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The missing piece of the puzzle…
Although Sonder, the cycling arm of Alpikit, has only been around since 2015, they have lost no time in developing a comprehensive range of adventure biased bikes.
The new Santiago is the first steel bike in the lineup, joining titanium, carbon and alloy stablemates.
Designed as a modern take on the classic steel touring bike, the Santiago is ideal for long days or heavy loads! No prizes for guessing the Camino de Santiago was an inspiration for Sonder’s design team!
Sram Rival with 700c wheel option
Classic lines, modern features
The frame geometry is road biased, but with clearances for 700 x 37c or 650b x 47c tyres the Santiago is ready for the rough stuff. Alongside a choice of wheels, you can also select between two colours, flat or drop bars and both 1x and 2x drivetrains. If you don’t want a complete build, Santiago framesets will be available in both colours.
Ready for action
Steel is a firm favourite for tourers and adventure riders. The main attractions of steel are toughness, ease of repair and compliant ride.
Sonder have opted for air hardened Reynolds 631 for the main triangle, and chromoly for the rear triangle and forks. As befits a tourer, the frame features rack and guard mounts and multiple bottle cage bosses. I am sure many will welcome the threaded bottom bracket shell!
As ultimate stiffness isn’t a requirement for a tourer, the Santiago has a straight 1 1/8″ steerer. Looking close up there are a number of neat details, post-mount brakes, dynamo routing on the fork, braze on front mech and a smart, integrated, seat collar.
Sonder’s R&D for the Santiago included a tour of North Wales in the hands of Grace Lambert-Jones and Rich Seipp which you can read about HERE.
Sonder are taking pre-orders for framesets and complete builds now, with delivery expected in 6-8 weeks. While they list a series of suggested specs, bikes are made to order so they will happily discuss custom builds.
Frame Spec
- Reynolds 631 steel, cold worked & air hardened front triangle
- Chromoly fork and rear stays
- Straight headtube (EC34) to fit 1 1/8” fork with multiple rack and boss mounts and routing for dynamo cables.
- 68 mm BSA threaded BB
- 100 mm front, 135 mm rear QR dropouts
- Standard 160 mm post mount disc brakes
- Full rack/guard mounts
- Tyre clearance for 700 x 37 mm, 650b x 47 mm tyre
Framesets in either colour are £399. Full builds range from £1099 for a flat bar Santiago with Apex 1 or up to £1549 for a Rival 22 hydraulic brake equipped bike.
Last modified: 17th February 2019
