any credence. However; if this bike was “wrong”, had deficiencies, or if there were shortcomings, (and there are a few shortcomings), then I am not one to be inclined not to say so. I have no horse in the race. If the Tamland stinks, then it’s no skin off my teeth.
With that said, I was disappointed in a few things. The aforementioned stock gearing raised eyebrows wherever I showed the bike off. Perhaps Raleigh could not spec a more reasonably geared crankset, so if that is the case, one could forgive them that. However; the replacement gear that works, (a 46T Ultegra 11 speed ring), while available, is astronomically priced. (Note: The Tamland One, with a more “standard” FSA crank, would be much easier to customize gearing with.) There also is no third water bottle mount, which hinders the longer ride capabilities. Finally, The stock FSA bar was a clunker, and unless you never use the drops, it probably will end up in the parts bin if you buy this bike.
This bike could also stand to be somewhat lighter as well. It wouldn’t take much to shed a pound or two here, and a great place to start with that would be with the Tamland’s wheels. That said, these wheels have been stout and with the wide rims, any tires you mount get a nice volume and better ride feel.
Even with all those niggles, the Tamland sets the bar high from a handling and comfort standpoint. This bike is really smooth and in deep gravel is dead stable at speed. The bike can easily handle up to 43mm tires with clearance and with the excellent TRP Spyre brakes and Ultegra 11 speed shifting, it is a bike that functions as well as it handles. It does what a long distance gravel rider would want with the ability to easily carry a frame bag or a trunk bag on a rack. Beyond the gravel the Tamland still shines as a commuter, a light touring rig, and could be the only road going bike you’d ever need.
The bottom line though is this- The Tamland is the standard by which gravel bike specific design will be judged going forward. It is hands down the best handling bike on gravel I’ve ridden to date.
Note: Guitar Ted bought this bicycle and is not being paid nor bribed for this review by Raleigh, or any of the component manufacturers represented on the build. I will strive to give my honest thoughts and opinions throughout.