Gravel/urban drop-bar bike in the $1500 to $2000 range [Archive]

Keith A

08-14-2018, 12:31 PM

A coworker has been a cyclist for many years, including commuting to work -- but he isn't into being a "roadie". He's looking for a new bike, and wants one with drop-bars and wider tires. I'm not very familiar with this market, but a gravel bike seemed to fit want he's looking for. I guess an urban commuter type might work as well, but I'm not clear on the differences in these two styles.

He has a budget of $1500 to $2000, and I wanted to see if you guys had some recommendations for him.

Thanks in advance for your help.

jtakeda

08-14-2018, 12:34 PM

Surly cross check?
Soma double cross?
Lemond poprad
Specialized sequoia
Black mountain cycles?
Rivendell?

Out of those I’d recommend black mountain. But are those the style bike?

Hilltopperny

08-14-2018, 12:36 PM

Looking for a new bike or something used? If used what size?

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R3awak3n

08-14-2018, 12:38 PM

Diamondback Haajo trail if he wants carbon, black mountain cycles if he wants steel.

sc53

08-14-2018, 12:41 PM

I got last year's model of this
https://www.performancebike.com/shop/fuji-jari-15-gravel-bike-2018-31-8609
last Christmas and have loved it. There are several models of the Jari gravel bike, some with regular gearing and some with SRAM One-by, so he could spend less or more and get the gearing he prefers.

Keith A

08-14-2018, 12:42 PM

Looking for a new bike or something used? If used what size?

Sent from my iPhone using TapatalkThat's a good question. I think he's looking for new, but will see if he's open to a used bike.

mktng

08-14-2018, 12:44 PM

Caad X ! :)

FlashUNC

08-14-2018, 12:57 PM

Giant.

AngryScientist

08-14-2018, 01:03 PM

as far as new bikes go, i personally think the cannondale slate is one of the coolest ones on the market. i think ther lower end model can be had for under 2k...

echelon_john

08-14-2018, 01:10 PM

Yep, CAADX 105 from REI.

https://www.rei.com/product/124791/cannondale-caadx-105-se-bike-2018

$1600 minus 10% dividend leaves plenty for clipless pedals/shoes if desired, shorts, gloves, helmet...

Caad X ! :)

R3awak3n

08-14-2018, 01:11 PM

Yep, CAADX 105 from REI.

https://www.rei.com/product/124791/cannondale-caadx-105-se-bike-2018

$1600 minus 10% dividend leaves plenty for clipless pedals/shoes if desired, shorts, gloves, helmet...

I think the haanjo is a better deal. I think its $1600 right now. The Cdale is cool but you don't get flat mounts or hydraulic brakes which I would absolutely want.

https://www.performancebike.com/shop/diamondback-haanjo-trail-bike-2017-31-6089?utm_source=Google_Product_Search&utm_medium=pla&utm_campaign=datafeed&cm_mmc=Google_Product_Search-_-PLA-_-Datafeed-_-Diamondback%20Haanjo%20Trail%20Bike%20--%202017%20Red%2056&CAWELAID=400006950000182212&CAGPSPN=pla&CAAGID=25577014563&CATCI=aud-491924512527:pla-157198227123&catargetid=400006950000108157&cadevice=c&gclid=CjwKCAjw-8nbBRBnEiwAqWt1zbTJSicoUD3EGN1Mdirz1NUONZ-bm1c4n2PYe7j1hCyWfr-7hOQCNBoC9QIQAvD_BwE

jtbadge

08-14-2018, 01:15 PM

Kona Rove ST at $1599 also looks great. Mounts for fenders/racks/3 bottle cages, Rival 1, 650b x 47 WTB ByWay tires.

http://konaworld.com/rove_st.cfm

http://images.konaworld.com/2019/med/rove_st.jpg

There's also an alloy frame/carbon fork version with a similar build for a little more cash. Apex on that one, though.

