I know bikes are all about fit... and you have to try them for yourself. Aside from that, I'm 100% set on my next (only) bike being a Gravel/Adventure style bike.
I'm interested in hearing the communities thoughts/recommendations, given my context and goals.
105 or better group set (I see large diminishing returns after 105, paying more and getting very little extra value)
40mm or better tire clearance (43mm would be great)
Best disc breaks available (I realize I may have to upgrade these after the fact and/or work out a deal with the LBS.. not preferred)
Something that will withstand a 300 pound guy trying to create as many watts as possible
~60cm frame available (6'3)
~$2500 or less
I'm currently looking into
Salsa Warbird Ridley X-Trail GT Grade Jamis Renegade Kona Rove
I've called several LBS, checked online, called the manufacturers. Availability seems slim to none on most bikes for the 2016 model, especially in my size. I may have to re-evaluate and wait for 2017.
Any other bikes worth looking into? Any you rave about? Things to look out for in coming months?
Appreciate any words of wisdom before I go dropping $3,000 on a bike.
Salsa Warbird might be hard to find. Carbon at least.
GT Grade 35c tires max.
Renegade seems like the next best thing to a Warbird. I almost ordered one today.
Raleigh bikes look pretty good. Especially the Roker. If they had one in my size...but honestly they are a bit high priced for spec level.
Kona makes a great bike and I've read a lot of people like the Rove. Steel fork is sturdy for sure but I'd avoid it. Carbon soaks up the chatter so much better and is plenty strong. How about the Jake line?
Nothing from me on the Ridley other than nice looking bike.
Maybe also look at the Niner RLT.
I'm currently on a Cannondale SuperX. 285# and no problems. The CAADX might be a good option too. Slightly more relaxed geo. Only issue is 38c is probably the max tire size.
I'm actually selling the SuperX tomorrow. Still considering the Renegade, a Trek Boone, and maybe a Lynskey Cooper CX frame and build up something but that will be the most $$$ option and I don't really want to spend that much...unless I can get one of my other bikes sold.
There is a sale on the Lynskey Cooper right now. With some careful shopping...you might be able to build one up for close to budget. Just another option.
Check out the Felt V 55. Shimano Ultegra, hydraulic brakes, carbon fork, 61cm frame available, tall head tube (good for me.. I'm 6' 3" and not so flexable anymore), fender and rack mounts (if you're so inclined)$2,199. I have the V 85 (105 version.. $1,500). Felt says the bike will accept 38mm tires with space for mud... One of their videos says that 40's can be mounted but with very little clearance.
Nubster wrote:Salsa Warbird might be hard to find. Carbon at least.
GT Grade 35c tires max.
Renegade seems like the next best thing to a Warbird. I almost ordered one today.
Raleigh bikes look pretty good. Especially the Roker. If they had one in my size...but honestly they are a bit high priced for spec level.
Kona makes a great bike and I've read a lot of people like the Rove. Steel fork is sturdy for sure but I'd avoid it. Carbon soaks up the chatter so much better and is plenty strong. How about the Jake line?
Nothing from me on the Ridley other than nice looking bike.
Maybe also look at the Niner RLT.
I'm currently on a Cannondale SuperX. 285# and no problems. The CAADX might be a good option too. Slightly more relaxed geo. Only issue is 38c is probably the max tire size.
I'm actually selling the SuperX tomorrow. Still considering the Renegade, a Trek Boone, and maybe a Lynskey Cooper CX frame and build up something but that will be the most $$$ option and I don't really want to spend that much...unless I can get one of my other bikes sold.
There is a sale on the Lynskey Cooper right now. With some careful shopping...you might be able to build one up for close to budget. Just another option.
The 2016 brochure of the GT Grade claims "Wider" than 35mm. I think they increased space from the 2015 model?
I looked for a SuperX, but they only come in 58cm... which I'm honestly not sure about. I do prefer the bike slightly on the smaller side.
Niner's look nice, I just honestly don't like the design at all.
I've considered splurging the budget and going Titanium, think it's worth it? Especially considering my weight and future abuse I foresee the bike going through. I thought it might be worth it.
Rusty Frame wrote:Check out the Felt V 55. Shimano Ultegra, hydraulic brakes, carbon fork, 61cm frame available, tall head tube (good for me.. I'm 6' 3" and not so flexable anymore), fender and rack mounts (if you're so inclined)$2,199. I have the V 85 (105 version.. $1,500). Felt says the bike will accept 38mm tires with space for mud... One of their videos says that 40's can be mounted but with very little clearance.
