Hi all, I got into gravel riding and looking for a new beast, basically an "entry-level" carbon that I would ride 40% roads, 50% gravel and field paths, 10% somewhat rougher terrain (bad gravel, bad roads, maybe forest paths). I am down to:
- https://superiorbikes.com/en-en/bikes/product/x-road-team-comp-gr/786 (~2200 EUR)
- https://www.canyon.com/en-de/gravel-bikes/performance/grail/cf-sl/grail-cf-sl-7/3575.html?dwvar_3575_pv_rahmenfarbe=R119_P01 (~2200 EUR)
- https://www.sigmasports.com/item/Orbea/Terra-M30-TEAM-Gravel-Bike-2022/VF4I (~2500 EUR)
- https://www.specialized.com/us/en/crux-comp/p/205813?color=336162-205813 (~2800 EUR)
- https://bassobikes.com/en/bikes/gravel-bikes/palta/configurator?gid=grx-820-1×12&type=bike with GRX 800 1×11 (~3000 EUR)
My thoughts/concerns:
- All of them have the frame, fork and seatpost in carbon
- Superior, Canyon and Specialized have DT Swiss wheelset
- Visually, Superior and Basso are outstanding, Specialized would be cool in the satin design but I cannot get it in my frame size
- I cannot really try these – only sat on the Specialized and it felt really cool, light, and snappy
- I probably prefer GRX over the SRAM Rival on Specialized but it is not no-go
- Orbea is the only 2by which might be a bit better on the road part
- My concerns about Grail are that it is a bit too proprietary, limited in fitting and maybe too aggressive
- For Specialized and Basso, not sure if I am getting the bang for the buck
Any inputs and factors that I might not be considering would be appreciated!
BTW should I look for a used bike instead?
by Zdendulak