As such, the bike was not only used for the event but for all my training, as well as a considerable amount of time spent kit testing in the lead up to the event in early June. The Smoothie handlebar and 40mm tires definitely help isolate the rider from road imperfections. I also swapped the cassette from an 11-42t to 10-42t in order to increase my top-end speed. Why is the geometry this way? This would be a great way to liven the bike up a little and to drop some weight. This feature completely changed the way how gravel cycling is regarded. But, on entering the outskirts of Aviemore, it was great to hit the Aviemore Orbital (yes, like any metropolis, Aviemore has an orbital) and then the highstreet back. The bike sits in the middle of the Anywhere range and is referred to as the Weekend Warrior Edition. This leaf-sprung suspension fork offers 30mm of travel, which is enough to take the sting out of the dirt roads, without impacting too much on the bikes dynamic geometry. Lauf Steigla builds and pricing. The JAF fork is designed around a 15mm axle, which means many gravel and road wheels arent compatible. Ive got the brake hoods angled in slightly, as is my preferred feel. Its incredibly good at reducing handlebar buzz, too, which over long distances adds to fatigue, and helps with bigger hits, but with 30mm travel, theres only so much it can be expected to handle. However, the Anywhere doesnt feature the suspension fork, instead it uses what Lauf calls Just A Fork (JAF), which is essentially a rigid, full carbon fork. The True Grit has a long, low front end, perfect for folks that like an aggressive position. I actually think this combination suits my riding perfectly, especially as Im not a natural road racer with years of riding a 53-48t under my belt. With sugar coursing through my veins, I followed the largely flat Speyside Way out of Grantown-on-Spey. Lauf True Grit (technically not on the list) At $3765 this is the most expensive (and best looking) option and I'm hesitant to get this as my first gravel bike because of that The same frame as the Lauf Anywhere but has the Lauf fork and SRAM FORCE 1 ( link) Also a 1x42T cank and 11/42T cassette which seems more sensible gearing for gravel I would say that for a relatively short ride the gearing is fine. THE FRAME Maybe its the combo of the supple tyre, and the forks suspension and lower lateral stiffness than a traditional fork, but at those pressures the feel between tarmac and bar is just too vague for my tastes. So, whats the seatpost like? Lauf True Grit $3,690 to $10,490 Lauf True Grit. Sweep and flare enhanced the comfort of the Smoothie handlebar. If I wasnt bathed in sweat, thanks to a full complement of windproof gear and winter shoes, Id have been loving life. I was pleased with my pacing because Burrington is a much longer climb than Chew Hill, with about 175m of elevation and an average gradient of around 6 per cent, but at no point during the sub-9 minute effort did my legs feel in the groove I think I used the old excuse that I didnt warm up enough. You've been subscribed to our newsletter. This also means if you already have 12mm thru-axle wheels, you will need adapters. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. And, finally, I will swap back to the Hunt Superdura Dynamo wheel and re-install the lighting system for winter training and to tackle a 300km audax that I have just signed up for but more on that in my next update. Although I havent ridden the bike off road yet, setup tubeless and with 30 psi in each tyre I have no doubt it will be a blast. In this market it's hard to find bikes, so she was really luck. The Seigla has, within a millimetre or two, the same geometry as the True Grit. As such, the former wouldve preferred a 40t chainring, while the latter wished for a 10t cog. The Dava Way follows an old railway path and goes through a number of rather cool cuttings. Maxxis Velocita tires proved to be a solid all-round option, on and off-road. Away from work, Felix can be found zenning-out by misting his collection of exotic houseplants as well as getting lost on his bike. At around 2,000km distance and roughly 15,000 metres of elevation, I had to make sure that the bike could go the distance. I didnt need to modify the Lauf Anywhere for this mini adventure, which is one of the joys of this bike and its put up with most things I have thrown at it. It was also great to ride the Lauf on the trails that the bike was designed for and tested on. The October sun was positively beating down on my largely windproof, entirely black attire and, feeling rather dehydrated, I rejoined the insulin express with my can of Irn-Bru, very much shaken, not stirred, after four hours of gravel tracks. He has since been swept up in the self-supported, ultra-endurance cycling world, taking part in the Transatlantic Way race in 2019. tire clearance, and arguably better looks, it's a winner out of the gate. Perhaps the biggest low of the Anywhere is the 15mm axle on the JAF fork. Lauf Anywhere Weekend Warrior: $3340 True Grit (12x142mm TA) Lauf JAF (15x100mm TA) Lauf Smoothie SRAM Rival 1 SRAM Rival 1 SRAM Rival 1 Flat mount Hydraulic SRAM S350 