A Q on gravel / CX Geometry...

[Fetchez la vache]

I've been looking the various gravel / cx threads with interest as I'm after one myself for use in

• Duathlon (beginner)
• Battle on the beach
• potentially CX

However I tried a friends Focus Mares (CX) he's selling (2015 I think) and found the geometry to be quite racey / uncomfortable.

Bearing in mind I don't currently have a road bike (MTB's only) and the last road bike I had I sold in 1993... does anyone know if the focus is in fact racey or is it simply that I'm not used to a road-ish bikes geomety at all.

If it is racey what CX / adventure bikes aren't so aggressive as tbh I don't know my back is up for it!

[bigdom]

Two different things really. Gravel is just a term picked up from out American cousins, we're more Adventure this side of the pond.

Focus Mares is a full out sport orientated CX bike.
https://www.focus-bikes.com/gb_en/bikes/road/mares...

Where as Adventure (Focus Paralane) for instance, is more relaxed endurance geometry bike.
https://www.focus-bikes.com/gb_en/bikes/road/paral...

The latter style of bikes, depending on make/model will allow mudguards, panniers, racks, 3 bottle mounts, ability to run 650c/700 wheels in same frame.

https://masoncycles.cc/shop/categories/bokeh-bikes
https://fairlightcycles.com/?v=79cba1185463

[Barchettaman]

If your mate is offering you a fantastic deal on that Focus, remember that an upturned stem can turn a racey CX machine into more of an endurance bike.

[Fetchez la vache]

Thanks for the info BigDom.
The Parlane almost looks like too much like a road bike to me but I quite like the sound of it. More googling required by me...

Barchettaman said:

If your mate is offering you a fantastic deal on that Focus, remember that an upturned stem can turn a racey CX machine into more of an endurance bike.

Ah, I did not know that. Probably is a good deal - bike is light as a light thing, £500 with full ultegra, though rim brakes... more googling for me here too..

[gazza285]

I used a CX bike at BOTB this year, and while not as comfortable as when I did it on a mountain bike, I was much faster...

I'd have that Mares off him in a flash, a shorter upturned stem will help with your position, and disc brakes are not necessary for
'cross racing, most of the time if you want to slow down, just stop pedalling...

[TwistingMyMelon]

Be good to post a pic of the bikes in question on here for further advice