Which dream gravel bike?
Discussion
After discovering the joy of ‘all road’ riding on a rigid 29er, I’m looking to downsize the fleet and get one do it all bike.
Got to be light enough for road hills.
Got to be robust enough for bridleways and a bit of singletrack.
Good enough clearance for 2” 650B wheels.
If I sold my other 3 bikes, I could stretch to about £4K.
Happy to try second hand.
Vielo V+1?
Open Up or Upper?
New Diverge?
Santa Cruz stigmata?
Cervelo Aspero?
Rondo HVRT?
Where would you go as a dream gravel bike?
Or just keep my dedicated bikes and resist the great marketing tide?
Got to be light enough for road hills.
Got to be robust enough for bridleways and a bit of singletrack.
Good enough clearance for 2” 650B wheels.
If I sold my other 3 bikes, I could stretch to about £4K.
Happy to try second hand.
Vielo V+1?
Open Up or Upper?
New Diverge?
Santa Cruz stigmata?
Cervelo Aspero?
Rondo HVRT?
Where would you go as a dream gravel bike?
Or just keep my dedicated bikes and resist the great marketing tide?
Keep the other bikes, depending what they are.
Go to Planet X or similar for a cross/gravel bike.
I have a Kinesis Crosslight on 32mm Road tyres that just keeps on going, on and off road lite. When it eventually dies I'll get something with disc brakes that can take up to 40mm tyres on 700c.
Bikes have come full circle. My Grandad born in the 1900s would recognise a new "gravel bike" as "a bike".
Go to Planet X or similar for a cross/gravel bike.
I have a Kinesis Crosslight on 32mm Road tyres that just keeps on going, on and off road lite. When it eventually dies I'll get something with disc brakes that can take up to 40mm tyres on 700c.
Bikes have come full circle. My Grandad born in the 1900s would recognise a new "gravel bike" as "a bike".
Edited by MC Bodge on Wednesday 20th May 10:46
I went for a 3T Exploro, which is really quite nice.
Mine's set up for road riding, and while a bit heavier than my previous road bike is still fine for quite severe hills and generally keeping up with the bunch.
It'll take 2.1" tyres on 650b wheels and is certainly butch enough to ride on some pretty demanding off-road trails.
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What's putting you off staying with the 29er? Curious as I'm facing a similar situation, but I can't decide between getting a very light 29er or buying a gravel bike.
I have both road and MTB bikes, and while 29er is compromised on road, I'm not sure I'd be comfortable on a steeper geometry gravel bike off road.
On your gravel bike list I'd probably add the Mason Bokeh. Comes in at under 4K with GRX Di2 shifting. Friend of mine has one, very happy with it.
I have both road and MTB bikes, and while 29er is compromised on road, I'm not sure I'd be comfortable on a steeper geometry gravel bike off road.
On your gravel bike list I'd probably add the Mason Bokeh. Comes in at under 4K with GRX Di2 shifting. Friend of mine has one, very happy with it.
You want a lightish gravel bike - that means one of the gravel race bikes, for stuff like Dirty Kanza, Belgian Waffle ride, etc
Cervelo Aspero, 3T Exploro, Open UP, etc All of which you've listed. The Rondo HVRT got Bike Radar's Bike of the Year last year, and can do pretty much everything for a 'road bike'. And it is dual geometry, with the flick of a chip in the fork - and can take 700/650 wheels.
To be honest, unless you race, a gravel/ adventure bike is pretty much all the road bike most people need; road, off road, light singletrack. Anything more is MTB territory.
Cervelo Aspero, 3T Exploro, Open UP, etc All of which you've listed. The Rondo HVRT got Bike Radar's Bike of the Year last year, and can do pretty much everything for a 'road bike'. And it is dual geometry, with the flick of a chip in the fork - and can take 700/650 wheels.
To be honest, unless you race, a gravel/ adventure bike is pretty much all the road bike most people need; road, off road, light singletrack. Anything more is MTB territory.
MarcelM6 said:
What's putting you off staying with the 29er? Curious as I'm facing a similar situation, but I can't decide between getting a very light 29er or buying a gravel bike.
