Thinking of a mid range "special" bike... Gravel?
Discussion
Ilovejapcrap said:
I’m gonna ask something now and everyone is going to think I’m mental.
Has anyone every made something like this and fitted a dropper post set up. I know seems odd as it’s to drop out of the way when going down a hill.
But I seem to find I use the one on my mountain bike more like an adjustable seat. I often find myself moving it on a journey just to alter my position when I get back or b
k pain.
Yeah, there's a few. Mine is much more road focused, I've got barely any seatpost showing! Certainly not a "compact" frame. If I were more gravel/off road focused I'd have gone for something with more tyre clearance and possibly a dropper. Some modify the left shifter of a 2x groupset to actuate the dropper. Has anyone every made something like this and fitted a dropper post set up. I know seems odd as it’s to drop out of the way when going down a hill.
But I seem to find I use the one on my mountain bike more like an adjustable seat. I often find myself moving it on a journey just to alter my position when I get back or b
k pain.Did my first ride yesterday on the Escape and it’s very very nice.
Have you ridden yours yet?
I did a loop of gravel that’s 32.5 miles from my house which I do a lot on my old xc bike. Bearing in mind my old bike was sub 8kg and slicks this is 2mph faster. I think mainly down to the drops and being able to really push on. I was also fresher upon my return home and could of easily gone again same route. One thing I may need to change is gearing as I’m spinning out on a 40T.
It was filthy by time I got home and actually looks better covered in dust. Going out again tomorrow on it too
Have you ridden yours yet?
I did a loop of gravel that’s 32.5 miles from my house which I do a lot on my old xc bike. Bearing in mind my old bike was sub 8kg and slicks this is 2mph faster. I think mainly down to the drops and being able to really push on. I was also fresher upon my return home and could of easily gone again same route. One thing I may need to change is gearing as I’m spinning out on a 40T.
It was filthy by time I got home and actually looks better covered in dust. Going out again tomorrow on it too
Nice!
Waiting for some bib shorts to arrive - I'm way out of gooch conditioning, and it's far too warm for tights.
Took it out for a couple of mile run yesterday just to make sure it was all assembled properly and to bed in the brakes. Feels awesome.
Hoping shorts arrive today, then I've a 20 mile route mostly via sustrans that's a nice mix of surface to really find out how it performs.
Waiting for some bib shorts to arrive - I'm way out of gooch conditioning, and it's far too warm for tights.
Took it out for a couple of mile run yesterday just to make sure it was all assembled properly and to bed in the brakes. Feels awesome.
Hoping shorts arrive today, then I've a 20 mile route mostly via sustrans that's a nice mix of surface to really find out how it performs.
Ilovejapcrap said:
I’m gonna ask something now and everyone is going to think I’m mental.
Has anyone every made something like this and fitted a dropper post set up. I know seems odd as it’s to drop out of the way when going down a hill.
But I seem to find I use the one on my mountain bike more like an adjustable seat. I often find myself moving it on a journey just to alter my position when I get back or bk pain.
Mine has a dropper. Wasn't that bothered about the bike coming with it as standard but it actually gets used a fair bit as Mrs T can use my bike and it's easy when we swap mid ride.Has anyone every made something like this and fitted a dropper post set up. I know seems odd as it’s to drop out of the way when going down a hill.
But I seem to find I use the one on my mountain bike more like an adjustable seat. I often find myself moving it on a journey just to alter my position when I get back or b
k pain.d8mok said:
Did my first ride yesterday on the Escape and it’s very very nice.
Have you ridden yours yet?
I did a loop of gravel that’s 32.5 miles from my house which I do a lot on my old xc bike. Bearing in mind my old bike was sub 8kg and slicks this is 2mph faster. I think mainly down to the drops and being able to really push on. I was also fresher upon my return home and could of easily gone again same route. One thing I may need to change is gearing as I’m spinning out on a 40T.
It was filthy by time I got home and actually looks better covered in dust. Going out again tomorrow on it too
Rother Valley?Have you ridden yours yet?
I did a loop of gravel that’s 32.5 miles from my house which I do a lot on my old xc bike. Bearing in mind my old bike was sub 8kg and slicks this is 2mph faster. I think mainly down to the drops and being able to really push on. I was also fresher upon my return home and could of easily gone again same route. One thing I may need to change is gearing as I’m spinning out on a 40T.
It was filthy by time I got home and actually looks better covered in dust. Going out again tomorrow on it too
I went in the opposite direction, down Five Pits and back up Teversal/Pleasley/Rowthorne/Stockley.
Your Dad said:
Rother Valley?
I went in the opposite direction, down Five Pits and back up Teversal/Pleasley/Rowthorne/Stockley.
