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Gravel Bike Porn
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Let's do this. I'm considering a couple of options (still) including a giant advanced pro sx and a niner RLT 9 BDO. Show me what you got.
Include tire clearance (we ain't got no hills in North Central Florida, but we have sand).
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Re: Gravel Bike Porn [Francois] [ In reply to ]
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I ride a stock Focus Mares CX. More of a true CX bike as 40C tires would barely fit.
As a light rider I think I can get away with slightly thinner tires.

I would consider an Orbea Terra if I just wanted a single purpose gravel bike.
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Re: Gravel Bike Porn [Francois] [ In reply to ]
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[/img]I built a Seven Red Sky this year. Mix between road and gravel bike. You can safely put up to 32mm tires on it. Rode it in a wet and muddy gravel/dirt race recently and it performed well.

http://www.teamodz.com
http://www.endurancelab.fit
Last edited by: trisuppo: Oct 25, 17 7:28
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Re: Gravel Bike Porn [Francois] [ In reply to ]
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I've got one of these.....

https://www.instagram.com/...en-by=blackdogenduro

and I'm getting one of these in November.....

http://www.jlaverack.co.uk/jack-range/

Happy days :-)
Last edited by: iron snorks: Oct 25, 17 7:35
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Re: Gravel Bike Porn [Francois] [ In reply to ]
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Wifey's new bike. Firefly custom titanium with full carbon seattube/integrated seat post. It's an absolute thing of beauty.



https://instagram.com/p/BaOleoWBP8q/

Alex Arman

Strava
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Re: Gravel Bike Porn [Francois] [ In reply to ]
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GT Grade for me. Love this bike
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Re: Gravel Bike Porn [Francois] [ In reply to ]
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My new BMC is being delivered today!

Shawn
TORRE Consulting Services, LLC
http://www.TORREcs.com

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Re: Gravel Bike Porn [Francois] [ In reply to ]
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(photo credit: PB Creative)

Fuji Jari w/Compass Snoqualmie Pass 700Cx44 tires

Here's what I wrote about it last spring after being asked about it post-Belgian Waffle Ride:

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"Bang-for-the-buck", it's really mind-blowing. The frame/fork is only $550 list. They've got the geometry right so it handles great both on and off road (it's currently my favorite bike for paved descents...just barely edging out my '86 Bianchi road bike). The rear dropouts are both QR and thru-axle compatible. It can handle 700c tires up to 47mm wide (IIRC) and it appears with a 650B wheel, even wider. Fender mounts (including fork eyelets), rack mounts, 3 water bottle positions, and even a set of top tube mounts for a bag/bento are all included. And the chainstays easily have clearance for even a standard road double crankset (53/39).
I picked up the frameset a few months ago and swapped most of the parts over from my previous MTB frame-based "all-road Frankenbike". As shown, it built up at just a hair over 20lbs. Of course, the Zipp 30 Course wheels and Compass Snoqualmie Pass tires help keep the weight reasonable.

Having ridden a 3T at Interbike last year (so having a point of comparison), I like to call the Jari a "poor man's Exploro" ;-) Yes, it's that good...and it even outshines the Exploro in a couple areas IMHO.

http://bikeblather.blogspot.com/
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Re: Gravel Bike Porn [Francois] [ In reply to ]
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No idea of the tire clearance, but even with the 700C x 53 tires (installed below), it is enormous:



Advanced Aero TopTube Storage for Road, Gravel, & Tri...ZeroSlip & Direct-mount, made in the USA.
DarkSpeedWorks.com.....Reviews.....Insta.....Facebook

--
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Re: Gravel Bike Porn [Francois] [ In reply to ]
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I've got the Why Cycles R+ Force Carbon Kit. I have a 10-42 cassette, and I've been riding with 40mm tires. The bike has done gravel, grass, singletrack, and cross. I am going to put on Schwalbe Pro One Tubeless tires for the road when it gets wintry and I'll put away the rim brake bikes.
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Re: Gravel Bike Porn [Francois] [ In reply to ]
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Diamondback Haanjo Trail. Currently stock. Handles singletrack pretty well, good road & gravel road behavior. Runs 42mm tires stock, should take 45's on 700 rims, can also run 650b, I think up to 50mm (haven't tried yet).
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Re: Gravel Bike Porn [Francois] [ In reply to ]
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Mine is the Orange OPEN U.P. (now the Classic). I'm running 2.1" 650B Schwalbe Thunder Burts. Clearance gets a little tight near the dropped stay, but I've no issue with rubbing. While I love the orange, I kind of wish I was in your position to be buying today. The NEW U.P. looks a lot cleaner with the new fork and there is also the option of the U.P.P.E.R if you're a weight weenie.

FWIW, the 3T in the back can run the same rubber as the OPEN.




My YouTubes

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Re: Gravel Bike Porn [boutreefitty] [ In reply to ]
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I have the same bike and absolutely love it
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Re: Gravel Bike Porn [boutreefitty] [ In reply to ]
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How'd it do for cross? I've wanted an all 'rounder bike and thought about grabbing this or a Dean Antero but I'm a little apprehensive just given the reputation of overseas titanium. I'm not a little guy and throw down decent power...
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Re: Gravel Bike Porn [Francois] [ In reply to ]
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My 2017 Diverge on Mt Evans - it goes anywhere!

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Re: Gravel Bike Porn [JASpencer] [ In reply to ]
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I'm very new to cross, but I never once felt like I had to fight the bike. To me, it cornered well and got up to speed with no problem. I have the old i9 wheels (rebadged Reynolds Assaults), and the bike weighs in with egg beaters at about 18 pounds with the big 40mm Ramblers. I don't know if you can ask for much better from an alloy cross bike with 41mm deep rims and 40mm wide tires.

In all reality though, CX is an easy day for this type of bike. I'm not a 'little' guy and currently come in around 75kg. I did a gravel gran fondo that had about 20 miles of washboard downhill. I charged through the washboards and the bike came out like new. I was way more nervous about having carbon handlebars than having overseas titanium.
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Re: Gravel Bike Porn [Francois] [ In reply to ]
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Re: Gravel Bike Porn [Francois] [ In reply to ]
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Built this about 2 years ago around a steel frame from Ride Endpoint, called the Coffeegrinder. Had wheels made by a local guy, (ErGottwheels.com) with White industries hubs and a front dyno for some B&M Lights. Also have a Thomson dropper post and they gave me a beta handlebar mount for gravel bikes. Using Ultegra Di2 w/hydraulic discs. 700's are tight with my 35mm Schwalbe G-Ones but just capped 5K on this with most of it commuting. Recently brought the stem further down with a spacer rearrangement.
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Re: Gravel Bike Porn [Tom A.] [ In reply to ]
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Thanks for this, Tom. I'm in the same boat as Francois...considering my gravel/adventure bike options. After photographing the Hell Hole Gravel Grind stage race the last 5 years, I told the race dudes I'm riding it next year. Just need a bike. So many good options. A lot of people riding carbon out there, but after watching the carnage the last 5 years....not sure I want to go that route.

But also, so little funds I want to spend after already buying a QR PR6 and a Litespeed CR1 this year.

I like that the Fuji has some eyelets. This rig will pull double duty as a daily commuter rig as well. Another reason not to go carbon.

The Fuji, with a good kit on it seems like a decent option.
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Re: Gravel Bike Porn [TriBriGuy] [ In reply to ]
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TriBriGuy wrote:
Thanks for this, Tom. I'm in the same boat as Francois...considering my gravel/adventure bike options. After photographing the Hell Hole Gravel Grind stage race the last 5 years, I told the race dudes I'm riding it next year. Just need a bike. So many good options. A lot of people riding carbon out there, but after watching the carnage the last 5 years....not sure I want to go that route.

But also, so little funds I want to spend after already buying a QR PR6 and a Litespeed CR1 this year.

I like that the Fuji has some eyelets. This rig will pull double duty as a daily commuter rig as well. Another reason not to go carbon.

The Fuji, with a good kit on it seems like a decent option.

De nada...yeah, I'm quite agog at how good of a deal this aluminum frame/carbon fork setup is: nearly as light as a carbon frame setup with MORE features...and inexpensive to boot. Although it's less likely to get damaged with hard use (as compared to carbon)...even if it does, it's no big expense to just get another frameset at that price!

http://bikeblather.blogspot.com/
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Re: Gravel Bike Porn [Francois] [ In reply to ]
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Dude, come on. You ride (or at least ridden) with Gravel Cyclist of gravelcyclist.com, he's got this gravel bike thing figured out better than 99% of the folks riding gravel and several porn worthy rides.

Open is super nice... I like double chain rings though so I would not consider the 3T, you might. But there is something to be said for Ti for this kind of bike. Why Cycle R+ would be on my short list.

Suffer Well.
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Re: Gravel Bike Porn [jmh] [ In reply to ]
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Yes, but I like to look at pictures.
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Re: Gravel Bike Porn [Francois] [ In reply to ]
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You said pictures....

https://brianfancher.photoshelter.com/...964/C0000_mOcKoVX1J8


https://brianfancher.photoshelter.com/...NV4/C0000_mOcKoVX1J8

https://brianfancher.photoshelter.com/...en0/C0000_mOcKoVX1J8

LOTS of porn in those, including a Niner RDO. That was a sweet bike, as was my buddy's black Open. It weighed 15.6 lbs. as seen in the photos. Crazy for a disc brake, big tire bike, if you ask me. My favorites were the both the titanium and the custom steel frames.
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Re: Gravel Bike Porn [jmh] [ In reply to ]
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jmh wrote:
Dude, come on. You ride (or at least ridden) with Gravel Cyclist of gravelcyclist.com, he's got this gravel bike thing figured out better than 99% of the folks riding gravel and several porn worthy rides.

Open is super nice... I like double chain rings though so I would not consider the 3T, you might. But there is something to be said for Ti for this kind of bike. Why Cycle R+ would be on my short list.

I'm pretty sure there's a front derailleur hanger on the Exploro...I think you might be mistaking it with the new Strada.

http://bikeblather.blogspot.com/
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Re: Gravel Bike Porn [Francois] [ In reply to ]
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Here’s my English with 650b 48s.
[url=https://ibb.co/iNZd5m][/url]
[url=https://imgbb.com/]temp image host[/url]

_______________________________________________
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Re: Gravel Bike Porn [Bonesbrigade] [ In reply to ]
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Wow....now we're talking!
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Re: Gravel Bike Porn [TriBriGuy] [ In reply to ]
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TriBriGuy wrote:
You said pictures....


https://brianfancher.photoshelter.com/...964/C0000_mOcKoVX1J8


https://brianfancher.photoshelter.com/...NV4/C0000_mOcKoVX1J8

https://brianfancher.photoshelter.com/...en0/C0000_mOcKoVX1J8

LOTS of porn in those, including a Niner RDO. That was a sweet bike, as was my buddy's black Open. It weighed 15.6 lbs. as seen in the photos. Crazy for a disc brake, big tire bike, if you ask me. My favorites were the both the titanium and the custom steel frames.


Did you say custom steel and Ti? :-)

http://www.stinnerframeworks.com/romero-2017

http://bikeblather.blogspot.com/
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Re: Gravel Bike Porn [Francois] [ In reply to ]
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You guys are killing me! I signed up for the Michigan Coast 2 Coast Gravel Grinder (218 miles, Saginaw to Ludington) and had decided I couldn't justify a new bike until I fixed the engine. My 5 year old Trek X01 is fine... I can fit 40's on it and it's comfortable, but damn! There are some nice looking gravel bikes out there! I'm a big fan of the Salsa bikes... Warbird or the Fargo, depending on how aggressive you want to set things up.
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Re: Gravel Bike Porn [Tom A.] [ In reply to ]
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You are absolutely correct. Got my 3T bikes mixed together.

Suffer Well.
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Re: Gravel Bike Porn [Bonesbrigade] [ In reply to ]
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Well...that's it. You win this thread, Bones. That English is positively beautiful. Crazy nice rig!
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Re: Gravel Bike Porn [Francois] [ In reply to ]
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http://www.saffronframeworks.com/...andrews-gravel-bike/

Ignore the blurb. I did not write it.

It is absolutely the dogs bollocks. Once i have my P1's back i will use it for everything.

All the things people hate; thru axles, discs and top spec and a collectors carbon saddle :)
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Re: Gravel Bike Porn [TriBriGuy] [ In reply to ]
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TriBriGuy wrote:
Well...that's it. You win this thread, Bones. That English is positively beautiful. Crazy nice rig!

Thanks. It really is an amazing bike. I switch between 700x35 and 650x48. I've done some pretty awesome mixed surface rides on it with the 48s where I'll hit gravel, pavement and trails over 5 or 6 hours - so versatile!

_______________________________________________
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Re: Gravel Bike Porn [boutreefitty] [ In reply to ]
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my R+, since then have put a 10-42 cassette on and it's awesome


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Re: Gravel Bike Porn [ollie3856] [ In reply to ]
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I wanted the deep wheels, and the only pair they had left had black hubs. I'm a big fan of adding some color to the small accessories, and I regret going straight black.



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Re: Gravel Bike Porn [jmh] [ In reply to ]
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jmh wrote:
Dude, come on. You ride (or at least ridden) with Gravel Cyclist of gravelcyclist.com, he's got this gravel bike thing figured out better than 99% of the folks riding gravel and several porn worthy rides.

Open is super nice... I like double chain rings though so I would not consider the 3T, you might. But there is something to be said for Ti for this kind of bike. Why Cycle R+ would be on my short list.


Haha, I was just about to tell him to hook up with JOM at Gravel Cyclist since those guys are in Gainesville.

Francois, get something that will take up to 45mm tires. You're going to need it on the sugar sand roads of FL.
Last edited by: RZ: Oct 25, 17 14:46
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Re: Gravel Bike Porn [RZ] [ In reply to ]
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Late-'80s PX40, frame and fork were €30. the rest is all parts bin leftovers.

Massive tyre clearance with the long-drop Tektro caliper brakes. Rides beautifully.

Am I doing this right.

-------------------------------
´Get the most aero and light bike you can get. With the aero advantage you can be saving minutes and with the weight advantage you can be saving seconds. In a race against the clock both matter.´

BMANX
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Re: Gravel Bike Porn [Barchettaman] [ In reply to ]
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Barchettaman wrote:


Late-'80s PX40, frame and fork were €30. the rest is all parts bin leftovers.

Massive tyre clearance with the long-drop Tektro caliper brakes. Rides beautifully.

Am I doing this right.

Absolutely!

http://bikeblather.blogspot.com/
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Re: Gravel Bike Porn [Francois] [ In reply to ]
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Here's my Open UPPER with Di2. I also have a set of 650B Enve M50s with Compass Switchback Hill 48mm tires.


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Re: Gravel Bike Porn [Francois] [ In reply to ]
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Raleigh Tamland 1. 40+ tire clearance. It’s steel and heavy but I love riding it.
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Re: Gravel Bike Porn [mickison] [ In reply to ]
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Loving the builds man! Lynskey knows Ti.


Vintage Spooky thin wall AL frame with CX fork, cane headset, SRAM Rival, Brooks Swallow saddle, just mounted up Vittorria's 35's on the Dura Ace C50 Tubulars. Rides insane! Best bike ever. 35-38 is max for me on the rear as this is a 1st gen frame.

There is a blog "Riding Against the Grain" and the author got himself a Spooky frame - also blown away how good the bike rides.



Training Tweets: https://twitter.com/Jagersport_com
FM Sports: http://fluidmotionsports.com
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Re: Gravel Bike Porn [Francois] [ In reply to ]
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Focus Paralane. I'm feeling a little insignificant with my 35mm clearance.


Last edited by: New3901: Oct 25, 17 17:56
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Re: Gravel Bike Porn [Francois] [ In reply to ]
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Another RideEndpoint CoffeeGrinder. Steel frame, Kona Carbon Project 2 fork, SRAM 1x 48x11/40, Hunt Wheels with Soma Vittesse 38s.

Have about 6,500 miles on this and love it.
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Re: Gravel Bike Porn [Francois] [ In reply to ]
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Open U.P. in custom battleship gray with Force 1x, Easton EC90SL crank, SRAM XG-1199 10-42 XD cassette, HED Ardennes Plus LT wheels, and Compass Bon Jon Pass Extralight 700x35mm tires set up tubeless. Final build came in at 16.2 lbs with pedals.





Last edited by: chrisgrigsby: Oct 25, 17 19:02
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Re: Gravel Bike Porn [Francois] [ In reply to ]
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Scott Addict CX- room for 38-40mm tires.


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Re: Gravel Bike Porn [Francois] [ In reply to ]
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CX/Gravel Bike, Older Cannondale CX-9 that I painted. Force CX1, Shorty Ultimates.

Gravel/Touring Mode

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Re: Gravel Bike Porn [Barchettaman] [ In reply to ]
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Sweet! Sure makes me miss my UO-10!

Looks like you're having a little trouble finding a comfy bar position, though.
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Re: Gravel Bike Porn [Francois] [ In reply to ]
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Ritchey Breakaway Ti Cross on Mount Hopkins. Cantis since replaced with mini-Vs, to great effect. Tires here are 30c; yes I pinch-flatted flying down. Love this bike!


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Re: Gravel Bike Porn [eb] [ In reply to ]
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eb wrote:
Sweet! Sure makes me miss my UO-10!

Looks like you're having a little trouble finding a comfy bar position, though.

Yep. It's shortly getting a different stem and bars, the rear will be cold set to 130mm and it also needs the derailleur hanger to be aligned properly. After that it'll be perfect - I just couldn't wait to ride it this summer. It also is the only bike on this thread with its own kickstand, ha ha.

Cheap steel is brilliant for this application. It's a little heavier (obviously) but much stiffer, particularly in the larger frame sizes, as the gauge is so much bigger than the posh stuff.

-------------------------------
´Get the most aero and light bike you can get. With the aero advantage you can be saving minutes and with the weight advantage you can be saving seconds. In a race against the clock both matter.´

BMANX
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Re: Gravel Bike Porn [NordicSkier] [ In reply to ]
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I make my own... and for others.










This one was made as a rigid single-speed MTB/monster-crosser, with road cranks. Sporting 26"x2.25" MTB tires. Could easily be made into a 1x11 just by swapping out the slider dropout.






---------------------------------------------------------------------
Some are born to move the world to live their fantasies...

https://triomultisport.com/
http://www.mjolnircycles.com/
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Re: Gravel Bike Porn [chrisgrigsby] [ In reply to ]
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How are the Bon Jon set up tubeless?
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Re: Gravel Bike Porn [Francois] [ In reply to ]
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as you probably recall life long cervelo fan however their current pricing is no longer something I can justify or am prepared to pay - first bike in 15 years that is not a cervelo is a ridley x trail - got it on sale at competitive cyclist - although I had some trepidation on the purchase have to say it is fantabulous and have zero regrets...ride it in the wet in winter plus on the gravel logging roads around our area.
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Re: Gravel Bike Porn [sparshall] [ In reply to ]
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Nice! Great to see another Coffeegrinder out there. Are those 650's, given the tire size you list?
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Re: Gravel Bike Porn [Francois] [ In reply to ]
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Black Mountain Cycles road bike for the road and smoother dirt (can take a 33mm tire):




All City Space Horse for the rougher stuff, currently on 43mm Gravel Kings:


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Re: Gravel Bike Porn [Francois] [ In reply to ]
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50 pictures and 3 of them on actual gravel or dirt? Come on you guys.

