Cinelli Zydeco Washboard Sport - Rocky Sand

Cinelli Zydeco Washboard Sport is a gravel bike for riders who want to go fast on asphalt and gravel, while still having the freedom to take the rougher road home, commute during the week, or pack for a weekend trip. It has a more direct and energetic character than a traditional touring bike, without becoming so race-oriented that it loses the practical side of gravel riding.

The frame is built from triple-butted Columbus 6061 T6 aluminum and paired with a Columbus Cross+ carbon fork. The fork’s Dual Rake System makes it possible to adjust the offset and thereby change the handling characteristics, while Cinelli’s JOKE system provides clearance for tires up to 700x45c. The fitted 45 mm WTB Riddler tires use all of that space and provide good grip and control when hard-packed gravel gives way to rougher terrain.

Shimano CUES 1x11 suits the bike’s intended use well. A 40T chainring at the front and an 11–50T cassette at the rear provide a wide gear range without a front derailleur, keeping the drivetrain simple while offering easy gears for steep gravel climbs and riding with luggage. Hydraulic Shimano CUES disc brakes with 160 mm rotors provide confident, predictable braking power even when the weather and surface conditions deteriorate.

At the same time, the Zydeco Washboard Sport is built for more than fast gravel rides. The frame and fork have multiple mounting points for bottles, bags, and other equipment, with the option to fit both a rack and fenders. Semi-hidden cable routing keeps the front end clean, while a BSA threaded bottom bracket and standard 12 mm thru-axles make the design relatively straightforward to live with.

That combination is what makes the Washboard Sport interesting: it feels at home when you want to push hard, but it does not require every ride to be about speed. Choose it if you are looking for a gravel bike with lively handling, 45 mm tire clearance, and enough practical functionality for the same bike to be used for everyday riding, gravel rides, and light bikepacking—with Cinelli’s distinctive design as part of the package.

Quick Specs

• Frame: Columbus Triple Butted 6061 T6 aluminum
• Fork: Columbus Cross+ full carbon with Dual Rake System
• Drivetrain: Shimano CUES 1x11
• Crankset: Shimano FC-U6030-1, 40T
• Cassette: Shimano CUES CS-LG400-11, 11–50T
• Rear derailleur: Shimano CUES RD-U6000
• Brakes: Shimano CUES hydraulic disc brakes
• Rotors: Shimano RT54, 160 mm
• Wheels: Tubeless-ready, 25 mm internal width
• Tires: WTB Riddler 700x45c
• Maximum tire clearance: 700x45c
• Bottom bracket: BSA 68 mm, threaded
• Brake mount: Flat Mount
• Axle standard: 12x100 mm front / 12x142 mm rear
• Cable routing: Semi-hidden
• Mounts: multiple mounting points for bottles, bags, racks, and fenders
• Claimed weight: 11.4 kg