Devinci

Hatchet Carbon Ultegra RX Gravel Bike

We feel the Hatchet Carbon Ultegra RX Complete Allroad Bike from DeVinci is a fitting name because, just as a small ax is an indispensable tool, 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. And if you haven't been living under a rock, you know that gravel riding is a big deal with every manufacturer having a model in its lineup. What's particularly nice about this model is that its entire spec, including its KS dropper post, low gearing with Shimano Ultegra RX clutch rear derailleur, Maxxis tire selection, and flared Easton handlebar are all carefully chosen and show DeVinci's dedication and attention to detail when outfitting a modern gravel bike.

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 beautiful matte Black and Bronze paint cover a lightweight and durable full-carbon frame and fork that’s willing and capable to take on your most heroic rides and races. 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 Ramblers in that particular width. 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 quality frameset receives a worthy build kit in the form of Shimano's excellent Ultegra group including its clutch-equipped RX rear derailleur. Its 2x setup and FSA Energy crank with 48/32t chainrings up front and 11-34t cassette out back offers plenty of gearing for long, steep, extended climbs with shorter steps between the cogs than from a typical 1x setup. Its DT Swiss rims are tubeless ready allowing you to drop the pressure for better traction and comfort and running some sealant helps ward off punctures. Lastly, its Easton EA70 handlebar with 16 degrees of flare offer better comfort and control while in the drops.