Here's some pics from a ~70 mile route in Northwest Illinois (Driftless Area) to make up for the lack of gravel in this thread. If any ST'ers in the IA/IL/WI area want to ride it Saturday, November 4th, hop on over to https://www.strava.com/...group_events/227176.

p.s. - the Surly at the bottom has multiple Trans Iowa finishes. That's a gravel bike!















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Re: Gravel Bike Porn [techrunner] [ In reply to ]
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techrunner wrote:
Nice! Great to see another Coffeegrinder out there. Are those 650's, given the tire size you list?

Those are 700s. I've been thinking about trying some 650s and WTB Horizons on it but haven't been motivated enough to spend the $$$.
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Re: Gravel Bike Porn [Francois] [ In reply to ]
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Stay aero my friends.
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Re: Gravel Bike Porn [Francois] [ In reply to ]
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I have been loving my 3T Exploro. Use it with a Sram 1X with 44-46T up front and 10-42 cassettes. Use a few wheelsets - Zipp 30 Course with 28mm GP4ks, Sram Rail 650b with WTB Horizons and Stans ZTR Flow 650b with Vee GRV 2.1 in tires. Using the Rotor InPower meter and so far pretty happy.





Last edited by: Orbilius: Oct 26, 17 12:23
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Re: Gravel Bike Porn [Francois] [ In reply to ]
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My new CX racer.




On the internet, you can be anything you want. It is a pity so many people choose to be stupid.
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Re: Gravel Bike Porn [NordicSkier] [ In reply to ]
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The Bon Jon Pass tubeless are pretty killer. They measure around 37mm on the HED Ardennes + rim. They are plenty fast on pavement and are surprisingly capable on gravel, especially at lower pressures. I tried some 700x28mm Panaracer tires recently but felt like the Compass tires rolled as fast or faster so I put them back on after about 150 miles. I am running them at around 60 psi for pavement and around 45 psi for gravel only rides.
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Re: Gravel Bike Porn [Barchettaman] [ In reply to ]
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Barchettaman wrote:
Cheap steel is brilliant for this application. It's a little heavier (obviously) but much stiffer, particularly in the larger frame sizes, as the gauge is so much bigger than the posh stuff.

Absolutely! Besides the Ti bike I posted a pic of, I have an old Lemond Poprad. It is a bit of a tank, but even at 40+ mph on gravel it is rock solid and predictable.
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Re: Gravel Bike Porn [eb] [ In reply to ]
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Volagi Viaje Ti:
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Re: Gravel Bike Porn [Zulu] [ In reply to ]
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Zulu wrote:
as you probably recall life long cervelo fan however their current pricing is no longer something I can justify or am prepared to pay - first bike in 15 years that is not a cervelo is a ridley x trail - got it on sale at competitive cyclist - although I had some trepidation on the purchase have to say it is fantabulous and have zero regrets...ride it in the wet in winter plus on the gravel logging roads around our area.

Hey! Me too!

I *heart* my X-Trail, I've been crushing the carriage roads and some light singletrack in the area, plus winter road riding, and occasional commuting.
I put in latex tubes, and then shot some Orange Seal Endurance in them, loving that setup.
Eventually I'll go full tubeless, but this is working well for me for the moment.


float , hammer , and jog

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Re: Gravel Bike Porn [Murphy'sLaw] [ In reply to ]
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Murphy'sLaw wrote:
Eventually I'll go full tubeless, but this is working well for me for the moment.

I just got a set of Shimano that are tubeless for the road bike and would like to do same for X Trail at some point as well.....

The X Trail ride is a significantly better ride than I was expecting - really well designed frame and the integrated fenders are killer in the wet I live in....
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Re: Gravel Bike Porn [Francois] [ In reply to ]
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https://instagram.com/p/BZ7PHQ-gbMS/

Open UPPER with Force 1x. Surprisingly versatile frame that has becomes my daily driver with 30mm G-One tire. Will swap to M525 with 40mm G-One for serious graveling.
Last edited by: Carl Spackler: Oct 26, 17 19:44
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Re: Gravel Bike Porn [Francois] [ In reply to ]
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I don't have one, but if I did it would probably be one of these: https://www.canyon.com/...lx-9-0-pro-race.html
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Re: Gravel Bike Porn [eb] [ In reply to ]
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Love my old Poprad! A little limited for tire width on the back but that thing is unstoppable.

Formerly DrD
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Re: Gravel Bike Porn [RCope] [ In reply to ]
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Love the leather saddle and matching bar tape! Look out for gators!
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Re: Gravel Bike Porn [Michel08] [ In reply to ]
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awesome bikes on this thread! really cool to see
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Re: Gravel Bike Porn [Zulu] [ In reply to ]
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Zulu and Murphy's Law - can you post some pics of your X-Trail? I'm thinking of getting picking one up. Thanks!
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Re: Gravel Bike Porn [RCope] [ In reply to ]
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Duuuude! That is nice.
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Re: Gravel Bike Porn [Francois] [ In reply to ]
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My Niner BSB with Ultegra Di2 and disc brakes. The WTB Nano 40c tubeless are awesome in sandy conditions, and still offer pretty good mud clearance...yes, I bike in muddy conditions at night...đźŠ



"Most of my heroes don't appear on no stamps"
Blog = http://extrememomentum.com|Photos = http://wheelgoodphotos.com
Last edited by: allenpg: Oct 27, 17 16:06
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Re: Gravel Bike Porn [Francois] [ In reply to ]
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I just got the diamondback haanjo carbon trail. I think it is an amazing value...2x11, hydraulic brakes. clearance a plenty. It is now shod in 650b 2.1 inch tubeless with plenty of clearance. Fender mounts. I added a shock stop stem which has made this rig a blast on rocky single track. I got it for 2k which you just can't beat.
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Re: Gravel Bike Porn [gasman] [ In reply to ]
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Heard my ears burning. X2 on the Diamondback Haanjo Trail Carbon. Awesome deal. Rode it all summer on gravel and tarmac on the 40mm G-One tubeless, now set up with fenders and 32mm for wet weather road riding. Has all of the rack/fender/bottle mounts you want, gobs of tire clearance, hydro brakes, etc. Wish the handling was a hair (and a small hair) sharper but it is a fun bike in any environment. My two word review is "Surprisingly capable". I swapped out the stock bars/post/stem/saddle/thru axles (they kept coming loose), everything else is as it came from the factory.


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Re: Gravel Bike Porn [JesseN] [ In reply to ]
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@JesseN. What you said in terms of surprisingly capable x1000. This bike is DB's sleeper hit. The steering is very cadillac...but not incapable of handing tight single track...It's a bit tough finding a bike that can handle this wide of tires in this category...I could fit a 2.2 (650b) no problem in this frame. This is a bike that you could set up monstercross as I have or flip back to skinny's and do light touring. I saw one review as summarizsing that this is the everyday man's OPEN U.P. I think that hits it on the head. BTW where is the pic? Lake Tahoe? Beautiful....
Last edited by: gasman: Oct 29, 17 6:24
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Re: Gravel Bike Porn [gasman] [ In reply to ]
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Small forest peak near where I live. Not Tahoe. Eventually I'll set up with lower gearing and a different crank if I can have one. Lot of bike for the money.
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Re: Gravel Bike Porn [Bonesbrigade] [ In reply to ]
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Rob knows how to build them. Here's my gravel adventure. 65mm trail with 45mm tires, 60mm trail with 32mm tires. Handles like a stable mountain bike with 45s and my road bike with 32s. An amazing combination.

Steel, round tubes, bosses everywhere for full fenders, front rack, and strapless frame and top tube pack.

Pics by englishcycles.com




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Re: Gravel Bike Porn [gardenvelo] [ In reply to ]
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That's a nice-looking bike!

What kind of bars are those? They look like they have a shallow drop and a nice rounded curve - both of which I like on this sort of bike.
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Re: Gravel Bike Porn [gardenvelo] [ In reply to ]
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Nicely done!

What fork did you use?

_______________________________________________
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Re: Gravel Bike Porn [Francois] [ In reply to ]
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If anyone out there is looking to get into gravel riding I have an extra set of 27.5"disc wheels with tires to start your build. I was going to get into the gravel game but ended up building a new Speed Concept instead.

If anyone is interested PM me.

Owner of a few Speed Concepts since 2011.
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Re: Gravel Bike Porn [gardenvelo] [ In reply to ]
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Di2 with mechanical disc brakes?
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Re: Gravel Bike Porn [eb] [ In reply to ]
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That's exactly right. Aluminium 44mm with compact drop bars from FSA.
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Re: Gravel Bike Porn [jimatbeyond] [ In reply to ]
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re: mechanical brakes with Dura Ace Di2:

I like the adjustment capacity of mechanical brakes and grip on the brifter.
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Re: Gravel Bike Porn [Bonesbrigade] [ In reply to ]
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REN GX1 fork from Ti cycles fabrication (12mm TA).
Last edited by: gardenvelo: Oct 30, 17 9:53
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Re: Gravel Bike Porn [gardenvelo] [ In reply to ]
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I haven't seen one of those before - looks good. I used the 3T Luteus 15mmTA - I'm pretty happy with it.

_______________________________________________
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Re: Gravel Bike Porn [gardenvelo] [ In reply to ]
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That is one beautiful machine!
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Re: Gravel Bike Porn [trisuppo] [ In reply to ]
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That is a beautiful bike.
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Re: Gravel Bike Porn [AdamML] [ In reply to ]
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Re: Gravel Bike Porn [chrisgrigsby] [ In reply to ]
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Great bike.

But, wow, where is that lake photo taken? Looks like an awesome spot.

Advanced Aero TopTube Storage for Road, Gravel, & Tri...ZeroSlip & Direct-mount, made in the USA.
DarkSpeedWorks.com.....Reviews.....Insta.....Facebook

--
Last edited by: DarkSpeedWorks: Nov 1, 17 10:37
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Re: Gravel Bike Porn [DarkSpeedWorks] [ In reply to ]
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Maroon Bells right outside of Aspen. Probably one of the most beautiful rides I’ve done including those in Europe. The road is closed to traffic save for shuttle buses too. Absolutely great area for riding, to include Independence Pass that takes you up to the continental divide. Some great gravel road off-shoots on the Pass too.

Best,
Chris
Last edited by: chrisgrigsby: Nov 1, 17 11:04
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Re: Gravel Bike Porn [chrisgrigsby] [ In reply to ]
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to you all, 2 things:

1. i have totally dug this thread, and as a number of you know i basically hijacked this thread and just published a front page story featuring a lot of your pics.

2. here are my babies. the litespeed i just put some schwalbe 28mm g-ones on there and it takes them (in 700c) fine, with room to spare, which i'm glad about. (brad devaney: thank you!) the slate has 42mm slicks on there now, and i got some 44mm with a slightly grippier tread (maybe) but i can't get the darned stock panaracers off there. i will eventually, but i haven't gotten them off there yet. i'd like to eventually put a 53mm tire on the slate but i don't know yet if it'll fit (in the back).

the litespeed is more of a road bike. the slate is more of a mountain bike (on the gradient of road to mtb). hence my desired tire choices. anybody have any 411 on the largest tire they've put on their slate, love to hear it.




Dan Empfield
aka Slowman
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Re: Gravel Bike Porn [Slowman] [ In reply to ]
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Great Post and great front page story.

Here are the 3 faces of my OPEN U.P.


53mm tires on 650b, 32t x 10-42t



45mm on 700c, 40t x 10-42t


28mm on 700c, 42t x 10-42t

Speaking of variety:


Dan
Last edited by: Dan. S.: Nov 2, 17 1:52
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Re: Gravel Bike Porn [Dan. S.] [ In reply to ]
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how did all those bikes end up on the same wall at the same time?

Dan Empfield
aka Slowman
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Re: Gravel Bike Porn [ShawnF] [ In reply to ]
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Finally got a picture of my new BMC CXA01. Rival 1x11, 40x11-32...pretty flat up here in North Texas. Added some Panaracer Gravel King 28c tires which have a file tread. They work pretty well on the chip seal and dirt roads around here.


Shawn
TORRE Consulting Services, LLC
http://www.TORREcs.com

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Re: Gravel Bike Porn [Slowman] [ In reply to ]
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I managed to get a WTB horizon 47mm on mine but it rubs (rear, obvs) when out of the saddle. The chainstays are too narrow for 47mm. I ended up putting the 42mm Schwalbe G-ones on. Much better.
Last edited by: alexZA: Nov 1, 17 20:54
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Re: Gravel Bike Porn [Slowman] [ In reply to ]
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Slowman wrote:
how did all those bikes end up on the same wall at the same time?


In February, Open invited all U.P. owner to a gravel event in Basel, Switzerland. It was a great event and chance to meet Andy and Gerard.

Here is a video:
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=j0jPYmU2KW4
Last edited by: Dan. S.: Nov 2, 17 1:53
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Re: Gravel Bike Porn [Francois] [ In reply to ]
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I haven't posted in a while, but I've been enjoying the gravel stuff the last few years and have done a few races too. After using a cross bike, I got myself a proper gravel bike a few months ago. Ti is great and custom details are even better. Set my Seven up with only some zip tie guides for 1x, so when I go eTap next season it won't have any stops visible.







Kyle
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Re: Gravel Bike Porn [Slowman] [ In reply to ]
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Dan, an interesting poll might seek knowledge of how people are using these gravel bikes. Are they your primary ride? Training only? More interestingly, given a choice on any particular day, are you reaching for your roadie, gravel bike, tri bike, etc when it's time to head out for a ride?

For me, big tires = fun all the time and I find myself reaching for the gravel bike even if it's a nice sunny day.
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Re: Gravel Bike Porn [Slowman] [ In reply to ]
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Slowman wrote:
to you all, 2 things:

1. i have totally dug this thread, and as a number of you know i basically hijacked this thread and just published a front page story featuring a lot of your pics.

2. here are my babies. the litespeed i just put some schwalbe 28mm g-ones on there and it takes them (in 700c) fine, with room to spare, which i'm glad about. (brad devaney: thank you!) the slate has 42mm slicks on there now, and i got some 44mm with a slightly grippier tread (maybe) but i can't get the darned stock panaracers off there. i will eventually, but i haven't gotten them off there yet. i'd like to eventually put a 53mm tire on the slate but i don't know yet if it'll fit (in the back).

the litespeed is more of a road bike. the slate is more of a mountain bike (on the gradient of road to mtb). hence my desired tire choices. anybody have any 411 on the largest tire they've put on their slate, love to hear it.

Those tires look larger than 28mm...I'm thinking that's a typo, right? ;-)

http://bikeblather.blogspot.com/
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Re: Gravel Bike Porn [JesseN] [ In reply to ]
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JesseN wrote:
Dan, an interesting poll might seek knowledge of how people are using these gravel bikes. Are they your primary ride? Training only? More interestingly, given a choice on any particular day, are you reaching for your roadie, gravel bike, tri bike, etc when it's time to head out for a ride?

For me, big tires = fun all the time and I find myself reaching for the gravel bike even if it's a nice sunny day.

For me...mine is my daily commuter (only ~6 miles round trip), plus occasional weekend use. But, only if the plan is for a route that will be taking in some dirt (plenty of options here). If I know it's going to be all pavement, or vast majority pavement with a small amount of easy dirt, then I'll grab the Stinner road bike since it fits tires that measure as large as 27-28mm (mounted width).

I don't think of using it (the Fuji) as so much "training", but as "having fun". I barely touch my MTB anymore since I can take the Fuji on pretty much most trails/dirt roads I want to ride...with the benefit of being able to easily ride to-from the trails/dirt roads :-)

http://bikeblather.blogspot.com/
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Re: Gravel Bike Porn [Slowman] [ In reply to ]
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...and speaking of tires. Here's a sneak peek at my first forays into trying to get an objective measure of how well different "gravel" tire options roll, at least on pavement:



Notes:
- Since the measured width of these tire options can vary greatly, I've decided to test them at the "Berto 15% drop" pressure for the load on a flat surface.
- Because most of my "gravel" rides involve decent amounts of pavement riding, I'm loathe to sacrifice much on-pavement rolling resistance...especially considering how well large width tires run at low pressure perform off-road anyway. In general, "knobs", or texture appear to greatly slow down a tire. That said, there are some tires with texture that do quite well, but it helps that they start with a good casing (see the Challenge Gravel Grinder Pro).
- Latex vs. Butyl tube loss differences appear to be the same as with dedicated road tires. Latex vs. tubeless appears to be a "wash" (i.e. no measurable power loss over tubeless using latex tubes)
- I don't expect this list to grow too quickly...these tires can be expensive!

http://bikeblather.blogspot.com/
Last edited by: Tom A.: Nov 2, 17 11:45
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Re: Gravel Bike Porn [Tom A.] [ In reply to ]
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Great stuff. I was hoping you or bicyclerollingresistance would start looking at some of these kind of tires. Do you have a 650b wheelset?
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Re: Gravel Bike Porn [Francois] [ In reply to ]
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Toggling between Big-S Sequoia and Rodeo Labs Flaanimal.

Build kit on hand
46/30 w/11-40 rear - ultegra long cage with wolfstooth extender
Both good to 50mm clearance
Hy:Rd flat mount brakes (cuz hydro shift levers are $$$$pendy)
Have 700 Grail rims with 38 G-Ones ready to go for multi purpose and 28 Pro-Ones for road fun.
Looking at a Crest 650 for more exclusively dirt options.
Bikepacking, both trail and road, another use for this future rig.

Stolen pics:






36 kona qualifiers 2006-'23 - 3 Kona Podiums - 4 OA IM AG wins - 5 IM AG wins - 18 70.3 AG wins
I ka nana no a 'ike -- by observing, one learns | Kulia i ka nu'u -- strive for excellence
Garmin Glycogen Use App | Garmin Fat Use App
Last edited by: MarkyV: Nov 2, 17 12:34
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Re: Gravel Bike Porn [Tom A.] [ In reply to ]
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Tom A. wrote:
Slowman wrote:
to you all, 2 things:

1. i have totally dug this thread, and as a number of you know i basically hijacked this thread and just published a front page story featuring a lot of your pics.

2. here are my babies. the litespeed i just put some schwalbe 28mm g-ones on there and it takes them (in 700c) fine, with room to spare, which i'm glad about. (brad devaney: thank you!) the slate has 42mm slicks on there now, and i got some 44mm with a slightly grippier tread (maybe) but i can't get the darned stock panaracers off there. i will eventually, but i haven't gotten them off there yet. i'd like to eventually put a 53mm tire on the slate but i don't know yet if it'll fit (in the back).

the litespeed is more of a road bike. the slate is more of a mountain bike (on the gradient of road to mtb). hence my desired tire choices. anybody have any 411 on the largest tire they've put on their slate, love to hear it.


Those tires look larger than 28mm...I'm thinking that's a typo, right? ;-)

typo. good catch. they're 38s.

Dan Empfield
aka Slowman
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Re: Gravel Bike Porn [JesseN] [ In reply to ]
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I like that idea.

