Bike of the Month: The Outside Magazine Grimes R1
Some bikes give off an air of privilege, questioning your intent to ride hard. Other bikes are just begging you to drop the hammer. The Grimes R1 is built to be ridden and to push the limits all while having fun.
This past December, Outside Magazine asked us to be part of their annual bike shootout in Tucson, AZ where our Grimes would go up against an array of other solid gravel bike contenders. At Franco Bikes there is a purpose to everything we do. Clearly, this bike is no different as every part was chosen to impress the test riders, stand out from the pack, and simply let them enjoy the beautiful terrains that AZ offers.
From the Seafoam Green powdercoat finish to the tried-and-true Shimano Ultegra 8000 groupset, even down to the Paul Components "Set N' Forget" quick release thru-axle skewers, there is no doubt that your ride will only be hindered by the rider's imagination.
Don't just take our word for it though. The results are in at Outside Magazine and they chose to feature one standout bicycle from each main category: road, mountain, and gravel. We're honored that the Grimes R1 took the gravel spot. The test riders loved the Grimes R1 build saying "...everything on our bike was perfectly chosen, from the Zipp cockpit bits to the new HED wheels. But my number one favorite part on the bike was the Brooks Cambium C13 saddle, which is so mercifully forgiving that I consider it the ultimate for gravel riding. Paul Components Set N’ Forget thru axles and seat post clamp, which allow you to choose the right skewer position and never have to worry about it again, were a close second."
At Franco Bicycles we want to create a tool for your cycling adventures—be it on the road, off the road, or somewhere in between. Feel free to contact us about your vision! Full build specs below.
Grimes R1 Build:
Frameset - Franco Grimes R1 Seafoam Green Frame, ENVE CX Fork, Chris King BB and Headset
Groupset - Shimano Ultegra 8000 Mechanical Disc
Brakes & Rotors - TRP HY/RD Calipers, Dura-Ace Rotors
Components - Zipp SL Contour Handlebars, Zipp SL Speed Stem and Seat Post
Saddle - Brooks Cambium C13, Paul Quick-Release Seat Post Clamp
Wheels - Rims HED Eroica 650b, Tires WTB Byways 47c, Paul Quick Release Thru-Axles Skewers