What bike do I want?

I'm using 45mm tyres on my 2020 Diverge it will take up to 47 in 700,but can also run 650b. Currently using Speedrockers as my mudguards. It has rack mounting points and runs 2x10 Tiagra. My only consideration now is whether to ditch the drops (I barely use them) and put a different bar stem combo on. Challenge for me is that entails changing brakes and gear shifters. It is, however, not as 'posh' as the ones you mentioned above 😂😂😂

What bike do I want?

A 29" HT 'MTB' with non-aggressive geometry, that has the necessary bosses, 1.9/2.1 tyres at 40psi. Maybe even some bar ends.

Anything else is just trying to re-invent something that already exists imo and will ultimately just evolve into something that already exists

Giant Revolt models look to fit the bill... If you dare do Giant after the recent threads on here!

I’ve had my Croix de Fer a long time now but if I was to replace it I have always liked Sour bikes Purple Haze.
I’ve never ridden one but it just looks like a very capable, do it all commuter/bikepacking gravel/monster cross type of bike and my mate absolutely loves his.

https://www.giant-bicycles.com/is/fastroad-ar-advanced-1-2023

I’d be looking at something like a Kona Unit X with fast rolling tyres (WTB Nine Lines which I’ve got on my Sutra are great) and for alt bars something like a Moloko bar. That would make a great and super versatile set up.

https://www.giant-bicycles.com/is/fastroad-ar-advanced-1-2023/blockquote >

nice bike but if panniers are an essential then suspect this is out as no obvious way of getting a rear rack on that.

 

You know exactly what specification you want. You pretty much know what geometry you want. If this really is a "do it all bike" and you're likely to keep it a while then why not go custom? Everything else will be an imperfect compromise.

@tuboflard - it does

Integrated rack mounts make it a smart choice for commuting

You can see a hole in the bottom of the seatstay, not sure about the top one.

Or maybe wack a Tailfin on it.

There is only one choice!
Fairlight Secan.
Great little bike with wide tyre choices 650b included.
Currently mine is in commuting mode but will soon be in in pure road mode with power meter and carbon wheels!
Thanks,
Max.

The big decision is bar shape

Flat or adventure bar then the Sonder Frontier is really cheap. So saving money or allowing a better build. Brother cycles Big Brother would work here as well, as would a Fairlight Holt. But the later costs lots more

The Cotic Cascade goes in the middle as it’s only 10mm shorter than my MTB so I could build one up with flat bars

Drop bars the Sonder Camino looks good but is too low at the front for me. Brother cycles do The Mehteh gravel bike with steel or carbon fork. 2.2 inch tyres in 650b 50mm in 700c. A chunk cheaper than a Fairlight. Fairlight score high on tyre clearance. But the geometry is wrong for me. I couldn’t run a long enough stem to balance the fast steering of that 72.5 degree head angle. Big news all those can take a double

This list might help

https://bikepacking.com/index/650b-gravel-bikes/

@scotroutes - you're right. Cost is the main reason, but also seems to be a cluster of bikes pretty similar to what I would end up with as a custom...

I’d be looking at pX titanium. My mate has one, alongside many posh bikes and he loves it.

@matt_outandabout - Alternative suggestion is an expedition touring bike like the Spa Wayfarer?

They do a long geometry option that looks better for flat/alt bars, 47mm tyre clearance with mudguards.

I believe they are designed with a longer front centre to avoid toe overlap. Worth checking as they can tell you for sure, all custom builds so can go for the spec you want.

https://www.spacycles.co.uk/m1b0s225p3866/SPA-CYCLES-Wayfarer-9spd-Cable-Disc

Sonder Broken Road. Does all you describe Matt.

I’ve got the very similar (like, very similar) Titus Mutsu set up with 700x50s, permanently with full length guards. Works well on tarmac and gravel and tame trailcentre like Callendar Estates. Let me know if you want to swing a leg over, mine’s an XL.

A 29″ HT ‘MTB’ with non-aggressive geometry, that has the necessary bosses, 1.9/2.1 tyres at 40psi. Maybe even some bar ends.

Anything else is just trying to re-invent something that already exists imo and will ultimately just evolve into something that already exists

I'm a big fan of the gravel bikes but I have to say this^^ was my first thought too.

You could go shopping about for another gravel bike or just buy a 29er MTB and start trying out loop bars and other 'alt bar' options and just play with tyres till you find a pair that suit.

A rigid sonder frontier would be a good (affordable) basis for that sort of thing or if you're rich go all in from the start and get a Jones plus LWB.