The decision gap for me on which rig to take (in the future - waffling between two frames right now) is snappiness. Road bikes are fun and snappy and all the gravel/bikepacking rigs i've test driven are just a bit more sluggish (but for good reason). Different days, different feelings about how much zip i want in my handling.

36 kona qualifiers 2006-'23 - 3 Kona Podiums - 4 OA IM AG wins - 5 IM AG wins - 18 70.3 AG wins
I ka nana no a 'ike -- by observing, one learns | Kulia i ka nu'u -- strive for excellence
Garmin Glycogen Use App | Garmin Fat Use App
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Re: Gravel Bike Porn [cobra_kai] [ In reply to ]
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cobra_kai wrote:
Great stuff. I was hoping you or bicyclerollingresistance would start looking at some of these kind of tires. Do you have a 650b wheelset?

Thanks. Not yet. When I got the Fuji, I was hoping I could run my 26" MTB wheels in it with regular MTB tires for more "MTB-like" riding. After all, a 650B rim and a 26" rim only vary by 12mm on the radius...but alas, although the fork is fine for that, unfortunately Fuji didn't quite make the tire clearance "crimp" in the chainstays long enough to allow for that. The widest clearance is lined up more for a 650B wheel and tire.

So, maybe I'll get a 650B wheel for that purpose...dunno. I have a disc PT wheel that's laced into a 26" wheel that I was thinking about possibly swapping a 650B rim onto...then again, I haven't found much need for going that big/gnarly on the rubber yet for the Fuji. In fact, my overall favorite in that list right now is the 36C Challenge Gravel Grinder Pro. It's not super-wide, but it has a decent amount of center tread "file" pattern, with some small side knobs. Rolls nice (significantly better than the more smoother treaded Compass Bon Jon Pass), feels smooth on pavement, and actually corners quite confidently, even when leaned over on pavement. The only "downside" is it's not tubeless capable...but, IME latex tubes get you basically the same off-road performance (in regards to fending off snake-bite flats).

http://bikeblather.blogspot.com/
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Re: Gravel Bike Porn [Tom A.] [ In reply to ]
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Holy Cow those G-Ones are absolute dogs. I never would have guessed that.
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Re: Gravel Bike Porn [MarkyV] [ In reply to ]
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Oh man, nice Flaanimal. That's a rad bike. I was looking at the Trail donkey pretty closely but couldn't swing the cost. Love their mindset in developing bikes
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Re: Gravel Bike Porn [JesseN] [ In reply to ]
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^agreed. the trail donkey is my dream bike right now for sure. here's my rig. custom painted surly straggler. sram rival 1x, cambium saddle, compass 700x38 barlow pass tires, chris king headset.




*well that was a big time fail. can't figure out how to flip this
Last edited by: lilteichmonster: Nov 2, 17 13:22
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Re: Gravel Bike Porn [GreenPlease] [ In reply to ]
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GreenPlease wrote:
Holy Cow those G-Ones are absolute dogs. I never would have guessed that.


Yeah, I was disappointed by that as well...along with the Compass Bon Jon Pass model (which seem to take a bigger hit for size than they should) and the Stielacooms.

Now...to be fair, those values are for how they roll on HARD pavement, and the tires with more pronounced rubber "knobs" take quite a hit (but is no excuse for the Bon Jon). Of course, the casing flex for a given load will be ~the same (with same losses) on soft or hard surfaces, but the "knob flex" losses will most likely be lessened in the dirt. Do the differences close up...or widen...in that case? Dunno...

In other words, it would be nice to know how the tires perform relative to each other on the "intended surface"...and I'm working on that ;-)

http://bikeblather.blogspot.com/
Last edited by: Tom A.: Nov 2, 17 13:22
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Re: Gravel Bike Porn [Tom A.] [ In reply to ]
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This is amazing. We're very interested in more!

I'm also curious about that G One appearing somewhat slow since Schwalbe is typically a fast roller. If the "Big One" was so fast and Schwalbe says the G One is the same thing...hmm.

Those seem like really high pressures too. I'm absolutely familiar with the 15% thing, but nobody is running those pressures in the real world. I remember you mentioning actual operating pressures a bit lower too. After hundreds of gravel miles, I settled on 27-28 front and 30-31 psi rear for my Schwalbe G Ones that measure about 41mm. I'm sure you'll discuss it further when the rest of the info is ready for consumption. Thanks again for doing this.
Last edited by: dangle: Nov 2, 17 13:27
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Re: Gravel Bike Porn [Tom A.] [ In reply to ]
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Tom,

Great data, this starts to shed some light on what has been a murky but very important subject. Of the tires you tested my experience is limited to the GP4000S and the G-One 40's (close enough) and my perception of the extra load on the G-Ones seems to jive with what you measured.

I'm not sure I concur with the G-Ones being 'dogs' - they aren't a road tire after all. There is a price to pay for versatility in these tires and I think the G-One balances that better than other tires I've tried (Clement MSO, Kenda Happy Medium). I haven't done any offroad riding from the 'big smooth tire' approach so I can't vouch for how much knobbed traction matters, if at all (probably very surface dependent?).

One other interesting question would be the RR vs. pressure relationship for some of these tires. I know it's been well established in the smaller sizes for lower RR with lower pressure. FWIW I would never take my G-One 40's above 40 psi even on tarmac (lower offroad). I would presume that relationship holds here as well.
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Re: Gravel Bike Porn [Tom A.] [ In reply to ]
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Tom A. wrote:
GreenPlease wrote:
Holy Cow those G-Ones are absolute dogs. I never would have guessed that.


Yeah, I was disappointed by that as well...along with the Compass Bon Jon Pass model (which seem to take a bigger hit for size than they should) and the Stielacooms.

Now...to be fair, those values are for how they roll on HARD pavement, and the tires with more pronounced rubber "knobs" take quite a hit (but is no excuse for the Bon Jon). Of course, the casing flex for a given load will be ~the same (with same losses) on soft or hard surfaces, but the "knob flex" losses will most likely be lessened in the dirt. Do the differences close up...or widen...in that case? Dunno...

In other words, it would be nice to know how the tires perform relative to each other on the "intended surface"...and I'm working on that ;-)

I'm look forward to seeing how you go about this. In my brief foray thus far off road, I've learned that unusual surfaces add a bunch of additional variables to the tire selection calculus.
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Re: Gravel Bike Porn [Tom A.] [ In reply to ]
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I’m really surprised how poor the Bon Jons tested. Was it the EL version? I’d think they would test very close to Compass’ 44mm tire - is the difference because the 44 is the EL and the Bon Jon is the standard casing?

_______________________________________________
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Re: Gravel Bike Porn [JesseN] [ In reply to ]
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Since getting my gravel bike I have ridden it for most of my miles. A good amount of my riding is mixed terrain, so it's a good fit. Also, I enjoy seeing just how big a tire and low pressure I can run while being able to stay with the group ride. This makes a group ride a pretty solid sweet spot effort. I only ride my road bike for races and fast group rides where I want to contest sprints.
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Re: Gravel Bike Porn [MarkyV] [ In reply to ]
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I have a 3T Exploro, but am picking up my Rodeo Flaanimal frame tomorrow. Local company with great customer service and a unique brand. I would say go for it! Their 4.0 version is coming out soon. I will post the build here when I am done. Using it more as a disc brake endurance road bike than gravel, but it will fit my 650b wheels with WTB horizon tires.
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Re: Gravel Bike Porn [JesseN] [ In reply to ]
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Pic is from google off of rollins pass.

I ski off the east side of the pass in the spring, i can't fathom riding a bike up it! I wonder if the approach from winter park is smoother?

I want my gravel bike to have a bit of a working class feel to it. Carbon doesn't give me that so no TD for me.

36 kona qualifiers 2006-'23 - 3 Kona Podiums - 4 OA IM AG wins - 5 IM AG wins - 18 70.3 AG wins
I ka nana no a 'ike -- by observing, one learns | Kulia i ka nu'u -- strive for excellence
Garmin Glycogen Use App | Garmin Fat Use App
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Re: Gravel Bike Porn [Francois] [ In reply to ]
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Thanks for starting this. It's a sweet ass thread!

Getting by with my 2001 LeMond Poprad for now.

Formerly DrD
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Re: Gravel Bike Porn [Orbilius] [ In reply to ]
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Nice! I take it that you are getting a 3.0?

I met up with Steve a few weeks ago and took his personal 3.0 out for a spin. 4.0 ETA still a little TBD from our chat but Dec-Jan is likely.

I've been playing around in the foothills above boulder on my S1 with 25s. Bout time I got a rig more suited for the terrain!

Please post when you've got it up and running!

36 kona qualifiers 2006-'23 - 3 Kona Podiums - 4 OA IM AG wins - 5 IM AG wins - 18 70.3 AG wins
I ka nana no a 'ike -- by observing, one learns | Kulia i ka nu'u -- strive for excellence
Garmin Glycogen Use App | Garmin Fat Use App
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Re: Gravel Bike Porn [MarkyV] [ In reply to ]
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Yea - getting a 3.0. building it up with 46x10/42 on both 700c and 650b wheels.


Are you in the Denver area? If so, and if a 56cm fits you you are welcome to come out with me and swap between the Flaanimal and 3T to get a feel for them.

You are a brave man riding those roads on 25s! Are you riding the Gold Hill/Lickskillet stuff?
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Re: Gravel Bike Porn [Orbilius] [ In reply to ]
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Cool seeing so many people into the Flaanimal. I've got my 3.0 frame that I'm slowly building up, those discounted frames were too tempting for me to pass up! I should hopefully have mine fully built by the end of the year.
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Re: Gravel Bike Porn [Tom A.] [ In reply to ]
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This makes me so sad about my Bon Jon Pass tires. I guess I see some Challenge tires in my future!

/kj

http://kjmcawesome.tumblr.com/
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Re: Gravel Bike Porn [kjmcawesome] [ In reply to ]
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kjmcawesome wrote:
This makes me so sad about my Bon Jon Pass tires. I guess I see some Challenge tires in my future!

I'm kind of sad too - I'd like to know if Tom tested the EL or standard casing. I just can't understand how they can be so much slower compared to Compass' 700x44s (which are EL)

_______________________________________________
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Re: Gravel Bike Porn [dangle] [ In reply to ]
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dangle wrote:
Those seem like really high pressures too. I'm absolutely familiar with the 15% thing, but nobody is running those pressures in the real world. I remember you mentioning actual operating pressures a bit lower too. After hundreds of gravel miles, I settled on 27-28 front and 30-31 psi rear for my Schwalbe G Ones that measure about 41mm. I'm sure you'll discuss it further when the rest of the info is ready for consumption. Thanks again for doing this.

On the pressures, here's a couple of comments:

- Although the pressures may appear "high" for mixed surface applications, they aren't much different from what I would select if I knew I was going to be riding on pavement only. It's also important to not fixate on the absolute differences shown there, but more on the % differences. Even at lower pressures, I'd expect the percent differences to be similar.

- The idea of using the "Berto 15% drop" pressure was to use a test pressure that varies with the mounted tire width...much as how the tires are used in actual use. I don't have the time, nor inclination, to test each tire at various pressures, so using the "15% drop" pressure is as good of a compromise as any to reflect that variation. The main idea is to not give larger tires an "unfair advantage" due to using a fixed pressure.

- It's important to remember that the smooth rollers are of relatively small diameter, which results in a more "curved" contact patch deflection than for the same wheel load on flat ground. Erring towards the side of higher pressures in the testing will help prevent undue influence of "side knobs" coming into play in the drag measurements. In other words, I don't want side knobs affecting things when they may not be getting deflected out on the road.

http://bikeblather.blogspot.com/
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Re: Gravel Bike Porn [JesseN] [ In reply to ]
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JesseN wrote:
Tom,

Great data, this starts to shed some light on what has been a murky but very important subject. Of the tires you tested my experience is limited to the GP4000S and the G-One 40's (close enough) and my perception of the extra load on the G-Ones seems to jive with what you measured.

I'm not sure I concur with the G-Ones being 'dogs' - they aren't a road tire after all. There is a price to pay for versatility in these tires and I think the G-One balances that better than other tires I've tried (Clement MSO, Kenda Happy Medium). I haven't done any offroad riding from the 'big smooth tire' approach so I can't vouch for how much knobbed traction matters, if at all (probably very surface dependent?).

One other interesting question would be the RR vs. pressure relationship for some of these tires. I know it's been well established in the smaller sizes for lower RR with lower pressure. FWIW I would never take my G-One 40's above 40 psi even on tarmac (lower offroad). I would presume that relationship holds here as well.


Coming from a long-time MTB background (bought my first MTB in 1986) I was quite skeptical of how well a "smooth" tire would perform off-road. But then experiences such as originally participating in the BWR on smooth, narrow road tires and then riding an Exploro 2 years ago using the WTB smooth tires on the Dirt Demo single-track trails demonstrated to me that they actually do quite well!

Those experiences had me setting up my original "Frankenbike" all-road rig with 50+mm wide Compass Rat Trap Pass tires.

The key seems to be using a flexible enough tire at a low enough pressure to allow the casing to conform over most off-road obstacles. About the only places I've found them to "fall down", is on relatively steep bumps that have loose gravel on them and in mud. Everywhere else, they do surprisingly well.

http://bikeblather.blogspot.com/
Last edited by: Tom A.: Nov 3, 17 16:59
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Re: Gravel Bike Porn [Bonesbrigade] [ In reply to ]
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Bonesbrigade wrote:
I’m really surprised how poor the Bon Jons tested. Was it the EL version? I’d think they would test very close to Compass’ 44mm tire - is the difference because the 44 is the EL and the Bon Jon is the standard casing?

It might not be clear, but I tested BOTH the regular and EL versions of the Snoqualmie Pass tire. They "bracket" the Strada Bianca Pro in the list. It appears that for that model, the EL version is worth only ~1-1.5W per tire between 20-30 kph. That has me thinking the regular version might be the better call. Early on in running the EL versions I suffered a sidewall cut that probably would've been fended off by the regular model since there's more rubber in the sidewall. The EL seems to have a really light rubber content in the casing...such that when run tubeless there can be quite a bit of "bleed-through" of the sealant.

The Bon Jon was standard casing, and I would expect the difference for the EL version to match the Snoqualmie Pass.

http://bikeblather.blogspot.com/
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Re: Gravel Bike Porn [Tom A.] [ In reply to ]
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Tom A. wrote:
Bonesbrigade wrote:
I’m really surprised how poor the Bon Jons tested. Was it the EL version? I’d think they would test very close to Compass’ 44mm tire - is the difference because the 44 is the EL and the Bon Jon is the standard casing?


It might not be clear, but I tested BOTH the regular and EL versions of the Snoqualmie Pass tire. They "bracket" the Strada Bianca Pro in the list. It appears that for that model, the EL version is worth only ~1-1.5W per tire between 20-30 kph. That has me thinking the regular version might be the better call. Early on in running the EL versions I suffered a sidewall cut that probably would've been fended off by the regular model since there's more rubber in the sidewall. The EL seems to have a really light rubber content in the casing...such that when run tubeless there can be quite a bit of "bleed-through" of the sealant.

The Bon Jon was standard casing, and I would expect the difference for the EL version to match the Snoqualmie Pass.

Thanks Tom. I’ve had the same experience with the Compass tires in terms of sidewall weeping in the EL version when setup tubeless. In fact I’ve given up completely using any of their tire tubeless (I have a lot!). I now use latex tubes on all of them - even the 650b 48s (26 inch Michelin mtn ones).

More questions: were you testing the Bon Jons and Snoqualmie tubeless?
Any idea why the Bon Jons are so much slower compared the same casing for the Snoqualmie? There isn’t much rubber on those the Bon Jons and they *feel* supple. Seems strange they would be slower.

_______________________________________________
Last edited by: Bonesbrigade: Nov 3, 17 15:58
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Re: Gravel Bike Porn [Bonesbrigade] [ In reply to ]
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How are any of these tests considering suspension related energy/power losses. Rolling resistance really only a part of the system and frankly an order of magnitude less significant than energy lost through getting rattled around - hence the need for supple tires run at the lowest possible pressures.
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Re: Gravel Bike Porn [Bonesbrigade] [ In reply to ]
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Where do you get latex tubes that fit mountain-sized tires? i'd like something that will work for Schwalbe Big One 29er...
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Re: Gravel Bike Porn [Crash Dog] [ In reply to ]
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Crash Dog wrote:
Where do you get latex tubes that fit mountain-sized tires? i'd like something that will work for Schwalbe Big One 29er...

They sell them on the UK sites like chainreaction/wiggle. I’ve only ever seen them in the 26 inch size and it wouldn’t be a good idea to stretch them into a 29er.

_______________________________________________
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Re: Gravel Bike Porn [Francois] [ In reply to ]
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Moots Baxter. Currently running 29" 2.25 tires front and rear. Could always go smaller, but this is a comfortable setup for the rocky jeep roads and trails in the Front Range foothills. Went with a 10spd triple setup to get the gearing range I wanted for the steeps...XT drivetrain with 42-32-22 up front, 11-32 out back mated with Ultegra shifters. No regrets. Possibly my favorite bike of all time.


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Re: Gravel Bike Porn [ironacct] [ In reply to ]
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ironacct wrote:
Moots Baxter. Currently running 29" 2.25 tires front and rear. Could always go smaller, but this is a comfortable setup for the rocky jeep roads and trails in the Front Range foothills. Went with a 10spd triple setup to get the gearing range I wanted for the steeps...XT drivetrain with 42-32-22 up front, 11-32 out back mated with Ultegra shifters. No regrets. Possibly my favorite bike of all time.

And there it is. These bikes are not the lightest, stiffest, fastest, or most aero in the stable but they are the most fun. And that is what it's all about :-)
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Re: Gravel Bike Porn [ironacct] [ In reply to ]
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What bars are those?

Habitual line stepper.
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Re: Gravel Bike Porn [zeusrun] [ In reply to ]
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Salsa Cowbell
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Re: Gravel Bike Porn [Bonesbrigade] [ In reply to ]
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Bonesbrigade wrote:
More questions: were you testing the Bon Jons and Snoqualmie tubeless?

Latex tubes, unless noted as a butyl...which brings up a good point: I found that the Challenge tires are a real PITA to set up with a latex tube fresh out of the box. It works much better to set the tire up with a butyl tube first, and then after a day or 2, swapping in the latex. The tires apparently need to get some "shape" stretched into them to make it easier for the latex install.

Setting tires up tubeless for this testing would also be a PITA (and wasteful of sealant). Early on in trying the new protocol, I compared a Snoqalmie Pass set up tubeless on a Zipp Course 30 rim to one with latex on the AC101 wheel I've used for testing. The raw results were within a few watts, so basically no difference. I didn't include that result because I was still working through getting a good rear wheel load reading and so the test pressure wasn't correct for the actual load...in other words it wasn't "apples to apples" for the rest of the testing. However, it put my mind to ease about just testing with latex.

Quote:
Any idea why the Bon Jons are so much slower compared the same casing for the Snoqualmie? There isn’t much rubber on those the Bon Jons and they *feel* supple. Seems strange they would be slower.

