Posted here earlier this week asking for some input on my first gravel bike. I was on the fence because I found a couple of decent used options locally for like $400-500+ but I didn’t know if I wanted to spend that much quite yet. It was hard finding something that had the 1x shifter and the disc brake setup that I desired when I knew the Ozark had that for half of the price sticker.
This completely changed when I went to Walmart today to look at a large frame flat bar G.1 and they had one that was returned for a huge discount. Almost got it half off, it was a no brainer. Swooped it up, got a phone holder bag and a bottle cage, and was amazed by how well it rode.
I’ve never ride a gravel bike before, just some old hybrids and a newer Giant mountain bike that felt like a brick on flat land. Taking this thing out was a dream. Held a 4 mph higher average speed and a much higher top speed on this thing compared to previous bikes. I will need to upgrade the touch points on the bike but that was planned regardless of what I got.
Getting into gravel bike riding for $150 is insane. Yes it doesn’t have as much precision or quality as name brand bikes, but it will help me get into riding more which is the goal at the end of the day. I’ve already adjusted the brakes a bit because that was something I noticed at the store but I can take the bike back this upcoming week to get looked at by their bike specialist when he comes in.
by Synthyus
1 Comment
There is nothing to be ashamed of. Ride what you can afford. Take note about what works and doesn’t work this this bike and when you’re ready to upgrade you will have a better idea of what you want.