I have both road and MTB bikes, and while 29er is compromised on road, I'm not sure I'd be comfortable on a steeper geometry gravel bike off road.
On your gravel bike list I'd probably add the Mason Bokeh. Comes in at under 4K with GRX Di2 shifting. Friend of mine has one, very happy with it.
Mason Bokeh is a good shout, very nice bike.I have both road and MTB bikes, and while 29er is compromised on road, I'm not sure I'd be comfortable on a steeper geometry gravel bike off road.
On your gravel bike list I'd probably add the Mason Bokeh. Comes in at under 4K with GRX Di2 shifting. Friend of mine has one, very happy with it.
Great questions! really made me think about it.....
There are probably a few factors, in this kind of order;
1) Flexibility on the ride. I have recently started to love mixing road and off road. I don't often plan a route in advance, I guess because I'm fortunate to live in the surrey hills, so have loads options nearby. I've been quite surprised just how many off road paths there are, fire roads, bridleways in a beautiful setting. I'd like to just grab one bike and know that (within reason) I can go on whatever types of surfaces I come across. I love my road bike, but it now feels pretty limited in this regard and is barely getting used. I love my 29er off road, but the flat bars, and my associated position feel less 'right' when on the road.
2) Desire. No point denying it, I love my toys, and a gravel bike just really appeals. The Vielo for example is just a beautiful bike. And I think I would be happy to say goodbye to any/all of my current bikes if I had a gravel bike I love.
3) Practical considerations. Less bikes would be easier to store. Less bikes would require less maintenance. Less consumables.
My 29er is actually pretty damn quick on the road. It's an Intense Hard Eddie, weighs under 8.5kgs and sits on Thunder Burt tyres which roll well. It's about 30 seconds off my road bike up Box Hill - and I am not a racer, so no real dilemma with that. It's just not quite the bike I would take on a longer road ride, which is the gap I think the gravel bike would fill. It is also a 10 speed and I am struggling to get the right gear range on it and so can spin out on fast downhill roads.
I do have the concern with a drop bar bike off road though. I am not a confident descender really, and wonder if being too low and forward on a gravel bike might not suit. But at the same time, loads of people seem to be fine with it, so am assuming I could cope.....
Edited by alolympic on Wednesday 20th May 11:48
Edited by alolympic on Wednesday 20th May 11:53
I have drooled over many an expensive gravel bike especially the Mason Bokeh, Fairlight Secan and Open UP but I think the new Diverge in carbon with Futureshock 2.0 has the edge. I rode a few miles in a gravel cycle path yesterday that could have benefited from some suspension. However, I couldn’t see myself spending that much on something that could get beaten up on crappy potholed roads and gravel paths. I would too scared to ride it but as far as dream gravel bike, I think the new Diverge would be it.
Niner MCR9 RDO
https://ninerbikes.com/pages/the-mcr-9-rdo
Probably pointless (just buy a mountain bike
) but looks cool
https://ninerbikes.com/pages/the-mcr-9-rdo
Probably pointless (just buy a mountain bike
) but looks coolalolympic said:
I do have the concern with a drop bar bike off road though. I am not a confident descender really, and wonder if being too low and forward on a gravel bike might not suit. But at the same time, loads of people seem to be fine with it, so am assuming I could cope.....
It's fine. They are just something to rest your hands on. Not radically different to any other bars. You might want the bars a bit higher than in a purely road bike. Been round this loop a fair bit!
My thoughts:
Steel - Fairlight Secan
Aluminium - Mason Bokeh
Carbon - Open UP
Titanium - either Bokeh Ti, or my money would be a custom Enigma.
I didn't quite have the same budget, so have gone for an Enigma Etape. Should be with me next week. Can't recommend Reilly based on my experience.
That's based on my general approach of the best frame possible, and decent kit. Kit can always be improved, but the frame is king.
My thoughts:
Steel - Fairlight Secan
Aluminium - Mason Bokeh
Carbon - Open UP
Titanium - either Bokeh Ti, or my money would be a custom Enigma.
I didn't quite have the same budget, so have gone for an Enigma Etape. Should be with me next week. Can't recommend Reilly based on my experience.
