Posted 1 hour ago # Report-Post
ferrals - Member
Nice one, I'm the same, want to buy from a localish shop (esp as have never ridden a drop bar so want to test for size etc). For mainly commuter use, with a bit of random riding (fitnesss riding on road when its been peeing down and i dont have time to clean the mtb of 25kg of mud!) and trying a couple of 'cross races. Am weighing up the genesis or the cheapest ridley cx bike. Sounds like the gnesis will probably do what I am after fine and is a bit cheaper. Now that I'm pretty much 100% on getting one or the other I'll head off for test ride at some point after work in the next week or so.
Stop thinking, start buying! I'm bored of being the only Pig with a cross/gravel bike. (Although I think there may be a couple of others starting to take an interest.) You can certainly take my CAADX for a spin, but I think the 54cm might be a little too big?
PJ266, I've just fitted Strada Bianca open tubs from Challenge. On the faster end of gnarmac, but they're rather lovely. A bitch to fit, but lovely.
Those Strada Bs are ace tyres Flash, good choice.
Just out on mine, got the hplus/griffo on today.
[url= https://farm1.staticflickr.com/352/19806172221_dbc2031cc4_z.jp g" target="_blank">https://farm1.staticflickr.com/352/19806172221_dbc2031cc4_z.jp g"/> [/img][/url][url= https://flic.kr/p/wbcNXX ]Untitled[/url] by [url= https://www.flickr.com/photos/56594563@N07/ ]tangwyn[/url], on Flickr
IdleJon - MemberStop thinking, start buying! I'm bored of being the only Pig with a cross/gravel bike. (Although I think there may be a couple of others starting to take an interest.) You can certainly take my CAADX for a spin, but I think the 54cm might be a little too big?
Haha - cheers Jon. I'd been half planning on popping out to U.C today after work and biting the bullet but they are closed!
I run the Strada's on the Pick as a road bike.
Haven't had a problem fitting them. Not overly sure about their life span. Plenty of small cuts with just road use.
Nice to use though.
I had the Stradas as well. A bitch to fit, as you say. Destroyed 3 tubes doing it.
Did a 20 mile commute. Then, on the way home, blew off the rim. Refitted. Pumped up. Lasted 500 yards before blowing off the rim again.
Lots of nice bikes on here, it's interesting to see what tyres people are choosing to use for these bikes, my bike came with 41mm knards but i quickly changed them to 38mm barlow pass tyres, my riding is roughly 60/40 in favour of tarmac, the barlow pass tyres have proven to be great so far.
This is pretty typical of the type of dirt i ride around here, slicks tyres make more sense on this type of surface imo.
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Anyone used Hutchinson Sector tubeless? Bit more road at 28.
London_lady I recognise that bike!
My GT Grade set-up for the Dorset Gravel Ride earlier this year.
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That's with Kenda small bloc 8 front and Happy Medium rear which was actually gripped really well off-road.
[url= https://farm1.staticflickr.com/325/19850493112_4f8ea51255_z.jp g" target="_blank">https://farm1.staticflickr.com/325/19850493112_4f8ea51255_z.jp g"/> [/img][/url][url= https://flic.kr/p/wf7Y2f ]Ragley Rodwell[/url] by [url= https://www.flickr.com/photos/beanum/ ]Beanum[/url], on Flickr
Ragley Rodwell with On-One Pompino forks..
I used Schwalbe One 28c tubeless on the road. Very hardy on gravel as well. But I'm waiting for the Schwalbe G-One 30C gravel tyre. Looks good, perhaps a little thin mind.
[url= https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3944/15672217445_20664010e9_z.jp g" target="_blank">https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3944/15672217445_20664010e9_z.jp g"/> [/img][/url][url= https://flic.kr/p/pSUdeB ]IMG_0545[/url] by [url= https://www.flickr.com/photos/24645633@N08/ ]thom1984[/url], on Flickr
Gravel mode
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On route to Amsterdam.
Need to do an update as it's on a bit of a diet atm.
