The dream of owning a brand-new, high-quality bicycle can often feel financially out of reach. Conventional wisdom in cycling circles often dictates that a worthwhile new bike demands a minimum $2,000 investment. Anything less, the narrative goes, will compromise component quality and lead to buyer’s remorse. However, the landscape of cycling is evolving, and Poseidon Bikes is challenging this notion head-on.
As the global pandemic spurred a surge in cycling interest, bike shop inventories dwindled, leaving many aspiring riders searching for accessible options. The burgeoning popularity of gravel riding, with its promise of outdoor exploration and versatile terrain, further fueled the demand for affordable gravel bikes. In a market often characterized by premium price tags, finding a budget-friendly entry point into gravel cycling became a significant hurdle.
Enter Poseidon Bikes, a direct-to-consumer company based in California, with a clear mission: “to change the tide of cycling by making high quality bicycles affordable for everyone.” This ethos resonates deeply with the growing community of riders seeking value without sacrificing performance. Among their offerings, the Poseidon Redwood gravel bike stands out as a compelling option for those looking to explore gravel roads and trails without breaking the bank.
Launched in the summer of 2020, the Redwood represents a robust evolution of Poseidon’s original gravel bike, the X. This model embodies the company’s commitment to creating bikes that cater to riders who are still defining their preferences in components and riding styles. Inspired by the adaptable spirit of 1980s mountain bikes often repurposed for drop-bar conversions, Poseidon designed the Redwood to be a versatile and capable machine at an accessible price point.
The Poseidon Redwood emerges as a $950 aluminum gravel bike, boasting disc brakes, thru-axles, and a component set that defies its price tag. Throughout the summer, the Redwood sparked curiosity among fellow cyclists, prompting inquiries about its identity and capabilities. Had the Redwood been available earlier, it would have been a top recommendation for those seeking an affordable and capable gravel bike during the 2020 bike boom. While it may not align with every seasoned gravel rider’s ultimate preferences, the Redwood undeniably delivers exceptional value and performance for its price.
First Impressions and Riding Experience on the Poseidon Redwood
Initial encounters with the Redwood evoke a mix of impressions, highlighting both minor drawbacks and noteworthy advantages. These elements, when considered in the context of the bike’s affordability and versatility, largely balance each other out.
The microSHIFT Advent X brifters, combining brake levers and shifters, presented an initial adjustment period in terms of comfort. Riding in the hoods felt somewhat awkward, with the lever reach angle positioned lower than ideal, initially impacting confidence. However, transitioning to riding in the drops significantly improved handling and control, likely due to a more advantageous braking angle. The plastic shifting levers exhibited a slightly clunky mechanical feel.
Despite these initial nuances, experience demonstrates that adaptation to any bike is inevitable, and minor quirks tend to fade into the background. This proved true with the Redwood. While the brifters’ feel wasn’t immediately captivating, the cable-actuated Tektro brakes and discs provided reliable stopping power, even on singletrack descents. Cable brakes, while contributing to the bike’s affordability, also offer a practical advantage for extended gravel rides, as they are generally easier to repair trailside compared to more complex hydraulic systems.
Considering its aluminum frame, the Redwood doesn’t necessarily qualify as lightweight. However, its weight is comparable to steel counterparts like a Surly, which typically command a higher price. The Redwood conveys a sense of sturdiness that surpasses some of its competitors in the same price range. The inclusion of internal cable routing is a surprising and welcome feature, enhancing the bike’s aesthetic and lending it a more premium appearance than its price suggests.
The Redwood features Poseidon’s proprietary Adventure Bars with a 24° flare. These bars excel in providing comfortable and stable handling, particularly when riding in the drops on steep descents. While the bike’s short stack and long reach might imply a racier geometry, the Adventure Bars contribute to a handling profile that prioritizes stability over nimble responsiveness. This combination suggests Poseidon’s intention to create a bike that appeals to a broad spectrum of riders venturing into gravel riding.
Equipped with 27.5 x 2.35in. tires, the Redwood exhibited some sluggishness on paved surfaces but delivered commendable grip on dirt and gravel terrains. In the context of steep trails and fire roads common in mountainous regions, the 11–48T cassette paired with a 38T chainring felt somewhat limiting. When tackling climbs alongside a rider on a dedicated mountain bike, the Redwood required noticeably more effort. An additional gear, or perhaps a double chainring setup, could enhance its climbing prowess. It’s important to remember that the Redwood is designed as a gravel plus bike, and the larger tires shouldn’t overshadow its gravel-oriented nature.
