Bike configurator

How to choose the right touring bike

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The frame is the basis. We deliberately chose a steel frame (CrMo), which is lightweight due to the various thicknesses of the tubes and retains the ideal features for everyday use, trips, and challenging expeditions. Steel is real... it absorbs vibrations, is strong and durable. We choose all the fittings with maximum care. You will always find the full line of Shimano parts, plus Humpert, SKS (Germany) Herrmans (Finland), and Spanninga (Netherlands). Nothing should let you down!

Bike size

A bike frame that corresponds to the height of the cyclist is the primary and most important requirement. Kolos No.4 and 5 are made in three frame sizes that are suitable for the following heights for males and females:

Kolos No.4Kolos No.5
Frame height in cmBody height in cmFrame height in cmBody height in cm
54170 - 18044155 - 165
58180 - 19048165 - 175
62190 - 20550175 - 190

The rule of thumb is that it’s always better to have a slightly larger frame than a smaller one. Likewise, both male and female cyclists who have long legs should choose a taller frame if their body height is on the borderline shown in the table.

Colour

The choice of colour, for example, of the frame, is entirely up to you. If you prefer something other than our colour choices in the menu, you can select “other RAL” and specify your preference in the note section in the order. We can supply you with a bike of any colour according to the basic RAL colour chart. Note: Always choose the colour from a printed paint colour chart during daylight. PC monitors and artificial lighting often distort colours. A RAL colour chart is available from all paint stores.

Parts and types of brakes

For parts for Kolos No.4 touring (cyclocross and trekking) bikes, we exclusively use complete sets of Shimano components in five options:

Shimano lineWhat is this comprised of?
Alivio + brzdy V brakesFront hub HB-T4000
Rear hub FH-T4000
Cassette CS-HG400-9, 9-SPEED, 11-12-13-14-16-18-21-24-28
Front crank set FC-T4010, 165MM OCTALINK, 44X32X22T
Chain CN-HG53
Central axis BB-ES25
Derailleur RD-T4000
Front derailleur FD-T4000
Brake levers BL-T4000
Brakes BR-T4000
Gear levers SL-M4000
Deore LX + V brakesFront hub HB-T670
Rear hub FH-T670
Cassette CS-HG62-10, 10-SPEED 11-12-14-16-18-20-22-25-28-32T
Front crank set FC-T671, DEORE LX, 170MM HOLLOWTECH 2, 44X32X24T
Chain CN-HG95
Derailleur RD-T671
Front derailleur FD-T671
Brake levers BL-T670
Brakes BR-T670
Gear levers SL-T670
Deore LX + hydraulic disc brakesFront hub HB-T675
Rear hub FH-T675
Cassete CS-HG62-10, 10-SPEED 11-12-14-16-18-20-22-25-28-32T
Front crank set FC-T671, DEORE LX, 170MM HOLLOWTECH 2, 44X32X24T
Chain CN-HG95
Derailleur RD-T671
Front derailleur FD-T671
Disc brake sets BL-T675B
Brake discs SM-RT54 S 160MM, CENTER LOCK
Gear levers SL-T670
Alfine / Deore LX + V brakesFront hub HB-T670
Rear hub INTERNAL HUB GEAR 8-SPEED SG-S7000-8
Cranks FC-S400 ALFINE HOLLOWTECH
Brake levers BL-T670
Brakes BR-T670
Gear lever SL-S7000-8
Freewheel CS-S500
Vertical drop out chain tensioner CT-S500
Alfine / Deore LX + hydraulic disc brakesFront hub HB-T675
Rear hub INTERNAL HUB GEAR 8-SPEED SG-S7000-8
Cranks FC-S400 ALFINE HOLLOWTECH
Disc brake sets BL-T675B
Brake discs SM-RT54 S 160MM, CENTER LOCK
Gear lever SL-S7000-8
Freewheel CS-S500
Vertical drop out chain tensioner CT-S500

We recommend fitting Alivio + V brakes for recreational cycling. We recommend fitting Deore LX + V brakes for demanding cycling and touring. Deore LX + hydraulic disc brake installation is more suitable for everyday use in urban traffic. If you appreciate easy handling, the option to change gear even when the bike is stationary, and the absence of a front derailleur, then we recommend the Shimano Alfine hub gear.

Suspension

For Kolos No.4 touring bikes, you can choose between a fixed or suspended front fork and a fixed or suspended seatpost. Suspension certainly enhances comfort in the event of an uneven terrain; however, it also increases the weight of the bike and therefore lessening power transmission efficiency. We use the Suntour NCX-D suspension fork and the Humper Ergotech seatpost.

Lights

We offer a choice between two types - AAA battery powered lights and dynamo hub powered lights.

Type of lightsWhat is this comprised of?
Battery powered lightBattery powered front light H-IKE 15 LUX diode
Battery powered rear light HGOGGLE XI diode
Dynamo hub powered lightFront dynamo hub powered light H-ONE S 75 LUX, micro diode, optics, standlight
Rear light HGOGGLE DYNAMO, diode, standlight
For Alivio dynamo hub DH-T4000 6V - 1.5W
For Deore LX and Alfine dynamo hub DH-T675 6V – 3W

Battery powered lighting weighs less, but is less powerful. The dynamo hub light is slightly heavier but delivers top performance with no need for battery replacement. In addition, a dynamo hub can be used as power source for recharging your phone or navigation device (in combination with Deore LX and Alfine parts) when connected to a suitable battery charger. The lights are fitted with a Standlight system (the lights remain on for several minutes after stopping).

Accessories

Depending on your requirements, you can have your bike fitted with mudguards (quality SKS sandwich – plastic + aluminium, long), a front and rear rack, bottle baskets, bags on the front and a rear rack, and a cyclobag that attaches to the handlebars. You can choose depending on whatever you intend to do with your bike.