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What is the Cervelo P2 of Gravel bikes?
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I have a great, but heavy, steel Kona Rove that I use for gravel, foul weather riding, commuting, etc. However it is a bit heavy and I'm thinking about a light, fast, comfortable carbon gravel bike for doing some races, and I might only keep it for a season, so I'd hope to get something that holds value (as much as a bike can, after all).

One of the go-to answers for an affordable, fast tri bike that holds value is a Cervelo P2, to which you then upgrade the basebar, add Tririg brakes, and put some aero wheels on it, and you have 98% of a Superbike (or something like this). What would you say is the gravel equivalent to this? I am thinking something like the Warbird 105?
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Re: What is the Cervelo P2 of Gravel bikes? [brando] [ In reply to ]
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Why carbon? I'm convinced that (especially on a bang-for-the-buck basis) aluminum frames are the best option.

For example, a Fuji Jari 1.1 appears to be >$1K less expensive than the Warbird 105, is comparably spec'd, and I'd bet is within 1 lb. of "all up" weight...

http://bikeblather.blogspot.com/
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Re: What is the Cervelo P2 of Gravel bikes? [Tom A.] [ In reply to ]
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Fair question! This is based on test riding a Kona Rove NRB DL (aluminum on 650b Byways) and a Libre (carbon on the same Byways) - they had essentially the same 105 groups and kona alloy cockpits. The carbon frame was lighter and felt smoother with faster acceleration. I think over the course of a long day that would make a difference.
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Re: What is the Cervelo P2 of Gravel bikes? [brando] [ In reply to ]
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I don’t necessarily know the answer to your question but when I was doing my research a few months ago it seemed like no matter where I looked the Venn diagram of “affordability”, “cant go wrong” and “highly respected” centered around the Warbird. Thus, I picked up a close out 2018 Warbird Apex 1 and have been very happy with it.
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Re: What is the Cervelo P2 of Gravel bikes? [brando] [ In reply to ]
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I bought a Canyon Grail as it was the best value for money I could find (and the cheapest entry level Carbon frame gravel bike I could get in Australia). But I guess for resale value, in your case, the non-orthodoxy of this bike (especially the handlebar) is not the best comparison with a P2.
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Re: What is the Cervelo P2 of Gravel bikes? [Tom A.] [ In reply to ]
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Tom A. wrote:
Why carbon? I'm convinced that (especially on a bang-for-the-buck basis) aluminum frames are the best option.

For example, a Fuji Jari 1.1 appears to be >$1K less expensive than the Warbird 105, is comparably spec'd, and I'd bet is within 1 lb. of "all up" weight...

I think aluminum is probably still best value but steel is also an option and lots of frame designs making weight close to aluminum frames. And steel tends to absorb the rough roads better which in the case of gravel riding can be important. Even better titanium. Lynskey has some pretty affordable titanium gravel bikes and they're always having sales.
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Re: What is the Cervelo P2 of Gravel bikes? [mickison] [ In reply to ]
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mickison wrote:
Even better titanium.

The P2 is my only bike, after 3 years I'm very happy with it. Recently I started playing with the idea of getting another bike, bounced around between road/cx/fat/mountain and came to the conclusion that a gravel bike is really what I'm looking for.

