After years of piecing together bikes with vintage parts, 2020 marked my decision to build the “road” bike of my dreams. My checklist included comfort, versatility, and aesthetic appeal. After extensive research, I landed on the Soma Grand Randonneur. This review details my journey with the Grand Randonneur, exploring why it became my frame of choice and my experiences across tours, gravel races, and countless miles on scenic roads.
Introduction to the Soma Bike Philosophy
My cycling ethos might differ from Jan Heine, a prominent figure in popularizing modern Randonneur bikes and the current leader at Rene Herse. Yet, the Soma Grand Randonneur, a notable “Soma Bike”, likely owes its existence to his advocacy for “vintage tech” and his influence on bicycle design.
Heine’s deep dives into bicycle technology are well-documented in Bicycle Quarterly and his online platforms. His meticulous research and development have shaped strong preferences for bicycle design, notably low-trail geometry, lightweight tires, and components like the Nivex derailleur.
While Heine’s expertise delves into areas like wind tunnel testing and tire rolling resistance comparisons, this review aims to resonate with the everyday, passionate cyclist. It’s a look at a low-trail Randonneur, a specific type of “soma bike”, designed with Jan Heine’s principles in mind, but presented with a more accessible, less technical approach. Join me as I explore the third iteration of the Soma Grand Randonneur, a standout model in the “soma bike” lineup.
Close-up of the Soma Grand Randonneur's front fork and handlebars, emphasizing the low-trail geometry and elegant design details typical of a classic randonneur bicycle.
Understanding Low-Trail Geometry in a Soma Bike
Discussing Randonneur bikes, especially a “soma bike” like the Grand Randonneur, necessitates understanding “low-trail” geometry. Visualize a fork with a pronounced forward curve near the dropouts—that’s low-trail. Bikes like the Crust Lightning Bolt, the Velo Orange Polyvalent, and the Soma Grand Randonneur exemplify this design.
Trail significantly influences bike handling. Low-trail bikes offer quick steering at lower to moderate speeds. However, they might feel less stable at high speeds. Cornering requires more deliberate leaning, and overall, low-trail bikes present a distinct feel compared to the more common mid-trail or high-trail bikes. There’s an adjustment period, but it’s part of the unique charm of a “soma bike” with low-trail geometry.
Notable Features of the Soma Bike Grand Randonneur Frame
The release of the third version of the Grand Randonneur in 2021 by Soma was exciting, and I quickly placed an order. This iteration of the “soma bike” frame introduced IS disc mounts and thru-axle compatibility while retaining the classic 1” threaded fork I appreciate. The paint job is also exceptional; the moss green is consistently praised for its beauty.
Building My Ideal Soma Bike
Building a bike from the frame up is a process I relish. From prepping the bottom bracket to perfecting cable routing, every detail is a point of focus. For this “soma bike” project, I started with the wheelset. I chose Sapim CX-Ray spokes to lace a SONdelux 12mm thru-axle hub to Bontrager carbon rims for the front, and a White Industries CLD hub for the rear.
Handlebars were Rene Herse Randonneur, favored for their comfortable hand positioning despite their unique curve. The drivetrain largely consists of 10-speed Ultegra 6700 components, paired with a White Industries VBC crankset with 48/34 chainrings and an 11-34 cassette. (The non-drive side crank arm being Sugino is a story for another time!)
Yokozuna Ultimo brakes provide reliable stopping power and are aesthetically pleasing, though their performance is comparable to more basic models like Avid BB-7s or TRP Spyres. Their setup, however, is remarkably user-friendly.
Finishing touches included Velo Orange Zeppelin Fenders, a Velo Orange front rack with integrated decaleur, a SON Edelux II headlight, and a Swift Industries Peregrine bag, completing this “soma bike” build as a functional and stylish randonneur.
The frame’s arrival was a moment of excitement. The build process was smooth, except for a minor issue with the rear IS disc mount alignment, which required a few washers to correct. A small setback, but easily resolved.
The Grand Randonneur, this particular “soma bike”, does require an adjustment period, especially in handling, but truly excels as a randonneuring bike. Its geometry, typical of low-trail designs, feels comfortably average. The 399mm reach on my 61cm frame, paired with a 110mm stem, fits perfectly. Cornering, while initially different, becomes enjoyable with familiarity.
Over the past year and a half, I’ve used this “soma bike” as a light touring rig, a gravel race bike, and its intended purpose, a randonneuring bike, with varied experiences in each setup.
The Soma Bike Grand Randonneur as a Light Touring Companion
I’ve embarked on two tours with this “soma bike”: the Around the Rock route and a segment of the Adventure Cycling Association Great Divide Mountain Bike Route. With a minimalist camping setup, the Grand Randonneur performed admirably. My touring kit includes essentials like a tarp, alcohol stove, and a quilt, keeping the load light.
Both tours were enjoyable. Carrying about 15 pounds of gear, the bike handled predictably, and the geometry remained comfortable for long days of riding. For lightweight camping setups, the Grand Randonneur proves to be an excellent touring “soma bike”.
Gravel Racing with the Soma Bike Grand Randonneur
The least successful setup for the Grand Randonneur was as a gravel race bike. For the Hardford 50, a gravel race with significant elevation changes, I equipped the “soma bike” with flat bars and aggressive gravel tires, thinking it would be a fun configuration.
However, test rides revealed a flaw. Randonneur bikes, including this “soma bike”, need front weight for optimal handling. Removing the rack and Peregrine bag led to unpredictable steering, exacerbated by flat bars shifting weight further back. The bike isn’t designed for gravel or flat bars, and consequently, the Grand Randonneur didn’t perform well as a flat-bar gravel “soma bike”.
Side profile of the Soma Grand Randonneur in a gravel racing configuration, highlighting the less conventional setup and its limitations for this type of riding, contrasting with its touring and randonneuring strengths.
The Grand Randonneur: A True Randonneuring Soma Bike
The Grand Randonneur truly shines as a randonneuring bike, its intended design. With a front rack and bag, carrying essentials, this “soma bike” excels. 44mm Panaracer tires at 30 psi (for my 160 lbs) on tubeless Bontrager carbon rims offer superb ride quality. The wheelset, with White Industry and SON hubs and light spokes, enhances acceleration beautifully.
The only minor issue in its randonneuring setup is the classic rando-shimmy at high speeds or when riding no-hands. This topic is common in randonneuring discussions, and Soma addresses it in their Q&A for low-trail geometries. While present, it’s not a significant drawback for me.
Final Verdict: Is This Soma Bike Recommended?
The Soma Grand Randonneur excels on long road rides. Its comfort reduces the need for frequent stops compared to more aggressive road bikes. It transforms long rides into enjoyable afternoons on rural roads, encouraging a relaxed pace with room for a camera and snacks.
However, this “soma bike” isn’t for those seeking a “do-everything” bike or constant customization. It performs best as a traditional randonneuring bike. For riders seeking a handsome, comfortable bike capable of carrying gear for 200k rides (and are okay with occasional shimmy), the Grand Randonneur is an excellent choice. Find a knowledgeable bike shop, let them build it for you, and it might just become one of their most rewarding projects of the year.
