Help me configure a do it all bike!

[RS93]

Hi guys,

Hoping for a bit of advice which I would very much appreciate

At the moment I have a daily basic Carrera bike from good old halfords which is good for riding,

Since I have got into riding more over the last few years I'm looking to upgrade.

Requirements:
Budget of around 2k.
I ride mostly trails - off road, bridleways, but also on the road also
I am considering a gravel bike?
Im 6ft so guessing size Large generally,
Looking to get the best kind of specification for my money -

I was looking at speccing a Dolan GXC but when you go to configure all of the options are a little confusing for a beginner,

Any help of guidance would really appreciate

Thanks

[Blink982]

I have a Cannondale Topstone 105 and can highly recommend that. There are plenty of options around but getting something that is in stock is the main issue. I would also take a look at the Specialized Diverge, there are a couple of models at £1500 to £2k. The Sonder Camino AL should be back in stock at Alpkit in the next few weeks and you could get GRX for £1300. Sigma have the 2021 Trek Checkpoint ALR4 and ALR5 in stock. Halfords should also have the new ADV 8.9 with GRX in August. I was looking around at Gravel Bikes for a mate who is going to be getting one on the Cycle To Work Scheme, hence why I know what is in stock.

Another option, which I considered when I bought mine but the frame was out of stock was getting a Kinesis Tripster built up by Epic Cycles.

https://epic-cycles.co.uk/kinesis-tripster-at

[RS93]

Blink982 said:

I have a Cannondale Topstone 105 and can highly recommend that. There are plenty of options around but getting something that is in stock is the main issue. I would also take a look at the Specialized Diverge, there are a couple of models at £1500 to £2k. The Sonder Camino AL should be back in stock at Alpkit in the next few weeks and you could get GRX for £1300. Sigma have the 2021 Trek Checkpoint ALR4 and ALR5 in stock. Halfords should also have the new ADV 8.9 with GRX in August. I was looking around at Gravel Bikes for a mate who is going to be getting one on the Cycle To Work Scheme, hence why I know what is in stock.

Another option, which I considered when I bought mine but the frame was out of stock was getting a Kinesis Tripster built up by Epic Cycles.

https://epic-cycles.co.uk/kinesis-tripster-at

Thanks for the reply mate - where did you get your cannondale- this was a bike i shortlisted but my size is out of stock at evans. How do you find it for off road and road too?
Thanks for the other options too i will be sure to check these out. Spec wise I don't exactly know what Im looking at, is there anything key to look out for?

[HughG]

I’ve got a trek checkpoint alr5 (with the 105) and it is very versatile. Mine is a 61.

A few comments on it:

• some flex is noticeable when loaded up (25kg on rear rack) and when stood out of the saddle or turning with the bike slightly leant over.
• I’ll probably never change the sliding rear drop outs from their shortest position, handling is fine loaded in this configuration, so I’m reality just additional weight and complexity to lug around.
• I get some toe overlap, compounded by running guards on the front, only an issue when track standing at lights etc.
• there’s not enough clearance between the crank arm and rear stay for a cadence sensor or Stages type power meter. Mines a 2020 model with 105 and I think the 2021 has GRX which might solve this.

[RS93]

HughG said:

I’ve got a trek checkpoint alr5 (with the 105) and it is very versatile. Mine is a 61.

A few comments on it:

• some flex is noticeable when loaded up (25kg on rear rack) and when stood out of the saddle or turning with the bike slightly leant over.
• I’ll probably never change the sliding rear drop outs from their shortest position, handling is fine loaded in this configuration, so I’m reality just additional weight and complexity to lug around.
• I get some toe overlap, compounded by running guards on the front, only an issue when track standing at lights etc.
• there’s not enough clearance between the crank arm and rear stay for a cadence sensor or Stages type power meter. Mines a 2020 model with 105 and I think the 2021 has GRX which might solve this.

Thanks Hugh, strong contender by the sounds of it believe they have jut released the 2021 version not sure what else differs ?