Cyclist puts the Camino AL through damp singletrack and gravel, praising its stability and bikepacking-ready mounts on test.
Paul Norman put our Camino AL gravel bike through its paces for Cyclist, mixing damp singletrack, gravel and a fair bit of tarmac. His verdict: it felt "planted and confidence-inspiring on damp singletrack, although steady rather than engaging on tarmac."
The stability comes from the same relaxed geometry and long wheelbase that make the Camino such a capable bikepacking platform: the long wheelbase and relaxed angles offered plenty of stability
over roots, stones and loose surfaces, and the drops stayed easy to reach from an upright riding position. He also rated the sheer number of mounts on offer for anyone loading it up for an overnighter.
Paul wasn't as keen on the wide, flared bar on faster tarmac sections, noting it felt like a bike to set in a straight line and ride over obstacles, rather than to nimbly skirt around them
, and found the lever angle took some getting used to. Fair enough: the Camino AL is built first for comfort and stability over long, loaded miles, not for darting round road furniture, and that's exactly the trade-off Paul's review reflects, calling it a reassuring ride, rather than a lively one
.
Read the full review on Cyclist.
Fancy taking the Camino AL further? Browse the full Sonder Camino range in aluminium and titanium.