42t Compared to a racier road bike, the steering will feel unresponsive and hard to turn. One of the biggest changes to the bike I intend to make is swapping the front wheel for a dynamo-equipped model. Looking back at 2019, it was certainly a great year for me in terms of fulfilling my cycling goals and trying new things; I attempted my first ultra-endurance ride, raced open hill climbs, took part in the inaugural Rift gravel race in Iceland, and most recently completed my first 300km audax. I was a bit unsure how my knee would take it, but thankfully it held up with only slight pain around the 100-mile mark. SRAMs AXS gears did their job without grumbling, the Grit fork killed buzz as it should and the Maxxis Rambler at the front, paired with a Bontrager G2 at the back, rolled efficiently and comfortably, backed up by that shock-damping Canyon post. However, Its also noticeable when riding over rough roads. Jump out the door, grind your way through or load it up and head anywhere you want. THE VERDICT On the road, they dont feel too sluggish and their relatively continuous central tread rolls fast, while the carcass seems supple. I found this out when testing the Hunt Superdura dynamo wheel, which uses a 12mm axle Son Delux hub. Download installation guides and manuals for your True Grit. The familiar route is about half road, half gravel (plus a bit of mountain biking/hike a bike), so the WTB Exposure 32c tyres Ive been using for many miles were perfect for this mix of surfaces. I count that as success any day! However, I was pleased to report that the bike held up far better than me. In reality, this does help slightly, but real comfort ultimately comes from the frame and some people wont like the 16-degree flare on the bar. The frame also allows wide tyres of up to 45mm. While I very much like the True Grit, I do have a couple of complaints. The carbon in the handlebar has been specifically used to promote flex and reduce the high frequency chatter that you find when gravel riding. Helmet: Giro Synthe No, aesthetically, its not to my taste, but its excellent and I would thoroughly recommend it after a winter with no soggy bottoms. After the Rift, it was only a matter of time before BikeRadars hill climb extraordinaire and video manager, Joe Norledge, and assistant editor, Jack Luke, roped me into taking part in an open hill climb. The Anywhere is nearly identical in feel and handling to the True Grit when on the pavement. I set up the WTB Exposure tyre with Weldtite sealant which, despite putting in more than recommended, ended up spraying out and not sealing. I was a little disappointed that the frame doesnt accept mudguards because training in the winter/spring means having to accept that Ill inevitably get wet. Having ridden the bike for quite a while already, Ive made a few changes, which Ill talk more about in future updates. This lowers the front end ever so slightly when compared to the Lauf Grit fork, and gives the Anywhere a more road-oriented and aerodynamic stance, making it a gravel race machine, at least . On asphalt, one reviewer described slight understeer on tight, fast turns. I swapped back the dynamo wheel which is still one of my favourite bits of kit for the Lauf and attached the Crudcatcher Roadracer MK3 mudguard set to keep me dry and comfortable. Its as much about comfort as it is about control. Theres a bit of bum-bounce when pedalling on roads but off-road this disappears. . These changes got the bike down to a respectable 8.22kg. Almost 20 hours later, I arrived back in Bristol with a fully stamped Brevet card, and I was extremely relieved. Removing the tubes and a couple parts swaps would easily bring that number down without breaking the bank. Felix's time on the Lauf Anywhere is over, so how did he get on with his go-anywhere gravel bike? This suits me as I intend to ride this bike in as many different ways as possible. Thanks! But not before Id popped to the local bakery to pick up some Scottish delicacies. This uses a glass-fibre top blended into carbon-fibre drops. The 30mm of travel the Grit has is 1.8 times stiffer than that found on. At 182cm tall I sit between a Medium and Large on Laufs sizing guide. Im also considering fitting my old-faithful WTB Volt saddle, although it might be a relative downgrade in spec its an upgrade in comfort for me. I already mentioned the gearing, which I intend to gear down for easier climbing when the bike is loaded up. I did make some changes to the bike, but not that many, which is testament to how versatile the Anywhere is. The handlebars are standard on all Anywhere models and are available separately for $220. A week in Aviemore, Scotland, where my girlfriend lives, gave me an opportunity to get back on the Lauf, after spending a fair bit of time riding my Marin El Roy. My tried and tested Apidura saddlebag and top tube bag got another outing, along with a real hidden gem in the world of bikepacking bags, Alpkits Airlok Dual handlebar bag. ), but gravel gives me something else that wider tyres cant easy, local access to great riding, big miles, and long days in the saddle. #biggravelmiles #lauftruegritKim finally got a gravel