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Bike Radar review the Granite

Hot Read Hot read Jun 9

The Granite is like a CX (Cyclocross) bike but built for Endurance riding. Such features make this bike perfect for dirty distance racing, across varied terrain. Also, this bike is perfect for all-conditions commuting. However, don’t take our word for it. Here’s what Bike Radar had to say.

‘The gravel grinder category is a tough one. Specifically, the bikes that fall into this niche are expected to perform on paved roads just as well as dirt, gravel, and any other terrain that you’d encounter as you leave the comfort of sealed roads.

At first glance, the Reid Granite all-road adventure bike looks like something from a big name brand that will cost your left arm and firstborn child. On closer inspection, you’ll realise it comes from Australian consumer-direct brand Reid.

The frame is alloy, though Reid has employed subtle hydroforming that helps to stiffen up select areas and allowing a bit of ‘give’ in others. However, the most surprising feature is the carbon fork, complete with rack mounts, which shaves some grams off the front end. Moreover, it does well to damp some of the vibrations coming through the bars.

 

Geometry-wise, the Granite is pretty relaxed with a long 1028mm wheelbase and slack 70.2-degree head angle. The more relaxed geometry slows down the steering a bit. With a relatively low bottom bracket, this is a bike that inspires confidence on rough-and-tumble unpaved descents.

When things get smoother, you could argue that the Granite’s handling comes over a bit boring. Nevertheless, this isn’t designed for performance riding. It’s all about sitting back and enjoy the scenery. Although it’s built for putting in long miles on unsealed roads, we think the Granite will do great service as a commuter with the relaxed riding position. Furthermore, front and rear rack mounts make it ideal for your trip to and from work.

It’s the Continental 35C Cyclocross Speed tyres that bare the brunt of the bike’s comfort. The wide rubber takes the edge off the bumps as your ride over them. The file-tread tyres are ideal for gravel grinding as the minimal knobs don’t add much rolling resistance. Nonetheless, there’s enough tread, especially on the shoulder of the casing, to offer a bit of extra confidence on variable road surfaces. Despite the wide rubber, there’s plenty of clearance, and we’d say you can confidently fit up to a 40C model.

Stopping power

Disc brakes on a gravel bike are a given, and the TRP Spyre mechanical disc brakes brought the Granite to a stop with haste. Even in the wet and packed full of grime, the dual-piston design remained untroubled providing loads of power and good modulation. Given the price, it’s no surprise to see front and rear quick-release skewers. However, we had no trouble with brake rub, wheel alignment or flex under braking throughout our testing.

Shifting duties are left in the hands of Shimano’s entry-level 8-speed groupset Claris Groupset, which still sees the older style Shimano shifters and gear indicators. When the road points to the sky, you’ll be thankful for the wide range 11-32t cassette. Although with only eight speeds on hand, there are some pretty big gaps between gears which made for lots of back and forth shifting in an effort to find a comfortable cadence.’

Check out the full review here.

 

Interested? Check out our All-roand and Cyclocross range here.

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