Raw 3 – a gravel bike that can handle anything
“A well-thought-out bike with quality components, electronic shifting, and the ability to handle serious fun off-road.” Our new gravel bike Raw 3 was tested by Martin Behro from Mojekolo.cz—and he really put it through its paces. How did it perform? Remarkably well, without bias.
“I pushed it hard off-road, and it handled everything without hesitation. No flex, no creaks. The carbon fork combined with the carbon seatpost and wide 50 mm tires absorbed small bumps well, making even rough forest trails surprisingly comfortable.”
Martin appreciated the aluminium frame with a lifetime warranty on the Pells gravel bike. “An aluminium frame doesn’t have to be a compromise – this one proves it in every situation.”
The same geometry as the high-end carbon Raw models, which he says results in “excellent handling and stability – whether climbing or descending technical trails.”
The SRAM Apex AXS 1x12 electronic shifting was described by Martin as “precise, fast, and flawless,” and in combination with the 40T chainring and 11 – 40T cassette, “…it provides a versatile gear range that handles steep climbs as well as faster sections on hardpack or asphalt.”
Of course, there were a few criticisms: “The controls are intuitive, reliable, and easy to get used to. My only minor complaint was the ergonomics of the levers – they didn’t suit me personally, but will likely fit riders with smaller hands just fine.”
Raw 3, like the rest of the Pells gravel line, follows the current trend of wide tires. These come with both advantages and drawbacks – but Martin was pleasantly surprised. “I had never ridden 50 mm tires on a gravel bike before – and the difference compared to the more common 40 mm is noticeable. Even on smooth asphalt, they didn’t feel sluggish – quite the opposite – they roll smoothly and effortlessly.”
So what’s the overall verdict on the Raw 3 gravel bike?
Comfort takes the lead. “The cockpit felt comfortable, and the handlebars were easy to grip even on longer rides – especially in the tops, thanks to their flat shape. Personally, I would have preferred slightly narrower bars, but that’s a matter of preference. The bike weighs 10.3 kg, which is very respectable for an aluminium gravel with this level of equipment. Combined with a comfortable geometry, reliable components, and plenty of mounting points for accessories, the Pells RAW 3 is a versatile gravel bike that’s ready for anything … If you’re looking for a gravel bike that goes beyond just dirt roads but don’t want to commit to carbon, the RAW 3 is definitely worth considering.”
Check out the new Raw 3 gravel bike. Looking for something different? Maybe the carbon gravel Raw 1 & 2, or something more affordable? Take a look at the full Raw lineup – you’re bound to find something that suits you :)
Find an in-depth presentation of the 2025 Pells gravel range on our blog.
You can read Martin’s full review at mojekolo.cz
Who is Martin Behro? Martin is a former EU champion in bike trial and a 6th place finisher at the UCI World Championships (Junior category). He currently coaches the CTK Záriečie bike trial team and works as a marketing specialist for Mojekolo.sk. He not only writes about bikes – he rides them. Most of his time is spent on his Lapierre Crosshill CF 7.0 gravel bike, mixing gravel adventures with road bike training sessions.