Tag: Gravel Bikes

The most recent news for the gravel and back road rider is here. Sea Otter has come and gone, the first to be held since the pandemic struck in 2020, and a few things came out of that show/festival. We also have a couple of news items from recent press releases. Let’s check it out!

So far the Masi Brunello has been smooth riding, good accelerating (especially with the Astral wheels on there), and quite willing for multi hour rides across varied road surfaces.

This is an interesting choice and reflects again that the gravel cycling segment is pushing road biking technology forward in a way that was unforeseen only a few years ago.

And I rode it on the street. And I rode it in the dirt. And I rode it on good roads and bad roads. And I began to form impressions about the Outback…

So, what we have here is an interesting sales model and a fine bike for those who crave the ultimate in efficiency that carbon fiber can bring to the table. As a straight-up road bike, we’d have no issues with the Viathon G1.

All that SRAM performance is quickly and efficiently applied via the stout carbon frame which shows no hint of lateral flex under heavy pedal pressure or fork shudder under heavy braking.

Recently Twin Six, the apparel company from Minneapolis, Minnesota, introduced their new update to the Standard Rando, a bike we have reviewed in the past. The company, known mostly for their fashionable threads, might not be on your radar for a bicycle, but after reading this review, you may change that viewpoint.

While there is a connection to Walmart, in corporate terms, that’s where the connection ends. These Viathon bikes are high quality, serious bicycles and the team that makes up the brand reflects this with their experience in the cycling industry.

You have to see the value in the purpose of the Stormchaser to get the most out of this bike. Those who just don’t see riding in bad weather, cannot understand single speeding, or those who cannot buy into the unique characteristics of the Stormchaser should steer well clear of this bike.

The Stormchaser’s mission is to perform well in the worst of conditions, and I think it has the characteristics to make a name for itself in those situations. But let’s face it- This bike also has to hold up as a gravel bike in normal situations as well. I feel that, besides a couple of quirks in the handling and fit departments, yes, this bike does gravel well.