wabash97

I've ridden old steel (1980s Tange 2) and recent aluminum, but don't have a feel for the difference between the 4130 (All City's 612 select) and Reynolds 853.

My riding: Lots of quick but hilly ~30-50 mile rides with friends. Frequent commute that is about 27 miles each way … I would like to add a bag to the front (thinking more along the soft bag route as I don't need to bring a lot, but occasionally shoes, clothes, etc., and right now I am using a godawful backpack). Forest roads with friends on the weekend and maybe occasional light, light touring. I suppose I'd try gravel races as a few have come to my area (Central New York). Not looking to load the bike with 50 lbs. I wouldn't mind trying some brevets (I race cyclocross on a proper cyclocross bike).

A new Space Horse is about $1,500. Tiagra. Alex wheels I'm sure weigh a ton. Cantis (I have 'em on the cyclocross bike so I'm fine with them). The big plus as I see it: Tire clearance 40+, maybe 40 with fenders (as far as I can tell). Longer wheelbase, but I'm not sure that's a plus or it's going to feel too slow at the expense of stability.

A 2015 Kona Kapu is available in my area for $1,500. This is without any negotiating yet. It is 105 with an Ultegra RD, Aksium wheels, nice long reach brakes. It is fitted with 28s, and although I can't find any confirmation on the 2015 model, it looks like it could fit fenders with the 28s and maybe 30s without.

The question: Is this as easy a decision as it seems … go for the better frame and components and give up a thin margin of utility?

Craptacular8

Just to put a fly in the ointment....I had my local bike shop order in the space horse frame, and build it up for me. I have Alex rims with 105 hubs, challenge gravel grinder tires, 46-36-26 triple w/11-32 9spd cassette. Bar end shifters, which work ver smoothly paired with ultegra derailleurs, and salsa cowbell handlebars. All for the very same $1500. I use it mostly for gravel, but it is set with the hoods slightly above saddle height, so riding in the drops is also quite doable for a mile or more at a time to get myself out of the ever present 20 mph headwind.

Sy Reene

take a look also at the Jamis Aurora Elite.. might fit the bill.