In the shared test cellar, the massive Finder is difficult to spot among all the MTBs in the BIKE range. With its massive off-road tyres, the geometry with a high, wide cockpit and the bold frame colour, it looks much more like a mountain bike than a more typical MYBIKE everyday and touring bike. In fact, this is exactly how Velotraum sees the bike: as an everyday and touring bike for rough terrain. When a few kilometres between home and the office on field, forest and meadow paths are simply the nicer, car-free route. Or if you are planning a bike tour with a tent and cooker on the gravel roads of Cyprus. The Velotraum Finder excludes nothing, but wants to make everything possible that other bikes can no longer do.
Details about the bike
The frame is specially designed: The reason for using 70-millimetre tyres was to provide equally good propulsion on rough terrain and on asphalt. To achieve this, the fork and rear triangle have to offer space that regular frames do not have. The installation space at the bottom bracket is also meticulously designed: Gates belts, sprockets and Pinion gearboxes are significantly wider than a chain and must not come into conflict with the super-wide tyres. With a very low air pressure of between one and two bars, adapted to the surface, the tyres run smoothly, quietly and surprisingly fast even on asphalt. Adapted wide rims provide optimum support for the tyres, even when cornering, and their relatively low weight (approx. 830 grams) ensures agile acceleration and low steering forces, as the rotating mass remains low.
A practical test of the Velotraum Finder
The potent Finder harmonises perfectly with its Pinion bottom bracket gearbox and the finely stepped 18 gears. The operating forces on the twist grip are pleasantly low and the shifting steps are precise and crisp, even under (moderate) load. Jumping through several gears is no problem. The primary gear ratio and gear range are tuned so that the first three to five gears, depending on the gradient, can be easily cranked uphill even with luggage. For long journeys, Velotraum has upgraded the test bike with strong, durable tubular steel racks. For use as a commuter bike, however, it could also be equipped with 50-millimetre tyres, mudguards and dynamo lights.
The concept is to be as variable as possible. You quickly feel comfortable in the firm saddle if you like a sporty, long but centrally balanced riding position. The head tube attachment called Carlo is a Velotraum speciality. It and a further 30 millimetres of spacers place the cockpit relatively high. This allows a clear view of the landscape and traffic, as well as powerful pedalling. The croissant grips and wide handlebars offer a variety of grip positions. The steering is surprisingly sensitive and smooth, and the brakes are a force to be reckoned with. With 22 kilos at the rear and 15 on the lowrider, the Finder was easy to control and safe to ride. The duo of mini dropper post on the lowrider and rear stand stabilises the fully loaded bike perfectly. The CDX system with its maximum load capacity is the perfect partner here.
The most important details of the Velotraum Finder
- Model: VELOTRAUM Finder FD 12
- Price: 5,562 Euro
- Frame sizes M, L, XL, XXL
- Test bike weight: 16.8 kg
- permissible total weight: 140 kg
- Frame: Aluminium, welded
- Fork: Finder A-485, tapered
- Circuit: Pinion P 1.18, twist grip, Gates CDX
- Translation: 32/26 teeth, 636 %
- Belt tension: Slider axle pieces, set screws on both sides
- Brakes/ø: Magura Four Disc/180 mm
- Tyres: Conti Cross King 70-584
- Lighting system: None
Advantages and disadvantages
- Plus: Reliably implemented hardcore bike concept; very wide range of applications
- Minus: Not for the faint-hearted
Conclusion on the Velotraum Finder FD 12
The Finder is an exceptional bike for all routes between adventure and everyday life. Despite its pronounced off-road qualities, it also rides amazingly well on roads and paths. Pinion and Gates drive are the ideal partners here.
