Im an avid mountain biker but I live in an area with a pretty extensive rail trail/towpath network and want to get a budget gravel bike to take advantage of these, as well as get my feet wet with bike packing. Main use would be 15-30 mile rides that are maybe 70% hard pack gravel 20% paved and 10% dirt double track. But I also want to be able to use it to bike pack for 2-3 night trips. I’ve been browsing used bikes and these ones are all listed around $400 (except for bike 4 which is 200) would anyone be able to help me decide or at least tell me if these are prices right?
Bike 1: 2019 Salsa Journeyman Claris 650
Pros- I’ve read good things about these for bike packing and like all the frame mount options
Cons- not sure how the Claris drivetrain compares to bike 2, or if the 650 tires are too slow/heavy for my purposes
Bike 2: 202? Motobecane Mulekick aluminum frame
Pros- I’m familiar and like the SRAM 1x drivetrain. Bike is the newest and only one with hydraulic disc brakes.
Cons- I can’t find much about this bike online. Seller listed the original purchase price and it’s much lower than the other two which makes me worried it’s a lower quality bike
Bike 3: 2015 Felt F85X
Pros- I’ve never ridden a cyclocross bike but I assume it would be the most fun for just taking a ride on gravel/pavement. Best looking.
Cons- not sure if it would be fun for bikepacking since it can only fit 35mm tires and has a carbon fork. Need to buy gravel tires.
Bike 4: 1992 Haro bike
Pros- cheapest, comes with racks, just buy a bike and decide if I like bikepacking before upgrading
Cons- age, may want to upgrade to something more purpose built immediately
Any input or advice is appreciated, thanks!
by cuz_im_batman