Obed Bikes, based in Chattanooga, TN, and part of American Bicycle Group (ABG), has announced the launch of the GVR. The new bike is positioned as a second-generation gravel race bike designed to meet the demands of modern competition. The new platform features a combination of 2.2″ tyre clearance, aerodynamic frame shaping, and a reduced frame weight.
The GVR is engineered with suspension-corrected geometry, allowing riders to choose between a rigid fork or a gravel suspension fork. Obed is the first manufacturer to bring the DT Swiss F 132 One fork to North America, offering 40mm of travel and a remote lockout.
Brad DeVaney, Lead Engineer at Obed Bikes, said “Gravel racing has progressed incredibly quickly, and riders now expect more from their equipment than ever before. With the GVR, we set out to build a bike that captures the true spirit of modern gravel competition – fast, versatile, and capable of handling whatever the course throws at you.”
The carbon lay-up has been refined to achieve a frame weight of 886g for a size medium, which is nearly 150g lighter than its predecessor. Tyre clearance has been increased to 56mm to accommodate 2.2″ mountain bike tyres, and these will be available as a standard option through the company’s custom builder.
The redesigned fork has been widened to promote cleaner airflow between the wheel and fork blades. This wide stance provides additional clearance for a front tyre up to 61mm or 2.4″ wide. The fork is paired with a truncated aero profile downtube designed to recapture airflow disturbed by wider tyres.
The geometry has been revised with a longer reach and front-centre, a slacker head angle, and an increased bottom bracket drop to improve stability during high-speed descents. An increase in fork rake is intended to retain agility for cornering and tactical positioning.
For ultra-distance events, the GVR includes:
- Six bottle cage mounts on the down tube
- Three bottle cage mounts on the seat tube
- Top tube bag mounts
- Additional accessory mounts on the underside of the top tube and downtube
The platform utilises the Universal Derailleur Hanger (UDH) standard and a T47 bottom bracket for improved serviceability. The GVR is fully customisable via the Obed website, with a 2026 colour palette featuring automotive-grade paints used by brands such as Aston Martin and Porsche.
Obed Bikes is an American Bicycle Group (ABG) brand. ABG also manufactures Quintana Roo triathlon bikes and Litespeed titanium bikes and frames. The company draws on three decades of experience, with engineers having previously worked on bikes that have won Tour de France stages and set IRONMAN course records.
Orders for the new GVR opened on April 9, 2026, with shipping expected to begin in mid-May. GVR pricing starts at US$3,990. With every bike being an à la carte build, customers will see a range of price options as they build to their requirements, from drivetrain to wheels, handlebars to saddle.
www.obedbikes.com
www.americanbicyclegroup.com
