Obed Boundary GRX 600 Review
- Price: $2,895
- Frame: Carbon
- Tires: 700c / 650b
- Gear: 2 × 11
What we like about it: The geometric shape of a road bike combined with the heart and maneuverability of a mountain bike, allowing it to conquer various mixed terrains.
What we don’t like about it: The lack of a dropper post design, which prevents quick adjustments to the center of gravity during climbs and descents.
Rating: (4.8/5)
The Obed Boundary GRX 600 is a sturdy and reliable gravel bike with the geometry of a road bike and the heart and maneuverability of a mountain bike, making it a great companion for exploring unpaved roads.
In this article, we will analyze the riding experience, key features, components, specifications, and other versions of the Obed Boundary GRX 600.
In the latter part of the article, we will also compare it to several other top bicycle models. If you want to learn more about bicycle reviews, feel free to follow us.
Riding Experience
The Obed Boundary GRX 600 is a bike that fulfills all my expectations for a gravel bike. With its road bike-like geometry, it allows me to achieve faster cruising speeds. However, the agile handling, comfortable riding position, and exceptional load-carrying capacity also enable me to embark on long-distance rides.
To put it to the test, I booked a ticket on Skyscanner to explore the surrounding countryside. There, I encountered unpaved roads with varying slopes and meandering trails through the woods, providing an ideal terrain for evaluating the performance of the Obed Boundary GRX 600.
Uphill
Climbing with this gravel bike was relatively effortless. The lighter weight, combined with the excellent geometry, allowed for efficient power transfer when pedaling.
When faced with steeper gradients, the GRX RX600 46/30T crankset and Shimano HG700 11-34T freewheel made uphill riding effortless by combining a smaller chainring with a larger freewheel, reducing the effort required.
Additionally, the Panaracer Gravel King SK 700x43c Brownwall Tubeless tires provided excellent traction. They efficiently transmitted my pedaling power to the ground, minimizing power loss and improving pedaling efficiency.
Descending
As I transitioned from uphill to downhill, the wider handlebars provided excellent control, allowing me to stabilize the bike and ride downhill more safely.
As I increased my speed downhill, the bumps on the road became more pronounced. However, the Shimano GRX RX810 rear derailleur remained stable, minimizing chain slap and preventing chain drops even on rough terrain. Furthermore, the wider tires and carbon fiber frame absorbed vibrations through subtle deformations.
Finally, when descending on narrow trails with the Obed Boundary GRX 600, its agile characteristics truly shined. Combined with the excellent braking power of the Shimano GRX RX400 hydraulic brakes, I could quickly reduce my speed in the short distance before each turn, resulting in stable and smooth cornering.
In conclusion, the Obed Boundary GRX 600 demonstrates impressive climbing capabilities and offers agile maneuverability and adaptability to handle complex terrains during descents.
Specification
The Obed Boundary GRX 600 is available in 5 sizes (XS to XL) with a choice of 650B or 700C wheel sizes, providing riders with multiple options. The bike features internal cable routing and a quiet line guide design, giving it a cleaner overall appearance and reducing noise on bumpy rides.
Notably, this gravel bike offers various color options for the frame and brand logo, allowing riders to customize their desired paint scheme.
The Obed Boundary GRX 600 combines the geometry of a road bike with the heart and maneuverability of a mountain bike, enabling it to conquer a variety of mixed terrains. The numerous mounting points on the frame provide excellent load-carrying capacity, allowing riders to venture further.
Video
Other Versions
The Obed Boundary GRX 600 is a rugged and dependable gravel bike that combines the geometry of a road bike with the heart and maneuverability of a mountain bike. It allows you to confidently ride on a variety of mixed terrains.
In addition to the GRX 600 model, we also offer another version of the gravel bike in the same series. It features the same carbon fiber frame but comes with more practical components, offering enhanced performance on mixed surfaces.
