Lauf Anywhere – Weekend Warrior Review
- Price: $2490
- Frame: Carbon fiber
- Wheels: 700c Aluminum
- Gear: 1×11
What we like about it: It is very lightweight and can conquer a wide range of terrain.
What we don’t like about it: The chainring is smaller and can’t get faster speeds.
Rating (4.7/5)
Lauf is a brand known for its innovative and forward-thinking high-performance bike design methodology. Based in Iceland, Lauf was founded in 2010 by two passionate bike athletes who aimed to create a new kind of bike that could handle the unique terrain and weather conditions of their homeland. Since then, Lauf has become renowned for its cutting-edge suspension technology, which provides unparalleled comfort and control even on the roughest roads and trails.
The Anywhere series is one of Lauf’s latest and most exciting products. It is designed specifically for riders who want a versatile and capable bike that can handle anything from smooth sidewalks to rough gravel roads. The Anywhere series is built around a lightweight and responsive carbon fiber frame that offers excellent stiffness and durability while also reducing weight compared to other materials.
The Anywhere Weekend Warrior is a standout model in the Anywhere series. It is designed for riders who want a high-performance bike that can handle a wide range of applications and terrain types. Whether you’re exploring new mountain trails or tackling challenging gravel roads, or just enjoying a comfortable and responsive ride on the sidewalk, the Anywhere Weekend Warrior is a great choice. With high-quality components, a durable carbon fiber frame, and state-of-the-art suspension technology, this bike is sure to impress even the most discerning riders.
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Riding Experience
As a passionate bike traveler, I was excited to take my Lauf Anywhere Weekend Warrior out for a spin on my recent trip to the Pacific Northwest. I had heard about the bike’s lightweight frame and responsive handling and was eager to see how it performed on both smooth roads and rough gravel terrain.
My first day of riding was along the scenic Olympic Discovery Trail, a 130-mile route that spans the Olympic Peninsula from Port Townsend to La Push. The trail is mostly paved and relatively flat, which allowed me to ease into the journey and get a feel for the bike’s handling on flat terrain.
As I ventured onto mountain trails, I immediately noticed how comfortable the bike’s geometry felt. The carbon fiber frame provided a smooth ride, easily absorbing bumps and vibrations. The hydraulic disc brakes provided ample stopping power, allowing me to confidently navigate high-speed turns and descents.
Despite the relatively flat terrain, I was still able to push the bike to some impressive speeds, cruising at 20-25 miles per hour on straightaways. The 1×11 drivetrain made shifting a breeze, allowing me to quickly and smoothly transition between gears as needed.
Wet and Slippery Roads
As time went on, I encountered some unexpected and complex situations. A sudden downpour turned the mountain road into a muddy mess, with puddles and deep potholes covering the path ahead. I appreciated the sturdy aluminum wheels of my bike, which provided enough traction and stability even in slippery conditions.
I also appreciated the bike’s robust suspension system, which easily absorbed the shocks and bumps caused by the rough terrain. Even as the mountain road became increasingly rugged, the bike remained comfortable and responsive, allowing me to maintain speed and momentum in the face of obstacles.
As I continued along the trail, I was struck by the beauty of the surrounding landscape. The Olympic Peninsula boasts some of the most stunning scenery in the country, with towering forests, rugged coastlines, and pristine rivers and lakes. I stopped at several viewpoints and parks along the way, admiring the views and taking photos to share with friends and family back home.
By the end of the day, I had covered over 60 miles and felt tired but exhilarated. The Lauf Anywhere Weekend Warrior had proven to be the perfect choice for this type of riding, delivering speed and comfort on a variety of terrains.
Challenging Terrain
Over the next few days, as I continued to explore the Pacific Northwest, I encountered even more challenging conditions. I tackled steep gravel slopes on remote forest roads, navigated rocky turns along the shores of Lake Quinault, and battled fierce headwinds as I made my way along the coast toward Cannon Beach.
Through it all, the Lauf Anywhere Weekend Warrior remained a reliable and responsive companion, allowing me to confidently tackle any obstacle in my path. Its comfortable geometry and robust suspension system proved invaluable on the rough and bumpy terrain, while its lightweight frame and powerful braking system allowed me to maintain speed and control even in challenging conditions.
By the end of my journey, I had covered over 300 miles and seen some of the most beautiful and awe-inspiring scenery that the Pacific Northwest has to offer. Throughout it all, the Lauf Anywhere Weekend Warrior proved to be the perfect bike, delivering speed and comfort on a variety of terrains.
