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review

Pretorius Outeniqua Disc frameset

8
£2,299.00

VERDICT:

8
10
Race orientated titanium frame that's as fun as it is comfortable; a blast whether you're going flat out or taking in the scenery
Weight: 
8,490g

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One hundred and seventeen miles after I'd got on the Pretorius Outeniqua Disc I knew I'd chosen the right bike that morning. Just over six and a half hours of climbing, descending, a bit of through-and-off and some rough country back lanes meant a real all-rounder was needed. The Outeniqua ticked every box.

The Outeniqua's titanium alloy (3Al/2.5V) frameset is made up of predominately oversized tubing to provide the stiffness for what is to all intents and purposes a race bike. You can feel the benefits straight away as the Pretorius is probably one of the tightest titanium frames I've ridden especially at the front end thanks to the huge 44mm internal diameter head tube.

Pretorius supply the frame with a Chris King Inset 7 headset. By changing between the various baseplates you can run the frame with either a 1 1/8in standard fork steerer or the option that the London bike brand has gone for, an Enve disc 1 1/8in – 1 1/2in tapered version.

Increasing the head tube diameter for stiffness works in two ways. It provides a larger surface area to weld bigger diameter top and down tubes to and the tapered steerer is less flexible whether that's dealing with forces from the disc brakes or rider input. Using a constant diameter tube keeps a traditional to the frame.

Does it work? I'd say so. One of the descents on the above ride was a steep country lane with a tight right hander at the bottom. Nudging 59mph before hauling the brakes on hard did nothing to upset the Outeniqua as it continued to brake straight and true before tracking straight through the bend a little quicker than was probably sensible. It's not just high speed plummets that bring out this side of its handling either: sweeping turns and sharp direction changes also feel solid and direct.

The racy geometry plays a hand in this too, with relatively steep 73° and a 73.5° head and seat angles keeping the entire frame tight and nimble. Pretorius have added just 5mm to the standard Outeniqua's already short wheelbase to allow for the fitting of mudguards but it still responds like a race bike rather than a more traditional winter bike with its more sedate handling.

Pretorius have gone for the PF30 route at the bottom bracket which is similar to BB30, it uses the same bearing races in fact but instead of pressing them directly into the frame the PF30 places the bearings in cups which are in turn press fitted into the bottom bracket shell. The 2mm bigger inner diameter required for the cups means you get a bigger tube again providing more surface area for welding plus the fact that the bearings are running against the cups should mean better longevity for the frame. Hard efforts didn't feel to have any effect on the bottom bracket stiffness even on steep 25% gradients when I was putting out pretty much everything I had just to keep moving.

Tying everything together are the large down tube, and tapered top tube that changes diameter very subtly by just 4mm from a 38mm start at the head tube. I like the fact it looks beefy and solid, especially for a titanium bike without coming across as over the top.

From the saddle the Outeniqua is one of the stiffest titanium frames I've ridden, especially at the front end but thankfully the material properties manage to come through and take the harshness out of the ride. In fact even with Deda's massive 35mm diameter handlebars fitted it wasn't uncomfortable on rough roads.

The rear end is much more slender and though you certainly benefit in the comfort stakes over long distance. A common theme on titanium bikes is to curve the chainstays towards the chainset in a bid to allow some flex but the Outeniqua Disc's are relatively straight, in fact the only reason they curve at all is to make room for the disc and caliper judging by the rim braked version. The chainstays are curved for exactly the same reason and even though they are short at 407mm long (54cm frame) I didn't have any heel clearance issues.

The main point about the Outeniqua Disc, though, is that it's usable year without really making any major sacrifices anywhere. Being road.cc's unofficial 'road bike with disc brake' tester (I've reviewed seven so far in 2014) I'm certainly an adopter of them. Other than aerodynamics I can't see a situation where I would rather have caliper brakes over a disc. If like me you like to leave your braking a little late the consistent, modulated feel of discs is a huge bonus especially when you're using any form of hydraulic system.

While the Outeniqua comes as a frameset our build came with TRP's Hy/Rd cable/hydraulic mix system which are pretty impressive stoppers. Pretorius have chosen 140mm rotors front and rear and they really match the performance of the frame. You can carry more speed into bends or roundabouts without the fear of not having enough braking power to stop if you have to. Just as a note though I'd go for a 160mm on the front as I've found that the best overall combination.

I mentioned mudguards early on and this is another neat element of the Outeniqua; it can take full mudguards, albeit with a maximum of 23mm tyres, without looking odd without them thanks to maintaining the tight clearances. The rear dropouts have thread mounts and while the eagle-eyed of you will have noticed there are no such attachments at the fork, fear not. Pretorius provide 3D printed mounts to attach the guards. It keeps the frame looking clean and tidy when its not being used in the wet.

