“Adventure” has become something strangely intangible - something that feels increasingly out of reach. An idea reserved for those who can afford far-flung destinations, or those lucky enough to be paid to chase them. But what if adventures can be whatever we want them to be?
"This little adventure has been brewing in the back of my mind for some time now. Living right on the Dutch border, I’ve often looked at the map and thought how incredible it would be to simply ride across the country, to Poland.
Yet somehow I always found a reason not to.
If this ride was going to happen, I needed a bike that reflected the spirit of the project itself. That is where Pashley Cycles entered the picture..."
The journey begins
From the fabrication of the Reynolds 853 steel to the final careful assembly of the componentry, every inch of James's Roadfinder X is being handcrafted in Britain. Versatile, high-end performance that enables the rider to choose between road, off-road and any combination in-between.
"The Roadfinder X will form the foundation of my bike. At its core is a steel frame designed to move comfortably between rough bridleways, fast gravel tracks, and the inevitable stretches of road that connect them. Slim seat stays help smooth vibrations, while shaped chainstays allow for tyre clearance of up to 45 mm, providing grip on loose gravel, mud, and forest tracks. Up front, a Columbus carbon fork with flip-chip dropouts allows the handling to be tuned between quicker steering and long-distance stability..."
Follow the journey with us, and @progravelmag
