The SOBRE DAD 2017 is the latest vintage Beaujolais proposed by the brand based in Jarnioux. The DAD is the "Best Seller" of the brand and placed in terms of sells just in front of the very famous gravel steel bike, the VERSATILE. For 2017, no big transformations, just few adjustments to stick XC-All Mountain new trend. The DAD also increase its compatibility for SingleSpeed transmission.
The very first SOBRE DAD was born in February 2011. Today it is in its sixth year of commercialization. A model that is never turned upside down, but each time it is several small natural evolutions that are applied to it. This strategy briefly reminds the way of working of the brand Ritchey which modify each bikes by small and successive modifications.
The SOBRE DAD is still fully dedicated to XC / All-moutain practice. Its front triangle is made of the Reynolds 520 steel tubes, diameters and thicknesses are identical to the previous version. The same rules are applied to the Cromo 4130 steel rear triangle. No change regarding steel tubes series. The headtube is a 44mm model allowing to set up a tapered or non tapered front suspension fork. The frame receives an internal and external anti-rust treatment. The bottom bracket is BSA type threaded 73mm, a safe value. The frame is designed for a 27.2mm seatpost.
It is mainly on its geometry that the Sobre DAD evolves. No radicalization planned, the brand recenter the distribution of the masses. With a 100mm travel fork like a Rock Rhox Reba 2017: the reach increases by 5mm going from 425mm to 430mm. The headtube angle moves slightly from 70.7 degrees to 70.5 degrees. The seatube angle changes from 74.2 to 74.5 degrees moving slightly the position to the front, so the toptube wins also few millimeters long. To gain stability, the bottom brackets is now 2mm lower ... from 308mm to now 306mm high. However, in order for the DAD not to become too slow to drive and remains easy to handle, chainstays are loosing 2mm with a length of 436mm thanks to the use of the Shimano SideSwing technology (explained in the next paragraph). The balance between stability and liveliness in maintain.
If you stay focus on modifications made to the rear triangle, this one gains 2mm of clearance as well on the chainstays and the seatstays. To win those precious millimeters, SOBRE firstly applied a slightly different bending on the chainstays. Then, the DAD inherited of the Shimano SideSwing process for the front dérailleur (Direct Mount Type E), a process already used on the new SOBRE OFF. The "technology" SideSwing is composed of a front dérailleur with a reduced size (smaller mechanism) and allows to win easily 15mm between the rear tire and the front dérailleur. This explain the shorter chainstays detailed previously. The maximum dimension for the rear tire is 29x2.4 ", and the DAD remains compatible with a double crankset.
Of course, things can do the most can also do less. If you want to ride this new SOBRE DAD in 1x11 this is possible. And if all those dérailleurs annoy you, you are going to be happy to know that this new DAD can easily be mounted like a SingleSpeed. Simply replace the original removable dropouts 142x12mm (or 135x10 QR depends on option) by the new SingleSpeed Sobre dropouts available on the SObre webshop. Build your own SOBRE DAD à la carte !
About colors, it is still available in Black and Orange whose shade is identical to the SOBRE VERSATILE - Orange Mat RAL2001. Frame Size, S, M and L. No XL or XS.
So does all this is really change the character of the DAD? According to SOBRE, he retains his vivacity and is performing as its predecessor. However, recentering the distribution of the masses encourage the set up of a shorter stem, it inevitably gains in control precision. This meets the new trends of All-Mountain or even in Cross Country where people now ride with shorter stems but also wider handlebars. Ditto for tires, with a 2,4inch in the back, it gains in comfort with a greater volume but mainly grip.
The SOBRE DAD retains its proven recipes. They have made its success of yesteryear with small evolutions allowing, for each generation, to maintain a fair price. A firm resolve of Laurent, owner of SOBRE BIKES. About the price, because it is necessary to talk about it : 470 euros TTC (included tawes) for the frame alone. A combo frame + fork Sagzero should be available soon, i advise you to keep an eye on the shop. The weight should be around 2300 grams in size M. For riders who would like to acquire the SOBRE DAD, but do not live in European Union, please contact the brand for a quote.
Thanks to Laurent - SOBRE BIKES - for all those pictures.
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