Hi guys,
I’m on the search for a new gravel bike. I’m looking for one that’s essentially as versatile as possible. The classic two/ three sets of wheels to go from road bike to 650b 2.2’ mountain bike wheels. I’ve got an ultra next year along with a bit of bike packing, so needs to remain comfortable after a couple days of straight cycling. These are the 4 I’ve whittled it down to so far. Please pick holes in each, I’ll be selling my road bike and current gravel bike to fund it. Any response appreciated 😄
by George1710
23 Comments
For a gravel, I would definitely go 1x in the front. Much less hassle, but you may need the range, idk.
I would also go with completely internal or completely external routing. The trek seems the better bike here and good looking, wxcept for that atrocious head tube.
If it was me, Id order a Waltly titanium.
Something more conventional, I would look for a Canyon Grizl CF or Grail CF. They are well regarded
These all look like different sizes?
Based on what you described wanting, I would either go with the 3T or the Grevil. The only bummer with the 3T is that it is 1x. If you’re planning on selling the road bike, but still doing road bike things I would get a 2x. It is no fun spinning a 40 tooth chainring on the flat in a road group ride.
I want to love the 3T but that cable routing…
Check out Felt Breed 30. I got that for 1300€!
Grx 820 2×12.
Hydraulic Brakes
Stack to Reach Ratio close to a road bike
a lot of holding points for Gear. (A lot more than on theri pictures, god nows why)
Changed the GRX 820 partially to 105 crank 50-39 for road high gear and to compensate that I changed the casette to 11-36 for gravel low gear. And also changed the grx derailleur to 105 derailleur.
Changed Breaks to 180mm front and 160mm rear.
In total I paid around 1400€ and sold all of the other new components. So its still like 1350€ all at all.
And I will also buy Zipp road wheels for the summer.
The Grevil is 100% a fake ad. The 3T looks like it’s coming from outside of the UK so you will be bummed heavily with import duties. Don’t be fooled (like I was) and think they are covered. You’ll receive a nice bill from fedex or whoever ships it over.
The basso is a lovely bike!!
If you can afford it: The Grevil, for sure, IMO. The GRX is sensational (though I haven’t tested the Di2 version, I can’t imagine it being worse since Shimano does e-gears very well.) The brakes, in particular, are better than anything else I’ve tried on for gravel.
The reasons are:
1. Pinarellos are awesome.
2. The GRX is gravel specific and that specific ratio of 2x will give you both a very nice climbing gear and not make you spin out when going fast.
3. Those Zipp 303s are pretty light and good value, and both the spokes and hubs are relatively easy to service.
I’d go with the Trek for your needs. I owned the 3T and the tire clearance is not great. The reviews always mention that the Pinarello is not a comfy bike. Basso is just not a brand that I would be interested in.
I have the checkpoint and it’s been pretty good. I’ve done some longer rides and group rides on it and it’s comfy. I hated the wide flair of the stock bars though and got narrower bars like my road bike.
I’ve also done a couple of cyclocross races on it and it seems to do pretty good! Biggest limiter to that is my bike handling lol so all in all it’s a pretty solid bike.
I do prefer a racier bike all round, and may sell it this winter. It’s definitely more geared towards endurance riding.
is the 3T new and the others are used? That would seal the deal for me.
Not going to suggest a specific bike in the list, but would suggest looking for which brand has the best warranty and lean in that direction. I’ve had a few replacement frames over the years that have been after 5 years of use and appreciated having the lifetime warranty
I own a Racemax. It’s gravel only and I also ride an aero road bike, so a relatively aggressive fit and very racey bike. Racemax has been great. I have 2 wheel sets – 35s on 700s and 50s on 650b and it feels very versatile. Geo feels like I can ride road fast and gravel with confidence. While its purpose is not paved roads, I still end up riding them getting to/from/between unpaved and it feels great on the road too.
I rode both the 3T and the Checkpoint.
For speed and agility -> 3T (however v. Stiff and tough to ride on chunky gravel)
For versatility, comfort and compliance on chunkystuff -> Checkpoint.
need more specs. but it seems pinarello is equipped with carbon wheel . i’d pick pinarellio. look at full specs.
Personally I would keep your 2 bikes.. I have a gravel and a race bike.
I really much prefer my race bike on the road. The gravel bike has ended up being a glorified rain / endurance bike.
Bike backing… I’ve never done it but those bags can trash carbon frames.
If you must do a 2 for 1 stock split get the Pinrello
The trek is a very nice geometry for aggressive gravel. If you can get the price down further it’ll be a great deal.
Choose the geometry that suits you best.
You already know which one to get if you are a dentist
3T all day
https://www.laufcycles.com/product/lauf-seigla
I ride a 3T Exploro Racemax and it’s a brilliant bike. It is more race oriented geometry. I did Mid South on it last year and felt very confident going over all sorts of terrain.
If you can afford Pinarello, just buy it! It’s like to buy a Lambo 🏎️
My vote is for the 3T