bike..And I'm actually kinda jealous. True Grit . Also, a gravel bike will spend a lot of time on the road, all year round, so the lack of mudguard mounts is disappointing because they would make it into a capable winter training bike. There are various suspension options out there for gravel; whether its an IsoSpeed decoupler from Trek, FutureShock from Specialized, Fox AX, SR Suntour GVX or Laufs Grit. Builds all feature SRAM Rival, Force or Red XPLR groupsets, e*thirteen wheels with 40mm Maxxis Rambler tires, and FSA and Fizik finishing kit. Although the Anywhere is built with gravel racing at its heart, the bike was great fun to ride both on the tarmac and off road, but, on a ride like this, perhaps the front end of the bike could do with being a bit taller for added comfort. Depending on how bad the weather is and whether I can stand getting wet on rides, a set of clip-on mudguards could be a worthy addition, as mentioned above. And, despite the huge new max tire compatibility, they were able to maintain the same . Owing to the 45mm offset (versus the 47mm that their suspension fork), the bikes wheelbase is slightly shorter at 103.4cm. After completing my first hill climb race on the Lauf Anywhere, it got me thinking about the bikes weight. Lauf will offer its Steigla with either the Grit fork or with a rigid fork. So I planned a 90k loop, avoiding the highest bits of the Cairngorm plateau, and packed a saddle bag with a full set of waterproofs, some synthetic insulation and plenty of snacks. Frame: Lauf Anywhere (12x142mm TA) Fork: Lauf JAF (15x100mm TA) . Four buildsfrom $2690 to $5340are available, including an option for a frameset. Sadly, thanks to clothing/feeding/weather/time, I pulled out halfway. Force level shifters are joined by an XX1 AXS derailleur and 10-50t cassette, driven by a Force 1 chainset with a 42t ring. I also think the harshness that, most likely, comes from a stiff carbon frame makes this bike particularly rough when riding big gravel. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Chainstays are 425mm long and theres a 1,040mm wheelbase. My only other real addition to the bike is a new Garmin Flush Out-Front Mount. The SRAM Rival brakes require a re-bleed and a clean up of the pads and discs because they are lacking in power and make a horrendous noise when riding in the wet. I was also lucky enough to ride the Grit fork when it launched, and later the True Grit on the launch event in Iceland and longer term after the event. I refuse to ride anything else. I then spent half an hour or so removing various bits such as the Lezyne pump bracket and, dare I say it, the Lauf bottle opener! As featured in my third update, below, I spend regular, but not consistent amounts of time in Aviemore, Scotland. However, Im hoping to keep hold of the True Grit for a little longer, into 2022. BikeRide works hard to help you find the lowest prices and information on each bike from the widest possible range of sources. Handlebar suspension? The Maxxis Velocita AR 40mm tires are nearly road slicks and seem small when compared to the clearance available. The large but smooth 40mm tires allowed us to run low tire pressures (35psi) on wet roads offering great traction and speed. The biggest upgrade I made was to the wheelset and tyres. Overall, the trip was a great success. The most obvious changes were the wheels and tyres. Its not designed to carry all your bells and whistles, but still manages to blend an element of comfort into its relatively racy demeanour, with generous front-end-height adjustment if you dont have pro-Tour-esque flexibility. In December 2019 I took part in the popular Moonrakers and Sunseekers 300km Audax, organised by Will Pomeroy and the team behind Great Western Randonnes. From 17.6 to 20.7lbs with discs and chunky tires, Anywheres are lightweight. Ive also been very impressed with the Force/XX1 AXS drivetrain, and more so than I have in a mountain bike context. Six weeks after the Transatlantic Way, I was off to race The Rift a 200km gravel race in Hvolsller, Iceland. All Rights Reserved. These roll on large volume Maxxis Velocita AR 40c 120 TPI tyres. Clearance for 45mm tires ensured real off-road compatibility and a cushy ride. By all reports, this bike was light, fast and fun. I ride mountain bikes a lot for work (and adore MTBing too! The internal width of the rims isnt particularly wide nor built for the demands of gravel racing, so I changed back to the DT Swiss X1900 wheelset that the bike came with. Starting at 10pm this was not only an overnight ride but also the longest single ride I had ever attempted. out of the box, Laufs Anywhere is ready to go on the pavement, on most mellow dirt roads, and maybe even on the trails if youre feeling bold The second key point is that this bike hits a reasonable price. I thought the 42t chainring up front and the 11t rear cog would reduce my top speed dramatically and that I would struggle to keep up with my riding companions. The relatively slack 71-degree head angle and short 80mm stem is said to help increase stability at high speeds over rough terrain. As for the Lauf? The Anywhere is marketed as an all-out gravel race