Yes Rother valley indeed. I’m 2 mins off the chesterfield end in the TPT so blast along past Rother and to Sheffield a bit. I went in the opposite direction, down Five Pits and back up Teversal/Pleasley/Rowthorne/Stockley.
Out of interest is it possible to link to the five pits without roads front the canal . I know if you go up past poolbrooke and keep going you get so far but have to jump on the road for a bit.
d8mok said:
Yes Rother valley indeed. I’m 2 mins off the chesterfield end in the TPT so blast along past Rother and to Sheffield a bit.
Out of interest is it possible to link to the five pits without roads front the canal . I know if you go up past poolbrooke and keep going you get so far but have to jump on the road for a bit.
You on Strava? I'll pm you my ride from yesterday and you should be able to work out the route from the railway station to Five Pits.Out of interest is it possible to link to the five pits without roads front the canal . I know if you go up past poolbrooke and keep going you get so far but have to jump on the road for a bit.
Thought I'd revive this thread since I'm in a similar position to the OP - looking to get a titanium trail/touring bike. My work will open the c2W scheme shortly so looking to use a Halford c2w voucher.
I have donor hunt wheels and a nice saddle and handlebars already
I'm based in Sussex so like the idea of supporting the local industry. I like the look of the Reilly Gradient, which also is good value, however they don't accept the Halfords voucher so they are off the list unfortunately / the Mason Bokeh ti looks lovely but is outside much budget so the natural conclusion is the Enigma Escape with Shimano GRX 2x11
The only thing stopping me is the Ribble CGR ti - looks nice / has internal cable runs and will be about £1k cheaper. I also saw a road.cc articlae that mentioned the Sonder Camino ti whihc is potentially even cheaper but I know nothing about them as a brand.
Since at this level all the frames are made in Asia I wouldn't be getting something hand-crafted locally but having it locally assembled and having the supplier local appeals especially as I intend this to be a 'forever' bike
Timing wise I was hoping to sort this out in the spring but looking at the websites it appears groupset supply issues mean any bikes will be dealyed until the summer
Appreciate your input - I'm erring towards saving the cash which I could then more thoroughly support the local hostelry's once lockdown finishes
I have donor hunt wheels and a nice saddle and handlebars already
I'm based in Sussex so like the idea of supporting the local industry. I like the look of the Reilly Gradient, which also is good value, however they don't accept the Halfords voucher so they are off the list unfortunately / the Mason Bokeh ti looks lovely but is outside much budget so the natural conclusion is the Enigma Escape with Shimano GRX 2x11
The only thing stopping me is the Ribble CGR ti - looks nice / has internal cable runs and will be about £1k cheaper. I also saw a road.cc articlae that mentioned the Sonder Camino ti whihc is potentially even cheaper but I know nothing about them as a brand.
Since at this level all the frames are made in Asia I wouldn't be getting something hand-crafted locally but having it locally assembled and having the supplier local appeals especially as I intend this to be a 'forever' bike
Timing wise I was hoping to sort this out in the spring but looking at the websites it appears groupset supply issues mean any bikes will be dealyed until the summer
Appreciate your input - I'm erring towards saving the cash which I could then more thoroughly support the local hostelry's once lockdown finishes
Powgoff - nice dilemma!
My thinking:
Dodged a bullet in my view regarding Reilly.
Ribble CGR Ti looks great - it really appealed. Couple of things put me off - the configurator was a bit weird with GRX, and after speaking with them (at the time) I couldn't get the exact kit I wanted (especially wheels). Also, the dropped seat stays look great but worry me longer term.
Asia sourced - yep, they'll all be at this price. However, by going with Enigma there's a part of me thinking it helps support the wider business and maintain high end frame building (I'm sure the margins are greater on the 'core' bikes). Also, the service from Enigma has been utterly superb - that's worth a lot to me.
Have a real good think about your use too - I too started via Gradient/Escape, but ended up with Etape. For my use (towpaths, 'prepared' gravel routes, road) 700x35c at low pressures has been plenty.
Gravel frames run a whole spectrum from drop bar hardtail mtb through to light audax. I can't help but think most owners could probably err towards the audax side and not regret it (whilst benefitting from lighter bike, faster on road, better long distance riding position, etc.).
Oh, and I thought it'd be a 'frame for life' - my voucher is paid up in a month or two, and I'm damn tempted by a Sussex frameset... Really want it built for wireless shimano groupset though (so only brake routing), which feels a few years away!
My thinking:
Dodged a bullet in my view regarding Reilly.
Ribble CGR Ti looks great - it really appealed. Couple of things put me off - the configurator was a bit weird with GRX, and after speaking with them (at the time) I couldn't get the exact kit I wanted (especially wheels). Also, the dropped seat stays look great but worry me longer term.