I played with the idea of the Canyon Grail for a while, but then discovered the titanium bikes. Still looking into them, but as a second bike ti is well in the lead for me.
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Re: What is the Cervelo P2 of Gravel bikes? [brando] [ In reply to ]
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I have a P2 for tri and picked up a 2019 Salsa Warbird (Apex build) last fall and am in love. Price is decent and there isn't much it can't do. Eventually my plan is three wheel sets... 700c general gravel (just ordered some Industry Nine wheels and they are flat our gorgeous), a 650b that I can either put wide mountain bike tires on or a wider gravel tire for sand, and a set for road wheels. Flat out awesome and versatile bike at a decent price. I've heard other people say that other brands have a better value for the build so it might be worth looking into, but I'm a Salsa fan and they really take the adventure by bike lifestyle seriously and have been doing it as long as anyone, if not longer.
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Re: What is the Cervelo P2 of Gravel bikes? [Toefuzz] [ In reply to ]
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Nice set of bikes! Yes, the newest Warbird really does seem to hit most everything I'd want, so pretty interested - plus as a former Vaya owner I do like the brand.
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Re: What is the Cervelo P2 of Gravel bikes? [Diabolo] [ In reply to ]
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Grail is definitely interesting - I actually really like the alloy model and for one bike to do it all it seems awesome. However, since I already have a steel bike to really beat up, I feel like full carbon is what I want to do here.
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Re: What is the Cervelo P2 of Gravel bikes? [brando] [ In reply to ]
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I think this bike is a great bang for the buck:
https://www.donnellycycling.com/...ts/copy-of-g-c-rival


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Re: What is the Cervelo P2 of Gravel bikes? [brando] [ In reply to ]
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The Warbird 105 is the first thing that comes to mind, but it's pretty expensive for the component set. For $1300 less, you can get a Giant Revolt Advanced 2 which matches up, on paper at least, pretty well. Yeah, it has Giant's Conduct hybrid cable/hydraulic brakes which get mixed reviews. But even if you decide to upgrade to true 105 7000 hydraulics, you're still nearly a grand ahead.

Or spend ~$150 more than the Warbird 105 and get a Revolt Advanced 0 with Ultegra, carbon wheels, and Giants vibration-damping D-Fuse carbon handlebars. I think the Advanced 2 is the safer bet, however, in terms of absolute depreciation should you wish to liquidate after a year.

"They're made of latex, not nitroglycerin"
Last edited by: gary p: Feb 22, 19 9:28
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Re: What is the Cervelo P2 of Gravel bikes? [SteveM] [ In reply to ]
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SteveM wrote:
mickison wrote:
Even better titanium.


The P2 is my only bike, after 3 years I'm very happy with it. Recently I started playing with the idea of getting another bike, bounced around between road/cx/fat/mountain and came to the conclusion that a gravel bike is really what I'm looking for.

I played with the idea of the Canyon Grail for a while, but then discovered the titanium bikes. Still looking into them, but as a second bike ti is well in the lead for me.

I have been looking a new gravel/commuter for about 6 month now and I can't decide if Ti is worth the price. The frame sets I am looking at (from the same company) come in around ÂŁ1800 for Ti or ÂŁ700 for alloy including a carbon fork. The Ti frame is also 200g heavier than the alloy frame. I have ridden a few nice modern allow frames in the past few years and I can't imagine Ti rides >ÂŁ1000 better.
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Re: What is the Cervelo P2 of Gravel bikes? [gary p] [ In reply to ]
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gary p wrote:
The Warbird 105 is the first thing that comes to mind, but it's pretty expensive for the component set. For $1300 less, you can get a Giant Revolt Advanced 2 which matches up, on paper at least, pretty well. Yeah, it has Giant's Conduit hybrid cable/hydraulic brakes which get mixed reviews. But even if you decide to upgrade to true 105 7000 hydraulics, you're still nearly a grand ahead.

Or spend ~$150 more than the Warbird 105 and get a Revolt Advanced 0 with Ultegra, carbon wheels, and Giants vibration-damping D-Fuse carbon handlebars. I think the Advanced 2 is the safer bet, however, in terms of absolute depreciation should you wish to liquidate after a year.

