Speccing a gravel bike
Discussion
Wobert - to this eye that crack isn't related to embrittlement or poor frame building practice, but instead potentially an issue with the butting of the tubes...
Depending on method used to create the butting, stress risers can be formed.
It is a fair point though - there are greater risks with Ti compared to some other materials. That doesn't put me off though!
Once this C2W voucher is paid off, I'll be getting another to swap my frame for a custom built in Brighton Enigma with some sexy finishing. Wish I could have afforded that this time round... Only downside, is I'll have to give up the super sexy swaged/tapered head tube.
Depending on method used to create the butting, stress risers can be formed.
It is a fair point though - there are greater risks with Ti compared to some other materials. That doesn't put me off though!
Once this C2W voucher is paid off, I'll be getting another to swap my frame for a custom built in Brighton Enigma with some sexy finishing. Wish I could have afforded that this time round... Only downside, is I'll have to give up the super sexy swaged/tapered head tube.
Sway said:
Wobert - to this eye that crack isn't related to embrittlement or poor frame building practice, but instead potentially an issue with the butting of the tubes...
Depending on method used to create the butting, stress risers can be formed.
It is a fair point though - there are greater risks with Ti compared to some other materials. That doesn't put me off though!
Once this C2W voucher is paid off, I'll be getting another to swap my frame for a custom built in Brighton Enigma with some sexy finishing. Wish I could have afforded that this time round... Only downside, is I'll have to give up the super sexy swaged/tapered head tube.
I agree, my friend’s frame failure isn’t weld embrittlement...Depending on method used to create the butting, stress risers can be formed.
It is a fair point though - there are greater risks with Ti compared to some other materials. That doesn't put me off though!
Once this C2W voucher is paid off, I'll be getting another to swap my frame for a custom built in Brighton Enigma with some sexy finishing. Wish I could have afforded that this time round... Only downside, is I'll have to give up the super sexy swaged/tapered head tube.
BTW my comments aren’t made to disparage Ti frames, just general comments that it’s a bit more involved to produce a frame free from defects, which is kind of polar opposite the needs of a mass produce bike frame that’s all.....
From an aesthetic POV I think Ti looks great for the reasons stated....
Very happy with the looks 
and when stored inside there is a nice contrast between the carbon / ti.
I read a few comments on Ti not being as robust as some think, but realistically failures are likely to come within guarantee period or not at all , which makes me happy to bash it around as intended.
Another minor complaint is actually the Hunts - freehub is so loud!! Glad they are not my commuting wheels as feel it screams lycra w
ker (literally).
and when stored inside there is a nice contrast between the carbon / ti. I read a few comments on Ti not being as robust as some think, but realistically failures are likely to come within guarantee period or not at all , which makes me happy to bash it around as intended.
Another minor complaint is actually the Hunts - freehub is so loud!! Glad they are not my commuting wheels as feel it screams lycra w
ker (literally).Any recommendations for a 28mm tyre with more grip than a full slick road tyre? Need to fit under the Flinger mudguards on my RDX:
I took in a few bridleways whilst out riding last Sunday and really enjoyed it (I used to do a lot of MTBing) but in sand or mud, I could feel the rear tyre squirming and going sideways. Currently running the Mavic Yksion tyres (tubeless) which came with the Aksium UST wheels. I have another set of non-tubeless Aksium as spares, so can swap wheels as needed.
Best option I've found so far looks to be 28mm Gravelkings.
I took in a few bridleways whilst out riding last Sunday and really enjoyed it (I used to do a lot of MTBing) but in sand or mud, I could feel the rear tyre squirming and going sideways. Currently running the Mavic Yksion tyres (tubeless) which came with the Aksium UST wheels. I have another set of non-tubeless Aksium as spares, so can swap wheels as needed.
Best option I've found so far looks to be 28mm Gravelkings.
GravelKing SKs
I run them on my winter bike (32mm flavour on a GT Grade) ands they allow for some off-road action as well as dealing with the multitude of potholes, mud and other crap on the road at this time of year.
Not had any issues, nor are they too ‘draggy’ on tarmac, so a good compromise.
I run them on my winter bike (32mm flavour on a GT Grade) ands they allow for some off-road action as well as dealing with the multitude of potholes, mud and other crap on the road at this time of year.
Not had any issues, nor are they too ‘draggy’ on tarmac, so a good compromise.
Harpoon said:
Any recommendations for a 28mm tyre with more grip than a full slick road tyre? Need to fit under the Flinger mudguards on my RDX:
I took in a few bridleways whilst out riding last Sunday and really enjoyed it (I used to do a lot of MTBing) but in sand or mud, I could feel the rear tyre squirming and going sideways. Currently running the Mavic Yksion tyres (tubeless) which came with the Aksium UST wheels. I have another set of non-tubeless Aksium as spares, so can swap wheels as needed.
Best option I've found so far looks to be 28mm Gravelkings.
