Test: The inexpensive Dynamics Gravity Street Cross can do a lot and has even more potential: If you want, you can upgrade it for everyday use or slim down further for sporty use. An introduction to the concept in general and the Dynamics cross bike in particular.
Anyone who decides on a bicycle often commits themselves to a specific purpose. Seating position, gears, tyres, lights: many details determine whether the bike serves more sporting purposes or is made more for everyday use. And many things cannot be changed at all or only with great effort - so it is better to think carefully about what you want to do with the new bike beforehand.
Mix of mountain bike and trekking bike
A type of bike that allows greater freedom is the cross bike. The term already says a little: "Cross" sounds like off-road, and in fact the concept is a synthesis of a hardtail mountain bike and a trekking bike. The latter has always been technically based on the former, has gears with three chainrings, a suspension fork and powerful brakes. So the cross bike is a step backwards, so to speak: you get it if you think away the luggage rack, side stand and smooth tires on the trekking bike; exchanged the solid touring mudguards for light plug-in protectors and last but not least mounted non-slip studded tires.
Who goes for it? Especially those who see certain add-on parts as superfluous ballast. If you are traveling with a backpack or courier bag, you can easily do without the luggage rack. Anyone who has made it a habit to turn on their expensive bike instead of just locking it does not necessarily want a parking stand. And if you don't ride in all weathers, you don't need long mudguards that sit tight on the tires.
Sporty and yet fully suitable for everyday use
What sounds like doing without is of course associated with many advantages. Compared to the trekking bike, the cross bike is noticeably lighter, making it easier to handle and more agile - a plus in riding fun that brisk cyclists in particular are happy about. The non-slip tires ensure safe traction on natural paths, gravel roads and slippery slopes - i.e. where typical asphalt tires reach their limits. The short fenders, on the other hand, ensure that stones and clods of earth carried along by the tire tread cannot get stuck; if necessary, they can be completely dismantled in just a few simple steps. On the other hand, you can upgrade the cross bike to a trekking bike suitable for everyday use and travel with little effort - you basically only need a luggage rack and other tires. With a real mountain bike, this is only possible with great effort.
Dynamics Gravity Street Cross - Equipment
The Gravity Street Cross from Dynamics is a cross bike that strikes the ideal balance between MTB and trekking bike. Visually, it appeals right away with its subtle, sporty look; when you sit on it for the first time, it shows a good dose of sportiness with its dynamic sitting position.
As far as the equipment is concerned, everything that makes a cross bike is there: the 3×9 gears are pleasantly wide; In everyday life, a chain protection ring prevents black stains on the trouser leg. Powerful Tektro disc brakes ensure safety in the city as well as off-road, and the Suntour suspension fork with the usual 63 mm travel can be locked with a flick of the wrist.
The installation of the discreet rear light on the fender was successful; a practical detail is the magnetic bottle holder, which does not get in the way when the drinking container is not carried. The fact that the front wheel is not fastened to the solid axle with a quick-release but with cap nuts may seem a bit unsportsmanlike to purists, but it is effective protection against theft.
With SKS mudguards and ESGE side stand (which is part of the scope of equipment for this cross bike), the attachments also come from well-known manufacturers, which testifies to quality on a small scale. In view of the low price, Dynamics ensures a high level of driving pleasure in the long term - be it for more sporty use or on everyday journeys.
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