“Been inclined to wander. Off the beaten track. That’s where there’s thunder. And the wind shouts back.”
We’re not sure whether English metal band Judas Priest were big fans of cycling or not, but the lyrics to their song ‘Grinder’ encapsulate the raw thrill of taking your bike off the smooth tarmac and exploring new and more challenging routes.
But to do it and (perhaps more importantly) really enjoy it, you’ll need a machine capable of dealing with the rough stuff.
OUR PICK
Cervelo C3 Ultegra Di2. $7,700
When we tested Canada’s can-do Cervélo C3 on Australian soil we were blown away by its versatility. On every surface we could find, it provided a throroughly enjoyable ride and climbed, descended and cruised with effortless panache.
The only concern we had at the time was the fact its disc brakes – confidence-inspiring Shimano Ultegra SM-RT800s – meant the C3 had an additional weapon stolen from its arsenal given the fact it was (at that time) not legal for domestic racing.
All that changed recently, though, when Cycling Australia announced that disc brake bikes would be allowed in amateur races with immediate effect.
That changes the game for the C3 which has Cervélo’s racing heritage running through its DNA – despite its obvious skills as a gravel grinder. The $7,700 price tag may catch your breath, but it now offers even more value for a bike that can cope with pretty much anything you want to throw at it.
On test, the C3 was light and stiff, offering a feeling of security from its endurance geometry – 73 degree seat angle allied with a slackened head tube angle of 71 degrees. Shock absorbance was mindblowing on Queensland’s ‘blue metal’ roads and descending was a pure pleasure thanks to a relatively low bottom bracket which lowers the centre of gravity, plus the 28mm of rubber from the Continental Grand Sport tyres.
And don’t think that’s even anywhere near the limit of the C3’s powers, since the frame can comfortably accommodate 32mm tyres promising a super-plush ride on even the most corrugated roads or tracks.
Our test machine came equipped with Shimano Ultegra Di2 components, virtually guaranteeing many years of smooth-running. That’s probably why we concluded the C3 would leave its owners satisfied ride after ride after ride.
“Cervélo promised that the C3 would be the perfect fit for serious cyclists looking to get off the asphalt and inspire a confident ride on mixed surfaces,” we explained.
“A bike that is capable of delivering longer, more comfortable days in the saddle without sacrificing performance. Despite what seems like a plethora of contradictions, the C3 delivers on each of those promises in spades.” – Neil Martin
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Focus Paralane 105. $3,799
This bike has been designed specifically to give a more upright ride, with extra clearance for bigger tyres to deliver an explorer’s delight.
A higher head tube, longer fork and lower bottom bracket are the key components to ensuring you’ll still feel fresh after hours in the saddle.
And while it may come equipped with 25mm versions of Schwalbe One tyres, it’s capable of taking 35mm hoops plus mudguards – for when you want to get really adventurous.
Although there may be more appropriate bikes for pure offroading (think the Mares from Focus themselves), the Paralane is hard to beat when it comes to performing on the smooth surfaces as well as the gravel.
Cannondale SuperX SE. $5,299
The SuperX SE (Special Edition) is a modified version of Cannondale’s cyclocross race bike – most notably coming with 37mm WTB Riddler tyres and being able to cope with 40mm if you so wish.
When things get steep, the single 40t front ring is paired with a wide-range SRAM 11-42t cassette to help keep you moving.
The SRAM Force componentry continues through to the 160mm hydro disc brakes.
Cannondale nailed the brief for this category given their promotional campaign for the SuperX SE states: “There are a lot of roads out there, from smooth German tarmac to the battered class 4 roads of New England. We say – ride ‘em all!”
GT Grade Carbon 105. $3,499
The Grade’s geometry is dialled for long rides: a tallish head tube puts you in a somewhat upright position, a longer wheelbase and low bottom bracket height contribute to handling stability. But it also zips, thanks to an oversized downtube and hefty PF30 bottom bracket.
When you’re on the rougher stuff, that funky triangular gap where the top tube meets the seat tube is your friend. It’s a special design feature aimed at dissipating vibrations, and is caused by the seat stays being positioned outside the seat tube. And if conditions get a bit dodgy or you’re pushing the bike to its offroad limits, Shimano’s R785 hydraulic disc brakes provide excellent stopping power.
Trek Domane SLR 6 Disc. $5,999
The key to the comfort of the second generation Domane SLR on all surfaces is a pair of IsoSpeed decouplers that help make any ride a smooth one. The rear decoupler is now adjustable, while a new front decoupler gives the carbon fibre steerer tube a small amount of flex.
Speed is not an issue thanks to a beefed-up bottom bracket that ensures power input is transferred efficiently – and the proof in the pudding was Fabian Cancellara’s Strade Bianche victory the first time the bike was raced professionally.
You’ll get a Shimano Ultegra groupset for your money, as well as 32mm Bontrager R3 Hard-Case Lite tyres to provide a wealth of grip when you take it off the tarmac.
Scott Addict Gravel 20. $4,999
While the Scott Addict may be a super-light road bike, the Gravel version has been re-profiled to make it a real contender for anyone looking to ride into the wilderness.
Tyre clearance has significantly increased, with 35mm Schwalbe G-ONE Allround tyres coming as standard, while the wheelbase now registers at 1,017mm (bang on 40”) for a medium/54 sizer.
Shimano Ultegra componentry sets off the package, in addition to hydraulic disc brakes with 160mm rotors both front and rear.
All that being said, the carbon fibre-framed bike looks remarkably similar to its race-bred older brother and rides like it too – offering buckets of speed whatever the surface.