R.A.D Review: Cyclist Magazine test the R.A.D with Shimano GRX

May 17, 2020

We were honoured that Shimano chose a Grove R.A.D frameset to show off their new GRX 810 groupset around Australia. This bike then made itself to Colin Levitch from Cyclist Magazine Australia who put it through its paces around the fire trails of Nerang, Queensland.

"It’s this rigid platform which I think defines the bike, when you push on the pedals the Grove surges forward like its been poked in the bum with a cattle prod no matter the surface; it’s not sluggish or relaxed at the pedals like some gravel bikes can feel and there is nothing lost to flex."

Shimano built the bike up with 700x40C Maxxis Ramblers wrapped around the new Shimano GRX 570 alloy 700c wheels. While 700x40 is pushing the larger end of what we recommend in the 700c format on the Grove, it's also square on the best capability:weight ratio for the majority of gravel riding. Colin found the handling just as we designed it to feel:

"Even though the geometry is more CX than gravel, the RAD is extremely capable, and it’s a bike that wants to party. Spritely and quick handling means you don’t need much mustard to change your line, but it’s not so fast to leave you with brown bike pants when you get in over your head."

Shimano does offer the GRX wheels in 650B also, which is the sizing we'd recommend choosing if your gravel adventures typically find you picking lines between chunky rocks from time to time as the larger volume of a 47 to 53mm wide tyre does wonders for the cushion, traction and control; albeit with a slight weight penalty. Flow Mountain Bike, Cycling Tips and La Velocita all reviewed the R.A.D with 650B wheels, so make sure to check out their reviews, too. 

If you'd like to talk about a custom Grove R.A.D build, just send Dave an email.

Check out the full review at Cyclist Magazine!

READ THE REVIEW 

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