A match made in Gravel Heaven - Lauf Seigla One Year Long Term 'Review'
by Squires Smith on May 09, 2024
To preface this before diving in - This is a simple opinion piece. I am the founder of Altangle Cycling and have no affiliation with Lauf. The truth is much of my inspiration for writing this article is in an effort to drive people to our website, hoping readers may take a moment to check out our products, such as our ultra-compact bike stand , the Connect (shown in the pictures below). Rather than having AI whip up some SEO nonsense, I prefer to write about things I genuinely care about. So you’ll find no tainted opinions here, just my honest thoughts (and in this case, enthusiasm) on the Lauf Seigla Weekend Warrior Wireless/Weekend Warrior Transmission.
Now, I must add that this article will lack technical details, as I prefer leaving that to the pros. Instead, I've included links below for a couple formal reviews from media I trust.
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Lauf Owners Club is a highly active Facebook group comprising passionate Lauf owners. The community frequently shares opinions and experiences, making it an excellent resource for any questions you might have
With that said, let's dive in
It's been a year since I shared my initial excitement about the Lauf Seigla, and I believe we're officially out of the honeymoon stage. So, I'm back to share some thoughts because, well, I'm pretty sure I've found 'the one.' Over the past year, my relationship with the Seigla has only grown stronger. It's become more than just a bike I ride; it's a trusted companion that has taken me on countless adventures across various terrains. But, as with any relationship, there's always room for growth. Recently, I decided to take my relationship with the Seigla to the next level by upgrading it with the SRAM X0 Eagle AXS Transmission.
Here are the details of my upgrade:
- Rear Derailleur: Sram XO Eagle AXS Transmission
- Cassette: Sram XO Eagle AXS 12 Speed Cassette 10-52
- Crankset: Sram Rival Wide 40T
- Chain: SRAM XO Eagle Transmission flat-top chain
- Shifters: Sram Rival AXS Road
- Additional: Wireless Sram Blips
All other components remain stock except for my handlebars, which are Salsa Cowchipper. At the time of purchasing my Seigla, Transmission wasn’t an option. What was the Weekend Warrior Wireless (equipped with SRAM Rival XPLR) is now the Weekend Warrior Transmission. So by upgrading to X) Transmission, I've essentially assembled what is now referred to as the ‘Race Transmission’ model, with the exception of the carbon rims and a few other minor differences. While the ‘Race Wireless’ may appeal to some, offering XO components, I find that the GX version suits many needs perfectly fine. However, if you're wanting a carbon wheel set, the 'Race Wireless' option might be the right choice for you.
The Lauf Seigla: A True Gem
The Lauf Seigla is a remarkable gem in the world of drop-bar bikes. As someone who has frequently switched bikes, always in search of the next best thing, I can confidently say that the Seigla has changed the game for me. In the past, navigating various bike brands felt akin to online dating, but the Seigla has captured my loyalty unlike any other. Its unparalleled riding experience seamlessly blends fun, comfort, and speed, making it stand out from the crowd. Whether navigating loose descents or conquering steep climbs, the Seigla provides unmatched confidence and traction on any terrain. This exceptional performance is owed to its efficient power transfer, large tire clearance, and unique frame design and geometry.
Offering outstanding value for money, the Seigla outshines many bikes on the market, even those with much higher price tags. Even if the Seigla were priced the same as other high end bikes on the market, I would still choose it without hesitation.
SRAM ‘Transmission Mullet’ + the Lauf Seigla = The Perfect Pair
The pairing of the SRAM Transmission with the Lauf Seigla is nothing short of perfect. The Seigla's long, low, and fast geometry, combined with the smoothness and stability of the X0 Eagle Transmission, creates an exceptional riding experience. This combination makes the bike even more responsive and capable, allowing me to tackle any terrain with ease. The wider range, coupled with the absence of a front derailleur, is undoubtedly a significant advantage.
The Upgrade Process: Transforming Your Gravel/Road Bike into a 'Transmission Mullet'
Initially, I actually found resources to be a bit scarce in regard to the compatibility for a ‘Transmission Mullet’ build, but the bottom line is “Yes. SRAM 1x AXS Road chainrings are compatible with T-Type chains. Therefore, Eagle Transmission can be used with a SRAM AXS Road chainring and crank for a “mullet” configuration. For the best chainline, you must use the wide version of the Road 12-speed crankset and DUB bottom bracket. You will also need to use the Transmission T-Type cassette and chain, and the frame must be Universal Derailleur Hanger (UDH) compatible, compatible frames can be found on the SRAM UDH Bike Finder Tool.” However, I would strongly advise reaching out to SRAM if you are unsure about anything (they are quick to respond and always helpful), as well as your bike manufacturer, to confirm compatibility. Or simply visit your local bike shop and order your new parts through them. But generally speaking, upgrading my Lauf Seigla with the SRAM X0 Eagle Transmission to create a 'Transmission mullet' was a pretty straightforward process.
