MTB rider looking for Gravel bike recommendations

24 replies · 999 views

RobHip
4 posts
#1Jan 29, 2021, 9:27 PMedited
Interested in purchasing my first gravel bike and would appreciate getting some recommendations. Have owned a mtb since the late 80s, but I’ve been an on and off again rider, as running was my primary sport since I was 12. Now in my mid-50s I’m really enjoying spending more and more time on a bike and I believe I would spend even more time on a gravel bike. I like the versatility from road to gravel to non-technical singletrack.

I live in northern New Mexico with access to ample forest service roads and old fire roads. I also spend a bit of time in Colorado as well, which has similar terrain for a gravel bike. I’ll do some road and likely some basic singletrack, but those aren’t the primary focus.

Honestly, if I hadn’t spent $3k on a new mtb a year ago, I would lean heavily towards the SC Stigmata, based on reviews. And although I may still be willing to spend >$3k on a gravel bike, I’m interested in other suggestions, maybe in the $2500 or less range. FWIW, and I know it shouldn’t matter, but from a visual perspective I like solid colors, nothing flashy. And maybe I can be convinced otherwise, but have definitely been leaning towards a 1x. I like the simplicity. I also prefer finding something I really like and riding it for years.

I’m about 45 minutes from Santa Fe where there are a number of bike shops, but would like to narrow down some options before visiting in person. And if the best option is not available, I’m not opposed to mail order, but always prefer buying local.

Also, based on the Rocky Mountain region gravel/forest roads, what size of tires would you recommend?

Thank you.
1
pderrick
14 posts
#2Jan 30, 2021, 4:16 AM
I’ve only ridden the Salsa Warbird (which I bought) and the Open Wide (too expensive).
I built the Warbird up with Rival 1x and currently have 48mm Oracle Ridge tyres. I think it’s an awesome bike for a mix of roads, gravel and some bumpy single tracks.
I find it very comfortable and responsive - very happy with it.
You can get the Apex 1 version under $3k

For the record, I thought the Open Wide was a great bike but at the time it was £5,100/$7,000.
1
Mark W. Ingalls
62 posts
#3Jan 30, 2021, 9:36 AM
Without knowing anything about your current mtn bike, I will still venture to ask, “Have you considered modifying your current ride?” Tires, chainring and perhaps alt bars might really get ‘er done.
2
Dakiphart
4 posts
#4Jan 30, 2021, 10:56 AM
In July 2019 I was looking for a gravel bike. I am mainly a roadie and never really got into mountain biking. I live in Santa Fe, so I went to NM Bike & Sport to shop. I tried a Cannondale Topstone, a Pinarello Gan S and a Norco Search. I wanted to keep the cost around $2500. I was partial to the Pinarello since I have two Pinarello road bikes. I ruled it out due to tire size limitations and a lack of bottle/bag mounts. It seemed to be a half-hearted attempt at a gravel bike and only existed to fill a gap in the product line. Not sure how the new Grevil would ride. The Norco was $2800. More than I wanted to spend although it was a good deal. It was equipped with Shimano Ultegra and very nice Reynolds wheels.

I bought the Cannondale as a compromise. It was priced at $1800. I was not sure I would enjoy gravel riding, so decided to spend less money until I knew I would enjoy gravel riding. My Cannondale has served me well. I did upgrade the wheels to a pair of Spinergy GX wheels. The original WTB wheels were very heavy and the freewheel kept loosening creating a bit of wobble. The frame is aluminum and is unforgiving on rocky fire roads and washboard. The handling is stable, however. My next upgrade may be a carbon or Redshift seat post. I do have handling problems on technical trails but that may be due to my poor off road riding skills. The new Cannondale Carbon Topstone may provide a much nicer ride on rough fire roads and washboard.

If I had a do-over I would probably buy the Norco Search. By the time I finish with upgrades on my Topstone I may end up spending the same amount of money. The
Norco may have also provided a smoother ride.
1
Mark W. Ingalls
62 posts
#5Jan 30, 2021, 11:03 AM
+1 for Norco as a quality smallish company.
0
RobHip
4 posts
#6Jan 30, 2021, 11:19 AM
My mtb is a SC Tallboy and I do still want to ride it as is on appropriate trails.