No idea. I was surprised as well. I wonder if it may be some process variations, or possibly batch by batch changes they've made in the tires? IIRC, they've made "unannounced" changes before (beads?) on some of the tires in the past...

http://bikeblather.blogspot.com/
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Re: Gravel Bike Porn [Testament TN] [ In reply to ]
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Testament TN wrote:
How are any of these tests considering suspension related energy/power losses. Rolling resistance really only a part of the system and frankly an order of magnitude less significant than energy lost through getting rattled around - hence the need for supple tires run at the lowest possible pressures.


Are you referring to "suspension losses" in the sense that Jan Heine has co-opted the term? That is, talking about losses from energy that gets THROUGH the tires (usually due to running too high of pressure for the conditions) and is dissipated in the rider? I find that terming it that way can be confusing since on a rigid bicycle, the tire IS (or should be) the suspension.

Think of it this way, in order to prevent those losses, it's incumbent on the rider to choose the correct pressure in order to avoid the "breakpoint" pressure (where resistance to forward motion dramatically increases - because the tires are no longer acting effectively as suspension)...and if they can't lower the pressure enough without bottoming, then they should choose a larger tire. All of that has little to do with the inherent losses in the casings of the tires themselves.

However, if the pressures AND tire sizes ARE selected adequately, then the tire is doing its job as suspension, and the REAL suspension losses are from the additional dynamic casing flexion on top of the fixed amplitude deflection caused by the wheel loading....and the losses from both types of flexing are driven by the internal hysteretic losses of the tire/tube construction...of which, a smooth roller test is a great method of determining. This also explains why adding "texture" to a roller isn't necessary. So, if you aren't over-inflating your tires and/or using too small of tires for the conditions, then the rolling resistance contribution of the tire is absolutely driven by how "lossy" the tire construction is.

So, that's a long answer to your question...so in short, the roller testing captures the real suspension losses of the tires by measuring the tire hysteresis losses. It does not capture any additional losses in the system caused by running pressures above the breakpoint pressure of the system (what Jan confusingly calls "suspension losses")...but you shouldn't be doing that anyway.

I know Jan has a bit of a "blind spot" on this, and can't quite wrap his head around the utility of roller testing...which is why I thought it would be good to more thoroughly explain.

http://bikeblather.blogspot.com/
Last edited by: Tom A.: Nov 5, 17 15:13
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Re: Gravel Bike Porn [Tom A.] [ In reply to ]
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Ok. I assumed you were using latex unless otherwise noted - just thought I’d double check though.

I’m still curious about the Bon Jons. It could be a batch issue. I seem to recall you testing some conti tires that were unexpectedly poor performing and you later found out conti had changed their compound.

I have one set of wheels setup with g-ones tubeless and another setup with Bon Jons with latex tubes. I was surprised to see your results having them essentially tied. The Bon Jons feel much faster, but who knows! We know how poor our feelings are.

Regardless, thanks for the data. I certainly don’t expect you to get to the bottom of this - I’m interested because I use a lot of compass tires and considered these to be my “A” tires for low rolling on pavement and gravel.

_______________________________________________
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Re: Gravel Bike Porn [jmh] [ In reply to ]
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jmh wrote:
Dude, come on. You ride (or at least ridden) with Gravel Cyclist of gravelcyclist.com, he's got this gravel bike thing figured out better than 99% of the folks riding gravel and several porn worthy rides.

Open is super nice... I like double chain rings though so I would not consider the 3T, you might. But there is something to be said for Ti for this kind of bike. Why Cycle R+ would be on my short list.

You can run a front derailleur on the 3T EXPLORO, we have several assembled with Ultegra Di2 and even a Rotor equipped model.

-SD

https://www.kickstarter.com/...bike-for-the-new-era
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Re: Gravel Bike Porn [cobra_kai] [ In reply to ]
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I wish I'd discovered them sooner. I would have been all over that discount sell off like butter on toast.

36 kona qualifiers 2006-'23 - 3 Kona Podiums - 4 OA IM AG wins - 5 IM AG wins - 18 70.3 AG wins
I ka nana no a 'ike -- by observing, one learns | Kulia i ka nu'u -- strive for excellence
Garmin Glycogen Use App | Garmin Fat Use App
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Re: Gravel Bike Porn [Orbilius] [ In reply to ]
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I still can't bring myself to go 1x. There's the backpacking use I hope to get out of it but I've also got this obsession with riding up lickskillet in my 32/40 and not letting the HR get over 120 bpm's :)

I'm in South Boulder. I'm normally a 58 and the 58 3.0 that I test drove seemed to be spot on for what I'm looking for. Really appreciate the generous offer tho! Thank you.

Quote:
You are a brave man riding those roads on 25s! Are you riding the Gold Hill/Lickskillet stuff?
Ha! Thanks. My personal fav is a slow cruise up 4 mile canyon all the way to sunset and then heading north to gold hill or south to sugar loaf. Depends on the time of year. Sunset to gold hill is often too sandy by May (spring snow/moisture dependent) and Sunset to Sugarloaf often too snowy late April, but largely perfect May to November. I've got a map from the forest service office that is fun to plot ideas out on.

If you ever want to go for a spin up this way give me a buzz, i do ride pretty slow tho :)

36 kona qualifiers 2006-'23 - 3 Kona Podiums - 4 OA IM AG wins - 5 IM AG wins - 18 70.3 AG wins
I ka nana no a 'ike -- by observing, one learns | Kulia i ka nu'u -- strive for excellence
Garmin Glycogen Use App | Garmin Fat Use App
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Re: Gravel Bike Porn [ironacct] [ In reply to ]
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that looks like LOADS of fun

36 kona qualifiers 2006-'23 - 3 Kona Podiums - 4 OA IM AG wins - 5 IM AG wins - 18 70.3 AG wins
I ka nana no a 'ike -- by observing, one learns | Kulia i ka nu'u -- strive for excellence
Garmin Glycogen Use App | Garmin Fat Use App
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Re: Gravel Bike Porn [MarkyV] [ In reply to ]
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It's a hoot. The fatter tires smooth out the rough stuff and keep the pucker factor lower when shooting down steep stuff.
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Re: Gravel Bike Porn [Francois] [ In reply to ]
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Brand new Litespeed Gravel bike with Sram eTap and 1X out of
Bicycle Sport in Vero Beach, Florida. Sweet bike.
Last edited by: BIKEMIKE1: Nov 6, 17 15:37
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Re: Gravel Bike Porn [ironacct] [ In reply to ]
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ironacct wrote:
Moots Baxter. Currently running 29" 2.25 tires front and rear. Could always go smaller, but this is a comfortable setup for the rocky jeep roads and trails in the Front Range foothills. Went with a 10spd triple setup to get the gearing range I wanted for the steeps...XT drivetrain with 42-32-22 up front, 11-32 out back mated with Ultegra shifters. No regrets. Possibly my favorite bike of all time.


I took a tour of the Moots factory last fall on a trip to Steamboat Springs. Been lusting them ever since! Absolutely awesome bike!

Formerly DrD
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Re: Gravel Bike Porn [Broken Leg Guy] [ In reply to ]
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Thanks, mate!
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Re: Gravel Bike Porn [Francois] [ In reply to ]
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My Litespeed T5 Gravel in a painted version.
The tire clearance is good for tires up to 700c x 45 mm. I installed a MAXXIS Rambler 40 mm and there is plenty space for more.


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Re: Gravel Bike Porn [MarkyV] [ In reply to ]
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Just finished my Rodeo Labs Flaanimal. Using it for endurance road training, pulling a double wehoo, and light gravel duty.

46t x 10/42 gearing (rival, Force and Apex) on Zipp 30 Course wheels with 28mm Conti GP 4k tires (30.5mm). Stages PM, Zipp seatpost and stem. 3T bar. Dash saddle.








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Re: Gravel Bike Porn [Orbilius] [ In reply to ]
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That's really nice looking!
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Re: Gravel Bike Porn [highendcycling] [ In reply to ]
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Love that Lightspeed. Did they paint it?
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Re: Gravel Bike Porn [TriBriGuy] [ In reply to ]
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No, it wasn´t Litespeed- It was a painter in our area, who brought the color on the frame-fork-stem-set.
Last edited by: highendcycling: Nov 9, 17 23:19
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Re: Gravel Bike Porn [highendcycling] [ In reply to ]
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Cool. I really dig that color. And the paint/bare Ti scheme is just about how I envisioned my own design, although I was thinking root beer brown with some cream accents.
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Re: Gravel Bike Porn [Orbilius] [ In reply to ]
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ahhhh, that's super nice. Great build!

Tire experience Q for you. I was on GP4k for years. The sidewalls would always be the first thing to go. I'd still have the "use dimple" in perfect shape on the main tread 4-5000 miles in but the sidewalls would just be disintegrating. I've since moved to schwalbe Pro-One tubeless and having the same experience (but at ~2k for rear). I'm chalking it up to being a larger rider (190lbs) but am curious to hear about others' experiences.

36 kona qualifiers 2006-'23 - 3 Kona Podiums - 4 OA IM AG wins - 5 IM AG wins - 18 70.3 AG wins
I ka nana no a 'ike -- by observing, one learns | Kulia i ka nu'u -- strive for excellence
Garmin Glycogen Use App | Garmin Fat Use App
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Re: Gravel Bike Porn [MarkyV] [ In reply to ]
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2-5k out of a tire is pretty good! He 28c gp4k is a surprisingly versatile tire on mixed terrain.
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Re: Gravel Bike Porn [Francois] [ In reply to ]
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Not 'technically' a gravel bike, but she works just fine on the midwest white rock -- 2018 Trek Crockett, Sram road 1x, Gravel King SKs 38c.


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Re: Gravel Bike Porn [Francois] [ In reply to ]
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My new everything bike - Allied Alfa All Road - Red to Carbon Fade. Shimano 9170 build and Enve wheels.



__________________________________________________

Looking for a place to swim? check out http://swimradar.com
Mountain Bike and Adventure Guiding - http://fivestaradventure.com
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Re: Gravel Bike Porn [allenpg] [ In reply to ]
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Sweet!
I'm about to build up a similar rig...but with the green/black, most everything what you made is about what I've put together.
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Re: Gravel Bike Porn [Tom A.] [ In reply to ]
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[quote Tom A.
On the pressures, here's a couple of comments:[/quote]
Thanks for detailed response! I'm guessing the time involved is pretty high, but let us know if you want any tires for testing. I have been curious about WTB's offerings and have a pair of Riddler 37's still in the packaging.
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Re: Gravel Bike Porn [shannond] [ In reply to ]
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How are you liking the Allied All Road?? Looking at one of those right now. Looks like a blast to ride. Thanks!
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Re: Gravel Bike Porn [sparshall] [ In reply to ]
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AMAZING ride - granted I'm only 4 days in, but been putting some good miles on it and it is everything I hoped it would be. I highly recommend the bike and with the new fade to carbon colors they are even better looking in person than on the web. Some additional photos attached.







__________________________________________________

Looking for a place to swim? check out http://swimradar.com
Mountain Bike and Adventure Guiding - http://fivestaradventure.com
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Re: Gravel Bike Porn [shannond] [ In reply to ]
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I have been watching and reading this thread with interest since it started. My best observation is drag coefficients on grave grinding? only on Slowtwitch. How much drag is there in an inch of mud with any tire? But thanks Mr. Tom A for the info. That was good. I have noticed some of the tires he reviewed are real dogs on the pave, but do pretty good on the rough stuff. So if you are 90% gravel and 10% road riding ,dogs aren't all that bad. I really like Rivbike Ruffy Toughy for a small tire <35 mixed surface ride. Been using them for years.

I moved back to Montana from Hawaii year and a half ago and haven't put my road bike together yet. It is limited to 25mm tires and even my fixed gear bike rides on 28s. Out of season all my cross bikes are gravel grinders. Every ride of mine has some gravel grind section to it now. It is so enjoyable to go out for a 3 hr ride and not see a car. I don't worry about bears as much as those sneaky mountain lions, but do carry the spray on deep woods treks.

More than drag coefficients, I worry about sidewall protection. On my really rough stuff bike (Soulcraft Dirt Bomb) I run Rock and Road tires. They plow the pave, but are really nice and bombproof on the sharp stuff. I carry two tubes, sticky patches, and an extra tire on that bike. Nothing worse than a huge ripped sidewall that no boot in the world can save. Only done that once but it would have been a long long walk home that time.
Converting my Moots 26er mtb to a drop bar gravel grinder was a blessing too. Full rigid, mechanical discs, and 2.25 mtb tires make it a sweet ride on the fire trails, logging roads, and USFS roads. Hundreds of miles of those at my doorstep.

Another option that is better than you would think is Tufo cx tires. I still have a couple 34s that were used in cross for a couple years and not for racing any more, but gravel grinding they are tough as nails. With sealant in them and tough sidewalls, I have not had a flat on them yet.

You can pick up cantilever brake cx bikes for almost nothing these days. Vbrakes or Paul minimotos are easy to install and give a bit more power over most canti systems. Ti is a fantastic material for gravel grinding as you never chip up the paint, worry about rust, and they are easy to keep in nice looking condition. My Moots cx bikes are over10 years old and look almost new when they get wiped down with WD 40.
I also use 1x8, 1x9 or 1x10 systems. Saved the old barons from tri bikes. Using a barcon shifting setup is way cheap, and no matter how ugly the mud and junk builds up they work. 8 and 9 speed setups are cheaper and shift as well or better than the 10s and 11s in the crappy stuff. With all the pie plate rear cassettes my 36 x34 set ups are very adequate for my 65 year old legs, or it is just as fast to get off the damn horse and push the bike. I ain't proud.

Now the next subject is gravel grinding in snow and ice. I just put studded tires on my ss mtb and ss cx bike for the winter as my trails are icing up. Haven't bought a fat bike yet, but am considering the thought.

Thanks everyone for all the input, I did learn some good stuff on this thread. Even though my triathlon days are probablywell behind me, you can take the boy out of the.....but can't take the ...... some howI keep coming back to the Slowtwitch . Peace out.
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Re: Gravel Bike Porn [Orbilius] [ In reply to ]
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Orbilius wrote:
Just finished my Rodeo Labs Flaanimal. Using it for endurance road training, pulling a double wehoo, and light gravel duty.

46t x 10/42 gearing (rival, Force and Apex) on Zipp 30 Course wheels with 28mm Conti GP 4k tires (30.5mm). Stages PM, Zipp seatpost and stem. 3T bar. Dash saddle.








YES! i was gushing over this when they posted the paint job on their IG. cannot wait until i can afford a rodeo labs steed
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Re: Gravel Bike Porn [Francois] [ In reply to ]
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No pics to add (don't have one yet), but visited the Moots factory last week. Their gravel bikes are beautiful and seeing how they were made and meeting the folks putting them together makes me want one even more. If I weren't so cheap, that would be my next purchase.

"It's good enough for who it's for" - Grandpa Wayne
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Re: Gravel Bike Porn [Francois] [ In reply to ]
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Here's mine, not a pure gravel bike really but I use it for everything, road, cross, gravel, commuting, towing the kids in the chariot etc. The isospeed decoupler is fantastic and you really feel it on gravel. I like this bike a lot, I just upgraded it to Di2 and find myself choosing this bike over just about anything else I own even for pure road rides, I was thinking of putting a Quarq on it and selling my pure road bike altogether.




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Re: Gravel Bike Porn [Francois] [ In reply to ]
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My all steel Salsa Fargo is not pretty and NOT light, but with Race Kings it rolls quite well on any surface and with knobbies it goes nearly anywhere, AND with S&S couplers (installed by Bilenky’s, from whom I bought it) I can take it anywhere, too.

I do salivate over some those new carbon offerings that fit 27.5 MTB wheels, as well as 700 road wheels, but....

_________________
Dick

Take everything I say with a grain of salt. I know nothing.
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Re: Gravel Bike Porn [docfuel] [ In reply to ]
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So, in the end I went with the Niner BSB Rival 1X (currently available at a really good price online)
Accommodates larger tires 40+, so perfect for the sandy sections we get all over Florida, pretty light, and all around good bike.


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Re: Gravel Bike Porn [Francois] [ In reply to ]
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You’re now in Florida? Where are working?

_________________
Dick

Take everything I say with a grain of salt. I know nothing.
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Re: Gravel Bike Porn [docfuel] [ In reply to ]
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Been in Gainesville for 3 years. Guess where I work (hint: gators)
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Re: Gravel Bike Porn [Francois] [ In reply to ]
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At the med school or the general campus?
Do they speak Oz or French down there?

_________________
Dick

Take everything I say with a grain of salt. I know nothing.
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Re: Gravel Bike Porn [docfuel] [ In reply to ]
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College of Medicine. But it's on the main campus. They speak 'murican.
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Re: Gravel Bike Porn [Francois] [ In reply to ]
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I suppose you've been here long enough to understand them?

_________________
Dick

Take everything I say with a grain of salt. I know nothing.
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Re: Gravel Bike Porn [Francois] [ In reply to ]
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I have this one for a year now. It does the job.


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Re: Gravel Bike Porn [swimfan] [ In reply to ]
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It's here!



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Re: Gravel Bike Porn [swimfan] [ In reply to ]
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swimfan wrote:
I have this one for a year now. It does the job.

Nice bike, great photo !

Advanced Aero TopTube Storage for Road, Gravel, & Tri...ZeroSlip & Direct-mount, made in the USA.
DarkSpeedWorks.com.....Reviews.....Insta.....Facebook

--
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Re: Gravel Bike Porn [Francois] [ In reply to ]
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Calfee dragonfly adventure, 650b x 42mm Compass tires.


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Re: Gravel Bike Porn [roddw] [ In reply to ]
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What do you think of the compass tires? Which casing did you get?
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Re: Gravel Bike Porn [Francois] [ In reply to ]
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That sure is a beautiful bike.
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Re: Gravel Bike Porn [Orbilius] [ In reply to ]
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Orbilius wrote:
What do you think of the compass tires? Which casing did you get?

I really like Compass tires; these are the extra light casings. I run them tubeless w/Orange Seal (these are not tubeless specific, but Compass does make their 42mm tubeless now). Pretty much mandatory here in the desert--so many thorns!
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Re: Gravel Bike Porn [NordicSkier] [ In reply to ]
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Thank you! Pretty much my favorite ride currently.
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Re: Gravel Bike Porn [roddw] [ In reply to ]
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Here is a LOOK CX mounted w/650B x 48mm Compass Switchback Hill/tubeless.


Last edited by: roddw: Mar 5, 18 15:35
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Re: Gravel Bike Porn [roddw] [ In reply to ]
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New everything bike, 2018 Santa Cruz Stigmata. Swap out wheels and chain for the road setup. Current BWR setup for 2018.



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Re: Gravel Bike Porn [hvywghttrigy] [ In reply to ]
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My whip for the BWR (slight changes to Road Pedals, Power Elaston Saddle)


I talk a lot - Give it a listen: http://www.fasttalklabs.com/category/fast-talk
I also give Training Advice via http://www.ForeverEndurance.com

The above poster has eschewed traditional employment and is currently undertaking the ill-conceived task of launching his own hardgoods company. Statements are not made on behalf of nor reflective of anything in any manner... unless they're good, then they count.
http://www.AGNCYINNOVATION.com
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Re: Gravel Bike Porn [Francois] [ In reply to ]
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My whip. 2016 BMC CX01. Multiple disk wheel sets, different Tubeless tire setups make for a wonderful ride. Currently running 30mm Tubeless with a Dura Ace 9000 group.
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Re: Gravel Bike Porn [titemple652] [ In reply to ]
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1983 Stumpjumper.

