All-City Space Horse GRX Review
- Price: $2,099
- Frame: Steel
- Tires: 650b/700c Aluminum
- Gears: 2 x 10
What we like about it: The steel frame, paired with reliable components, offers unmatched elegance, comfort, inspiration, and fun.
What we didn’t like about it: The steel frame is relatively heavy, which may not be suitable for some riders.
Rating: (4.8/5)
The All-City Space Horse GRX excels in supporting fast gravel long trips, urban commuting, and fully loaded adventures, making it suitable for riding on a variety of complex road surfaces.
In the following sections, we will analyze the riding experience, key features, components, specifications, and other versions of the All-City Space Horse GRX. In the latter part of this article, we will also compare it to several other top bicycle models. If you’re interested in more bike reviews, be sure to follow us.
Riding Experience
The All-City Space Horse GRX is a gravel bike with a steel frame that delivers sturdy and reliable performance. Its external cable routing design gives it a rugged appearance, complemented by carefully selected components and a robust load-carrying capacity, making it suitable for long-distance riding.
To put it to the test, I packed up the All-City Space Horse GRX and headed to the gravel bike course at Barry-Roubaix. The terrain here is mostly covered with gravel and features various climbs and long downhill stretches with varying slopes. After booking a nearby hotel on IHG, I set out immediately.
Climbing
The All-City Space Horse GRX provides a satisfying climbing experience. The steel frame and fork offer excellent power transfer, enhancing my pedaling efficiency. Combined with its impressive geometry, it allows for even weight distribution from front to rear, ensuring a more stable ride. This results in efficient climbing with faster ascent speeds.
However, during particularly long and steep climbs, I did feel the pedaling becoming heavier. At this point, I shifted gears and engaged a larger freewheel, instantly making pedaling easier and helping me conserve energy on the ascent.
One standout feature was the Teravail Rampart 650bx47mm tires. While not purely off-road tires, they provided excellent grip on loose gravel slopes, minimizing tire slippage during climbs.
In summary, the All-City Space Horse GRX excels in climbing, offering efficiency and faster speeds with less effort.
Descending
When descending on gravel terrain, the All-City Space Horse GRX provides a comfortable experience. Its all-steel frame and fork effectively absorb road vibrations and bumps, making it ideal for these slightly uneven gravel sections, ensuring a smooth riding experience.
Furthermore, the All-City Space Horse GRX is equipped with Shimano GRX RX400 hydraulic disc brakes with 160mm front and rear rotors. These brakes deliver strong stopping power with responsive control. Even during continuous braking, they maintain efficient braking performance. This is why I appreciate hydraulic disc brakes – they are consistently reliable and enhance the safety of downhill riding.
In conclusion, the All-City Space Horse GRX strikes a good balance between climbing and descending performance on gravel roads, and I also admire its retro-inspired design.
Video
Specifications
The All-City Space Horse GRX features a steel frame and fork that absorb road vibrations on bumpy surfaces, resulting in a smoother and more comfortable riding experience.
The steel frame boasts top-notch wet paint finishes that shine brightly and provide a glossy appearance, while the E.D. coating prevents rusting. All frame sizes accommodate 650b x 47mm tires, and the 49-61cm frame sizes also allow for 700c x 45mm tires, offering a variety of options.
The Shimano GRX RX400 drivetrain system delivers excellent shifting performance and efficient power transmission. The hydraulic disc brakes, of the same level, remain reliable even in harsh conditions.
Finally, the All-City Space Horse GRX’s frame is equipped with multiple mounting points to support fenders and racks, enhancing its versatility.
Other Versions
The All-City Space Horse GRX is a powerful and outstanding steel bike for both looks and gravel riding, but it comes at a relatively higher price point. For riders looking for a more budget-friendly option, we offer another version of the All-City Space Horse series.
All-City Space Horse microSHIFT
The All-City Space Horse microSHIFT maintains the same excellent geometry and steel frame and fork but features a flat handlebar design, which improves handling and is better suited for novice riders.
In terms of drivetrain components, it uses the microSHIFT Advent X 1×10 setup. The 1x design simplifies gear shifting and helps maintain focus during rides.
Lastly, the Tektro HD-R280 hydraulic disc brakes are equally efficient. They provide consistent and reliable braking performance in all types of terrain.
In summary, the All-City Space Horse microSHIFT offers a simplified design, making it suitable for novice gravel riders and those on a tighter budget.
