frameset options?

NoCoGreg wrote:
Tim - just an FYI in case you didn't see this thread.  I pasted a couple links with a lot of info and perspective on selecting a gravel bike frame.  What really got me thinking was how the author showed how one could put 650b wheels onto a 700c CX bike and drop the bottom bracket for a more stable ride.  The smaller wheels will also reduce trail a bit (less wheel flop) and the wider heavier wheels should counter any increase in steering quickness caused by reduced trail.  The effects on handling are truly speculation on my part, but it seems like an interesting experiment.  This however would mean I'd end up with three sets of wheels: skinny 28c road, 38c gravel, 45c heavy duty gravel.  Hmmmm...

http://ridinggravel.forumchitchat.com/post/theoria-how-to-choose-a-gravel-bike-parts-1-2-8464527?pid=1295272770

IMHO the differences in geometry between CF CX and Gravel framesets are not very significant.  Chainstays for CX range from 420 to 425mm while gravel bikes I'm looking at are built with 425 to 430 mm stays.  Similarly the steering geometry overlaps with a typical 71.5 to 72.5 degree head angle for larger frames and rake/offset in the 45mm range.   However when one gets into the more touring like aluminum and steel frames (Salsa Vaya for example) the chainstays do get longer 450mm (to fit wider tires and longer wheelbase), steering offset increases and headtube angle decreases - but trail stays in the 60mm to 65mm range which seems to be typical for gravel bikes while CX bikes will be a bit lower if for no other reason than the smaller tire.

Thanks for the input and info. NoCal. I saw some reviews of some dual purpose bikes that can run both 650B with wider tires and 700C with narrower. Makes a lot of sense, and perhaps a good justification for disc brakes for the retro-grouches like me.

pauley wrote:Have you considered the Salsa Vaya? It is steel, room for 50c tires, $799 for frameset. Seems like a good choice for your needs and wants.

I'd also give a strong thumbs up for the Salsa Vaya, especially if you really want the bars as high as the saddle.  It's very tall up front and that's exactly what I need.  I have a 2013 that is QR front and back with a steel fork.  It's a little heavy at 27(ish) pounds for the 58cm.  The new frame has a carbon fork up front with a thru axle, so it's probably a little lighter.  I know you said no thru axles, but it's relatively cheap to buy a new front wheel (compared to the back) and I think that disc brakes and thru axles go together really well.

The Vaya is a great do it all bike.  As long as you're not racing, it's fast enough with some skinny 28mm tires.  I run tires as fat as 42mm and there's still plenty of clearance.

thanks for all the advice folks!  i ended up pulling the trigger on the BMC monster cross.  at the end of the day i really wanted to be able to fit as fat of tires as i wanted, and perhaps even more importantly i am still a bit old school.  i have drawers and bins of canti brakes, 1 1/8" headsets, QR wheels, threaded BBs, etc, and in the end it's ability to integrate into all my existing crap won out!

tim.bikeparty wrote:thanks for all the advice folks!  i ended up pulling the trigger on the BMC monster cross.  at the end of the day i really wanted to be able to fit as fat of tires as i wanted, and perhaps even more importantly i am still a bit old school.  i have drawers and bins of canti brakes, 1 1/8" headsets, QR wheels, threaded BBs, etc, and in the end it's ability to integrate into all my existing crap won out!

Not that any of the other suggestions were "bad choices", but I think you made the best choice for yourself. I may go the same direction with the BMC Monster Cross as well. In my case, it would be as a sort of roadie mountain bike to ride on some of the rougher non-maintained farm roads, and even some easier single track mountain bike trails in my area. Good luck, and let us know how you make out. I also like the no BS attitude of the owner of BMC.

A good friend of mine knows Mikey from way back in the day - mountain biking back in the 80s.  He has one of the road frames set up SS w/flat bars & fenders that he keeps at his office.  So we noticed a bit of rust in a few areas a couple months ago.  I told him I'd help him build a new one so he bought a new one - the orange Molteni Merckx version.  I picked up the frame and fork from him on Friday and I must say it's a beautiful frame.  And I must confess I want one.  I'm sure the cross frames are great frames too.  And there may be one of those in my future once the disc brake version come out - especially if they're thru axle.

You're going to like it.

DrSpoke wrote:A good friend of mine knows Mikey from way back in the day - mountain biking back in the 80s.  He has one of the road frames set up SS w/flat bars & fenders that he keeps at his office.  So we noticed a bit of rust in a few areas a couple months ago.  I told him I'd help him build a new one so he bought a new one - the orange Molteni Merckx version.  I picked up the frame and fork from him on Friday and I must say it's a beautiful frame.  And I must confess I want one.  I'm sure the cross frames are great frames too.  And there may be one of those in my future once the disc brake version come out - especially if they're thru axle.

You're going to like it.

Hi DrSpoke - thanks. BMC Monster Cross may be in my future as well. But, I'd like to stick with canti's for as long as Paul keeps making MinoMoto linear pull brakes.