Another 'What gravel bike?' thread

[dontlookdown]

Apologies for another one of these threads, I have read the others but I think my requirements are different enough to warrant it. (We're all special snowflakes after all!)

There seem to be some bargain about too at the moment, so time to do my bit to save the ailing bike industry. Here is my wish list:

Road biased gravel bike

2x drive chain

Hydraulic discs

External cable routing

Threaded BB

Traditional/non-integrated headset

Slight pref for steel frame but other materials also ok.

Bosses for racks and mudguards.

Budget up to 3k but closer to 2k if poss. I will fret too much about it getting stolen if I spend any more than that

All suggestions gratefully received

[dontlookdown]

Interesting thanka. I had wondered about all road bikes, they weren't really much of a thing the last time I looked a couple of year ago.

[dontlookdown]

iansp said:

Temple Cycles currently have 30% off their Adventure Disc range.

I have had an Adventure Disc 1 for two years and am very pleased with it.

https://www.templecycles.co.uk/pages/adventure-dis...

Edited by iansp on Tuesday 10th October 00:09

That's a good deal and a nice looking bike. But the Adventure 1 with hydro discs is also 1x. I wonder if they'd do me one with 2x?

I have the same trp cable discs that the other models come with on one of my current bikes and they are a pain. Stop OK but constant faffing requires to keep them adjusted.

[dontlookdown]

Tks, I was seriously considering ditching my 2x requirement and going for an Adventure 1, but they have sold out of my size of course!

ETA. Sold.out of my size completely in fact. Missed the boat on that one...

[dontlookdown]

WindyCommon said:

What is behind your preference for 2x? Range or gapping?

Mine has been a revelation. I have SRAM Rival 40t with an 11-42 cassette. No probs at the low end, especially as I use 650b wheels off-road. Yes, it’s easy to spin out on a road descent, but I don’t find that an issue in practice. The modern rear-mech seems to cope v well with the wide range and the drivetrain as a whole feels as solid as a rock. It’s that solidity that I like. Combined with the 42mm Teravail Ramparts I use for road riding it is quiet and velvety-smooth to ride. Quite different to what I expected, and I have hardly ridden my dedicated road-bike since.

Perhaps get a test ride on a 1x with a wide-range cassette and give it a try?

Gapping mainly, I like close gears as they are kinder to my creaking old knees. But I confess I also just don't like the way 1x looks, with a huge dinner plate out back and a tiny chainring up front. It's unbalanced. Some crazy chain lines too.

I should probably try one though you are right. Harumph harumph...

[dontlookdown]

I just like the top and bottom chain runs to be closer to parallel than that. I can't help it!