Asia sourced - yep, they'll all be at this price. However, by going with Enigma there's a part of me thinking it helps support the wider business and maintain high end frame building (I'm sure the margins are greater on the 'core' bikes). Also, the service from Enigma has been utterly superb - that's worth a lot to me.
Have a real good think about your use too - I too started via Gradient/Escape, but ended up with Etape. For my use (towpaths, 'prepared' gravel routes, road) 700x35c at low pressures has been plenty.
Gravel frames run a whole spectrum from drop bar hardtail mtb through to light audax. I can't help but think most owners could probably err towards the audax side and not regret it (whilst benefitting from lighter bike, faster on road, better long distance riding position, etc.).
Oh, and I thought it'd be a 'frame for life' - my voucher is paid up in a month or two, and I'm damn tempted by a Sussex frameset... Really want it built for wireless shimano groupset though (so only brake routing), which feels a few years away!
I'm almost a year into ownership now of my Kinesis Tripster ATR and all i can say is its been a fantastic bit of kit, so much that I have actually sold
my 2 dedicated roadbikes (titanium Litespeed Ultimate and a Colnago Master) and just use the ATR now with two wheelsets.
got Hunt 30mm carbons set-up with 30mm tyres for pure road-only duty, and a second set of Hunts running 45mm tyres for gravel and off-road fun.
Yes, a pure road bike would be slightly quicker but my racing/club ride days are over and I just find the relaxed geometry of this style of bike suits my riding now. got some bikepacking and multi-day rides planned post lockdown.
The ATR was purchased as frameset and then I built it up with my own choice of tasty components, and I have been impressed with the quality of the frame so might be worth a look at Kinesis
my 2 dedicated roadbikes (titanium Litespeed Ultimate and a Colnago Master) and just use the ATR now with two wheelsets.
got Hunt 30mm carbons set-up with 30mm tyres for pure road-only duty, and a second set of Hunts running 45mm tyres for gravel and off-road fun.
Yes, a pure road bike would be slightly quicker but my racing/club ride days are over and I just find the relaxed geometry of this style of bike suits my riding now. got some bikepacking and multi-day rides planned post lockdown.
The ATR was purchased as frameset and then I built it up with my own choice of tasty components, and I have been impressed with the quality of the frame so might be worth a look at Kinesis
Thanks for the responses - I'll add the ATR to the list for consideration
The question between the Escape and the Etape is a good one - I use my current cx for trails (the Downslink is on our doorstep) but also for rougher tracks locally and also the KAW ( although next time I'll use my hardtail) / have used it for touring duties (c2c and the Avenue Verte to Paris) and intend to do some bike packing in futire - think the Escape would still be the answer - a mate has an Etape and I wouldn't expect he would choose it for the much of the duties I would use the bike for
The question between the Escape and the Etape is a good one - I use my current cx for trails (the Downslink is on our doorstep) but also for rougher tracks locally and also the KAW ( although next time I'll use my hardtail) / have used it for touring duties (c2c and the Avenue Verte to Paris) and intend to do some bike packing in futire - think the Escape would still be the answer - a mate has an Etape and I wouldn't expect he would choose it for the much of the duties I would use the bike for
powgoff said:
Thanks for the responses - I'll add the ATR to the list for consideration
The question between the Escape and the Etape is a good one - I use my current cx for trails (the Downslink is on our doorstep) but also for rougher tracks locally and also the KAW ( although next time I'll use my hardtail) / have used it for touring duties (c2c and the Avenue Verte to Paris) and intend to do some bike packing in futire - think the Escape would still be the answer - a mate has an Etape and I wouldn't expect he would choose it for the much of the duties I would use the bike for
If you're doing trails/Downslink, then absolutely the Escape (or equivalent 'proper gravel'). Nothing stopping you swapping tyres for some 32/35s for road biased stuff - or maybe the dual wheel option with 700c for road and 650b for rough stuff. The question between the Escape and the Etape is a good one - I use my current cx for trails (the Downslink is on our doorstep) but also for rougher tracks locally and also the KAW ( although next time I'll use my hardtail) / have used it for touring duties (c2c and the Avenue Verte to Paris) and intend to do some bike packing in futire - think the Escape would still be the answer - a mate has an Etape and I wouldn't expect he would choose it for the much of the duties I would use the bike for
Hmmm looking for a more road biased GB!!
Any suggestions as I like to cycle along the bridleways but still want a bit of pace when on the road?.
Did have a look at the Reilly Spectre but saw a comment re dodged a bullet any reasons why?
Fairly flexible on price and want a spare set of wheels for the road.
Any suggestions as I like to cycle along the bridleways but still want a bit of pace when on the road?.
Did have a look at the Reilly Spectre but saw a comment re dodged a bullet any reasons why?
