I have a Motobecane Fantom Cross Outlaw. Tiagra components, spent $800 on it 3 years ago. It works great and currently on 35mm tires, I could probably go 40 but no bigger, but where I am, there is no need to go bigger. My only regret (and really big regret) was for an additional $500 I could of had the titanium version.
For the most part a CX bike would work just fine, if you don't want to drop a ton of money I'd look for a used bike or bikesdirect bike. If possible get disc brakes. I did some comparisons after my Motobecane (because of course I'm looking for reasons to upgrade), for the most part the geometry of a XC bike vs a true gravel bike is not a lot. There are differences but for the most part, nothing much. Another option is just to get a hardtail 29er mtn bike and put some 1.9 or 2.0 inch tires on it.
To add comfort I double taped the handlebars.
For the most part a CX bike would work just fine, if you don't want to drop a ton of money I'd look for a used bike or bikesdirect bike. If possible get disc brakes. I did some comparisons after my Motobecane (because of course I'm looking for reasons to upgrade), for the most part the geometry of a XC bike vs a true gravel bike is not a lot. There are differences but for the most part, nothing much. Another option is just to get a hardtail 29er mtn bike and put some 1.9 or 2.0 inch tires on it.
To add comfort I double taped the handlebars.
Last edited by:
AndysStrongAle: May 9, 19 7:05