By virtue of the 3-in-1 approach, Pace calls this one the Unicorn.

Pace RC429 G-Pack

The Pace RC429 is available as a frame only, as a rolling chassis (frame, choice of fork and wheelset), or in three build options: the T-Pack for trail riding, the D-Pack for downcountry, and the G-Pack for “extreme” gravel. 

Designed in Yorkshire and fabricated in Czechia, the RC429 runs a Reynolds 853 steel tubeset, custom-butted, with gussets for reinforcement at the headtube. It gets a UDH dropout for ease of hanger replacement and T-Type compatibility, external cable routing (save for the stealth seat tube routing for a dropper), routing for Dynamo lighting, and (probably) all of the mounting points you could ever want.

As a gravel bike, this one seems well suited as a bikepacking companion rather than an out-and-out speedster. Claimed weight for the frame in a size large is 2.7 kg.

With a 120mm travel corrected rigid carbon fork (A2C of 510mm), the RC429 G-Pack is absolutely one of the more aggressive gravel bicycles that money can buy just now. It pairs 440mm chainstays with a 66.5° head tube angle, a number that is more commonly found on short-travel full suspension mountain bikes than it is on anything with a drop handlebar. The seat tube angle is remarkably steep too, at 76.5°.

Indeed, from a geometry perspective, the RC429 does appear to have prioritized handling to suit the 100-130mm travel hardtail mountain bike setups. Reach numbers are very, very generous, starting as long as 439mm on the size small, and topping out at 498mm on the XL.

Regardless, this I am sure is a bike that will appeal to those who want great versatility in their next frame. 

Pricing & Availability

The Pace RC429 can be pre-ordered now, with the Medium and Large frames due in March, and the S & XL frames due in June. The frame alone will set you back £899.

Get it in Olive Green, Sid Blue or Rioja Red. Before painting, a layer of anti-corrosion protection is applied. The frames are finished with black decals, all under a clear gloss lacquer.

There are rolling chassis options to choose from, as well as three complete build configurations, each with their own three variations thereof. Basically, Pace Cycles can offer a full custom spec for anyone after a dream build.

The G-Pack, with the carbon rigid fork, goes for £4,199. Highlights of that option include a Hope RX-EBO crankset with a 12-speed Shimano XT cassette (10-51T) and GRX components, Hope 20FIVE gravel wheels with a PRO5 hubset.

For those interested, the Pace rigid carbon fork (120mm travel corrected) will shortly be available aftermarket, with pricing yet to be confirmed.

pacecycles.com