Introducing the Standert Kieswerk: A Versatile and Affordable Aluminium Gravel Bike
Tired of high-end gravel bikes lacking adequacy for rough terrains? Look no further than Standert's Kieswerk for authentic outdoor journeys.
The Standert Kieswerk, an innovative gravel bike from the Berlin-based boutique brand, is making waves in the cycling world. This aluminium bike, built with a 6061 T6 recycled aluminium frame and a full carbon fork, offers a balance of performance, durability, and practicality at a competitive price.
The Kieswerk boasts a claimed frame weight of 1,544g for a size 54, and it accommodates 50mm tyre clearance on 700c wheels. This allows for the use of wider gravel tires, enhancing comfort and grip. The bike is equipped with numerous mounts for racks, bags, mudguards, and bottles, making it a versatile choice for commuting, bikepacking, or gravel racing.
The drivetrain options include a Shimano GRX 600 12-speed mechanical and a higher-end SRAM Apex AXS electronic variant. Pricing starts at €2,449 for the GRX build and rises to €3,249 for the Apex AXS build.
Advantages of the Standert Kieswerk
Compared to carbon gravel race bikes, the Kieswerk offers several advantages. It is significantly cheaper than many carbon bikes, making it a great value choice for riders seeking a high-spec gravel bike without the premium cost of carbon.
The abundance of mounts and wide tire clearance make the Kieswerk more versatile than some carbon race-focused gravel bikes, which may prioritize weight and stiffness over utility features. The aluminium frame also provides greater durability and sustainability benefits since it’s largely made from recycled materials and is highly recyclable, unlike carbon frames.
While carbon frames excel in stiffness-to-weight ratio and vibration damping for racing performance, the Kieswerk’s aluminium construction is somewhat heavier but offers robustness and practical versatility. Some carbon race bikes, such as those referenced in other gravel bike comparisons, are more aero and lighter but less rugged or with fewer mounts for luggage.
Future-Proof Design and Versatile Purpose
The Kieswerk is designed for various purposes, including quick gravel loops, weekday commuting, and more adventurous rides. It features 'future-proofing' with a T47 bottom bracket and a Universal Derailleur Hanger (UDH).
Initially, the Kieswerk is being offered in complete builds only. Customers can choose between a Sram Apex AXS-equipped bike with a Scope R2.0 carbon wheelset, 45mm Pirelli Cinturato Adventure TLR tyres, and a Deda cockpit, or a Shimano GRX build with mechanical shifting and a DT Swiss G1800 wheelset.
When retired, the Kieswerk can join the cycle of recycling. The bike is equipped with mounts for fenders, a rear rack, a top tube bag, and an additional bottle cage mount on the underside of the downtube.
In summary, the Standert Kieswerk aluminium gravel bike offers a compelling choice for riders who want a do-it-all bike suitable for gravel races, bikepacking, and commuting. It provides significant versatility and value compared to pricier carbon gravel race bikes that often focus more narrowly on lightweight racing performance. Standert's mission, to build bikes that make riding enjoyable, is evident in the Kieswerk's design and purpose.
This Standert Kieswerk, a versatile and affordable aluminum gravel bike, not only excels in gravel racing but also transcends into home-and-garden territory with its wide tire clearance and numerous mounts for racks, bags, and mudguards, making it suitable for commuting and bikepacking. Its future-proof design, featuring a T47 bottom bracket and a Universal Derailleur Hanger (UDH), even allows for easy adaptation should the rider's lifestyle evolve.
With the addition of fenders, a rear rack, a top tube bag, and an additional bottle cage mount on the underside of the downtube, the Standert Kieswerk presents an eco-friendly and sustainable lifestyle choice for riders, as the aluminum frame is largely made from recycled materials and is highly recyclable, contrasting carbon frames in this regard.
