Test: With the Storck Grix, the Hessians have a long-running gravel favourite, which is now also available with a suitable Shimano group. Massive tire clearance and a sporty seating position characterize the bike.
The Storck Grix could already be admired at the major bicycle fairs two years ago - in the same paintwork as the company from Idstein is sending it to the gravel test in 2021. Careful facelift has always been a feature of the Storck company; anyway, this bike was so good when it was first introduced that there is no reason for any changes. A feature of the Storck is its large tire clearance: two-inch wide 650B tires can also be used; With 28-inch wheels, it's easily enough for a tire width of 50 mm.
Mounting options are quite versatile with threads for fenders, rack and top tube bag. The removable bridge on the rear triangle is remarkable, but it doesn't actually get in the way with any tire width. The right chainstay is pulled down, the shifter cables are already disappearing at the front of the head tube in the frame; this is smooth and slim and looks very compact with a sloping top tube. A very sporty seat geometry is also typical of Storck, which in the case of the Grix in size L only means a head tube length of 150 mm and a fairly long top tube. The 100 mm short stem can hardly defuse this stretching; If you come from a racing bike or crosser, you will certainly be happy about the sporty character of the Gravellers, which weighs around nine kilograms.
Valuable equipment
With a complete Shimano GRX, the Storck is well equipped; To complete it, there is a noble carbon handlebar with a pleasantly flat upper link and internally routed lines and cables. With the Rotor inner bearing, Storck also relies on high quality in hidden places. A properly flexing carbon post and the short, comfortable San Marco saddle ensure seating comfort. DT Swiss contributes the super-solid P1800 wheels, which with an internal width of 18 mm are not exactly ideal for wide tires - only 40 mm remain of the 37 mm nominal width of the powerfully profiled Schwalbe G-One Terrabike.
frame | Storck Grix Carbon |
suspension fork | Storck Grix Carbon |
Wheels | DT Swiss P1800 Spline 25 |
Tubes | Schwalbe G-One Terrabite |
derailleur | Shimano GRX RX810 |
Gear levers | Shimano GRX RX810 |
Crank | Shimano GRX RX810 48/31T |
Front derailleur | |
Brake | Shimano GRX RX810 |
Seat post | Stork Carbon |
Saddle | San Marco GND |
Stem | Storck ST15 |
Links | Storck RBC 220 Carbon |
Sporty like a crosser
But that's not a disadvantage - built like this, the Grix feels like a classic cyclocross bike and shines with playful handling and a lot of propulsion. The 2×11 transmission offers a wide range of gears, and the only criticism of the well-shaped grips is that their structure makes them better to be used with gloves. Those who like it sporty are definitely well advised to go with the Storck; Touring riders should concern themselves with the geometry, which offers little room for manoeuvre.
In view of the price of almost 2.000 euros for the frame set, the total price of 2.999 euros for the Grix is very manageable - more gravel for less money is hardly possible. Of course, you should also buy a set of thru axles, because the combined screw/quick release axles are extremely cumbersome to use. What is not optimal on the test bike is that the threaded insert of the rear dropout is only plugged in and can fall out when the quick-release axle is pulled off. Somewhere in the field this should not happen.
Gravel bike test 2021: Almost 30 current models in the test
Gravel bike test 2021: The 27 models in the Velomotion test field clearly prove it: Anyone who wants to ride a sporty bike with drop bars is well served with a gravel bike. Especially since the range of possible uses is unexpectedly large - from "racing bike plus" to sporty touring bikes. And between these two poles, each of the tested bikes is extremely individual and independent. […]
More gravel bikes in the test
Storck Grix Pro gravel bike in test: Sports bike at a bargain price
Test: With the Storck Grix, the Hessians have a long-running Gravel favorite in their range, which is now also available with a suitable Shimano group. Massive tire clearance and a sporty seating position characterize the bike. The Storck Grix could already be admired at the big bicycle fairs two years ago - in the same paintwork as the company from Idstein [...]
3T Exploro Team Ekar gravel bike on test: "Gravel race" with aero features
Test: The 3T Exploro is a treat for cyclists who want to progress quickly on both dirt and asphalt. The attractively priced Italian is also very progressively equipped. Once known only for handlebars and stems, the Italian supplier has changed under new management to a supplier of innovative racing machines and especially gravel bikes. The Exploro was designed by Gerard […]
KTM X-Strada 720 gravel bike on test: Gravel independently!
Test KTM X-Strada 720: It stands out and is unique, drives well and doesn't cost the earth - the KTM X-Strada 720 should inspire many Gravel fans. And even if it showed weaknesses here and there in the test, it left a very pleasant overall impression. Racing bike, mountain bike, E-MTB - when it comes to sporty bikes, […]
Leave a Comment