Speccing a gravel bike
Discussion
wobert said:
As an engineer, titanium is typically used in applications where strength is needed at elevated temperatures.
Personally, I’d stick to carbon fibre, aluminium or steel.
Yes, what was good for a SR-71 Blackbird at Mach 3 on the edge of the atmosphere isn't necessarily offering any advantage to a pedal bike on the ground.Personally, I’d stick to carbon fibre, aluminium or steel.
Carbon fibre is light and can be made into all kinds of shapes, but for a bike that gets used in all weathers, on all terrain, gets knocked about a lot, locked up at racks, taken on the train and carries pannier loads, an Aluminium frame (with carbon fork) still makes sense to me -The frames can last a surprisingly long time too. Steel similar, and more easily repaired, but rust can be an issue.
Comacchio said:
Carl-H said:
Does anyone have any reviews on the Dolan? I'm considering a GXC but can't find much about them. I was set on a Ribble CGR Al 105 but I think the GXC with grx600 looks a better idea now
Haven’t been able to find any reviews on it so far, but have since discovered that the frame is a rebranded Carbonda CFR696 - it’s the same frame as the Planet X Free Ranger.MC Bodge said:
Yes, what was good for a SR-71 Blackbird at Mach 3 on the edge of the atmosphere isn't necessarily offering any advantage to a pedal bike on the ground.
Carbon fibre is light and can be made into all kinds of shapes, but for a bike that gets used in all weathers, on all terrain, gets knocked about a lot, locked up at racks, taken on the train and carries pannier loads, an Aluminium frame (with carbon fork) still makes sense to me -The frames can last a surprisingly long time too. Steel similar, and more easily repaired, but rust can be an issue.
And yet.. aluminium suffers from fatigue and definitely has a stress life (which may/may not be relevant for a bike depending on who you ask..) No way of knowing until it breaks.Carbon fibre is light and can be made into all kinds of shapes, but for a bike that gets used in all weathers, on all terrain, gets knocked about a lot, locked up at racks, taken on the train and carries pannier loads, an Aluminium frame (with carbon fork) still makes sense to me -The frames can last a surprisingly long time too. Steel similar, and more easily repaired, but rust can be an issue.
Steel is probably ideal for longevity, but weight penalty and lack of stiffness kills it.
upsidedownmark said:
And yet.. aluminium suffers from fatigue and definitely has a stress life (which may/may not be relevant for a bike depending on who you ask..) No way of knowing until it breaks.
Steel is probably ideal for longevity, but weight penalty and lack of stiffness kills it.
I agree re: Aluminium (I have broken frames in the past) , but they last longer than it was originally thought, modern ones are more built to be fatigue resistant where it counts and they are cheap. Steel is probably ideal for longevity, but weight penalty and lack of stiffness kills it.
Let's be fair - very few people keep a bike for decades. There's far too many cool tech improvments for that.
Very few of us are anywhere near good enough to determine the fine nuances of differences in material (much being psychological, as well as 'unfair' comparisons of high end aluminium versus cheap carbon, etc.).
So much of riding is emotive.
For me, I've lusted after a nice titanium frame since the manager at the bike shop I was a Saturday boy in during the late 90s rocked up with his Kona hardtail. A thing of beauty. (I also lust after a high end steel with amazing paint job after the other manager bought a Colnago Master Olympic with art deco paint).
The use I'm using mine for is perhaps more classic audax than hardcore gravel. But the appeal of Ti, the lack of paint/corrosion, the ease of cleaning/refinishing plus the cost savings of C2W meant there was only one option...
I will say the Mason Bokeh got serious consideration. I'd have cried the first time the paint got chipped though.
Nowadays, there is no 'bad' option. Even the six year old Boardman alu hardtail (with it's archaic 26" wheels!) is streets ahead of the stuff I rode that cost three times as much 20 years ago.
