Which Gravel Bike?

[apearce]

Hi everyone,

New to the forum and looking for some advice on a new gravel bike. I have been out riding on a second hand bike during lockdown and really getting into it. I have been doing a mixture of road and off road light trail riding. In the future I would be interested in doing some bikepacking trips too. I have been looking at getting a new gravel bike as it looks like it would cover the types of riding I want to do and have narrowed it down to two bikes. Looking for advice as to which would be "better" as I dont know the difference between the technical aspects of the bikes. Any advice would be appreciated! Thanks. Linked the bikes below

https://www.tredz.co.uk/.Merida-Silex-200-2020-Gravel-Bike_219182.htm
https://www.halfords.com/bikes/adventure-bikes/boardman-adv-8.9-mens-adventure-bike-526787.html

 

[Cycleops]

Hello and welcome to the forum.
It’s a bit difficult to compare the two as there is no tech spec on the Merida. I know several people on here who have bought the adv so perhaps they’ll chime in with their experiences.
Both are from Halfords (Tredz is owned by Halfords) but effectively you’ll be buying blind with the Merida as it’s on line only. With the Boardman you’ll at least be able to throw a leg over it. Boardman bikes get good press on here so should be a safe bet..
I’d always prefer a steel frame for this type of bike but that’s a personal preference but you might like to consider the Genesis range of adventure bikes.

https://www.genesisbikes.co.uk/bikes?categories=Bikes~Adventure & Gravel

Good luck.

 

[apearce]

Hello and welcome to the forum.
It’s a bit difficult to compare the two as there is no tech spec on the Merida. I know several people on here who have bought the adv so perhaps they’ll chime in with their experiences.
Both are from Halfords (Tredz is owned by Halfords) but effectively you’ll be buying blind with the Merida as it’s on line only. With the Boardman you’ll at least be able to throw a leg over it. Boardman bikes get good press on here so should be a safe bet..
I’d always prefer a steel frame for this type of bike but that’s a personal preference but you might like to consider the Genesis range of adventure bikes.

https://www.genesisbikes.co.uk/bikes?categories=Bikes~Adventure & Gravel

Good luck.

Hi, thanks for the reply and info. I didnt know Tredz was owned by Halfords so thanks for that!

I will take a look at the genesis bikes too.

 

[biggs682]

Welcome on board @apearce if it has to be new then Genesis are great bikes .

 

[vickster]

The Merlin malt always looks a good gravel option at £700 (although a brake upgrade to TRP Spyres could be good)

https://www.merlincycles.com/merlin-malt-g1-tiagra-gravel-bike-2020-147541.html

 

[Dave Davenport]

I'm thinking of getting one of these https://www.ribblecycles.co.uk/ribble-cgr-725/

 

[Banjo]

I have had a Felt VR50 for a couple of years. Can take 32c tyres which I did for a while .Can roll along dirt paths no problem. I also ran it on some 25 c tyres to get some use out of them bike was fine on tarmac with them . Just lashed out on a pair of Durano raceguard 28c folders which seem quite quick . https://www.wiggle.co.uk/felt-vr50-road-bike-2019/ The mechanical disc brakes work well and touch wood it has been a reliable bike that is great fun to ride.

 

[apearce]

Thanks for all the suggestions. Got some more researching to do!

Without having much technical knowledge is there much difference between all these bikes? Would you notice the difference getting on each one?

 

[Cycleops]

Probably not. In fact if you narrowed it down to two or three bikes it's possible they could have been made in the same factory to similar specifications..Giant as the name suggests are the world's largest maker and manufacture for many of the big name brands so models are more closely matched than you might expect.
The cycle market is very competitive so it's unlikely you'll get one maker offering poor value.
Best thing to do is figure out what basics you want like tyre width, group set, geometry etc and look for those bikes which conform.
If you want better value look for last year models, clearouts and other offers.
Good luck with your search

 

[Ming the Merciless]

You have already narrowed it down to two bikes. So now it’s time to ride them both to narrow down to one.

 

[apearce]

Thanks for all the info. Will try and give them both a test ride and go from there