I've been dreaming about a new gravel bike for months now.
I'm currently riding a Kona Rove LTD, Steel frame, carbon fork, 2x, 650b wheels.
I've come to the conclusion that I'd like to have a lighter, faster and more comfortable bike.
I like to ride long ish distances (or at least they feel long to me) of 60-120km on my normal rides.
I dig the look of them (for once, I think they nailed it!)
57mm tire clearance is amazing
Super light frame at 900ish grams
1x drivetrain (I prefer the simplicity of 1x)
Price seems right! (CAD prices shown)
Is there something I'm missing?
by bessikapedale
20 Comments
Convince me not to join you.
I will not convince anyone not to buy a new bike.
I think it’s the best gravel bike going right now and is absolutely where I’d put my money if I didn’t have a damn fine Checkmate in my garage
They’re really sweet. I just bought a new bike and no regrets! Lauf has good deals right now and I seriously contemplated the Argon. I only opted against it because I wanted different wheels.
my LBS said Argon sold out and no more will be coming this year, but I’m also in the states. They said they only had one small GRX build that wasn’t claimed.
What’s going to make it more comfortable? I was under the impression that the Dark Matter is more aggressive geo that the Rove LTD. The carbon layup vs Steel?
I’m with you on obsessing over tire clearance. It’s why late at night I find myself looking at Salsa Cutthroats and Lauf Seiglas and occasionally the Dark Matter. I buildup a drop bar MTB, and I still can’t help look.
If I didn’t already have an Aspero, I would buy this. Do it!
I can’t do that cos they are awesome and I’ve done 500 km on [mine](https://imgur.com/a/SzycViU) in 3 weeks.
Do it. You won’t regret it.
Super comfortable on stock runs with the 50 mm RX Pro’s but I’ve bought some new Elite Gravel Aero+ wheels with 32 mm internal rim width and those tyres will be running 22/23 psi on tubeless and really push that 57 mm clearance.
I did consider a Montreal Arid R but the fact this was a brand new bike swayed it for me. When they announced it came with the new 1×13 XPLR it was definitely the right move
Why this vs Lauf seigla with suspension fork and electronic shifting?
I bought last year’s (non updated) argon 18 and its great, but if I had known they’d come out with this I think I’d have waited. This is everything I want in a gravel bike. Love the argon fit system for the headset, makes extra stack look really good.
I bought one Dark Matter just over a year ago, awesome bike. Bought my second Dark Matter this year along with carbon rims equipped with 32mm GP5000s that I swap between the bikes when needed. I keep one in the city, one at my cottage, cottage bike has a 40T to better cope with the hills there. Just do it.
Reason : you will have more fun with your current bike that you don’t care about destroying.
How are they available to provide a 160mm GRX RX610-1, 40T ???
>Is there something I’m missing?
Are you American? Canadian bikes cross the border with ~30-35% tariffs on top of the final price. [This is from 3 weeks ago](https://www.reddit.com/r/cycling/comments/1mu2eqn/panorama_cycle_purchase_35_canada_tariff_hits/).
You should get a bike fit with your Rove and let them know what you’re considering. You’ll find out if the geometry of the Dark Matter works for you and how to set it up after you get it. You’ll also make your Rove more comfortable and maybe find some extra power with a better position.
Nooo, don’t do it!! (definitely do it)
I’d ride the shit out of that. I have a similar- ish full carbon aggressive geometry bike and I love it.
No…. Don’t do it… don’t.. 57mm tire clearance? Are you kidding me!! Where do I sign… no don’t… 🤦🏼♂️
Mechanical shifting with fully integrated cables can be a pain in the ass, due to the many tight bends of the cable. If upgrading to Di2 is not within budget, I would definitely favor rival axs if available.
What tyres do you want to use and what’s your riding style?
Without knowing all circumstances, have a look at the Cube Nuroad, Orbea Terra, Cannondale Topstone, Rose Backroad, Felt Breed and Canyon Grizl as possible alternatives. Not trying to talk you out of this bike, but it’s best to make sure you didn’t overlook an alternative that you would like even better.
Think of how many pieces of bubblegum you could buy with $4,995CAD.