I've used Panaracer Pasela's as a mild bridleway tyre, not had any punctures yet and they are grippy, they come in 28mm but I've only used the larger sizes. I took in a few bridleways whilst out riding last Sunday and really enjoyed it (I used to do a lot of MTBing) but in sand or mud, I could feel the rear tyre squirming and going sideways. Currently running the Mavic Yksion tyres (tubeless) which came with the Aksium UST wheels. I have another set of non-tubeless Aksium as spares, so can swap wheels as needed.
Best option I've found so far looks to be 28mm Gravelkings.
I looked at getting some very lightly treaded 35mm tyres under my 42mm mudguards and it was a real squeeze in terms of width and as I had trimmed the stays down they were clamping right on the end. The the extent that the rivets holding the stays on disintegrated while I was adjusting them.
Replaced with pop rivets rather than flat and there is absolutely no way they'll fit now. But I think they would have jammed and broken if went offroad almost straight away.
Replaced with pop rivets rather than flat and there is absolutely no way they'll fit now. But I think they would have jammed and broken if went offroad almost straight away.
PorkRind said:
Gravel bike Vs cx bike Vs xc bike..what really is the difference . A bit marketing ploy ?!
CX bikes are race bikes. UCI limit is 33mm tyre width. Geometry is much more aggressive. 1x gear is the standard. Less likely to have mud guard and pannier points.
XC bike is a mountain bike geometry.
Gravel is more a touring bike geometry, with larger tyre clearances, mounting points and drop bars. 2x is more common for carrying loads up bike climbs.
Evanivitch said:
PorkRind said:
Gravel bike Vs cx bike Vs xc bike..what really is the difference . A bit marketing ploy ?!
CX bikes are race bikes. UCI limit is 33mm tyre width. Geometry is much more aggressive. 1x gear is the standard. Less likely to have mud guard and pannier points.
XC bike is a mountain bike geometry.
Gravel is more a touring bike geometry, with larger tyre clearances, mounting points and drop bars. 2x is more common for carrying loads up bike climbs.
If anything, gravel bikes are a return to the old school "do anything" bike (as long as that anything isn't too extreme) rather than the increasingly segregated and focussed niches of other bike types.
Good for winter road duties (and at my skill/fitness, summer too!), touring, gravel, light off road.
I remember when a mountain bike was a mountain bike...
So many niches/genres require different bikes; I wouldn't want to ride a DH MTB on the road, nor would I like a full on race XC bike on a DH course (unless you are Nino) ....I would think a Trail bike covers most bases when purchasing a 'MTB' bike.
As for a gravel/ adventure bike; well what type of riding do you do? Gravel races, bike-packing, a winter/all weather bike, etc So much choice. For me, I'd like a Carbon road biased 2x set up for my No 1 bike. For off road duties I'd go for steel/titanium bike with a 1x set up (really keen on the new Ekar groupset).
As for a gravel/ adventure bike; well what type of riding do you do? Gravel races, bike-packing, a winter/all weather bike, etc So much choice. For me, I'd like a Carbon road biased 2x set up for my No 1 bike. For off road duties I'd go for steel/titanium bike with a 1x set up (really keen on the new Ekar groupset).
Hi to all, newbie in PH here!
Just got a Planet X Titus, waiting to get it delivered next week. Wife got it about a month ago (they had a sale where it was down to £1750, bargain) and is super happy. I tried it and it is such a different ride from the CF road I am using (I mean, obviously, but I am still amazed about the amount of comfort).
The only thing I am debating is going tubeless, never had it before so I have not looked it up properly. Always had tubes, even on my mountain bike.
Also, I wanted to ask Ares, what is the cylinder attached at the third bottle space, under the down tube? Seems like a tool kit or something, but is it in a bottle holder or screwed straight to the frame? Can't tell from the pic!
Just got a Planet X Titus, waiting to get it delivered next week. Wife got it about a month ago (they had a sale where it was down to £1750, bargain) and is super happy. I tried it and it is such a different ride from the CF road I am using (I mean, obviously, but I am still amazed about the amount of comfort).
The only thing I am debating is going tubeless, never had it before so I have not looked it up properly. Always had tubes, even on my mountain bike.
Also, I wanted to ask Ares, what is the cylinder attached at the third bottle space, under the down tube? Seems like a tool kit or something, but is it in a bottle holder or screwed straight to the frame? Can't tell from the pic!
tubeless- for offroad, go fot it, the ability to run lower pressures without fear of snakebites is great. More grip, more supple ride. Haven't had a single puncture on my MTB in over two years.
On road, i'm not convinced. I ran tubeless on my road bike over the summer, the bike felt great and was probably marginally faster. Weight saving on the wheels which is always a bonus. But I had two punctures that didn't seal, one which resulted in the tyre getting scrapped after a plug didn't work. There just doesn't seem to be enough air volume in the tyre to push the sealant through the hole before the air runs out. Couldn't get the replacement tyre to seat despite being the exact same make and model (the original one went straight on) so gave up and stuck tubes in.
On road, i'm not convinced. I ran tubeless on my road bike over the summer, the bike felt great and was probably marginally faster. Weight saving on the wheels which is always a bonus. But I had two punctures that didn't seal, one which resulted in the tyre getting scrapped after a plug didn't work. There just doesn't seem to be enough air volume in the tyre to push the sealant through the hole before the air runs out. Couldn't get the replacement tyre to seat despite being the exact same make and model (the original one went straight on) so gave up and stuck tubes in.