What do we like about it?
- The frame features multiple mounting points, offering impressive load-carrying capacity, making it perfect for long-distance rides.
- Its exquisite paint design and custom styling give the entire bike a collectible and investment-worthy appeal.
- It’s built with simplicity, making maintenance and upkeep straightforward, making it an efficient steel gravel bike.
- The Shimano GRX RX400 drivetrain system delivers efficient pedaling efficiency and smooth gear shifting.
- The Shimano GRX RX400 hydraulic disc brakes provide reliable braking performance even in the harshest conditions.
- With an external cable routing design, it exudes a rugged appearance and simplifies maintenance and component replacements.
What don’t we like about it?
- The steel frame’s weight may be considered heavy by some riders.
FAQ
- Why is this bike so popular?
The Space Horse is beloved for its classic styling and versatility. It can handle almost any type of riding or terrain, making it one of the most popular and versatile models.
- Is this bike suitable for long-distance riding?
With multiple mounting points on the frame for fenders and racks, it can accommodate longer-distance riding, allowing you to carry additional gear and supplies.
- What are the geometry specifications for this bike?
| Size | 43cm (650b) | 46cm (650b) | 49cm | 52cm | 55cm | 58cm | 61cm |
| Head Tube Angle | 70 | 70.5 | 71 | 71 | 72 | 72 | 72 |
| Seat Tube Angle) | 75 | 74.5 | 74.2 | 73.5 | 73 | 72.5 | 72 |
| Top Tube Length) | 495 | 515 | 530 | 545 | 560 | 580 | 610 |
| Seat Tube Length | 420 | 450 | 480 | 510 | 540 | 570 | 600 |
| Chainstay Length | 420 | 420 | 435 | 440 | 440 | 445 | 445 |
| Bottom Bracket Drop | 58 | 58 | 75 | 75 | 75 | 75 | 75 |
| Fork Offset | 49 | 49 | 52 | 52 | 47 | 47 | 47 |
| Total Fork Length | 376 | 376 | 395 | 395 | 395 | 395 | 395 |
| Head Tube Length | 95 | 105 | 110 | 125 | 150 | 175 | 200 |
| Standover | 725.3 | 747.2 | 779 | 802 | 831 | 857.3 | 883.1 |
| Wheelbase | 989.4 | 1001.1 | 1021.1 | 1034.6 | 1029.9 | 1049.6 | 1073.7 |
| Stack | 493 | 504 | 545 | 559 | 589 | 612 | 636 |
| Reach | 363 | 375 | 376 | 380 | 380 | 387 | 403 |
| Handlebar Width | 380 | 380 | 400 | 420 | 420 | 440 | 460 |
| Stem Length | 70 | 80 | 90 | 100 | 100 | 110 | 120 |
| Crank Arm Length | 165 | 165 | 170 | 170 | 172.5 | 175 | 175 |
All-City Space Horse GRX Specs
Build
| Frame | 612 Select Chromoly Steel, TIG Welded and Brazed, E.D. CoatedBB Standard: BSA, 68mm, ThreadedTire Clearance: 47c (27.5″) / 45c (700c)Color: Champagne Shimmer |
| Fork | 612 Select Chromoly Steel, All-City Signature Fork ends and Crown, TIG Welded and Brazed, E.D. Coated |
| Bottom Bracket | Shimano BSA |
| Headset | Cane Creek 40 Series |
| Stem | AL6061, 3D forged, 4-bolt stem, 31.8mm, ±6° Rise |
| Handlebar | AL6061, 31.8mm, 12° Flair |
| Saddle | All-City Gonzo -OR- DDK-5255 |
| Seatpost | 27.2mm, two-bolt, 350mm length |
Groupset
| Rear Derailleur | Shimano GRX RX400, 10-speed |
| Front Derailleur | Shimano GRX RX400 |
| Crank | Shimano GRX RX600, 46/34t |
| Shifters | Shimano GRX RX400 |
| Cassette | MicroSHIFT, 11-32t |
| Chain | KMC X10 EPT |
| Brakes | Shimano GRX RX400 |
| Brake Levers | Shimano GRX RX400 |
Wheels
| Rims | WTB ST i19, TCS 2.0, 32h, 650b (43cm~61cm) |
| Front Hub | All-City Go Devil, 32h, 6-bolt |
| Rear Hub | All-City Go Devil, 32h, 6-bolt |
| Tires | Teravail Rampart, 650bx47mm, 60tpi, Light & Supple, Tan Wall (43cm~61cm) |
| Disk Rotors | Shimano RT26, 160mm, 6-bolt |
Comparison Table
| Bicycles | Click view | Wheelset | Frame Material | Brake | Drivetrain |
| Cannondale Topstone 3 | Click View | 700c Aluminum | Aluminum | Shimano Sora | 2 × 9 |
| Canyon Grizl 7 1by | Click View | 650b/700c Aluminum | Aluminum | Shimano Sora | 1 × 11 |
| Kona Rove LTD | Click View | 650B Aluminum | Aluminum | Shimano GRX 600 | 2 × 11 |
| Jamis RENEGADE C2 | Click View | 650C Aluminum | Aluminum | Shimano GRX BR-RX400 | 2 × 11 |
All-City Space Horse GRX vs. Cannondale Topstone 3
In comparison between these two bikes, the former is equipped with a 2×10-speed gravel-specific drivetrain, which is better suited for gravel riding than the latter, which has a 2×9-speed road bike setup. Additionally, the former’s components are more robust and durable.
