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I've been trying to get into more long distance XC/gravel stuff recently and I'm now stuck with the "Do I need a new bike or can I just make some changes to what I've got?"
At the moment, I've got a Genesis Tarn that I've slapped some 29er wheels on paired with some speedy Racing Ralf tyres and squeeze a 34t front ring in. With a 120mm fork it's pretty plush when it gets a bit rough, which is nice, but on the flat it just feels so slow. I did a 70km/1,500m ride on Friday and it absolutely killed me as I felt like I was just crawling along when I wanted to be flying.
In terms of gravel, I've got a Genesis Tour de Fer (yes I have a Genesis problem) and the only change I've made to that is running some 38c gravel tyres. It shakes like an octopus at a meet and greet the minute anything gets bumpy off road but it handles fireroads really well, is much faster on the flats, and is pretty comfortable for a full day in the saddle.
WWSTD? New bike? More changes to what I have? Help!
I have had a play around with lower tyre pressure, but I feel like coming off mountain bikes with big bouncy tyres it never feels enough to really damp down the chatter.
redshift stem takes the sting out a bit without being too obtrusive.
RS rudy if you want something more substantial.
I'd not even thought about a suspension stem - I'll take a look
Gravel bike - bigger tyres, lower pressure, inserts if needed.
I can just about get away with 700x42 with 33f/35r psi (11st and treat it like an mtb) without inserts, want to try bigger tyres as I do dent the odd rim.
grx di2 groupset.
You'll be so peaceful and at ease with effortless shifting you won't notice the bumps.