Obed Boundary MLT (Mullet)
The Obed Boundary MLT (Mullet) shares the same Boundary carbon fiber frame composition as the Obed Boundary GRX 600. Both bikes feature internal cable routing and multiple mounting points, providing exceptional load-carrying capacity.
However, the Obed Boundary MLT (Mullet) is equipped with larger and more robust Maxxis Rambler Silkshield 45c Blackwall tires and a KS Lev SI dropper post (operated via the Shimano STI left shifter). With 65mm of drop, it instills greater confidence during descents on unpaved surfaces.
In terms of drivetrain and brake components, this gravel bike also features the higher-tier Shimano GRX RX810 groupset, offering a superior shifting experience and braking performance.
If you’re looking for a pure gravel bike riding experience and have a sufficient budget, the Obed Boundary MLT (Mullet) would be a better fit for you.
Below, we will provide specific details about the Obed Boundary GRX 600’s specifications and other gravel bikes from similar price ranges for your reference.
What do we like about it?
- Excellent carbon fiber frame and geometry, providing a comfortable riding position and lightweight pedaling experience.
- Multiple frame and logo color options for customization.
- Available in 5 sizes (XS to XL) with a choice of 650B or 700C wheel sizes, offering riders a variety of options.
- Carbon fiber frame with internal cable routing for a clean look.
- Internal cable routing and quiet line guide design to reduce noise during rides.
- Multiple mounting points for increased load-carrying capacity, supporting long-distance rides.
What don’t we like about it?
- Lack of a dropper post, preventing quick adjustments to the center of gravity during climbs and descents.
FAQ
- What is the weight of the bike?
It weighs only 19.9 lbs / 9.03 kg, thanks to the carbon fiber frame and appropriate components.
- Is this bike suitable for long-distance riding?
With its numerous mounting points, it offers enhanced load-carrying capacity, making it suitable for long-distance rides.
- How to choose the right size?
We provide a size chart for your reference. However, the best way to find the perfect fit is to try them out for yourself.
Rider height | SIZE |
5’1″ – 5’6″ | XS |
5’4″ – 5’9″ | S |
5’7″ – 5’11” | M |
5’10” – 6’2″ | L |
5’10” – 6’2″ | XL |
Specs
Build
Frame | Carbon FiberTire Clearance: 45c |
Fork | Boundary Carbon, Multiple Rack/Fender/Cargo Mounts |
Bottom Bracket | Shimano |
Headset | Cane Creek 40 Series |
Stem | FSA Gossamer |
Handlebar | FSA NS Adventure Compact |
Saddle | WTB Volt Medium Steel |
Seatpost | FSA Gossamer |
Groupset
Rear Derailleur | Shimano GRX RX810 |
Front Derailleur | Front Derailleur |
Crank | GRX RX600 46/30 |
Shifters | Shimano GRX RX600 |
Cassette | Shimano HG700 11-34 |
Chain | Shimano HG601 |
Brakes | Shimano GRX RX400 Hydraulic |
Wheels
Rims | Select Wheels Above |
Tires | Panaracer Gravel King SK 700x43c Tubeless.Panaracer Gravel King SK 650Bx1.9 Tubeless |
Disk Rotors | Shimano RT66 160mm |
Comparison Table
Bicycles | Click view | Wheelset | Frame material | Brake Type | Drivetrain |
Specialized Diverge Sport Carbon | Click View | 700c Aluminum | Carbon | Hydraulic Disc | 1 × 11 |
Canyon Grizl CF SL 7 eTap | Click View | 650b / 700c Aluminum | Carbon | Hydraulic Disc | 1 × 12 Electronic |
Giant Revolt Advanced 1 | Click View | 700c Aluminum | Carbon | Hydraulic Disc | 1 × 11 |
Cannondale Topstone Carbon 105 | Click View | 700c Aluminum | Carbon | Hydraulic Disc | 2 × 11 |
Obed Boundary GRX 600 vs Specialized Diverge Sport Carbon
They are both excellent gravel bikes that feature carbon fiber frames with internal cable routing. This design reduces the weight of the frame to a minimum and gives it a cleaner and more aesthetically pleasing appearance.
