Summer is finally here, and with it comes the perfect weather for cycling adventures, and Brodie Bicycles is an ideal bike brand to help with that. Whether you’re planning a smooth daily commute, an exhilarating gravel ride, or an epic bikepacking journey, having the right bike makes all the difference.

Imagine the ease and joy of owning one versatile bike that can seamlessly transition across various terrains and purposes.

Enter the hybrid.

The Benefits of a Versatile Bike

As a modern cyclist, you probably juggle multiple roles—commuter, fitness enthusiast, weekend adventurer, and maybe even a dedicated tourer. Instead of cluttering your garage with different bikes for each activity, having one versatile bike simplifies your cycling life. It’s not just about convenience; it’s a smart investment that ensures you have a reliable companion for any ride.

  1. Cost-Effective: Investing in a single high-quality bike saves you money in the long run. Instead of buying and maintaining multiple bikes, one well-designed versatile bike covers all your needs.

  2. Space-Saving: For those with limited storage space, owning one bike that does it all is a practical solution. It reduces clutter and makes managing your cycling gear easier.

  3. Ease of Maintenance: Maintaining one bike is simpler and less time-consuming than managing several. With fewer components to worry about, you can spend more time riding and less time in the workshop.

  4. Flexibility: A versatile bike adapts to different riding styles and terrains. Whether you’re commuting on paved roads, hitting gravel trails on the weekend, or embarking on a long-distance tour, a versatile bike handles it all with ease.

  5. Consistency: Riding the same bike for various activities allows you to develop a deeper understanding and feel for your machine. This consistency can lead to improved performance and a more enjoyable riding experience.

“Over the past decade or so hybrid/commuters have evolved to be even more versatile than ever,” says Wayne, a spokesperson for Brodie Bicycles, pointing to more tire clearance to allow for more tire choices, wider handlebars for more control and confidence, plenty of mounts for fenders and panniers and much more. “These are what I sometimes call, get on and just ride bike. They come equipped with pedals so all you need is a helmet and you are good to go.”

Recognizing these benefits, Brodie introduces two models that promise to be the perfect companions for any type of ride: the Venture 1.0 and the Dynamo 2.0. Both bikes are designed with versatility and performance in mind, ensuring that no matter where your journey takes you, you’ll be equipped for the ride.

A Versatile Companion: The Venture 1.0

Picture a bike that effortlessly transitions from bustling city streets to serene gravel paths, all while requiring minimal maintenance. That’s the Brodie Venture 1.0, a bike designed with versatility and simplicity in mind. Wayne describes the Venture 1.0 as “one of those bikes that you can kind of just get on and ride.”

Brodie Venture 1.0 bicycle

Brodie Venture 1.0

At the heart of the Venture 1.0 is its 1×10 drivetrain, which eliminates the need for a front derailleur. This setup, combined with a wide-range 11-48T cassette provides all the gear you need for both commuting and off-road adventures.

“The beauty of this particular bike is that we’ve set this up as a one-by, so this is a one-by-10. It has a single chainring sprocket, but it has a very wide range here, so it has an 11-48 tooth range with a 40T front ring . It actually works as a full-range bike, so kind of do anything,” he adds.

This simplicity extends to the bike’s maintenance. With fewer components to adjust and fewer parts that can fail, the Venture 1.0 is as reliable as it is versatile. “If you just want to get on this bike and ride it, not worry about anything, just be able to have a very simple gearing system, this bike works great as a commuter, as a hybrid bike, getting to work back and forth, but also as a light gravel bike,” Wayne explains.

But the Venture 1.0 isn’t just about practicality. It’s built for comfort and performance, featuring 40C tires that provide a smooth ride and ample grip. These tires are paired with Shimano hydraulic disc brakes, ensuring you have the stopping power and control you need in all weather conditions.

“We put 40C tires on it, so a little bit more volume on it, and with a little bit more aggressive grip. So a little bit more grip means using the Venture as a light gravel bike is no problem at all,” Wayne says.

Brodie Venture 1.0 bicycle

Brodie Venture 1.0

Riding the Venture 1.0 is pure joy. The bike’s lightweight alloy frame and sturdy chromoly steel fork offer a perfect balance of durability and agility. The frame is designed to be resistant to fatigue, ensuring it can withstand the rigors of daily use and long-distance rides alike. For added convenience, the bike is equipped with multiple mounts for fenders, racks, and water bottles, making it easy to customize for commuting, touring, or bikepacking.

