Titanium gravel bikes on test: The Kocmo Daytona - a sporty companion with visual finesse

The Berlin brand Kocmo, pronounced "Kosmo", has built up a loyal fan base over the last 30 years with unpretentious but high-quality and affordable titanium bikes. Until the Ukraine war, one interesting aspect was that the frames were manufactured in Russia, but this concept collapsed virtually overnight. Nowadays, the frames come from an established supplier in the Far East, but according to Kocmo boss André Pfeil, this does not mean a loss of quality. On the contrary, delivery capability and reliability are even said to have improved. In addition, the Asians are better at certain modern production techniques.

Kocmo Daytona RS: Sporty genes

Our test bike, the Daytona RS, is one of the latest additions and a sporty version of the Daytona-X gravel bike. The main differences to the successful model are a significantly more stretched seating position, which is still suitable for longer tours, as well as brake lines that are completely hidden in the cockpit and frame. Nevertheless, there are various eyelets for attaching mudguards and panniers. However, the RS model is only compatible with electronic gears. In addition, the new model will be updated with a bottom bracket with T47 thread and the UDH dropout from SRAM, where the rear derailleur is attached directly to the thru-axle and no special derailleur hanger is required. These innovations are also to be introduced on the Daytona-X in the near future.

The Bruder RS is characterised by its extremely long wheelbase and balanced steering geometry, which gives it fantastic handling characteristics on the piste, even at high speeds. Thanks to the narrow handlebars, you almost feel like you're on an aero racing bike. The large-volume 45 mm tyres absorb bumps well on rough tracks and the bike remains stable on the specified course; both the frame and fork even offer space for tyres that are a few millimetres wider. For a sporty riding style, the distances between the gears of the SRAM Eagle cassette could be a little long for some riders on gravel tracks, but the gearing still offers reserves even for demanding terrain.

The design shown is merely an example and should be considered along with the comparatively high price. Part of the price is due to the striking colouring, which is the result of an elaborate anodising process. This colouring gives the bike a refreshingly different look, but unfortunately results in a surcharge of up to a thousand euros. A significantly cheaper option is the customised frame option, which only costs around 400 euros. It is therefore not surprising that around a third of customers opt for this. Kocmo offers customised bike fitting at its headquarters in Stahnsdorf near Berlin, where tube shapes, stops and bearing standards can also be individually configured.

Facts & figures about the Kocmo Daytona RS

• Test grade: 2,4
• Price: 8750 Euro
• Weight of complete wheel: 9.4 kilos
• Frame sizes: XXS, XS, S, M, ML, L, XL (test size greased)

Geometry

• Seat/top/head tube: 565/585/185 millimetres
• Stack/Reach/STR: 621/392 millimetres/1.58
• Stack+/Reach+/STR+: 694/581 millimetres/1.19
• Wheelbase/caster: 1060/68 millimetres

Equipment

• Drive/gear shift: SRAM Force/GX Eagle AXS (1x12; 40, 10-52 t.) | Grade: 1.5
• Brakes: SRAM Force (160/160 mm) | Grade: 1.5
• Tyres: Schwalbe G-One R 45 mm (eff.: 44 mm) | Grade: 1.0
• Impellers: DT Swiss GRC 1400
• Impeller weights: 1585/2082 grams (front/rear)

Advantages and disadvantages

• Plus: Tidy look, many sizes, inexpensive customised frame option, crash replacement
• Minus: Complex position adjustment

More titanium gravel bikes from our test:

>> The Poison Meskalin Titan Gravel - a sports bike for everyday use

>> The Triban GRVL 900 - you have to be able to afford it at a favourable price

>> The Chirp Chirp Lark - gravel bike with MTB orientation

>> The 8bar centre TI - very stiff or uncomfortable?