The nimbus of steel as a frame material is similar to that of the Rohloff hub: Both are considered capable of gloriously withstanding almost all adversities of a bicycle's life. Until the end of a bicycle's days, so to speak. The internally rust-proof sealed steel frame consists of a Reynolds 853 main frame with custom-made rear triangle. It is complemented by a highly stable steel fork with a tapered head tube, thru-axles and lowrider threads. This incredibly rigid frame gives torsional forces caused by high pedalling forces, poor road surfaces or heavy luggage no chance. Rennstahl reports a maximum system weight of 165 kilos for bike, rider and luggage. And that for a randonneur of relatively slim stature. The agile wheels are also bursting with stability with welded Mavic 1025 rims, double-thick-end spokes, Son dynamo with thru-axle and the symmetrically spoked Rohloff hub. 40 millimetre wide 28-inch wheels or 50 millimetre wide 27-inch wheels can be accommodated in the frame, shifting the character of the bike from travel/gravel to gravel/off-road.
The Rennstahl 853 in a practical test
Although the shift brake levers, like the disc brakes, come from racing bike supplier Campagnolo, the Rennstahl is not a racing bike. Anyone who thinks it is will certainly be disappointed. This is because the shifting performance of the road bike shifters with a Rohloff hub and the Gebla cable box that controls them differs considerably from that of a derailleur system:
Firstly, the lever travel is much longer here because more cable length is pulled. Secondly, the pressure point is less precise and the force required per shifting step is significantly higher than with derailleur gears. What is the same, however, is that you cannot see which gear is currently engaged. You can only feel it in your thigh: If the engaged gear is too heavy, you swivel the right-hand shift lever inwards once or several times, even when stationary, and then shift more easily. You shift into heavier gears on the left. Unfortunately, it is not possible to shift several gears at once. If, despite its Campa levers, you think of the Rennstahl more as a touring bike than a sporty fast bike, it becomes more of a shoe. For long-distance commuters, for example, who need a viable option for paved roads and bumpy forest tracks, even when it has rained or stormed, is muddy or even snowy.
You have to ride the Rennstahl 853 with more foresight than an MTB or road bike. However, its ability to cope with bad roads and the extreme stability and durability of the frame and components make the bike, if not a lifesaver, at least a potential long-term partner. However, there is one toad to swallow: The combination of a compact, touring-friendly riding position and agile steering behaviour thanks to the steep steering angle and thick tyres with mudguards leads to a "toe overlap" of around 1.5 centimetres on the mudguard of the front wheel when a size 42 cycling shoe is clicked onto the "L" frame. The outer crank should therefore always be towards the rear when cornering.
The most important details of the Rennstahl 853
- Model: RENNSTAHL 853 Rohloff
- Price: 5,149 Euro
- Frame sizes: S, M, L, XL, XXL
- Test bike weight: 16.7 kg
- permissible total weight: 182 kg
- Frame: Steel, welded
- Fork: Steel, tapered, thru axle
- Circuit: Rohloff Speedhub 500/14, Gates CDX
- Translation: 50/19 teeth, 526 %
- Belt tension: Slider axle pieces
- Brakes/ø: Campagnolo Chorus Disc/160 mm
- Tyres: Schwalbe G-One Allround 40-622
- Lighting system: Son 28 12, Son Edelux, Son rear light
Advantages and disadvantages
- Plus: Extremely sophisticated wheel concept; extremely high durability, low maintenance and easy to repair
- Minus: Foot contact with the front mudguard when cornering; quick shifting through several gears not possible; no adjusting screws on slider axle
Conclusion on the Rennstahl 853 Rohloff
The 853 is one of the most versatile randonneurs with great potential off-road. Thanks to the carefully selected technology, materials and components, it is also a bike that you are sure to enjoy for a long time.
