Conway is part of the German giant Hartje. Company with 127 years of history specializing in distribution for both two and four wheels. A Colossus that has several brands in its portfolio, some directly controlled, others that may have more independence. Conway belongs to this second category of companies.
As we said, it is a completely independent brand, managed by product manager Thomas Farbacher. Who personally takes care of the development of the new bikes and bases a large part of his work on direct experience (in summary, he is an old-fashioned guy who rides his prototypes and sets them up with his own hands,
Conway shouldn't be perceived as the usual German brand, because for all models the design and development are done entirely in-house. Obviously then the frames are produced outside Europe, but everything is conceived in Germany and each project is exclusive to Conway.
THE TEST
Warm autumn and clement weather made it possible to use this gravel bike intensely. I've been in the Novara hills, along the Toce river and around Lake Orta, trying to take the Conway grv 6.0 in most situations typical of the Gravel world.
A bike designed for long distances, with multiple attachment points for bags and a comfortable position. The geometries seem oriented towards a more road use or on sections with smooth and compact surfaces. This feature is perceived well in relaunching or in general when pedaling standing up. A well-extended position makes long excursions comfortable, distributing the weight of the body well between the saddle support and the arms.
The gap between the front wheel and the toe guarantees the necessary ease even in the tightest bends, thus preventing contact between the parts, allowing greater handling in any situation.
The balance of the saddle is good, which maintains the right balance between comfort and performance, without exceeding the 'cushion' effect; the generous handlebar padding also helps in shock absorption.
UPHILL
The gearing is ideal for all-round use, 46-30 at the front and 32 as the major sprocket is sufficient for most climbs. Wanting to be fussy, maybe you could have dared a little more by switching to a 36, in order to save your leg on longer laps.
The riding position allows for good distribution of effort throughout the ride; from this point of view, both the geometry of the seat tube and the lateral stiffness are excellent. As mentioned, the somewhat closed corners guarantee good stability even when standing up to relaunch or just to change position during a particularly long ascent.
ON THE PLAIN
The bike flows like a pleasure. Despite the tessellated covers it manages to maintain a high cruising speed. This is thanks to the smoothness of the hubs and the design of the frame. Absolute speed shouldn't be a fundamental element in a Gravel, but it is also true that a smoother vehicle can mean less travel time or less physical effort.
THE DIRT ROAD
The downside of a snappy frame is a certain amount of stiffness when the road gets rougher. On well-pressed white roads this Conway travels wonderfully. As far as grip is concerned, the choice of Continental Terra Grips helped a lot. In autumn the ground is particularly slippery, but thanks to these tires I was able to climb everywhere with due safety. In addition to the grip, the shock absorption index is also high, a quality that allows you to smooth out the structural rigidity.
PROJECTED IMPACT
The gravel world is constantly evolving. Part lifestyle and part experiential travel. A growing segment with a very large potential pool of sportsmen and women. The extensive network of driveways of our plain is the favorite ground for this way of interpreting the two wheels.
But Gravel can also interest road riders who are looking for a vehicle with greater comfort and stability or who wish to be able to expand their opportunities. in fact, the more open geometries compared to a traditional road bike make it safer in every situation
This Conway in my opinion is positioned in this range. The biker who wants a valid vehicle on the road, with which, however, to escape the monotony of bitumen in almost all situations. An interesting quality-price ratio and a sober livery that recalls the stylistic canons of the segment, make this Grv 6.0 a valid choice, both for those who interpret the bike as a tool for well-being and for those who want to have an extra means with which to discover nature.
Conway is a trademark distributed by 4guimp.