Fairly flexible on price and want a spare set of wheels for the road.
I’m getting a quote to get a Kinesis ATR built by a lbw so will see how that compares with the enigma and ribble
Lbw asked for my preference on crank length - did some googling and for my height/in seam (181 / 81 ) suggests from 167.5 to 172.5 mm - anyone have any recommendations - 172.5 sounds ‘normal’ so plan to get that but would be interested in people’s experience of shorter cranks
Lbw asked for my preference on crank length - did some googling and for my height/in seam (181 / 81 ) suggests from 167.5 to 172.5 mm - anyone have any recommendations - 172.5 sounds ‘normal’ so plan to get that but would be interested in people’s experience of shorter cranks
RoamingBull said:
Hmmm looking for a more road biased GB!!
Any suggestions as I like to cycle along the bridleways but still want a bit of pace when on the road?.
Did have a look at the Reilly Spectre but saw a comment re dodged a bullet any reasons why?
Fairly flexible on price and want a spare set of wheels for the road.
If you read through the thread, you'll see that the contact from Reilly just plunged off a cliff - actually causing me a fair bit of admin to get the C2W voucher transferred over to Enigma. Didn't feel me with confidence at all. Any suggestions as I like to cycle along the bridleways but still want a bit of pace when on the road?.
Did have a look at the Reilly Spectre but saw a comment re dodged a bullet any reasons why?
Fairly flexible on price and want a spare set of wheels for the road.
In comparison, the guys at Enigma have been superb. Since been over to them for a proper fit and look around the workshop.
If you're thinking Spectre, I'd have a look at the Etape like mine - same clearances, to my kind the Enigma is the prettier frameset.
C2W voucher is paid up fairly soon - it'll be a wheel and finishing kit upgrade (the new Zipp carbon gravel wheels, new stem/post/bar). I'll get the Hope hubs rebuilt onto 650b wheels - don't think I'll be able to run big tyres, but better ones for rougher/muddier stuff.
Similar not great experience with Reilly. It was a bit earlier in process than Sway so also dodged a bullet.
I got a Dolan GXT which a couple others on the forum did too. It was close with Ribble for me, but from experiences should have spent the extra on Enigma. They had delays and weren't not great but not the worst at communication. setup on arrival was also not great but sorted with LBS.
My intention was to double wheelset with road/gravel tyres and gave up on it for a couple reasons. Roval spare set i had for road couldn't take a wide enough cassette, and could just never easily get the indexing right when i swapped (GRX 1x setup).
Also realised i didnt love gravel which is more personal! It's now a very pretty, pretty comfy winter road mile muncher. However with the recent sunny weather have got the carbon out and been surprised at how much speed differs on a training loop...
Indeed. I also looked at a reilly; a mate has a gradient and loves it. They're not communicative, nor fluffy to talk stuff through with; I got a one word/size answer to my question with no rationale, especially considering it specifically went against one of my concerns.
Something to consider is that the gradient at least is a very long bike for it's size. Polar opposite of (say) an escape.
TBH I gave up and bought a basic topstone (back in august) because I wanted something now. It doesn't fit me worth a d*mn, but it'll have to do for now, and it validated that I don't like bikes with long top tubes. There will be a 'nice' bike coming along when availability improves.
ETA, I've also ditched the fancy carbon roadbike, and gone 2 wheelsets. It's ~ 2kgs heavier than the outgoing roadbike, runs similar 2x gearing, and has 28mm slicks on the road wheels. It 'feels' a lot slower than a carbon roadbike on 23's, but it's also a ton more comfortable. Realistically, I don't seem to be any slower once I'm wound up, nor would I expect to be - just feels less snappy. The +7kgs of lockdown blubber hurt performance a lot more. For any serious road riding, forget non-slick tyres, it's like towing a parachute.
Something to consider is that the gradient at least is a very long bike for it's size. Polar opposite of (say) an escape.
TBH I gave up and bought a basic topstone (back in august) because I wanted something now. It doesn't fit me worth a d*mn, but it'll have to do for now, and it validated that I don't like bikes with long top tubes. There will be a 'nice' bike coming along when availability improves.
ETA, I've also ditched the fancy carbon roadbike, and gone 2 wheelsets. It's ~ 2kgs heavier than the outgoing roadbike, runs similar 2x gearing, and has 28mm slicks on the road wheels. It 'feels' a lot slower than a carbon roadbike on 23's, but it's also a ton more comfortable. Realistically, I don't seem to be any slower once I'm wound up, nor would I expect to be - just feels less snappy. The +7kgs of lockdown blubber hurt performance a lot more. For any serious road riding, forget non-slick tyres, it's like towing a parachute.
Edited by upsidedownmark on Wednesday 24th February 17:08
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