Do it all bike

[Blink982]

I have been looking at getting a gravel bike for general riding with occasional rides in forest trails (nothing too technical). My local bike shops have Specialized Diverge, Trek Checkpoint and Cannondale Topstone. I liked the Diverge models which are priced from 800 quid to 1600 quid and they were a good fit. However, the tyre clearance on the aluminium models isn't great and they have mechanical brakes which I've always found to be fiddly to maintain. The Trek Checkpoint also has questionable tyre clearance and the Topstone is in short supply (Summer).

I started looking at online only bikes and quite like the look of the Cotic Escapade and Kinesis Tripster, both of which can be found for around the same price with a 105 groupset. Have any PHers any experience of either of these bikes? Both of them are available in the coming weeks.

I also had a look at budget creep options e.g. Shand Stoater and Fairlight Secan, both of which involve a lengthy wait and again are around the same price in 105 guise, even with wheel upgrades. I'm sure they would be worth the wait over the Escapade or Tripster but I would prefer to buy a bike sooner.

[PomBstard]

Can’t help with any of the bikes mentioned, other than I test ride a Diverge a couple of years ago. In the spirit of the usual approach to these types of threads I’ll of course recommend my own bike - Norco Search.

I’ve got a carbon frame with 105 group set including hydraulic brakes. It’s been generally faultless and a good fit over 30 months and 7000km.

Used on all sorts of terrain - smooth tarmac to twisty, roots singletrack. I use 35c tyres f/r and whilst there are times 40c would have been useful, it’s been fine. Did need a rear wheel upgrade though due to type of use - would have been fine for what you’re proposing.

Norco also seemed good value against the usual suspects you’ve named. Might be worth a look as they do alu and carbon frames.

[Blink982]

I've read about the Norco Search but mostly from US folks and it would appear Evans are the sole stockist in the UK and no stores have stock. I will certainly add it to my list.

[oddball1313]

https://www.bikeradar.com/road/gear/category/bikes...

[Shuttle Cock]

How about a Giant Toughroad, or if budget creep is in order the Revolt Advanced.

[Blink982]

The Canyon Grail is another bike in short supply, I believe some models are now October delivery (6-7 months) but the geometry doesn't look like it would fit me. The Medium frame has a reach of 405mm, which when I compare it to the Spesh Diverge and Trek I tried would need Go-Go Gadget arms and it looks like it has short stem unless someone can confirm otherwise.

The Giant Revolt 2 has a carbon frame and if it had full hydraulics I'd be all over it, even in orange. However, it has Giant's proprietary hybrid cable activated hydraulic brakes which sound like a faff and it has a big lump of plastic on the bars to accommodate the gubbins. How much do you think it would cost to change to full hydraulics?

I think my preference still lies with the Escapade or Tripster but owner's opinions are thin on the ground.

Edited by Blink982 on Saturday 23 March 19:51

Edited by Blink982 on Saturday 23 March 21:21

[Craikeybaby]

I like Cotic's mountain bikes, but haven't ridden their (or any) gravel bike. They do have a good demo service, so you may be able to try one out.

[untakenname]

I've got a GT Grade Carbon, had it around 3 years now and it's my go-to bike for pretty much everything these days, my other two road bikes don't get any use anymore (noticed that the tyres on both need pumping).

[anonymous-user]

A Mason Bokeh is a good all rounder. 1x 42-42-10 is good for everything bar road racing.

[astroarcadia]

Tripster.

[Blink982]

The Bokeh is a very nice looking bike and gets good reviews in the press but more importantly, by owners but its seriously out of my budget.

The Apex Topstone model seems to be readily available so I reckon it's between that and a custom build Tripster. A colleague of mine has said the dropper post on the Topstone is a good idea but I don't think I would need it for the type of riding I would be doing. It might be worth selling it if there's a market for that. It could fund some upgrades.....

Edited by Blink982 on Sunday 31st March 05:21

[frisbee]

untakenname said:

I've got a GT Grade Carbon, had it around 3 years now and it's my go-to bike for pretty much everything these days, my other two road bikes don't get any use anymore (noticed that the tyres on both need pumping).

I've got an aluminium one, my Madone has been pretty much sat on the trainer since. I commute on it in (almost*) all weathers, so it takes a bit of a beating from being parked up wet and salty. I'm tempted to stick some cyclo cross tyres on my winter wheels and explore the off-road parts of the Cotswolds a bit.

• I did use my mountain bike a few times when it snowed.

[numtumfutunch]

Aluminium Diverge here from approx 2016
Cant remember the model but has 105 and hydro discs
Used to commute daily and as a winter road bike

Mines fitted with 32mm 4 Seasons, proper mudguards and a pannier rack

Its pretty handy off road but of course isnt a MTB

I considered the GT Grade but at the time the mudguard mounts were a bit crap and back then it wouldnt take panniers

Cheers