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Although there are four sizes of the lightweight carbon frameset, they are quite close together! The top tube only grows by a good six centimetres from S to XL, tall riders could get into difficulties with the relatively short frame. As with the Bulls Machete and Marin Headlands 1, the handlebars are not far away, but rather low, so you can sit more sportily than the naked STR values would suggest. In terms of weight distribution, the speedster is one of the most neutral bikes. Its wheelbase is similarly short to the Marin, but it's not as front-heavy and much more controllable with a longer stem.
The front wheel of the Conway GRV 9.0 also builds up a lot of grip on gravel and trails thanks to the most all-round tyres in the test; of course, it tends to follow a trail, which could be too much for beginners, and the well-chosen handlebars with a flat drop and clear flare won't help much. The great colour and high-contrast parts make it clear: The GRV is ready for almost any conversion or upgrade, the black inlets and outlets for additional cables and cables as well as sockets for a front derailleur clearly stand out. The mix of GRX 400, 600 and 800 parts was inconspicuous without additional luggage, but the least stiff steering bearing and mediocre seating comfort are not in favour of touring anyway. With the permissible total weight of a good 130 kilos, the more favourable brakes also have to be operated much more powerfully. However, the Conway is okay for quick short trips with panniers.
The short speedster was really fun, especially on more technically demanding trails, but thanks to the geometry on the upper handlebars, it's also possible to stroll, but too manoeuvrable and stiff for travelling. Tip: The lighter GRV 10.0 is available for 200 euros more with 22 gears.
Big comparison: 16 gravel bikes in the test
- 3T Exploro Primo (Tip: sports equipment)
- Bergamont Grandurance Expert >> available here
- Bulls Machete
- Canyon Grizl CF SL 6 AXS (Tip: Test winner)
- Conway GRV 9.0
- Corratec Allroad C2
- Fuji Jari Carbon 1.3
- Giant Revolt Advanced 2 (Tip: All-rounder) >> available here
- Koga Colmaro Extreme >> available here
- Marin Headlands 1 >> available here
- Megamo West 10 >> available here
- Merida Silex 700 (Tip: Offroader)
- Rondo Ruut AL1
- Rose Backroad GRX RX820 (Tip: Test winner) >> available here
- Trek Checkpoint ALR 5 (Tip: Price/performance) >> available here
- VSF Fahrradmanufaktur GX-500 >> available here
Conway GRV 9.0Note & Details
- Note: 2,4
- Price: 2799 Euro
- Weight of complete wheel: 9.52 kilos
- Frame sizes: 45 / 47 / 49 / 50 cm (test size greased)
Geometry
- Seat/top/head tube: 475 / 545 / 150 millimetres
- Stack/Reach/STR: 586 / 370 millimetres / 1.584
- Stack+/Reach+/STR+: 644 / 536 millimetres / 1,201
- Wheelbase/caster: 1010 / 65.2 millimetres
Equipment
- Drive/gear shift: Shimano GRX 812 (1 x 11; 40, 11-42 t.) | Grade: 3.5
- Brakes: Shimano GRX 400 (160/160 mm) | Grade: 1.5
- Tyres: Schwalbe G-One Allround 40-622 (eff.: 38.5 mm) | Grade: 2.5
- Impellers: Shimano HB-M RS 470
- Impeller weights: 1797 / 2489 grams (front/rear)
Advantages and disadvantages of the Conway GRV 9.0
- Plus: light, robust frameset, top tyres, manoeuvrable on many terrains
- Minus: Shimano parts mix, little comfort on the handlebars, not very smooth running
