I’m looking for some recommendations on a new gravel bike, current frontrunner is the BMC kaius as a gauge but I’ve been one brand focused for a while and would love to see what’s out there
-I will be buying a frame only (or a bike and stripping it)
-I will throw on new sram force 2x with 50/37 and 11/36
-mainly riding bad Belgian roads and pretty flat tame gravel
-ideally fully integrated cables
-I want something more race/kind of aero bike focused although there’s not many in that category
-40mm max tyre clearance is enough for me, maybe some cyclocross frames are a good option?
I have run a similar setup on a giant TCX in the past but would prefer something newer and integrated
The crux is a front runner but not integrated and a very traditional frame style (I like a flatter top tube)
by nathj3
12 Comments
Ive been using a Megamo Silk with two pair of wheels. One for gravel the other for road. Its been magic!
What about Trek Checkmate? Been thinking to build one myself. Slap 1x on the front and Sram new 13 speed on the back.
Aspero!
If 40mm clearance and aero is up your alley have you looked at the Kaius’ sister the Roadmachine? I use it on gravel and its lovely and plenty fast
I have been using the rose backroad as hybrid for 3 years now. Super content with it’s capabilities on both road and gravel.
Roadmachine X would be my choice!!
look at New OPEN Concept Bike.
https://opencycle.com/ch-en/upper-20
New Wilier Rave
I wanted a race bike that was aero, can fit big tires and had good geo. That lead me to a Ventum GS1 in 1x it can fit 2.4 up front and 2.1 in the back. You’ll be limited on the rear tire size with 2x but still a lot. Mostly I ride it on the road and its a bit heavier than a road bike at 18lbs all built up.
Hipsters choice and Insta premium but Standert really do make sick bikes. The Pfadfinder fits your specs except for the aero requirement (and it’s still wicked fast).
Factor Ostro Gravel, amazing bike for both purposes. It’s basically a gravel version of the Ostro VAM, which is one of the most aggressive aero bikes on the market.
Check out the OBED GVR. This thing might be the most slept-on gravel bike ever! Stated max tire size of 700c x 45 or 650b x 52. I’ve been riding one for two seasons and absolutely love it – my build(s) below. OBED is a direct-to-consumer brand that does semi-custom builds of their bikes, so you get to pick your drivetrain, wheel-set, tires, handlebar width, paint color, etc. and having fully integrated cabling is an option.
From checking geometrygeeks.com, the geometry is somewhere between a Specialized Tarmac and Roubaix, so very race-able/aero. I will say the seat is set a bit further back than a typical road bike and I can personally feel that in the sitting posture a bit. But having your weight that extra cm or two back does feel better for control on the gravel. I reduce the difference when I’m riding it with the road build-out by using a zero-offset seat post that puts the seat about 1 cm further forward than typical.
https://obedbikes.com/collections/gvr
I have the GVR GRX 810 2x in size XL and have two build-outs for it – one road and one gravel:
Gravel
– HED Emporia GA Performance 650b wheelset
– Schwalb Thunderburt 27.5×2.1 tires
– PNW Coast Suspension seat post
Road
– Elitewheels EDGE 40 700c wheelset
– Continental GP5000 TR 700×32 tires
– Whiskey Parts Co. No.7 carbon 0-offset seat post