Bit of background – my love of MTB has bled over into my road biking life, which in turn has piqued my interest in gravel bikes. I expect to likely use this bike 70% road/30% gravel to start, but love the versatility that some of the gravel bikes can offer and I think with a max of 2 bikes, an MTB + Gravel makes more sense for me than a MTB + Road bike.
I’m trying to keep under $2,500 and have no issues buying used. Have found a few options and am really on the fence. I want a 2x and weight does matter to me, though I don’t race much. Both used bikes have all stock components/wheels.
Options I’ve narrowed down to:
\- [Giant Revolt Advanced 2 (2021)](https://www.giant-bicycles.com/int/revolt-advanced-2-2021) \- excellent condition, buyer asking $2000
[\- Trek Checkpoint ALR 5 (new 2023)](https://www.trekbikes.com/us/en_US/bikes/road-bikes/gravel-bikes/checkpoint/checkpoint-alr/checkpoint-alr-5/p/35172/?colorCode=white_black) \- my LBS will sell me for $2,400 inc tax
[\- Checkpoint SL 5 (2021)](https://www.trekbikes.com/us/en_US/bikes/road-bikes/gravel-bikes/checkpoint/checkpoint-sl-5/p/32558/) \- also excellent condition, buyer asking $2500 (maybe a touch negotiable)
Both used bikes have all stock components/wheels.
All seem to have similar components, similar tire clearance, groupsets, brakes. I generally prefer carbon over aluminum and am really only considering the Checkpoint ALR 5 because it’s brand new for the same price as the slightly used bikes.
For looks, I like them all, but color wise, am leaning slightly towards the orange SL 5, cuz, hello, orange bikes look sick.
I can go test each, and hope to do so, but if I had to make a decision on paper, I am thinking the Revolt Advanced 2 is the best option – cheaper than the Checkpoint SL 5, but still carbon, and the money I save I could put into a lighter set of wheels. I know the praxis crank is something a lot of people seem to upgrade so I might consider that as well.
But I’d really love other’s opinions if I’m missing something or should make other considerations.
Thanks
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by digibeta18