Trends come and go, and sometimes an optimum crystallises that remains. This also applies to the Chiyoda, Tout Terrain's universal everyday bike: Initially, the city bike was intended to set itself apart from the robust touring bikes from the Freiburg specialists with its attributes of lightness, low maintenance and speed. With its modern steel frame, it was therefore designed as a slim 26-inch bike with rather narrow tyres, belt drive and, as the only model, without the frame-integrated pannier rack, which is a central distinguishing feature of the Freiburg company. Times are changing, and Oliver Römer, head of Tout Terrain, takes a pragmatic view: "Low maintenance, simplicity and longevity were already well accommodated in the Chiyoda. What people are increasingly asking for is more driving comfort." That's why he went back to the drawing board and redesigned the frame to accommodate fat 60 mm tyres.
The Tout Terrain Chiyoda II: robust, durable and low-maintenance
The eccentric bottom bracket and belt line have now been adjusted, and the Chiyoda II is already rolling as desired: the balloon tyres dampen and filter the vibrations of rougher road surfaces from the riding experience. Unfortunately, the Crazy Bob tyres weigh over a kilo, but lighter Big Apple tyres are also available from Tout Terrain. Because Römer uses 26-inch wheels, the Chiyoda remains compact in terms of frame dimensions and overall length. And it maintains a balanced ride behaviour and handling: the steering is balanced, smooth and precise, the riding position is sporty with a slight saddle cant. In addition, the French Baramind flex handlebars increase the comfort values: The handlebars, which Idworx and Velotraum also use occasionally, have an ingenious design that allows them to bounce strongly downwards but only very slowly upwards. This means that hardly any vibrations reach the wrists. The Chiyoda rides well with Alfine 11. If you take care to optimise the tension of the 11-speed hub, it can be ridden smoothly and sportily for a long time. Self-supporting Wingees mudguards and rudimentary carrier brackets mounted on them transport up to eight kilos per side without any problems. TT landed a coup with the powder coating developed together with the manufacturer: its two components are coloured in a magnificent gold.
The complete article "Top bikes 2017" was published in Trekkingbike issue 1/2017.
