Test: The company, which specializes in steel frames, has its roots in the touring bike sector, which can be seen in some details in the Rennstahl 991 Gravel. Nevertheless, the shiny metallic wheel can be moved in a sporty manner.
When it comes to steel frames, many people think of classic to old-fashioned materials, but of course there is another way: Rennstahl, the sister brand of titanium forge Falkenjagd, manufactures state-of-the-art steel frames with all current assembly standards. Internal cables and thru-axles, PressFit bottom bracket housing and Flatmount brake sockets also adorn the 991 Gravel, which differs from the steel frames of many other manufacturers in one important respect: It is also made of stainless steel, which makes painting unnecessary and the unique look possible.
The frame is complemented by a titanium fork, whereby the two materials can only be identified by the welds and also say something about the philosophy behind them. Because the Falkenjagd team wanted to use Rennstahl to create more affordable variants of its noble titanium frames - a bit heavier, but very close in terms of character, appearance and driving characteristics.
Closely related to the titanium wheel
That being said, it becomes clear that the 991 Gravel is quite closely related to the Falkenjagd gravel bike. Especially on the main frame, the tubes of the steel model are smaller; As far as mounting options are concerned, the Rennstahl is also closely based on classic touring bikes, can be equipped with a rear carrier, mudguards and lowrider on the fork and even with a side stand.
The slim bike with the lasered lettering is visually pleasing, especially since the material clearly shows all the components, such as the milled mounts for the quick-release axles, the welded frames for the cable inlets or the steel plate that sits between the chainstay and the bottom bracket housing and ensures tire clearance. The 40 Schwalbe have plenty of space all around and 50 mm wide 650B tires can also be fitted.
| frame | Rennstahl stainless steel |
| suspension fork | Falconry Titan |
| Wheels | Tune King/Kong |
| Tubes | Schwalbe G-One Allround |
| derailleur | Campagnolo Record |
| Gear levers | Campagnolo Record |
| Crank | Campagnolo Record 50/34T |
| Front derailleur | Campagnolo Record |
| Brake | Campagnolo Record |
| Seat post | Tune |
| Saddle | Tune Comm-Vor |
| Stem | Falconry Titan |
| Links | Syntace Racelite |
Rennstahl and Falkenjagd are also similar in terms of geometry, with the former having a slightly longer head tube and a slightly steeper steering angle. In practice, this is not particularly noticeable, especially since the 991 Gravel, like its titanium cousin, is as smooth-running as it is handy and appeals with a balanced sitting position. With a 30 mm spacer under the stem, you sit more upright on the racing steel; sporty riders could wish for a little more weight on the front wheel. Of course, at almost ten kilos, the racing steel is not exactly light, but it is very agile and lively.
High quality completion
The completion of the test model is based more on the racing bike than on the gravel bike with a Campagnolo Super Record, whose 2×12 gears are tuned rather long - 50/34 teeth at the front and an 11-29 cassette at the back. The flat carbon components not only impress visually; The option of shifting up five gears at once and the brakes bite hard but are extremely easy to control is noticeable. The construction with Campagnolo Ekar, which Rennstahl offers for 500 euros less, would be a little more obvious. The group is supplemented by a fairly light Tune wheel set, whose Schwalbe G-One Allround once again bridges the gap between racing bike and gravel bike; Tune also contributes the super light, yet fairly comfortable saddle.
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