We take a closer look at our Bike of the Week – the Felt Broam 30 with the new Shimano 12-Speed GRX groupset. A solid option for any rider looking for a multi-use bike for adventure or commuting duties.
The Broam is from Felt’s Adventure line of bicycles, and this one in particular in ‘Caramel’ colourway features Shimano’s latest 12-speed GRX gravel groupset with a double chainset. With a huge range of gears, this is a bike that is equally at home on any gravel ride, or could be a fantastic commuting option. GRX needs no introduction. It was developed specifically for the rough and tough riding that gravel demands. The full hydraulic Flat Mount brakes are super powerful, and the gear change is slick and easy to use. The hoods fit nicely in the palm of your hands and the overall experience of the new 12-speed GRX is positive.
The frame itself is Felt’s own ‘Superlite’ aluminium and is matched to a carbon-bladed adventure fork with bosses for fitting cages and bags ready for any adventure. There are multiple mounting options on the downtube and toptube, as well as bosses for mudguards and pannier racks. This really is a super adaptable bike and one that will suit so many riders.
Out riding the bike, the position is relaxed and comfortable. It’s quick to cover ground on tarmac thanks to the sensibly specced 40mm Maxxis Refuse tyre which provide good traction and absorb road bumps and potholes well. It is however out on the gravel tracks that the bike really shines and I had great fun riding across the moors of Rivington putting the bike through it’s paces. It felt fun to ride, yet more than capable when pointed through some rougher rocky sections thanks to the wide handlebars.
The Broam 30 is a fantastic bike and one that I had great fun riding. If you’re looking for a bike that has ‘many hats’, the Felt Broam 30 is one bike that should definitely be on your radar.
Get the full specification on the Felt Broam 30 here
Revealing the UK’s Most Beautiful Gravel Cycling Trails – Read our Blog here
How does the Broam 30 compare with the Felt Breed 30 GRX gravel bike which I’ve had my eye on? I’d like to do some trips across Europe (on reasonable roads) so I’d appreciate your thoughts/ advice.
The
Hi Ross
The biggest difference is the geometry of the 2 bikes. The Broam offers a more relaxed riding position – taller in the headtube and shorter in top tube length – so for a European tour I think it would be much more suited.
Hi, nice review of the Broam. I was just wondering how tall are you? and what size frame did you ride?.
Kind regards
Stuart
Hi Stuart,
Thanks for the comment. I’m 6ft and was riding a 56cm.
Andy
Hi Andy,
Many thanks for the reply. That’s brill bcos I’ve just ordered one from you online.
Thanks again,
Stu