Viathon Launches New Direct-to-Consumer G1 Carbon Gravel Bike

Updated, 4/9. Over the past several years, Canyon Bikes has gotten attention for its direct-to-consumer model that allows it to sell high-end bikes at competitive price points. Companies like Raleigh and DiamondBack have also embraced the model. The savings come from consumers completing the final assembly and cutting out local retailers’ costs, but at the expense of their expertise, service and convenience.

It’s not a model for everyone, but one that is growing in popularity. Today, Viathon launched as a new direct-to-consumer carbon bike company. Interestingly, a quick trademark search shows that Viathon is backed by Wal-Mart, and the Arkansas company holds the trademarks to the Viathon brand name.

Viathon’s staff is made up of bike industry veterans, and the company has partnered with Kevin Quan Studios for its design and engineering.

The company’s launch includes three bikes: the G1, R1 and M1 for, aptly, gravel, road and mountain biking, respectively.

We take a first look at the Viathon G1 available in three different builds ahead of the 2019 Sea Otter Classic trade show.

[caption id="attachment_133573" align="aligncenter" width="900"] The G1 is a new direct-to-consumer gravel bike. Viathon G1 Gravel Bike Launch[/caption]

Viathon G1 Gravel Bike

The G1 gravel bike has a carbon frame that boasts a claimed sub-1,000g weight, and a carbon gravel fork that is flat mount disc. The frame includes an oversized bottom bracket for increased stiffness and internal cable routing throughout.

[caption id="attachment_133570" align="aligncenter" width="900"] The G1 features an oversized BB for increased stiffness. Viathon G1 Gravel Bike Launch[/caption]

Similar to most gravel bikes these days, the G1 has rear rack and fender mounts and mounts for bags or a rack on the fork.

The geometry on the G1 is similar to an all-road bike, with a 72-degree head tube angle on a 56cm frame. The BB drop is 6.9cm, the chainstays are 42.5cm long and the wheelbase comes in at 102.4cm. The stack on the 56cm frame is 58.2cm and the reach is 38.8cm.

Like other gravel bikes we have seen, the Viathon G1 uses a dropped drive-side chainstay for more tire clearance. Viathon claims clearance for 700c x 51mm and 650b x 53mm tires.

[caption id="attachment_133571" align="aligncenter" width="1140"] The G1 gravel bike has a dropped chainstay for increased clearance. Viathon G1 Gravel Bike Launch[/caption]

The G1 comes in three builds. The G1 Force is $3,550, the G1 Ultegra is $3,300 and the G1 105 is $2,300. The frameset alone costs $2,000.

[caption id="attachment_133574" align="aligncenter" width="900"] The highest-end build of the G1 has a SRAM Force 1 drivetrain. Viathon G1 Gravel Bike Launch[/caption]

The brakes on all three models are hydraulic disc.

Each build comes with HED Ardennes LT alloy tubeless clinchers that have a claimed weight of 1,549g. The bikes ship with 700c x 35mm Continental CycloX King tires, which is a curious choice since the tires have been discontinued and are a folding bead clincher.

[caption id="attachment_133586" align="aligncenter" width="1140"] The G1 Force comes with Continental CycloX King folding-bead tires and HED Ardennes alloy tubeless clinchers. Viathon G1 Gravel Bike Launch[/caption]

For more on the new bikes, see the specs for the G1 Force and photo gallery below.

Viathon G1 Force Gravel Bike Specs

Price: $3,550
Shift/Brake Levers: SRAM Force HRD
Calipers: SRAM Force HRD
Crankset: SRAM Force 1
Chain Ring: SRAM X-Sync, 42t
Rear Derailleur: SRAM Force 1
Cassette: SRAM PG-1175, 10-42t
Wheels: HED Ardennes LT, alloy tubeless clincher
Tires: Continental CycloX King, folding bead, 700c x 35mm
Handlebar: Zipp Service Course SL-70
Stem: Zipp Service Course SL 81
Seatpost: Zipp Service Course SL 81, zero offset
Saddle: Fizik Aliante R3
More Info: viathonbicycles.com

Photo Gallery: Viathon G1 Carbon Gravel Bike