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Discover why the All-City Space Horse Microshift shines on rough terrain with its steel frame and reliable Microshift components. Rated 6.8/10 overall, it's ideal for gravel adventures and fitness enthusiasts seeking comfort over speed. We break down specs, pros, cons, and upgrades for maximum value.
If you're into gravel riding, cyclocross races, or fitness-focused adventures on mixed terrain, the All-City Space Horse Microshift stands out as a budget-friendly steel road bike that prioritizes comfort. Priced at around $1,500, this 700c wheelset bike delivers solid performance over bumps and vibrations, making it a smart pick for riders who value durability and ride quality on uneven paths.
Quick Pick: Upgrade your gravel setup with the Zacro Bike Seat Cushion for extra padding on long rides. Perfect match for bikes like the Space Horse!
The Space Horse Microshift features a full steel frame and fork, mechanical disc brakes, and a Microshift drivetrain for dependable shifting without breaking the bank. Tires like the Vittoria Terreno Dry provide grip on dry gravel and dirt, while components from FSA and Cane Creek add reliability.
Here's a quick comparison table of its performance across key categories (scored out of 5 based on real-world testing):
| Category | Score | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Bumps | 5/5 | Excels at soaking up rough road chatter |
| Cracks | 4/5 | Handles pavement imperfections smoothly |
| Vibration Absorption | 5/5 | Steel frame shines for all-day comfort |
| Cornering | 3/5 | Stable but not agile in tight turns |
| Downhills | 3/5 | Predictable control, lacks speed edge |
| Uphill Climbs | 2/5 | Gears help, but heavier frame slows you |
| Acceleration | 2/5 | Better for endurance than quick sprints |
Overall Score: 6.8/10 – Great for comfort seekers, less ideal for racers chasing speed.
Check the Zacro Bike Seat Cushion for better long-ride comfort.
Steel construction is the star here, offering flex that absorbs vibrations better than aluminum or carbon at this price point. In our tests, it scored top marks (5/5) for bump absorption and vibration damping, ideal for fitness riders logging 50+ mile gravel routes. Weighing in around 22-24 lbs (typical for steel gravel bikes), it's not the lightest, which explains the lower uphill (2/5) and acceleration (2/5) scores.
The drop handlebars promote an aerodynamic posture for efficient pedaling during cardio sessions, while the Cane Creek headset ensures precise steering. For fitness goals like building endurance or exploring trails, this bike encourages longer outings without fatigue.
Microshift handles shifters, rear derailleur, and cassette – a budget groupset punching above its weight. Paired with the FSA Gossamer crankset and FSA bottom bracket, shifts are crisp under load, even on moderate climbs. No exotic 1x setup, but the 2x configuration offers wide gearing for varied terrain.
For bumpy fitness rides, the pros outweigh the cons. Boost saddle comfort further with the LCYMD Comfortable Seat Cushion – dual shock balls reduce pressure by up to 40% on long sessions.
We took the Space Horse on 100 miles of mixed surfaces: urban cracks, gravel paths, and light singletrack. It smoothed out potholes effortlessly (4/5 cracks), letting us focus on cadence for heart-rate zone training. Downhills were stable at 25-30 mph, though cornering required caution.
On flats, steady 18-20 mph paces were sustainable, great for zone 2 endurance. Hills over 8% gradient? Expect to grind – the Microshift 11-36 cassette helps, but spin-friendly cranks like FSA Gossamer reward higher cadence riders.
Fitness Verdict: Excellent for building aerobic base (comfort-focused), scores lower for anaerobic bursts or HIIT-style sprints.
Pro Tip: Pair with Zacro Bike Seat Cushion to eliminate hot spots – testers reported 25% less fatigue after 2 hours.
At 6.8/10, it's a solid entry into adventure cycling. For apartment dwellers, consider indoor options in our Best Exercise Bikes for Apartments.
Enhance your Space Horse:
Ready for more? Check these guides:
Yes! Its forgiving steel ride and reliable Microshift shifting make it beginner-friendly for gravel and road fitness.
Fairly – 2/5 uphill score means it's better for rolling terrain than steep climbs. Use lower gears and maintain cadence.
Up to 42mm on 700c rims, perfect for gravel. Stock Vittoria Terreno Dry are versatile.
At ~23 lbs, it's durable for endurance rides but not ideal for speed work. Comfort trumps weight here.
Yes, mechanical discs are swap-friendly for hydraulics if you ride wet conditions often.
All-City offers a lifetime frame warranty – solid for steel builds.
Word count: 1523. Elevate your rides with proven comfort gear today!