For scenarios like the rolling gravel roads of the Flint Hills in Kansas, the Redwood appears well-suited (although tire selection might need adjustment from the stock Kenda Kadre tires). The slightly extended chainstays contribute to enhanced stability at higher speeds, which proves advantageous on fast descents. Descending on the Redwood is a genuinely enjoyable experience, offering comfort and control.
The Redwood also demonstrates thoughtful design for customization, notably in its compatibility with dropbar dropper posts. Internal routing through the downtube is provided, and microSHIFT’s Advent line offers a left dropbar brake lever with an integrated dropper lever, seamlessly compatible with the Advent X setup found on the Redwood.
Upgrades and Ideal Rider Profile for the Poseidon Redwood
With a few strategic upgrades, the Poseidon Redwood has the potential to become a truly exceptional gravel bike. Upgrading the saddle and tires would yield significant improvements in comfort and performance. While personal preference might lean towards different brifters for enhanced comfort, the Advent X shifters on the Redwood provide a functional and cost-effective solution. The rims are tubeless-ready, and converting to a tubeless setup is highly recommended to further optimize ride quality and puncture resistance.
One aspect contributing to the Redwood’s affordability is the paint finish, which is less resistant to wear and tear. After consistent riding, minor paint chips, particularly around the headtube where cables can rub, may become noticeable. Investing in frame protection tape is advisable to mitigate this issue and preserve the bike’s appearance.
A notable strength of the Poseidon Redwood lies in its suitability as a foundation for a gravel touring bike. While distinct from dedicated touring bikes, the Redwood shares functional similarities with models like the Salsa Fargo, another drop-bar gravel touring bike with ample tire clearance. Although differing in geometry (the Fargo featuring a higher stack and suspension-corrected fork), both bikes are designed to confidently tackle diverse dirt road adventures. The Redwood, with its mountain bike-influenced design cues, is built for rugged exploration.
Equipped with three mounts on each fork leg and eyelets for a rear rack, the Redwood offers ample options for carrying panniers and cargo cages. Its design clearly prioritizes adventure, suggesting it could withstand demanding routes like the Great Divide for riders equipped for such challenges. Despite minor areas for potential improvement, the Poseidon Redwood stands out as a compelling recommendation for those seeking a “good, cheap gravel bike,” providing a gateway to accessible and adventurous cycling.
Poseidon Redwood Specifications:
Price: $950
Sizes available: XXS, XS, S, M, L, XL
Size tested: M
Weight: 27.9 lbs. (without pedals)
Test Bike Measurements
Stack: 570.7mm
Reach: 384.4mm
Head tube angle: 69.2°
Head tube length: 138mm
Seat tube length: 520mm
Seat tube angle: 73.5°
Top tube: 537mm
Top tube (effective): 553.5mm
Chainstays: 440mm
Bottom bracket drop: 63.4mm
Fork offset: 45mm
Wheelbase: 1164mm
Standover: 807.7mm
Specifications (as tested)
Frame: 6061 double-butted hydroformed aluminum, rack and fender mounts, two bottle mounts on size XXS, three on XS, S, and M, four on L and XL
Fork: 6061 aluminum, triple mounts, rack and fender mounts
Handlebar: Poseidon Adventure Bar, 24° flare, 31.8mm clamp, 460mm width
Stem: Hudski 50mm
Rear derailer: microSHIFT Advent X 10spd, clutch
Shifter: microSHIFT Advent X
Brake levers: microSHIFT Advent X
Brakes: Tektro MD-C550 mechanical disc
Rotors: Tektro 160mm
Bottom bracket: 73mm threaded, square taper
Crankset: Prowheel, 170mm, 38T
Cassette: microSHIFT Advent X, 10spd, 11–48T
Chain: KMC 10spd Headset: Sealed bearing
Seatpost: Promax Alloy 31.6mm with 20mm setback
Saddle: Poseidon X Hubs: Quanta, 100 x 12mm front, 142 x 12mm rear, thru-axles
Rims: 32h, Poseidon tubeless compatible
Tires: Kenda Kadre 27.5 x 2.35in.
Pedals: Platform
Gearing Range
38
11 95.2
13 80.6
15 69.8
18 58.2
21 49.9
24 43.6
28 37.5
34 30.9
40 26.2
48 21.8
Contact: Poseidon Bike, 529 Mercury Lane, Brea, CA, 92821, [email protected], poseidonbike.com
