Recently, I want to buy a trolley for commuting, and occasionally toss spare parts, and the retail price of the entry-level VAGABOND A1 vehicle launched by BROSS not long ago is 3999 yuan, which just meets my psychological price, and I have always had a good impression of the BROSS brand, so I decisively placed an order and tossed it first.
For an entry-level road bike, my selection criteria are very simple: first, don't bulky aluminum alloy pneumatic tube type, the old bird car has the best shape, and second, don't want the clumsy and ugly aluminum alloy integrated handlebar, the convenient and trouble-free split handle group is more suitable for modification. As a comfort and endurance model in the BROSS lineup, the VAGABOND series has always maintained the "old bird" styling design, which is simple and durable, so it became my best choice.
The BROSS VAGABOND A1 features an aluminum alloy frame paired with the Blueprint R9 11-speed road package, with a rounded frame and is available in five sizes: XXS, XS, S, M, L, and XL. It is worth mentioning that VAGABOND A1 comes with a product manual, which explains in detail various precautions and small knowledge when riding, the name of each component and even the locking torque, which is recommended for every newcomer to read carefully, which shows that BROSS has good intentions and praise for the product.
In terms of color, VAGABOND A1 is available in white, white powder, gray, black and red, I wanted to choose a small and fresh white powder match, but this color is too popular, I can only choose the same versatile and beautiful white and black combination, the paint workmanship is very good.
In recent years, BROSS has frequently introduced new products, the quality has been improving, and after the experience of domestic and foreign arenas, it is not easy to get to today, Xiaobian believes that this is a trustworthy brand.
▲VAGABOND means "drifter", free and easy, chivalrous in all directions
It is understood that the frame of VAGABOND A1 is manufactured using the same technology and technology of international brands, and the rough welding marks look no sense of disobedience.
▲The inside of the aluminum alloy fork is embellished with geometric patterns
ALTHOUGH THE WHOLE CAR LOOKS VERY SLIM, THE VAGABOND A1 HAS A VERY THICK SQUARE DOWNTUBE WITH A SENSE OF POWER. In terms of geometry, the M-size frame has a stack value of 551 and a Reach value of 384, and the overall comfort orientation is biased.
▲ Loose powder is added to the white paint, and it is as bright as a pearl in the sun
▲Simple, pure and beautiful aluminum alloy tee
▲Slightly sunken seatstay shape
▲ Both the paint and the frame workmanship, the VAGABOND A1 is satisfactory, even exceeding my expectations for a road bike in this price range
▲The common BSA threaded bottom bracket is used at the bottom bracket, which is easy to maintain or replace
▲The delicate small details on the accessories reflect BROSS's intentions for the product
UNLIKE MOST MATTE AND BLACKENED ROUND SEATPOSTS, THE VAGABOND A1 IS EQUIPPED WITH A 27.2 ROUND SEATPOST WITH A MORE DETAILED WORKMANSHIP AND A HOLLOW SEAT CUSHION.
The VAGABOND A1 comes with a set of alloy stems and "pneumatic" handlebars, and although the 110mm stem length and 400mm width of the handlebars didn't suit me, the split handlebars made it easy for me to change.
When the vehicle leaves the factory, there are more wire pipes reserved, and if you load it directly, it will float outside, considering that I will replace it with a longer stem and a narrower curved handlebar later, so I haven't dealt with it for the time being.
In order to achieve full internal cable routing, the VAGABOND A1 uses a BROSS fully hidden inner cable routing bowl with a round washer, which makes it easy to adjust the height of the stem and change the handlebar group.
▲A section of the "outer line" at the bottom line
With the progress of domestic transmission brands, the Blueprint Road Kit can not only meet the needs of riders for 11-speed and hydraulic disc brakes, but also control the price of the whole vehicle at an acceptable level, which is almost the standard equipment of entry-level road cars at the same price.
▲The grip of the blueprint hand change head is acceptable, but the operation mode takes a little time to get used to
The VAGABOND A1's shifting is almost fine-tuned from the factory, and while it's not as accurate and fast as Shimano's, it's still a good feeling for everyday riding.
▲Haomeng crankset, the number of teeth is 50/34T, which is very friendly to newcomers
▲11-32T flywheel
▲The brake of the blueprint caliper feels soft and has a long stroke, which takes time to adjust
▲Front and rear 160mm discs
▲BROSS BRW-9D aluminum alloy disc brake low-profile wheels, which are enough for daily riding
▲The new tire mark is aligned with the valve hole, the details are in place, and the tire width is measured to be 28mm
▲Entry-level wheels should also pay attention to details
▲ Less than 4,000 yuan VAGABOND A1, how many points will you give for its appearance?
YOU GET WHAT YOU PAY FOR, BUT THE VAGABOND A1 STILL OUTPERFORMS EXPECTATIONS, ESPECIALLY IN THE FRAME SECTION, WHICH MAKES IT FEEL LIKE IT'S WORTH THE MONEY. Riding the VAGABOND A1, the comfortable geometry makes the ride more relaxed, and the 28c tires and angled spoke wheels make the ride smooth and soft, and the ride texture is satisfying at this price point.
The VAGABOND A1 alloy frame doesn't feel sluggish when it comes to power, and although the wheels are less rigid, the frame responds more directly. The 10.32kg vehicle is heavy but not bulky, with a lot of room for upgrades, and a little modification can have better performance.
Overall, the BROSS VAGABOND A1 is an entry-level road bike that I would recommend to newcomers, with stable quality, excellent riding texture, and durable aluminum alloy frame, which is worthy of the retail price of 3999 yuan for both transportation and training. And if you have a sufficient budget, BROSS's new VAGABOND 5 retails for 7999 yuan, with a carbon fiber frame and a Shimano R7120 road 12-speed package.