That's based on my general approach of the best frame possible, and decent kit. Kit can always be improved, but the frame is king.
alolympic said:
Mason Bokeh is a good shout, very nice bike.
Great questions! really made me think about it.....
There are probably a few factors, in this kind of order;
1) Flexibility on the ride. I have recently started to love mixing road and off road. I don't often plan a route in advance, I guess because I'm fortunate to live in the surrey hills, so have loads options nearby. I've been quite surprised just how many off road paths there are, fire roads, bridleways in a beautiful setting. I'd like to just grab one bike and know that (within reason) I can go on whatever types of surfaces I come across. I love my road bike, but it now feels pretty limited in this regard and is barely getting used. I love my 29er off road, but the flat bars, and my associated position feel less 'right' when on the road.
2) Desire. No point denying it, I love my toys, and a gravel bike just really appeals. The Vielo for example is just a beautiful bike. And I think I would be happy to say goodbye to any/all of my current bikes if I had a gravel bike I love.
3) Practical considerations. Less bikes would be easier to store. Less bikes would require less maintenance. Less consumables.
My 29er is actually pretty damn quick on the road. It's an Intense Hard Eddie, weighs under 8.5kgs and sits on Thunder Burt tyres which roll well. It's about 30 seconds off my road bike up Box Hill - and I am not a racer, so no real dilemma with that. It's just not quite the bike I would take on a longer road ride, which is the gap I think the gravel bike would fill. It is also a 10 speed and I am struggling to get the right gear range on it and so can spin out on fast downhill roads.
I do have the concern with a drop bar bike off road though. I am not a confident descender really, and wonder if being too low and forward on a gravel bike might not suit. But at the same time, loads of people seem to be fine with it, so am assuming I could cope.....
Specialized Creo. Alloy one comes in just above your budget but otherwise it meets all your criteria. You won't notice the additional weight.Great questions! really made me think about it.....
There are probably a few factors, in this kind of order;
1) Flexibility on the ride. I have recently started to love mixing road and off road. I don't often plan a route in advance, I guess because I'm fortunate to live in the surrey hills, so have loads options nearby. I've been quite surprised just how many off road paths there are, fire roads, bridleways in a beautiful setting. I'd like to just grab one bike and know that (within reason) I can go on whatever types of surfaces I come across. I love my road bike, but it now feels pretty limited in this regard and is barely getting used. I love my 29er off road, but the flat bars, and my associated position feel less 'right' when on the road.
2) Desire. No point denying it, I love my toys, and a gravel bike just really appeals. The Vielo for example is just a beautiful bike. And I think I would be happy to say goodbye to any/all of my current bikes if I had a gravel bike I love.
3) Practical considerations. Less bikes would be easier to store. Less bikes would require less maintenance. Less consumables.
My 29er is actually pretty damn quick on the road. It's an Intense Hard Eddie, weighs under 8.5kgs and sits on Thunder Burt tyres which roll well. It's about 30 seconds off my road bike up Box Hill - and I am not a racer, so no real dilemma with that. It's just not quite the bike I would take on a longer road ride, which is the gap I think the gravel bike would fill. It is also a 10 speed and I am struggling to get the right gear range on it and so can spin out on fast downhill roads.
I do have the concern with a drop bar bike off road though. I am not a confident descender really, and wonder if being too low and forward on a gravel bike might not suit. But at the same time, loads of people seem to be fine with it, so am assuming I could cope.....
Edited by alolympic on Wednesday 20th May 11:48
Edited by alolympic on Wednesday 20th May 11:53
alolympic said:
Specialized Creo - an ebike? No need for an ebike....
For the 'dream all rounder do everything' why not?Going exploring: you go a lot further and see more for the same effort.
Short on time: you get home quicker for the same distance and intensity.
Going for a workout: leave the power off and you get a better workout as the bike is a bit heavier.
Commuting: quicker and less sweaty.
In fact the only time a normal bike is more suitable is if you are racing.
Most of the time you can leave the power off or you will be going over the cut off speed in which case it's just like a Diverge.
Borrow one from a Specialized dealer for a weekend, do your usual riding and a long day out and see what you think.
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