I usually have Rat Trap Pass ELs equipped for the tires.

Gearing is currently 48-38-24 cranks with an 11-13-15-18-21-24-28 cassette; works as a reasonable multi-range scheme, but the two bigger rings 1.5-step the cassette pretty well too, so I can find tight ratios when I want them.




Here's the bike at Rat Trap Pass:

:)


Last edited by: HTupolev: Mar 28, 18 18:21
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Re: Gravel Bike Porn [HTupolev] [ In reply to ]
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HTupolev wrote:
1983 Stumpjumper.


I usually have Rat Trap Pass ELs equipped for the tires.

Here's the bike at Rat Trap Pass:

:)



You win:
  1. Converted Classic Bike
  2. Bar end Shifters
  3. Riding tires on namesake pass

You're the GOAT of of the Gravel bike thread.

I talk a lot - Give it a listen: http://www.fasttalklabs.com/category/fast-talk
I also give Training Advice via http://www.ForeverEndurance.com

The above poster has eschewed traditional employment and is currently undertaking the ill-conceived task of launching his own hardgoods company. Statements are not made on behalf of nor reflective of anything in any manner... unless they're good, then they count.
http://www.AGNCYINNOVATION.com
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Re: Gravel Bike Porn [xtrpickels] [ In reply to ]
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xtrpickels wrote:
You win:
  1. Converted Classic Bike
  2. Bar end Shifters
  3. Riding tires on namesake pass

You're the GOAT of of the Gravel bike thread.

I agree with with Rob. Wow!
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Re: Gravel Bike Porn [Francois] [ In reply to ]
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New Trek Checkpoint ALR 4 with WTB Riddlers (45mm). I freaking love this bike. Took it to a 32 mile gravel race the day after I bought it and damn near won. Also took it on some intermediate single track XC trails which it handled pretty well with my crappy MTB skills.

My wife is now worried for my Felt IA10
Last edited by: jazzymusicman: Mar 29, 18 13:08
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Re: Gravel Bike Porn [sorelegs] [ In reply to ]
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Beautiful bike, I've done the same with mine and actually flipped the road bike as this one is so versatile.
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Re: Gravel Bike Porn [Keehna666] [ In reply to ]
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My wife just bought me an early 50th birthday present, Specialized Diverge Expert 1x Force, room for 42mm tires on 700 or 48mm on 650b.
Last edited by: smithe68: May 7, 18 21:25
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Re: Gravel Bike Porn [smithe68] [ In reply to ]
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Nice! I frequent that road quite a bit. Well I use to before I moved to the across the boarder in Coeur d Alene. I miss the great access to all the dirt and gravel trails in Spokane.

Matt
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Re: Gravel Bike Porn [Pun_Times] [ In reply to ]
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My new to me Crockett. Loving it. Picture is in Umstead state park by the carved tree. It's an all new workout for the body on the gravel. 50mi on gravel is not the same as smooth tarmac. Also already practicing my dismount and run-ups and re-mounts. Almost popped my teeth out the other night doing a run-up. Did pop a tube racing around in the dark with a light the other night, time for tubeless!


Again........loving it. Time for some pink or yellow bottle cages. I'm thinking a neat colored saddle also.




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Re: Gravel Bike Porn [Pun_Times] [ In reply to ]
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I live maybe 4 miles from there, it's such a great area for cycling or running. I have a hard time imagining living anywhere else.
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Re: Gravel Bike Porn [burnthesheep] [ In reply to ]
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Newly converted gravel Boone. Started out as a versatile road bike with 6770 10spd Di2, but made the switch to gravel bike. Just switched in a set of Easton R90SL rims (19.5mm internal) with DT Swiss 350 hubs. Hubs are 12 and 15mm thru axle disc compatible, but set up with quick releases inserts for this bike. Rims mounted tubeless with a set of Panaracer Gravelking SK 35s. Older Gen 1 FSA Power2Max with Wolf Tooth 50t 1x paired with 11-40t cassette and 9070 RD mounted on a Wolf Tooth Roadlink. A few rides in now and loving the new config. 1x is simple and effective - higher and lower gears than my original 48/36 + 11-25 combo. Tires are super plush, but I don't feel held back riding with others on road setups.
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Re: Gravel Bike Porn [burnthesheep] [ In reply to ]
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Mine, from France. Discovered Gravel after being hit by a car and felt weird/stressed-out riding on open roads since then. I decided to buy a CX to ride in the Loire Valley dirt roads, had a lot of fun but I liked a lot those WTB Horizon 47c tires so I decided to give it a go and ordered a pair of 650b carbon rims and laced them (1290gr tubeless wheelset). But I knew the 47c would not fit on my CX bike. So I found a used disc frame with good tire clearance and then looked for cheap parts. I really enjoy riding this bike, great comfort, pretty fast on open roads too. I will probably head to the Pyrénées for the Tour 2018 (stage 17, Col de Portet is perfect for this bike).

I am thinking about selling my road bike, my CX and my MTB and keep this baby and my tri bike.
Last edited by: tripot: May 8, 18 15:03
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Re: Gravel Bike Porn [JTolandTRI] [ In reply to ]
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Just got a new frame in the mail today. It's Culprit's new RAD. I literally just pulled it out of the box and it got here quicker than I anticipated so I don't have all of the components in hand to build it up. That said, the frame seems promising:
  • 68mm threaded bottom bracket
  • Clearance for 27.5x2.1" or 700x45c tires
  • 100x12mm front and 142x12mm rear spacing, flat mount brakes
  • Three sets of water bottle bosses (third is under the down tube)
  • 27.2mm seat post
  • Fender mounts, pannier mounts, top tube bosses... if you want to mount something somewhere chances are there's a mount for it.



The plan is to build this up with SRAM Force 1, some custom wheels, and 27.5x2.0" Schwalbe G-One Speed tires. Gotta say that the bento for the top tube is MASSIVE.
Last edited by: GreenPlease: May 9, 18 17:01
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Re: Gravel Bike Porn [GreenPlease] [ In reply to ]
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Is that a custom bento, or can it be purchased? I've been looking for a boss mount bento for my gravel bike . . .
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Re: Gravel Bike Porn [kaolelo] [ In reply to ]
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kaolelo wrote:
I've been looking for a boss mount bento for my gravel bike . . .

Not sure about the bento on the Culprit, but if you are looking for a compact (or massive) direct mount bento for gravel, take a look at our Speedpack 483D or 915D. Lots more info in the links below.

Advanced Aero TopTube Storage for Road, Gravel, & Tri...ZeroSlip & Direct-mount, made in the USA.
DarkSpeedWorks.com.....Reviews.....Insta.....Facebook

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Re: Gravel Bike Porn [kaolelo] [ In reply to ]
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kaolelo wrote:
Is that a custom bento, or can it be purchased? I've been looking for a boss mount bento for my gravel bike . . .

It came with the bike. It was a nice surprise tbh so I don't know if it will be sold separately 🤷‍♂️ If I had to guess I could probably get 10 gels in there. Easily. I might actually have some fun with that tomorrow evening.
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Re: Gravel Bike Porn [GreenPlease] [ In reply to ]
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By the way, nice looking frame. Got a link to a product page with all the specs? What kind of crank and BB do you plan to fit on it?

And l will be looking forward to seeing how it looks and rides when its built up!

Advanced Aero TopTube Storage for Road, Gravel, & Tri...ZeroSlip & Direct-mount, made in the USA.
DarkSpeedWorks.com.....Reviews.....Insta.....Facebook

--
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Re: Gravel Bike Porn [DarkSpeedWorks] [ In reply to ]
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Hmmm.... I'm not seeing it on their page. Josh PM'd me about two months ago asking if I was looking for a gravel bike (which I was, he probably saw me inquiring on a thread elsewhere here) and sent me some specs which looked good to me (particularly the threaded BB) so I just PayPal'd him directly. I'll see if I can get him to chime in.

I'm going with GXP cranks (SRAM Force 1... they can be found pretty cheap) and a direct mount chainring (trying to find a 48t, haven't found anything bigger than 42t yet). I'll probably go with an 11-32 cassette in the rear, Shimano Ultegra 8000 RD, Ultegra hydraulic brifters and brakes, and.... drumroll... a bottom bracket with angular contact bearings.

https://wheelsmfg.com/...m-truvativ-grey.html

This route has failed for so many but it makes so much sense in my head with a GXP crank and the preload washer. Time will tell. If I could find them I'd like to get a threaded bottom bracket with enduro's stainless steel bearings.

For the wheels I have a disc brake power tap g3 (the one that looks like a DT Swiss 240 straight pull hub) that I got on sale for $300 and a CarbonTi straight pull front hub I picked up on the cheap last Thanksgiving. The plan is to build them up with some Nextie rims drilled for internal spokes (because I'm a masochist but, also, because I hate the look of exposed spoke nipples). I also have a Canyon VCLS 27.2 seat post that I sniped for $50 on eBay some time ago. Should be a comfy adventure bike when all is said and done :)
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Re: Gravel Bike Porn [DarkSpeedWorks] [ In reply to ]
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Its not in our product line yet.

But an FYI. RAD stands for Road and Dirt

Still developing our stem which will be an integral part of final design.. He happened to ride same size as me, 58 so was able to get him a sample.

Plan is to make some tweaks to design. fine tune ride. and sell as a complete frameset including fully internal routing via new aero drop bar, through our stem(still under development). cables will then enter steerer tube and enter into the frame with no exposed cables. Thinking to sell frameset (frame, fork, seatpost, headset, axles, new stem with hidden cable routing and aero drop bar for around 2300 USD shipped from Taiwan. No firm release dates are set. No more complete bikes from Culprit, Just framesets and components.

However, till then just installed standard cable entry. will look to change that to only put a cable entry on the top of the Down tube which will have inserts for di2 control box or cable stops, or NONE if running fully internal so the frame isn't locked in to our cockpit if not desired..

So, Green Please is helping me test ride and give me frame/fork feedback before I make any big changes. He is one of 4 people who have this frame ATM.

IF you really are interested. do PM me. It may push my timeline up if I get a huge response here on ST.
Last edited by: culpritbicycles: May 9, 18 23:36
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Re: Gravel Bike Porn [GreenPlease] [ In reply to ]
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thank you.
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Re: Gravel Bike Porn [JTolandTRI] [ In reply to ]
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Is that up at Eldora? I was just riding up there last week.
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Re: Gravel Bike Porn [culpritbicycles] [ In reply to ]
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Thanks, good to know.
Am definitely looking for a gravel bike sometime in the next 6 mos., yours looks great.

Let me know when specs, geometry charts, and photos of the production frame will be available. I think I will be on a 56 (plus/minus), but that depends on the geometry of course.

Advanced Aero TopTube Storage for Road, Gravel, & Tri...ZeroSlip & Direct-mount, made in the USA.
DarkSpeedWorks.com.....Reviews.....Insta.....Facebook

--
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Re: Gravel Bike Porn [ In reply to ]
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Medium Open U.P. Shimano DI2 Ulterga Shifter XT rear derailleur Easton EA90 42t 170 crank e*thirteen 9-46t cassette

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Re: Gravel Bike Porn [jztelemark] [ In reply to ]
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Great build. Is that at Mammoth?

How are the jumps on e*thirteen? Generally wider across range or bigger at top?
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Re: Gravel Bike Porn [Carl Spackler] [ In reply to ]
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Sun Valley.

As for the cassette, not sure yet only ridden it twice but the jumps haven't been too bad as of yet. I was happy with the 46 climbing this morning.
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Re: Gravel Bike Porn [jztelemark] [ In reply to ]
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How is the shifting? Seem as good as a cassette from Shimano/Sram? I might go for one of those after I wear out the 10-42 I have on my bike now.
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Re: Gravel Bike Porn [cobra_kai] [ In reply to ]
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cobra_kai wrote:
How is the shifting? Seem as good as a cassette from Shimano/Sram? I might go for one of those after I wear out the 10-42 I have on my bike now.

So far the shifting is good but I have been careful not to shift under load. I'll admit not as good Sram GX on my mountain bike but pretty darn close.
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Re: Gravel Bike Porn [Francois] [ In reply to ]
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Happy birthday to me. My new Warbird.

https://instagram.com/p/BlgNyqXBol6/

clm
Nashville, TN
https://twitter.com/ironclm | http://ironclm.typepad.com
Last edited by: ironclm: Jul 21, 18 16:30
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Re: Gravel Bike Porn [DarkSpeedWorks] [ In reply to ]
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How did you get that setup??? looks cool... seems like a standard mountain bike, and then swapped added dropbars + STI? Worth it vs a gravel bike that takes 650 tires?
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Re: Gravel Bike Porn [ironclm] [ In reply to ]
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Nice Cathy! Expecting my new gravel bike in the next two weeks too.
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Re: Gravel Bike Porn [Diabolo] [ In reply to ]
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Diabolo wrote:
Nice Cathy! Expecting my new gravel bike in the next two weeks too.

Thanks! Riding the 1x is interesting not having to think about shifting the front derr.

What are you getting?

clm
Nashville, TN
https://twitter.com/ironclm | http://ironclm.typepad.com
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Re: Gravel Bike Porn [ejd_mil] [ In reply to ]
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ejd_mil wrote:
How did you get that setup??? looks cool... seems like a standard mountain bike, and then swapped added dropbars + STI? Worth it vs a gravel bike that takes 650 tires?

Yup, it was a closeout 29er MTB frame with a kinda shorter than typical top tube that I found, so it was well suited to the conversion. In additon to the STI shifters and road drivetrain, I also put a short travel suspension fork on it (just 80mm of travel) so that effectively steepened the head tube and seat tube angles.

To me, the 29er/700C wheels are a plus (over 650B) because the larger diameter wheels (slightly) smooth out the bumps better ...

Advanced Aero TopTube Storage for Road, Gravel, & Tri...ZeroSlip & Direct-mount, made in the USA.
DarkSpeedWorks.com.....Reviews.....Insta.....Facebook

--
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Re: Gravel Bike Porn [ironclm] [ In reply to ]
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I'm getting a Canyon Grail. Kinda wanted 1x, but I think where I live the 2x will come handy.
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Re: Gravel Bike Porn [Diabolo] [ In reply to ]
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Breadwinner B-Road
Currently with Compass Barlow Pass 38's but have an alternate wheelset with G-one's on it.
Really enjoying it so far!

Last edited by: wdmann4205: Aug 8, 18 6:32
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Re: Gravel Bike Porn [ In reply to ]
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Here's my new gravel ride. I picked up a Diverge Expert (Force 1x setup) at the end of the year sale and promptly ripped off the SRAM shifters/RD/brakes and replaced with Shimano di2 hydros and the new Ultegra clutched di2 RX805 RD. The original plan was to fully convert to a 2x and toss on an FD and dual chainrings but then I heard that the RX805 works with a 42 tooth cassette :-O (Shimano states 34 is the max.) So i left the front 1x Sram 42t crank/ring setup and decided to try the 1x config for a bit (I have dual controllers installed and a wire ready for an FD.. so only 5 mins away from a proper 2x setup if I decided to go that way.) Anyway.. did some single track routes and so far I am impressed. Bike does awesome on road and off. Probably pushed the limit on the terrain a gravel bike is intended for but with the Future shock up front it was superb.

Set up:
Shimano 1x Ultegra di2 RX805GS
Shimano R785 di2 hydro shifters + brakes
SRAM 1x xsync 42 chainring w/ xsync chain
42x10 SRAM cassette




______________________________________________
Team Zoot
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Re: Gravel Bike Porn [gregtay] [ In reply to ]
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Ridley X-trail, custom paint, SRAM Rival 1x11


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Re: Gravel Bike Porn [Francois] [ In reply to ]
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Overlooking the North Fork Stillaguamish River valley and across to Whitehorse Mountain...



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Re: Gravel Bike Porn [Francois] [ In reply to ]
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2019 Warbird with a pair of 650b Velocity Blunt SS wheels. I took it out for the first time Sunday and it is an amazing upgrade from my older CX bike.


Last edited by: Toefuzz: Oct 23, 18 5:21
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Re: Gravel Bike Porn [Toefuzz] [ In reply to ]
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Re: Gravel Bike Porn [gregtay] [ In reply to ]
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How is your setup currently working with the RX805 and 42x10 casette? Have you tried a double up front yet? I am running Ultegra 8050 DI-2 Disc with a compact up front. Road setup is a 32 or 34 depending on what route I am riding. Gravel setup is compact crank and 40x11 with the added Wolftooth Roadlink DM. While this works it's a hassle to change from road to gravel. Was thinking about going to XT front and rear mechs via the e-tube project software but haven't heard great things about it. I have only used the Wolftooth on 2 rides; ride 1 chain kept falling into spokes thus breaking 2 and ending ride. #2 was successfull, I just tightened the B-Screw.

Thanks and nice setup.
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Re: Gravel Bike Porn [Francois] [ In reply to ]
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If you want bike porn, consider this an old-school tease. The librarian with her glasses on and hair in a bun. She showed up today:


<The Dew Abides>
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Re: Gravel Bike Porn [hvywghttrigy] [ In reply to ]
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hvywghttrigy wrote:
How is your setup currently working with the RX805 and 42x10 casette? Have you tried a double up front yet? I am running Ultegra 8050 DI-2 Disc with a compact up front. Road setup is a 32 or 34 depending on what route I am riding. Gravel setup is compact crank and 40x11 with the added Wolftooth Roadlink DM. While this works it's a hassle to change from road to gravel. Was thinking about going to XT front and rear mechs via the e-tube project software but haven't heard great things about it. I have only used the Wolftooth on 2 rides; ride 1 chain kept falling into spokes thus breaking 2 and ending ride. #2 was successfull, I just tightened the B-Screw.

Thanks and nice setup.

Working great so far, no issues at all. I have not tried a double up front, just haven't had a reason yet. I figured i'd go there is the 1x thing got old and I wanted more gear stepping and so far that hasn't happened. No chain drops, been pretty solid. I thought about going the XT di2 route but the new RX sounded like it was made for my exact application so I thought I'd give it a try. If I have any issues i'll report back.

______________________________________________
Team Zoot
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Re: Gravel Bike Porn [Tom A.] [ In reply to ]
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I have been riding the G1 all around for about 6 months now and at 25 psi I find they absorb washboards a lot better than you would think for a tire that's only measuring 36 mm on my rim. I also did a limited power meter test of the all rounds versus the 4000s tires with the all rounds at 30 and the 4000 s's at 70 and I couldn't tease out any difference on the road.

This week I received some new G1 speeds and those things are awesome in the 2.0 version. The effect I had noted with the all-round over washboards is even better with a tire that measures 45 to 47 mm. Unfortunately, as I use the new tires more they ballooned out to be too wide for the chain stays on my converted hybrid Gravel bike so I had to put it on the front. Pumped up to 55 PSI they roll really fast on the road though I haven't really tested it yet.
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Re: Gravel Bike Porn [Francois] [ In reply to ]
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Salsa Fargo Gen 2, modified with S&S couplers and 27.5+ velocity dual 40mm wheelset. I usually keep the 29er wheelset for gravel and pavement rides near home.
Last edited by: fat: Nov 4, 18 6:18
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Re: Gravel Bike Porn [GreenPlease] [ In reply to ]
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Any update on the RAD? How'd it come out? What are you thoughts thus far? I see that Culprit is getting ready to offer them via Indiegogo in the near future.

