I’m trying to narrow down my next gravel bike and would love to hear some thoughts from people who’ve been in a similar spot.
Right now I’m riding a Lynskey GR300, which is going to become my dedicated travel bike for longer, around-the-world bikepacking trips. Because of that, I’m looking for a new gravel bike that fills more of the everyday road and gravel role, but with more tire clearance than the GR300.
The two bikes that check most of my boxes are the Trek Checkpoint and the Rodeo Labs Trail Donkey.
My main goal is clearance for 50mm tires. The big draw to the Trail Donkey is that it can clear up to 2.25” tires, which is pretty wild for a gravel bike. That kind of versatility is appealing just in case.
For context, my terrain is mostly rolling hills, long climbs, and a lot of crappy back-country pavement. I also ride a lot of gravel on the Glacial Drumlin State Trail. Realistically, 45 to 50mm tires seem perfect for what I ride. I’ve ridden 2.25s before and honestly, around here it feels like I’m pushing a brick. My terrain just does not seem very practical for tires that big. If I am going to run 2.25s, I would probably rather just ride my Specialized Epic 8.
I have looked at other options too, like the Lauf Seigla and the ENVE MOG, which I would love, but 4k for the frame alone is insane. I have even considered the Ari Shafer, but I am personally not a fan of the look. My dad has a Giant Revolt and was not a fan either.
Part of why I am considering Rodeo is that around here everyone rides Trek being in Wisconsin, so the Trail Donkey stands out a bit more. That said, the frame price really stands out too. I would be doing a frame up build since I already have SRAM E1 parts and multiple wheelsets from another build, so that helps justify it a little.
I guess my biggest mental hang up is this. Will I regret not getting the bike that clears 2.25s?
I do not want to buy something that clears 50s and then feel like it is outdated in a couple years if even more clearance becomes the norm. At the same time, I am not sure I would realistically ever use that much tire on a gravel bike, especially since my GR300 will handle true adventure duty and I have the Epic 8 if I want to go full XC.
For what it is worth, I know my geometry and both frames would fit me well.
Not asking anyone to decide for me. I am just curious if anyone has regretted not going with the frame that had bigger tire clearance, or if you realized you did not actually need it.
by XC29er
12 Comments
People were having this conversation about 45s like 15 months ago. Who knows where the tire clearance arms race will end. Get the bike that excites you and has the best geo for you. 50s are mor than enough.
Get the Traildonkey! Support a small, rider first company and future proof your tire ambitions.
I’ve had mine for a bit more than a month and it’s absolutely sublime. I got custom paint so it definitely stands out, but even if you go naked or with a standard paint option, you’re going to have a unique bike.
I really enjoy my checkpoint SL6 that I’ve upgraded with carbon everything everywhere + Chris King BB. Super solid build quality.
If you have big legs, consider getting the 2x version. I can’t say I am a fan of 1x on gravel bikes if you have power to spare.
I run a 10-40t in the back and a 48/32 in the front – I live in the mountains with frequent sustained climbs up to 15-20% and it’s the perfect range for me with an FTP of 230 & w/kg of 3.5.
I run road and gravel wheels on it – I have two wheelsets, both carbon. Gravel wheels are fast rolling xc mtb 1.9s that have plenty of clearance for mud in the front and have enough clearance in the back.
[Photo of the bike](https://imgur.com/a/Fzq1Q8X)
Trail Donkey all day. I have one and I absolutely LOVE it.
Trail Donkey, but I’d prefer 650b when you start looking at 2.25” tires.
Having tried iso speed on my last bike, I’d recommend against trek. It’s a gimmick that adds little outside of increased weight and maintenance. Vertical compliance (aside from proper MTB suspension) is best achieved through larger tires and frames with more clearance.
Trail Donkey!!!!! I’m also a rider in south Wisconsin and it brings me so much satisfaction to be one of the few not on a trek
I mean, it’s called a Trail Donkey, you should probably get it just for that reason alone! I have a MOG and can highly recommend it, found a great deal on a used demo so price wasn’t ridiculous! Get which one speaks to you more which sounds like the TD. One other one to consider is the State All-Road Carbon V2!
50s are plenty.
If you need more than 50s, it is time for a MTB.
C’mon this is not even a decision. Rodeo labs have done phenomenal work over the years.
Trail donkey 8 days a week fool
I’d go with RodeoLabs any day. You’d be supporting a smaller for the riders first company that actually cares about their bikes and how they interact with people. Haven’t tried anything from them yet but I always hear they are splendid.