Gravel/Bikepack nerds enter...

[Flyoverland Captive]

Hah, she spent $20k on hers (including the amazing wheel set). By far the nicest bike I will ever ride. So fucking far out of my league.

[climberevan]

I just got a 2019 Emonda SLR with Dura Ace Di2 and Bontrager carbon wheels for way less than you'd think, considering it retailed for over $10k. There are deals to be had.

The Emonda is a rocket, for sure. I love it for climbing and spirited rides, but when I'm going out for 6+ hours or riding casually with the GF, I pick the steel Seven Axiom. It's just so smooth and quiet. The last race bike I had was a CAAD10 (Al), which I got because I didn't want to risk crashing a carbon one.

For gravel, if not racing, I think you'll be happy with a steel bike. The wheels and tires will make a huge difference too, and you'll have more money for those of the frame is cheaper.

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[Peruvian]

I didn’t mean to start a major debate but thought with a $2k budget, there are options.

One “upgrade” I will never go without on a gravel bike is hydro disc brakes. They provide so much confidence when on steep pitches or off road that it’s well worth the money.

[Vt-Freeheel]

Yup, no hydros and I wouldn't want to ride the dirt sidewalk

[Whiteroom_Guardian]

Flyover, look on Pinkbike classifieds. Quite a few steel bikes on there at good prices. As others said make sure to have disc braks (hydraulic ones) and a decently modern 1x or 1x 11speed drivetrain.

Everything else is easy to upgrade later.

I have some carbon 29/700c hoops coming for my steel bike that I am fucking super stoked on. I got lucky and paid $1300 for basically a new Ragley Trig a couple months ago.

[Toddball]

Have a Ti gravel/all-road frame for sale if anyone's looking for one:
https://www.pinkbike.com/buysell/2793742/

Max tire clearance of 700x40 is a bit of a bummer, but could be a hot deal for someone. Speaking of which, I'm not sure how to price it, so open to offers.

[chaka]

That little ortleib deal?

https://www.ortlieb.com/micro-two+F9672

https://www.ortlieb.com/saddle-bag-two+F9411

these are great little bags in my experience... I quickly got over my reluctance to add the dock to my seat on two bikes, after I experienced how awesome it was to click and swap the bag from bike to bike when needed (I carry my tools, tube, etc in there). The rollover style sooooo much better than zipper. And, when you park at a brewery or whatever, click! bag comes with you.

[geomorph]

That little ortleib deal?

https://www.ortlieb.com/micro-two+F9672

https://www.ortlieb.com/saddle-bag-two+F9411

Thanks that looks like just what I was looking for.

[smmokan]

Flyover, look on Pinkbike classifieds. Quite a few steel bikes on there at good prices. As others said make sure to have disc braks (hydraulic ones) and a decently modern 1x or 1x 11speed drivetrain.

Everything else is easy to upgrade later.

I have some carbon 29/700c hoops coming for my steel bike that I am fucking super stoked on. I got lucky and paid $1300 for basically a new Ragley Trig a couple months ago.

Hey WG, question for you.... how heavy is your steel gravel bike? Do you notice the extra weight of the steel on longer rides at all?

I'm looking at a Van Dessel WTF to buy locally, but it weighs around 24-25 lbs. I'm not going to be riding race-pace or anything, I really just want something for the dirt roads around Boulder where I can put in longer rides (30-40 miles) on something that's built for it, vs riding on my full-suspension 29er.

[Whiteroom_Guardian]

Hey WG, question for you.... how heavy is your steel gravel bike? Do you notice the extra weight of the steel on longer rides at all?

I'm looking at a Van Dessel WTF to buy locally, but it weighs around 24-25 lbs. I'm not going to be riding race-pace or anything, I really just want something for the dirt roads around Boulder where I can put in longer rides (30-40 miles) on something that's built for it, vs riding on my full-suspension 29er.

Yeah in an ideal world I would have a $5-7k Ti or carbon machine that would be a lot lighter and stiffer than my steel bike, but what I have now is super enjoyable and definitely WAY easier to pedal around than even a locked out plastic 29er. I think it's somewhat heavy at around 25ish pounds and I have lighter carbon 700c wheels coming in the mail which I bet will shave a pound off compared to the 650b on alu hoops I have now.