The Giant Revolt Advanced 2 is on my very short list of next bikes

Formerly DrD
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Re: What is the Cervelo P2 of Gravel bikes? [Broken Leg Guy] [ In reply to ]
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Revolt 2 does seem like a very good deal - however I am not sold on the Conduct braking system, and I don't think it is 650b compatible. However for bang for your buck the Giants seem pretty hard to beat.
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Re: What is the Cervelo P2 of Gravel bikes? [brando] [ In reply to ]
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I've heard good things about the Kestrel Terx as well. $2100 from Bikes Direct, carbon frame and Force build.
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Re: What is the Cervelo P2 of Gravel bikes? [scott8888] [ In reply to ]
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scott8888 wrote:
SteveM wrote:
mickison wrote:
Even better titanium.
I have been looking a new gravel/commuter for about 6 month now and I can't decide if Ti is worth the price. The frame sets I am looking at (from the same company) come in around ÂŁ1800 for Ti or ÂŁ700 for alloy including a carbon fork. The Ti frame is also 200g heavier than the alloy frame. I have ridden a few nice modern allow frames in the past few years and I can't imagine Ti rides >ÂŁ1000 better.

I wouldn't go Ti, or Carbon.

I happen to have an older US-made Spooky Supertouch frame, which is fantastic - stout and super-light .
Spookycycles rebooted http://www.wearespooky.com/gravel

Not cheap tho!

Training Tweets: https://twitter.com/Jagersport_com
FM Sports: http://fluidmotionsports.com
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Re: What is the Cervelo P2 of Gravel bikes? [Tom A.] [ In reply to ]
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Tom A. wrote:
Why carbon? I'm convinced that (especially on a bang-for-the-buck basis) aluminum frames are the best option.

Tom: you were right. I tried both a Warbird and an Exploro last year, didn't really like either for different reasons, and I am now on a Felt Breed GRX which is awesome. Compared ~20 different aspects of the frames (mud clearance, cable routing, ride quality, etc) and the Breed won almost everything.
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Re: What is the Cervelo P2 of Gravel bikes? [brando] [ In reply to ]
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I have a P2 tri bike and went through the same thought process last year in looking for a gravel bike. I narrowed it down to the aluminum versions of the Canyon Grail and Cannondale Topstone and ultimately bought the Cannondale for about $1600. I've been happy with the 105 groupset and and plan to buy some new, lighter wheels to have two different sets of wheel/tire combos. Other than the stock heavy wheelset, there's not much that I have an urgent need to change out.
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Re: What is the Cervelo P2 of Gravel bikes? [JMosey] [ In reply to ]
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Which set of I9s did you buy? The AR25s are on my short list, along with the Hed Eroicas.
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Re: What is the Cervelo P2 of Gravel bikes? [brando] [ In reply to ]
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What about an Aspero? Slightly more than a Warbird but closest thing to a gravel super bike out there wrt to fast. Probably a little rougher ride on rowdy gravel but highly capable on roads.
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Re: What is the Cervelo P2 of Gravel bikes? [brando] [ In reply to ]
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Just as a wildcard, not really what you're asking for but very capable and, personally, I like the geo: https://nsbikeusa.com/...s/rag/products/rag-1

27.5 x 2.2" if you want it ;)
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Re: What is the Cervelo P2 of Gravel bikes? [Carl Spackler] [ In reply to ]
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Aspero definitely seems like a category leader - actually test rode the GRX 2x version over the summer - and that GRX 1x paint is beautiful. But after 2 failed attempts at a gravel superbike, I'm going to stick with the Breed.

BTW, I talked to Ben Delaney on a ride last week and he mentioned you were the one behind gravelcamp - that looked awesome! I want to go next year!
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Re: What is the Cervelo P2 of Gravel bikes? [brando] [ In reply to ]
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The Ribble CGR SL 105 seems like a pretty nice deal also at just a hair under $2,000.00
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Re: What is the Cervelo P2 of Gravel bikes? [sake] [ In reply to ]
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I have an aluminum Topstone as well, and it's been a great bike. It's a little heavy but nothing I notice because my area is pretty flat. The carbon Topstone wasn't out when I bought mine, but I would have taken a close look at it if it was, as well as the Revolt line.

Overall though, I think the Revolt and Grail offer the best bang for the buck in a carbon gravel bike.
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