Gravel bike recommendations
Discussion
The “what’s the point of gravel bikes” thread has peaked my interest.
I really fancy one for winter commuting and potential long distance cycling with a load of kit.
I’d therefore want one that’s comfortable, reliable and able to take lots of panniers and mudguards. I don’t need to win any races on it and I’d buy secondhand with a budget of around £1,000, but happy to pay less. So I guess a bike that cost circa £1,500 to £3,000 new.
Does anyone have any good recommendations, even if it’s what not to buy?
I really fancy one for winter commuting and potential long distance cycling with a load of kit.
I’d therefore want one that’s comfortable, reliable and able to take lots of panniers and mudguards. I don’t need to win any races on it and I’d buy secondhand with a budget of around £1,000, but happy to pay less. So I guess a bike that cost circa £1,500 to £3,000 new.
Does anyone have any good recommendations, even if it’s what not to buy?
I am toying with upgrading my CX bike to Gravel. The one that stands out to me at the moment is the Cannondale Topstone that's on offer at Sigma cycles at the moment. Good price and an extra set of wheels.
I also like the Ribble stuff, the orange one looks cool and you can spec it how you like.
No idea if either are any good mind.
I also like the Ribble stuff, the orange one looks cool and you can spec it how you like.
No idea if either are any good mind.
Merlin have some nice ones around a grand and less at moment
https://www.merlincycles.com/cyclocross-gravel-bik...
I bought a steel Kona Rove last year, I'm usually a roadie and have been for 12 years, but I love the gravel bike and have ridden it far more than the road bike this year making use of canal towpaths, bridleways etc that i otherwise wouldn't have ridden on.
Have small, lightweight camping gear and frame, saddle bags now, so the plan is to do the North Wales Coast path to Anglesey and back at some point over 2/3 days on it. Did part of the route in June and it was ideal for that.
https://www.merlincycles.com/cyclocross-gravel-bik...
I bought a steel Kona Rove last year, I'm usually a roadie and have been for 12 years, but I love the gravel bike and have ridden it far more than the road bike this year making use of canal towpaths, bridleways etc that i otherwise wouldn't have ridden on.
Have small, lightweight camping gear and frame, saddle bags now, so the plan is to do the North Wales Coast path to Anglesey and back at some point over 2/3 days on it. Did part of the route in June and it was ideal for that.
I’ve also been looking around for a replacement for my current gravel bike, a 2016 Norco Search. It’s been a brilliant bike, strong and comfortable with good kit, and has been used for everything from 100km road rides with a bunch, to firetrails, to rocky singletrack.
On that experience, I’d recommend it for general purpose road and firetrail duties - and good value too when compared to Specialized, Trek, et al. I think the new frames can take 40c tyres and come with 2x11 gearing, which is something to consider. Many gravel bike now are being supplied with 1x set ups, presumably because off-road. If it works for you, great, but if you prefer 2x then you might need to look harder.
Have a look at Giant - their Revolt seems to be good value and usually fares well in reviews, and I’m still looking for a Cervelo Aspero locally.
On that experience, I’d recommend it for general purpose road and firetrail duties - and good value too when compared to Specialized, Trek, et al. I think the new frames can take 40c tyres and come with 2x11 gearing, which is something to consider. Many gravel bike now are being supplied with 1x set ups, presumably because off-road. If it works for you, great, but if you prefer 2x then you might need to look harder.
Have a look at Giant - their Revolt seems to be good value and usually fares well in reviews, and I’m still looking for a Cervelo Aspero locally.
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