Prophete Graveler: The gravel racer from discounter Lidl at a ridiculously low price

Gravel bikes are considered versatile all-rounders - but until now, you had to invest well over €1,000 for a solid entry-level model. With the Prophete, which was launched just in time for the first warm rays of sunshine at the beginning of March for 699 euros at Lidl, the discounter is once again attacking the segment head-on. The price is a challenge, the equipment with components from Shimano or Continental is surprisingly complete at first glance. However, a gravel bike is not defined by prominent component manufacturers, but by riding characteristics, geometry, measured values and detailed solutions. This is exactly where our test comes in.

A direct comparison with entry-level models from Canyon or Radon quickly shows where the Prophete can keep up - and where the limits of the price pressure become apparent. TOUR rode the bike on tarmac, gravel and easy trails, tested the components in detail and measured the geometry. The result is differentiated: The Prophete offers surprisingly much for the money, but requires compromises in key areas that you should be aware of before you buy. For a direct comparison, we have linked two tests of cheaper and more aggressively priced competitor bikes.

>> Canyon Endurace Allroad

>> 13 gravel bikes up to 2000 euros in the TOUR test

Is the Prophete Graveler worth its price?

Beyond that, however, there is bargain potential: with Shimano gears, Tektro brakes and Continental tyres, at least the most important add-on parts come from reputable manufacturers. When we lift the bike out of the box on arrival, the next weaknesses are revealed. We weren't expecting a remarkably light bike, but our workshop colleagues usually only have to contend with electric bikes weighing more than twelve kilograms. The trained eyes look for light and shade: Sure, the tube connections are rather crude, but a bike doesn't ride any faster with sanded weld seams. Brake and gear cables are routed in the frame, but the inlets are sharp-edged and a natural enemy for cable housings. Mudguards and pannier rack can be attached using threaded eyelets, and a side support is included.

Antiquated technology could become a problem when it comes to spare parts: A square bottom bracket could still be found, wheels with 135-millimetre quick-release hubs are likely to be more difficult; gravel bikes have been using thru axles for years. On the road and in moderate terrain, the bike rolls surprisingly well as long as the high weight doesn't play a role. Off-road, inexperienced riders will quickly reach their limits because the bike is not only heavy but also slow to turn. The fork, frame and seat post are unyieldingly stiff and offer hardly any comfort. All impacts are therefore transmitted directly to the body. This could be cushioned with lower tyre pressure, but the heavy clincher tyres with thick tubes offer little room for manoeuvre.

A question of balancing

Neither the rims nor the tyres are suitable for tubeless use. Wider tyres are hardly possible: not much more than the fitted 40 millimetres will fit. The components are mostly very cheap branded goods. The gears and brakes worked well and reliably during the test phase. The mechanical Tektro disc brakes can't keep up with hydraulic brakes in terms of pressure point and braking power, but they work better than rim brakes. Shimano's Claris drivetrain also works flawlessly, although the range of gears is very limited. This is not so much due to the eight sprockets; the 50/34 crankset is more suitable for road riding than off-road, and in combination with the 11-34 cassette there is a particular lack of low gears. Inexperienced gravel bikers are likely to have problems on climbs.

The handlebars are a clear misjudgement. Its shape is a disaster and it is simply not possible to position the levers properly and align them sensibly. The cheap handlebar tape adds to the unpleasant feel, and the slippery saddle does the rest. If you are serious about riding, we would recommend replacing these components. But the price advantage, up to this point a plus point of the bike, is then gone. As an inexpensive beginner's bike or second bike that protects the more expensive bikes in winter, it can certainly fulfil its purpose.

Conclusion on the Prophete Graveler

The quality is acceptable for the price, but you have to compromise on comfort and equipment and, especially in winter, take into account that the bike is unlikely to be very durable. If you are seriously interested in gravel touring, you should keep your hands off the Graveler. There is a larger selection of frame sizes and better components in specialised shops. Even 1000-euro bikes from well-known manufacturers offer better quality and can be bought at reduced prices - so you don't have to spend much more money. A higher-quality second-hand bike that has been used little is also likely to be the better choice in the end.

The Prophete Graveler in detail

• TOUR grade: 3,0
• Price: 999 Euro >> z. e.g. available at a reduced price here
• Weight of complete wheel: 12.1 kilos
• Frame sizes: 55 centimetres

Geometry

• Seat/top/head tube: 504/560/160 millimetres
• Stack/Reach/STR: 603/371 millimetres/1.57
• Stack+/Reach+/STR+: 637/565 millimetres/1.63
• Wheelbase/caster: 1055/83 millimetres

Equipment

• Drive/gear shift: Shimano Claris (2x8; 50/34, 11-34 t.) | Shimano Claris (2x8; 50/34, 11-34 t.) Grade: 4.0
• Brakes: Tektro MD-M 28ß (160/160 mm) | Grade: 3.0
• Tyres: Continental Terra Trail 40 mm (eff.: 40 mm) | Grade: 4.0
• Impellers: DT Swiss ER 1400 Dicut 25
• Impeller weights: 2053/2666 grams (front/rear)

Advantages and disadvantages

• Plus: rolls passably on tarmac and gravel
• Minus: Extremely heavy, uncomfortable, unsuitable gear ratio, unergonomic steering