If you're looking for 700c wheels, I'm a big fan of the All-City Macho Man.

https://allcitycycles.com/files/studio_images/_small/All-City-Macho-Man-Disc-17-BK8564_1500x1000.jpg

https://allcitycycles.com/bikes/macho_man

cpamplin

08-14-2018, 01:17 PM

Kona Rove, Jake or Sutra

Ralph

08-14-2018, 03:37 PM

Check out bikesdirect.com.

trener1

08-14-2018, 05:02 PM

I am in the process of Building up a Jari.
I hope it's a fun bike.

Bentley

08-14-2018, 05:11 PM

i bought a used canti Crockett, luuuuv that bike. it fits 45's so no need to ask what size tire it will take. Bike is very light (cant say i have weighed mine) but its a super bike. i bought the used frame for like $400 so a cheap build is possible. i think you can get a brand new one, with discs for your budget.

i would add the Specialized Diverge is also a bike i would like to try. ive given one a ride but have not got serious time on one.

Pretty sure either can fit in the budget, way less used.

Clean39T

08-14-2018, 05:14 PM

I think the haanjo is a better deal. I think its $1600 right now. The Cdale is cool but you don't get flat mounts or hydraulic brakes which I would absolutely want.

https://www.performancebike.com/shop/diamondback-haanjo-trail-bike-2017-31-6089?utm_source=Google_Product_Search&utm_medium=pla&utm_campaign=datafeed&cm_mmc=Google_Product_Search-_-PLA-_-Datafeed-_-Diamondback%20Haanjo%20Trail%20Bike%20--%202017%20Red%2056&CAWELAID=400006950000182212&CAGPSPN=pla&CAAGID=25577014563&CATCI=aud-491924512527:pla-157198227123&catargetid=400006950000108157&cadevice=c&gclid=CjwKCAjw-8nbBRBnEiwAqWt1zbTJSicoUD3EGN1Mdirz1NUONZ-bm1c4n2PYe7j1hCyWfr-7hOQCNBoC9QIQAvD_BwEIf they do go w Performance it may be worth waiting for the Labor Day sale - usually the time they do triple points...

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yinzerniner

08-14-2018, 05:56 PM

The options for cx/gravel at JensonUSA look pretty phenomenal, especially if the OP can stretch a bit.

Full Rival 1 Niner BSB RDO
https://www.jensonusa.com/Niner-BSB-9-RDO-3-STAR-Rival-1-Bike

Niner RLT9 Steel
https://www.jensonusa.com/Niner-RLT-9-Steel-2-Star-Apex-Bike

Kona Major Jake
https://www.jensonusa.com/Kona-Major-Jake-Bike-2016

Wilier Jaroon
https://www.jensonusa.com/Wilier-Jaroon-105-Bike

Orbea Terra
https://www.jensonusa.com/Orbea-Terra-M31-Disc-Bike-2017

Argon 18 Krypton Xroad
https://www.jensonusa.com/Argon-18-Krypton-Xroad-105-Bike-2017

GT Grade
https://www.jensonusa.com/GT-Grade-Carbon-Ultegra-Bike-2017

93KgBike

08-14-2018, 06:19 PM

add for the stretch option

surly midnight special. came so close to buying one, but the gods dropped what I truly wanted on me just in time. sweeeeeeet rig.

https://surlybikes.com/uploads/bikes/Midnight_Special_7.jpg

Lovetoclimb

08-14-2018, 07:19 PM

Soma Wolverine or the equivalent Kona, the Twin Six Standard Rando perhaps

Bob Ross

08-14-2018, 07:22 PM

Caad X ! :)
Yep, CAADX 105

Well, I see my work here is done...

bikinchris

08-14-2018, 08:28 PM

Surly cross check?
Soma double cross?
Lemond poprad
Specialized sequoia
Black mountain cycles?
Rivendell?

