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Can’t decide on the right gravel bike

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Cyclocross and Gravelbiking (Recreational) This has to be the most physically intense sport ever invented. It's high speed bicycle racing on a short off road course or riding the off pavement rides on gravel like : "Unbound Gravel". We also have a dedicated Racing forum for the Cyclocross Hard Core Racers.

Can’t decide on the right gravel bike

Old 09-27-18, 07:06 PM
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If steel and non 1x is on your list, Erik's has last year's Tamland 1 on sale at a pretty good price right now. No affiliation.


https://www.eriksbikeshop.com/Raleig...E16617/Product


One other thing to keep in mind, which may or may not turn out to be anything to consider. Many bikes are made in China. Recent tariff action probably impacts bikes at some level. Prices may increase to some extent if the current political climate continues USA vs China. Who knows. Just throwing that out there if you come across a deal on something you like in the near term.

Last edited by syncro87; 09-27-18 at 07:12 PM.
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Old 09-27-18, 07:14 PM
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Originally Posted by Wilmingtech
I picked up one of these for the winter -
Blue PRO-secco

Got it from their ebay site and they took the offer of 1200.00 for it and ebay had a sale of 15% off up to 100.00 so I got it for 1100.00

RBP had really good service. Frames good enough. Itll fit at least 40mm if not 42mm tires on it. I threw 32mm tires on it and its has room to spare. Havent beat it up enough yet but for 1100.00 Im not worried about it.

i emailed Blue and they said they would warranty the frame and fork for 12 months and to let them know if I had any issues with it.

There is a thread on this bike over in the cyclocross section.

-Sean

PS - Sorry... noticed you wanted steel or aluminum. Its Carbon fiber. But for the price you could sell the carbon frame if you feel like doing all the work...

That is a very interesting bike. Thank you for posting this.
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Old 09-28-18, 01:34 AM
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Giant Toughroad SLR GX may be another to possibly have a look at and not sure if they're available in the US but Pinnacle Arkose ticks most of your boxes.
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Old 09-28-18, 10:00 AM
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Originally Posted by JohnUSA

I like the Willard 3 but the 1x gearing isn’t what I’m looking for. There’s a lot of hills where I live and I like having a better range of gears - both for climbs and descents. The Willard 2 has Sora stuff, but it is 2x.
The 2018 fuji jari 1.7 is 990$ at performance bikes right now, 2x10 tiagra with 46/30 and 11-34 out back, should be a decent low gear and 46x11 isn't too bad for the descents. It's not steel though... the steel Jari are sora and priced ever lower at performance right now. The jari 2.3 comes with 46/30 and 12-36 9 speed so slightly lower gearing than the 10 speed one. I've never shopped at performance but it seems the points program they have might be worth it?
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Old 10-05-18, 09:19 PM
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Originally Posted by JohnUSA
The Breezer Radar is very intriguing. It looks like it fits my specs very well, and they have an even cheaper model would fit in my price range even better.

I guess this sort of brings me to another question, what size tires are necessary to be able to do moderate singletrack? Are the 700x45s really necessary?
I bought the Breezer Radar Pro 2 months ago, I love it. It is stout offroad and does great on the blacktop.
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Old 10-06-18, 07:37 AM
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Thank you again to everyone for your help!

I’ve been doing a ton of research, and I think I’ve found a small group of bikes that are my favorites.

The Raleigh Willard 4 looks like a great deal for only $1139. Also, the Fuji Jari 1.7 from Performance is only $1000 and it looks very nice as well. However, if I were to spend a little more money, I could get a nice bike from Trek. My Emonda and Fuel Ex bikes are serving me well, so I’m really liking the Trek Checkpoint. It’s $1700 with Tiagra components, but it’s a Trek, which is a brand I trust, and I hope that around Thanksgiving I might be able to get a good deal since I have a good relationship with my local Trek dealer. So basically, I’m wondering if it’s worth it to buy the Trek Checkpoint for $1600 or $1700 compared to the Raleigh Willard 4 or Fuji Jari 1.7.

Thank you,

John
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Old 10-06-18, 10:15 AM
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A couple of things to consider... (and i'm open to corrections if necessary) first, someone mentioned price increases due to tariffs. This will affect Chinese products, but many bike products (not all) are made in Taiwan, not China. Taiwan is excluded from the tariffs if what I read recently is true.

Also, although good deals can be found in the fall/winter season, especially with last year's models being cleared out, stock also dwindles considerably. I know some brands have sold out their 2019 stock (first rollout group), which were only recently just announced. So 2018 model options will be slim, unless they are a huge company like Trek, etc. It's all a balancing act.

In the end, never ever pay full price

eric/fresno, ca.
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Old 10-06-18, 10:55 AM
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Originally Posted by JohnUSA
So I’m really liking the Trek Checkpoint. It’s $1700 with Tiagra components...
I have a hard time with this. One, for personal reasons, Im not really a Trek fan (Acquisition and death of Klein Cycles) But 2nd reason is that back in the day Tiagra was always associated with high end big box store bikes and the bottom end racing/top model bikes were Shimano 105. So seeing a 1700.00 bike with Tiagra components just seems riduculously high priced.

