Three adventure bikes to tackle any road in 2018
Specialized, Opus and No. 22 have three stellar offerings to help tackle mixed surface roads
by Stuart Kernaghan
A segment of riders are looking to riding opportunities on mixed service roads and even venturing onto trails with their bikes. While traditional road bikes are capable on these roads, wider tire clearance and dialled in geometry can make adventure riding much more enjoyable. Here are three road bikes geared towards those looking for opportunities to ride on surfaces that aren’t always paved over.
Specialized S-Works Diverge
$11,269
Specialized brings its premium-level technology to gravel bikes with the S-Works Diverge. The fact 11r carbon frame features Specialized’s Open Road Geometry, 20 mm of front-end travel provided by the Future Shock suspension system and front and rear thru axles. Specialized mixes up drivetrain components, pairing Easton ec90 SL carbon cranks with a single 42-tooth ring to a Shimano Xtr 11–40 tooth cassette; shifting and braking is handled by Shimano R785 Di2 hydraulic levers. Specialized also includes its own Command Post Xcp dropper post with 35 mm of travel, Trigger Pro 38-mm tires and Roval clX 32 Disc carbon wheels.
Opus Horizon 1
$3,400
Gravel/adventure is a relatively new category of bikes designed for terrain that would challenge the limits of a road or ’cross bike, but isn’t quite rugged enough to warrant a mountain bike. These bikes typically have wider tires, mounts for racks or fenders, disc brakes and geometry suited for off-pavement adventures. The Opus Horizon 1 hits all of those targets: a carbon frame and fork, clearance for 42-mm-wide tires, Shimano 105 components including hydraulic disc brakes, a 48/32-tooth crankset and 11–28 tooth cassette and relaxed geometry. The Horizon 1 also comes with tubeless-compatible rims and internal routing for a dropper post.
No. 22 Drifter
$4,100 (frame), $8,700 (full bike)
No. 22 is a Toronto-based company that handmakes titanium bikes in its New York– state factory. The company used its award-winning cyclocross bike as a starting point for its Drifter gravel bike, then lowered the bottom bracket and lengthened the wheelbase to create a do-anything ride. The Drifter is able to take tires as wide as 40 mm and is equipped with thru axles at both ends. You can choose from frame only, frame and carbon fork or complete bike with full Shimano Ultegra r8000 components. Added bonus: No. 22 offers matching titanium bottle cages, aluminum stems and titanium seatposts.
