Smale Rider wrote:All-City Cosmic Stallion is what you want. It’s basically a more modern upgraded version of regular space horse. It rolls larger tires than either the space horse or warbird. Thru axels (cosmic) vs QR (space). Nice threaded 68mm Bottom bracket (cosmic) vs BB86 (warbird). BB86 doesn’t play nice with 30mm spindles which is a majority of those “adventure” cranks use. I understand that you don’t want to break that 2k limit, but for 600 more you genuinely get a bike that does everything that current gravel bike trends do.
I have a Cosmic Stallion and I think you will love it. My last ride on the bike was early December. The weather in St Paul has turned evil. The ride was about 30 miles on road, gravel and single track. It was awesome! It wasn't too easy on the single track (that turned into mud) but still a ton of fun. I was super confident on the gravel and quickish on the road.
Gonna throw my hat in here - currently riding a 2013 Felt CX bike and gravel racing in MN. Not in the fastest group or second fastest, just racing my previous PRs. I'm thinking of upgrading to something like a Jamis Renegade or Salsa Warbird - really what interests me is the longer wheelbase and potential for 40mm tires. Currently limited to 38mm with canti brakes. I like the racey feel of the cx cockpit/frame. However, not sure it's really worth the extra $ for the Renegade or Warbird over a newer CX bike w/disc brakes & 40mm width. Anyone been through this decision making process before? Not really interested in opinions but rather experience.
