handsthatcatch

Anyone use their Straggler for gravel racing? I've heard that it's quite heavy and there are better tools, but I love the way it looks, that it is a jack of all trades, and that it comes in my size (64cm! Yikes!).

On the same note, are there any better bikes out there that come in XXXL sizes that may be better suited to long and fast gravel rides?

aggiegrads

Gunnar Cross Hairs goes up to 68cm. I love mine for gravel rides.

You'll have to build up from the frame and fork; they don't cell complete.

Mr IGH

Surly/Salsa/Soma frames have thick tubes that smaller riders find too stiff, bigger folks call 'em bulletproof. If the Straggler fits, why not. I prefer the Salsa Vaya or Soma Saga Disc with sloping top tube and long head tube. Fits my aero belly better.

50voltphantom

I don't see why a Straggler wouldn't work.

BikeInMN

No reason you can't run a straggler in gravel races. I have a buddy who rode his in all his 2015 gravel races including the Gold Rush 110 which has lots of climbing. I bought mine after that and did a handful of 100+ mile gravel rides on it and never had a complaint.
Is it light - nope
Does it do anything wrong - nope
Overall a good solid frameset. Good enough I'm building my wife a 650b version for her camping bike.

Banzai

You can probably do anything that will clear the appropriate tires.

I've heard that the Straggler dropouts are a bit of a faff to work with.

Barrettscv 

If you are attending for fun, the weight of the bike won't matter. Finding a production bike frame in that size from anyone else won't be easy.

Henry III

I had a 26" Vaya a few years ago and found it to be a total turd. Mind you it's not supposed to be a race bike of any sorts but I road cruisers that felt like I got more of out. I would love to try a 650b Straggler and wish they had it when I bought the Vaya. The 26" wheel is what got my attention for smaller frames but maybe it was the bottom of the barrel Sram Apex but vague shifting and the Conti Tour Ride tires didn't inspire either.

Since the Straggle came out in 2014 I believe I've only seen just a few actually in shops but nothing in my size. On paper it looks like a awesome bike. I think of like a cheaper Cannondale Slate. The only big difference is a slightly longer wheelbase on the Straggler. But same length stays, angles are pretty darn close, disc brakes and 650b wheels. I'm not a hater of suspension forks but like the simplicity of a rigid fork but we never had issues with Lefty forks at the shop I worked at compared to the standard Rock Shox/Fox fork in for rebuilds and whatnot. I really like the Slate but even the cheapest version is double the price for with both sharing 105 components(mind you one is cable and the other Hydro).

In the end I may just try building frame to match the Straggler/Slate geometry and build a 650b wheelset.

handsthatcatch

Thanks everyone. I went and test rode the 64cm, and it just fits beautifully. Also so smooth compared to my Kona Jake, it was hard to get back on. I really wanted to love the Jake, but between the ill fit and harsh ride, I think I'll have to let her go.

Barrettscv 

You will be surprised how well the bike performs on technical and softer surfaces. It's not a mountain bike, but it can fit 700x45 tires and devour all kinds of surfaces.