The "Golf class" is a lot of fun for us testers every year: A lot happens in the moderate price range up to around 1500 euros. Even price-conscious bike buyers are happy to spend this money. Every manufacturer has at least one, if not several, models in this attractive price range. The range of bike types and technology already varies so much here that even more specialised wishes can be catered for. What's more, skilful calculation and clever purchasing tactics on the part of the manufacturer mean that high-quality components occasionally provide a highlight that you wouldn't have expected: There is always a certain surprise factor in the mid-range price segment and it is always welcome - after all, the quantities sold speak for themselves. Our 10 test candidates represent a cross-section of the 2016 vintage.
The 10 all-rounders at a glance
The fact that aesthetics are becoming increasingly important can also be seen in the completely different frames designed and manufactured: With the exception of steel specialist Fahrradmanufaktur, all manufacturers exploit the design potential offered by modern aluminium processing with its shaping technology. Flat tubular shapes alternate with organic-looking curves, so that some frames are quite eye-catching. Radon's Sunset with its flowing, perfectly smoothed tube transitions is a prime example of this.
At the same time, the freer shaping also has technical benefits: the frames draw new forces from larger diameters with reduced wall thickness and specifically shaped reinforcements at critical points, which can significantly increase stiffness and riding stability. Radon, Stevens and Staiger, for example, use tapered head tubes and fork steerer tubes to better distribute the forces at the front end. A reduced tendency to flutter and smoother running, especially when loaded with luggage, is clearly noticeable on the three bikes.
Staiger and Stevens also use "tapering" to reduce the diameter of their seat tubes from 35 millimetres at the bottom bracket to around 32 at the top end: At the bottom for maximum bending stiffness and a perfect fit for the front derailleur clamp, and at the top to create the right inner diameter for a slim, flex-capable seatpost in 27.2 millimetre format. Other manufacturers also use the 27.2 comfort dimension for their seatposts, but with a slimmer seat tube. The derailleur clamp bridges the missing tenths with a plastic fitting. In fact, this type of construction does not utilise the full potential in terms of stiffness and precise function; the front derailleur could be minimally compliant or the stiffness of the frame structure could suffer as a result. However, this cannot be experienced directly in detail.
Conclusion on the affordable all-rounders
There is a strong wind blowing for all competitors in the lower mid-range. That's why the power density here is very high - which is good news for any prospective buyer. What's more, there are already various bike concepts to choose from. If you are looking for a touring bike that is suitable for travelling with luggage, Breezer's Liberty, Staiger's Oregon and Stevens' Randonneur are the right choice. Sporty ambitions can be realised with the VSF T-700, Liv Allure and Gudereit X-80. Everyday and touring riders will be delighted with Bergamont's Vitess, the Radon Sunset, Cube Travel SL or Scott SUB 10.
The complete article was published in Trekkingbike issue 2/2016. You can download the individual article as a PDF here.
