Monster Gravel from Basic Bikes: Gravel bike for rough terrain, based on an MTB frame

While the fun on a gravel bike stops at some point depending on the condition of the trail, the Monter Gravel from Basic Bikes only really comes into its own on really rocky and uneven surfaces. The reason: it is based on an MTB carbon frame. This frame is equipped with a 29-inch wheelset with an internal width of 30 millimetres, meaning that wide tyres can be fitted. The customised construction of the MTB frame as a Monster Gravel makes the bike a gravel bike for rough terrain. Basic Bikes gives the open-mould frame a rigid fork and dropbar handlebars. The young brand from Berlin is positioning this bike as the ideal companion for adventure tours or even adventure races such as the Atlas Mountain Race.

The MTB geometry of the Monster Gravel differs from conventional gravel bikes with a flat steering angle of 68.5 degrees, a long wheelbase and long chainstays. This promises a smooth and stable ride. The flare of the handlebars offers additional control, while the wide tyres provide grip and comfort.

Who is behind Basic Bikes?

The idea for Basic Bikes was born during the Atlas Mountain Race in 2020, when one of the co-founders of Basic Bikes Berlin, Jost, took part in this race: 1150 kilometres and 20,000 metres in altitude. Jost was looking for an affordable MTB frame and finally decided on an open-mould frame that was not exclusively owned by one bike brand. And so the idea for Basic Bikes was born.

Hendrik, another co-founder of the company, was enthusiastic about the idea. The foundation stone was laid for Basic Bikes, a bicycle brand that focusses on the essentials and dispenses with expensive extras. There are no additional damping or aero elements. Instead, the focus is on solid quality assurance of the open-mould frames and good service. This includes standard features such as a BSA bottom bracket, a round seatpost and a tapered head tube as standard. The result is lightweight, fast carbon bikes and components without superfluous bells and whistles, and at an attractive price.

Basic Design

The frame design of the Monster Gravel was developed in collaboration with Reflective from Berlin. As the name suggests, the stickers are reflective.

Facts about the Basic Bikes Monster Gravel

• Frame: Basic MTB carbon frame, 29", Boost
• Wheelset: Basic carbon wheelset, 30 mm rim width, tubeless, hookless, asymmetrically spoked
• Fork: Basic MTB carbon fork, with eyelets, Boost
• Tyres: Kenda Booster, 2.2", tanwall
• Brakes: Hope RX 4, Post Mount
• Brake/shift lever: SRAM Apex, mech.
• Rear derailleur: Sram Apex Eagle
• Brake discs: BASIC, 160 mm
• Cassette: Sram NX Eagle, 11-50 T
• Crank: Sram NX, 32 T
• Stem: Vecnum FreeQence, 90 mm
• Handlebars: Basic Carbon Gravelbar, Flare 30°
• Seatpost: Basic Carbon, 30.9 mm
• Saddle: Basic Carbon

And what does the fun cost?

Basic Bikes offers the Monster Gravel as a custom build. The version shown costs 3980 euros and weighs around 9 kilos with pedals. Lighter bodies and alternative components are possible, as are additional accessories such as fork cages.