I don't know if it matters, but I'm not really planning on bikepacking.

Thanks for the suggestions so far. I have the Warbird on my short list, but I'll also look at the Norco.
1
Mark W. Ingalls
62 posts
#7Jan 30, 2021, 11:32 AMedited
How about...

http://www.canyon.com/en-us/gravel-bikes/all-road/grail/grail-cf-sl-7/2840.html

(Flexibility is key given current supply and demand.)
0
Mtnfun2
27 posts
#8Jan 31, 2021, 5:02 AM
I too ride MTB, ended up going with the Giant revolt, felt the warbird was more of a race bike [toe overlap] which wouldn't be that great on the New England gnar [its a nice bike and I am sure people take em everywhere, but it was way to close in feel to my giant tcr roadbike]. If you plan to do some trail or rougher roads shop gravel like you would a mt bike, slacker head angle and longer wheelbase will help. Oh and these days you may be forced to just get what you can find....
1
p0is0n0ak
35 posts
#9Jan 31, 2021, 9:59 AM
As a 25 year mountain bike rider who recently got into gravel bikes, I ended up on a Specialized Diverge. I wanted the Stigmata, but, you know, Covid and all. The only gravel bike I could get my hands on was the Diverge, and honestly it's been amazing, and this comes from an avowed Specialized hater...lol... I've had it for 4 months and have put ~1500 miles on it.

I like the geo; there is no toe overlap; it handles almost intuitively (this is something I didn't expect. It is stable on fast road descents, and it is also quick and razor precise when things get rowdy.); tire clearance is decent at 47mm (I mean if I want my tires any wider, I'd just ride my mountain bike.); The Base Carbon model has internal routing for a dropper post; the future shock 1.5 has been flawless.
0
smoothmoose
210 posts
#10Feb 1, 2021, 11:33 AM
MTB rider first here, got my gravel bike 2 years and pretty happy with it, though getting upgraditis.

Being a MTB rider, I do prefer more progressive geometry and also prefer to ones that can do 700c AND 650b (27.5). I use both wheel sizes - 700x38c - all road/light gravel - just did a 46mile 5k road ride yesterday on that. 27.5 x 2.2" - love this setup for all terrain adventures - road, gravel, dirt, singletrack - done 40mile 6k off road epics on this setup. You might be able to repurpose older non-boost 27.5 MTB wheelsets - for cheap upgrade.

Bikes that meet my geometry preference and have good support for both wheel sizes (70mm BB drop and wide clearance) include:
1. Devinci Hatchet
2. Felt Breed
3. Rocky Mountain Solo
4. Norco Search
5. BMC URS (above your budget)
0
ccand51997
265 posts
#11Feb 1, 2021, 12:37 PMedited
RobHip wrote:
I would spend even more time on a gravel bike. I like the versatility from road to gravel to non-technical singletrack.
And maybe I can be convinced otherwise, but have definitely been leaning towards a 1x. I like the simplicity. I also prefer finding something I really like and riding it for years.

Also, based on the Rocky Mountain region gravel/forest roads, what size of tires would you recommend?