However, when it comes to the drivetrain components, the front bike utilizes a combination of Shimano GRX RX810 and GRX600 with 2×11-speed gearing. This allows for faster riding on flat surfaces compared to the latter. Both bikes use hydraulic disc brakes, which perform well in terms of braking power.
Lastly, these two bikes have similar geometries and durable paint finishes. However, the Specialized Diverge Sport Carbon is slightly more expensive. This is why I prefer the Obed Boundary GRX 600.
Learn More: Is Specialized Diverge Comp E5 Worth Buying? [2022 Specialized Diverge Comp E5 Review]
Obed Boundary GRX 600 vs Canyon Grizl CF SL 7 eTap
When comparing the geometries of the Obed Boundary GRX 600 and the Canyon Grizl CF SL 7 eTap, the latter leans more towards a traditional road bike with a greater difference in angles between the front and rear, resulting in a more aerodynamic riding position for flat road riding. However, this can also lead to more fatigue during long rides.
Moving on to the drivetrain, the former offers a greater number of gear options, allowing for more versatile speed combinations. The latter utilizes the SRAM Rival XPLR eTap AXS electronic shifting system. Although it has only 1×12 speeds, electronic shifting provides powerful stability and is lighter in weight.
Therefore, if you primarily ride on gently sloping terrain, the Canyon Grizl CF SL 7 eTap would be a good choice. If you prefer a more comfortable riding position, the Obed Boundary GRX 600 is more suitable.
Learn More: Is Canyon Grizl CF SL 8 Suspension 1by Worth Buying? [Canyon Grizl CF SL 8 Suspension 1by Review]
Obed Boundary GRX 600 vs Giant Revolt Advanced 1
When comparing the Obed Boundary GRX 600 and the Giant Revolt Advanced 1, the latter features a more relaxed geometry that, combined with the dropper post design, enhances its descending performance. Additionally, the design with lowered seat stays helps absorb some vibrations on rough and bumpy terrain.
In terms of drivetrain, the Boundary GRX 600 features a 2×11 setup, offering a wider range of gear ratios compared to the Revolt Advanced 1’s 1×11 speed. This allows for faster cruising speeds on flat roads. Both bikes utilize hydraulic disc brakes, providing excellent stopping power and reliable performance even in challenging conditions.
In summary, both bikes are excellent gravel bikes. The former offers better overall performance, while the latter excels in handling complex terrain.
Learn More: Is Giant Revolt Advanced 3 Worth Buying? [2022 Giant Revolt Advanced 3 Review]
Obed Boundary GRX 600 vs Cannondale Topstone Carbon 105
These two bikes share the same carbon fiber frame and a similar 2×11-speed drivetrain.
However, the latter one utilizes the Shimano 105 road bike groupset. Compared to the Shimano GRX RX600 professional gravel bike groupset used in the former, the Shimano 105 groupset might not be as durable and resilient in harsh conditions. However, it offers smoother gear shifting.
In conclusion, these two gravel bikes are priced similarly. If you prefer the smooth gear shifting of the Shimano 105, the Cannondale Topstone Carbon 105 would be the one you’d like. On the other hand, if you value durability and sturdiness, the Obed Boundary GRX 600 is a good choice.
Learn More: Is Cannondale Topstone 1 Worth Buying? [2022 Cannondale Topstone 1 Review]
Summary
Above is my review of the Obed Boundary GRX 600 as a good choice for riding. It’s a powerful gravel bike with excellent overall performance and comes at an appealing price, which is why we gave it a rating of 4.8.
Of course, if you’re interested in other gravel bikes, we also have reviews of various bikes at different price points. We take great pleasure in exploring and evaluating different bikes. Feel free to check out our other reviews.
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