One of the most exciting stages of testing Koloride bikes was leaving the workshop and starting the trial rides. Since Polish winter chills limit the duration of training sessions, we decided to conduct performance tests in a more favorable climate. We headed to the Canary Islands, where not only the sun awaited us but also diverse terrain.
Gran Canaria: a cyclist-friendly island
Let’s start with the fact that Gran Canaria is a very cyclist-friendly island, and we covered over 600 km in just a few days. The choice of routes is enormous. Smooth roads prevail, but there are also alternative, winding roads that are a true paradise for gravel enthusiasts.
Hello, adventure!
Although we are fans of the motto “Hello, Adventure,” with limited time, we focused on seeing a few absolute top scenic spots. Fortunately, in the age of digitization, route planning just before hitting the road is no problem at all (thanks to Strava or Garmin Connect).
The winding serpentines of climbs and the thrill of descents
What stuck in our memory the most was the winding road among the Canary Island pines leading to the highest peak of the island, Pico de las Nieves, where it’s worth looking towards the incredible, moon-like rock formation of Roque Nublo. During the descent, we made a pit stop overlooking the green crater of the inactive volcano Caldera de Bandama, where sheep now graze.
Due to the island’s mountainous terrain, during one ride, we could see several natural zones, which undoubtedly adds charm to this island. In total, we climbed over 8000 meters. Of course, the best thing about climbs is that after a hard and long ascent, there’s always a brilliant bonus in the form of descents. Swift cornering and speeds of 70-80 km/h are good motivation to climb up again.
Cycling is also a good excuse to try the local cuisine.
Regular stops for coffee, pastries, and ice cream were part of our rides, as well as more substantial dishes such as Papas Arrugadas con Mojo – small, delicious potatoes cooked in their skins served with coarse salt and spicy herbal sauces, along with other local tapas, like Spanish snacks such as fried padrón peppers.
In summary, the Koloride tests on the Canary Islands were an exceptional adventure for us.
It’s truly an amazing feeling to ride a bike that you’ve designed yourself. We subjected it to rigorous criticism and identified every potential flaw. We were pleased with many aspects. The frame geometry proved crucial for comfort during long rides, and the electric assistance in shifting added smoothness to the ride. Well-chosen parameters and equipment. And the design, especially the frame painting, caught the attention of Canary Island cyclists.
Now we know that Koloride bikes are ready for anything, from road sprints on smooth surfaces to rough and rugged gravel paths.
For those hungry for technical details:
- Our beloved prototype was assembled with a full electric SRAM Apex XPRL AXS 12-speed drivetrain (11-44T)
- Koloride cycling frame
- Lightweight aluminum Mavic Allroad Gravel SL wheels
- Michelin Power Gravel Competition Line tires
- Stiff carbon fork
- Fizik Terra Argo X3 saddle
- Zipp Service Course 70 XPRL handlebar
One bike, endless experiences!
