The Norwid Kattegat is - like the Patria Cosmos - a true classic among touring bikes. Rudolf Pallesen has gathered just a handful of employees around him, who lovingly assemble these timeless steel bikes by hand. Velosophy is what the bike manufacturer from the Elbe calls it. Too pompous? Not necessarily, because you can clearly see Norwid's experience in even the smallest details of our test bike. The Kattegat with a frame from European production and a North German finish strikes a balance between fair value for money and customised equipment. It is also possible to order a customised frame directly from Norwid. But then it costs a little more.
The facts about the Norwid Kattegat
- Bike category: Trekking/Gravel/Travel bike
- Drive: Chain
- Gear system: Shimano Cues U6000 (2 x 10)
- Translation: 46 / 32; 11 - 39 Z.
- Brakes: Shimano BR-RS 785 (two-piston)
- Tyres: Schwalbe Marathon Mondial, 42 mm
- Lighting system: f. / h. B & M IQ-XS, 80 Lux / B & M Toplight Line Plus
- Pannier rack: Tubus Logo classic, 26 kg; Tubus Lowrider Duo, 15 kg each
- Frame sizes: S to XXL
- Frame: Steel
- Fork: Steel
- Permissible total weight: 150 kg
- Warranty: 10 years
- Special feature: Also available with classic handlebars
Sporty & comfortable
Either way, the result, which arrived at our editorial office after a brief consultation with the company boss, is impressive. The classic steel frame without lugs looks perfectly finished. The dark green bike shimmers in the sun, slightly changing to purple. Norwid suggested the Kattegat to us as a randonneur. In modern terms, you might call it a gravel bike. This is unusual for a touring bike, but the combination in the Norwid interpretation suits several testers perfectly right from the start. A short stem compensates for the longer racing handlebars, the front is pleasantly high so that you can sit comfortably and sportily even on long journeys.
It has to be said that for the majority of gravel riders, who use their bikes mainly for everyday riding and touring, a fully equipped bike with a comfortable riding position like the Norwid would probably be the better bike. Wait a minute: But doesn't the riding pleasure suffer with over 15 kilos? Surprisingly little, because thanks to its good ergonomics, the Kattegat also moves forwards comfortably and only really loses out to classic gravel bikes when pedalling hard.
Well thought out down to the last detail
The levers of Shimano's new Cues groupset with durable Linkglide cassette grip well and can be operated with little manual force. Only shifting into a heavy gear at the rear is sometimes a little undefined. Otherwise, the fast touring companion from the Elbe does its job remarkably well in many areas and is one of our secret favourites in the test. This is also due to the sporty and comfortable ergonomics, which are further enhanced by the slightly flared racing handlebars, the good saddle and the slightly flexing seat post.
The frame itself is stiff, but never feels harsh. Every now and then you have to stop to take in details such as the flowing cable entry in the top tube. If your gaze wanders further, it lingers on the 42 mm Marathon Mondial tyres with some tread. They ensure a safe ride even on gravel. Thanks to the high-quality Tubus racks and stiff frame, the Norwid rides much better than we would have expected from a randonneur, even when loaded. Only with very heavy luggage does a bike with classic handlebars have an advantage. Our Kattegat scores points for sport and riding fun and remains relatively light overall for a fully equipped steel bike. So if you're not looking for a specialised heavy-duty globetrotter, but a bike for everyday use or a long tour, you could definitely find what you're looking for here.
BIKE review of the Norwid Kattegat
Strengths
- Sporty and fast character
- Beautiful steel frame with great details
- Well thought-out and very coherent concept
Weaknesses
- Conceptually neither light nor favourable
Overall grade: 1.9
For details on the composition of the overall score and comparison with other bikes of similar price and range of use, see below.
The BIKE conclusion on the Kattegat Randonneur
This is what gravel bikes should actually look like! Norwid's sporty interpretation of the Kattegat leaves the slightly dusty trekking image behind and convinces with a coherent concept, great workmanship and all-round successful riding characteristics. Suitable for everyday use and as comfortable as a trekking bike, it is also an emotional hit. If you prioritise versatility over lightweight construction, you can buy it without hesitation. - Adrian Kaether, Editor Test & Technology
Norwid in comparison: How the Kattegat Randonneur performs in the test
In our latest test, we tested five touring bikes from Maxx, Norwid, Patria, Tout Terrain and Velotraum. The requirement: A classy chassis for long tours up to travelling the world, with reasonably affordable prices of a maximum of around 4000 euros. Here is an overview of the Norwid compared to the competition.
| Touring bikes | Driving safety (20 %) | Driving pleasure (20 %) | Comfort (20 %) | Travel benefits (20 %) | Equipment (20 %) | Overall grade |
| Velotraum | 1,1 | 2,0 | 2,0 | 1,9 | 1,6 | 1,7 |
| Maxx | 1,1 | 2,9 | 1,6 | 1,5 | 2,0 | 1,8 |
| Norwid | 1,9 | 1,6 | 2,2 | 2,0 | 2,0 | 1,9 |
| Patria | 2,4 | 1,9 | 1,8 | 1,9 | 1,8 | 1,9 |
| Tout Terrain | 2,3 | 2,8 | 2,3 | 1,5 | 1,7 | 2,1 |
Note: The assessment is category-dependent and is primarily used for comparison within the test group. The grades awarded are based on school grades. A grade of 2.5 is awarded for average performance without any shortcomings.
Adrian Kaether
Editor
