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The German gov are handing out up to 9k for businesses with up to 5 employees.
I'm freelance self employed and the nice man at the tax office said that I'm also entitled to money, but it really is only for Geschäftskosten (business expenses) and not for private purposes.
Fortunately for me the taxman man says that I can put the money towards a new saw, work clothes and indeed a new bike assuming I'm using it to get to work. Haha!
Have been pondering a gravel bike for a while. My city Single speed is great for getting to work, but it is restricted to tarmac. My Strive is great when down south on proper hills. However, there is a big void that isn't covered.
From Munich I can ride almost exclusively on gravel and flat trails all the way to the alps of I wanted.
So I'm looking for a gravel bike. Up to ~2.5k. Carbon, ti, steel, alloy.
Will be used for commute (20km with a mix of road and forest paths), to escape from town (have ridden ~300km on the strive this past week and it's hard going towards the end of each ride) and for a cruise on the weekend.
I guess 650b means chunkier tyres and more comfort.
Disc brakes should be a given.
The Ribble apex looks nice.
The Nukeproof Digger looks very sensible, but also out of stock.
The Rose looks good, but ate two a penny round here. Same goes for Canyon.
Anything else offer good value?
Load-lugging or whippety-quick?
Thinking more cruise about. Nothing is quick unless assisted by gravity.
The option to be able to carry supplies (couple of beers, smokes, bit of food and a blanket) for a four a trip along the river would be good. Whether that's with saddle /frame bags or panniers, idk.
Have you looked at Sonder Camino Titanium?
From Munich I can ride almost exclusively on gravel and flat trails all the way to the alps of I wanted.
I don't hate you . . . much!
Whyte do a couple - Friston and Gisburn
I like them
Fustle looks good. Made by the guy that designed the Digger i think.
Cotic escapade is worthy of a mention too.
Ribble CGR in a variety of frame materials. Not sure if a base spec Reilly Gradient could come in on budget
I guess 650b means chunkier tyres and more comfort.
You can get decent sized tyres (47-50c) in some 700c bikes.
Bombtrack hook (ext-c in carbon if you can get a deal you might get it down to £2.5K) otherwise std Bombtrack hook.
the ext-c has room for 2.1 tyres on 650b or 42's on 700 IIRC and its got loads of mounts and luggage capability but also flies.
got one on my list as soon as I can sell my Ranger pick up.
Oooh Mason Bokeh would be lush.
Ribble CGR's pretty solid, gives a decent base for upgrading wheels and bits and bobs as you feel inclined
https://www.ribblecycles.co.uk/ribble-adventure-ti-rival/
I’d have one of these for explorer pootling
Takes proper 29er wheels or b+
PX Tempest?
In true stw suggest what you own style - Vitus Substance CRX.
Had mine a couple of months and love it.
I'm fed up. I need a distraction.
I'm about to hit buy on a Ribble CGR.
No the only q is 1x or 2x.
I figure I'll be using it in the hills (read alps) just south of here. However, if I do decide to go 1x I can always wazz a nw chainring on. However, that leaves me asking the question what happens with the shifter /lever thingy if not rigged up to a derailleur?
Also, will this stop me running wider 650b wheels & tyres?
2x. Minimal extra weight for more versatility.
Imho, of course.
I would struggle to look past the Fustle Causeway if I was looking for a gravel bike right now.
However, that leaves me asking the question what happens with the shifter /lever thingy if not rigged up to a derailleur?
Dropper post? 😀
Ribble CGR (2x drivetrain) has been sitting in my basket for about a week now...
1x for me - less to go wrong, had no issues with a wide cassette even in the alps. if you're wanting a bike for cruising, set the chainring size to be climb friendly, as top-end speed won't matter so much. Plus they look better... 😎
Done..... 105 2x, flared bar,700c.
If I want I can go for another set of wheels for around 400€.
Now the wait....