Very few of us are anywhere near good enough to determine the fine nuances of differences in material (much being psychological, as well as 'unfair' comparisons of high end aluminium versus cheap carbon, etc.).
So much of riding is emotive.
For me, I've lusted after a nice titanium frame since the manager at the bike shop I was a Saturday boy in during the late 90s rocked up with his Kona hardtail. A thing of beauty. (I also lust after a high end steel with amazing paint job after the other manager bought a Colnago Master Olympic with art deco paint).
The use I'm using mine for is perhaps more classic audax than hardcore gravel. But the appeal of Ti, the lack of paint/corrosion, the ease of cleaning/refinishing plus the cost savings of C2W meant there was only one option...
I will say the Mason Bokeh got serious consideration. I'd have cried the first time the paint got chipped though.
Nowadays, there is no 'bad' option. Even the six year old Boardman alu hardtail (with it's archaic 26" wheels!) is streets ahead of the stuff I rode that cost three times as much 20 years ago.
upsidedownmark said:
Dolan Gxt is tempting, but with no reviews, and no opportunity to try I'm not confident to push the button.
Mine arrives later this month hopefully, I'll report back and you're welcome to give it a blast if you are anywhere near Rutland. I know it's a bit of a risk buying unseen and unridden, however that's what I did with my Canyon road bike and I love it more and more every ride, and Dolan have a decent reputation and they are unlikely to be selling a lemon. Besides, it will be me holding the bike back, not the other way around!The service from Dolan so far has been great...they are always happy to chat, I had several calls with Steve there before I arrived at the spec I wanted, they really are super helpful.
Hard-Drive said:
Mine arrives later this month hopefully, I'll report back and you're welcome to give it a blast if you are anywhere near Rutland. I know it's a bit of a risk buying unseen and unridden, however that's what I did with my Canyon road bike and I love it more and more every ride, and Dolan have a decent reputation and they are unlikely to be selling a lemon. Besides, it will be me holding the bike back, not the other way around!
The service from Dolan so far has been great...they are always happy to chat, I had several calls with Steve there before I arrived at the spec I wanted, they really are super helpful.
Exceptionally kind thanks, and also good to know they're so helpful! The service from Dolan so far has been great...they are always happy to chat, I had several calls with Steve there before I arrived at the spec I wanted, they really are super helpful.
Emotive me also fancies a bokeh 'cos pretty, but a tightfisted me says that's an exceptionally expensive alloy bike - am hopeless!
I think the answer might be cheap alloy and see how I go - if it doesn't replace the roadbike, it's a 3rd bike that doesn't get that much use, if it can re-ignite my love of riding outside and I ditch the roadbike, then it's suddenly worth spending a bit more.
upsidedownmark said:
Hard-Drive said:
Mine arrives later this month hopefully, I'll report back and you're welcome to give it a blast if you are anywhere near Rutland. I know it's a bit of a risk buying unseen and unridden, however that's what I did with my Canyon road bike and I love it more and more every ride, and Dolan have a decent reputation and they are unlikely to be selling a lemon. Besides, it will be me holding the bike back, not the other way around!
The service from Dolan so far has been great...they are always happy to chat, I had several calls with Steve there before I arrived at the spec I wanted, they really are super helpful.
Exceptionally kind thanks, and also good to know they're so helpful! The service from Dolan so far has been great...they are always happy to chat, I had several calls with Steve there before I arrived at the spec I wanted, they really are super helpful.
Emotive me also fancies a bokeh 'cos pretty, but a tightfisted me says that's an exceptionally expensive alloy bike - am hopeless!
I think the answer might be cheap alloy and see how I go - if it doesn't replace the roadbike, it's a 3rd bike that doesn't get that much use, if it can re-ignite my love of riding outside and I ditch the roadbike, then it's suddenly worth spending a bit more.
Hard-Drive said:
upsidedownmark said:
Very interesting thread.. Getting a bit fed up of being beaten up by my S2, and my touring/rack-capable bike went missing a week ago, so it's time for something to replace.
