Coming from a “Racing Matters” background, Foundry Cycles designed the Overland to be the most versatile of all the ‘cross bikes they offer. Specifically, they refer to it as a Drop Bar Course Killer. With a frame constructed from titanium, this bike is strong enough to handle the rigors of a six hour gravel race, yet nimble enough for racing cyclocross in the fall.
Where the Overland differs from a regular cross bike is in the bike’s geometry – it’s designed to accommodate varying road surfaces and types of riding. Starting with a 68mm bottom bracket drop for better cornering stability, the theme continues with an increased tire clearance of 41mm, and compact 425mm chainstays built to tuck in the rear wheel for improved traction. Traction is handy in cyclocross and UltraCross, another area the bike excels at. Think tackling rocky and rooty terrain, and you get the picture…
Disc brakes are virtually standard equipment on cyclocross and gravel bikes these days, and the Overland doesn’t disappoint. Equipped with SRAM Force 22 hydraulic brakes, 160mm front and 140mm rear rotors, braking performance is excellent. As a further positive, the frame sports thru axles front and rear (15x100mm and 12x142mm) mated to DT Swiss R24 Centerlock tubeless ready wheels.
The virtues of thru axles are well known. They provide a solid connection to the front and rear of the bike, which helps to resist braking forces against the frame and fork. Additionally, the DT’s RWS thru axles ensure consistent alignment with the brake calipers and rotors time and time again.
The Overland’s drivetrain is all SRAM Force 22, with seatpost, stem and handlebars provided by Zipp. Rounding it out is Whisky’s #9 tapered cyclocross fork with fender mounts, Cane Creek headset and Velo saddle.
Bucking the trend of internally routed cables, the Overland keeps it simple, routing the mechanical shifting and rear brake along the top tube – some would consider this “retro”. Assuming a mechanical drivetrain, the front derailleur requires a pulley mounted onto a threaded boss residing behind the seat tube. As many mechanics will tell you, externally routed cables are a blessing in disguise, drastically easing maintenance.
Electronic shifting is not forgotten. The Overland routes all electronic cables internally, through conveniently located ports on the down tube, seat tube and right chainstay.
Overlands are available in five sizes from XS to XL, with effective top tubes ranging from 52cm to 60cm. At 5’11”, I’ve chosen the size Small (54cm top tube), but have substituted the stock length stem and seatpost for additional length and setback accordingly. Sizing does determine some of the component lengths and widths on stock builds, such as stem, crankset and handlebar. However, your friendly Foundry dealer can likely substitute such components as stems should the stock lengths be unsuitable.
Regardless of the bike size chosen, all stock builds feature SRAM’s GXP carbon crankset with 46/36 chainrings and a SRAM PG1130 11-32 cassette. Another really nice touch is the 68mm bottom bracket shell – no press fit bottom bracket standards to be found.
Want to build your own Overland? The frameset retails for $US 2,495, with the complete build as detailed above, retailing for $US 4,695.
From a spec, build and quality aspect, first impressions are very good. Look for a full review of the Overland after we put it through its paces at multiple gravel rides and races throughout the year.
Photos by Gravel Cyclist. Jayson O’Mahoney is the Gravel Cyclist: A website about the Gravel Cycling Experience.
