The Merlin Malt G2X GRX is our top of the range aluminium gravel bike. Built to handle a wide variety of terrain including muddy trails, gravel tracks and green lanes. This flexibility allows you to combine roads with a wide variety of other more challenging forms of terrain. I decided to put the it to test as my Autumn/Winter Commuter and weekend adventure bike…
The Set up…
The Malt G2X features Mudguard & Rack Mounts if needed, but I decided to keep it as standard as I’d be using the bike on gravel/trails as well as the roads and cycle paths. The bike features flat-mounts for disc brakes and internal cable routing for brake and gear cables giving a cleaner, less cluttered look. Internal cable routing also offers enhanced protection from grit and grime, this means it’s cables will work smoothly for longer. I opted for a 53cm size frame (Height 5ft 11 for reference.)
How does it perform on the road?
The bike feels both light and efficient on the road and paved cycleways. Having come from a full carbon gravel bike I expected I may notice a weight difference but I was pleasantly surprised how agile the G2X felt. You obviously won’t get quite the same speed as a pure winter road bike with slick tyres but the comfortable geometry is a delight. I’ve been enjoying my time spent on the road and the added freedom of hopping off to opt for a quieter cycle route for parts of my commute.
Mixed Terrain Performance
When it comes to gravel and and trails the G2X really comes into it’s element. The carbon fork effectively reduces vibrations and smooths out the feel of whatever surfaces you are riding. Equipped with Shimano’s GRX groupset, shifting and braking instils confidence on challenging terrain. The frame can easily fit up to a 700c x 40mm tyre and the 35mm tyres as standard offer excellent grip in wet conditions and mud.
Versatility
The best part about this bike is just how well it performs on a range of surfaces. I really enjoyed choosing routes to ride on the G2X regardless of the weather or terrain, the bike really does inspire adventures. In addition, at the price it is, there is little competition in terms of a lightweight aluminium gravel bike that can do it all…
I can’t wait to take the bike on many adventures over the next few months!
If you would like to find out more on the Merlin Malt G2X Gravel bike click here or contact us via email: sales@merlincycles.com
