Is Gravel Getting Too Complicated? Neuhaus Thinks So.
A first impression of the Neuhaus BigLeaf, a steel gravel bike that pushes back against modern complexity with a simple, reliable, and capable design.
The gravel bike market lately seems to be in an arms race of complexity. We have suspension, integrated storage, aero-optimized everything, and proprietary parts galore. It’s starting to feel less like riding and more like feature management. That’s why the new Neuhaus BigLeaf immediately caught my eye. The entire philosophy behind it seems to be a deep breath and a step back toward the essentials. Neuhaus explicitly built this as a response to the "gimmicks" they feel are ruining the simplicity that makes gravel riding great in the first place.
This isn't just a retro throwback, though. It’s a thoughtful blend of classic, practical design and modern capability. It's a clean steel frame, but one that clears massive 700x55c tires and uses a UDH for new drivetrains. The geometry seems focused on a relaxed fit and stable handling, not racing. At $1,800 for the Taiwanese-made "Core Collection" frameset, it’s not a budget bike, but it’s an accessible entry into their custom philosophy. In a market obsessed with "more," I find this focus on "just enough" to be incredibly refreshing.
Key Specifications
- Bottom Bracket: Threaded BSA 68mm (A win for simple, creak-free maintenance.)
- Tire Clearance: 700x55mm (Massive, modern clearance for serious comfort and capability.)
- Hanger: UDH (Future-proofs the frame for any modern drivetrain.)
- Seatpost: 27.2mm (A standard size that prioritizes compliance and easy part swaps.)
Neuhaus Bikes
