After several visits from smaller riders, we realised that the standover height on our XXS frames was too high. We did not want to compromise the geometry or force riders onto 650B wheels, as many other brands do, so it was back the drawing board.
After a few tweaks, we reworked our XXSframesets - maintaining the wheelbase, reach and stack with redesigned seat stays and a revised top tube angle to accommodate a shorter inseam. Shortening the seat tube by 20mm serves to drop the top tube to give greater standover clearance.
At about the same time, we got chatting to Carolina, a 5ft ultra cyclist who is about to tackle Across Andes, an unsupported gravel event in Chile. Who better to put our Gradient XXS through its paces!
In an industry where sizing for women is usually an after-thought, it was refreshing to source Carolina some 150mm cranks from Rotor. With a mechanical Shimano GRX 820 groupset and 700C Strada Handbuilt Wheels with plenty of toe overlap clearance, it's the perfect set up for her epic challenge.
