Thoughts on the Voodoo limba?

Just for reference, whatever bike I choose will not be used anywhere near its capabilities, it will be used for bimbling about, very very slowly.

I had one, I quite liked it. Brakes were a bit crap but totally useable

I decided to go 'used' - Picked up a lightly used Colnago World Cup recently for a good price. Bonus is I had spare wheels, so it can be switched from gravel to road in seconds.

Bought a used limba last year for £100 and had big plans, rides up the aire valley, commute to work etc. it gets used once a month at most for a local potter but for £100 its worth keeping hold of. I've not had any experience of gravel bikes prior but its seems to do the job.

So I was also looking at the much cheaper option of a Voodoo limba, but will I instantly regret not getting a carbon fork, and hydraulic brakes?

You might regret not having better mechanical brakes, but those can be changed fairly inexpensively, and you may never feel the difference between a steel fork and a carbon fork - depends on where you ride. I've got both on two different gravel bikes and can't say that the steel fork holds me back.

I'd always recommend that people get hydro brakes if possible, but to do that on a new bike you'll be adding another £1000 to the price of the Voodoo...

I've been reading around about Voodoo Limba's recently as I recently picked up an old Voodoo Limba joe murray edition frameset, with carbon seatstays and forks. Everything I've seen seems to indicate is they're great value for money - good to ride, etc.
Very little information out there for the joe murray edition though, so if anybody can tell me anything about it I'd appreciate it.

I had a go of the older model (blue and yellow one) but only for a short ride mind. It rode just fine, but I remember it being quite heavy for what it was, especially the wheels. My hardtail at the time was the same weight (13kgish)!

I ended up getting a Vitus Substance which was a bit lighter (10kgish) and had better components - especially the hydraulic brakes which were noticeably better, which is reassuring given I've got some heft to me.

Ultimately though, I found I wasn't a big fan of drop bars so have settled on flat bar rigid hardtail for that kind of riding. I should really get round to selling the gravel bike given it's not getting ridden.

Is it this one you are looking at?

I dont have experience of the Voodoo but did want to get a cheap gravel bike to try out. Ended up with a Marin Gestalt frame and had a few bits lying round to build it up. I used it for alot of riding - with the children, bike seat on the back, shopping, work and some road/off road. Somehow I never really gelled with it off road and planned on a rigid hardtail. But while visiting family in Bristol at easter I just got it. Headed over the M5 motorway bridge down the River Avon on some smooth fast paths, up through Ashton Court then road back home doing 45mph on the downhills. Just loads of fun. I think that I rode it previously on terrain that was a bit too much and went past its limits hance not getting the best from it and felt a bit meh.

If you are just bibmling then cable discs will be ok but I wouldnt be without hydros - rs405s were cheap off ebay. My fork is carbon legs/alloy steerer and it is a bit harsh off road. If I could fit bigger tyres it would help. In fact having the option for bigger tyres is a priority on gravel bikes so you have more versatility.

I'd say look at the Vitus Substance or Merlin Malt too. Maybe a used Pinnacle Arkose as some bargains to be had.

Whatever you get you will be able to sell on if you dont like it.