Hey, Do you think the difference between the Haanjo Trail to the Willard 4 justifies the ~$250 difference (after the corporate discount)? Main use will be commuting (~19 miles, road in not a perfect shape) and gravel for fun.
I'd pay $250 more for the Haanjo. The biggest difference is Ultegra hydraulic brakes vs. TRP mechanical brakes. That's worth close to $250. The other Ultegra parts more than make up the difference. Both frames are very popular with gravel riders so I don't think one is superior to the other. Both Raleigh and Diamondback have the same parent company so there is no warranty or support difference. Even the wheelsets are the same. That makes the components the difference and for $250 you are getting a lot more with the Haanjo.
Thanks for your reply! Just found another option- GT Grade Carbon, at a lower price than the DB, but with Tiaga components. How would you compare between the Grade to the DB?
Grade is very much cross geometry, less relaxed than the other two IMHO. But it is a very nice platform. Have a pal with one and it is a fast graveller.
What exactly are you looking for in a bike? Are you just looking for a good value in a gravel bike and don't really care about the components or features? I ask because you seem to be asking about bikes based mostly on price, especially once you asked about the GT which is vastly different than the DB and the Raleigh. Where are you going to ride this bike? How much tire clearance are you looking for? Do you want aluminum or carbon? Does 10 speed vs 11 speed matter to you? Its hard to compare bikes unless you know how the bike will be ridden and the preferences of the rider. Its usually best to determine what you want, then consider the price of the bikes that fit your requirements. If you aren't sure what you want, then you need to go do some test rides before buying.
Apologize for not being precise. As I'm a newbie to the gravel world (coming from MTB background), I don't really understand the differences between the different geometries and other parameters. I also don't know what will be my long-term use of the bike, it really depends on how I will feel about them. Initially, I will ride mostly roads (not a good quality) and some gravel. Would love to ride more technical terrains if I will enjoy it on these bikes.
Have no personal preferences about the carbon/ aluminum and speeds.
Price range should be $1000-$1500
Will install fenders. The position should be convenient for long commutes.
Hope that makes sense, and thanks a lot for the help!
I can see how these may overlap for the OP. On quick glance, I would rule out the GT. It comes with 32c tires, but the wording claims you can go as big as 35c for more adventure! 35c isn't very big for gravel riding, or making the most of potential adventures. I have 37c WTB Riddlers and wish i had bigger tires. it's also limited as a 10-speed, the others are 11. and this is without exploring the frame geometry.
I agree with an earlier post. The Haanjo seems a better deal. Tough call though if you cannot ride any of them and are just perusing web pages.