Specification
The Lauf Anywhere gravel bike is equipped with a range of top-quality components, designed to deliver the best possible riding experience for its intended use. The carbon fiber frame and fork combination provide a lightweight and responsive ride, making it the ideal choice for conquering a variety of terrains.
The e*thirteen XCX aluminum rims paired with Maxxis Rambler 40c tires ensure excellent traction and stability on both paved and off-road surfaces. The SRAM Rival 1 drivetrain system offers precise and smooth shifting, while the hydraulic disc brakes provide powerful and reliable stopping power in all weather conditions. This bike is ideal for riders looking for a high-performance gravel bike that can handle different terrains and challenging conditions.
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What do we like about it?
- The lightweight carbon fiber frame and fork make the ride more agile and responsive.
- Straight-through axle and tubeless wheelset for enhanced stability and reduced blowouts
- Wide tire clearance up to 45c to handle a variety of terrains and surfaces.
- SRAM Rival 1 shifting system with precise and smooth shifting.
- Hydraulic disc brakes for strong and reliable braking in all weather conditions.
- Lauf JAF carbon fiber fork provides effective damping and added comfort on rough terrain.
- The Fizik Aliante R5 saddle provides excellent comfort and support on long rides.
- SRAM Rival 1 Wide DUB cranks for optimal power transfer.
- Lauf Smoothie handlebars for improved grip and comfort
- The overall construction and component configuration of this bike is perfect for the weekend warrior rider who wants a high-performance bike to tackle a variety of terrain.
What don’t we like about it?
- The chainring is smaller and cannot get faster speeds.
FAQ
- Is this bike suitable for off-road terrain?
Yes, this bike is designed for off-road terrain. It has a sturdy carbon frame, wide tire clearance, and a gravel-specific kit with a large range freewheel and single sprocket, making it perfect for rugged terrain.
- Can I also use this bike for road riding?
While this bike is designed primarily for off-road use, it can certainly be used for road bikes as well. However, wider tires may create more rolling resistance on smooth surfaces than on a road bike.
- Does this bike have a shock system?
Instead of a traditional suspension system, this bike uses a Lauf JAF carbon fiber fork. It uses leaf springs to provide some shock absorption. This design is intended to improve comfort and reduce fatigue on rough terrain without adding significant weight or complexity.
- What is the tire clearance on this bike?
The bike has a 45c tire clearance, meaning it can accommodate tires up to 45mm wide. This is quite generous for a gravel bike and allows for a comfortable and stable ride on a variety of surfaces.
- Can I add a power meter to this bike?
Although this bike does not come with a power meter, one can be added. the SRAM Rival 1 crankset is compatible with many power meter options, so you can easily add one as needed.
Lauf Anywhere – Weekend Warrior Specs
Build
| Frame | Lauf IRM* carbon frame, 12x142mm thru-axle BB Standard: BSA, 73mm, Threaded Tire Clearance: 45c Color: Racing Rocket – Glossy |
| Fork | Lauf JAF Carbon, 15x100mm thru-axle |
| Bottom Bracket | SRAM DUB BSA73 |
| Headset | FSA Orbit, IS 42/52 (45°lower) |
| Stem | FSA V-Drive, 6° |
| Handlebar | Lauf Smoothie (XS/S: 40 M: 42 L/XL: 44) |
| Saddle | Fizik Aliante R5 |
| Seatpost | FSA V-Drive 27.2mm |
Groupset
| Rear Derailleur | SRAM Rival 1 Long Cage |
| Front Derailleur | Lauf Bottle Opener |
| Crank | SRAM Rival 1 Wide DUB 40t |
| Power Meter | N/A |
| Shifters | SRAM Rival 1 |
| Cassette | SRAM 1130, 11-42t |
| Chain | SRAM 1130 |
| Brakes | SRAM Rival 1 Flat mount Hydraulic (160mm rotor front/left and rear/right) |
Wheels
| Rims | e*thirteen XCX Aluminum (6-bolt, Shimano-style freehub, tubeless ready) |
| Tires | Maxxis Rambler 40c (120tpi) |
Video
Comparison Table
| Bicycles | Click View | Drivetrain | Frame material | Front Fork | Groupset |
| Specialized Diverge Elite E5 | Click View | 2 × 12 Electronic | Carbon Fiber | Carbon Fiber | Sram Force eTap |
| Cannondale Topstone Carbon 5 | Click View | 2 × 12 Electronic | Carbon Fiber | Carbon Fiber | Sram Rival eTap |
| Giant Revolt Advanced 1 | Click View | 2 × 12 Electronic | Carbon Fiber | Carbon Fiber | Sram Rival eTap |
| Canyon Grizl 7 | Click View | 2 × 12 Electronic | Carbon Fiber | Carbon Fiber | Shimano Ultegra Di2 |
Lauf Anywhere – Weekend Warrior vs Specialized Diverge Elite E5
Both the Specialized Diverge Elite E5 and the Lauf Anywhere Weekend Warrior are popular choices for gravel riding. The Diverge Elite E5 features Shimano GRX 400 and GRX 600 components, while the Weekend Warrior has a 1×11 SRAM Rival kit. the GRX 400/600 setup offers a 2×10 drivetrain that provides a wider range of gearing to handle a variety of terrain. In addition, the Diverge Elite E5 features hydraulic disc brakes for reliable braking power in wet or muddy conditions.