As for frame materials, the former’s steel frame and fork are heavier compared to the latter’s aluminum frame and carbon fiber fork. This weight differential allows the former to absorb more road vibrations during rides. However, the latter provides a lighter and more agile riding experience.
Ultimately, the choice between these two gravel bikes comes down to individual preferences and specific riding needs. I lean towards the former because its frame and components are better suited for tackling diverse and challenging road surfaces.
Learn More: Is Cannondale Topstone 3 A Good Bike? [Cannondale Topstone 3 Review]
All-City Space Horse GRX vs. Canyon Grizl 7 1by
In terms of the drivetrain components, the latter is equipped with a mix of Shimano GRX RX800 and RX600 components, which are of a higher grade compared to the former’s Shimano GRX RX400 level. Additionally, the latter features a 1x drivetrain design, offering simplicity in gear shifting, while the former utilizes a 2x drivetrain, providing a wider range of gear options.
Both of these bikes are equipped with hydraulic disc brakes, ensuring reliable braking performance even in adverse conditions.
Regarding their visual designs, the former exhibits a more vintage aesthetic, while the latter features a more modern paint scheme.
Both of these gravel bikes are excellent in their own right, each with its unique strengths.
Learn More: Is Canyon Grizl CF SL 8 Suspension 1by Worth Buying? [Canyon Grizl CF SL 8 Suspension 1by Review]
All-City Space Horse GRX vs. Kona Rove LTD
Both of these gravel bikes feature steel frames, but in terms of aesthetics, the former has a more vintage and appealing overall design.
Furthermore, both of these bikes utilize Shimano GRX gravel-specific components. However, the latter is of a higher corresponding grade, offering better transmission efficiency and smoother gear shifting.
Additionally, the larger-grain tires equipped on the latter provide superior traction on gravel roads, while the former’s tires have lower rolling resistance, making for a quicker and more agile ride.
Therefore, the latter has a slight advantage in terms of performance, but it also comes at a higher price point.
Learn More: Is Kona Rove Worth Buying? – [Kona Rove Review]
All-City Space Horse GRX vs. Jamis RENEGADE C2
When comparing these two bikes, the latter utilizes a carbon fiber frame and fork, resulting in a lighter weight, while the former’s steel frame and fork offer increased durability.
In terms of components, both bikes feature Shimano GRX series gravel-specific components. However, the latter boasts higher-grade components, leading to improved transmission efficiency and smoother gear shifting.
Additionally, both bikes exhibit strong braking capabilities, with the latter featuring higher-grade brake components, which enhance braking performance.
Ultimately, the latter bike stands out with its premium frame and components, albeit at a higher price point. The former’s steel frame also holds value as a collectible item.
Learn More: Is Jamis RENEGADE S3 Worth Buying?- [Jamis RENEGADE S3 Review]
Summary
Above is my review of the All-City Space Horse GRX. In our opinion, it’s a steel-framed gravel bike capable of handling various terrains and suitable for long-distance riding. This is why we have awarded it a rating of 4.8.
Of course, if you’re interested in other steel-framed gravel bikes, we also review a wide range of bikes at various price points, making for an exciting selection. Feel free to explore our other reviews.
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