bike, and its versatile nature lends itself to a whole host of different riding styles and terrain. The Smoothie handlebar and 40mm tires definitely help isolate the rider from road imperfections. The Smoothie handlebar is made with a combination of S2 glass fibers and carbon, but as with their Grit suspension fork, the materials are not a blend but instead separate and isolated to offer more compliance while eliminating fatigue failure. That's with a hodgepodge spec of alloy Easton EA70 stem and FSA post, Ritchey saddle and DT Swiss wheels. These aluminium wheels are 27mm deep with a 19mm internal width and come in at 1,588g for the pair. Thanks for the feedback. Unfortunately, on that aforementioned first ride, it became apparent that the SRAM Apex rear brake had, at some point, become contaminated. 2020 was a big year for cycling for me with all the free time during lockdowns. you get the best of both worlds and the ability to adapt the horse to the course This is still one of my favorite handlebars The shape is unique but extremely comfortable If youre looking everywhere for a gravel bike, try looking Anywhere. My only criticism of the drivetrain/brakes has been that the shift paddle can sometimes squash my 4th and 5th fingers if Im braking on the hoods and my brake pads are a touch worn. In deep or slippery mud its inevitable that they dont always hold traction particularly well, but thats a trade-off Ive been happy to make all winter. That said, I noticed that on-tarmac handling is compromised. Having not ridden properly for over a month due to (a non-cycling) injury and attending Eurobike, I had absolutely no pressure on me. This section of the ride was why Id packed so much. MORE on the Lauf Anywhere & Lauf True Grit www.laufcycling.com . Riding the Lauf all year round, oftennot in a commercial forest, means I see the seasons changing whenever I ride. I also highly recommend the WTB Nano tyres for gravel racing because they gave me no problems during the race and provided me with plenty of grip and confidence over the 200km route. In summary, this is what cyclists think. Clearance for 45mm tires allows the Anywhere to be ridden over real gravel. I mentioned in my initial review (see below) that I would be getting a dynamo wheel to remove the need for heavy batteries and keep myself visible at all times, well I chose the Hunt Superdura Dynamo Disc wheel paired with an Exposure Revo Dynamo front light and Redeye rear light. I stripped the hubs down (easy to do), cleaned them out, and replaced the grease with a lighter-weight lubricant I had in the garage, and, so far, this seems to have done the trick. Felix Smith is the video manager of BikeRadar's YouTube channel. pdf. I did put some tape on the port to remind me, but obviously that wasnt enough Ill put it down to a lack of rest! In the drops you still feel the flex up and down across the bar, but there is almost no twisting flex. A pair of Fast Forward F3D carbon wheels provided the biggest upgrade and I replaced the 32mm WTB Exposure tyres with a pair of 25mm Pirelli P Zero Velo 4s tyres. On Komoot I couldnt tell the difference between fire road and singletrack, but thankfully this narrow sliver of trail through the trees was all passable on my skinny rubber. This is so I dont have to worry about charging heavy batteries on the longer rides I have planned and to give a bit more visibility in all lighting and weather conditions. The head tube angle is a bit steeper at 71 degrees . Would you like to receive offers, updates and events from BikeRadar and its publisher Our Media Ltd (an Immediate Group Company)? In late March I rode out of Bristol at 7pm, fully loaded with sleeping gear to see how both the bike and I would get on with the experience of a mid-week over-nighter. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. Was I still happy with the gearing choice after adding all that weight? This also means that on long rides when you become fatigued, the bike isnt hyper-responsive to bar input that could lead to a mistake. MG had to run a 25-degree rise, 75mm length stem to dial the fit in for his preferences. The head angle, with 6mm of sag, is 70.5 degrees and theres a 72.5-degree seat angle, designed for use with a zero-layback seatpost. Lauf has previously launched a couple of mountain bike and fat bike forks, and the concept for the Grit is the same. The frame is light at 1,070g, but also strong enough for tackling serious gravel racing. It impressed on asphalt, dirt and true gravel. On a sunny day, take a picture of a pine forest and youd be hard-pressed to tell the difference between summer and winter especially as puddles in the UK are a near year-round feature. The shape of the bike works well for my needs, proving comfortable in sizing and allowing me to adequately get into those more aero shapes that work well on road sections. As you might or might not know, the core of Lauf True Grit is the Lauf Grit SL, with its 30mm front suspension fork. I was joined at my lunch spot by the last of the summers midges; their presence an itchy and unwelcome addition to my macaroni pie and empire biscuit Scottish fayre at its finest. Join Join. While the frameset is nicely finished, with numerous neat touches, its the Grit SL fork that steals the show. