Test: Steel frames are heavy and sluggish and not good anyway! Anyone who claims something like this should take a look at the einhorn 200 gravelforce xcr. The made-to-measure frame made of stainless steel has a lot in stock and can be converted from a gravel bike to a gravel bike with a simple wheel change Racing bike repurpose. But see for yourself...
unicorn bikes – Nothing else but custom bicycles!
True to this motto, people have been working at einhorn bikes since it was founded in 2008. The aim is to create bikes that inspire, that move and that will accompany you for many years: A stainless steel racing bike that can be used to conquer the toughest passes Pinion 29er with belt drive for the perfect alpine cross or a gravel bike that turns familiar gravel roads into new racetracks.
Cycling is so diverse and every rider is very different, so why not the bikes too. This is exactly where the einhorn bikes concept comes in. Here they want to fill the tradition of hand-built, individual bikes with life again. The unicorns are built because cycling is a passion. Piece by piece, individually by hand, technically up-to-date down to the last detail, tailored to the future driver, because everyone is unique.
einhorn 200 gravelforce xcr – The steel racer in the Velomotion test
einhorn 200 gravelforce xcr – The frame
The heart of the einhorn 200 gravelforce xcr is the 1885 gram light stainless steel frame. Constructed from Columbus's legendary XCr stainless steel tubing, which is only available in limited quantities and on pre-order. The frame was made to measure from the tube set in Italy. In addition, a Columbus Futura Gravel full carbon fork is used, which offers enough space for significantly wider tires. The frame is kept in a simple steel look and knows how to convince with high-quality workmanship. So if you can decide on such an individual made-to-measure frame, which we will get your money's worth for many years thanks to its corrosion resistance and durability.
einhorn 200 gravelforce xcr – The equipment
Even if the einhorn 200 gravelforce xcr looks like a timeless classic, it still has all modern standards such as thru axles, 44mm head tube, internally routed cables and flatmount brake mounts in stock. The einhorn 200 is equipped with a standard Chris King headset, the Sram Force 1 Disc group and DT Swiss RC 28 Spline carbon wheels for the road or DT Swiss XMC 1200 with wide tires for off-road fun. In addition, there is a comfort-giving seat post and a stiff handlebar that is also comfortable over long distances - in both cases from bike ahead composites. The SRAM Force makes the unicorn a well-equipped all-rounder. With a front chainring and a 10-42 gear ratio you should be fine in most conditions.
The SRAM Force Discs also do a good job on any surface and in all situations, which not only makes for a lot of fun off-road, but also provides the necessary safety on wet roads.
einhorn 200 gravelforce xcr – individual driving fun?!
Earlier this year we had the pleasure of testing one of the high quality einhorn bikes, the einhorn 200 gravelforce xcr. As if the made-to-measure frame made of stainless steel wasn't special enough, with the einhorn 200 Gravelforce xcr we had the opportunity to turn the gravel racer into a speedy vehicle for the road by simply swapping out the wheels. This feature is extremely practical in winter, because you can simply “put on” the thicker tires when there is snow. But even so, you expand your field of application enormously and can have unlimited fun.
The einhorn 200 gravelforce xcr is just right for those who are undecided and for everyone who cannot or does not want to decide whether it should be the new racing bike or rather the gravel racer. We were completely flabbergasted right from the start when we picked up the bike in the Gravel version, because at a good 8 kilos (8,15 kg to be exact) it really is one of the lightweights in this category. And anyone who claims steel frames are sluggish hasn't ridden the einhorn yet.
With great rigidity that converts every step into propulsion and excellent handling, whether on the road or off-road, the einhorn 200 gravelforce xcr invites you to shoot. We had the most fun on short and crisp trips, where we didn't think long about the route, but could just start driving thanks to the great tires and the setup. And if it didn't go any further to the right, then just to the left.
Despite the high rigidity of the stainless steel frame, you don't have to miss out on any comfort. This is partly due to the bike ahead composites seat post, which also dampens properly on rough terrain and also to the comfortable cockpit. There are small deductions for the version on the road, since the frame is not exactly one of the most aerodynamic racers on the market. In addition, the simple SRAM Force offers a little too little range for our taste to have the perfect gear at every speed. Nevertheless, the entire setup is optimally chosen to cover the widest possible range of possible uses. Thumbs up for that!
Finally, some more good news: The einhorn 200 remains in the einhorn fleet and is available for test drives from sales partner Harald Hametner in Munich-West. But beware, there is an acute risk of addiction!
