Fully equipped bikes: Six all-rounders for autumn and winter

Bulls Daily Grinder 3

Everyday bike, commuter or randonneur: there are many names for fully equipped road bikes. There is a consensus on their holistic approach. Thanks to permanently mounted mudguards, dynamo-powered lights and sturdy pannier racks, they are ready for everyday commutes and autumn training laps. As most of these bikes are now based on gravel bikes, the surfaces can be changed with ease. A popular representative of the all-round carefree package for cyclists is the Bulls Daily Grinder, the top version of which we took a close look at just before the start of the autumn calendar.

As with comparable bikes (see below) is based on an extremely rigid, durable aluminium frame. The steeply sloping top tube gives the Bulls a unique look, and the design also promises more comfort in the saddle thanks to the long seatpost, which can theoretically flex more as a result. This is not necessarily the case on the test bench, but in practice the high-quality tyres enhance the impression of comfort. Thanks to the tubeless construction, you can tease a lot of travel out of them, and thanks to the supple rubber, the handlebars feel better in the hand than the below-average test result would suggest. The mudguards do not allow wider tyres than the standard tyres.

All-round carefree package

On the other hand, the mudguards do an excellent job and stay in place even on bumpy roads. The Fuxon front light, which is powered by a hub dynamo, is sufficient for commuting, although it could be a little brighter on dark forest paths. The headlights with parking light function can either be activated using the switch button on the front spotlight or switched on automatically thanks to an integrated daylight sensor.

The fact that a fully equipped gravel bike, which even has a bell screwed onto it, is not a bike for setting speed records is something that the twelve-kilo Bulls makes clear with every turn of the cranks. On the other hand, it scores with solid straight-line stability and an extremely upright riding position suitable for urban traffic. The large MTB cassette provides sufficient climbing gears, but the jumps between gears are large. Deductions are made for the simple discs, which cannot fully exploit the potential of the Shimano brakes.

In addition to the top version, Bulls offers two variants with simpler equipment for €1,399 and €1,999. The basic model is also available as a step-through model. During the test period, bikes from both the current and previous model year were available.

The Bulls Grinder 3 in detail

• Price: 2,299 Euro >> available here
• Weight of complete wheel: 12.1 kilos
• Frame sizes: S, M, L, XL

Geometry

• Seat/top/head tube: 431/575/160 millimetres
• Stack/Reach/STR: 613/382 millimetres/1.60
• Stack+/Reach+/STR+: 662/523 millimetres/1.27
• Wheelbase/caster: 1,070/68 millimetres

Equipment

• Drive/gear shift: Shimano GRX 600/820 (1x12; 40, 10-45 t.) | Grade: 3.0
• Brakes: Shimano GRX 400 (160/160 mm) | Grade: 2.0
• Tyres: Schwalbe G-One Allround TLE 40 mm (eff.: 39 mm) | Grade: 1.5
• Impellers: Bulls XC-21 Evo/Shimano Deore XT
• Impeller weights: 2,019/2,567 grams (f./h.)

Measured values

• Driving stability: 10.11 N/mm | Grade: 1.0
• Rear comfort: 170 N/mm | Grade: 2.7
• Comfort front: 145 N/mm | Grade: 3.4
• Ride/ bottom bracket stiffness: 84 N/mm | Grade: 1.0

Advantages and disadvantages of the Bulls Grinder 3

• Plus: Sturdy mudguards, modern twelve-speed drive, supple tyres
• Minus: Only four frame sizes, dynamo cables carelessly routed

Bergamont Grandurance

The Hamburg-based bike manufacturer's range includes four equipment variants suitable for everyday use and off-road use. The top version (3,599 euros) is based on a carbon frame, while the other variants (1,399 to 2,299 euros >> e.g. available here) come with a robust aluminium chassis. All models share a rather upright riding position. Up to 45 millimetre wide studded tyres fit under the sturdy mudguards.

Focus Atlas EQP

The fully equipped Atlas is equipped with straight (1,699 Euro) or racing handlebars (2,199 euros). The basis is a robust aluminium frame with maintenance-friendly 2x10 gears. According to the geometry data, you sit quite neutrally in the saddle. The unique selling point is the wide mountain bike rear triangle. This increases riding stability, but limits the retrofit options. A side stand rounds off the all-round character.

Radon Regard FE

The mail order company also offers its gravel bike in two full-equipment versions (1,599 and 1,799 euros). The frame geometry puts the rider in an emphatically upright riding position. Compared to current gear groups, one or two fewer sprockets are available. A bell and kickstand are included, while mudguards and pannier rack come from Cube's own brand Acid.

Rose Backroad AL EQ

In future, the fully equipped Backroad will only be available as an aluminium version. The additional weight of around 800 grams compared to the carbon model is almost exclusively due to the more robust frame, the geometry of which is also more comfortable. Otherwise, the add-on parts are almost identical. A maximum of 40-millimetre tyres fit under the mudguards. Although the Rose is one of the more expensive commuters at 2,499 euros, it was completely sold out in the summer. The Rose Backroad AL EQ is available here.

Stevens Supreme

With a fairly stretched seating position, the everyday bike appeals to sporty riders. The top version (2,099 euros) is characterised by a powerful front headlight and an LED seat post. It also saves around 300 grams compared to the basic model (1,699 euros) thanks to a carbon fork. Both versions come with modern twelve-speed GRX and 40 millimetre wide gravel tyres. Mudguards can be retrofitted.

>> Six wheels with basic equipment