I’m looking to upgrade my Surly Straggler to something lighter, faster, and overall nicer.
l commute daily (24 mi. rt), do training road/gravel rides, gravel races like the Rock Cobbler, Mammoth Tuff, etc., local roup rides, and the occasional bikepacking overnighter. I want something that can be a road bike and handle easy/mid gravel when called for, but I have mountain bikes for actual trail riding when needed.
I live in Ventura County and ride often in Santa Barbara and Ojai. Gravel riding out here means lots of climbing and the fire roads can often be rocky, steep, and loose.
My budget is $3500 used and I’ve identified two bikes that I’m having a hard time deciding between and I’m hoping to get some advice.
Bike #1:
2021 Factor LS – $3500
– 2x GRX Di2 shifters/RD with Dura Ace FD, 50/34 Dura Ace crankset and dual-sided power meter.
– Black Inc. integrated carbon/stem and seat post
– GRX570 Aluminum wheels
– Fizik Arione Carbon saddle
Thoughts: local bike and I love the specs, aside from the aluminum wheels which I would want to upgrade. Very capable road bike for training and races but can’t handle more than 43mm tires and doesn’t accept 650b. Might be too aggressive for longer rides/bikepacking.
Bike #2:
2020 Open U.P. ($3200-3500 still negotiating)
– 1x SRAM Force eTAP AXS with XX1 Eagle RD and 10/50T cassette
– Force crankset with Quarq power meter
– Enve Carbon stem (+ a redshift shock stop stem)
– Zipp Sl 70 handle bars
– Easton EC 90 Carbon seat post
– Sworks Carbon saddle
– Reynolds Black Label ATR Carbon wheels
Thoughts: bike needs to be shipped from Utah but it’s kitted out and love the wheels. Less capable road bike but the ability to throw 650b/2.1in wheels on there would be great for rougher rides/bikepacking.
Advice?
by Sane_Wicked