The title Pearson will probably be higher recognized to many because the oldest bike store on the planet. It’s in any case nonetheless owned and run by the Pearson household and is a staple of the London biking scene.
However that title, that dates again to the 1800s, went via a change at the start of the yr. Pearson is now a motorcycle model with large ambitions whereas the store in East Sheen has been renamed as Forge 1860 in a nod to it is routes as a blacksmiths.
The Pearson bike vary at present consists of one gravel bike, the On and On, which I examined in 2023 – using it throughout Scotland on the brand new Kirkpatrick coast-to-coast route – and two street bikes; the aero, race-focused Shift, and the endurance-focused Forge. Named in a nod to their historical past.
Even with a background stretching out over 150 years, it’s not simple for a model born of an impartial store to compete with the likes to Trek, Specialised, Canyon and Cervelo, however in case you have a loyal buyer base, and a few well-thought-out bikes, then you could have an opportunity.
One different factor Pearson has to their benefit is a wealth of knowledge from a whole lot, even hundreds, of buyer bike matchs from the store. They’ve used this knowledge to tell the design of their frames, which, whereas utilizing related geometry to different producers in the midst of the dimensions vary, sees them modify the geometry for outliers who want the additional small or XXL frames.
The Forge is what they name their endurance-performance bike, and because the title suggests, goals to provide riders all the advantages of a race-focused bike, with the consolation wanted for longer rides. The query is, can the 2 be melded to create the proper bike, or do you find yourself with a Frankenstien machine that pleases nobody?
The Pearson Forge is considered one of two street bikes within the Pearson vary. For now.
(Picture credit score: Future)
Pearson Forge – construcion
The top quality Forge is specced with a Dura Ace Di2 groupset and 45mm Ere carbon wheels. The 21 (straight-pull) spoke, hookless rims have a 21mm inner width and got here with hookless appropriate Vittoria Corsa Professional tyres – with 30gm TPU tubes – that sat bang on 30mm vast when pumped as much as 70 PSI. The tyres have been simple to roll off by hand, and never too troublesome to get again on. However do keep in mind to examine tyres are hookless appropriate when changing them.
These wheels are nothing flash, however rolled properly and didn’t exit of true throughout our time using them. UK potholes however, they need to final, however are additionally ripe for an improve in future years.
The spec is bang updated, with inner cable routing via the one-piece 38mm vast built-in bar and stem, a seat pin clamp tucked into the highest tube, dropped seat stays, truncated seat tube, loads of tyre clearance, deep(ish)-section carbon wheels and a common deraileur hanger (UDH).
Every thing you’d count on to see on a thoroughbred race bike. However step again a bit and also you’ll discover the excessive entrance finish. That is the place the endurance-encouraging consolation is available in.
This 54cm measurement bike has a 60cm stack peak which put my palms 5cm increased than my go-to 54cm bike. The attain can be three centimetres shorter than my common bike making my general place increased and shorter, shifting my centre of gravity up and again.
Such a place is designed for individuals who battle to get low, possibly resulting from an absence of flexibility within the again, neck or shoulders or a waistline that’s getting somewhat greater annually. It’s an apparent draw, nevertheless it does change a motorcycle’s using dynamics.
Dura Ace brake calipers and rotors give all of the stopping energy that is wanted
(Picture credit score: Future)
Pearson Forge – the experience
There’s little question that the adoption of slender bars with gently turned-in brake levers has modified the texture of a motorcycle greater than the rest I’ve skilled since using my first set of deep-section carbon wheels.
The slender place has been extensively adopted throughout the trade and race scene and though takes somewhat getting used to, it’s no much less nimble via the corners nor steady in a straight line. Although the UCI has lately moved to ban set ups that carry a riders palms in too shut collectively, I’ve rapidly grown to actually just like the place.
However whereas the Forge places your palms and arms in a extra compact place, the remainder of your torso continues to be sitting up within the wind. Bend your elbows a bit and you may get right into a tuck, however the pure using place on the highest of the bars is kind of upright which many individuals will discover extra comfy.
An built-in bar and stem with inner cable routing means this endurance bike has a entrance finish with clear, aero traces
(Picture credit score: Future)
It was nonetheless simple to get right into a tuck and roll alongside an aero place akin to a race-focused bike, though the brief attain meant my knees have been clipping my elbows. Out of the saddle my knees caught the again of the Zefal bar bag I used to be testing and considerably overlapped the bar ends. However should you maintain your knees in you shouldn’t catch them, though with 38cm bars that is more durable for greater riders.
Dealing with is the primary characteristic affected by the upright geometry. The bike goes spherical corners okay, nevertheless it doesn’t wish to drop in and rail it spherical. The difficulty right here is my centre of gravity that’s increased and nearer to the rear wheel than I’m used to, because of the attain and stack. These mix to maneuver the steering level additional again if trying on the bike and rider as a whole system. It additionally takes some weight off the entrance wheel, due to this fact barely decreasing its affect when cornering.
My using
(Picture credit score: Future)
Clattering over the tough roads across the North Downs in Surrey and Kent noticed me letting air out of the tyres for a extra forgiving experience. I ultimately discovered their sweetspot (that is rider weight dependent in fact) at 50PSI, which took some getting used to, I don’t thoughts admitting. Steep hills and twisty little lanes that I search out to keep away from the visitors actually put the deal with the bike’s dealing with traits.
This might be countered with an extended wheelbase and particularly longer chainstays to maneuver the rear wheel again within the system. With 408mm for the chainstays and 992mm for the wheelbase, the Forge has the identical footprint as most out-and-out race bikes. Whereas this, together with the chunky chainstays, means it’s responsive, there may be an have an effect on on the dealing with. For comparability, ‘all-road’ bikes will usually have chainstays of 415mm.
Sprinting out of the saddle required a readjustment in my place too, as my pure place put my chest too far forward of the bars. However should you’re available in the market for an endurance bike, maybe your sprinting days at the moment are behind you.