On the other hand, the Lauf Anywhere Weekend Warrior takes a different approach. That is, opting for a single sprocket setup with a wider freewheel range for efficient and simple gear changes. It also features a unique carbon fork with leaf springs that provides some damping without adding too much weight. In addition, the Weekend Warrior has wider tire clearance than the Diverge Elite E5, allowing the rider to use wider tires for added comfort and stability on rough terrain.
Learn More: Is Specialized Diverge Comp E5 Worth Buying? [Specialized Diverge Comp E5 Review]
Lauf Anywhere – Weekend Warrior vs Cannondale Topstone Carbon 5
The Weekend Warrior uses the SRAM Rival package with a single sprocket and hydraulic disc brakes, while the Topstone Carbon 5 uses the Shimano GRX package with a 2×11 drivetrain and mechanical disc brakes. The Topstone Carbon 5 also has a full carbon frame and fork. It offers a more responsive and lighter ride than the Weekend Warrior’s carbon frame and leaf spring fork.
Both bikes have generous tire clearance and tubeless-ready rims, providing a comfortable and reliable ride on various terrain. However, the Weekend Warrior’s unique leaf spring fork design is intended to provide some suspension without adding significant weight or complexity. Ultimately, both bikes provide solid options for gravel riding with different strengths based on rider needs and preferences. The Topstone Carbon 5 may be more suitable for those seeking a more traditional gravel bike setup, while the Weekend Warrior may be more attractive to those seeking unique and innovative suspension methods.
Learn More: Is Cannondale Topstone 1 Worth Buying? [Cannondale Topstone 1 Review]
Lauf Anywhere – Weekend Warrior vs Giant Revolt Advanced 1
The comparison between the two bikes shows that the same components are used. 1×11 gearing system provides a simple and wide range of gearing. And the same hydraulic disc brakes and 45-width tires are used. The configuration of the two bikes can be said to be not very different, and riders can choose their bike according to their favorite color and shape of the product.
One notable point is that the Giant Revolt Advanced 1 is equipped with droppers. Not only does it provide a lift on bumpy descents, but it also gives the rider a better comfort level while riding. I think it’s a good choice and the Giant Revolt Advanced 1 has a more compressed frame tube type.
Learn More: Is Giant Revolt Advanced Pro 0 Worth Buying? – [Giant Revolt Advanced Pro 0 Review]
Lauf Anywhere – Weekend Warrior vs Canyon Grizl 7
The Lauf Anywhere – Weekend Warrior and Canyon Grizl 7 are two high-end gravel bikes with unique features. The Grizl 7 features a carbon fiber frame, Shimano GRX 800/600 groupset with 2×11 gearing, and hydraulic disc brakes. It also has a unique handlebar setup that allows for various hand positions to provide comfort on long rides. Meanwhile, the Weekend Warrior uses a carbon fiber frame, SRAM Rival 1 groupset with a single chainring, and hydraulic disc brakes. It also has a unique leaf spring fork design that provides some suspension without adding significant weight or complexity.
Both bikes have generous tire clearance and tubeless rims, providing a comfortable and reliable ride on various terrain. The Grizl 7 may be more appealing to riders seeking a more traditional gravel bike setup, with a wider gear range to tackle various terrain. On the other hand, the Weekend Warrior may be more attractive to those seeking unique and innovative suspension methods, with a simplified 1x setup for efficient shifting. Ultimately, both bikes provide excellent options for gravel riding with different strengths based on rider needs and preferences.
Learn More: Is Canyon Grizl CF SL 8 Suspension 1by Worth Buying? [Canyon Grizl CF SL 8 Suspension 1by Review]
Summary
The Lauf Anywhere – Weekend Warrior is a comfortable and affordable gravel bike that can tackle any terrain, whether it’s paved roads or rough gravel paths. If you’re looking for a more affordable commuting bike, you can check out our other review articles.
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