It *must* take racks.
It will be 2x - most likely 105, 50/34 etc.
It must do at least light off-road.. although technically I could do that on the S2 if I was pig headed enough..
I'm wondering if I can make it replace the S2 - I race, but that's always on a TT, so if it's not too lumpen, and can keep up with group rides and do longer audax type road rides without leaving my sitting parts in need of medical attention it would be a winner!
Budget is.. flexible, depending on what roles it will fulfill:
- The 'cheap' option is something like an Alu 105 topstone. Not much cash, will fulfil the offroad/rack/touring etc, but probably not the bike to use for 'audax' type rides / replace the S2. pure N+1.
- Or I could go carbon - ribble cgr, orro terra c, that kind of thing. That's got a better chance of doing dual duty (most likely with a second wheelset), but while I'm generally a carbon fan, I have a lot of nervousness over a carbon bike off road - less from a strength and crashing angle, more things like having seen the paint stripped off the chainstays of my MTB after a really muddy /crappy ride. One thing abraiding paint, but is carbon really tough enough in this kind of role? Also seems like not many of the carbon frames do rack mounts
Could be 1 in 1 out tho..
- Finally TI.. expensive, but best of both worlds? Never ridden one so not sure..
Oh, and the other possibility is something like a trek domane.. more 'road' with a bit of versatility? Does racks etc., but also will go up to 38mm tyres, so capable of off-road, if a bit compromised?
The Domane is the equivalent of my Canyon Endurace, and whilst it's a superbly comfy and fast machine and on 28s will handle basic gravel tracks, I think I'd be wincing if I tried any "proper" off road on it. It's designed to deal with poor roads and the odd pot hole, not constant thrashing off road.It *must* take racks.
It will be 2x - most likely 105, 50/34 etc.
It must do at least light off-road.. although technically I could do that on the S2 if I was pig headed enough..
I'm wondering if I can make it replace the S2 - I race, but that's always on a TT, so if it's not too lumpen, and can keep up with group rides and do longer audax type road rides without leaving my sitting parts in need of medical attention it would be a winner!
Budget is.. flexible, depending on what roles it will fulfill:
- The 'cheap' option is something like an Alu 105 topstone. Not much cash, will fulfil the offroad/rack/touring etc, but probably not the bike to use for 'audax' type rides / replace the S2. pure N+1.
- Or I could go carbon - ribble cgr, orro terra c, that kind of thing. That's got a better chance of doing dual duty (most likely with a second wheelset), but while I'm generally a carbon fan, I have a lot of nervousness over a carbon bike off road - less from a strength and crashing angle, more things like having seen the paint stripped off the chainstays of my MTB after a really muddy /crappy ride. One thing abraiding paint, but is carbon really tough enough in this kind of role? Also seems like not many of the carbon frames do rack mounts
Could be 1 in 1 out tho..- Finally TI.. expensive, but best of both worlds? Never ridden one so not sure..
Oh, and the other possibility is something like a trek domane.. more 'road' with a bit of versatility? Does racks etc., but also will go up to 38mm tyres, so capable of off-road, if a bit compromised?
Edited by upsidedownmark on Friday 19th June 13:20
Carbon is very strong, but it really doesn't like point loads (I've got some amatuer experience of working with it primarily in marine applications). Drop the frame onto a rock and it won't dent, you may end up with a hole instead. If you are just banging around a trail centre on a carbon MTB and break it, at worst it's just a long walk to the car park, if you are off bikepacking out in the wilds it's a much bigger issue. I've gone Ti as it's strong, light, won't corrode, and is IMHO a far better material if you are going to be "out there", and should last a lifetime. Even in my own fairly limited riding life I've known friends break Al and CF frames, although I don't think I've ever heard of a Ti frame failing.
I think that a Gravel bike would be perfect for me, I love to go off road but not off road enough to need an MTB.
