What is an all-road bike?
As the name suggests, all-road bikes are made for roads with every conceivable surface. This also includes non-asphalted paths, which is why they usually have wider tyres than the classic road racing bike. They therefore fill the gap between the endurance road bike and the gravel bike, focussing on versatility and suitability for everyday use. For some manufacturers, the all-road bikes are derivatives of the endurance models, which are equipped for slightly more off-road riding by utilising the maximum tyre clearance and an adapted gear ratio. Many current endurance racing bikes already overlap with all-road bikes in their orientation or are advertised as such; sometimes, however, the interpretations can also be very similar to gravel bikes and roll on tyres 40 millimetres wide and more. Some models are specifically designed to function as both a road bike and a gravel bike when fitted with different wheels or tyres.
What makes the frames of all-road bikes special?
All-road bikes generally offer a comparatively upright riding position and space for tyres that are at least 32 millimetres wide. The frames are designed to be robust and comfortable, which is achieved by means of compliant frames and seat posts. The degree of integration is relatively low, so the bikes are designed to be easy to maintain. Round seat posts and standardised stems and handlebars are often fitted so that the riding position can be adjusted with a manageable amount of effort. In addition, mounting options for mudguards, tools or puncture repair tools are often provided.
How is the driving behaviour?
The handling is generally good-natured and safe, the wheelbase lies between a road bike and a gravel bike. They are somewhat more stable than the classic road racing bike, so that even beginners feel safe on poor surfaces. You should be aware that the handling of a bike changes with greatly varying tyre volumes: Hermaphrodites, which allow a wide range of tyre widths, will change their handling with different tyre widths: The wider the tyre, the more sluggish the steering behaviour becomes.
Which tyres fit?
All-road bikes roll on tyres that are at least 32 millimetres wide, but some models also allow real off-road tyres of up to 50 millimetres. Because the concepts are so different, you should pay particular attention to tyre clearance when buying.
What do I need to bear in mind when translating?
All-road bikes generally offer a wide range and light mountain gears. Depending on the orientation, the gearing is orientated towards the endurance road bike with classic compact chainrings (50/34 teeth) and a 1:1 ratio in the lowest gear. Gravel bike groupsets with a slightly lower range are also frequently seen. Here, gear reductions are also possible in order to be able to cope with steep climbs on loose ground. Drivetrains with a chainring are rather rare; with a tyre width of less than 40 millimetres, there is no need to do without a front derailleur.
What additional benefits do all-road bikes have?
Mounting options for fixed mudguards are common, making all-road bikes ideal as commuter or touring bikes. Eyelets for a top tube bag are also frequently found. Luggage eyelets on the rear triangle and fork, as often found on gravel bikes, are rarer. Integrated storage compartments in the frame are also only found on a few models.
What do all-road bikes cost?
As all-road bikes are aimed at recreational athletes, the prices are reasonable. Simple aluminium models start at less than 2000 euros - these are usually endurance racers that have only been fitted with slightly wider tyres. There is a large selection in the 3000 to 5000 euro range. High-end models are rare, and bikes in the five-figure range are hard to find.
What do all-road bikes weigh?
As you might expect, all-road bikes are also somewhere between endurance and gravel bikes in terms of weight. Simple aluminium models weigh over 9 kilograms; due to their robust design and wider tyres, bikes weighing less than 7.5 kilograms are hard to come by.
What are typical representatives?
Koga Roqa
Jens Klötzer
Editor
