GlennR

Here's what I want.

I want a winter/foul weather bike. Something I can ride when there's sand, gravel and general debris on the roads. I recently rode a Trek Domane SLR with hydraulic disc brakes (no i don't plan on riding in the pro peloton) and 30mm tires... it was great but way more than I want to spend and too much of a traditional road bike.

So i'm thinking grave/xcross bike but not sure what the difference is.

I ride Sram so i'd like Rival 1 with hydro brakes and 32-35 tires.

Suggestions?

NormanF

All I can tell you is wider is better.

I ride Schwalbe Marathon Dureme 42 c on my GT Eightball and I haven't noticed a real loss in speed.

I actually replaced Schwalbe Kojak 35 c slicks with wider threaded tires so I could go off pavement with stability and comfort.

If you're looking for a gravel road/adventure bike, you'll be wishing for high volume, fast-rolling tires for a comfortable ride.

mstateglfr 

Gt grade alloy X? Comes with 33mm tires.

wheelsmcgee

Also might consider the Kona Sutra LTD and the Specialized AWOL comp. Both steel frame, rival 1 hydro, and boatloads of tire clearance. Not sure if they skew more toward touring/comfort than what you're looking for, but they'd be good all weather bikes IMO.

GlennR

After researching a dozen different bikes, i'm leaning toward the Cannondale Super X.

So here's another question.... Road or MTB pedals.

I have road shoes with Look cleats and MTB shoes with SPD cleats. Which one to get?

justin1138

What are you doing with the bike other than foul weather riding? Is it going to go off road at all? Walking in road shoes in the dirt up a silly steep grade is no fun if it comes down to that.

FrozenK

SPD pedals are cheap and easy to swap. Buy a pair of 520 and if you like them then upgrade to XT (or XTR)

The Super X seems like a good bike. Being a CX race bike tire clearance may be limited. But to be honest, I haven't felt the need for anything wider than 35c tires. Even on rough gravel roads.

GlennR

I have a road bike and a "trail" bike so i'm looking for something in between. Lighter than my 27lb trail bike, with wider tires, able to handle roads with potholes, sand, gravel and general winter debris. Also able to ride on a unpaved rail.

Really a "do it all" bike that I can put 30+ miles on when the weather is not not optimal and i don't want to beat up my expensive road bike.

The Cannondale Super X seems to fit the bill. I'm not going to be doing any cross country so i'm not concerned about ground clearance... i have my "trail" bike for that. I like the Rival 1CX, the hydro brakes, the carbon frame and the wider wheels. I most likely will change the 35mm knobby tires to a 33mm "street" tire. But swapping them back is a 5 minute job. My biggest issue is the gearing but i can change the cassette and RD if i want lower.

I have Giro road shoes with Look Keo cleats and Bontrager RL MTB shoes with Shimano SPD cleats. I have a spare set of Look pedals but will most likely get a set of Shimano XT pedals. I have A530 dual sided, SPD/flat, on my trail bike, so i can easily try them.

I was just wondering what everyone else uses.

dr_lha

Gravel riding around here means fire roads up the side of Appalachian ridges, which means putting your feet on the ground is important! For that reason, I'd go with MTB shoes with nice tread and SPD cleats/pedals.

I'd echo those who recommended the often-$25 PD-M520s, they're really great pedals.

ypsetihw

I only use road shoes on the road bike. MTB shoes on my gravel/cross and MTB. every try walking through mud/rocks with road cleats? not fun.

GlennR

Point made. i was thinking of saving a few $$$ since I already have a spare set of pedals. But since i have MTB shoes, it's only a $50 cost for new pedals.

ypsetihw

not even, nashbar has some MTB pedals for $14.99 right now VP Components VX Mountain Pedals

I got mine from a the parts bin at one of my LBS for $10

FrozenK

I think mountain SPD'S will work better for the intended use, but the Keos should be ok too.

When I talked about tire clearance I was referring to how big a tire you can fit, not ground clearance. Some of the newer "gravel bikes" like the Kona Sutra will fit up to 40mm tires (or bigger) While cyclocross race bikes (like the Super X) usually max out at 35ish. If you plan on running 33s it won't be a problem. I would recommend Clement XPLOR USH over slicks if unpaved roads are in the mix at all.

GlennR

Well... it's done. Just got back from the LBS and after a lengthy discussion, i purchased a Cannondale Super X Rival 1. The shop agreed to swap the 11-28 cassette and short cage RD with a 11-32 and medium cage RD. Also I'm getting 32mm tubeless tires installed for road use and can sway the stock 35s for when i want to hit the dirt.

And I got it all and out the door for less than the list price.

Not bad, just gotta wait for it to arrive.

FrozenK

Awesome. I'm sure you'll enjoy it.

justin1138

Nice work. Looks like an awesome bike.

Miele Man

MTB shoe are a loty better in foul weather in my opinion because there's a lot less chance of the cleat slipping on wet asphalt.

Cheers

GlennR

Went with Shimano XT M780 pedals[TABLE="class: itemTable"]
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Squeezebox

Fenders?

GlennR

Let Thm Eat War

Do you know if the factory tires/wheels are tubeless compatible?

GlennR

Wheels are TRL and i'm getting new tubeless tires.

Let Thm Eat War

trl?

GlennR

Sorry

TLR (TubeLessReady)

Let Thm Eat War

Stock tires tubeless rim compatible?