Which Bike? - Weekly Scheduled Discussion

Hi all! I am fairly new to gravel biking, but been doing mountain biking for the last few years, and for health reasons, now have to switch to a different sport. I used to have a more racy road bike, but I never felt comfortable riding it, and after it sitting in the garage for a few years, I sold it. So, for the time being, commuting on my mountain bike (Stumpjumper Expert Carbon) about 11 miles on a mixed gravel and street path to work. Looking to pick up a gravel bike for the commute for now, and I think I have narrowed it to two that I really like, wondering what other people's impressions are.

Main must have for me is quality brakes, so I really want hydraulic disc. Not sure I actually want carbon, my mountain bike is carbon, and I get very nervous putting it on the back of a bus. Prefer a reliable drivetrain and I noticed a few bikes I tested mis-shifting from shop, but maybe they needed a tune. I don't know a whole lot about the drivetrains of gravel bikes other than a bit of reading and couple of test rides.

1. Giant Revolt Advanced 3 $2200 on sale - https://www.giant-bicycles.com/us/revolt-advanced-3-2022 - Seem to be a carbon frame, but I believe it's actually heavier than the other choice. Appears to be a good component set, I think. Shimano GRX and Tiagra components. I rode the less expensive Giant Revolt 3 because an LBS had it in stock, and I liked the feel of the bike, but the shifting and braking did not feel great on that bike.
2. Specialized Diverge Comp E5. $2000 on sale. https://www.specialized.com/us/en/diverge-comp-e5/p/217058?color=350287-217058 - Alumnimum frame, carbon fork w/ future shock, SRAM Apex drivetrain. LBS is building out a test Diverge Elite for me to test ride, but haven't tried it yet.

Any other suggestions of other good bikes in this range or recommendations between these two?

Thanks in advance!

Hello Everyone,

I am new to gravel biking, been using a retro road bike on tarmac and hated to be limited by the road types and by the need to find ways around gravel roads.

Long story short, I have 2-2,5k € (living in continental Europe) for a new bike.

In my area there are no mountains, few hills of 300m “high” and mainly plains and rivers. I do not plan to travel long distances and multi-day trips, only hop on, cycle for max 5-6 hours, back at home, so no need for many mounts. I am avg height (180cm). Also no need for heavy off-road handling (gravel roads in plainy woods are light and easy, no rocks or heavy climbing/downhill). For this reason I believe I could spend less by not going for a 12-13 speed and invest that in other parts.

I am happy to hear your suggestions. Thanks very much!

Hi team, after some years away from the road I'm keen to get back into commuting and then do some proper gravel ks on weekends (potentially the odd over-nighter) based out of Adelaide, Australia.

Looking at absolute base model from all brands at the moment and am seriously thinking of a Polygon Path x4/5. Have briefly tried the Diverge e5 and Revolt 2 and don't mind either of them, but I'd have a lot of spare change to upgrade wheels/tyres if I go the Path x. Also tried a Surly Preamble which would be great to commute on, but wouldn't suit me for the weekends.

Appreciate the sloped top tube wont be good for frame bags, but is the rest of the geo okay for rougher terrain? I'm thinking the higher stack heights over the other two might be better for longer days in the saddle.

Say the budget is $2000AUD what is everyone's thoughts? I like tinkering and am happy to upgrade components over time. Thanks!

I'm looking for a new carbon gravel bike, and I'm in doubt about two bikes of the same price, a national brand 2x12 Sram or Trek 2x11 Shimano

soul seeker sram rival axs 2x12

trek checkpoint sl 5 shimano 800/600 2x11

Any opinions on COOP bikes? The REI store brand.

I've been eyeing the ADV 2.3 on sale for $1500, down from a supposed $2400. Clearly there must be a reason? But from my newbie perspective the specs look fine. 

So, I'm new to the sport and been dabbling in light bikepacking with my regular crappy travel bike – but the road is calling to me! Planning on doing longer rides on the weekends and multi-day trips eventually.

I'm looking at a few different models and brands at the moment, so I figured I'd just put my options out there and maybe someone has a personal experience to tell or just some input on one of them:

Felt Broam 40
Scott Contessa Gravel 35
Cube Nuroad WS
Focus Atlas 6.7

(always the smallest model, as I'm a real short gal:)

These are currently available in shops near me, but there is also Decathlon (I feel like their bikes aren't too shabby either?) and possibly a new Canyon model within my budget (max. 1400€). Any help would be much appreciated!

State 6061 All-Road vs Rocky Mountain Solo 30

Just like the title says, I'm a little torn between these two bikes and could use a hand making up my mind.

Life-long mountain biker here looking to get into gravel a bit. I live in a rural area with gravel roads and hardpack trails right outside my back door.

I bought the State with 650b tires last month and got it in a clearance color for $1000. Jenson has the Solo 30 on sale for $1000 right now and I'm not at all opposed to buying one and selling the State if ya'll think it's worth it.

State frames are little more compact and it has narrow handlebars whereas the Solo 30 is a little longer with wider bars. I'm not a small dude, 6'1", 195, with long legs and wide shoulders, so on paper I feel like the Solo 30 would be a better fit.

This guy will only be ridden on gravel, hardpack, and asphalt. Long straight rides, not zippy city stuff. I have mountain bikes for trail riding.

I'm at a loss comparing parts since State uses all State-branded stuff. Being new to the gravel scene I am having a tough time comparing the two bikes and their components. Any insight from the crew here would be very much appreciated.

Thanks!

I'm stuck on deciding between a 2022 Kona ROVE LTD ($1000) vs 2022 Rocky Mountain Solo 30 ($975), both light use, size large (56cm).

The Kona is stock, the Rocky Mountain has upgraded stem, spacers, wheels.

Use will be 60% mixed road conditions and 40% mixed trails/single track. I plan on additional wheels for both, to have a road set and trail set. I have an approximately 86cm inseam, and am 105kg.

Hi everyone,

I've recently started shopping for a gravel bike and I'm stuck on deciding between a Superior X-ROAD Team Comp GR ($2055) vs 2023 Scott Speedster Gravel 20 ($1900). My usage will be 70% road, 30% gravel.

It feels like the superior is a much nicer bike for the $155 price difference but I worry that the geometry seems to run a bit small for my height at 6ft when comparing with other gravel road bikes.

Any thoughts? Thanks!!

Hi everyone,

What do geometry experts think of the comparaison between those 2 bikes (the Triban is my current one and im considering getting a grizl CF SL)

https://www.bike-stats.de/en/geometrie_vergleich?Bike1=Decathlon_TRIBAN%20GRVL%20520%20HERREN%20SUBCOMPACT_2021_M&Bike2=Canyon_Grizl%20CF%20SL_2023_S

Canyon recommends a size S for my size (174cm, 81,5 inseam) but while comparing geometry I'm under the impression that the size S grizl is way more agressive than the M for example. What do you think ?

I know the the grizl is quite agressive by nature which is fine in itself since it will be a do it all bike gravel/road with 2 wheelsets

Which chain? Do I stick with shimano/sram or do I get something crazy like this wipperman

https://www.merlincycles.com/wippermann-connex-11sb-black-chain-11-speed-100745.html

https://www.merlincycles.com/kmc-chain-11-speed-x11el-blacktech-chain-267032.html

Kona Rove AL or Brodie Revel 2.0?