Our Outeniqua Disc came with a full Campagnolo Chorus mechanical build which worked beautifully especially once bedded in after a few miles. Should you want to go electronic from the start or as an upgrade at a later date Pretorius have a neat little solution to this: the cable stops are 3D printed also and can be removed when they aren't needed. The electronic shifting cables can then be passed internally exiting near each mech. You can see the little rubber grommets covering the exits in the pictures.

The rest of our build summed up the Outeniqua's all rounder intent with H Plus Son wheels on Chris King hubs, still pretty flash kit but solid performers that will stand up to daily abuse. The hubs are beautifully smooth and well sealed; handy as the Pretorius was a fair number of wet days over the test period. The Continental tyres are 25mm in width which is the biggest that the Pretorius will take without guards and they rolled nicely as did the wheels.

We also had a range of Deda finishing kit which was also decent without being super light or overly expensive showing in a way that Pretorius are confident in the frame's performance and don't feel the need to drape it in bling to take your eye off of an short comings.

So what's it going to cost you? £2,299 for the frame, fork and Chris King headset or £2,900 for a full custom job if you don't feel any of the six available off the peg sizes fit you. For price comparison the build we've got here would set you back around £4,600 and built up it weighs 8.5kg (18.7lb), pretty good considering the solid build as opposed to a full on weight weenie one. You'll also pay extra for the custom paint finish we've got here, it does look lovely in the sunlight though.

Conclusion

The Pretorius Outeniqua Disc offers a very fast, direct, stiff ride with about being as extreme as a full on race bike. It's an easy bike to ride whether you're tapping out the miles or riding it hard and above all its hugely comfortable.

Price wise it is expensive but that's not to say its overpriced. In fact it comes in around a similar price to other small-brand titanium and carbon frames we've tested.

The frame we've tested here may be custom, but it's not off the peg in the same way as a mass produced frame, either: there is a lot of attention to detail and it's beautifully crafted.

Think of it as an investment, with titanium's corrosion resistance and timeless look it could be the only bike you need for the rest of your cycling life.

Verdict

A race orientated frameset that's as fun to ride as it is comfortable, a blast whether you're going flat out or taking in the scenery.

If you're thinking of buying this product using a cashback deal why not use the road.cc Top Cashback page and get some top cashback while helping to support your favourite independent cycling website

road.cc test report

Make and model: Pretorius Outeniqua Disc frameset

Size tested: M

About the bike

State the frame and fork material and method of construction. List the components used to build up the bike.

*3Al/2.5V double butted tubing

*44mm Headtube

*PF30 Bottom Bracket

*Enve 11/8 – 1.5 tapered road disc fork

*Chris King Inset 7 (semi-internal) headset

*Compatible with mechanical and electronic groupsets

*3D printed removable cable stops

*Compatible with TRP HY/RD brakes

*Replaceable hanger

*Compatible with 23 & 25mm tyres (23mm with mudguards)

*Available as full custom or in 6 stock sizes; XS, S, M, M/L, L, XL

Test sample build -

Campag Chorus carbon groupset

H Plus Son rims with Chris King hubs

Deda 35 handlebars

Deda stem and seatpost

Selle Italia saddle

TRP Hy/Rd disc brakes

Continental 25mm tyres

Tell us what the bike is for, and who it's aimed at. What do the manufacturers say about it? How does that compare to your own feelings about the bike?

The Outeniqua is designed as a race orientated bike that will also be just as happy on an all day epic providing a fast, direct ride while maintaing comfort and stable handling. By adding discs and mudguard mounts it also becomes a year round, all weather bike.

Frame and fork

Overall rating for frame and fork
 
8/10

Tell us about the build quality and finish of the frame and fork?

Nicely built with tidy, neat welding and the painted finsh makes it stand out from the crowd.

Tell us about the materials used in the frame and fork?

The Enve fork is full carbon with a tapered steerer and disc caliper mounts while hte frame uses double butted 3Al/2.5V titanium alloy tubing.

Tell us about the geometry of the frame and fork?

Race orientated without being overly twitchy. Follow the link for the geometry table of the six of hte peg models, full custom option is also available.

http://pretoriusbikes.com/the-shop/framesets/pretorius-frames/outeniqua-...

How was the bike in terms of height and reach? How did it compare to other bikes of the same stated size?

As a medium the 54cm top tube and 53cm top tube is pretty normal. The rest of the measurements reflect this and overall the Pretorius fitted me like a glove

Riding the bike

Was the bike comfortable to ride? Tell us how you felt about the ride quality.

Yes, it's stiff but the titanium's naturally flex keeps the harshness at bay.

Did the bike feel stiff in the right places? Did any part of the bike feel too stiff or too flexible?

