One of the very first test bikes of the Grandurance RD 7.0 is currently in our test cellar: the highly polished aluminium frame of the "gravel bike in everyday clothing" confidently attracts attention. The Grandurance series as a contemporary wide tyre racer was introduced back in 2016.
Now the existing carbon top models are being supplemented by five new aluminium variants.
Among them is the RD 7.0, an interesting randonneur designed to appeal to commuters and touring cyclists with light luggage. For just under 1800 euros, the 7.0 offers a superbly crafted aluminium frame with a contrasting coloured fork. Unfortunately, like many sports bike concepts, the frame/fork set suffers from a front end that is too short: the distance between the centre of the pedal axle and the outer fender strut of the front wheel is just under 8 centimetres at the narrowest point - the ISO standard stipulates a distance of 10 centimetres. In practice, you can catch the tip of your shoe on the mudguard strut as soon as you turn in harder. This is not necessary during normal riding, but it can be critical when turning from the side of the road into flowing traffic or in tight bends on urban cycle paths.
The narrow section also has to do with the fact that thick 35 Schwalbe G-One tyres are fitted. What a stroke of luck! Because hardly any other tyre currently combines positive characteristics as well as this one: it rolls with extremely low resistance, rolls excellently and offers the best grip and tracking on dry and wet roads as well as on loose surfaces. When braking, the tyre does not break away as quickly as finer diamond treads do. With this tyre, the Grandurance rolls exceptionally smoothly, quietly and with almost floating comfort, making it a pure joy. With its sporty 2x11 gears and powerful but sensitive disc brakes, this results in a highly dynamic riding style. The riding position is sporty and you can also cover long distances in an aerodynamically and biomechanically favourable manner. The high-strength and rattle-free Wingee bars, the custommade Tubus carrier and the outstanding IQ-X front light with hub dynamo make the RD 7.0 ideal as a winter training bike, long-distance tourer or all-season bike. Or all together.
The complete article was published in Trekkingbike issue 1/2018. You can download the issue in the MYBIKE app (iTunes and Google Play ) or in the DK-Shop order.