My "trail" bike is a coil sprung hog on basically small dirtbike tires so pedaling the rigid steel gravel bike feels easy by comparison for the most part.

[Peruvian]

my Sutra LTD is a tank but still is fine for 30-40 miles ride.

[Whiteroom_Guardian]

Yeah, I did 100 miles last monday and by mile 80 it was still enjoyable, but I was thinking how easy it would have felt on a legit carbon bike that was 5 pounds lighter. I still have a hard time just cruising. I kinda wanna mash the pedals everywhere I go, and steel isn't necessarily the frame material for that.

30-40 mile gravel cruises it is perfect though.

[slowroastin]

Salsa Warbird sounds like the bike.


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[Whiteroom_Guardian]

Salsa Warbird sounds like the bike.


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If I had any patience I would have waited another month and bought a used Warbird for sure. I was just losing my mind in April with MTB trails too wet and tons of gravel nearby that I bought the first decent gravel bike I could afford.

[fool]

Thanks all. Was also perusing the Canyon website and it looks like their Al bike is right at about $2000.

And they sometimes have decent deals in the "outlet" part of their website too.

[roverdoc]

I recently jumped on the gravel train. Really has made boring roads and trails fun and nice to get off the asphalt vs road bike etc. I decided I
To take the bike down a jump line...not so much fun ha. Much better for building endurance etc

[smmokan]

Yeah, I did 100 miles last monday and by mile 80 it was still enjoyable, but I was thinking how easy it would have felt on a legit carbon bike that was 5 pounds lighter. I still have a hard time just cruising. I kinda wanna mash the pedals everywhere I go, and steel isn't necessarily the frame material for that.

30-40 mile gravel cruises it is perfect though.

Picked up a like-new used Van Dessel WTF yesterday, and put in a quick 30 miles this afternoon. I have to say, it was the smoothest gravel/road bike I've ridden, and made the 30 miles go by super fast. I'm looking forward to the occasional gravel exploration ride when I don't feel like braving the singletrack crowds on future weekends.

[kathleenturneroverdrive]

I recently jumped on the gravel train. Really has made boring roads and trails fun and nice to get off the asphalt vs road bike etc. I decided I
To take the bike down a jump line...not so much fun ha. Much better for building endurance etc

Chamois Hagar? You like it?

[roverdoc]

It is fantastic on the descents. I think they pushed the head angle too far in my opinion and that is coming from someone who has always preferred slacker than average trail bikes. The ability to actuate the dropper with the mechanical left shifter mechanism is pretty slick and found myself using it constantly on my ride yesterday. All in all very happy with it.

Chamois Hagar? You like it?

[kathleenturneroverdrive]

That’s awesome to hear! If I had rougher trails around me it’d be very high on my list

[ShoNuff]

I have quite a few miles on the Chamois. The only time I notice the length of the front end is out of the saddle climbing on pavement. It does “swim” oh so slightly. Other than that it dominates everywhere in my opinion. Silky and quick on the road, alarmingly fast on gravel and very capable on single track.

[chaka]

thanks for the Chamois Hagar write ups. very curious about that one, but I fear its a bit too aggressive for me for a do it all commuter/road/gravel/light trail slayer with two wheelsets...

[Iowagriz]

I've never used a freeze dried meal, what are your favorites? I've heard the concerns about excessive salt, but I'm ok with that as a replacement on a long tour. I have one on hand, the Good-To-Go Thai Curry.

Found a local/Missoula company that makes some, this Chipotle Beef Burrito Bowl sounds awesome, back from tortillas and make tacos. https://pinnaclefoods.co/product/chi...tro-lime-rice/

[huckbucket]

Replaced my older (canti) SuperX with this new one last week. New to me are hydro brakes and tubeless. I think the fork rake is a little shallower on this version of the frame too. Tracks really nicely despite it being a full on cross frame. I came from road, so wasn't really interested in gravel frame geometry. Group is from an Ultegra Topstone (not Di2). Will be upgrading the wheels at some point. Also still need to cut the stem. Super fun.

[Whiteroom_Guardian]

Didn't know where else to post this. Holy shit. ::::throws bikes in dumpster:::::

https://www.strava.com/activities/3642227868