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. Lauf Seigla geometry. I played close attention to my position on the bike because in late 2018 I picked up a knee injury, which I have been trying to fix ever since, and I have been wary of riding a new bike because I dont want to damage my knee further by riding hard on a different setup. The experience, organisation of the ride and the people I met were something very special and I intend to do similar events in the future. Was I nervous about hitting potholes in the dark with a carbon frame? But, instead, I was treated to a chilly high-pressure system that hadnt dumped much snow, and so I donned some thick gloves, my Sportful Supergiara Puffy and some Nukeproof riding trousers, and headed into the hills behind town for a few achingly beautiful, and achingly cold rides to burn off the Christmas turkey (well, venison actually). Thanks to the clearance of up to 700 x 45c tyres, and lower, slacker geometry, the bike also promises to be pretty capable off-road, despite its clear all-road intentions. He is also a regular presenter on BikeRadars YouTube channel and the BikeRadar podcast. Swish. This is the first bike I have ridden with flared handlebars, though, and as yet I havent found a natural and comfortable position on the hoods. With the colder months upon us I am very much looking forward to getting some consistency in to my riding and building on my fitness because I have plenty of endurance events that I want to enter in 2020. LAUF ANYWHERE RIDE The Anywhere is nearly identical in feel and handling to the True Grit when on the pavement. Toms well acquainted with the True Grit and is looking to put this latest version through its paces over south-west England's finest gravel. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. It sports a 11-42t SRAM 1130 cassette and chain that is coupled with a single X-Sync 42t chainring up front. Despite their depth and carbon construction, Ive not found them uncomfortable or harsh either, which is no bad thing. This website uses cookies to improve your experience. The Anywhere will handle pretty much whatever adventure your imagination can think of and although it might not be the most comfortable, it will do it with speed at its heart. The TCR weighs in at 17.12 pounds . September marks the start of the UK hill climb season and it was exciting to be a part of the event. This year Id also planned to ride the Transatlantic Way, which is a 2,000 to 2,500km self-supported road ride around Ireland, and thought the Anywhere would be a great bike for this event. And it was here that I spent my Christmas and New Year. Gates are annoying at the best of times, but boy oh boy, this is the worst kind of gate Ive ever come across. Theres inherent stability from the length, while the front wheel is better able to track the ground, with both the tyres volume and the forks suspension keeping the whole bike calmer. It's an evolution of the brand's True Grit gravel bike, and features much improved tyre clearance and dropped stays that give around. The long chainstays and top tube combined with a slack 71-degree head angle mean the bike handles predictably when riding off-road and remains stable when loaded up with luggage over long distances. This construction, plus the overall shaping, allows for isolated flex and a perfect mate for the new rigid fork. RBA OG Embroidered Champion Packable Jacket. With little actual knowledge of where I was going to go, I jumped on Komoot to plan out a days ride. The Grit SL fork at the front relies on a dozen glass-fibre leaf springs to provide the 30mm of un-damped travel, with a pair of rubber stoppers preventing a super-harsh bottom-out. Though the frame will take a gear cable, this version of the True Grit uses SRAMs wireless AXS groupsets as do the top-level Ultimate (5,990) and third-tier Weekend Warrior AXS (3,390). Compared to the 800 lumens from the Exposure Revo, the extra power of the R2 is certainly useful when riding faster, however for the kind of road riding I have been doing I felt the Revo was bright enough. More on those later. Get real time updates directly on you device, subscribe now. With improved frame compliance, massive 292.25 (70057!!!) And, coming from the mountain bike side of things, it feels utterly natural to have a springy front end. We want a 10t cog I found the bike to be very comfortable and more forgiving than both the aluminium and steel bikes that I rode previously. My reasoning for this isnt because it will give me a faster top-end speed, but rather would allow me to run a smaller chainring up front without sacrificing too much of the top-end speed being lost from the smaller chainring. Sign in to manage your newsletter preferences. However, outside the race venue Lauf had a number of handmade jigs with several other bars from different brands as well as the Smoothie attached. The weather stayed dry and riding out of the woods to see the sunrise was really special and a rare treat in the UK.
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