A friend wanted to buy a Gravel bike and asked for my recommendation. I was going to suggest ZGL, the brand I ride, but since they also need a bike for commuting, they preferred an aluminum frame. After considering options like Xidesheng's GT300 and Kamp's Adventurer, each with slightly different configurations and features, I recommended the Pardus.
Unfortunately, I forgot to take photos during the unboxing and only took pictures after the bike was assembled. The Pardus came mostly assembled, with the drivetrain already set up, but required the front wheel, handlebars, and front and rear brakes to be installed by the user. This can be a bit tricky for beginners, so I'd suggest getting a bike shop to help with assembly. The brakes are set up as left front and right rear, which is more troublesome to change. I wish the manufacturer would confirm with the buyer beforehand or default to left rear and right front, as most consumers are used to this setup. I had to swap the left and right brakes for my friend, remove the handlebar tape, and after reassembling, I had to adjust the brakes. Although it's a cable-actuated disc brake with quick-release, there was no rubbing.
After a simple test, everything seemed fine. Speaking of the frame, this model only comes in four sizes, with the largest L size having a top tube length (s/r) of 584/378, which equals 1.54, offering a comfortable geometry. My friend, who is over 1.8 meters tall, found the frame size acceptable, but the stem was a bit short. The original stem is likely 60 or 70mm, and later on, a 90 or 100mm stem could be swapped in. For those over 185cm, I'd recommend trying the bike in-store before buying. It would be great if the manufacturer could offer an XL frame size. The frame is semi-internal cable routing, which is reasonable for this price point; full internal routing would be too expensive. The frame is light gray-blue, with good overall workmanship and paint quality, comparable to Giant and Merida. There are also many screw holes, including four for water bottle cages and both front and rear rack holes, making it suitable for touring.
The drivetrain is a mix of Shimano components, with a Sora R3000 shifter, M2000 rear derailleur, and HaoMeng crankset. It's a 1x9 speed single chainring setup with a 39t chainring and an 11-36t cassette, which is adequate for both road and off-road use. It can handle most slopes, but don't expect to climb steep hills without dismounting and pushing. I've never used Shimano shifters before, only Suntour, and after getting used to them, I find Suntour's to be more user-friendly. The R3000 shifter buttons are light and almost silent, unlike Suntour's crisp sound, which takes some getting used to. However, shifting is smooth, and you can downshift three gears at once. The bottom bracket is a square taper, which is disappointing at this price point.
The brakes are standard cable-actuated disc brakes with single-sided braking, offering adequate stopping power. While not as good as hydraulic disc brakes, they are sufficient for regular riding, with a smooth and non-abrasive feel. The frame has mountain bike brake mounting holes front and rear, offering more options and cheaper prices for future brake upgrades. I suggest the manufacturer install the brakes before shipping, preferably left rear and right front (or communicate with the customer in advance), as installation can be troublesome for beginners, and it involves cutting the cable and adjusting for rubbing.
The handlebars are standard aluminum drop bars, 400mm wide. The saddle is a short-nose model with adequate width and firmness, providing a comfortable ride; it would be even better if it were hollow. The pedals are the most basic type, the kind you'd replace as soon as you get the bike. The tires are Innova gravel tires, 700x40c, with Pardus' own quick-release wheels. These tires are just adequate, as most entry-level 'melon' bikes come with this model.
In conclusion, after assembling, I took the bike for a spin, and I also tried it out. The ride feels firm and sturdy. The shifting is smooth, and the configuration is sufficient. The only downside is the square taper bottom bracket, which doesn't transfer power as directly, so I'll have to replace it later. The aesthetics are excellent, and the frame geometry is friendly. As an entry-level 'melon' bike, it's more than adequate.