I don't really follow new gravel offerings (because I can't afford them) but I've built up 4 different gravel-type all-road bikes from frames. Three were mtb frames and one a hybrid frame I stole from my daughter. It took me four iterations before I found what was best for me.
Given your description, I would shy away from 1x if you like to climb at all. 1x IMO only works for gravel in flatlands or if you can climb for a long time at 300 watts or more. You don't want it if you plan to ride with a group either because the big jumps in the rear cassette will make it tough to keep an even pace.
For tires, I've tried 700x38, 42 and 55 (Conti RaceKing) and 650x47 and 51. Whenever I go back to the narrower tires I always have a number of spots in my ride where I wish I was on wider tires. So now I use a Schwalbe Thunderburt in 27.5 up front and a Conti RaceKing 29er in back. I never think about them except when I hit the very infrequent steep, paved hill. I use a 650b front/700 rear because I never liked how the big 29er tire steered in the front and I wanted a more roadbike like feel from my mtb conversions.
The only other thought I'll add is this; if you think you are going to be doing long climbs and descents in the mountains on fire roads, I would recommend at least front suspension. My first try at gravel above was on 700x36-38 with a rigid fork. There were times in races where I would have to stop mid-descent to get some feeling back in my hands and arms. When I went back the next year with a 100mm suspension fork, I blasted through those sections and passed a lot of people who were riding rigid forks and 40mm tires. It was mostly suspension but also the better float and grip of bigger tires. And since the Raceking is as fast as any gravel tire, then it really has no disadvantages until there is a lot of pavement on your ride.

1
rdavis32
34 posts
#12Feb 2, 2021, 10:09 AM
Something that's available and a great value is the Thesis OB1. These days the build kit can be hard to get. Also might point you to the Rodeo Labs Flanimal if you're open to a Carbon / Steel combo frame. The Spinergy wheels mentioned are a great value and super wheels. I'm 220lbs and prefer 43c tires. I've like the Gravel Kings and presently ride Rene Herse Hurricane Ridge (standard casing).
1
RobHip
4 posts
#13Feb 2, 2021, 1:42 PM
Thanks everyone for the feedback. It gives me a bit to process, but like a couple of you mentioned... availability will likely dictate my final options. I'm hoping I can demo/rent a 1x and get a feel for the limitations when it comes to long climbs.
2
Dino Sore
27 posts
#14Feb 2, 2021, 4:36 PM
In that <$2500 price range sits the Trek Checkpoint ALR5. Alum. frame, carbon fork, mix of GRX 800 and 600 components. I am currently investigating this as a second/backup gravel bike, and also for winter use. It looks like a good deal for the money. The only negative I see it that the OEM wheels are only 17mm inner width, while the frame can accept up to 45mm wide tires. (I can live with the relatively narrow rims as I have two sets of wheels from my other bike that I can swap out when I need to run a wide tire).

My local shop is looking into availability - that may be an issue with the general bike and parts shortages due to the pandemic.
1
chas
1,305 posts
#15Feb 3, 2021, 2:50 PM
RobHip wrote:Thanks everyone for the feedback. It gives me a bit to process, but like a couple of you mentioned... availability will likely dictate my final options. I'm hoping I can demo/rent a 1x and get a feel for the limitations when it comes to long climbs.

Yeah, this past year I have learned it is best to pick from what is available, rather than to do a lot of research just to find out my dream equipment has no availability. That and order it this winter, because again this year, there will be serious bike supply shortages in season.

Are you clear on why you want a gravel bike as opposed to your mountain bike? There are valid reasons, but they don't apply to everyone. For most conditions with 50mm+ tires, there is more overlap than not.

FYI, doing cross country training rides on my 16lb gravel bike and a couple dozen people on mountain bikes, I find that I can climb better (non technical) because of the light weight (mostly wheels and tires I imagine), and that I can sprint better because of gearing and aero, but we are talking over 30mph there.

But for 99% of the riding, a hard tail and mountain bike are just as fast.
I need 2x, but that is for group rides and being able to power through sprints up to 40mph. But when I am riding solo (usually not over 25 at the extreme), 1x is fine (I'm not grinding up long mountains though).
1
chas
1,305 posts
#16Feb 3, 2021, 2:54 PM
ccand51997 wrote:
So now I use a Schwalbe Thunderburt in 27.5 up front and a Conti RaceKing 29er in back. I never think about them except when I hit the very infrequent steep, paved hill. I use a 650b front/700 rear because I never liked how the big 29er tire steered in the front and I wanted a more roadbike like feel from my mtb conversions.

Can you explain? I had plans to use a 650b Thunder burt up front with a 700c 40mm rear, but never quite got there.

