Gravel bikes on test: The Bombtrack Beyond SUS

Timo Dillenberger

· 29.10.2023

With a short stem, the hands are very close to the steering axle and the smallest impulses from the upper body are converted into steering commands.

Disc brakes with cables instead of hydraulics require considerably more force on the hands, but are somewhat easier to maintain.

The 50 mm tyres on the Bombtrack provide comfort and control above all, and thanks to the dense tread in the centre, rolling resistance is just fine.

4 Images

Photo: Horst Fadel

In this article, we use so-called affiliate links. With every purchase through these links, we receive a commission from the merchant. All relevant referral links are marked with . Learn more.

With the Bombtrack Beyond SUS, we tested a gravel bike that impressed us above all in everyday use. How does it perform when travelling or generally as an all-rounder?

A frame made of classic chrome-moly steel, which is not quite light, but makes for a very relaxed ride even on bumpy cycle paths. It's not just the frame and the long seat post that absorb vibrations and take the edge off bumps, as the only test bike in our gravel bike test a suspension fork was installed here. For the Rockshox Ruby XPLR with air suspension and around 40 mm of travel plus the fat tyres, we had to look for cobblestones to test it seriously - we could hardly feel it. The suspension fork of the Bombtrack Beyond naturally raises the front of the frame, the steering angle is steep and the stem is extremely short, making the bike very direct, rather nervous.

Photo: Horst FadelWith a short stem, the hands are very close to the steering axle and the smallest impulses from the upper body are converted into steering commands.

>> You can find an overview of the 12 gravel bikes in the test in our all-rounder check article <<

>> We offer a lot of basic knowledge about gravel bikes in our article: The most important aspects of all-rounders <<

Due to the upright position of the rider and the geometry, the centre of gravity is high, which is not much fun on trails or the road, and riding at speed is biomechanically and aerodynamically impossible. On firm cycle paths and without the need for speed, these characteristics are reversed, because you sit ultra-comfortably, on the brake levers hardly any differently than on a trekking bike, only with the option of reaching down. And for connoisseurs, the mechanical instead of hydraulic brakes hardly play a role, but their behaviour is more unpredictable and power-intensive. The many fixed points for bikepacking are obligatory as a top touring vehicle.

Conclusion on the gravel bike Bombtrack Beyond SUS

As a touring or everyday bike, the steel classic can perform quite well, but it lacks the sporty genes for an all-rounder rating and is also a little expensive when adjusted for equipment.

Photo: Horst FadelDisc brakes with cables instead of hydraulics require considerably more force on the hands, but are somewhat easier to maintain.

The most important information about the gravel bike

Price: 2699,99 Euro >> available here
Weight of complete wheel: 12.4 kg
Frameset: Weight 2540 g / max. system weight 140 kg
Frame sizes: XS, S, M, L, XL
Fork: Rockshox Ruby XPLR, 40 mm travel
Seat tube / top tube: 480 mm / 558 mm
Stack / Reach / SR quotient: 605 mm / 378 mm / 1,61
Wheelbase: 1067 mm
Drive: Sram Apex groupset, 1 x 11 gears, Bombtrack crank 36 teeth, Sram PG-1130 cassette 11- 42 teeth
Brakes: TRP Spyre C, mechan. disc brake, 180 / 160 mm
Wheels / tyres: WTB ST i23 aluminium wheels, 32 x 2 mm steel spokes / WTB Venture TCS light, 700 x 50 mm
Guarantee: 3 years (frame), 2 years (fork)

Photo: MYBIKERange of use and seating position of the Bombtrack Beyond SUS.

Home

Gravel bikes on test: The Bombtrack Beyond SUS

Conclusion on the gravel bike Bombtrack Beyond SUS

The most important information about the gravel bike

Most read in category Bikes