Originally Posted by
chas58
Nice work.
Those RLT/RDO bikes are sweet. I'd have one if I had the money and the opportunity for a good test ride! I hear I might find one available for test rides in Northern Georgia...
don't do it... you'll want one! you've been warned.
Originally Posted by
chas58
Back on topic - a gravel bike, at its basics is a road bike that can take 40mm+ tires. There is a huge variety of this "new" segment.
Build it like a road bike, and it will be as fast as a road bike
Build it like a backpacking bike, and it will be as fast as a touring bike
Build it like a monster cross, and it will be as fast as a mountain bike.
Put slower tires on it, and it will be slower, put the same tires/wheels on it and it will be basically as fast on a simliar course.
Like you said, its a great sport! its all good!
Maybe/maybe not.... for many this is probably true. For others, maybe they'll notice a difference. I notice a difference. A Niner RDO really does close the gap towards a carbon road bike. Yet they'll never be what my Supersix himod is though?
My experience today of riding the RDO, and also riding the steel RLT. There is a far bigger difference in comfort, than there is in performance between the 2. If fast is my goal, I'd pick the RDO. Yet If fast was my ultimate goal.. then I'd also be looking at a carbon himod synapse on 32's. (terrain would most likely be the deciding factor).
After today, and time on the Niners, I am leaning towards a RLT 853 on carbon wheels with either compass Barlow pass extralight or, Gravelking 700x38 slicks. Slower than a road bike, maybe... but what is relevant? It isn't a race for me. big tires, all day comfort, room for mudguards, bottle mounts on fork, top tube braze ons.