My GT Grade.
Loving this bike. Nippy on the road and pretty capable off it. 😀
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Not my photo.. but do have a Tripster...
Tripster Porn....
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Gravel bike / all road bike / gnarmac bike? Call it what you will. A look in the tripster thread shows how popular this type of bike is getting, but the tripster isn't the only game in town, so lets have a look at yer bike mister.
Yes, but it's the best one and when mine arrives and you see it's titanium loveliness, you'll be so upset that they put black paint all over yours ;-x
So this is another Tripster thread now? Brilliant.
Bike sold itself, it knew it had picked the wrong rider and was getting bored!Quick picture of it when we were still talking (and a preview of what it looks like with brown tape, just for MussEd)
Well so far, it's making me take longer rides to and from work so that must be a sign!
LOL! ok Susie. 😆
So this is another Tripster thread now? Brilliant.
No. This thread shows there is far more variety and interest in the genre once you move away from the sheep.
😉
I actually have a pair of Strada Bianca tyres sitting here, I just can't bring myself to put them on a bike I know I will end up bouncing around off-road on!
I think I will order a pair of the Gravel Grinders, will let you know how they are, 38mm wide sounds like a great idea to me.
@ epicyclo - thank you, it's good to see flat pedals being used on a cx. I can't bear spd's but not sure whether my cx would appreciate Straitlines and 5:10's. Think I'll try it! 😀
I'm really looking forward to building Susie's tripster up for her… 😈
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No. This thread shows there is far more variety and interest in the genre once you move away from the sheep.
Ti is bl**dy lovely and that's why the Tripster is my second Ti bike. 8)
😉
BAAAAAA!
😉
Blows raspberry. 😀
Here's mine. Love it.
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cinnamon_girl - Member
@ epicyclo - thank you, it's good to see flat pedals being used on a cx. I can't bear spd's but not sure whether my cx would appreciate Straitlines and 5:10's. Think I'll try it!
I use flats on my fixie too. 🙂
Anyone used or heard much about the Challenge Gravel grinder tyres? They look ideal and a bit tougher than the Open tub options:http://www.challengetech.it/products/gravel/gravel-grinder-053/en
I bought a pair of them from OO as they'd sold out of their own Gravel Road tyres (I got the best part of 3000 miles out of those). The Challenges are quieter on tarmac, not noticeably faster though. They aren't as good in the mud as you'd expect but the side lugs are just as good so at least cornering off tarmac is as safe.
My Dirty Disco
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Not specifically a gravel bike but for me a pretty much 'do it all' bicycle. Pretty much my #1 bike for rides from the house, where I go and what I do depends on the wheelset and tyre combo I throw on. 105 10sp with 9sp XT rear mech and 36t cassette for added range.
I'll try again (previous complete failure at sharing photos) - My do it all cross bike. My commutes are becoming more and more varied (and more fun).
[url= https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3702/19850263822_0f91cfb6f0_k.jp g" target="_blank">https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3702/19850263822_0f91cfb6f0_k.jp g"/> [/img][/url][url= https://flic.kr/p/wf6MRY ]DSC_0325-01[/url] by [url= https://www.flickr.com/photos/simonlangdon/ ]Simon Langdon[/url], on Flickr
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My classic Tripster ATR in lightweight B&B touring mode in NW Scotland last week. Thinking of swapping to 37mm Conti Travel Contacts tyres for a ride in the Pamirs next month anyone had much experience on gravel with them? [img] 
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My Genesis CdF. Nowt too fancy, but it might be my favourite bike.
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[url= https://flic.kr/p/ufK2Qh ]Wellington's monument[/url] by [url= https://www.flickr.com/photos/granthill/ ]J Grant Hill[/url], on Flickr
I've got one of these GT Grade 105 [img] 
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Have either of the other Gt Grade owners had issues with the stock rims?
