Gliding quickly, quietly and efficiently through beautiful landscapes - with light luggage, independently and with an open visor through the world: that's what Jochen Kleinebenne and his team, who have been building high-quality bikes with steel frames under the Patria brand name for many years, like to do. The Randonneur Zona seems to get to the heart of the matter: The current model picks up on traditional models of the first long-distance touring bikes as well as influences from the latest technology.
The slim steel frame/fork set combines a classic, moderately stretched riding position and racing handlebars with a contemporary Tubus rack set, the latest 2x11 gear technology and very efficient hydraulic disc brakes. The steel racer has a slightly raised saddle and allows the rider to sit in an aerodynamically favourable, but always comfortable and therefore suitable for long distances. The reissued Flite saddle is a nice reminiscence of one of the best bicycle seats of the last 25 years. The result is more load distribution on the front wheel, which benefits precise steering and smooth handling. The bike runs safely in a straight line; the speed can be finely modulated at any time thanks to the capable disc brakes.
The fork and frame have been specially reinforced for this purpose. The lights, brakes and gears are the best you can get. Extra-long mudguards, three bottle cages and stable but lightweight wheels show that Patria know their stuff. However, the rear light cable on the rear carrier strut interferes with the bag hooks.
Plus:
- Cleanly crafted frame,
- very good equipment;
- Customised production
Minus:
- Cable on carrier strut rubs against bag hooks;
- little legroom at the front
The history of the model
The prehistory of the Randonneur goes back to the early 1980s: a handful of sporty touring cyclists put their heads together at traditional manufacturer Patria. The result was the Tourist model with racing handlebars, a CroMo frame and a longer wheelbase for luggage. The cantilever brakes, which were new at the time, complemented the steel racer perfectly. Over the years, the Tourist evolved into the "Randonneur", which upholds and perfectly implements the basic idea of sporty cycling with light luggage.
