Gravel Bike! Which one would you personally choose?

[fair weather cyclist]

Why?

Main reason, and it's not just specific to gravel bikes, is that say you have 2 bikes costing the same amount for example £2k which sounds like a decent price, one with carbon frame and one with aluminium frame, 99% of the times the aluminium one comes with better components.

 

[T4tomo]

The red and black looks better in real life, more orangie than red.

That is the colour I'd go for on the PX carbon gravel bikes, but I'd actually splash the extra £200 and go Ti Tempest if I were in the market to replace my existing Arkose, which only cost me £350, incl extra set of wheels (used obvs).

 

[Grant Fondo]

Grizl's are fine looking machines - very little stock though or 2022 delivery?

 

[Bike Tyson]

That is the colour I'd go for on the PX carbon gravel bikes, but I'd actually splash the extra £200 and go Ti Tempest if I were in the market to replace my existing Arkose, which only cost me £350, incl extra set of wheels (used obvs).

I actually bought the PX one after bidding on a Arkose on Ebay, sent a best offer and went out on my bike a run, by the time I got home the listing had disapeared from Ebay.

 

[Bike Tyson]

Grizl's are fine looking machines - very little stock though or 2022 delivery?
View attachment 622421

Looks great apart from the razor at the top of the seat post, might just be the angle of the photo!?

 

[alex_cycles]

Looks great apart from the razor at the top of the seat post, might just be the angle of the photo!?

"I were right about that saddle though"

View: https://youtu.be/VCUN8eJancQ

 

[cougie uk]

That is the colour I'd go for on the PX carbon gravel bikes, but I'd actually splash the extra £200 and go Ti Tempest if I were in the market to replace my existing Arkose, which only cost me £350, incl extra set of wheels (used obvs).

Tempest is a good choice. It's been my go to bike all year. Loving it and the ride on the road with 32mm slicks.

 

[vickster]

what did @kingspirit decide?

 

[CXRAndy]

Kinesis Tripster ATR V2 or V3

This is my V2 on top of Mt. Teide

 

[kingspirit]

Hi @vickster , I have not bought anything yet, I'm in no rash really, just want to buy the bike I will really be happy with, so I'm taking my time Waiting for the spring, Canyon wil have grizl in stock and maybe Fuji will announce 2022 Jari Models by that time. Will see Currently thinking about buying Boardman HYB 8.6 to use untill spring, then can give it to my mum. Have a lovely day!

 

[Grant Fondo]

Hi @vickster , I have not bought anything yet, I'm in no rash really, just want to buy the bike I will really be happy with, so I'm taking my time Waiting for the spring, Canyon wil have grizl in stock and maybe Fuji will announce 2022 Jari Models by that time. Will see Currently thinking about buying Boardman HYB 8.6 to use untill spring, then can give it to my mum. Have a lovely day!

Grizl suspension has arrived, like the sound of that

 

[BianchiVirgin]

Hi All,

Just wondering which out of this two bike you would personally choose? (just interesting)

1. Fuji Jari 1.1 (aluminum)
Shimano GRX RX810 Components, FSA, T47 Internal BB, Wheelset - Alex Boondocks 5, alloy tubeless rims, 32/32H
https://www.fujibikes.com/usa/bikes/road/adventure-and-touring/jari/jari-1-1

View attachment 621976


2. Canyon Grizl AL 6
Shimano GRX RX400 Components, Bottom Bracket Token Ninja Lite BB4124 PF86.5Thread-Fit Technology reduces chances of bearing misalignment. BB86 Road standard, compatible with 24 mm axles, Wheelset DT Swiss Gravel LN
Price difference just £500. Canyon cheaper. But the main concern is that the Canyon has a press fitted Bottom Bracket.


Cheers!

Note also that the Canyon gruppo is a cheaper range: 400 series vs 800. That'll account for some price difference.

 

[andrew_s]

Hi @vickster , I have not bought anything yet, I'm in no rash really, just want to buy the bike I will really be happy with, so I'm taking my time

You can come unstuck with waiting - next year's model isn't necessarily better.

A few years back, I found a 931 stainless Croix de Fer parked outside the pub, which was doing duty as the finish control for a 200k audax.
I inspected it, decided I'd really like one, went home and looked online.
Unfortunately, it was too close to the end of the year, I couldn't find one my size, and the couple of places I asked said any restock would be next year's model.

Next year's model turned out to be no good (I think they had downgraded the tubing, replaced the screw-in BB by a BB86 pressfit, and swapped the fork for a carbon one with nowhere to put a light), and it took 7 or so years until something I liked enough to buy turned up.

 

[T4tomo]

You can come unstuck with waiting - next year's model isn't necessarily better.

it will always be more expensive though....

 

[PaulSB]

I wouldn't bother buying a gravel bike, especially if you live in England. Few gravel roads and most bridleways are so muddy that 40mm gravel tyres simply don't provide enough traction.
Better off buying a hardtail MTB. I bought a gravel bike 2 years ago and seldom went off road as it wasn't up to the job

I agree we have very few gravel roads in England but using a combination of towpaths, forest or woodlands trails, disused railway lines etc. we often put together 70-80 mile circular routes without too much trouble. Yes, we encounter mud but it's not a big deal. I've only ridden gravel for 16 months but so far my 35mm Marathon G One All-round have coped with everything.

Now that I own a bike suitable for gravel I've realised these are very adaptable machines. I'd go so far as to say my Kinesis ATRV3 is a five-in-one bike. Gravel, winter, touring, commuting (given secure storage) and summer road bike. The first three use the same set up, commuting I would just add a rack and for summer I would either swap wheels (very likely) or tyres (very unlikely).

The only reason for changing wheels/tyres in summer would be speed as to hit the 20+ I need on occasion is very tough on 35mm Marathons. Acceleration isn't as good as my Cervelo which is a downside for group riding.

Overall if I could only buy one bike it would be a gravel bike. Very versatile.