My rear wheel has been rebuilt once already with new spokes and still wont stay true 🙁
soma rich - my wheels are ok so far, although I've only had the bike a couple of months and probably only done about 500 miles on it. Mostly on road as well. That said the stock wheels make it feel really sluggish so I'm on the look out for some lighter replacements.
quote davidtaylforth - Member
Way too many stem spacers in this thread
Way to many manufacturers making not enough sizes so people end up with stupid low head tubes imo.
Another Arkose here. As much as I love her, she'll be going soon to make way for something else.
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Headtubes? I had a Ritchey Road logic. 55cm. I could slam the stem, but the top tube was too long.
My Swiss Cross is a 53. I could probably drop one more spacer. But it fits.
I do love a spacer discussion. 😉
Here's my road rat sporting its brand new Sammy Slicks.
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It's a lovely handling bike on all surfaces. the only thing that is a pain are the horizontal drop outs with the rear mech hangar attached to the chain tug. Makes it a real PITA to remove the wheel.
What tyre pressures are people running? I put 80psi in my SS's but not sure if that is ok or not. I ride hard packed trails on it - canal paths and cinder tracks, so no need to have the pressures on the lower side.
Cheers.
I've a Diverge Sport and running 85 psi. (Road, Canal Paths , cinder tracks)
Took it out on my usual HT run last Sunday and had no issues except under a canal bridge with cobbles I thought my brain was going to fall out lol
No where online to link to pics as yet. 🙁
[quote=teadrinker]
Another Arkose here. As much as I love her, she'll be going soon to make way for something else
How come you are parting ways with the Arkose?
What will replace it?
And will you be selling it? 😉
How come you are parting ways with the Arkose?What will replace it?
And will you be selling it?
I do love it, house rules 1 bike only and I'm missing the 29er With things coming up I've just picked up a new Clockwork which I've stripped and upgraded which will be more suitable. Yes, it will be sold in the next week or two, probably will split it all. Will I get another one? In time I will, a truly wonderful bike but for now I want my 29er back.
[quote=tea drinker]I do love it, house rules 1 bike only and I'm missing the 29er With things coming up I've just picked up a new Clockwork which I've stripped and upgraded which will be more suitable. Yes, it will be sold in the next week or two, probably will split it all. Will I get another one? In time I will, a truly wonderful bike but for now I want my 29er back.
I've got a plan to get round your N=1 rule - lend it to me, you can have it back whenever you want 😛
I'd change houses rather than put up with that rule.
I can cope with it John, we don't have loads of spare cash lying around at the moment so can't justify having bikes in the garage sitting there when our mini teadrinkers could do with things. It's only for now, as I get older things will change. I'm in no rush to get my ideal number of n+5 🙂
soma rich wrote:
Have either of the other Gt Grade owners had issues with the stock rims?My rear wheel has been rebuilt once already with new spokes and still wont stay true
I remember you posting about that, back when I was looking into buying a Grade. Not had any issues with my wheels. (Done about 400km on them so far, probably 70% road, 30% dirt.)
Slightly different now - marathon plus tyres, mudguards, old Skool horn, lights, bottle cage, D lock and a few others bits. It's my most used bike, mainly commuting
Pinnacle Arkose 2
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There are some obnoxiously revolting set ups in this thread. I think bikebuoy and ChunkyMTB and a couple of others with off the shelf bikes have got it right.
Here's mine. It started off nicely enough.
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Then I loaded it up with shite (guards, lights, saddle bag, bottle cage, BOB axle).
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I ride it to work which takes in a pretty wild few miles of singletrack that rattle my brains out, then a few miles on towpaths, then tarmac then farm tracks to finish.
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Occasionally I go for rides with my wife on it around the Monsal Trail etc, and sometimes I take it adventuring.
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Munro I feel there is a difference tho in a so called gravel bike and an out and out cx race bike as the two you mentioned. They are nice tho nonetheless 😉
Firestarter, a few of the proper gravel bikes are OK, provided they have normal bars, stems pointing the right way etc etc, but the majority are a bit revolting.
I love the niner, and like most of the Pinnacles and tang's bike.
