Is the Pinnacle Arkose X one of the best-value gravel bikes of 2023?

By Oscar Huckle

Published: Wednesday, 09 November 2022 at 12:00 am

Pinnacle, the in-house brand of UK retailer Evans Cycles, has resurrected the Arkose X and, on paper, this could be one of the best-value gravel bikes of 2023.

Based on Pinnacle’s long-standing Arkose adventure frame, the Arkose X features a Shimano GRX Di2 electronic groupset and WTB Proterra Light i23 wheelset for £2,500.

The Arkose has long been a staple of the Pinnacle range. We tested the Pinnacle Arkose D2 in 2020 and it’s one of the best gravel bikes we’ve reviewed.

X marks the spot

The X variant has cropped up now and again over the years. The X models historically tend to be more gravel-centric with larger-volume tyres, flared handlebars and unique paint schemes.

Originally designed by James Olsen, formerly of Genesis and now of CSG (which distributes Cannondale and GT bikes), the Arkose X retains its heat-treated 6061 aluminium frame with a full-carbon fork.

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We’ve previously reviewed the Pinnacle Arkose D2 (pictured here), with Shimano Tiagra, and described it as “a well-specced bike that’s designed for riders who like to get off the beaten track”.
David Caudery / Immediate Media

The frame, available in four sizes from S to XL, sports tyre clearance for 700c x 47mm or 650b x 50mm gravel bike tyres.

It features triple bottle cage mounts and internal cable routing, as well as routing for a dynamo. In a further nod to versatility, there are also mounting points for full-length mudguards and a pannier rack.

Di2 for 2023

For 2023, the Arkose X sports Shimano’s GRX Di2 electronic groupset.

With the exception of the disc rotors, this is a full groupset and it even includes the EW-WU111 Bluetooth unit, which enables you to connect the groupset to the Shimano eTube phone app and many bike computers.

The gravel wheels are taken care of by WTB, in the form of its Proterra Light i23 650b model. The wheels feature a 23mm internal rim width, bladed spokes, EZO bearings and a five-degree freehub engagement.

The wheelset alone retails for $324.95 (UK pricing unavailable at the time of writing) – it’s common for brands to spec cheaper wheelsets on bikes at this price range.

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WTB provides the wheels and tyres. The Venture, pictured here, is described by WTB as a “set-it-and-forget-it gravel tyre for riders who demand steadfast traction on a wide range of surfaces”.
WTB

The wheels are shod with the brand’s Venture tyres in a 650b x 47mm width. The Venture is described by WTB as a “set-it-and-forget-it gravel tyre for riders who demand steadfast traction on a wide range of surfaces”.

While Pinnacle has opted to spec the Arkose X with 650b wheels, the frame is also compatible with 700c wheels.

As for the finishing kit, this is largely an own-branded Pinnacle affair, although the flared handlebar makes a return for this model.

The only exception is the saddle, with WTB providing its Volt model.

The Arkose X is available from Evans Cycles now.