I am looking at building a new gravel rig. My current bike is a Singular Gryphon (think Salsa Vaya), but I want something a little faster, more nimble, and efficient yet still able to tear it up. I have ridden and really like the Salsa Warbird. It is exactly the direction I would like to go. However, I kinda have my heart set on a titanium frame, and if I tear down my current bike I should be able to do this on a budget.
Does anybody have any experience with the Reilly Gradient or with the Vassago TKO? These are my two top choices, and I would love to hear from anyone who is familiar with them. Thanks!
Don't sell the Gryphon, lol! I had one, and always regret selling it. I'm kind of like you - I have a cutthroat and really like it, but I can't help but think that a ti frame would be perfect for gravel (I ride a Ti Honzo mtb). To be honest, I'm not totally sold on carbon for gravel, nor on the "vibration reduction system" on the Salsas. Can't comment on the bikes you mention, but thought I'd also add the Carver gravel grinder or the Why cycles R+ as other options.
I find Ti really softens the ride. It doesn’t have the same “springy “ feeling of steel, but it mutes chatter very nicely. So I think on long rides, with mixed surfaces, it would do really well. Plus, you shave a few grams over steel, and if you ride deep gravel you don’t have to worry about chips.
chunkylover53 wrote:Don't sell the Gryphon, lol! I had one, and always regret selling it......Can't comment on the bikes you mention, but thought I'd also add the Carver gravel grinder or the Why cycles R+ as other options.
On the Gryhon: Good point. I seem to go back and forth on that one. I may take advantage of the EBB and do a SS build on it. It would go well with my Osprey SS 😉
I had considered the Why, but was ultimately turned off by its cosmetics. The Carver frame is not thru axle, which seems like a deal breaker, but i also dont see the geometry listed. Thanks for the suggestions!
The Gradient has 15mm more wheelbase and 5mm more chainstay than the TKO, while having 20mm less of a headtube Theoretically, any ideas how this affects the ride?
chunkylover53 wrote:Don't sell the Gryphon, lol! I had one, and always regret selling it.
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\nThis could be someone’s lucky day! I bought a complete Warbird, and totally overshot my budget (Ultegra build). So the Gryphon has to go on the market. I’m not ready to list it quite yet, but anyone looking for an XL should reach out to me.
