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Searched but found one thread that was pretty inconclusive. I want a winter hack for weekends like this, I have a force 1x groupset sat on the shelf.
Merlin are knocking out their latest gen gravel frameset for £349.99 in all sizes ( https://www.merlincycles.com/merlin-malt-g2x-gravel-frameset-197832.html) but the geo chart is mega unhelpful and doesn't give reach and stack. I plugged some of the numbers into a calculator and it seeemed to suggest 384 reach on the '56'.
I've emailed merlin, but they haven't replied. Does anyone know where I can find the reach and stack figures for these framesets?
Similarly - does anyone own one? They quote 2.1kg F+F, but that's for a 50cm. How would this compare to something like a Planet X Tempest, Sonder Camino Ti, Titus Goldrush or something else similar? Is there anything else comparable that will take 650bx2.1"s, flat mount discs and isn't over 2.5kg F+F?
Kinesis Tripster AT is 1.89 + 463g for F+F in a 56 byut they want £675 for a frameset - double the malt.
My wife just got one (G2P which I think, looking at geo chart, is that frame in a different colour built with tiagra). Sizing is more normal now than last year's model, so you can safely ignore old chatter about sizing weirdness (and it really was weird).
Absence of reach and stack info led me to phone them. I still don't know that info. But they were very helpful on the phone, advice (they recommended a 50 for 168cm tall) was spot on now it has arrived.
(edited to add height)
I'm 6'/181cm and 56cm frame on G2P is spot on.
I also emailed and they were both quick and helpful.
One warning - the carbon fork does not have mudguard crown mount, despite having all other mounts front and rear, and last year's bike having one.
https://singletrackmag.com/forum/topic/new-bike-day-guess-the-bike-edition/
Also OP - note that if you have Merlin discount, the full Tiagra build is just over £700...
I'm on one of the older ones, so won't comment on sizing, although they were dead weird.
Give Merlin a call, they will know exactly which size you should be on. Couldn't be happier with mine, price Vs quality is great.
What's a 'merlin discount'? If going full bike I'm not sure the GRX build isn't more attractive, but I think with secondhand parts i could build up a Force 1 malt with a smattering of carbon finishing kit and something like hunt wheels for about a grand.
Is there anything else better? Planet X cheaper carbon gravel frames - Free Ranger or whatever it's called?
The discount is if you've bought from them in the last year - you can get 5,10 or 15% off just about everything.
I paid £721 iirc
https://www.halfords.com/bikes/adventure-bikes/boardman-adv-8.9-mens-adventure-bike-2021---s-m-l-xl-frames-389606.html is limited in stock (I can reserve a med to pick up for example here in Southampton on 9th Oct fully built), but for £900 using British Cycling discount it's a cracking spec.
If it wasn't for the fact I needed something I could lock up at the shops without being super paranoid, I'd have bought the Boardman or one of these Merlins, rather than a Voodoo Marasa back in late July.
The discount is if you’ve bought from them in the last year – you can get 5,10 or 15% off just about everything.
I paid £721 iirc
Ahh. The G2X frameset is alreary 22% off, so wouldn't count.
I'll add to this - the full bike is lovely. I'm still unsure if it's tyres or frame, but it's less harsh than our Boardman of similar ilk. Noticeably lower and more stable in corners as well.
Anyone got anything else to add regarding the G2X frame? Have been looking at the Sonder Camino but wanted it in grey but they aren't available anymore. Like the look of the G2X and wondered if anyone else has the frame (or in another guise)?
My son has had a 53cm G2X for a few weeks now. Sizing is good (he's 5'9) though has swapped out the seatpost for an inline USE one that was lighter and brought his weight forward a touch. The GRX groupset seems very slick, and the frame looks great in grey with green forks. Reckon there's room for 42mmx 700 tyres (max). Thought it came with folding G1 Allrounds, but had the wired versions fitted on arrival (now swapped for 38mm Gravel Grinders. A decent bike / frame for the cash.