[Closed] Sonder Camino AL

Yep - I swapped components from a Cannondale CX bike onto a Camino AL frameset about 6 months ago - really like it for back laning / gravel / light offroad routes. Running 2x using std road Ultegra chainset - I then installed an SLX cassette and upgraded wheelset to Hunt gravels - kept to 700c running Gravel King 38's. Rolls along real nice now.

Interesting. I also have a CAADX, was that your donor bike?

Yup, mine is ace. It'll do pretty much anything within reason - from the Dirty Reiver, to Llandegla blue/bits of red, to long road rides - I'm just about to head up around the Horseshoe Pass on it in a bit. Running the Apex/mechanical brake option with 650b wheels and Byways.

I couldn't recommend it highly enough and Alpkit are great to deal with and dead helpful.

Loved mine, only got rid to buy a PX Tempest.

Ran it 650 and 700, 650 with Horizons was comfier and barely slower.

OP - was a Super-X

I’ve been pleasantly surprised by how good my Camino Al is.  I swapped from a Cotic Escapade that I felt was too big. I bought the Camino as an ex-display rolling chassis and built it up with fairly basic SRAM drivetrain.  Recently upgraded the wheels to Hunt Gravel 700c, and they’re really nice for the money.  I’ve also run it with 650b+ and WTB rancheros in winter and really like the extra comfort of the b+, and they’re great for noodling around on rougher bridleways.  If I was building from scratch, I’d probably go b+ with WTB byways, and stick some slightly shorter cranks on to gain a bit more ground clearance - that latter is nit picking though.

I was gonna use mine as a tourer with added rough stuff credentials if ever needed.

quite a long thread with pics last year...still like mine used for light touring duties and errands requiring an (unfashionable) rack and panniers rides nice for an aluminium frame and has useful stuff like 3 bottle mounts only regret is not cutting down on wine and saving for the Ti frame if the Al is good then the Ti version must be spot on excellent for gravel touring

https://singletrackmag.com/forum/topic/sonder-camino-al-thoughts-feelings-emotions-pictures/

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Ooo ta, I'll have a read of that. You know how the (non) search function is on here...

<edit> Now read. Looks like I may have chosen a good en, more by luck
than judgement... Mine is frame only v2 and will be built up from spares and bits n bobs lying about. I really want it set up as a tourer with a bit of off road in hand rather than with an off road bias (if that makes sense). So 700c/triple/Road kit and rear rack as a starter.

You know how the (non) search function is on here…

yep wasn't a "have you searched post" ... I used google to find the post I remember putting some sort of contribution in last year ... a search function that works would be good..lots of useful stuff

I did just over 90km on mine yesterday including over the Horseshoe Pass.I found mine took a bit of faffing with stem length, seat setback etc to get it really comfortable, but now it's pretty much perfect.

Anyone using rack and panniers? Someone mentioned heel clearance up there ^?

Use a rack and panniers... panniers need to be carefully positioned well back as not a lot of heel clearance....I have small feet 42's so that probably helps a lot as does rack choice I guess

Clearance for me (6’2” with size 11 feet) was ok with the rack quite far back, would be better with fronts/bar bag as well to balance the weight a little.

Mine's just been delivered. Looks alright in an industrial chic way. Might just be the bargain of the century at £250 👍

Bit of a bump to ask about sizing. I'm sort of between sizes at 5'10ish, and have a fairly middle aged back!
I'd be grateful if there are any Camino owners around that height, who could tell me what size they chose and how it is fitting.
I'm a bit too far away to demo one.
Thanks