Either way set aside a few quid for tyre experimentation that sounds like half your issue OP.

A friend has Sonder Broken road. It’s his only bike crazy versatile. Commuting, group night rides, bike packing

You can see a hole in the bottom of the seatstay, not sure about the top one.

Or maybe wack a Tailfin on it

My bad, I stand corrected @qwerty!

Either way set aside a few quid for tyre experimentation that sounds like half your issue OP.

Agreed with that, with more clearance I can play.

fargo. covers all bases. Ti version if you want a special treat for yourself.

It's not sexy, but I have a Pinnacle Ramin 29" rigid MTB which fits your bill.

What size frame are you? It hardly gets used if you want a loaner (I'm squeegeeing whether to sell, but for it's occasional use it's great - gravel and off road bike packing).

2 sets of wheels might make more difference than a posh frame. Not necessarily different diameters. But road bias and off road bias tyres. It’s worked well for me

What size frame are you?

Not your size!

Dang it. I need to n-2.

This looks good

https://www.giant-bicycles.com/gb/bikes-toughroad-slr

But something like a genesis longitude sounds like it would fit the bill too.

I've just got a Cotic cascade with Jones bars which is great and with mescals actually pretty nippy on road, but it's 1x only , so might not meet you gearing needs

I'd probably go down the line of a Bombtrack beyond adv with some heavily swept bars and some 2.1 xc tyres.

Being quick on the road will have loads todo with tyre choice if your looking at bigger tyres.

@slackboy

How’s the Cascade with the Jones bars?

Plus one on the Jones bar Cascade question

Specialized Sirrus?

https://www.specialized.com/gb/en/shop/bikes/active-bikes/fitness--hybrid-bikes/sirrus/c/sirrus

Coffee break musings after some late night googleage and geometry peering....

I basically want the same bike I have with
- a higher front end (without being so high that it reduced by drop bars)
- more reach than I currently have, which can then be reduced by an alt bar / flat bar thingy
- more tyre clearance.

I note
- some XL/larger frame sizes than mine offer a longer front centre, without any increase in the rear end (my odd Merlin Geometry)
- seems a few years ago such a frame was very in - peering at a Specialize AWOL, Trek 920 etc, also the latest Sutra LtD etc
- most of the hybrids or 29ers are still quite short in front centre and rear - neither ideal for what (I think) I want, and by the time I also want rack, mudguards etc it reduces hugely the options....

So, anyone got a Sutra LtD, AWOL or 920 in large for sale second hand....?

I've (briefly) ridden an AWOL. It was heavy and dull to ride. I've no doubt it would track like a good un on long, sweeping bends but it just felt like steering a tanker on anything tight.

TBH that might be exactly the characteristics you're looking for, so not necessarily a negative.

TBH that might be exactly the characteristics you’re looking for, so not necessarily a negative.

A fair point....! I suspect most will be heavy to ride - mine currently while having nice wheels which are OK to get up to speed, is laden with a rack and 14st of me... I am not planning lots of single track - more paths and tracks up Scottish glens.

My current 36mm tyres are just too uncomfortable / prone to pinching on anything more than buff track.
I am realising that pain in hands and wrist after every longer ride is down to odd positioning on my current bike, with too much weight on my hands.

Get a Surly (or any other steel do it all bikes) if you like to pootle about in comfort. Swept bars like Jeff Jones (or more likely the cheaper copies) will give a comfy riding position but with some alternative hand positions.

I'm considering moving my XL Alice on Matt. I'm pondering a 29er hardtail at the moment whilst on holiday but will have a serious think when I get back. Let me know if you want pics and I can send some over.

@teadrinker - interesting....although I think at 6'1"/182cm I am on a large not XL ALICE...

– most of the hybrids or 29ers are still quite short in front centre and rear – neither ideal for what (I think) I want, and by the time I also want rack, mudguards etc it reduces hugely the options….

FWIW .. I have an old Jones 29er which is about as short an FC, RC and reach as you'll find and it's a brilliant bike for singletracks or estate tracks, off-road touring, feels nippy on the lanes in between and will go down anything steep that I have the bottle for if I keep the speed sensible.
As long as you have 650-660mm FC for toe clearance with big tyres or guards it'll be ok. I like LLS bikes but my Jones is a reminder that short isn't a bad thing if the bike's in balance overall.

Just been a the icebike* show and I reckon there's a bunch of Genesis bikes that would fit your description. Maybe worth a look?

Thanks @jameso and @stwhannah, noted and fired into Googleage....