The Venture 1.0’s design pays close attention to the details that enhance the riding experience. Ergonomically shaped gel hand grips provide long-lasting comfort, while the wide, stable pedals are perfect for riding with regular shoes. And if you ever decide to upgrade to clipless pedals, the transition is simple.

This bike isn’t just a commuter; it’s your ticket to adventure. Imagine setting off on a weekend bikepacking trip, your gear securely attached to the Venture 1.0’s frame and fork. The sun rises as you pedal through the countryside, the bike’s smooth ride and reliable performance making every mile a pleasure. Whether you’re tackling long climbs or speeding down descents, the Venture 1.0’s gearing and brakes give you the control and confidence you need.

Wayne sums it up perfectly: “The Venture is a great all-round daily commuter. Car-free family utility-rider, mixed terrain weekend adventure rider, on the road, paved or gravel, and even works great for weekend touring.” For those who want a bike that can handle it all—from weekday commutes to weekend escapades—the Venture 1.0 is an ideal choice.

Precision and Range: The Dynamo 2.0

For riders who seek more control over their gear ratios and enjoy fine-tuning their ride, the Dynamo 2.0 offers a more complex setup. It features a 2×9 system (38/42T chainrings and an 11-42T cassette), providing a broader range and finer control over pedaling cadence.

Brodie Dynamo 2.0 bicycle

Brodie Dynamo 2.0

“This is the Dynamo 2.0, so it’s a new generation Dynamo,” Wayne says. “With new generation means we have a brand new frame and a new drivetrain. The Dynamo actually gives you a broader range. It has a little bit higher speed and a little bit easier to pedal up hills.”

Sharing the same frame geometry as the Venture 1.0, the Dynamo 2.0 comes with 35C tires, which are ideal for road use but still offer enough versatility for light gravel.

“We still recommend going into a two-by system if you prefer to stay on the road because what it allows you to do is really fine-tune that cadence,” he says. “This gives you more options because with the 2×9 drive train, so it’s got 18 gears as opposed to 10, and this makes it easier to dial in your preferred riding style on the Dynamo.”

The Dynamo 2.0 is perfect for riders who plan to cover long distances or who prefer a more road-oriented setup. Its frame also allows for customization, with the possibility of adding more aggressive tires or opting for thinner, road-oriented tires.

Built to Last

Both the Venture 1.0 and Dynamo 2.0 are equipped with components designed for durability and reliability. They feature Shimano hydraulic disc brakes and hubs, known for their low maintenance and long-term performance.

“One of the reasons we like to put Shimano hubs on there is because they’re very low maintenance and are extremely durable,” Wayne says. “Hydraulic disc brakes also give you a really nice advantage of being able to have nice modulation, lots of power that works really well in bad weather conditions, so when it’s raining out or slippery out, it gives you power and control.”

Brodie Dynamo 2.0 bicycle

Brodie Dynamo 2.0

Both models use a Microshift drivetrain, praised for its reliability and ease of maintenance. The clutch rear derailleur keeps tension on the chain so when on rougher roads that tension reduces chain “slap” and helps prevent the chain from coming off thus ensuring precise shifting, making it easy to navigate various terrains with confidence.

 “Both these bikes use a microshift drivetrain, which we’ve done a lot of testing over the last few years, proven to be extremely reliable and simple to work on. They both have a clutch rear derailleur, so nice, precise shifting,” he adds.

Choosing Your Adventure

The choice between the Venture 1.0 and Dynamo 2.0 depends on your riding style and preferences. If simplicity and ease of use are your top priorities, the Venture 1.0 is a fantastic option. It’s a reliable, low-maintenance bike that can handle both commuting and light gravel riding with ease.

On the other hand, if you enjoy having more control over your gear ratios and plan to cover longer distances, the Dynamo 2.0 offers greater flexibility and precision. Its broader range of gears makes it suitable for road cycling and extended adventures.

Final Thoughts

With summer here, there’s no better time to invest in a bike that can take you from you daily commutes to back country roads, gravel adventures and beyond. With the Venture 1.0 and Dynamo 2.0, Brodie Bicycles offers two versatile models that cater to a wide range of cycling needs. Embrace the freedom of cycling with Brodie and let the adventures begin!