Thats my personal view though. I think you can do better than Tiagra for 1700.00 if you wait and get the right deal. Keep 3 or 4 bikes that you like in your back pocket and keep watching for sales. Black Friday might be a great chance to get 2018 bikes on clearance.

-Sean
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Old 10-06-18, 02:27 PM
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Originally Posted by Wilmingtech
... So seeing a 1700.00 bike with Tiagra components just seems riduculously high priced..
-Sean
Me too.

eric/fresno, ca.
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Old 10-08-18, 09:25 AM
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I think you are going kinda big on the tire size, but the best answer to you is a bike that takes fat 650b tires or fast lean 700c tires.

For fast road rides (averaging 20-30, with higher peaks) I use some light wheels and 700x28mm tires. My bike is as any road bike set up like this.

For gravel I’ll use 40mm tires. Really, that is as big as I need to go for this bike, for gravel and light single track – the kind where I don’t need a suspension (not tons of rough rocks, roots, or jumps).

It is fun to put some 54mm tires on the bike and go play. But at that point it really feels like a drop bar mountain bike. I would be better off just riding my mountain bike in those conditions. The fat tires slow down the handling slow down acceleration, and my top speed. Even though the “rolling resistance” is great, the acceleration and handling is (obviously) much different than with the 28’s (or the 40’s).

But, I find “under biking” to be rather fun – going a little outside of the bike’s comfort zone where I have to read the trail and pick my line…
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Old 10-08-18, 09:29 AM
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Originally Posted by JohnUSA
So basically, I’m wondering if it’s worth it to buy the Trek Checkpoint for $1600 or $1700 compared to the Raleigh Willard 4 or Fuji Jari 1.7.
Funny, some people like the big brands, others find you get a better deal with the brands with less cache (Raleigh or Fuji).

I rather like the checkpoint, I like the way it handled with a sheepish head tube angle and long wheelbase. It made the bike nimble and stable at the same time (for a hard core gravel bike, some might even enjoy less nimbleness). Marc's designs with those Raleigh gravel bikes seem to be the perfect compromise and I'm not sure I would change a thing for a gravel bike.
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Old 10-08-18, 12:23 PM
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Originally Posted by chas58
Funny, some people like the big brands, others find you get a better deal with the brands with less cache (Raleigh or Fuji).

I rather like the checkpoint, I like the way it handled with a sheepish head tube angle and long wheelbase. It made the bike nimble and stable at the same time (for a hard core gravel bike, some might even enjoy less nimbleness). Marc's designs with those Raleigh gravel bikes seem to be the perfect compromise and I'm not sure I would change a thing for a gravel bike.
Exactly what I hate about the Trek Crossrip. Lower bottom bracket and stretched out top tube for stability, but then it has a really quirky steering to make up for it. and that quirk is 100% of the time. in short, all of my previous bikes (road bikes) have been more stable in actual riding experience.
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Old 10-13-18, 05:06 PM
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I’ve been doing research every day on gravel bikes, and I am finding it difficult to find a better deal than the Raleigh Willard. Does anyone know the weights of the Raleigh Willard 2 and 4?
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Old 10-13-18, 08:55 PM
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Originally Posted by JohnUSA
I’ve been doing research every day on gravel bikes, and I am finding it difficult to find a better deal than the Raleigh Willard. Does anyone know the weights of the Raleigh Willard 2 and 4?
Can't help you with the 2 and 4, but Raleigh's web site has a reviewer listing the Willard 1 he purchased as weighing 21.3 lbs for the 50cm model without pedals.

eric/fresno
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Old 10-14-18, 08:16 PM
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I think my 2017 Willard 2 weighs around 22 pounds, give or take one pound.

The 18 boats will be similar. Small drivetrain variations, whether carbon or alloy fork. Tire size. Basic bike unchanged. You could easily lower the weight by putting some more upscale, lighter wheels and tires on the bike. Most budget bikes, i.e. bikes in the price range of the Willard's MSRP, have relatively heavy wheels/tires.
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Old 10-15-18, 06:48 AM
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I hate to throw you another option but..

Giant TCX SLR 2. $1,550. Great tire clearance, 650b & 700c compatable. Sram Apex 1x11 gives you a great low gear. But just saw you don't want 1x.

Sorry!

Last edited by Hmmm; 10-15-18 at 07:07 AM.
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Old 10-15-18, 09:38 AM
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Originally Posted by syncro87
The 2 level loses the carbon fork. 4 has better crank, bb, wheels, etc, also, basically upgraded components throughout. The 4 level sounds about perfect for you if you don't want 1x. 105 set, nice stuff. On sale now for $1139 with corp discount. Seems like a bargain unless I'm missing something, for that money, given the component spec.

Actually, if the 4 had been out when i got mine, I would have gotten that one.