I love the fact that they exist, CX is one thing but think these are the perfect one bike for everything I do
Going to look at 2 to £3,000.
Any suggestions ? and with frame material have enjoyed the ride on the Carbon Trek, any benefits to Ti ?
Carl-H said:
Has anyone taken delivery of a dolan yet? I think there were a few here who'd ordered one. So close to pulling the trigger now
I ordered my GXC when they had 'July delivery' on their website. I've had no update since but they are now quoting August. Not sure if that is a backlog or for orders placed today.I'm still holding out hope for the end of the month, but since I'm not back in the UK until then I'm not in any great hurry. I will update the thread if I hear anythng from them.
I went slightly “left field” with my new gravel bike, having used a GT Grade for the last 18 months on light off-road duties (and retaining it as my winter bike).
I bought this last week. It’s secondhand, but new in the sense it’s only done c200 miles.
It’s fitted with an upgraded Thomson stem and flared bars.....
I’ve ordered some 42mm WTB Resolutes which will he setup tubeless.
Although the gearing seems a bit high (52/36 on the front, and 11/28 on the rear) it’s rides really well both on the flat and up hill, I managed a 15% climb yesterday without any issues.
The 30mm Lefty Oliver takes the sting out of bumps on the road, so should be good on the rougher stuff.
I bought this last week. It’s secondhand, but new in the sense it’s only done c200 miles.
It’s fitted with an upgraded Thomson stem and flared bars.....
I’ve ordered some 42mm WTB Resolutes which will he setup tubeless.
Although the gearing seems a bit high (52/36 on the front, and 11/28 on the rear) it’s rides really well both on the flat and up hill, I managed a 15% climb yesterday without any issues.
The 30mm Lefty Oliver takes the sting out of bumps on the road, so should be good on the rougher stuff.
LimaDelta said:
Carl-H said:
Has anyone taken delivery of a dolan yet? I think there were a few here who'd ordered one. So close to pulling the trigger now
I ordered my GXC when they had 'July delivery' on their website. I've had no update since but they are now quoting August. Not sure if that is a backlog or for orders placed today.I'm still holding out hope for the end of the month, but since I'm not back in the UK until then I'm not in any great hurry. I will update the thread if I hear anythng from them.
Carl-H said:
Has anyone taken delivery of a dolan yet? I think there were a few here who'd ordered one. So close to pulling the trigger now
Not yet...I have a pile of bits here waiting to go on as soon as it arrives though! I believe the frames arrive in the UK on the 15th and build commences soon after so not long now. So excited!!Hard-Drive said:
Carl-H said:
Has anyone taken delivery of a dolan yet? I think there were a few here who'd ordered one. So close to pulling the trigger now
Not yet...I have a pile of bits here waiting to go on as soon as it arrives though! I believe the frames arrive in the UK on the 15th and build commences soon after so not long now. So excited!!Did any of you go for a Ribble CGR in the end? I'd have probably gone for the Canyon Grail, but long lead times and not Shimano 105 available.
Really tempted to try one... Coming from road riding, mainly because I want something a bit more comfortable, plus my local council love to grit roads constantly, and I'm now riding on far more single track roads and would like to try bridleways or lighter unpaved roads. Going hardcore off-road isn't something I'd want to to do.
Seems most bikes are now going for Shimano GRX's, but think I'd prefer the Shimano 105. It's what I know and I like, and dont think I'll need the off-road capabilities the GRX offers.
Really tempted to try one... Coming from road riding, mainly because I want something a bit more comfortable, plus my local council love to grit roads constantly, and I'm now riding on far more single track roads and would like to try bridleways or lighter unpaved roads. Going hardcore off-road isn't something I'd want to to do.
Seems most bikes are now going for Shimano GRX's, but think I'd prefer the Shimano 105. It's what I know and I like, and dont think I'll need the off-road capabilities the GRX offers.
