Depending on where, how, and with who you ride, the term “gravel” can mean any number of things. From smooth ribbons of packed dirt to miles of flint to rutted forest road, gravel is what you make it. Otso’s Waheela S was designed from the ground up to be the most versatile gravel bike available.
The first suspension-corrected gravel/adventure bike on the market, the Waheela S will handle optimally with both rigid and gravel suspension forks. Thanks to Otso’s patent-pending Tuning Chip dropout system and Lithic Hiili carbon fork, the Waheela S can be built with tires ranging from all-road 700Cx28 through road-plus 650Cx53 to a massive trail-ready 700Cx53 (29×2.1). A full complement of rack and fender mounts make the Waheela S a capable fast tourer or commuter while Reynolds 520 tubing provides the ride quality that can only come from 120 years of experience tuning steel tubes.
The Waheela S’s progressive gravel geometry borrows a page from the cross-country playbook with increased top tube lengths and shorter stems- maintaining stack and reach while providing a lively ‘can-do’ attitude on rougher terrain. For those looking to push the limits, Otso has also provided internal routing for dropper seatposts.
Available in two colors as an $899 frameset with carbon Lithic fork the Waheela S can also be purchased with three no-compromise builds or custom built to suit any rider. Complete bikes start at $1,999 and all feature SRAM Apex 1 single-ring drivetrains, disc brakes, DT Swiss wheelsets, and US-made Wolf Tooth headsets. The Waheela S Expert upgrades the Comp model’s BB7 mechanical disc brakes to Apex HRD hydraulics at $2,349 and the Waheela S Pro adds a Fox F32 AX or Lauf Grit suspension fork and KS E30i 100mm dropper post at $3,249.
Whatever your gravel looks like or where it takes you, the Waheela S is a capable, comfortable, and above all fun companion. Learn more at otsocycles.com.
Features:
- Suspension-corrected geometry via custom Wolf Tooth headset
- Tire clearance up to 700×53 (29×2.1 mtb tire)
- Patent-pending Tuning Chip dropout system
- Reynolds 520 tubing
- Internal dropper routing
- Electro Deposited coating inside and out for rust protection
- Rack and fender mounts
- Available from Otso dealers or direct from Otso Cycles
- Waheela S Frameset:Â $899
- Waheela S Complete:Â $1,999
- Waheela S Expert Complete:Â $2,349
- Waheela S Pro Complete:Â $3,249
Ron is the chief cook and bottlewasher at Bike World News, doing everything from website design to bike reviews.
Websites:
Bike World News
Ron’s Bike Garage
Current Bike Quiver:
Bird Bikes Zero 29 29″ hardtail mountain bike
Commencal Absolut 26″ Dirt Jump/Pump Track bike
Commencal Tempo 29″ full suspension mountain bike
Felt ZA 700c race bike
Kona Kilauea vintage 26″ mountain bike
Niner RLT9 700c road/gravel bike
Specialized Stumpjumper vintage 26″ mountain bike
Day Job: Digital Marketing
Night Job: Digital Marketing, eCommerce Consultant, Web Consultant, Bike Shop Operator, Husband, Dad, Tenor