"It's good enough for who it's for" - Grandpa Wayne
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Re: Gravel Bike Porn [flynnzu] [ In reply to ]
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You can see some pictures and read a review here:

https://forum.slowtwitch.com/...mpressions_P6697427/

It’s a hoot. With the 38mm Specialized tires it’s sneaky fast on the road and they make a world of difference over rough sections. Off-road I run the 45mm WTBs. Recently I’ve thrown on a rack and some panniers and I’ve been using the bike to commute to the pool. An unexpected benefit of that is that the skewers are basically security skewers as most thieves would never figure out how they work, lol.
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Re: Gravel Bike Porn [hvywghttrigy] [ In reply to ]
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I run a 11-40 with a 52/36 up front using stock Ultegra 8070 Di2 with no problems.
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Re: Gravel Bike Porn [torrey] [ In reply to ]
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How are you running it? B-screw loosened all of the way? Do you have any pics? I am running this but am currently using a Wolftooth Road Link DM which is kind of a pain each time I want to change from Road to Gravel setup.
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Re: Gravel Bike Porn [Francois] [ In reply to ]
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Heres mine.
2018 Scott Addict gravel. Doin double duty as a gravel/cx bike.
Will be converted to 1x.


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Re: Gravel Bike Porn [Francois] [ In reply to ]
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I ride an OPEN U.P. - Etap Hydraulics (2x) and Princeton CarbonWorks wheels on White Industry Hubs. Compact crank and an 11-30 gives me the range to ride any pavement and pretty much any gravel. I've been running 35mm Compass tires and 42mm WTBs. It's an amazing ride.










Last edited by: richardf: Nov 5, 18 16:13
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Re: Gravel Bike Porn [Toefuzz] [ In reply to ]
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I like your Warbird!
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Re: Gravel Bike Porn [r-b] [ In reply to ]
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Thanks! The only thing it’s really missing is the beer opener that comes with a Lauf. I might have to see if I can install one!
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Re: Gravel Bike Porn [Diabolo] [ In reply to ]
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Here is mine, have had it for a couple of months now. Mostly commuting to work plus a couple of gravel rides on weekends.


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Re: Gravel Bike Porn [Diabolo] [ In reply to ]
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Here's mine after a recent gravel race.


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Re: Gravel Bike Porn [alexZA] [ In reply to ]
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Where was your gravel race?
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Re: Gravel Bike Porn [Diabolo] [ In reply to ]
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Dirty 130 in Wagga Wagga, Australia.
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Re: Gravel Bike Porn [alexZA] [ In reply to ]
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Nice, didn't know about this one. I live in Canberra, so may consider this one for next year. How was it?
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Re: Gravel Bike Porn [Diabolo] [ In reply to ]
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It was excellent. Great weekend away: look up The Gears and Bears festival.
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Re: Gravel Bike Porn [alexZA] [ In reply to ]
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alexZA wrote:
It was excellent. Great weekend away: look up The Gears and Bears festival.

Thanks! Sounds great. Although it's beers and not bears (unless there are drop bears on the route) :-)
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Re: Gravel Bike Porn [Diabolo] [ In reply to ]
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lol yep autocorrect
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Re: Gravel Bike Porn [richardf] [ In reply to ]
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richardf wrote:
I ride an OPEN U.P. - Etap Hydraulics (2x) and Princeton CarbonWorks wheels on White Industry Hubs. Compact crank and an 11-30 gives me the range to ride any pavement and pretty much any gravel. I've been running 35mm Compass tires and 42mm WTBs. It's an amazing ride.


Sweet in my color too - I'll take it.

I have a similar set up - using compact, 11-32 with Dura-Ace 35mm Vittoria CX tubulars. Spooky CX frame, but 35/38 is my limit. I raised the bars with a stem extender, just for better off-road.

So versatile, on pavement it doesn't labor and can handle gravel and trails.

Training Tweets: https://twitter.com/Jagersport_com
FM Sports: http://fluidmotionsports.com
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Re: Gravel Bike Porn [hvywghttrigy] [ In reply to ]
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hvywghttrigy wrote:
How are you running it? B-screw loosened all of the way? Do you have any pics? I am running this but am currently using a Wolftooth Road Link DM which is kind of a pain each time I want to change from Road to Gravel setup.
I do have the long cage derailleur, but the b-screw isn't even all the way out. This is a sideways pic of the big/small combo.

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Re: Gravel Bike Porn [Francois] [ In reply to ]
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Allied Allroad. Rides like a dream.



<The Dew Abides>
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Re: Gravel Bike Porn [Francois] [ In reply to ]
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Rodeo Adventure Labs Trail Donkey 2.0
it can run 650b(wtb rims on rodeo hubs), but the Easton EC90sl disc with WTBNano(700x40) are faster, roll easier and are much lighter.
105 50/34, 11-32, praxis zayante crank, TRP Spyre calipers, mostly easton bits - ea50 seatpost, ea50ax bars. upgraded to a redshift shockstop stem for my dodgy wrists(car accident back in '01)




"...I try not to ever ride as slow as 20mph. ;) ... And even more than that, I don't race with a speedometer. My computer is set up to show Power // Cadence // Time. I don't actually ever know how fast I'm going. I only know that if I'm in 53/11, and it takes more than 100rpm to hit my target watts, it's time to coast." - Jordan Rapp on '09 IMC
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Re: Gravel Bike Porn [cwg_at_opc] [ In reply to ]
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Crossed paths with a guy on a Trail Donkey about two weeks ago here in CO. Talked with him for a few minutes. He was raving about it. Just what I need another bike to dream about!

Formerly DrD
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Re: Gravel Bike Porn [Broken Leg Guy] [ In reply to ]
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i 'accidentally' bombed down a short rock garden on my 2nd day out and it was solid and nothing came loose.

i haven't weighed it yet, but lighter wheels really made a massive difference. the stock wheels are wtb rims on
house branded hubs with teravail cannonballs. i lucked out with ebay for the ec90 wheelset.

i considered a 1x build, but i let them put the regular 50/34 front mech on. i may yet add a wolftooth roadlink
so i can use a larger rear cassette(maybe an 11-40?), although the jumps might be a bit large.


"...I try not to ever ride as slow as 20mph. ;) ... And even more than that, I don't race with a speedometer. My computer is set up to show Power // Cadence // Time. I don't actually ever know how fast I'm going. I only know that if I'm in 53/11, and it takes more than 100rpm to hit my target watts, it's time to coast." - Jordan Rapp on '09 IMC
Last edited by: cwg_at_opc: Nov 12, 18 18:00
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Re: Gravel Bike Porn [Toefuzz] [ In reply to ]
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Nice. I just picked up a 2018 Warbird Apex 1. Went into the shop this weekend to look at the 2019 version and got a screaming deal on a leftover 2018 that I couldn’t pass up.
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Re: Gravel Bike Porn [logella] [ In reply to ]
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logella wrote:
Nice. I just picked up a 2018 Warbird Apex 1. Went into the shop this weekend to look at the 2019 version and got a screaming deal on a leftover 2018 that I couldn’t pass up.

There’s nothing wrong with that... the â€18 is still a great bike. I know a lot of people riding them and they’ve been so happy I couldn’t pass up the chance to get a â€19
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Re: Gravel Bike Porn [Toefuzz] [ In reply to ]
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...and with the money I saved by getting the 18 I was able to pick up a new Kickr.
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Re: Gravel Bike Porn [cwg_at_opc] [ In reply to ]
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cwg_at_opc wrote:
i 'accidentally' bombed down a short rock garden on my 2nd day out and it was solid and nothing came loose.

i haven't weighed it yet, but lighter wheels really made a massive difference. the stock wheels are wtb rims on
house branded hubs with teravail cannonballs. i lucked out with ebay for the ec90 wheelset.

i considered a 1x build, but i let them put the regular 50/34 front mech on. i may yet add a wolftooth roadlink
so i can use a larger rear cassette(maybe an 11-40?), although the jumps might be a bit large.

The guy I met was running 1x. I didn’t ask him about it. I recently bought a new FS Mtn Bike with 1x and so far love it.

Formerly DrD
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Re: Gravel Bike Porn [Francois] [ In reply to ]
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2016 Crux w/ Ultegra 1x.


"It's good enough for who it's for" - Grandpa Wayne
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Re: Gravel Bike Porn [flynnzu] [ In reply to ]
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2018 Cannondale CaadX SE


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Re: Gravel Bike Porn [Francois] [ In reply to ]
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Lauf True Grit 1x (44x10-42) Xtr Di2 & beer ready. 45mm mounted. Can ride 27.5"x2.1"


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Re: Gravel Bike Porn [Francois] [ In reply to ]
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Here is my Culprit RAD on its first ride:

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Re: Gravel Bike Porn [Francois] [ In reply to ]
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The thing in the middle is an 18 gear Pinion gear box, not a motor.
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Re: Gravel Bike Porn [Francois] [ In reply to ]
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Spooky Dune. Ultegra Di2 1x, Snoqualmie Pass 44c tires.


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Re: Gravel Bike Porn [Xing triathlete] [ In reply to ]
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Nice set up.
What kind of bento is that?

Advanced Aero TopTube Storage for Road, Gravel, & Tri...ZeroSlip & Direct-mount, made in the USA.
DarkSpeedWorks.com.....Reviews.....Insta.....Facebook

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Re: Gravel Bike Porn [Toefuzz] [ In reply to ]
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Toefuzz wrote:
Thanks! The only thing it’s really missing is the beer opener that comes with a Lauf. I might have to see if I can install one!

Easy option:
https://wisecrackerltd.com
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Re: Gravel Bike Porn [DarkSpeedWorks] [ In reply to ]
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DarkSpeedWorks wrote:
Nice set up.
What kind of bento is that?

That appears to be a Silca Speed Capsule TT. I have one as well :-)

http://bikeblather.blogspot.com/
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Re: Gravel Bike Porn [DarkSpeedWorks] [ In reply to ]
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DarkSpeedWorks wrote:
Nice set up.
What kind of bento is that?

I’ll play along... :-)

I had the bolt-on Silca top tube bag on my Lauf True Grit, but change it to the Dark Speed Works bag and I like it much better. They are similar in shape, but the Dark Speed Works holds way more (important for long rides the DK200) and I like soft plastic liner.

I know that you were asking tongue-in-check, but I had to reply because I seriously like your bag better for gravel.
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Re: Gravel Bike Porn [CrankShaft] [ In reply to ]
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Thanks for the feedback, great to hear that our pack works well for you, but l was actually asking seriously about the bento above. I forgot about the silca bag, but after Tom mentioned it, then l kind of remembered that silca recently made a bento too.

We are always looking for more feedback, especially from gravel riders: so, due to your need for more capacity, did you switch to the Speedpack 483D or 915D?

Thanks,
Greg @ dsw

Advanced Aero TopTube Storage for Road, Gravel, & Tri...ZeroSlip & Direct-mount, made in the USA.
DarkSpeedWorks.com.....Reviews.....Insta.....Facebook

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Re: Gravel Bike Porn [DarkSpeedWorks] [ In reply to ]
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[quote DarkSpeedWorks

We are always looking for more feedback, especially from gravel riders: so, due to your need for more capacity, did you switch to the Speedpack 483D or 915D?

Thanks,
Greg @ dsw[/quote]
I went with the 915D. For me it was the perfect balance between capacity and streamlined (as opposed to the bulkier Salsa - which is also nice, but damn it’s like a Harley gas tank). I also like that the big opening and plastic liner makes it easier to find something while riding.
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Re: Gravel Bike Porn [LAI] [ In reply to ]
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LAI wrote:
Mine is the Orange OPEN U.P. (now the Classic). I'm running 2.1" 650B Schwalbe Thunder Burts. Clearance gets a little tight near the dropped stay, but I've no issue with rubbing. While I love the orange, I kind of wish I was in your position to be buying today. The NEW U.P. looks a lot cleaner with the new fork and there is also the option of the U.P.P.E.R if you're a weight weenie.

FWIW, the 3T in the back can run the same rubber as the OPEN.



This is the bike I want. But can't afford. :(

Just Triing
Triathlete since 9:56:39 AM EST Aug 20, 2006.
Be kind English is my 2nd language. My primary language is Dave it's a unique evolution of English.
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Re: Gravel Bike Porn [Francois] [ In reply to ]
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This is what I finished up this year with, old cannondale frame with Shimano 600 8sp STI and FSA gossamer crank. I've been taking the kids into the semi-local Bethpage state park for some dirt and gravel with their bikes above. One's a 20" redline with several upgrades the other is a Raleigh RX24 which I wish I could find some better gravel tires for, not finding anything great in a 520 iso.

In the next 3 months I'm ordering my new gravel/cross frameset which will be a Milwaukee Bicycle Company Mettle frameset. I'm really tossed on exactly how I want it built though. Right now they have a full QR version in OX platinum or thru axle in Vari-Wall THRMLX which I've never ridden; liked the OX platinum frame I'd previously had; I'm considering QR rear with thru axle front. Either way its getting new king hubs with Velocity Aileron rims which can be ordered to whatever configuration I need and I haven't decided on the rest of the parts package. Still trying to figure out the whole 1x11 vs 2x11 though I'm leaning towards a double. Bike will be used for cross racing which will require a 34 ring with a 34 or 36 rear low but the plan is to have it built for a week long bikepacking tour of Prince Edward Island with the whole family.
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Re: Gravel Bike Porn [ In reply to ]
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Replacing my road bike was one of the best decisions ever. Depending on where I ride 30-70% gravel.











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Re: Gravel Bike Porn [sryke] [ In reply to ]
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Raleigh Stuntman with Compass Snoqualmies. It's a Reynolds 631 frame with room for 2.2x29 tires, a large BB drop, Rival 1, high trail and drop bars. This is a great gravel bike if you're going to use it on some single track, but still want to go relatively fast (unlike, say, a Salsa Fargo). It's extremely comfortable to ride all day. I've since swapped out the cheap stock wheels for some Mavic Crossmax, mounted some bags and swapped the cages. It comes with a dropper with a remote, but I swapped it for a rigid post to clean up the bars.The paint job is inspired by The Fall Guy's truck. Raleigh only sold this bike for one year.
Last edited by: hiro11: Dec 29, 18 5:50
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Re: Gravel Bike Porn [hiro11] [ In reply to ]
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My Parlee Z0-XD (medium)
Wheelset - HED Ardennes LT w/ Panaracer GKSK 35mm
Wheelset #2 Easton EA70AX 650B Maxxis Defuse 50mm
Cockpit - Easton EC90 AX carbon bars (40cm) with Redshift ShockStem (100mm)
Crankset - Shimano DuraAce 9100 with Absoluteblack chainrings 48/32
Pedals - Shimano XTR9000
Saddle - Berk Dila
Seatpost - Ergon CF3
Front D - Shimano Ultegra 8070 Di2
Rear D - Shimano Ultegra RX-805-GS Di2
Cassette - Shimano Ultegra 8000 11/34t
Brake Levers - Ultegra 8070
Brake Calipers- DuraAce 9170
Brake Rotors - DuraAce
Chain - KMC XL11SL
Thuraxles- Hardlites
Cages - Tune
Headset - CaneCreek 110
Cap+Expander - Extralite
BB- Parlee
Seatpost Clamp - Parlee
FD Clamp- Parlee
Bartape - Rapha RCC
Last edited by: spntrxi: Jan 9, 19 16:36
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Re: Gravel Bike Porn [spntrxi] [ In reply to ]
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whoa I feel more inspired looking those post!
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Re: Gravel Bike Porn [Francois] [ In reply to ]
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This is my 2018 specialized diverge. Loved the red color so I bought the bike, stripped all the parts and built it up the way I wanted. 1x11 sram force 1, salsa cowbell bar, 27.5x47 tires wraped around industry 9 wheels.

ART, MDT, DNS, MPI, FST
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Re: Gravel Bike Porn [Orbilius] [ In reply to ]
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Magnificent landscape! Where did you take the pics, Orbilius?
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Re: Gravel Bike Porn [andid333] [ In reply to ]
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Those were from Crested Butte.
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Re: Gravel Bike Porn [cwg_at_opc] [ In reply to ]
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cwg_at_opc wrote:
Rodeo Adventure Labs Trail Donkey 2.0
upgraded to a redshift shockstop stem for my dodgy wrists(car accident back in '01)

I'm about to build up a TD 2.1 here myself, I haven't ordered a stem yet as I'm want to check some things on the fit first but how are you finding that stem? I've considered getting one for my bike. Roads here can get a pretty good washboard going and I thought it might be a nice addition.
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Re: Gravel Bike Porn [Imouttahere] [ In reply to ]
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Anyone with experience with the Kestrel TerX Force?

Formerly DrD
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Re: Gravel Bike Porn [txtyree] [ In reply to ]
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i'm currently using the softest set of elastomers, and i may go up one step in stiffness as it has (as per the instructions) softened up a bit.
other than that, i find it to be just like any other stiff alloy stem. bump absorption is good and rebound is damped well so there's no boingy-ness.
any weight penalty is a non-issue for me.

i would finalize your stem length with regular ones first before buying as it is not cheap.

let me know if you have any other questions


"...I try not to ever ride as slow as 20mph. ;) ... And even more than that, I don't race with a speedometer. My computer is set up to show Power // Cadence // Time. I don't actually ever know how fast I'm going. I only know that if I'm in 53/11, and it takes more than 100rpm to hit my target watts, it's time to coast." - Jordan Rapp on '09 IMC
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Re: Gravel Bike Porn [cwg_at_opc] [ In reply to ]
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I have one as well and have used it for gravel races with washboard. It works really well. Stiff enough for sprinting, but soaks up some of the higher frequency vibrations.
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Re: Gravel Bike Porn [Orbilius] [ In reply to ]
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Thank you for the information, that all sounds pretty good to me.
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Re: Gravel Bike Porn [txtyree] [ In reply to ]
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3T warranty replaced my white Exploro with the new Exploro FM. Great customer service.

Thought I would share the good experience and a few more pics:

New bike with the Stans 650b wheels and 2.1in knobbies:

Telluride

Telluride


Black Bear

Last edited by: Orbilius: Jan 9, 19 17:59
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Re: Gravel Bike Porn [Orbilius] [ In reply to ]
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Orbilius wrote:
3T warranty replaced my white Exploro with the new Exploro FM.


What was the issue for the warranty replacement?
Last edited by: Tifosi01: Jan 9, 19 18:50
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Re: Gravel Bike Porn [Tifosi01] [ In reply to ]
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Cracking around the seatpost. The new retention clamp fixes the issue.
Last edited by: Orbilius: Jan 9, 19 18:58
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Re: Gravel Bike Porn [Orbilius] [ In reply to ]
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Good thing you got your replacement before showing these photos :-)



Orbilius wrote:
3T warranty replaced my white Exploro with the new Exploro FM. Great customer service.

