Schmolke Gravel Infinity Integral 2023 – A lightweight gravel bike from the experts of high-end carbon?

In addition to lightweight carbon seatposts and wheels, Schmolke now also offer gravel bikes, hoping to take it up with the bigwigs of the industry. But can the German brand from Lake Constance hold its own with the Infinity Integral and all its in-house carbon components? Are their high-end aspirations also reflected in the frame?

Schmolke, the German carbon specialists from Lake Constance, are best known amongst weight-weenies, making roadie hearts beat faster with high-end and lightweight components. But Schmolke don’t just stand for lightweight components, but above all for high-quality products that boast lots of attention to detail. And they don’t just manufacture custom handlebars and seatposts in-house, but also complete frames bearing the Schmolke name. Schmolke also distribute their products primarily through their own online shop, offering lightweight components and carbon screws – yes, that’s a thing – as well as complete Schmolke bikes. In addition to a road bike, the Infinity Gravel bikes form the heart of their portfolio. We tested the Infinity Integral, going for € 8,350, and specced to the hilt with Schmolke components, riding it both in our native Black Forest and on Catalan gravel. This didn’t just prove how versatile but also how comfortable carbon can be, all while bringing the gravel bike’s weaknesses to light.

Schmolke Infinity Integral – Schmolke as far as the eye can see

As a small company, Schmolke are capable of doing what is otherwise reserved for the very large players à la Specialized and co., speccing the Infinity Integral entirely with in-house components. With the gravel racer from Lake Constance, only the hubs, groupset and tires must be sourced externally. But where offering a complete bike in-house becomes problematic for more budget-oriented brands, Schmolke can shine. And the attention to detail pays off.

At first glance, the cockpit is particularly striking due to the white bar tape. But there is so much more to it. The Schmolke Roadbar Gravel TLO handlebar is a small gem in itself. The feel, combined with the 1K carbon finish and subtle black Schmolke graphics make this handlebar a work of art. But something that many gravel riders seem to like left us unimpressed during this test. Due to the wide 20° flare, the handlebar measures a whopping 530 mm in the drops. The intentionally wide stance provides a lot of stability in technical terrain, but it feels a bit constrained and results in cumbersome handling. That said, it can work well for large and broad-shouldered riders.
Unfortunately, the stem looks a little disproportioned. It’s also supplied by Schmolke and made of carbon, of course, and though it’s somewhat clunky, the matte finish matches beautifully with the frame and remaining components. One benefit of the clunky design is the easy internal cable routing, which even works well for mechanical groupsets.

The seatpost is in a different league entirely. We’re yet to test a seatpost that can outperform Schmolke’s masterpiece. It doesn’t just set the bar in terms of weight savings and looks, but – as hard as it is to believe – it’s also one of the most comfortable seatposts we’ve ridden. Besides being one of the bike’s highlights, we can wholeheartedly recommend it as an upgrade on your current road or gravel bike. The SL UD Carbon saddle is ultra-light, ultra-pretty, and surprisingly comfortable.
The Schmolke wheels and 40 mm Challenge Gateway TLR tyres are the icing on the cake. The in-house carbon rims, paired with DT Swiss 180 hubs, result in a lightweight, responsive, and stiff wheelset. In combination with the exclusive tire choice, they roll efficiently and offer sufficient grip even on wet and loose surfaces.

Schmolke Infinity Integral – Extraordinarily ordinary

The choice to spec a gravel bike with the SRAM Force XPLR groupset, on the other hand, is relatively common. It delivers precise and crisp shifting and works reliably, yet it doesn’t evoke the same level of emotion or boast as much attention to detail as Schmolke’s in-house components. For the price, it’s an excellent choice, nonetheless.
It’s a similar story with the frame: its looks don’t quite fit the exclusive Schmolke image. The burly fork and beefed-up area around the seatpost clamp make the frame look austere and indestructible. However, that isn’t necessarily a disadvantage for a gravel bike.
The bottle cages, on the other hand, are something else. At just 14 g, the carbon cages are exceptionally lightweight while still keeping your bottles securely in place, even off-road!

Riding the lightweight gravel skipper from Lake Constance – Schmolke Infinity in review

Despite its look and high-end components, the Schmolke Infinity Integral is more of a restrained feel bike. The handling errs on the composed side of the spectrum, likely determined by the wide handlebar. Thanks to the flared drops, the bike remains stable at high speeds and through long, open corners. However, the wide handlebar puts you at a disadvantage in technical terrain and on descents. The bike lacks the necessary agility and is difficult to control with much precision, especially in the drops.
The riding position is aggressive, though that’s to be expected on a size 57 frame, and it can be mitigated by running a shorter stem. As already mentioned, the compliance is outstanding, both front and rear: the in-house saddle and seatpost provide a lot of flex and cushioning where it’s needed. Again, the Schmolke components set the bar in this regard. The same applies to the wide handlebar up front, and while it does little for the bike’s handling, it provides a lot of comfort and minimises vibrations on rough surfaces.
When stomping on the pedals, the bike’s low 7.64 kg weight and high efficiency of the wheel and Challenge Gateway tire combination come into their own. The tread pattern of the tires also instils you with confidence, offering sufficient grip and control on our partially muddy test track. The benefits of the bike’s low weight and efficient wheel and tire combination also carry over to the climbs. There’s nothing in particular that holds it back and it climbs speedily, though that isn’t to say it’s an absolute mountain goat like the Specialized S-Works Crux from our gravel race bike group test.

An existential crisis for the high-end component brand?

The latest developments in the bicycle industry make us question what the future holds, and what prospects high-end component manufacturers have these days. Which way will Schmolke be going? Is the market for companies such as Schmolke disappearing due to the rise of integrated and proprietary seat posts, one-piece handlebar and stem units, and the full range of products offered by many big brands? Is this why Schmolke have now started making frames?
However, as can be seen from the Infinity Integral, their component manufacturing know-how cannot be transferred directly to frames. A frame is far more complex since it isn’t just exposed to unidirectional loads, and it must also perform a wide variety of tasks.
That said, Schmolke have succeeded in creating a fun and well-balanced bike with the Infinity Integral. And at a price and weight that very few brands in the gravel sector can match! The German company are at the same time also taking an important step towards securing their future and continuing to establish the Schmolke brand.

Who is the Schmolke Infinity Integral for?

For € 8,350, Schmolke are offering a bike with their full range of high-end components. That doesn’t just get you a light build but also a remarkably comfortable and balanced bike. However, we recommend a shorter stem for smaller riders, not to mention a narrower handlebar. But if you’ve got the budget and are a die-hard Schmolke fan, the Infinity Integral is a very solid bike that definitely has a lot going for it.

Conclusion on the Schmolke Infinity Integral

Priced at a hefty € 8,350, the Schmolke Infinity Integral is a very lightweight bike, offering good-natured and forgiving handling, and specced with high-quality components throughout. Equipped with everything the heart of a Schmolke fan desires, the complete Schmolke package won’t just please the weight-weenies and carbon fetishists amongst us, but will also give gravel fanatics their money’s worth. Overall, a worthy bike to bare the Schmolke branding.

More information at schmolke.com

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Words: Calvin Zajac Photos: Jan Richter