bikermike wrote:
Hi sgtrobo and to all. This is my first post here. How do you like the cutthroat in general? I would like a little more input on how the cutthroat fairs as a gravel grinder. With the right tires on it could it still feel somewhat lively on pavement? I live in central Kansas and my rides are mainly gravel with some highway connectors. Reason for a cutty (instead of warbird etc.) is that I am strictly recreational (although I do like to ride fast) so the upright riding position and option to run bigger tires for comfort. I am looking to do some gravel bikepacking next year also that I feel the cutthroat would excel in. Also like most will ride some light singletrack from time to time. I know a cutthroat won't be roadie fast but how would it fair with proper tires for some highway stretches? Thanks!
yikes, just caught this one.
"How do you like the cutthroat in general? "
It's my favorite bike. Easily.
"With the right tires on it could it still feel somewhat lively on pavement? "
Tires? Absolutely. It's the gearing that will limit you. With the stock 36t-10/42 on mine (2016), I can maintain 25mph pretty handily, on 2.3" Renegade MTB tires, with 29mm internal diameter wheelset. However, I am WORKING to maintain that speed, whereas on a Roubaix I can go 25mph on flat ground fairly easy by comparison.
"Reason for a cutty (instead of warbird etc.) is that I am strictly recreational (although I do like to ride fast) so the upright riding position and option to run bigger tires for comfort."
the extra comfort and (underrated quality) fatigue reduction from using the squishier tires on the gravel should not be underestimated. The other advantage the Cutty has with the wider tires is, when the gravel gets deeper and/or more fine, the wider tires "float" on top a good bit better
"I know a cutthroat won't be roadie fast but how would it fair with proper tires for some highway stretches?"
Depends on what you're used to, and what you consider "good enough" for road riding. It is at its best when it is offroad. The upright riding position and tire clearance allow it to be a very comfortable, all-day type of bike. If you're looking at 50/50 lighter gravel/road use, I'd consider a Warbird, a Diverge, a Niner RLT9RDO, etc. If you're more in the 75% gravel range, or the gravel is a bit heavier and more gnarly, then the Cutty will put a smile on your face.
overshot wrote:I too am interested in seeing how a Cutthroat would do on fast group gravel rides. I know this will really shine on longer endurance trips, but will need some versatility in this bike as well.
I do know its all about the engine, but can you see keeping up on gravel group rides an issue with this bike? Thanks!
well, look at it this way. I recently did a gravel century (ended up being 110 miles) with 3 of my buddies. One had a Ti Fargo with 45cish tires. Another had a Crux, another had a Trek Boone. We race CX and MTBs together. I am the slowest of the group in our races. The trip was pure gravel, all offroad. In some areas, where the gravel got deeper, I literally had to stop to let them catch up. Overall, I finished a good bit ahead of everybody over the last 20 mile stretch when we just kinda "broke up" the group and rode at our own speed.
Yes, it's all about the engine, but I can guarantee you my engine is NOT better than theirs. As I mentioned, I have 29mm internal diameter wheels Roval Traverse SL Fatties and Renegade 2.3" MTB tires. You will absolutely NOT be limited on group gravel rides with a Cutthroat unless you saddle it with boat anchor wheels.
on road? Yeah you might get dropped if you are riding with MTB tires. Off road? No problems at all.