Thought I would share the good experience and a few more pics:

New bike with the Stans 650b wheels and 2.1in knobbies:

Telluride

Telluride


Black Bear
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Re: Gravel Bike Porn [Orbilius] [ In reply to ]
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Great photos, I might have check Telluride out. I've been near there but haven't ever ridden around there.
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Re: Gravel Bike Porn [Orbilius] [ In reply to ]
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<squints> 44T chainring?

Nice ride.
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Re: Gravel Bike Porn [geetee] [ In reply to ]
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Yep. 44t wolf tooth.
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Re: Gravel Bike Porn [Imouttahere] [ In reply to ]
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Ditched the road bike. No regrets.
https://imgur.com/a/hHpWw9i


Last edited by: tripot: Jan 13, 19 8:41
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Re: Gravel Bike Porn [krustinator] [ In reply to ]
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Have you raced cross on this thing yet? I have been looking for a commuter/gravel/adventure/cross bike. In my mind a cross bike that can mount racks and plenty of bottles.
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Re: Gravel Bike Porn [JesseN] [ In reply to ]
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Did you race cross on it?

Looking to sell anytime soon?
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Re: Gravel Bike Porn [Francois] [ In reply to ]
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This thing was excellent for Saturday.

I wanted to do my usual Saturday morning spirited road ride, but a friend was organizing a gravel ride in the same area at noon. Not enough time for swapping bikes. No problem! After 30 miles (and most of the big efforts) of the road ride, a couple guys decided to split off for home, and their route went within six miles of where the gravel ride started. So I cruised along with them for fifteen miles, did my solo six, and was just in time.

A couple others wanted to join me, but they didn't have time to switch to their gravel bikes. :(
Last edited by: HTupolev: Jan 28, 19 12:45
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Re: Gravel Bike Porn [Francois] [ In reply to ]
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I got this Factor ViSTA last week. So far, it feels amazing. I don't think there is a more aero gravel/all-road bike on the market right now.
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Re: Gravel Bike Porn [rob_bell] [ In reply to ]
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Damn. Looks nice. What clearance do you have?
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Re: Gravel Bike Porn [Francois] [ In reply to ]
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Francois wrote:
Damn. Looks nice. What clearance do you have?

early rumors where like 35/36 might be tops clearance wise.
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Re: Gravel Bike Porn [Francois] [ In reply to ]
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Francois wrote:
Damn. Looks nice. What clearance do you have?


The tires pictured are 38 Gravelking SKs that measure 40mm on those Black Inc wheels. I raced that setup at Texas Chainring this weekend, and it was plenty of clearance. In a muddy race, I would use 32s and I think it would be fine for even Landrun style mud.

My previous bike was a 3T Exploro, and on it i very rarely raced or trained on anything wider than a true 40mm tire.
Last edited by: rob_bell: Jan 28, 19 15:10
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Re: Gravel Bike Porn [rob_bell] [ In reply to ]
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rob_bell wrote:
Francois wrote:
Damn. Looks nice. What clearance do you have?


The tires pictured are 38 Gravelking SKs that measure 40mm on those Black Inc wheels. I raced that setup at Texas Chainring this weekend, and it was plenty of clearance. In a muddy race, I would use 32s and I think it would be fine for even Landrun style mud.

My previous bike was a 3T Exploro, and on it i very rarely raced or trained on anything wider than a true 40mm tire.

nice.. clearance looks about as tight as I would go though... good to see it fits a little larger then many of the early reviewers stated. I will be trying 650x47 real soon.. I can do 50 in the front with 650B
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Re: Gravel Bike Porn [rob_bell] [ In reply to ]
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Why’d you switch from the Exploro? How does the Factor compare so far?

Matt
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Re: Gravel Bike Porn [Pun_Times] [ In reply to ]
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Pun_Times wrote:
Why’d you switch from the Exploro? How does the Factor compare so far?

A few reasons. To be fully transparent, the 3T and the Factor are both the result of team sponsorship. The Exploro excited us for a bunch of reasons. Lots of tire clearance. A focus on aero (which we knew was going to be a big deal in gravel). An option to run huge 650b tires.

The Exploro does lots of things well, but we felt like as pure gravel racers, the ViSTA was the best gravel racing bike. The truth is, we didn't need something that could kind of do double duty as a mountain bike. I never once mounted 650bs. I also had frequent chain drops on the Exploro, and the chain would get wedged deep between the crank bolts and BB. Based on the courses i race, I'm not willing to go 1x, so this was a big deal.

With the Factor, it takes the things we love about the exploro and adds an additional layer of polish to them. The Exploro was aero, but the Factor refined that aero idea even more. We knew how much tire clearance we needed, and we have it with the Factor, but without the dropped chain stay (which causes chain suck in muddy conditions) and without bb386 (which I believe was what limited the space between chainring bolts and the frame which caused our chains to get stuck when they dropped).

Some on our team felt the Exploro was too harsh. Personally, I didn’t notice it. With the right size tire and the right tire pressure, the Exploro felt smooth to me. The narrow stays on the Factor do seem to absorb some vibration, almost like a leaf spring.

The Factor is the most stable bike I’ve ridden. It tracks very straight. I’ve never ridden a bike that is easier to ride with no hands. In the race this weekend, I took off my vest in a crosswind while I was riding on the chunky gravel shoulder. It wasn’t an issue at all. On the 3T, those conditions would have made me a bit more nervous. The 3T to me felt a little nervous in corners. Something about the front end just didn't feel right. The Factor carves through turns like a road bike.

When you remove the rear wheel of the Factor, your rear derailleur doesn't fall off. Cables are completely hidden, unlike the behind-the-stem routing the 3T has. The seatpost clamp of the Factor seems to be a more finished version of the 3T clamp. If you are short, the smaller sized Exploros don't have much room inside the triangle for large bottles. Even the smallest sized Factor has plenty of room for 1L bottles in standard cages (the 3T needed side loading cages).

I'm not sponsored by 3T anymore, but i still won't say anything bad about that bike. It's a good bike, and does a lot of things well. However, for a pure gravel racing bike, the Factor is a better option.

If I'm being picky and honest, here are some downsides to the Factor. There are no top tube bosses for a bento box, but that is easily fixed by using a velcro bag from Darkspeedworks (i'm not sponsored by them, but i do like their packs and will buy one shortly). The current bar/stem doesn't allow for clip-on aerobars, but I believe they are designing a solution for this right now. With the way gravel racing is going, aerobars are a huge advantage, and most races do allow them. Hopefully by Dk200 i will have this part figured out.
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Re: Gravel Bike Porn [rob_bell] [ In reply to ]
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Factor did a lot of cool things with that frame but designing a "pure gravel bike" with only 35mm (stated) tire clearance is a head scratcher.
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Re: Gravel Bike Porn [Carl Spackler] [ In reply to ]
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What are the odds they were trying to make a UCI legal play?

The Cervelo C-line is another head scratcher.

36 kona qualifiers 2006-'23 - 3 Kona Podiums - 4 OA IM AG wins - 5 IM AG wins - 18 70.3 AG wins
I ka nana no a 'ike -- by observing, one learns | Kulia i ka nu'u -- strive for excellence
Garmin Glycogen Use App | Garmin Fat Use App
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Re: Gravel Bike Porn [Carl Spackler] [ In reply to ]
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Carl Spackler wrote:
Factor did a lot of cool things with that frame but designing a "pure gravel bike" with only 35mm (stated) tire clearance is a head scratcher.


It fits a true 40. The Gravel King 38 measures 40mm, and it fits.

I think companies would rather be on the safe side when recommending tire size because the actual size varies so much on different rims. Some 40s measure 44mm, so a frame company won't want to say "we fit 40c tires" because it would lead to disappointment when somebody tries to squeeze their 44mm tire that says "40" into a frame that can only fit a true 40.

In at least 75% of the races i did last year, i used 35s (which measure 38). In a couple races I used 32s. There was only one race that I used something bigger than a true 40. I raced in Colorado, Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas, Arkansas, Nebraska, Michigan, and I guess technically part of MO.
Last edited by: rob_bell: Jan 29, 19 10:53
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Re: Gravel Bike Porn [rob_bell] [ In reply to ]
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rob_bell wrote:
It fits a true 40.
If that merely means that it doesn't rub, that's normal for a bike that states 35mm. 35->40 is only 2.5mm on each side, quite a bit less than is usually added on top of stated.
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Re: Gravel Bike Porn [rob_bell] [ In reply to ]
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In the gravel I ride in central and western Montana and north Idaho I’ve been plenty happy with 32-37 mm. I’ve thought about going wider, but I sometimes I’m riding on 15 miles of pavement until I get to the gravel and don’t want a wider tire for that.

While the idea of being able to fit a 650b 2” tire sounds neat, if I’m riding on terrain requiring it I’d personally think a mountain bike would be a better option. But I get why people are interested in having the flexibility all in one bike

Matt
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Re: Gravel Bike Porn [rob_bell] [ In reply to ]
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I’ve never looked at Factor bikes. I just checked them out - nice geo and some some nice fractures. Man, that tire clearance is a total deal breaker for me. To me it defeats one of the main points of a bike like this - versitility. If you can’t run 700x28 all the way to 650x50, then it becomes a narrow scope bike for no particular reason.

_______________________________________________
Last edited by: Bonesbrigade: Jan 29, 19 12:53
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Re: Gravel Bike Porn [rob_bell] [ In reply to ]
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Lots of frame companies say they fit 40c tires, because they do; I put a 40c on 23mm internal rim width on updated Exploro, and there will be plenty of room to handle DK mud. 3T doesn't say a 42c tire, so I'm not going to try one.

The point isn't how many races you did on 35mm tires. It's about a frame design with flexibility to fit what's basically a "standard" tire width (40c) wrt to gravel tires.
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Re: Gravel Bike Porn [Pun_Times] [ In reply to ]
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Pun_Times wrote:
In the gravel I ride in central and western Montana and north Idaho I’ve been plenty happy with 32-37 mm. I’ve thought about going wider, but I sometimes I’m riding on 15 miles of pavement until I get to the gravel and don’t want a wider tire for that.

Paved performance is part of why I'm on 53s instead of something narrower.

Most of my friends who have stuck with 3Xmm tires are using considerably beefier sidewalls than I am, because they have a lot more sidewall exposure. They also need to run their tires at more extreme drop than I do, so that the narrower tire has sufficient compliance to manage the rough stuff. Those two things combine into very high paved rolling resistance.

Quote:
While the idea of being able to fit a 650b 2” tire sounds neat, if I’m riding on terrain requiring it I’d personally think a mountain bike would be a better option.
Mountain bikes are designed for managing technical stuff. Not all surfaces that are rough are technical.
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Re: Gravel Bike Porn [HTupolev] [ In reply to ]
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HTupolev wrote:
Paved performance is part of why I'm on 53s instead of something narrower.

If you believe that 53’s and going to outperform a 30-35 mm tire on pavement then show me the data

Matt
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Re: Gravel Bike Porn [Pun_Times] [ In reply to ]
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I know he wrote 53 multiple times... but I'm still thinking that has to be some kind of typo.

I know 700x26 vs 650x42 cost me ~40watts and that is real.
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Re: Gravel Bike Porn [Pun_Times] [ In reply to ]
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Pun_Times wrote:
HTupolev wrote:

Paved performance is part of why I'm on 53s instead of something narrower.

If you believe that 53’s and going to outperform a 30-35 mm tire on pavement then show me the data
What particular tires? Obviously this is contextual; if your gravel is velodrome-smooth hardpack and you can smoothly and flat-free get away with 23mm Corsa Speeds, then going bigger won't buy you anything. I've seen people flat several times in ten miles on lightly-made 3Xmm-wide tires around here, though, so you tend to see toughened stuff like GKSKs in those sizes. One guy I ride with even uses Schwalbe HS404s on his gravel bike, and there's no question that those are far slower than my 53s (that guy is a cat3 racer who is normally stronger than I am, but he works hard just clinging to my draft when he's on that rubber.)

I haven't done any structured testing, though. Just scattered observations from a few years of riding.

I built my gravel bike up 3 years ago on the cheap. 1984 Stumpjumper frameset! It's a very heavy build and will never climb impressively, but I fit it like a road bike (which required slamming the saddle forward on a zero-offset seatpost lol), and the flat-ground performance is what's interesting.
When I first put the bike together, I threw on some Continental Double Fighter IIs. They're about 45mm inflated, and have extremely thick and stiff sidewalls. For giggles I sometimes used the bike for pure paved riding, and when I went all-out on flat out-and-backs, my performances were averaging around 2mph slower than on my road bikes.
Summer that year I switched to a tire built more like a high-performance road tire (Rat Trap Pass EL), which measure 53mm and are what I'm mostly still using. Performance on those flat out-and-backs is close enough now to my road bikes that I can't really tell what the difference is from the Strava data; at any rate, a good day on the Stumpy is faster than a poor day on the Emonda.
So, 8mm more width but somewhere around 2mph faster, and much closer in performance to my road bikes than to where the gravel bike was with slow tires. This made clear to me that how the tire is built was having a much bigger impact than how big it is.

The other thing is group riding. If I switch from a road bike to my gravel bike, I can mostly still road ride with the same people. My friends of similar ability largely can't do the same on their gravel bikes unless they swap tires first. Similarly, when we're on the paved portions of mixed-surface rides and we're all on gravel bikes, I move way up in relative ability.
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Re: Gravel Bike Porn [HTupolev] [ In reply to ]
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ok so they measure 53... likely they are 50's... I wish you would stick to that.

As far a group rides, I definitely have to push 20-30 more watts on average to keep up with the groups I ride with... or get dropped in no time flat. I admit I'm not super strong as of late so these 30 or so watts means I'm pretty close to FTP for 2+ hours.
Last edited by: spntrxi: Jan 29, 19 20:50
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Re: Gravel Bike Porn [spntrxi] [ In reply to ]
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spntrxi wrote:
ok so they measure 53... likely they are 50's... I wish you would stick to that.
Yeah, 53mm is what I measured on my wheels. This pair is getting old though... I re-checked just now, and it looks like both tires have grown to 54mm.

Rat Trap Pass are kind of garbled as far as nominal sizing goes. They say 2.3" on the sidewall rubber and that's how Compass lists them on the page header, but the Compass website also says that they usually measure 52mm-54mm depending on setup (which is more like 2.1").
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Re: Gravel Bike Porn [HTupolev] [ In reply to ]
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2.3 wow serious rubber.. 35psi or something.. supple
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Re: Gravel Bike Porn [Francois] [ In reply to ]
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My Parlee Chebacco
Sram Red
Reynolds ATR wheelset




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Re: Gravel Bike Porn [Francois] [ In reply to ]
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It has begun.

Kestrel 4000 LTD (custom build, 18lbs)



Last edited by: slickii: Mar 20, 19 1:27
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Re: Gravel Bike Porn [Francois] [ In reply to ]
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Porn of the dirty hardcore variety


"When the going gets weird, the weird turn pro."
Hunter S. Thompson
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Re: Gravel Bike Porn [Francois] [ In reply to ]
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Re: Gravel Bike Porn [HTupolev] [ In reply to ]
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Re: Gravel Bike Porn [slickii] [ In reply to ]
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interesting choice for gravel
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Re: Gravel Bike Porn [ollie3856] [ In reply to ]
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ollie3856 wrote:
interesting choice for gravel
Maybe the "gravel" in question is velodrome-smooth hardpack.


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Re: Gravel Bike Porn [tri-tele] [ In reply to ]
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That is gorgeous. Currently at the top of my lust list.

_________________________________________________
"The will to win means nothing without the will to prepare" - Juma Ikangaa

http://www.litespeed.com
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Re: Gravel Bike Porn [TiDriver] [ In reply to ]
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I am hoping conditions hold so I can defile it at VOMAR on sunday.

I had an OPEN U.P. previously but there is something reassuring about riding a metal framed bike when things get rowdy (which they tend to).....

"When the going gets weird, the weird turn pro."
Hunter S. Thompson
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Re: Gravel Bike Porn [Francois] [ In reply to ]
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Frame just came in today.... I am planning on building a S-Works Crux
SRAM Force 1X with 52 tooth Chainring... 42 for gravel rides.
10-42 casette
Reynolds ATR Wheels
The rest.... I have no clue.
<blockquote class="imgur-embed-pub" lang="en" data-id="a/F7uz5A6"><a href="//imgur.com/F7uz5A6"></a></blockquote><script async src="//s.imgur.com/min/embed.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
https://imgur.com/a/F7uz5A6
Last edited by: Etexag: Mar 22, 19 16:31
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Re: Gravel Bike Porn [Etexag] [ In reply to ]
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Indy Fab Deluxe...26" hardtail MTB turned 650b roadster. Currently set up with fenders and dyno hub lighting, this bike has become my go-to winter bike. So many nice 26" frames floating around out there...just wish there were more options for rigid forks in 450-ish A-C length.

Moots Baxter...post Land Run.
Last edited by: ironacct: Mar 23, 19 7:53
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Re: Gravel Bike Porn [ironacct] [ In reply to ]
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Already posted this in 'Show us your ride' - but can't resist sharing again. :) Canyon Grail.


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Re: Gravel Bike Porn [surroundhound] [ In reply to ]
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Nice bike! I just received my Grail as well.

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Re: Gravel Bike Porn [ironacct] [ In reply to ]
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What are you doing looking at my Litespeed Gravel when you have that Baxter in the garage.

That's a sweet looking rig!

"When the going gets weird, the weird turn pro."
Hunter S. Thompson
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Re: Gravel Bike Porn [tri-tele] [ In reply to ]
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Haha, thanks man. Lots of great bikes on this thread. Always interested to see others’ setups, yours included. I’ll say half the fun of going to Land Run was walking around the day prior just looking at what everyone brought!
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Re: Gravel Bike Porn [baliman] [ In reply to ]
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Nice! This looks really slick with the green and the 1x.
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Re: Gravel Bike Porn [ In reply to ]
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This update to my Exploro is an N-1 experiment. Changed the tires, handlebar, position, and upgraded to the ASX double group.

Going to see how this does pulling double duty for roubaix style road races and gravel races. May part with my roadbike that sees very little use these days.






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Re: Gravel Bike Porn [baliman] [ In reply to ]
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baliman wrote:
Nice bike! I just received my Grail as well.

They do 1x now?
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Re: Gravel Bike Porn [Diabolo] [ In reply to ]
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depending on model... yes
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Re: Gravel Bike Porn [Orbilius] [ In reply to ]
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Nice ride! Reminds me of my road frame :)

What handlebars are those? They look like Cervelo, but not sure
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Re: Gravel Bike Porn [nickvas] [ In reply to ]
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They are the Cervelo AB-04 bars. I have them on another bike and love them.
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Re: Gravel Bike Porn [Orbilius] [ In reply to ]
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that's a quiver killer

36 kona qualifiers 2006-'23 - 3 Kona Podiums - 4 OA IM AG wins - 5 IM AG wins - 18 70.3 AG wins
I ka nana no a 'ike -- by observing, one learns | Kulia i ka nu'u -- strive for excellence
Garmin Glycogen Use App | Garmin Fat Use App
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Re: Gravel Bike Porn [MarkyV] [ In reply to ]
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MarkyV wrote:
that's a quiver killer

I tried that with a Parlee XD... didn't quite work so it's going full gravel and I'm bought another road bike.
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Re: Gravel Bike Porn [spntrxi] [ In reply to ]
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what made it deficient on the road?

