Velo Reviews the Obed GVR: The Future of Gravel
Photo: Max Barron/Velo
Velo set out to answer one big question at their gravel field test in Squamish, BC: What does the future of gravel look like? The Obed GVR sat at the center of the conversation. After a week of hammering it on Squamish’s technical roots and rock, their verdict was clear: the GVR is “a true progressive gravel race bike.” Let's take a look at what they loved about our pride and joy!
Built around big tires, not just compatible with them
Plenty of gravel bikes can squeeze in a 50mm tire. The most progressive bikes fit 2.2"+ MTB tires. Velo liked that the GVR goes even a bit further: its whole geometry is designed around that tire. The long wheelbase, slack front end, and generous reach add up to a bike that feels planted and composed when the trail gets loose.
A climber’s platform
On the uphills, the Velo's reviewers loved how stable the GVR felt. The long chassis gave them a solid platform to put power down without fussing over every line. Paired with the DT Swiss suspension fork and its remote lockout, the bike let them increase comfort and capability in the chunk, then lock it out for smoother sections and climbs. On rough terrain, one tester said the GVR lets you ride more like "a sledgehammer and less of like a machete,” tracking straight through roots and rocks where rigid bikes struggled.
Confidence when it points downhill
The fine-tuned geometry excels on the descents. Velo found the GVR stable through loose, steep turns and composed at high speed. The fork smooths out the small ripples and chatter that rob you of traction, and the longer front center keeps the bike predictable even after one reviewer equipped the bike with a long and aggressive stem.
Your bike, your way
Because every Obed is built to order and sold direct, the reviewers kept coming back to how customizable the GVR is. With our custom bike builder, you can choose your groupset, cockpit, fork, and wheels to fit how you ride. From UDH to a Di2/cable port for 2x setups to extra top tube mounts to integrated or semi-integrated cockpit options to the T47 bottom bracket, the frame takes a “yes, and” approach. One Velo tester called this approach the future of how bikes will be sold. Obed is the future!
Race-ready
The biggest compliment? "It felt like a bike that was there with me when I needed to push." Velo’s reviewers all agreed that the GVR is a solid and efficient race platform, and one even plans to use it during his fall race calendar to take on Arizona’s chunky courses. If you want a fast, modern gravel bike for fast racing or big, rowdy days out, the GVR is ready to go.
Read the full review at Velo: https://velo.outsideonline.com/gravel/gravel-gear/obed-gvr-review/