No, its all a good balance.

How did the bike transfer power? Did it feel efficient?

Very well indeed, its no explosive sprinting machine but lays the power down well at high levels of effort.

Was there any toe-clip overlap with the front wheel? If so, was it a problem?

No, there probably will be with guards though.

How would you describe the steering? Was it lively, neutral or unresponsive? Nicely weighted tuned more to the lively side but not overly so.

Tell us some more about the handling. How did the bike feel overall? Did it do particular things well or badly?

The short wheelbase and stiff front end makes the Outeniqua handle nicely taking fast bends and descents without any scary moments.

Which components had the most effect (good or bad) on the bike's comfort? would you recommend any changes?

The Deda 35 bars were borderline for rides of six or seven hours and I'd probably change to something with a little more flex.

Which components had the most effect (good or bad) on the bike's stiffness? would you recommend any changes?

The Enve fork is very stiff as were most of the components. It shows how comfortable the frame is when you can add parts like this and not ruin the ride quality.

Which components had the most effect (good or bad) on the bike's efficiency? would you recommend any changes?

We're starting to see lighter disc brake wheels come to the market which would make acceleration and climbing better but you'd be trading off the longevity of the wheel build here.

Rate the bike for efficiency of power transfer:
 
8/10
Rate the bike for acceleration:
 
8/10
Rate the bike for sprinting:
 
8/10
Rate the bike for high speed stability:
 
9/10
Rate the bike for cruising speed stability:
 
9/10
Rate the bike for flat cornering:
 
8/10
Rate the bike for cornering on descents:
 
9/10
Rate the bike for climbing:
 
8/10

The drivetrain

Rate the drivetrain for performance:
 
8/10
Rate the drivetrain for durability:
 
8/10
Rate the drivetrain for weight:
 
8/10
Rate the drivetrain for value:
 
7/10

Tell us some more about the drivetrain. Anything you particularly did or didn't like? Any components which didn't work well together?

The Campagnolo Chorus parts worked nicely with the frame and looked the business to. I especially liked the 53/36 chainset which feels a much better ratio than 50/34.

Wheels and tyres

Rate the wheels and tyres for performance:
 
8/10
Rate the wheels and tyres for durability:
 
8/10
Rate the wheels and tyres for weight:
 
7/10
Rate the wheels and tyres for comfort:
 
8/10
Rate the wheels and tyres for value:
 
8/10

Tell us some more about the wheels and tyres.Did they work well in the conditions you encountered? Would you change the wheels or tyres? If so, what for?

Solid performers that suit the all rounder attitude of the Pretorius.

Controls

Rate the controls for performance:
 
8/10
Rate the controls for durability:
 
8/10
Rate the controls for weight:
 
8/10
Rate the controls for comfort:
 
7/10
Rate the controls for value:
 
7/10

Tell us some more about the controls. Any particularly good or bad components? How would the controls work for larger or smaller riders?

On the stiff side but would suit bigger, more powerful riders.

Your summary

Did you enjoy riding the bike? Yes.

Would you consider buying the bike? Yes.

Would you recommend the bike to a friend? Yes.

Rate the bike overall for performance:
 
8/10
Rate the bike overall for value:
 
8/10

Anything further to say about the bike in conclusion?

Even though I've rated the components this is basically a frame and fork review and the overall score of 8/10 reflects that. The Outeniqua Disc is fun to ride whether you're out for an hour's blast or a day in the saddle and is easy enough to live with day in day out. For the money you are getting a performance bike that will adapt to chain gangs, sportives, audax even a bit of credit card touring plus during the week it makes a comfortable, well mannered commuter. N+1 is starting to look a little threatened.

Overall rating: 8/10

About the tester

Age: 35  Height: 180cm  Weight: 76kg

I usually ride: Whatever needs testing or Genesis Flyer, fixed of course!  My best bike is: Kinesis T2 with full Centaur Red

I've been riding for: 10-20 years  I ride: Every day  I would class myself as: Expert

I regularly do the following types of riding: time trialling, commuting, club rides, sportives, fixed/singlespeed,

 

As part of the tech team here at F-At Digital, senior product reviewer Stu spends the majority of his time writing in-depth reviews for road.cc, off-road.cc and ebiketips using the knowledge gained from testing over 1,500 pieces of kit (plus 100's of bikes) since starting out as a freelancer back in 2009. After first throwing his leg over a race bike back in 2000, Stu's ridden more than 170,000 miles on road, time-trial, track, and gravel bikes, and while he's put his racing days behind him, he still likes to smash the pedals rather than take things easy. With a background in design and engineering, he has an obsession with how things are developed and manufactured, has a borderline fetish for handbuilt metal frames and finds a rim braked road bike very aesthetically pleasing!

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