36 kona qualifiers 2006-'23 - 3 Kona Podiums - 4 OA IM AG wins - 5 IM AG wins - 18 70.3 AG wins
I ka nana no a 'ike -- by observing, one learns | Kulia i ka nu'u -- strive for excellence
Garmin Glycogen Use App | Garmin Fat Use App
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Re: Gravel Bike Porn [Francois] [ In reply to ]
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I'm looking for a budget 650B wheelset for my Open UP. I currently ride a 700 wheelset that is Hed belgium plus rims with DT Swiss 350 center lock hubs.

Opinions on the Hunt, Mason X Hunt 650 Adventure sport disc wheelset? I am thinking I would put something like the gravel king SK in either 43 or 48mm.

I have also looked at the Easton EA70 AX disc wheelset. They are a little heavier than the Hunt wheels but also wider. The price is a bit higher for the Eastons but they are still only around $500.

Appreciate the input.
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Re: Gravel Bike Porn [RyanB] [ In reply to ]
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I have sram rails and Stan’s ZTR flows. Both are great rugged wheel sets with wide internal width and can be had for a deal new or on eBay. I bought all my 650b wheelsets used since their value has cratered post boost spacing.
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Re: Gravel Bike Porn [Francois] [ In reply to ]
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My new Crux on its maiden voyage this morning!



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Re: Gravel Bike Porn [MarkyV] [ In reply to ]
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MarkyV wrote:
what made it deficient on the road?

el dropo .. .

it has some weight and tire compromises for offload that just fry me with the fast guys. Another pure (aero) road bike was always in the plan anyways to be honest.
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Re: Gravel Bike Porn [RyanB] [ In reply to ]
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RyanB wrote:
I'm looking for a budget 650B wheelset for my Open UP. I currently ride a 700 wheelset that is Hed belgium plus rims with DT Swiss 350 center lock hubs.

Opinions on the Hunt, Mason X Hunt 650 Adventure sport disc wheelset? I am thinking I would put something like the gravel king SK in either 43 or 48mm.

I have also looked at the Easton EA70 AX disc wheelset. They are a little heavier than the Hunt wheels but also wider. The price is a bit higher for the Eastons but they are still only around $500.

Appreciate the input.

if you are going to go 43+... atleast get 24 internal width....more is even better actually. I have the Easton's you mention and Enve G27s. I hardly use my Easton's... I should sell them.
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Re: Gravel Bike Porn [spntrxi] [ In reply to ]
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I don’t have the budget for Enves right now.

Having both it makes sense you would be mostly riding the Enve wheelset. What do you think of the Easton wheels? Good for the price?
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Re: Gravel Bike Porn [RyanB] [ In reply to ]
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RyanB wrote:
I don’t have the budget for Enves right now.

Having both it makes sense you would be mostly riding the Enve wheelset. What do you think of the Easton wheels? Good for the price?

Yes I do think they are good for the price.. I have Donnelly MSO 650bx42 on them for the days I need traction on mud clearance. My enve's get WTB Byways. My only neg would be weight ... high 1600g. The XD driver is kinda pricey at around $70+ as well.. compared to what I can find DT Swiss for. Nothing compared to Industry9 though... their XD driver free hub is so overpriced but not in ChrisKings league.
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Re: Gravel Bike Porn [Francois] [ In reply to ]
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Recent rides have included sustained not-small gradients, sometimes on very nasty loose rocky unpaved surfaces.



I got tired of having to muscle up the steepest spots in a huge gear like 24-28, so I decided to upgrade my cheapo allroad drivetrain to the ultimate cheapo allroad drivetrain.

Previous cassette:

11-13-15-18-21-24-28

New cassette:

11-13-15-18-21-24-28-32

Chainrings remain the same as before, 48-38-24.

So I get some bonus low-end without giving anything up.
Also, since the middle ring has access to a lower gear than before, I don't need to bail to the tiny ring as often. That's nice, because 38->24 is a dramatic shift!



The first problem I ran into was that the Alivio M410 derailleur had insufficient wrap. Easy solution: a newer Alivio T4000 derailleur is rated for 45 teeth of wrap, exactly what my drivetrain uses. That new pulley cage is huge!



The first problem that I almost had, but actually made things easier, was chain length. A new 116-link chain was perfectly sized right out of the box!

The second problem that I had was was chain clearance. The large cog is farther inboard than before. In the small-big, the chain was interfering with both the tire and fender.
Solution: push the chainline farther outboard! (And since the NDS arm is farther outboard than it needs to be, I might as well bring it inboard at the same time.)

The old BB has a 118mm spindle. The new BB has a 115mm spindle...



...plus a huge drive-side spacer!



I've pushed the DS outboard by 2.5mm while brinding the NDS inboard by 5.5mm. Seems to get the job done.

The remaining problem: I haven't quite dialed in the FD adjustment. The shifting is very crisp, but the chain is intermittently being thrown off the inside on downshifts to the small ring, and neither pedaling form nor feathering the shifter seem to offer a consistent solution. Since the chain isn't jamming on the bottom run when this happens, I might just see if a simple chain keeper makes the problem disappear.

Bike:


Last edited by: HTupolev: Apr 5, 20 1:15
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Re: Gravel Bike Porn [brando] [ In reply to ]
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Trying out the new 3T Exploro Pro GRX:



Swapped the Praxis crank for GRX (and Wheels Mfg BB), and the Fulcrum wheels for...GRX! (I am kind of a Shimano fanboy). The slightly wider q-factor of the GRX compared to Shimano road (R7000, 8000, etc) allows the use of a Stages power meter on this frame!



One thing to note about the GRX crankset on this and other 386EVO or similar frames - I dropped my chain to the inside of the chainring in some wet slop yesterday, and the chain actually got caught underneath the mounts for the inner ring, and the largeness of the BB area prevented it come easily coming back out.



Took me 20 minutes to figure out the issue and then gently work the chain around and out. So I'm going to either put something on the inner ring mounts to keep this from happening and/or add a chain catcher to the FD mounts.
Last edited by: brando: Jan 6, 20 7:10
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Re: Gravel Bike Porn [brando] [ In reply to ]
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Shininess begins at the bottom bracket. If the bottom bracket is not shiny, the bicycle cannot look shiny. Probably.



In the frame, with a spacer to offset the spindle (short NDS to reduce q-factor):



brando wrote:
One thing to note about the GRX crankset on this and other 386EVO or similar frames - I dropped my chain to the inside of the chainring in some wet slop yesterday, and the chain actually got caught underneath the mounts for the inner ring, and the largeness of the BB area prevented it come easily coming back out.
Yeah, I saw a jam like that happen on a friend's Diverge. There are a lot of ways for a chain to jam in the BB area, but that's one of the nastier ones.
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Re: Gravel Bike Porn [HTupolev] [ In reply to ]
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A friend at work is a 3d printing enthusiast and we printed a small guide for the inner mounting holes of the GRX crankset to keep the chain from dropping into this recess:





Also added the Wolftooth chain guide to keep the chain on in the first place when it gets really bouncy or muddy.
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Re: Gravel Bike Porn [Francois] [ In reply to ]
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2019 Trek Checkpoint SL6. Size 54, ENVE handlebar and rest of the bike Upgraded with Ultegra and Dura Ace components. DT Swiss R470 wheels are nothing to cry home over been they have been fine. 40mm Hutchison tubeless tires. Clearance for well over 50mm.





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Re: Gravel Bike Porn [Francois] [ In reply to ]
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Just built my first, so I have something "road-like" to get me through Michigan Winters; I never really fell in love with MTBs, although I have a couple and will occasionally ride them.

I've always like Van Dessel bikes, and I got a great deal on this frame on Ebay. Had to pick up some wheels for it (also Ebay), but the rest is built up with mostly odds and ends I had laying around (mostly 105 10-speed components, and some TRP Spyre brakes).

Probably have about $500 into it, but it's quickly becoming one of my favorite bikes to ride when I'm not doing dedicated training or racing.


Last edited by: dpd3672: Dec 26, 19 8:12
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Re: Gravel Bike Porn [dpd3672] [ In reply to ]
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My holiday Orbea Terra M20-D-1x. Lots of fun to ride...




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Re: Gravel Bike Porn [Francois] [ In reply to ]
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Anyone ride an On One Free Ranger? Looks sweet.

https://www.planetx.co.uk/...m-rival1-gravel-bike

Formerly DrD
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Re: Gravel Bike Porn [Broken Leg Guy] [ In reply to ]
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Looks good, do you know much about it? Is the frame 2x capable?

Advanced Aero TopTube Storage for Road, Gravel, & Tri...ZeroSlip & Direct-mount, made in the USA.
DarkSpeedWorks.com.....Reviews.....Insta.....Facebook

--
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Re: Gravel Bike Porn [DarkSpeedWorks] [ In reply to ]
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DarkSpeedWorks wrote:
Looks good, do you know much about it? Is the frame 2x capable?


I don’t know much about it other than looking at the website. It looks like you can buy frame only so I assume it’s 1x and 2x compatible.

Formerly DrD
Last edited by: Broken Leg Guy: Dec 29, 19 14:34
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Re: Gravel Bike Porn [brando] [ In reply to ]
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Had some gorgeous rides this last week. :D





I didn't plan for the snow on that one. These 2.1" slicks are wonderful on rocky aggregate and paved roads, but wallowed and slipped badly on this snow. An interesting learning experience on mountainous double-track... as I tried to figure out how to use my foot as a stabilizer and drag brake while straddling the top tube, thoughts of "a dropper post wouldn't go amiss right now" bounced around my head.


brando wrote:
A friend at work is a 3d printing enthusiast and we printed a small guide for the inner mounting holes of the GRX crankset to keep the chain from dropping into this recess:

Quote:
Also added the Wolftooth chain guide to keep the chain on in the first place when it gets really bouncy or muddy.

Ooooh, that's really neat!

I did something vaguely similar with my bike. The bolts for the small chainring aren't recessed, the heads sit proud of the ring. So if the chain dropped off the inside and I tried to shift it back onto the rings, the bolt heads would do stupid things like pick up the lower run of the chain (acting like the pins on modern big rings) and jam things up. The small chainring has a bunch of smaller holes on it, so I stuck a pentagon of zip ties in there to keep the chain pushed away from the bolt heads. Bizarrely, it actually worked.



I've since installed a Deda Dog Fang on the bike and (fingers crossed) haven't experienced any drops since. I haven't bothered removing the zip ties, though.
Last edited by: HTupolev: Dec 29, 19 14:55
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Re: Gravel Bike Porn [HTupolev] [ In reply to ]
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Nice work with the zip ties, and great pics! Locations? I think you are in WA?
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Re: Gravel Bike Porn [brando] [ In reply to ]
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brando wrote:
Nice work with the zip ties, and great pics! Locations? I think you are in WA?

Yep, Seattle area.

The first pic is on the middle of a ridge that sits west of Spada Lake, looking roughly south-ish. The top of Mount Rainier is visible over one of the ridges.

The second pic is from west of Lake Cavanaugh, on a hill that the maps label as "Mount Washington", looking toward Whitehorse Mountain.
Last edited by: HTupolev: Dec 31, 19 9:55
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Re: Gravel Bike Porn [HTupolev] [ In reply to ]
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HTupolev wrote:
I did something vaguely similar with my bike. The bolts for the small chainring aren't recessed, the heads sit proud of the ring. So if the chain dropped off the inside and I tried to shift it back onto the rings, the bolt heads would do stupid things like pick up the lower run of the chain (acting like the pins on modern big rings) and jam things up. The small chainring has a bunch of smaller holes on it, so I stuck a pentagon of zip ties in there to keep the chain pushed away from the bolt heads. Bizarrely, it actually worked.


Very impressive hack there, Sir... chapeau!

My 'gravel' bike is also an older Frankensteined road frame w/ conventional threaded BB from long before dedicated gravel bikes (and modern oversize BB systems) were even a thing, so seeing your engineering improv is dear to my heart.
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Re: Gravel Bike Porn [kppolich] [ In reply to ]
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kppolich wrote:
CX/Gravel Bike, Older Cannondale CX-9 that I painted. Force CX1, Shorty Ultimates.

Gravel/Touring Mode


How do you like those Challenge Almanzo’s??
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Re: Gravel Bike Porn [TheWhiteCarrot] [ In reply to ]
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Man that was a fun bike, but I sold it 2 years ago.
Almanzo's were flat prone, i have since gone to tubeless everything for gravel but have challenge baby limus tubs on my cx bike.
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Re: Gravel Bike Porn [HTupolev] [ In reply to ]
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Since last posting I've done quite a drivetrain refresh. Components on gravel bikes can wear a lot faster than on bikes for clean roads... I let my chain get much too long, and a chain replacement led to a replacement of both the cassette and the middle chainring.



The new middle chainring claims to be "9/10 speed." I haven't told it how many cogs it's being paired with in back, hopefully it doesn't find out.



Recently I've been dealing with what appears to be a creak with the stem. I figured I'd no nuclear on it and picked up a Nitto Pearl.









I decided to use a stem a bit longer than the old one, to fix the problem of my knees bumping into the bar tops. A shorter-reach bar can theoretically resolve this discrepancy. I might be flying a bit close to the sun on handlebar options with this, though, as handlebars with 25.4mm clamp areas aren't numerous: in addition to the long reach, the stem has a fairly short quill, placing the clamp area both farther forward and lower than with the old stem. And I wasn't intending to lower the bar ramps!

The solution? Uhh...

Um.

Well, I had a bar laying around that says "RANDNNER" on it. It's not to be confused with a Nitto Grand Raundoneur or, worse yet, a randonneuring handlebar; no, the opposite side of the clamp area clearly states that it is a ROAD CHAMPION!



I guess I'll see what happens. It has a bit of rise that raises the ramps to about where I want them, and the drop ends are at the same width as the previous bar. It's got a ton of flare, though, meaning that the hoods position is extremely narrow.

Felt fine on the road today. Have yet to take it on gravel.


Last edited by: HTupolev: Aug 8, 20 0:06
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Re: Gravel Bike Porn [HTupolev] [ In reply to ]
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Well, new bar/stem test went fine.



As hoped, hood narrowness wasn't an issue because I wasn't inclined to use them on anything seriously nasty anyway. Drops are in roughly the same location as before, and felt pretty similar to before. Knees bumping into bar tops no longer happens. And no creaking from the stem so far, hopefully it stays that way.

One seriously critical problem, though, is that this ride used up the last of my appropriately-colored beverage. And appropriately-colored beverage is apparently difficult to source during COVID. :(

//=============================

BONUS gravel bike photos (from earlier in the year).



My bike is in this photo, but it's maybe not quite as nice as the sub-15lb Warbird:



Not really gravel bike porn at all, but maybe gravel riding porn. I often think I ride gravel for the grand views, but often the road is stunning in itself.


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Re: Gravel Bike Porn [HTupolev] [ In reply to ]
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I built up my first gravel bike recently and is porn to me. I ordered the Cannondale Topstone Lefty with GRX 1x mechanical gearing but when I saw a 12.5% discount at an online store here in Australia I ordered the GRX 2x DI2. I received it the other day and built it up complete with Absolute Black 50/34 chainrings, Cannondale SISL 2 cranks, Shimano 11-34 cassette, Deda seatpost and stem, Hylix bars (3T Aeronova copy), Shimano XTR pedals, Supacaz carbon cages and you can imagine my excitement when I saw that Selle Italia had the Shortfit saddle I ride on my road bike in purple matching the frame.

I've been in covid lockdown in Melbourne Australia only allowed to venture 5km from home so apart from a small wetland area with some tracks and jumps I can't say I have tested it to the maximum yet but I am a Cannondale fanboy from way back and love the bike. It rolls quite well on the road and eats up the rough stuff so really looking forward some fun adventures.

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Re: Gravel Bike Porn [Shambolic] [ In reply to ]
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That Cannondale is a beautiful bike. I hope you get to ride it on some good roads soon. (FY-- My wife walked by and said "It's good you are looking at bike porn, not real porn...)
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Re: Gravel Bike Porn [clayhathorn] [ In reply to ]
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Thanks. Two more weeks of lockdown here then fingers crossed. Bike porn is real porn and I keep a garage of real life porn incase the wifi drops out...
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Re: Gravel Bike Porn [Shambolic] [ In reply to ]
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This is not my bike - it was a loaner from Cannondale Canada for a 160km Gravel Ride I did this past week on a full-loop Rail Trail that is quickly gaining popularity in our area, as a thing to do.

For Rail Trails with their finer aggregate lime-stone base, I though the Topstone Lefty was a bit over-kill - it has changed my mind about what you need for gravel. Before I thought, ride the narrowest tire you can get away with. Now I'm of the opinion you should ride the widest tire you can (and add suspension). We hit some looser section of gravel, and washboard sections at speed (40 kmh) and I was super happy to be riding the Topstone with these balloon like 47mm tires and of course the front shock!

The bike fits a bit "Big". This was a size Large and I could have probably ridden a Medium. My challenge is that historically on Cannodales they are a bit short in the Reach and top tube for me, and the same was here.

<blockquote class="imgur-embed-pub" lang="en" data-id="a/vVpEEPF" data-context="false" ><a href="//imgur.com/a/vVpEEPF"></a></blockquote><script async src="//s.imgur.com/min/embed.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Have not loaded up a pic here in a LONG time. TinyPic was my go to easy app - it's dead, and I have no clue how to now!! :-(


Steve Fleck @stevefleck | Blog
Last edited by: Fleck: Aug 30, 20 16:16
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Re: Gravel Bike Porn [Shambolic] [ In reply to ]
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Here is my Argon 18 Dark Matter. No modifications other than tires.
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Re: Gravel Bike Porn [Fleck] [ In reply to ]
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I haven't been on the wild trails yet but agree if your gravel bike is for fun. I rode down the middle of a disused railway track across the sleepers and large rocks and was doable. If you choose to race you may want bigger wheels with narrower tyres on certain courses but the the Topstone doesn't seem overly slow on the road. The guys from my shop take it on road bunch rides ok. As for fun and comfort of ride it is next level and all I want it for at this stage. You can always put a set of 700 wheels in it if you like.

As for size it didn't appear that indifferent to the 56 evo I ride so put a 110 stem on instead of the 120 I ride on the road and it feels perfect so far.

I learnt the other day use this link on here. I cut and paste your earlier link and it worked fine.

https://www.img2go.com/
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Re: Gravel Bike Porn [Shambolic] [ In reply to ]
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Sweet ride. How's the suspension?
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Re: Gravel Bike Porn [GreenPlease] [ In reply to ]
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As I've posted with me being in lockdown I can't say I've tested in all scenarios or played with the pressure in the fork but set to my weight of the sticker it is solid with no real movement on the road unless you stand up but I generally lock it out on the road. You can feel the rear has some movement but it's pretty good on the road and you don't notice so much. On the rough stuff it just takes the edge off everything making it such a smooth ride. I have a CX bike and you feel every bump and have to manage your position or how you ride over rougher tracks but this you just sit and pedal almost. I'm certainly looking forward to being out of covid lockdown and hitting some downhill more rutted stuff.

This is the article that sold it for me as I wanted a bike I could just ride from home and go on adventures and it is living up to the second last paragraph so far.

https://reviews.mtbr.com/...stone-carbon-lefty-1
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