I know the answer to this is to go to a bike shop and try them, and in an ideal world where all bike shops of lots of stock I would... but
Do some of these gravel bikes have a more uprighty mountain bikey riding position rather than a road bike position? I have an hip issue so limited flexibility which means I'm just about ok on my hardtail mtb but wouldn't be on a road bike. I really want a gravel bike (for 90%+ road cycling) and happy to spend a couple or three grand on a good one, but it'd need to be closer to a mtb riding position than road
Anyone been through similar or have a good knowledge of gravels that can throw a few suggestions at me? cheers
Do some of these gravel bikes have a more uprighty mountain bikey riding position rather than a road bike position? I have an hip issue so limited flexibility which means I'm just about ok on my hardtail mtb but wouldn't be on a road bike. I really want a gravel bike (for 90%+ road cycling) and happy to spend a couple or three grand on a good one, but it'd need to be closer to a mtb riding position than road
Anyone been through similar or have a good knowledge of gravels that can throw a few suggestions at me? cheers
PHlL said:
Did any of you go for a Ribble CGR in the end? I'd have probably gone for the Canyon Grail, but long lead times and not Shimano 105 available.
Really tempted to try one... Coming from road riding, mainly because I want something a bit more comfortable, plus my local council love to grit roads constantly, and I'm now riding on far more single track roads and would like to try bridleways or lighter unpaved roads. Going hardcore off-road isn't something I'd want to to do.
Seems most bikes are now going for Shimano GRX's, but think I'd prefer the Shimano 105. It's what I know and I like, and dont think I'll need the off-road capabilities the GRX offers.
I haven't, but I've heard good things about the CGRs. Really tempted to try one... Coming from road riding, mainly because I want something a bit more comfortable, plus my local council love to grit roads constantly, and I'm now riding on far more single track roads and would like to try bridleways or lighter unpaved roads. Going hardcore off-road isn't something I'd want to to do.
Seems most bikes are now going for Shimano GRX's, but think I'd prefer the Shimano 105. It's what I know and I like, and dont think I'll need the off-road capabilities the GRX offers.
Only thing I'd say about 105/GRX is that the clutched rear mech of GRX is bloody superb at keeping a silent, contained chain.
There's nothing stopping a 105 build with clutched GRX (or ultegra) rear mech.
Phooey said:
I know the answer to this is to go to a bike shop and try them, and in an ideal world where all bike shops of lots of stock I would... but
Do some of these gravel bikes have a more uprighty mountain bikey riding position rather than a road bike position? I have an hip issue so limited flexibility which means I'm just about ok on my hardtail mtb but wouldn't be on a road bike. I really want a gravel bike (for 90%+ road cycling) and happy to spend a couple or three grand on a good one, but it'd need to be closer to a mtb riding position than road
Anyone been through similar or have a good knowledge of gravels that can throw a few suggestions at me? cheers
In general, most gravel bikes are more upright than the equivalent road frame. Obviously, this can be tweaked more though a fit. Do some of these gravel bikes have a more uprighty mountain bikey riding position rather than a road bike position? I have an hip issue so limited flexibility which means I'm just about ok on my hardtail mtb but wouldn't be on a road bike. I really want a gravel bike (for 90%+ road cycling) and happy to spend a couple or three grand on a good one, but it'd need to be closer to a mtb riding position than road
Anyone been through similar or have a good knowledge of gravels that can throw a few suggestions at me? cheers
The ones that are 'much' closer to mtb position are also geared much more towards off road riding - heavier construction, massive clearances for big tyres, etc.
Based on your budget (fairly vague though it is!) - I'd suggest speaking to someone like Enigma. They offer a fit with every bike, and have a wide range (plus a tonne of knowledge). "Worst case" - they'll build a custom frame for you!
I very nearly did that - came very close to getting a custom build steel gravel bike from them (with awesome fade paint including matching stem and seat-post). Ultimately went for an off the shelf titanium Etape - and I'm between sizes so had the choice of a more stretched out 56cm, or a more upright 54cm.
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