I always felt the Dark Peak was a hoot to ride, mainly because of the feeling that it was so much bike for its price tag, but also because all the parts fully functional and shouldn't wear out or let you down as they aren’t at all compromised even at the price point.REVIEW: Better Than the Movies by Lynn Painter It's actually pretty refreshing for something so economical to have so little to criticise. The wheels are both quick release, with none of the current trends for bolt through - again, not a surprise at this price point, and it makes for easy wheel removal when required. I think its main selling point is that its a bike that looks better than the price point it sits at. It hints at its adaptable riding with the three water bottle mounts, good tyre clearance and rack mounts.
The frame finish didn’t throw up any big surprises, its a well made with nice welds and overall detail is solid. You’d expect to see some corners cut, but the only slightly off element is the bottom bracket which is a square taper with internal bearings as opposed to a more update external cup style - and in all honesty this is still going to last pretty well, it just feels a little more flexible than other cranks and bottom brackets. It's a struggle to see how Calibre has delivered a bike spec at this keen price point. Whilst it may not be the high-end, it all consists of well made, reliable parts with good reputations. There is not a single own brand component or piece of finishing kit to be seen - it's all branded and from the likes of Shimano, Ritchey and Selle Royal. The Dark Peak from Calibre is a bike that on paper doesn’t look possible with a price versus spec comparison that makes you double take. How to go bikepacking: a beginner's guide to getting started.The best mountain bikes under £1500 ridden and rated.Eight of the best gravel bikes for under £1000.Specced with branded components throughout and built around a double-butted 6061 aluminium frame with carbon forks, if you are looking at dipping your toes into the gravel bike market on a budget, then this is a great place to start.
With a solid spec that wouldn’t look amiss on a bike the next price bracket or two up, the Dark Peak is a super value for money gravel-cross-adventure-do-it-all bike that is also reliable and fun to ride.
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