Devinci

Hatchet Carbon 105 Gravel Bike

We feel the Hatchet from DeVinci is a fitting name: just as a small axe is an indispensable tool in the backcountry, so is this bike as an instrument for exploring seldom used roads. DeVinci has been crafting quality bikes in its Chicoutimi, Quebec facilities for over 25 years, first starting off with aluminum frames before branching out to carbon models for its road and mountain platforms. When the open road calls, the Hatchet Carbon 105 is ready with an all-road built capable of handling a mix of terrain on your way to get the perfect sunset photo.

This Hatchet is happy adventuring on fire roads, flying down fresh tarmac, or even mixing it up on some buff singletrack, maybe all while on the same ride. Its DMC R-HR, or DeVinci Carbon Monocoque Road-High Resistance technology, uses multidirectional layers of carbon fiber that are laid up in a specific schedule. DeVinci then fortifies the carbon with Nano Powder that reinforces the resin with microscopic carbon tubes. This carbon recipe is completely exclusive to DeVinci allowing it to offer high modulus monocoque frames that are extremely lightweight and impressively durable.

Other standout frame features include the BB86 bottom bracket for efficient power transmission, a tapered head tube for maximum responsiveness, and a slight bow to the toptube and lowered seat stays for improved compliance. Sleek internal cable routing via a port behind the headtube, including dropper post compatibility for getting really rowdy, accommodates mechanical and electronic drivetrains and keeps things looking tidy and out of harm's way. Lastly, the hidden fender mounts allow you to find the bike comfortably year around keeping mud and road spray from dampening spirits.

We would best describe the Hatchet's ride as mountain bike-esque with the speed and multiple hand positions afforded by drop bars. A quick peek at the geo chart confirms why this is. Headtube angles encroach on hardtail 29er numbers, while the longer reach encourages the use of a shorter stem and wide bars. The chainstays and subsequent wheelbase are quite longer than the average cyclocross bike, and to that, the Hatchet is stable when the going gets fast and rough, yet it still manages to be very responsive and quick to change lines on washboard descents.

This frameset will accommodate tires up to 40mm wide and DeVinci specs Maxxis ReFuse 32mm slicks for a comfortable platform that will still roll quickly on tarmac. Its 12mm thru-axles at the front and rear keep things stiff and tracking nicely and seem to have become the industry standard on drop bar disc bikes, as have its flat-mount disc brakes. This particular build pairs the carbon Hatchet frame with Shimano’s workhorse 105 groupset. With significant trickle-down technology from their more expensive options, 105 is stronger than ever and offers consistent performance without breaking the bank. Its 2x setup uses compact 50/34t gearing to roll better over the flats and descents when keeping up with the midweek training ride. The Shimano rims are tubeless ready allowing you to drop the pressure for better traction and comfort and running some sealant helps ward off punctures.