I forgot about the felt but the V85 looked good, will have to take another look.
GT claims it but I think that real world is that 35mm is about the max. Maybe some 38's. There's some discussion with pictures on here about that. 35c really rides decent...but if 40c or wider is mandatory...I don't think the GT will be your bike. Same with the SuperX. It comes with 35's and I'm sure 38's will fit but 40's not so much. As far as frame size...I'm 6'2" and my SuperX was a 56 and it was a great fit. Cannondale's CX bikes are generally a size down from what you'd ride on one of their road bikes.
Yeah...the Niner looks great and those that have one love it. I wish they had a carbon version though. I'm not keen on alloy though folks say the alloy frame actually rides pretty decent. And not sure about steel. Carbon is great but Niner is missing the boat not offering a carbon gravel/touring bike.
Titanium...it probably is worth it. But honestly I can't say that for sure. I've never ridden one...only drooled over them. Lynskey is having a 30% sale on the Cooper CX and Urbano bikes and frames which brings the frames down to $1400 from $2000. Not sure the difference in the frames...I'm waiting for an answer to see if they are actually different frames. They do have the same geometry.
Just heard back from Lynskey...the Cooper CX and Urbano are the same frame...difference being the Cooper has cable routing on top of the top tube and the Urbano the shifter cables go down the downtube.
Pretty sure they can. I had my Jamis dealer check availability on Friday of a 58 and it looked like all sizes were in stock though some...like the 56 and 58 were very low numbers. I'm going back in tomorrow and talking final deal on the Elite as like you...I feel like it pretty much hits the nail on the head for a gravel grinder. I do wish I could get it in SRAM but I might see if the shop would consider doing a swap or...I'll see if there's some interest in the group as a take off then do the swap myself if I can sell the 105 stuff. I'm about 90% sure at this point that it's the Renegade or the Boone. Renegade better suited...but I can get the Boone for about $600 less right off the bat so it will come down to how much the shop wants to deal on the Jamis.
Well...58's are out of stock...no more until probably July >
That leaves two options for Jamis...the 2016 Elite at $4200 or a 2015 Elite for mid $2000's. Only difference looks to be 135 QR rear instead of 142x12 which kinda sucks but...I was looking at a 135 QR rear on the Boone as well...so...I'm waiting to hear back on availability of the 2015 and final pricing before making a decision.
Nubster wrote:Well...58's are out of stock...no more until probably July >
That leaves two options for Jamis...the 2016 Elite at $4200 or a 2015 Elite for mid $2000's. Only difference looks to be 135 QR rear instead of 142x12 which kinda sucks but...I was looking at a 135 QR rear on the Boone as well...so...I'm waiting to hear back on availability of the 2015 and final pricing before making a decision.
I got a 61cm ordered, coming in from Cali. Very much looking forward to it.
Been shopping around for shoes/pedals. Bought some Shimano XT8000 off Amazon, and still trying to figure out best shoe.
Not sure your budget or size needs...but I just got some Lake MX237's and they are amazing. I have a wide-ish foot and the regular width is perfect where I previously had the Giro Privateer in HV and they were a little too narrow. But the Giro shoes are nice. I also liked my Specialized shoes I've had. Another really nice option are some of the Shimano shoes. The SH-XC90 is incredible but pricey.
Congrats on the bike too. There were 5 on Friday in 58. None today. Of course they had the Elite but $4k is a bit out of my budget and the dealer isn't really willing to move much on the prices of the Jamis bikes. Says there's not much margin even though dealer cost of the Expert is only $1600...so there's actually $1000 he could play with. I mean I know money has to be made...but sometimes customers need to be earned as well even if it means making a little less money.
Decided to buy the Giro Terraduro and see how those fit, saw several reviews that liked them. They weren't crazy expensive, and seemed to be nice for walking/hiking when needed.
My LBS gave me 10% off the top after I agreed to a small downpayment to remove his inventory risk. So $2600 - $260 was the best I could get. Comes with a extensive fit process (I'm sure most shops are the same way). I hear you on trying to get the best value. I couldn't find anything better spec wise for $2500. I'm past the point of trying to squeeze dollars and value, I just want to ride!
I'm late to the party, but I'm 6'3", 295 lbs and ride the felt V85 with full 105.I got the 58 though. I can say that the wtb nano 40 fits, but just barely. It measures more like 38 on the stock RSL3 wheels.
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