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    Gravel Cycling

    M 33, nature lover & caffeine addict, seeks steel gravel bike to grow old together (budget: €2,500, midlife crisis included).


    Hey guys 😊 I'm in my mid-30s now and I've heard I need to buy a gravel bike. I've got a coffee machine, the garden is looking good, so all I need now is the right bike to make my life complete. I hope you can help me with this life altering decision.

    About me: I'm 190cm (6'3“), weigh 80kg (176 lbs), have a 91cm (36”) inseam, and currently ride:

    • an inherited Litespeed titanium road bike (which is probably a little too small for me)
    • a steel trekking bike from classified ads (which is probably a little too big).

    Use: I would say I ride about 50% on asphalt and 50% on gravel/field/forest paths. On the one hand, I want to be a bit more athletic on my bike, but everyday practicality is also important to me. On the other hand, I would also like to use it for bike packing or longer tours in the future. So, a jack of all trades, what else? And since this is my first new purchase in a long time, I'm a bit overwhelmed by the selection despite my research.

    What is important to me:

    • Steel frame (because of the look, sustainability, repairability)

    • Tire clearance of at least 700c x 45 (seems make most sense based on my research)

    • Option for mudguards & luggage rack (but I'd prefer a cleaner look for now 🙈)

    • Dynamo would be important to me, but can also be retrofitted (I know that otherwise I'll forget my lights 80% of the time or they won't be charged)

    • 1x gear system, preferably 1×12 (SRAM or Shimano)

    • Budget: max. 2,500€, preferably <2,000€

    Current favorites:

    1. Surly Midnight Special (Rival 1) 2,550€
    2. VSF GX-700 (SRAM Apex AXS 1×12) 2,400€
    3. Bombtrack Audax (GRX 400/600/800) 2,200€
    4. Tout Terrain Vasco GT 28 Select 3.1 (GRX 400/600/800) 2,200€
    5. Kona Rove LTD (Apex XPLR) 2,000€
    6. Genesis Croix De Fer 20 (GRX 400/600) 2,000€

    Questions I got:

    • Can any of you comment on these bikes/manufacturers from your own experience?

    • I'm also a little overwhelmed by the components. What would you pay particular attention to?

    • Are there any alternatives that I may have overlooked, especially with steel frames and 1x gear systems?

    • Is steel a bad idea?

    I am grateful for any input, whether technical, emotional support, or totally subjective.

    Thanks in advance 😘

    by from_otter_space

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    20 Comments

    2. mediocre_remnants on

      Jamis Steel Renegade is another option in your price range that meets your requirements

    3. biglmbass on

      Can only say Kona steel is nice, as is a Niner RLT9 steel. I have the latter & am quite fond of it.

    5. WVjF2mX5VEmoYqsKL4s8 on

      I have the Surly Midnight Special. I’d recommend a step up on the groupset (SRAM Force or Shimano GRX 1*12)

      650b wheels. With 650b you can clear up to 60mm tires. 700c only clears 42mm.

      Portland Design Works, René Herse/Simworks (both import Honjo), SKS, and Velo Orange all make nice fenders.

      SON has a new headlight called the Ladelux that is nice. Their dynamo hubs are known to be high quality.

    6. Additional-Weather46 on

      STEEL GANG!

      If you want to look at the genesis closer, you may find an older frame year going for slightly better money at a similar spec, the 2023 frameset is Reynolds 725, but the one in your listing is Mjolnir.

      (There’s a bit of snobbery about Mjolnir not being as good as the Reynolds stuff, I don’t know if I agree, but if you can get the more rated frame for less money, win.)

      Good luck!

    7. CantGetNoSleep88 on

      I’ve ridden the Genesis, it is a great bike but (1) I felt I needed to change the fork for a carbon one for my usage and (2) it is way underspecced for the price. Not sure why they are still putting mechanical disc brakes on 2000€ bikes.

      I’d also look at a frameset and build up yourself. There was a GRX 10 speed groupset on My Dealz for under 400€ today, and you’d get a DT Swiss G1800 wheelset for 250€. Something like a Ritchey Outback can sometimes be on sale for 1100€.

      Other option is to increase the budget a bit and get a Fairlight Secan

    10. Caguamonster on

      Brother Mehteh? Just wrapped up a build a few months ago and I really like it. Also got it because of the Tequila Sunrise paintjob. The 25 Model has UDH. Also easy to get in Germany. Got mine from Goldsprint in Berlin

    12. echoNecro on

      i’m only commenting so i can find this thread later, it’s like staring into a mirror

    14. Verfblikje on

      First thing I’d do, is book a bikefit. Put €250-ish aside for this. Then they can advise on the bike frame, that is most comfortable for you.

      Components matter less. Hydraulic disk brakes are preferable. Other than that, it’s not that critical.

    15. mingni86 on

      Soma Wolverine Type A frameset for 45mm tire clearance. Soma Smoothie HP frameset for more road oriented and you can probably chuck a 38mm tire in there even though it states 32mm combability. 1x seems fine, if you want more range for road but still want a good climb gearing then Microshift Sword 2×10 (cable brakes) gets you 46/29 up front, and 11-38 cassette, or the new shimano CUES (hydraulic brakes) 2×10 48/32 front, 11-39 cassette.

    16. morneus on

      A Pelago Stavanger fits your midlife crisis if you build it up yourself as a project and get some handmade colorful bags for it

    18. rocklol88 on

      I’ve been looking for steel frame gravel bike last few weeks. Your post made me realize I don’t need it… as well as I do not need that red mazda miata… thank you OP, you healed me 😀

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