Cinelli says its new Zydeco Washboard gravel bike has enough versatility to adapt to your ride, whether you’re using it for commuting, bikepacking or a mix of on- and off-road riding.
If that makes it sound as though the Zydeco Washboard is a bit of a catch-all bike, that’s exactly the point. Cinelli says its latest gravel bike, which launched at the Velofollies trade show in Belgium, will adapt to your ride.
“The Zydeco Washboard is a modern, multipurpose gravel platform designed for riders who want one bike that does it all,” Cinelli claims.
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Two models, one frame
The gravel bike is available in two models, the Sport and Allday. Both models share the same aluminium frame, which is dotted in mounting points for racks, mudguards and more, so you can adapt either Zydeco Washboard to your riding needs.
Cinelli wanted the Zydeco Washboard to have a modern aesthetic, which means the bike gets a cockpit with semi-integrated cable routing, a flared handlebar and a tapered top tube.
The bike also has a modern look thanks to the slightly dropped seatstays, which Cinelli says introduces some extra flex and comfort, even if this is limited due to the frame material.
One feature that makes it modern in another way is the Universal Derailleur Hanger, which means you’d be able to fit a new SRAM groupset, even if the Sport and Allday models at Velofollies both had Shimano Cues groupsets.
The Washboard frame also has a yoke design at the chainstay, where the tubing is welded to a thinner section of metal that runs between the crankset and tyre. Cinelli opted for this design to keep tyre clearance generous at 45mm.
As you might expect from an entry-level and practical gravel bike, the geometry is relatively upright for comfort. But if you slam the stem for a racy feel, you still ride the bike “very fast”, according to a Cinelli spokesperson at Velofollies.
Where the Sport and Allday differ is their fork and finishing kit. The Sport has a carbon fork, while the Allday sticks to aluminium.
The Sport also has a higher-spec Cues 1x drivetrain and hydraulic disc brakes, whereas the Allday has a 2x Cues drivetrain and cable-actuated brakes.
Cinelli says both bikes are affordable, with the Sport costing €2,300 and the Allday €1,500.
Cinelli’s gravel bikes get their ‘Zydeco’ name from the up-tempo music genre that originated in Louisiana. The music is often played with a washboard. Cinelli chose to name its latest bike after the percussion instrument because of the music, but also because gravel trails can feel like a washboard under your wheels.
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- Pinarello adds a drop handlebar to its XC hardtail to create ‘monster’ gravel bike
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