Gravel bike with hydraulic brakes under £1.2k

[Cudd Wudd]

Hello all

I love cycling but my knowledge of bikes is basic at best.

I had a Topstone 3, but the brakes seemed very weak, even compared to my old Merida MB which preceded it.

The Topstone 3 has gone and my budget is tight.

The best I've found is a Topstone 2 which does have hydraulic brakes:

Brakes: Shimano GRX 400, hydraulic disc, 160/160mm RT54 rotors

Other details here for anyone who has the time to peruse - thank you!

https://www.evanscycles.com/brand/cannondale/topst...

I spoke to a local bike shop who recommended I choose a Giant Revolt 1, but it's over budget and I prefer the looks of the Cannondale.

I've just seen this bike too:

https://winstanleysbikes.co.uk/whyte-dean-v2-bike?...

Whyte Dean V2.

Brakes: Shimano GRX BR-RX400, 160mm Flat Mount, Internal Routing
Brake Levers: Shimano GRX ST-RX600, Hydraulic
Wheels

Not a brand I've heard of, but no doubt very well known!

Other than appearance, does one of these look a better option than the other?

Thank you in advance!

[mikeiow]

Whyte are a decent brand…British, if that counts for you? Both bikes made in Taiwan, of course!).

Many years ago (maybe 15), I had a ‘ride to work’ option with Evans. They would let you take a bike for a spin round the block, & I tried about 5 before picking a Trek. It amazed me at how a similar spec bike could feel very different (it’s all in the geometry, I guess).
I liked a Whyte one but the ‘feel’ was wrong. Ended up with a Trek.
If you have a chance to even sit on one, that could help you chose…

Skip forward & I had another R2W voucher just as Covid struck. Ended up buying my Specialized Sirrus X 3 ‘blind’, so not seeing them can work too, & you always have distance-selling regulations to help…..but find I love it.

Those two you have look *very* similar specs….even the gearing is almost the same. I suspect you could almost flip a coin and be happy.
The Cannondale has carbon forks…slightly less chunky tyres (37 v 40), which would spin marginally better on the road. You’ve also ridden Topstone before. All that would probs make that my choice, in your shoes.

Good luck, I think both look a decent ‘bargain’.

Edited by mikeiow on Saturday 25th February 09:35

[Cudd Wudd]

Many thanks Mikeio, really very helpful!

Yes, I've got Evans close to me and I tried the Topstone before I bought that and they set it up really well for me. Ideally I'd buy in store than online but all depends on what stock they have to try.

Thank you

[mikeiow]

Cudd Wudd said:

Many thanks Mikeio, really very helpful!

Yes, I've got Evans close to me and I tried the Topstone before I bought that and they set it up really well for me. Ideally I'd buy in store than online but all depends on what stock they have to try.

Thank you

Evans get a bit of a bad rap for things since Mike Ashley took over, but I have to say the service team in my local Leicester store have been great. I’m dropping down later for a service (mostly so they can fit a new chain & tune the gears - the latter not being my strong point!!).

Go for it!

[wobert]

Sonder Camino gets close if you go with SRAM.

https://alpkit.com/products/sonder-camino-al-v3-ap...

I have one I built up as a new winter bike, very capable and comfortable.

[Cudd Wudd]

Many thanks both, very much appreciate it

The Sonder looks really nice and good colour choice, but really trying to avoid budget creep as much as I can. The previous one was £910 discounted and the only thing I really wanted to improve were the brakes.

Evans local to me have been really good so hopefully that continues and I’ll try and get in there tomorrow if possible.

Thank you

[tertius]

The Cannondale has carbon forks, which should give a slightly easier, more forgiving ride, so all else being equal I’d probably pick that.

[mikey P 500]

Boardman adv 8.9 fits the brief.

[Cudd Wudd]

Many thanks both, really appreciate it.

Good info re the forks, thank you.

The Boardman one looks good too. Quick look suggests sold by Halfords or online with Tredz. The latter is cheaper but no L size. Will do some reading, thank you all

[stargazer30]

Boardman cxr 8.9 worth a look too if there is any stock. It’s the same as the adv but with 1x gearing and slightly more road focused geometry. I used one as a gravel bike for 1500miles, you can still get 38c tyres on them.

[Cudd Wudd]

stargazer30 said:

Boardman cxr 8.9 worth a look too if there is any stock. It’s the same as the adv but with 1x gearing and slightly more road focused geometry. I used one as a gravel bike for 1500miles, you can still get 38c tyres on them.

Thank you

Looks like Halfords have that in large too, so will do some research. Not had great experience with my local Halfords but might sound them out.

[hughgeorghan]

Merlin Malt GRX

[mike9009]

Cudd Wudd said:

Many thanks both, very much appreciate it

The Sonder looks really nice and good colour choice, but really trying to avoid budget creep as much as I can. The previous one was £910 discounted and the only thing I really wanted to improve were the brakes.

Evans local to me have been really good so hopefully that continues and I’ll try and get in there tomorrow if possible.

Thank you

Do you have access to the cycle to work scheme? Your budget will go much further.

[Cudd Wudd]

mike9009 said:

Do you have access to the cycle to work scheme? Your budget will go much further.

I do but I used it for the Topstone 3 last year, still paying it off and that was taken from me at knifepoint, which has had an impact on the budget unfortunately.

Thanks for all the input all

[emicen]

I have an ADV8.9 formerly with GRX RX-400 brakes, now fitted with RX-810. Also have an ADV8.9e on SRAM Apex (out of budget but means I have experience of both systems).

I think overall GRX feel better than Apex, but the ADV runs RX-810 brakes because the original fitment RX-400 had leaking pistons which repeatedly ruined sets of pads. If you’re going Shimano, it’s not unheard of so make sure you have good access to warranty back up.

Halfords were an utter disgrace in this respect, royally mucked me about without a snifter of apology and a good chunk of attitude when I dared ask for an update.

[Pablo16v]

Could this be an option? It has cable operated TRP hydraulic calipers, so not full hydro, but I have used them and they are pretty decent.

https://www.decathlon.co.uk/p/gravel-bike-triban-g...

[troc]

I have a topstone 1 and it’s a lovely ride. They have an excellent frame which should last through any upgrades you might fancy. The grx brakes are more than strong enough too.

I also happen to have a whyte full-suspension mtb and it’s excellent too.

I’d probably lean towards the Cannondale as I’m so pleased with the topstone.

[Cudd Wudd]

Many thanks for the further replies - all very helpful to note and hear of your experiences. I'm trying to secure the Topstone 2, as the 3 was a really good bike in the few months I had it, so on balance it feels the best option.

Hope to get one sorted soon and be back out there, albeit more vigilant and likely less care free than I was!

Thank you for all your input.