Thinking of buying a Gravel/Adventure bike, any experiences?
Discussion
I'm currently riding my mountain bike 3 to 4 times per week and as I live in a quite a rural area, each ride is a mixture of roads, bridleways and gravelly tracks. I tend to ride for around 2 hours a time so I can go a reasonable distance and I'm not always riding the same routes.
However, I'm become a bit frustrated with the on road bits as I'd like to go further afield and I'm obviously limited in the speed I can get to on the MTB. So, after some research a CX or more specifically a Gravel/Adventure bike would seem to work for me. I particularly like the look of the Giant Anyroad Comax or the Specialized Diverge. Anyone have experiences with these types of bike and whether they would work for me?
However, I'm become a bit frustrated with the on road bits as I'd like to go further afield and I'm obviously limited in the speed I can get to on the MTB. So, after some research a CX or more specifically a Gravel/Adventure bike would seem to work for me. I particularly like the look of the Giant Anyroad Comax or the Specialized Diverge. Anyone have experiences with these types of bike and whether they would work for me?
Thanks all, really interesting stuff and this type of bike really appeals.
I absolutely LOVE the look of that Ti Kinesis Tripster ATR, but my budget is £1500 so unfortunately that's out for now. However, I don't really want an ali frame so a carbon frame with the new 105 group set is where I'm aiming for.
Thanks for the suggestions of the GT Grade 105 and the Norco Search, they look great. I'm not sure about the Diverge now though, it seems expensive for what you get and like neenaw I can see me upgrading it, then wanting something else. Anyone got any experience of the Giant Anyroad Comax? For the money, it looks well equipped and seems well reviewed.
I absolutely LOVE the look of that Ti Kinesis Tripster ATR, but my budget is £1500 so unfortunately that's out for now. However, I don't really want an ali frame so a carbon frame with the new 105 group set is where I'm aiming for.
Thanks for the suggestions of the GT Grade 105 and the Norco Search, they look great. I'm not sure about the Diverge now though, it seems expensive for what you get and like neenaw I can see me upgrading it, then wanting something else. Anyone got any experience of the Giant Anyroad Comax? For the money, it looks well equipped and seems well reviewed.
Just to bring this thread to a close, the winner is....a Kenisis Tripster ATR 
It's taken me a while to decide to spend this much as the original budget wasn't even close, but a good dollop of man maths, together with some 'f
k it, life's too short' means it's decided. I also declined any 40th birthday presents this year due our house renovation costs so my wife is in agreement that I should treat myself 
I'll not be buying until the Spring so in the meantime I'll do some reading and decide on the spec, though it'll most likely be 105 based to keep it vaguely sensible!
It's taken me a while to decide to spend this much as the original budget wasn't even close, but a good dollop of man maths, together with some 'f
k it, life's too short' means it's decided. I also declined any 40th birthday presents this year due our house renovation costs so my wife is in agreement that I should treat myself I'll not be buying until the Spring so in the meantime I'll do some reading and decide on the spec, though it'll most likely be 105 based to keep it vaguely sensible!
neenaw said:
If you're anywhere near the Surrey area and about 5'11" or so you're welcome to try my Tripster if you fancy a go on a gravel bike.
Might be worth trying a couple off road first to see how you like them?
Sorry neenaw, only just seen your very kind offer. I'm a bit far away though in Wiltshire and I'm only 5'9 Might be worth trying a couple off road first to see how you like them?
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