Berlin’s Standert Bicycles recently launched a completely revamped version of the Erdgeschoss, their fast and fun cyclocross/gravel bike, now in stainless steel. We took one out for a bikepacking trip to see how it handled loaded riding on dirt. Find more photos and details about the new Erdgeschoss here…

  • Highlights (Large)
  • Angles: 72° Headtube, 73° Seattube
  • Chainstay: 425mm
  • Bottom Bracket: T47
  • Hub specs: 12 x 100mm (front); 12 x 142mm (rear)
  • Seatpost Diameter: 27.2mm
  • Max Tire Size: 700 x 40mm / 650b x 47mm
  • Weight (frame only): 4 lbs (1.8kg)

Berlin-based Standert Bicycles recently revealed an updated version of their Erdgeschoss cyclocross frame, now in stainless steel and sporting a fresh new paint scheme. I had the chance to take one out on a bikepacking trip for a shakedown ride that included plenty of forest roads, singletrack, and winding dirt trails through the countryside surrounding Berlin.

The new Erdgeschoss has clearance for 700c x 40mm or 650B x 47mm tires. The Force 1 build I rode was sitting on WTB Venture 47 road plus tires that proved equally comfortable on pavement, gravel, and dirt. The Columbus Futura Cross fork is unique in that it has a dropout with a multi-rake-system that allows you to change the fork’s rake from 47mm to 52mm, depending on how aggressive a position you prefer.

  • Standert Erdgeschoss
  • Standert Erdgeschoss, Stainless Steel
  • Standert Erdgeschoss, Hunt Wheels, WTB Venture 47
  • Standert Erdgeschoss, Stainless Steel
  • Standert Erdgeschoss, Stainless Steel

Other frame highlights include 12mm thru-axles, flat mount brakes, a T47 bottom bracket, internal cable routing, and rack and fender mounts (a notable provision from a company known for its racing bikes). It’s worth pointing out that the 1,800 Euro ($2,020 USD) price tag of an Erdgeschoss frameset also includes a Chris King headset and bottom bracket.

There are five sizes available, from XS to XL. At 6’2″ (1.88m), I opted for the Large frame with a 57.5cm top tube, which felt sportier than I’m accustomed to, though still very comfortable and stable. The complete SRAM Force 1 build kit feels more race inspired rather than bikepacking-oriented, though a few small tweaks would make it better suited to full days in the saddle. And I was pleasantly surprised by the Acros Gravel Bars, which I found really comfortable. They’re also made right here in Germany.

  • Standert Erdgeschoss, Light & Motion Imjin 800, Garmin Edge 520+
  • Standert Erdgeschoss, Light & Motion Imjin 800
  • Standert Erdgeschoss, Stainless Steel, SRAM Force
  • Standert Erdgeschoss, Stainless Steel, SRAM Force
  • Standert Erdgeschoss, Stainless Steel
Standert Erdgeschoss, Stainless Steel

Without a doubt, this second-generation Erdgeschoss is more bikepacking friendly than it’s predecessor. I could certainly see riding one for fast and light trips, or for endurance racing. However, it’s worth noting that there are just two bottle mounts on the frame and their placement felt quite high, just barely allowing me to sneak a smaller bottle below my Oveja Negra 1/2 pack. There aren’t any mounts on the fork, which isn’t entirely surprising, but would have been a welcome addition.

As with everything Standert designs, it’s an eye-catching bike. And it’s exciting to see the small company venturing out in this direction. It features lots of nice little design details and it turned more than a few heads and started a handful of conversations in the short time I had it. The frameset is available in two different colorways, Seafoam and Bubblegum (the one I tested). See both below:

  • Standert Erdgeschoss
  • Standert Erdgeschoss

New Standert Performance Showroom

Visiting Berlin? Standert just opened a beautiful new showroom in Kreuzberg, where they have their full line of performance bikes on display. Stop in to have a coffee or test ride the Erdgeschoss, or just to ogle their range of track, cross, and road bikes.

  • Standert Performance Shop, Kreuzberg
  • Standert Performance Shop, Kreuzberg

As of writing, you can find them there from Tuesday to Friday between 12:00 PM and 7:00 PM, and on Saturdays between 10:00 AM and 4:00 PM. The new shop is located at Friedrichstrasse 23a, just down the street from Checkpoint Charlie. And if commuter bikes are more your speed, be sure to check out the Standert Urban shop over in Mitte.

Erdgeschoss framesets (with Chris King headset / bottom bracket and Columbus fork) are available now for 1,800 Euros ($2,020 USD). The Force 1 HD complete build is available for 4,000 Euros ($4,475 USD). Frames and completes also include a five-year warranty and crash replacement service. Find additional specs and photos or purchase one of your own over at Standert Bicycles.

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