It's no secret that with the proliferation of specialty bikes for various disciplines that many riders' bike wish list, if not their actual bike collections, can grow out of control. And for those that have or are strongly considering a bike for gravel racing or adventure riding, the cost consideration can be one, if not the, determining factor on whether or not to even get an additional bike, much less how to equip it.
Devinci Hatchet SX gravel bike. Sea Otter Classic 2016. © Cyclocross Magazine
Devinci Bikes is offering up reasonably priced gravel bikes, such as its Hatchet SX gravel bike, for those considering adding a bike to the quiver. We looked at the flagship "Open Road" Hatchet SX last fall and got another look at the 2016 Sea Otter Classic. At first pass the Hatchet SX could be confused with the company's Tosca SX cyclocross bike, given the identical color way. But the Hatchet SX sports a more slopping top tube and geometry differences that separate it from its 'cross racing sibling.
Companies have different interpretation on what gravel geometry should be, some feel it should be more road bike-like than a cyclocross bike, while others feel it should be slacker and more relaxed than a 'cross rig. Devinci takes more of the latter approach, but its Hatchet SX has longer chainstays, lower bottom bracket, shorter top tube, and slacker head angle than its Tosca SX cyclocross bike.
External cable routing on the fork and room for 40c tires on the Hatchet SX. Sea Otter Classic 2016. © Cyclocross Magazine
The Hatchet SX is the top-end alloy bike in the Devinci's All Road bike line-up. With a retail price of $1,399 USD it features a SRAM Rival 1 drivetrain with a 44 tooth front ring mated to an 11-26 Rival cassette. The bike rolls on Schwalbe's G-One gravel tire mounted on V2 Pro DB rims with Formula hubs. TRP's Spyre discs handle stopping duties while the cockpit components, like the wheels, are from Devinci.
The alloy frame can fit tires up to 40c and features rack and fender mounts for all conditions riding. The frame is paired with a full carbon fork and comes in five sizes.
More info: devinci.com
The Hatchet SX’s versatility is evident with its rack and fender mounts and room for wide rubber. Sea Otter Classic 2016. © Cyclocross Magazine
