Something strange happened to me in 2015.
After moving to a house that was across the street from a lake and realizing I needed a new way to get outdoors and exercise, I took up cycling in a way that I was not expecting. Suddenly, I found myself biking to a local coffeeshop — that was 10 miles up the road. I’d head out on bike trips at state parks in my area and cruise around for hours and hours on the bike paths.
It was something deep-seated from my teen years when I would bike to the mall with friends. I lived in the suburbs, so the mall was a good 10 miles away. I didn’t realize it at the time with a crappy Walmart brand 10-speed bike, but I was developing a passion for trail riding. That same passion resurfaced in 2015 and I’ve never looked back since.
Except for this summer. It all started with some pain in my stomach and eventually led to surgery and a long recovery. I had requested a review unit for the No. 22 Great Divide road bike long before I knew about the surgery. The good news is that this light and versatile bike, one of the best I have ever tested, put me back on the bike trail.
What makes the No. 22 Great Divide exceptional
When I rediscovered the biking of my youth, it was mostly related to the materials used in the bike. Many of us who bought Walmart bikes as kids don’t realize how high tech a road bike can be — essentially so light and fun to ride that you barely notice the bike is there after a few hundred miles. I own a nice Specialized bike but it is nothing like the Great Divide.
I was not too familiar with the brand but I’m hooked. One key spec is related to the all-weather tires. I can attest to the grip and stability, since I rode in a few rainstorms here and there. There’s absolutely nothing sticking out and protruding on this bike since the cables all run inside the frame itself. It’s clean like the Ferrari it is — fast and ready for long rides.
Speaking of a Ferrari, that’s one comparison I’d make for another reason: the Great Divide has no accouterments or frills, it is designed for pure cycling. I’ve always been amazed at how some Ferrari cars don’t have a radio for the same reason. You just want to get out there and go.
For handling, the Great Divide is pure joy. I kept wanting to go fast and it’s honestly built for that dynamic. Light, streamlined — no extras to get in the way.
Why the No. 22 Great Divide is a favorite
I test a lot of bikes including many electric models. Last year I spent too much time on electrics but lately I’ve been pedaling under my own power more and more. The flat-mount disc brakes of the Disc version provide quick stopping power which came in handy a few times. The titanium frame made it much easier to ride without any wobble or a feeling of instability. It’s a solid bike.
My favorite spec on this bike is the durability. Titanium is rated to last for a very long time so it’s an investment at just under $6,000. If I owned the bike I would feel like I have a long rider that will last for a decade and barely notice any grime, rain, dirt, or muck. It’s a personal favorite.