The Reid Firetrail 1.0 drop-bar gravel bike combines a versatile gravel bike design with an impressive specification and affordable price, making it an excellent option for riders looking to get into gravel riding, bikepacking, cyclocross (CX) racing or everyday commuting.
We recently received an in-depth review from Kyle, Commercial Manager at OSCO, Reid's main US distributor. After putting the Firetrail 1.0 gravel bike through its paces, Kyle shared his thoughts on the bike's ride quality, shifting performance, comfort and overall value.
Whether you're looking for your first gravel bike or considering your next upgrade, read on for a detailed review of the Reid Firetrail 1.0 drop-bar gravel bike and find out how it performs on and off the road.
I recently picked up the new Reid Firetrail 1.0 drop-bar gravel bike as a demo bike and had the opportunity to take it out for a ride. I was immediately impressed with how it performed.
The Firetrail 1.0 features an aluminium frame, carbon fibre fork and steerer, disc brakes, and an L-TWOO 2x9-speed drivetrain, giving it a versatile setup for gravel riding and mixed-surface cycling.
While 1x drivetrains have become increasingly popular, partly because some manufacturers have struggled to produce front shifting systems that perform consistently, the 2x setup on the Firetrail 1.0 worked very well. Straight out of the box, the front derailleur shifted smoothly and easily between gears, with no hesitation or difficulty changing between the chainrings.
This bike uses one of the L-TWOO component groups, and I’ve been trying to get my hands on some L-TWOO product for years, so I was really impressed to finally have the opportunity to ride it.
When I first sat on the bike, I immediately noticed the contour of the shifters. They felt very comfortable initially, although after around five miles I started to question the shape. However, after another mile or so, I stopped noticing it altogether.
I think the shifters felt different simply because they weren’t what I’m used to riding. My hands needed a little time to adjust to the shape, but once I got used to them, I found them comfortable and easy to ride with.
The shifting is very smooth. Historically, I haven’t been a fan of STI levers with thumb shifters, but this setup changed my opinion.
When I first looked at the shifters, I immediately noticed that the thumb lever is much larger than the small, narrow levers I’ve seen from other brands. It’s also angled downwards, which makes it feel much more ergonomic and natural to use.
After riding with them, I can say my opinion of thumb shifters has definitely changed. I still don’t particularly like the thumb levers on most other STI shifters, but I really like these. They work well, feel comfortable, and are easy to operate while riding.
I’m not often impressed by entry-level bikes, but this is an entry-level gravel bike that has genuinely impressed me.
The ride quality was significantly better than I expected, and the shifting was smoother and crisper than I anticipated. I’m used to riding bikes equipped with 105 and Ultegra, and while the shifting isn’t quite at that level, it comes surprisingly close.
I’ve also asked several other bike shop owners to take the bike out and give me their feedback. All of them said they would generally prefer 105 or Ultegra, which is understandable given what they’re used to riding. However, after riding this bike, they all commented positively on the shifting and said they would be happy to ride a bike equipped with this groupset.
For an entry-level gravel bike, I think the overall ride quality and shifting performance are particularly impressive.
As more manufacturers continue to push prices higher, Reid is finding ways to deliver increasingly capable bikes while keeping them affordable.
The last big-brand gravel bike I rode was several years ago, and I haven’t ridden the current models from Trek or Specialized, so I can’t make a direct riding comparison. However, based on what I’ve seen of those bikes, I think the Reid compares very favourably while coming in at a lower price point.
I’m very excited to add this bike to the Reid range. It fills an important gap in the current line-up and gives us the opportunity to offer an affordable entry-level gravel/road bike without compromising on the overall riding experience.
Reid Firetrail 1.0: At a Glance
| Feature | Firetrail 1.0 |
|---|---|
| Bike type | Drop-bar gravel bike |
| Frame | Aluminium |
| Fork | Carbon fibre |
| Drivetrain | L-TWOO 2x9-speed |
| Brakes | Disc brakes |
| Best for | Gravel riding, commuting, bikepacking and mixed-surface riding |
| Rider level | Beginner to intermediate |
| Riding position | Drop-bar |
Who is the Reid Firetrail 1.0 for?
The Reid Firetrail 1.0 is designed for riders looking for a versatile entry-level gravel bike that can handle more than just paved roads. Its drop-bar setup makes it suitable for longer road rides and commuting, while its gravel-focused design allows riders to explore unpaved roads, tracks and mixed surfaces.
It can be a good option for riders who are:
- Buying their first gravel bike
- Looking for an affordable drop-bar bike
- Interested in gravel riding and exploring mixed surfaces
- Looking for a bike suitable for bikepacking
- Wanting one bike for both road riding and commuting
- Moving from a hybrid or road bike into gravel riding
Why choose a 2x Gravel bike?
While 1x drivetrains have become increasingly common on modern gravel bikes, a 2x setup still offers some advantages for riders who want a versatile range of gears.
The Firetrail 1.0 uses a 2x9-speed drivetrain, giving riders two chainrings at the front and nine gears at the rear. This provides a broad range of gearing while allowing smaller jumps between gears as you move through the cassette.
For riders who use their gravel bike across different types of terrain, this can be particularly useful. Lower gears can help when tackling steeper climbs or slower off-road sections, while the higher gears provide the range needed for faster riding on roads and flatter surfaces.
Ultimately, the choice between 1x and 2x comes down to the type of riding you do and your personal preference. In Kyle's experience, the smooth front shifting of the Firetrail 1.0 made the 2x setup particularly impressive.
Aluminium frame and carbon fibre fork
The Firetrail 1.0 combines an aluminium frame with a carbon fibre fork, a common combination for bikes designed to balance performance, weight and affordability. The aluminium frame provides a durable platform, while the carbon fork can help manage vibration and contribute to a more comfortable ride over longer distances and rougher surfaces.
Firetrail 1.0 Review: Final Thoughts
After spending time riding the Reid Firetrail 1.0, Kyle's biggest takeaway was how much the bike exceeded his expectations for an entry-level gravel bike.
The combination of the aluminium frame, carbon fibre fork, disc brakes and L-TWOO 2x9 drivetrain provides a versatile package for riders who want to explore gravel without giving up the ability to ride comfortably on the road.
The shifting was one of the biggest surprises. Coming from bikes equipped with Shimano 105 and Ultegra, Kyle had a high benchmark for shifting performance, but found the Firetrail 1.0's L-TWOO drivetrain smooth, crisp and comfortable to use.
For riders considering their first gravel bike, the Firetrail 1.0 offers an opportunity to get into gravel riding with a versatile drop-bar bike without immediately stepping into a higher price bracket.