Steel, modern thinking: The fully equipped Contoura Fe-14 gravel bike in the MYBIKE test

All 7 gravel bikes in the test

• Bergamont Grandurance RD Elite
• Cube Nuroad Race FE
• Contoura Fe-14
• Norwid Maribo Urban
• Stevens Supreme Pro
• Rose Backroad AL GRX
• Tout Terrain Blueridge GT Select

The Contura Fe-14

Steel frames have a reputation for being particularly robust and durable. To counteract the higher susceptibility to torsion caused by the material, larger tube diameters, a butted head tube or the insertion of forged elements and thru axles at the heavily loaded dropouts make sense. Contoura does all of this perfectly: the Contoura Fe-14 conveys superior stability in every riding situation with a slightly stretched riding position.

The firm aluminium fork and balanced steering geometry ensure precise handling, so that you are happy to go full throttle on asphalt and firm roads. However, the more load you put on the pannier rack, the more disturbing it becomes due to the rack being positioned far behind the axle. We do not recommend carrying more than ten kilos, even if the carrier itself could take it. Otherwise, the Fe-14 is equipped for practical use: Lights, mudguards and rear kickstand enable reliable year-round use. The treadless but extremely grippy and fast tyres qualify the Fe-14 for speedy riding on asphalt roads.

Advantages and disadvantages

• Plus: Contemporary, robust steel frame; huge choice of colours
• Minus: Luggage rack mounted far back; heels graze the rear triangle

The most important information about the Contoura Fe-14

• Frame sizes: 52, 55, 58, 61 cm
• Test bike weight: 13.1 kg
• Permissible total weight: 120 kg
• Frame: Steel, welded, thru axles
• Fork: Aluminium, tapered; carrier thread
• Circuit: Shimano GRX, 2x11, 46/30, 11-32 t.
• Bandwidth: 446 %
• Brakes: Shimano GRX Disc, 160 mm
• Tyres: Conti GP Urban 35-622
• Lighting system: Shimano DH-UR705, B&M Eyc, Toplight Line
• Price: 2,599 Euro
• MYBIKE grade: 1,9

You can find more information about the gravel bike from Contoura here.

The gravel bike test

MYBIKE tested a total of seven gravel bikes suitable for everyday use. Find out what you need to know, background information on gravel bikes and the results of all bikes in comparison here.