Comes in a box to your door free from R. Mostly assembled. I had mine together in 20 minutes if I recall. You basically bolt the bars on and the front wheel.

real life view of W4-->
https://hips.hearstapps.com/hmg-prod...&resize=5760:*
HED wheels and finish kit is a real nice touch for a mid range bike.
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Old 10-15-18, 02:55 PM
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You might check out the Scott Speedster Gravel 10. The 2018 model can be had with a decent discount. It retails for $1,600 and has 105 group with Hydro Disk.
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Old 10-17-18, 05:02 AM
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Originally Posted by Razorrock
You might check out the Scott Speedster Gravel 10. The 2018 model can be had with a decent discount. It retails for $1,600 and has 105 group with Hydro Disk.
The Scott Speedster Gravel looks very promising. I’m wondering what the price of the Speedster Gravel 30 would be. It might be a little cheaper, considering it has Tiagra components, and that might fit my budget better.

Last edited by JohnUSA; 10-17-18 at 05:10 AM.
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Old 10-17-18, 06:16 AM
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Originally Posted by Razorrock
You might check out the Scott Speedster Gravel 10. The 2018 model can be had with a decent discount. It retails for $1,600 and has 105 group with Hydro Disk.
Any idea what the max tyre clearance is on these .. they look quite interesting.
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Old 10-17-18, 11:49 AM
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Originally Posted by JohnUSA
- Kona Sutra LTD
I would strongly recommend this bike. It will do everything you described, and is an absolute blast to ride. Kona currently has some in stock. Be prepared to size it one size smaller than your road bike. I ride a 54cm for almost everything, but the 52cm Sutra LTD was perfect for me. What a bike!
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Old 10-18-18, 05:48 AM
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Originally Posted by wilmingtech
i have a hard time with this. One, for personal reasons, im not really a trek fan (acquisition and death of klein cycles) but 2nd reason is that back in the day tiagra was always associated with high end big box store bikes and the bottom end racing/top model bikes were shimano 105. So seeing a 1700.00 bike with tiagra components just seems riduculously high priced.

Thats my personal view though. I think you can do better than tiagra for 1700.00 if you wait and get the right deal. Keep 3 or 4 bikes that you like in your back pocket and keep watching for sales. Black friday might be a great chance to get 2018 bikes on clearance.

-sean
+1 When I think Tiagra, I think $1000 to $1200 bike.
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Old 10-22-18, 07:26 AM
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Make sure to check on Craigslist/Marketplace etc for a used bike. I found a 2016 Giant Revolt 1 for less than $500. It can handle bigger tires, carbon fork and mech disc brakes.
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Old 10-22-18, 01:19 PM
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Those Scott Speedster/Speedster Gravel bikes sure look nice, but i too would be concerned about max tire clearance. They come with 35c tires, but looking at the front fork photo, there doesn't seem to be much clearance for anything bigger than say.... 37c, and that may be pushing it. Granted, I am new to gravel, and have zero hands-on experience with a Scott bike (besides seeing one in my local shop). Aren't they more of a CX bike than gravel/adventure/light touring? sure, you can use any bike for any type of riding...

From your initial post: "...as well as mixing in a lot of gravel roads. However, I really want the bike to have big tire clearance, because I’d like to be able to do some trails with it as well. Preferably, I want something that can comfortably use 700x35 tires and then when need be, can handle 700x45’s or even slightly bigger MTB tires for singletrack."

I'd suggest looking for a bike that can handle up to 45/47c tires, heck even 50c would be nice for any future needs/desires, BUT run 40s for now, which would be a nice in-between for pavement and gravel. 700c and 650b ability too. Have you considered the Salsa Journeyman Sora? it runs $1,199 on their site. i was pushing that for my buddy who is currently cash-strapped. If bike riding in general adhered to him, he could always sell and upgrade later, AFTER he put in a year of saddle-time lol

It seems to me, as i've been internet-surfing for bikes for him, the best deals right now, of course with slight compromises, may be:
Salsa Journeyman Sora $1,199 (Al frame/carbon fork, 700c and 650 compatible, mech disc brakes)
or the lower-end Raleighs/Diamondbacks on sale or discount (Erik's has the 2017 Willard 1 Sora 2x9/Al-frame, carbon fork, on clearance for $699, how can you beat that for a good budget gravel bike??? Willard 2 is $899)
Jamis Renegade Expat, Explore, or Exile $879-$1,299 (Even the lower Exile has room for FIVE water bottles, YAY!) Heck, a google search can find you a 2017 Renegade Exile for $700!
Giant ToughRoad models, but they're only 2x7, 2x8, and 2x9

A step up could be:
Salsa Vaya 105 $1,999 (Steel frame/carbon fork/700c at 50c wide tires)
Kona Rove NRB $1,799 (Al frame/carbon fork, 700c and 650 compatible, mech disc brakes but 1x)
Kona Rove ST (all steel, 700c and 650 compatible, but 1x)

SO MANY choices these days. let us know what you decide upon and how it rides.

eric/fresno, ca.
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Old 10-23-18, 01:36 AM
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Not sure if OP bought a bike yet, but I'll throw SOMA in here as well. If you're not averse to doing a frame up build, you can get a discounted frame and fork from Biketiresdirect and they give you something like 10 percent back as store credit that you can use for finishing kit.

However, I'm parital to the Expat. Having owned one for 2 years it is a sweet ride for the money. The official tire clearance is conservative, but admittedly not as good as some of the others mentioned here.
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