Edited by lufbramatt on Friday 4th December 12:01
lufbramatt said:
tubeless- for offroad, go fot it, the ability to run lower pressures without fear of snakebites is great. More grip, more supple ride. Haven't had a single puncture on my MTB in over two years.
On road, i'm not convinced. I ran tubeless on my road bike over the summer, the bike felt great and was probably marginally faster. Weight saving on the wheels which is always a bonus. But I had two punctures that didn't seal, one which resulted in the tyre getting scrapped after a plug didn't work. There just doesn't seem to be enough air volume in the tyre to push the sealant through the hole before the air runs out. Couldn't get the replacement tyre to seat despite being the exact same make and model (the original one went straight on) so gave up and stuck tubes in.
Ah, thank you, this makes sense. I will mostly use it on the road, mixing it with some South Downs paths, I got my MTB otherwise. So still undecisive I guess!On road, i'm not convinced. I ran tubeless on my road bike over the summer, the bike felt great and was probably marginally faster. Weight saving on the wheels which is always a bonus. But I had two punctures that didn't seal, one which resulted in the tyre getting scrapped after a plug didn't work. There just doesn't seem to be enough air volume in the tyre to push the sealant through the hole before the air runs out. Couldn't get the replacement tyre to seat despite being the exact same make and model (the original one went straight on) so gave up and stuck tubes in.
Edited by lufbramatt on Friday 4th December 12:01
Siao said:
Hi to all, newbie in PH here!
Just got a Planet X Titus, waiting to get it delivered next week. Wife got it about a month ago (they had a sale where it was down to £1750, bargain) and is super happy. I tried it and it is such a different ride from the CF road I am using (I mean, obviously, but I am still amazed about the amount of comfort).
The only thing I am debating is going tubeless, never had it before so I have not looked it up properly. Always had tubes, even on my mountain bike.
Also, I wanted to ask Ares, what is the cylinder attached at the third bottle space, under the down tube? Seems like a tool kit or something, but is it in a bottle holder or screwed straight to the frame? Can't tell from the pic!
That's what my frame is! (although to break your heart, I paid £750 for it last February Just got a Planet X Titus, waiting to get it delivered next week. Wife got it about a month ago (they had a sale where it was down to £1750, bargain) and is super happy. I tried it and it is such a different ride from the CF road I am using (I mean, obviously, but I am still amazed about the amount of comfort).
The only thing I am debating is going tubeless, never had it before so I have not looked it up properly. Always had tubes, even on my mountain bike.
Also, I wanted to ask Ares, what is the cylinder attached at the third bottle space, under the down tube? Seems like a tool kit or something, but is it in a bottle holder or screwed straight to the frame? Can't tell from the pic!
)Definitely go tubeless.... I'd be a few punctures in on mine by now if I wasn't.
As for the cylinder, it's a tool keg/box. Bolts are there on the frame to fit.
Ares said:
Siao said:
Hi to all, newbie in PH here!
Just got a Planet X Titus, waiting to get it delivered next week. Wife got it about a month ago (they had a sale where it was down to £1750, bargain) and is super happy. I tried it and it is such a different ride from the CF road I am using (I mean, obviously, but I am still amazed about the amount of comfort).
The only thing I am debating is going tubeless, never had it before so I have not looked it up properly. Always had tubes, even on my mountain bike.
Also, I wanted to ask Ares, what is the cylinder attached at the third bottle space, under the down tube? Seems like a tool kit or something, but is it in a bottle holder or screwed straight to the frame? Can't tell from the pic!
That's what my frame is! (although to break your heart, I paid £750 for it last February Just got a Planet X Titus, waiting to get it delivered next week. Wife got it about a month ago (they had a sale where it was down to £1750, bargain) and is super happy. I tried it and it is such a different ride from the CF road I am using (I mean, obviously, but I am still amazed about the amount of comfort).
The only thing I am debating is going tubeless, never had it before so I have not looked it up properly. Always had tubes, even on my mountain bike.
Also, I wanted to ask Ares, what is the cylinder attached at the third bottle space, under the down tube? Seems like a tool kit or something, but is it in a bottle holder or screwed straight to the frame? Can't tell from the pic!
)Definitely go tubeless.... I'd be a few punctures in on mine by now if I wasn't.
As for the cylinder, it's a tool keg/box. Bolts are there on the frame to fit.
https://www.tritoncycles.co.uk/accessories-c11/bot...
As for the price, ouch... They advertise the normal price as £2300 or so, so I thought that £1,700 was a good deal. How on earth did you get it for only £750??? That's a third of the original price!!
I'll invest in the tubeless from January, buying two bikes (and pedals, etc.) just before Christmas hurts a bit financially, so I'll be making use of my spare tubes (if needed) until then.
Bike looks awesome by the way. I did consider the Ribble and the Dolan, but the Planet X won me over. Especially the looks, wife's one came without decals which makes it so beautiful.
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