Test Kettler Scinto Sport 2.0: You wouldn't necessarily have expected a gravel bike from the pioneer of the aluminum frame. But as a versatile everyday bike with racing handlebars and a compact sitting position, the Kettler Scinto is quite interesting and practical - not only for young parents, who should particularly like the integrated trailer hitch.
For decades, racing handlebars remained in their sporting niche. Everyday bikes with the bracket were in short supply, and for good reason: It took forever for racing brake handles to become reasonably ergonomic, then new frame geometries had to be developed that allowed a more upright sitting position. And finally, disc brakes were needed, which allowed modern braking performance and wider tires.
Kettler Scinto - a gravel bike for everyday riders
All of this led to the gravel bike, which is now also used by many cyclists in everyday life - whether as a randonneur with full equipment or sporty with a backpack instead of a carrier and battery lights. This is where the problem comes in that many Gravellers still have a very sporty cut, and not everyone likes a stretched sitting position with low handlebars. But with the Scinto Sport 2.0, Kettler brings an alternative into play that is much more suitable for everyday use and is aimed at cyclists who may not have had their focus on a gravel bike before.
The company, which once created the first production aluminum frame and also offered racing bikes for a time, specializes primarily in everyday bikes; With the Scinto, there is now a drop bar bike in the range that seems to have been made for brisk progress between daycare, work and leisure. A coupling adapter is fitted, which is tailored to the child trailers offered by Kettler and should please sporty parents; a side stand can also be attached here.
Kettler Scinto: Gravel bike with trailer hitch
There are also a total of 17 threaded inserts on the frame plus two on each of the rear dropouts, three on each fork leg and five more on the fork - for various bottle holders, luggage mounts, mudguards, a front light and even a strap on the top tube, under which you can put a jacket, for example can jam. The fork is also prepared for the passage of a dynamo cable, and last but not least there are two large threads for a front luggage rack under the logo on the head tube. This means that the Kettler can be equipped with add-ons to suit your personal use to your heart's content; this also gives the manufacturer the opportunity to offer fully equipped variants of the Scinto.
Comfortable sitting posture
The brake line and gear cable run through the stem into the head tube, but could also be routed into the down tube. With a short stem and wide handlebars the Kettler can be controlled easily and safely; The Shimano GRX 810, with its 1×11 gears, is very easy to use - there is no place for fear of contact, even if you have never sat on a racing bike. The weight of around 10,5 kilos without pedals will seem very low to everyday cyclists and will not be uncomfortable even for experienced gravellers when riding. And while the former may experience for the first time how much riding fun a sports bike suitable for everyday use can be, the latter will be happy to be able to transfer their cycling hobby into everyday life with the Scinto.
Is the Kettler Scinto a new type of gravel bike?
To describe the Kettler as a new type of gravel bike might be going too far, but in its focus on everyday use it is very unique and eludes a direct comparison with other concepts. That's also not bad because the bike is rather expensive for the technology on offer. But at least it makes up for the price with great versatility.
