I used to ride a road bike as a means to commute but the roads where I live are not the best and also it’s a very hilly area. During the covid time I discovered that gravel bikes exist so I bought a cheap entry level one that happened to be available as anything decent was either ridiculously expensive or not in stock. I absolutely love it for commuting however given its quality, everything is failing and maintenance costs are getting higher than the price of the bike itself. So for the past few months I’ve been researching an upgrade but cannot make my mind up. My budget is around £2000 (I live in UK if that matters) and I will be using it on (crappy and hilly) roads 90% of time. Rack/mudguard points are essential as it’s a commuter bike.
These are the bikes I’m currently considering:
* [Trek Checkpoint ALR 5](https://www.trekbikes.com/gb/en_GB/bikes/road-bikes/gravel-bikes/checkpoint/checkpoint-alr/checkpoint-alr-5/p/35172/?colorCode=white_black) – I’ve tried it in store and I loved everything about it except the geometry. The sizing on this bike is really strange. I’ve test ridden a size smaller than what I should be using according to Trek and it still felt too long.
* [Ribble CGR AL](https://www.ribblecycles.co.uk/ribble-cgr-al-orange-shimano-105/?childSku=BBCGRAOR110) – I really like the GRX shifters but the gear ratio on 105 would probably be better for me given that it would be used predominantly on roads. The price is pretty competitive too. The problem is I’ve heard a lot of negative things about Ribble and their build quality.
* [Cannondale Topstone 1](https://www.cannondale.com/en-gb/bikes/road/gravel/topstone-alloy/topstone-1-c15602u) – It’s got everything I need but the FSA 46/30 crank is a worry.
* [Cube Nuroad Race FE 2023](https://www.cube.eu/uk-en/cube-nuroad-race-fe-grey-n-black/680210) – This one comes fully equipped, even has dynamo lights. But I have not seen a single review of the 2023 model.
Which one of these would be the best? Or alternatively any other bike I should consider?
by ProperGrape
1 Comment
I would buy either the Cannondale or the Ribble. The FSA crank is a problem. I replaced mine after two years. Ribble has good build quality, but poor quality control. You live in the UK, if a bike shows up in poor condition l just send it back.