@rose_surfer 102594 wrote:
I guess i’ve been out of the loop because I’d never heard of them, but they look perfect. When I bought my trek, I originally was tempted by cyclocross bikes but really couldn’t justify the extra expense given that in Florida I ride exclusively on the roads. But if those can really be had for under $1k they look perfect. The diverge elite A1 looks like the closest match to my 1.5 in terms of componentry, etc. After reading a bunch of the posts above, I was kind of sold on the idea of just riding my trek for a while, maybe upgrading the wheels. But those gravel grinders look awfully tempting. I really like the idea that if I need to cut across a path or a patch of grass or something, I can.
I don’t know that you’re out of the loop. It seems like more manufacturers have been releasing and/or rebranding cross-ish bikes that fit this “gravel” moniker better. They seem to generally be road bikes with large tire clearance, disc brakes and super comfortable geometry for all day riding!
For what is worth i’ve got about 3000+ miles on my Sora equipped road bike commuter. It has held up just fine with only 1 chain replacement. While many online forums disparage Sora, I’m perfectly happy with it, so “lower end” components don’t scare me.
These “gravel bikes” seem just a little more built for comfort over long rides when compared with a cross-bike, so while they’re similar to cyclocross, they are also a bit different.
Since you seem interested in gravels, i’ll summarize my finding thus far after my many hours of dreaming research:
Giant Revolt 2/3 – $1025 – I’ve test ridden this one. It was a size too large, but I still REALLY loved it. Wider/more knobby tires, but rolls quite nicely on pavement. Also had cross-brakes for upright riding. There’s another person on here that rides one of these and says he loves it!
Giant Anyroad – $1025 – Skinnier tires (32’s) and looks more performance oriented. Gets good reviews but isn’t easy to mount a rack and fenders, though it is possible (i’ve seen forum pictures). I think it looks pretty snazzy. Like a poor man’s Vojagi Viaje!
Specialized Diverge – $? – I’ve researched this one the least as I think Specialized is overpriced for what you get. My brother (whom i’ve inspired to start bike commuting!) is set on getting this one though! He was sold on it by the bike shops out in the California desert where he lives.
GT Grade – $899+ – This one gets GREAT reviews from Bikeradar. The tires are smaller (700×28) but it can fit larger ones. From my research, this one seems the most “road”-like. I like the looks of this one for the price. It seems like a fair cost to me and my bargain hunting. I really need to go for a test ride… (performance bikes)
BUDGET OPTIONS:
Bikesdirect Gravity Zilla 29er (http://www.bikesdirect.com/products/gravity/zilla.htm) – $599 – The bargain option in the bunch. This is the one i’d replace my hybrid with if I wanted to do so on a budget…or just wanted a project to play with!
Charge Plug – $599+ – The local bargain option in the bunch. A steel gravel bike. Supposed to have large tire clearance and gets reasonably good reviews for the lower price (the Sora-specced version).
