Hey, i want to start longer distances(starting with 100-200km daytrips, and later bikepacking week-long trips)and thought a gravelbike is the best to start, am i right or should i obt for smth different?
If a gravelbike is the right choice, should i get a branded one or are cheaper ones from discounter places like this just fine?
Whats worse about these cheap ones, compared to branded ones for 1500-2000 euros? I tried to compare but the only difference i could find were the brakes not being hydraulic.
Buying used ones is really hard since i cant find them in my size 60-62 cm is what i read online for 193cm.
by AnonLapua
7 Comments
I usually love seeing my bank account balance drop like a mf when I buy something. Gives me some kind of hard-on but like a mental version. So yeah, don’t buy cheap stuff or you’ll miss out.
Because gravel is supposed to be fun. This will certainly be unchilling at the seating position.
And also:
Mechanical brakes: not enough stopping power on descents or in wet conditions
Tourney drivetrain: imprecise shifting, wears out quickly
Weak wheels, no rack mounts, low comfort
Spare parts & roadside repairs can be difficult or unreliable
This precise model is a POS. That kind of cheap-ass shifter mounted in the top tube of the drops make shifting difficult, and they probably suck so much. Source: tried them on a friends “road bike”.
Worst thing is you probably could get a bike as bad as this one for 2/3 of the price.
Cheap *quality* gravel bikes have brifters. Microshift has good cheap groupesets. Shimano Claris isn’t much more expensive.
Everything on budget bikes are of slightly lesser quality than the more expensive versions. Along with weight, comfortable geometry and the possibilty of future upgrages.
BUT… this doesn’t mean the budget bike isn’t an option. It all depends on your situation. If you haven’t got 2k to spend on a bike this will definitely be good enough until you do. I rode 2 budget bikes to their deaths until I could afford anything even slightly decent.
With the right amount of maintenance and care, a budget bike could last you a good amount of time. Plus you’ll have just as much fun as matey on his 5k Cervelo.
Also, in my opinion, riding bikes like these make you appreciate a good quality bike waaay more!
Since you’re in Europe buy a decathlon gravel bike.
Really decent quality, upgradable and easy to find parts
Cable disc brakes. Presumably some of them must be decent, but the ones I’ve tried have been shit.
Hydraulic brakes, thru axle, mounts for bags, steel frame. These are the things I go for. A more expensive bike now can be less maintenance over the next 3-5 years.