I'm looking for a gravel/commuter/everyday bike and I was suggested this one by a friend. Seems like a good deal but I don't know a ton about bikes or components or anything like that.
Some insight/opinions/thoughts on this one would be much appreciated!
by rocket-L
17 Comments
Never heard of it
Heard great things about it but clearance is limited to 40-45s I believe
Like most things in life you’ll receive what you pay for. If a moderately heavy steel frame, heavy wheelset, and third-tier drivetrain sound appealing, go for it.
I would personally use this as city/commuter bike for social rides where you might be locking up outside a bar.
Edit: I’m not shit talking this bike. It’s just very price-point. Be aware that a slightly nicer bike from an established company would probably be cheaper in the long term
Cons: Limited sizing, a bit on the heavy side, graphics are prominent and could be polarizing, some manufacturing defects over the years(I believe they’ve been resolved, but includes stuck bottle cage bolts, 3 pack mounts on the fork not correctly aligned/spaced correctly.
Pros: Price, value, good components, good tires, good standards(bottom bracket, seatpost, axles, etc.)
It certainly beats my first serious bike, I do recommend it often to people on budget looking for a starter bike. As long as they’re not looking to race, it’s a bike that you can keep for a long time without replacing anything other than wear items.
Been looking for something for my wife and this may be it. The geometry and price seem like a perfect fit. Thanks for posting this.
The Ozark trail bike is cheaper with the same components
I met them at the Philly bike expo and my takeaways: they’re offering probably the best bang for the buck out there, admittedly on cheap and heavy bikes, but I think they’re good deals. And, I feel like the models are well thought out. I’d go for it.
I looked at this and I ended up getting the Poseidon X
I got mine in October. I love it as my first foray into gravel. I def use my vintage 26”ers more but it’s in the stable and ready for me at a great price.
Great bike at the price. Perfect entry level specs IMO. You probably will not notice the weight difference much vs a $2k+ spec. on trail. Road speed might be slower than road-only. Just depends on what % of road / trail. Higher end specs tend to shift cleaner and make a difference as you go faster / climb higher.
I am interested to see what people say about the Super Dame. I love the idea of steel gravel race geo.
State is better frame has thru axles and UDH but if you don’t care about those go primos
I got mine from them last spring. I really like it so far but have limited experience with gravel bikes. Been a great commuter/do it all for me so far.
Great deal at the price.
Great deal for the price. I’ve had mine since October and its been bulletproof. I believe most of the kinks from the first run have been worked out as well. I use mine for commuting and long gravel rides where I wanna take it easy and its treated me well. Im planning on swapping out the tires soon but thats only because I ride a good chunk of pavement with it and the Terra Hardpacks arent the best in the corners.
It’ll be heavier than an alloy frame/carbon fork but it’s so much fun.
I love the marketing: “Our gravel bike built for riders who want it all: speed, stability and freedom”. So can you get other models from them that only have two of the three?
My take on Primos Dame. It is not for me, but it might be a good bike for some.
Frame is steel. Really user preference on steel vs aluminum. I have ridden steel bike. I prefer aluminum for the weight.
Wheel comes in 650b. Yes, frame can fit 700c up to 50mm. But if you want 700c, then you have to buy new wheelset. If you are shorter rider or have to go wider than 50mm tires, then 650b might work for you.
Mechanical disc brakes. Not unexpected at this price point. Just be aware it is mechanical, not hydraulic.