Sonder Camino Ti evaluate: versatile, sturdy and enjoyable, it is our Gravel Bike of the Yr

First launched in 2016 Sonder Camino Ti has been round for so long as Sonder itself. From then till now it stays probably the most common bikes within the vary and one that’s ceaselessly advisable on many a “what gravel bike…?” thread.

It’s properly considered at Biking Weekly too, again in 2020 we topped it with our Editor’s Selection Award. There have been a number of modifications to the Camino’s design since then so it looks like time to see the way it performs on this 12 months’s Gravel Bike of the Yr testing.

The development

For this 12 months we had the titanium-framed model of the Camino which appears stunning, there’s simply one thing straight tubes with a uncooked end that’s onerous to beat (and that’s not simply because they’re very easy to wash). There’s additionally the benefit of the end being way more sturdy to put on and tear than a painted or carbon body, an actual bonus in case you’re wanting so as to add baggage. The alloy model can be obtainable in case your funds is extra modest (body solely Ti £1,999, alloy £599).

To maintain the clear look the cabling runs internally by way of the down tube. To make servicing faster and simpler there’s an entry hatch beneath the underside bracket shell so you’ll be able to re-cable with out the necessity for specialist instruments. There are extra cable ports to run numerous shifter/mech mixtures in addition to a dropper put up and an array of mounts. The positioning of the seat tube mounts on the small body means you’ll be able to’t match a 600ml bottle in case you’re operating an ordinary body bag beneath the highest tube.

The Camino is unashamedly a motorcycle that’s designed for technical gravel as a lot as long-distance adventures. That is mirrored within the geometry, the wheelbase (small body, 1050mm) and chainstays (434mm) are longer than many of the different bikes in our check and the pinnacle angle slacker too (69^o). The stack is comparatively excessive to permit a extra upright and comfy place for longer days within the saddle (attain 380mm, stack 564mm). You too can match as much as 50mm 700cc tyres or 650b wheels with 2.2” tyres if you wish to push the Camino’s technical skills.

There’s an enormous alternative of construct choices for the Camino, within the titanium mannequin alone there are 11 (plus body solely) listed on the web site and every might be tailor-made to the precise specification you would like. That a lot alternative will both excite or terrify you, both approach, it’s not as sophisticated because it sounds.

The important thing distinction between the fashions is the drive practice with just about each stage of SRAM XPLR, SRAM Street, Shimano GRX and Shimano Street obtainable to decide on together with 1x, 2x, mechanical and digital. Campagnolo Ekar can be an choice.

When you’ve chosen your drive chain mannequin that fits your model, gearing and funds you’ll be able to just about select all of the remaining elements or stick to the usual construct. A few of the modifications are like for like so don’t incur extra expenses, others are upgrades. This inexpensive customisation can be a function of the Cotic Cascade. For the Camino, you’ll be able to even ask Sonder to construct the bike with your personal sourced elements, with the value lowered accordingly.