The campsite is Sligachan, full details of what we got up to are on this thread-
http://singletrackmag.com/forum/topic/a-week-touring-the-hebrides-picture-heavy
As for the tent it's about ten years old from Decathlon, three man, very light at about 3kg and packs down to roughly the size of a toaster. It was about £80 back then. I think it has now become this one-
Well youll be pleased to know ive added another spacer under my stem but flipped it neg rise 😉
eshoote - my Tripster is currently perched beside me on the last night of my b&b tour, shod with 37mm Travel Contacts which have performed flawlessly on a huge mix of surfaces this week. Plenty of gravel, slate, hard pack - but also rolled along nicely on the road thanks to the big centre tread. I'd recommend them.
Have either of the other Gt Grade owners had issues with the stock rims?
Yep - spoke pinged bust on the road the other night. Rear wheel not true now .. had to walk home.
GT Grade 105 Carbon
Salsa Warbird post Trans Iowa in 2013
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Halo Twin Rail 38 tyres are an excellent choice for those looking for an all purpose tread
paulx I had a few of the original spokes ping just riding along, so got it re-built with DT spokes and its still going out of true now. Thinking of replacing the whole wheelset. Any recommendations for strong gravel/cross wheels?
Kinesis Pro 6 with Stans Iron Cross wheels. Managed to squeeze 40mm front and 35mm rear tyres in, to smooth out the rooty singletrack a bit.
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I can't get paid the picks of mine to post.
I do rate Vittoria xg pro though, as wellwell as wellwas kenda kommandos although theythey wear fast.
Couple more of my CDA. On reading this thread I now know that my stem is the 'right' way up but I have too may spacers. I don't like the aesthetic of the saddle bag but it's uselessness overcomes this.
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a couple more of mine from my Mull trip
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bumper that last photo makes me want to get out and ride, superb! 🙂
double post 😐
soma_rich - Member
bumper that last photo makes me want to get out and ride, superb!
me too, shall we skive tomorrow off work 😆
bumper - Member
a couple more of mine from my Mull trip
Very gravelly. 🙂
My commuter in occasional offroad mode - good fun when I have the time!
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Akrose + Tiagra + Spareparts + Weird Wheels + 42cc Contis
Just back home from my five day tour to Snowdonia. Plenty of mixed surfaces - from A roads (poor route choice on my part!) to lanes, cobbles, slate, gravel, singletrack... you name it. One of the bridges near Conway on R5 had rubber tiles on it. Proper [s]red[/s] black carpet treatment.
Anyway - here's the Tripster in loaded-up mode. It performed brilliantly, happily trotted up lots of long climbs, enjoyed some great off-road bits in Wales and when I turned for home this morning, helped me stick some pretty quick miles in to finish it all off.
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Some great bikes on this thread - it's very interesting seeing how everyone has specced them out to suit their needs. Much as I've enjoyed the Tripster in this configuration, it'll be nice to stick the 28mm tyres back on and lose some of the luggage 🙂
A wee spin round Rothiemurchus today checking out the site for the Stopover Festival next weekend.
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That's the Amazon wearing Maxxis Raze 35's at the moment, though I'm tempted to try something in a 40. Perfect area for a grrrravel bike too.
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Slated beyond belief on here the other week......
but here you go....
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I`m now prepared for the barrage of insults again..... 🙄
Bumper what photo effect turns clouds that black?
^Is that the bike with the awful green hubs and mismatched colour calipers?
cynic-al - Member
Bumper what photo effect turns clouds that black?
hdr with a high contrast and saturation.
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Taken yesterday. How embarrassing. I've just realised that i still have the reflectors on the wheels.
@stoney: no insults from me mate, i quite like it, although i'm not sure i would ride a bike that colour myself.
😀
@jerrys: vayas rule. 😀
Not your worst effort, Jerry! 😀
Good to see your now traditional stack of spacers in there!
Good to see your now traditional stack of spacers in there!
In my defence, that's how it came. I've only fiddled with the gearing so far 🙂
Norco Search
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