Road cyclists won't know much about the name Alutech. However, one or two mountain bikers will probably rub their eyes in amazement at the sight of the Punk 2.0. The label from northern Germany has been an established name in the scene for decades. Trademark: locally produced aluminium fullys with plenty of suspension travel and a martial sweaty look. Owner Jürgen Schlender is a big gravel bike fan himself and has already travelled the entire continent on his creations with racing handlebars. The Punk frame is the only carbon bike in the brand's portfolio to be manufactured in the Far East to Schlender's specifications. Anyone who now thinks that he has transferred the hardcore attitude of his gravity bikes to gravel bikes may be surprised at the end of this test report.
The Punk is visually and haptically pleasing right from the start. The frame design and equipment details can be customised in the online configurator before you buy. The fact that the Exot is the most expensive bike in this test field is definitely noticeable. The equipment, including carbon wheels from DT Swiss and the latest 13-speed groupset from the SRAM Force family, is as functional as it is high-quality, and all frame bolts are made of high-grade titanium. The build quality is pleasing and the bike has charm. It is also fitting that the wife of the company boss sews the tool bag for the Fidlock frame storage compartment herself from old pavilions and advertising banners in favour of sustainability. Unfortunately, as soon as it is not completely filled, it tends to rattle in the voluminous down tube.
One of the biggest surprises in the test
Alutech mountain bikes are known for their radical geometries with slack steering angles and long wheelbases. The geo of the light green gravel racer is therefore one of the biggest surprises of the test. Due to the extremely short head tube, the stack value is small. At the same time, the reach is also on the discreet side. As a result, the rider sits short and low.
On the long haul, the riding position is more of a curse than a blessing. Compared to the significantly longer options from Marin or Santa Cruz, the rider on the Alutech is literally folded down. During longer periods of bikepacking-style riding, the lower back can complain. On the other hand, the geometry approach is great for agility. Together with the Radon, the Punk has the steepest steering angle of the colourful group. The bike reacts quickly to the rider's steering inputs. Scurrying around roots in the forest and lifting the front wheel over a step on the uphill? Easy! Added to this is a very good wheel/tyre combination. No other bike goes round corners so nimbly and accelerates so effortlessly afterwards. Agility and manoeuvrability are first class. On twisty courses, the fun factor skyrockets. But beware: If you're not careful, your foot will hit the front wheel when you turn in.
Off-road, the gravel bike from the MTB manufacturer has surprisingly little safety reserves. The steep front end, which is low despite the positive stem, and the compact wheelbase mean that the bike doesn't run very smoothly as soon as the terrain gets bumpy and the ride gets fast. On steep descents, the feeling of rolling over sets in early. If you want to turn into a trail on the Punk, you should definitely know what you're doing. The wheelbase could even be shortened by five millimetres using a flip chip in the dropout of the fork. However, we cannot recommend this. The Alutech is more suited to high-speed rides on flat terrain. Head low into the wind and full throttle is the motto. With the lowest overall and wheel weight, the bike is up to speed in no time at all, and short counter-climbs are a breeze. The lightweight, beautiful Alutech would be our first choice for a quick after-work ride.
Alutech Punk 2.0: Price, geometry, features, measured values, advantages and disadvantages
- Price: 6499 Euro
- Weight of complete wheel: 8.5 kilos
- Frame sizes: S, M, L, XL
Geometry
- STR/STR+: 1,48/1,17
- Stack+/Reach+: 660/563 mm
Equipment
- Fork: Alutech Carbon
- Drive/gear shift: SRAM Force XPLR (1x13; 40, 10-46 t.)
- Brakes: SRAM Force XPLR (160/160 mm)
- Tyres: Maxxis Rambler Exo Protection TR 45 mm (eff.: 46 mm)
- Impellers: DT Swiss GRC 1400
Measured values
- Weight of complete wheel: 8475 g
- Weight of wheels: 1568/1997 g
- Impeller inertia: 2487 kg x cm²
Alutech Punk 2.0: advantages and disadvantages
Advantages
Top agility, good sprint qualities, high-quality equipment, individual character
Disadvantages
compressed seating position is not for long journeys, accessories rattle in the storage compartment
Jan Timmermann
Editor
