|
REVOLUTION
COUNTRY REVIEW
CYCLING PLUS: JUNE 2006
Revolution
Country £399
'... but if all of this is starting to sound like a bit much cash, it's
just as well that touring is a great way to get yourself a cheap holiday
and recoup some of that money. Or you could try the Revolution Country.
At just £399 it shows you don't need to spend a fortune to get
a properly equipped, capable touring bike. First tested under the Edinburgh
Country badge in 2001, last year's model sold like hot cakes. This year's
follows a similar bargain price formula, albeit with an aluminium frame.
Frame 8/10
Although we like to recommend steel frames when it comes to touring,
a properly built aluminium frame will do the job too, as testified by
the many continental European tourers who crop up all over the world.
Aluminium frames are also considerably cheaper to build these days,
which helps the Country weigh in at such a reasonable price and shed
a few grams in the process too. There's a replaceable mech hanger, so
pack yourself a spare one when you go travelling. Geometry is comfortably
upright, with a generous headtube and a short top tube that ensures
a soak-up-the-views ride position. There's ample room for a 38c tyre,
a sloping top tube for easier getting on and off, and a lower bottom
bracket for stability when stopping - a fully loaded bike can need some
taming at the lights. Although the 7005 tubing is basic, it's been manipulated
at the bottom bracket to increase the weld area, and there's an open
gusset at the headtube to improve lateral stiffness, which is also helped
by its semi compact design. There's provision for 3 bottles, and there
are secure pannier bosses and mudguard eyelets. The fork also features
mounts for low riders and mudguards for the size of the frame, a couple
of extra spacers' worth of extra steerer length might have been a nice
idea.
Handling 9/10
Although the Country takes a bit of effort to kick up to speed, once
there it surprised us by how nicely it glides along. Steering is on
the slower, more stable side, as befits a touring bike of this style
- if you're new to carrying a week's worth of touring kit, it won't
surprise you on a fast descent or a tight bend. Load it up with 20kgs
of kit, and there's no waver in the frame. What's more, it's not even
close to having any toe overlap, even with its wide tyres and mudguards.
This will suit those new to cycling, and means it translates well to
commuting duties too.
Equipment 8/10
When it comes to the Country, the drivetrain is on the basic side, with
a Shimano eight speed cassette and a SunTour triple. A 32T sprocket
means there's plenty of low gears to choose from and shifting is smooth
thanks to the Acera rear mech. A 48T outer chain ring translates to
a higher speed, useful when riding without baggage. We've always found
Sora shifters good value for money, with reliable indexing and a solid
build. Smaller hands will find the thumb shifter impossible to reach
from the drops, but on the hoods (which is generally where you'll be)
it's fine. We did feel the brakes were a little underpowered, particularly
the rear. We've used Tektro Oryx cantilevers before without a problem
- using a different pad may help. Likewise, the cross style levers on
the handlebars take some work. Handy for riding in an upright position,
they do get in the way of fitting a bar bag. The seat post is easily
adjusted and the comfortable Selle Italia FLX saddle is a good touch
too. Elsewhere, there's mudguards which are fairly rigid and an aluminium
rack rated to 25kg, with an integrated bungee that can be removed when
riding with panniers. No complaints for the money.
Wheels
7/10
The Revolution Country comes with a set of 36-spoke touring
wheels, built up around Shimano's RM40 hubs. But theres nothing wrong
with that - with a little TLC once in a while, these cup and cone hubs
should be good for many miles. Spokes are plain gauge to bring in the
budget, and rims are from Rigida, who have a good reputation for building
solid hoops. Zac 2000s are a mid weight rim with a double walled structure.
While there's no eyelets on these older models to spread weight (the
new ones do), the surfaces are plenty thick and there's a wear line
indicator.
Verdict
The Country confirms itself as the new standard bike for entry-level
tourers. But by entry level, we don't mean to undervalue its abilities.
This is a bike that gives far pricier models a decent run for their
money too and with improved braking, it would be even better. Aluminium
wouldn't be our first choice for touring, and in some ways it's a shame
to see the demise of steel from last year. This said, the 2006 model
is strong in all the right places, and for everything bar remote, back
of beyond exploration, we can't see this being a real problem for most
prospective tourers.
8/10
Less than £400 and the world's your oyster.... Say no more.'
Revolution Country '06 Receives Two Nominations From Cycling Plus Magazine
Our Revolution Country also received two nominations in Cycling Plus magazine's January 2007 round-up of the year.
'Budget Bikes
It's a tourer - the Revolution Country - that claims third place on our budget bikes podium. The stiff aluminium frame is not just ready for mudguards and a rear rack but equipped with them. Wide range 24-speed gearing is operated by Shimano Sora shifters, which are easy to use with your hands firmly on the brake hoods, and the cantilever brakes themselves have a pair of bar-top auxiliary levers, which is useful when you're riding on the tops in town and for controlling the bike when signalling. If you want a sub-£400 bike for touring and commuting, this is it.'
'Touring Bikes
The Revolution Country picks up our Bronze Award. This bike scored 8/10 in our test and we don't think there's a better way of discovering the world of touring on a budget. Well thought out and ready to ride.'
The Revolution Country costs £399. First and second places went to bikes that cost £1,199 and £1,940 respectively.
More
information on the Revolution
Country and to order.
|
