2018 continues to be big for Donnelly. Not only did they re-launch their venerable tire line under the Donnelly brand, but now they have a couple of fancy new bikes to mount them on — the Gravel Carbon (G//C) and Cross Carbon (C//C). These new bikes will be on display at the Dirty Kanza June 1-2, 2018.
You might ask, how a tire company is suddenly adept at making gravel and cyclocross bikes? Well, the folks at Donnelly know a thing or two about great bikes, but they have employed Rolf Singerberger of RS Development who developed bikes for both BMC and Eddy Merckx while amassing the 2005 Eurobike Gold Design Award, 2006 Red Dot Design Award and the 2006 Volvo Sports Design Award.
I will say that the sand color of the Gravel Carbon looks a bit bland while the blue and black colors of the Cross Carbon look much more zippy. Again, eye of the beholder type of thing.
Both bikes have unique geometry built specifically for the demands of gravel or cyclocross. The Gravel Carbon is built as a gravel bike from the ground-up and the Cross Gravel is built for modern cyclocross racing.
Donnelly says this about the Gravel Carbon G//C:
“The G//C features a unique geometry blending aggressive angles for gravel racing or fast group rides, with enough comfort for long days in saddle. The frames accommodate a 45mm tire on a 700c wheel and a 50mm tire on a 650b wheel, which provides a variety of options based on rider preference and riding conditions.”
And this about the Cross Carbon C//C:
“The C//C cross frame checks all the boxes when it comes to a cyclocross race frame. It offers a precise race-specific geometry, superb power transfer, and adequate tire clearance (45mm) all while being vertically compliant enough for longer distance training rides.”
Both bikes will be available as complete SRAM Force or Rival builds with frame-only options, as follows:
Gravel Cross G//C:
- SRAM Force 1 Complete – $3999.99
- SRAM Rival 1 Complete – $2999.99
- Frame: $1999
Carbon Cross C/C:
- SRAM Force 22 Complete – $3999.99
- SRAM Rival 22 Complete – $2999.99
- Frame: $1999
More Info: Visit DonnellyCycling.com