The 700c thunder burt up front gave me what I need and I love the steering. Certainly a thunder burt steers much differently than a Furious Fred. But I have a very agile bike, and find the 700c TB up front slows down the steering a bit and effectively gives me +10mm of trail. That is exactly what I want when I put large tires on (rather than the 32mm or 40mm I typically ride).

What did you not like about the 700c up front? I'm guessing maybe your frame is not as agile as mine, and the 650b up front lets you maintain some of the agility you want?
1
stu
646 posts
#17Feb 3, 2021, 3:53 PM
Dino wrote:The only negative I see it that the OEM wheels are only 17mm inner width, while the frame can accept up to 45mm wide tires.

Ouch! It might be worth $300 or so to get proper rims (IMHO 22 - 25 mm) and have the wheels rebuilt.
0
ccand51997
265 posts
#18Feb 3, 2021, 4:09 PM
chas wrote:

Can you explain? I had plans to use a 650b Thunder burt up front with a 700c 40mm rear,

The 700c thunder burt up front gave me what I need and I love the steering. Certainly a thunder burt steers much differently than a Furious Fred. But I have a very agile bike, and find the 700c TB up front slows down the steering a bit.

What did you not like about the 700c up front? I'm guessing maybe your frame is not as agile as mine, and the 650b up front lets you maintain some of the agility you want?

My first iteration for gravel/drop-bar mtb had dual 700 Conti RaceKing tires. That is a large diameter wheel and it did not feel very agile to me. So I built a 650b wheel and tried the Byway. It did two things; it quickened the steering and dropped the front end a couple of inches (which, I suppose, also quickened the steering). On long, mountain fire road descents, combined with the 120mm travel fork, it was great, but was terrible for climbing and pretty much anything else. So, on my next attempt at mtb conversion, I used a Niner frame with a 27.5 fork and a WTB Byway. Presto, now it felt more like a roadbike. I think what you describe is true. The 100mm suspension 27.5 fork creates much quicker steering which is offset by the 20psi tire. I actually put a cyclocross fork on it for a while to use as a road bike and now it had a very agressive saddle to bar drop that was again offset by a Horizon in 650b.
I also think I am not that sensitive to geometry changes. I've spent my life buying second hand stuff and making it work, so if the steering feels quick then I just get used to it and roll on.
0
Pipeliner
129 posts
#19Feb 3, 2021, 4:28 PMedited
There are many good choices out there anymore. I wouldn’t compromise on tire clearance... 700/45 at a minimum.
If you go 1x, the SRAM with Eagle cassette gives you the most range. 2x... GRX all the way.
When it comes to bang for your buck in carbon, you can’t beat the Giant Revolt models. Norco makes a good steel bike in that 2500 price range, as does Niner and Salsa.
1
RobHip
4 posts
#20Feb 3, 2021, 7:35 PM
chas wrote:

Are you clear on why you want a gravel bike as opposed to your mountain bike? There are valid reasons, but they don't apply to everyone. For most conditions with 50mm+ tires, there is more overlap than not.

Basically, I want both! In addition to riding rocky, tree stumpy single track on my mtb, it just feels that a gravel bike would give me more riding options. There are a lot of forest service roads in my area that a FS mtb just seems like overkill. I could be mistaken, but I feel as though a gravel bike would allow for longer, faster rides than my mtb. Plus, this time of year the single track is covered in snow and I could use the gravel bike as a road bike too.
0

Related threads

ICAN GRA02 Gravel Bike FrameBikes · 10 replies · Sep 13, 2018
Help a NEWBIE out- first gravel rideBikes · 41 replies · May 18, 2020
Disc WheelsetGravel Wheels (Wheels, Rims, Hubs, Etc) · 18 replies · Mar 1, 2015
Why Don't Specialized Pathfinder Pros get more love on the forum? Are the BRR Rankings legit?Gravel Tires · 53 replies · Aug 9, 2021
One bike for Gravel and RoadComponents - Discussion and Reviews · 18 replies · Feb 12, 2019