Sonder Camino Gravel Bike: A Versatile Companion for Bikepackers

This long-term review, by Robyn Furtado for bikeradar, explores our Sonder Camino gravel bike. Robyn provides a thorough examination of the bike's features, performance, and suitability for both gravel riding and bikepacking adventures.

They say

The Sonder Camino is designed for “bikepackers, thrill-seekers and challenges big and small”, a claim that Robyn finds wholly justified. The bike's wide tyre clearance, mountain-bike inspired geometry, and numerous mounts, along with internal routing for a dropper post, equip it well for adventure. Opting for the titanium-framed model, Robyn initial build had carbon fork, SRAM Rival 1 gearing, and hydraulic disc brakes. These were to be upgraded at a later date.

I have done a lot of gravel riding in the last few years, and over that time I’ve found myself becoming more interested in doing rides that are longer, slower and more silly.

Robyn's decision to choose the Camino was influenced by its reputation in the gravel riding community, and the bike's ability to be customised for a variety of riding styles. This adaptability, combined with the bike's reputation for durability and comfort, particularly for long rides across mixed terrain, stood out as a significant advantage.

The bike's ride is described as “very comfortable”, with an upright position provided by the wide, short handlebars, which is particularly appealing for long-distance rides and bikepacking expeditions.

The Sonder Camino's geometry, drawing on mountain bike design for a longer, slacker shape, ensures stable handling over rough terrain. Robyn's personal experiences riding the bike 600km across Scotland, The 100 km Calder Divide and a 200 mile trip across Slovenia and over the Julian Alps, carrying luggage and traversing diverse landscapes, attest to its “calm and stable” steering and long-distance capabilities.

We say

We love reading these long-term tests and seeing how a rider's relationship with their bike evolves over time. Robyn's transition to the SRAM Apex AXS electronic groupset from the mechanical SRAM Rival 1 delivered notable enhancements. The Apex AXS with its extensive gear range, featuring a 1x drivetrain equipped with a 40t chainring and an 11-50 cassette is an upgrade that has effectively resolved the previous limitations of running out of gears on both fast group rides and steep off-road climbs, enabling a gearing experience similar to that of a mountain bike.

With all these changes, the Sonder Camino rides like a bike with new passion.

Robyn now enjoys the ability to ride further and faster, appreciating the seamless transitions and enhanced control over the bike, whether navigating through challenging terrains or embarking on lengthy expeditions.

Conclusion

The Sonder Camino is well-suited for adventurers and bikepacking enthusiasts alike. Robyn's detailed review, based on extensive personal experience, speaks volumes of the bike's ability to handle a variety of terrains and conditions with ease.

Read the full article and get inspired for your own adventures

Read the full review by Robyn Furtado on bikeradar.