Gravel/comfort road...
 

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[Closed] Gravel/comfort road bike for £2k-ish?

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I'm struggling with my Cannondale Supersix due to back issues, finding it quite uncomfortable on rides over 2 hours despite flipping the stem to raise the bars. Also having moved house a while back, the roads nearby are fast, busy and horrible. However I have gravel tracks almost from the door which link up with much quieter roads and plenty more gravel.

So a gravel bike with 'endurance' geometry sounds like a plan for mixed surface, more relaxed riding right? I've only just started looking but the Planet X / Titus Goldrush looks to fit the bill with a ti frame, highish front end, hydro brakes, reasonable level of kit. I assume the Fulcrum 800 wheels are ok?

Its a littkle more than I wanted to spend (but i'll keep an eye on PX prices for a few weeks in case). Is there anything else comparable I should be looking at? - thats in stock too, which the Goldrush appears to be.


 
Posted : 02/03/2022 11:14 am
 igm
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I have a basic Sonder Camino and I really like it. Its taller than my road bike, and about 20mm lower than the MTB.


 
Posted : 02/03/2022 12:38 pm
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I've their Freeranger, recommend this.

I did replace the wheels as I wanted lighter, wider (for 50c's) and tubeless. I've experience of the Fulcrum rims before, and they're a bit basic TBH and a bitch to get tubeless.


 
Posted : 02/03/2022 12:45 pm
 igm
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I’ve experience of the Fulcrum rims before, and they’re a bit basic TBH and a bitch to get tubeless.

To be honest, no problems doing them tubeless here.  Except with Panaracers.


 
Posted : 02/03/2022 1:07 pm
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In true STW spirit of recommend what you have - Specialized Diverge, plus your budget is higher than mine was so you benefit form Future Shock too


 
Posted : 02/03/2022 3:03 pm
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Diverges are great. I adore mine.


 
Posted : 02/03/2022 3:59 pm
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 gray
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On One Free Ranger is bloody brilliant!


 
Posted : 02/03/2022 6:00 pm
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https://www.lyonequipment.com/bikes

Salsa Warroad for £2k with £1750 off.

More road than gravel but the 650b wheels and frame will take Senderos if you want knobblier than Byways.

Mine arrived less than 24hrs after I ordered it. 😀


 
Posted : 02/03/2022 7:03 pm
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Free Ranger might be a bit on the head-down/racing side of ‘endurance’ up-front?

The stack of 608mm would be sporty on an endurance bike and the 393mm reach is similarly racy. https://www.bikeradar.com/reviews/bikes/gravel-bikes/on-one-free-ranger-sram-force-1-review/


 
Posted : 02/03/2022 7:27 pm
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Cube nuroad?
Alu or carbon frames, prices range from 1k to 4.6k depending on spec.
I have one, mine is the base model carbon frame.
Rides well, definitely steers more slowly than a proper road bike, but that’s no bad thing off-road.
I would buy another.


 
Posted : 02/03/2022 9:17 pm
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Maybe something like a Ribble CGR?

https://www.ribblecycles.co.uk/ribble-cgr-al-orange-gravel/

Shimano GRX for £1900. Probably a mental waitlist though.


 
Posted : 02/03/2022 9:46 pm
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Specialized Diverge?

The more 'spendy' models come with the future shock thing which smoothes out the bumps.


 
Posted : 03/03/2022 10:08 am
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Careful @footflaps someone in another thread may take umbrage at that use of that word...


 
Posted : 03/03/2022 10:13 am
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I've got a Cotic Escapade for gravel/Scottish back country road riding.  It's great, really comfy and nips along the tarmac sections just fine.  You can also spec it pretty much how you want from Cotic.  It'll be a lot heavier than a Cannondale though!


 
Posted : 03/03/2022 10:21 am
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https://www.whatdotheyknow.com/request/gers_2018_19_ps63bn_revenues_ps4

I find it very comfy and as a long-legged individual I got an XL. Flipped the stem, then dropped to an 80mm plus added some Ritchey Beacon bars (very flared with a low-drop). As a non-roadie I'm happy with it.


 
Posted : 03/03/2022 11:06 am

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