Out of those I’d recommend black mountain. But are those the style bike?

Good list. I was thinking SOMA myself. With a 1x setup and discs.

ColonelJLloyd

08-14-2018, 08:37 PM

Soma and Surly = heavy, relatively dead feeling and low stack versus other options. I owned a Wolverine.

I've looked at a lot of these options in the past and from what I can tell our boy Raekwon aka r3awak3n has the best suggestion with the Haanjo. I'd be interested in hearing feedback on the Canyon Endurance (https://www.canyon.com/en-us/road/endurace/endurace-cf-sl-disc-7-0) entry level option as well.

weisan

08-14-2018, 08:44 PM

Keith A

08-14-2018, 09:06 PM

You guys are great! I'll pass all this onto my friend and hope I don't overwhelm him.

LGrider

08-15-2018, 01:11 AM

Great thread, I have a similar dilemma. Looking for a bike that will run 650b x 47 and am between the Black Mountain Cycles Road Plus and Kona Rove NRB DL. I'd be open to used also, but haven't seen anything in the classifieds.

weisan

08-15-2018, 04:31 AM

Looking for a bike that will run 650b x 47

WTB has a list of frames that will accommodate their 650bx47 road plus tires.
https://www.wtb.com/pages/road-plus

3T Exploro LTD & Team

All-City Space Horse Disc 49 / 52 / 55 / 58 / 61 sizes

Breezer Radar Pro

Breezer Radar Expert

Breezer Doppler

Bombtrack Hook EXT

Bombtrack Outlaw

Bombtrack Arise-2

Brodie Monster 2.0

Brodie Monster 1.0

Brodie Remo 650b

Brodie Romulus 650b

Brodie Tiber

Calfee Design Manta

Cannondale - CAADX

Cotic Escapade

Cotic Roadrat

Crosshill 500 | Lapierre Bikes

Crosshill 300 | Lapierre Bikes

Elephant Bikes NFE

Fairdale Rockitship

Jamis Nova Pro

Jamis Renegade (only compatible with aluminum and steel models)

Jones Bikes - Jones 29

Kona Sutra LTD

Kona Sutra

Kona Big Rove AL

Marin Cortina
Marin Four Corners
Marin Gestalt
Marin Lombard
Marin Nicasio
Masi CX

Masi CX Comp

Masi CXGR

Masi CXGR Supremo

Masi CXR Comp

Masi CXR Expert

Masi Strada Vita Uno

Masi Strada Vita Due

Masi Giramondo

Masi Speciale Randonneur

Miele Svelto GRT

Moots Routt 45

Niner RLT 9 STEEL

Ocean Air Cycles Rambler

OPEN Cycle U.P.

Pinnacle Lithium

Pinnacle Akrose

Pure Cycles Adventure

Pure Cycles Adventure Pro

Pure Cycles Urban Commuter

Raleigh Roker LTD

Raleigh Roker Comp

Raleigh Roker Sport

Raleigh Tamland 2

Raleigh Tamland 1

Rawland Ravn

Rivendell 2016/2017 Hunqapillar

Rivendell 2016/2017 Atlantis

Rivendell A Homer Hilsen 650

Rivendell Sam Hillborne 650

Rivendell Cheviot size 50 & 55

Rivendell Clem Smith Jr, size 52

Rivendell Clementine, size 52

Rodeo Labs Traildonkey 2.0

RONDO RUUT CF

RONDO RUUT AL

RONDO RUUT ST

RONDO HVRT CF

RONDO HVRT AL

RONDO HVRT ST

Shand Cycles Stoater

Shand Cycles Stoater Rohloff

Soma Wolverine

Soma Double Cross Disc

Soma Grand Randonneur

Sonder Camino

Specialized Sequoia

Stinner Frameworks - Refugio

Surly Disc Trucker – 26” Sizes

Surly Long Haul Trucker, 26” Sizes

Surly Straggler

Surly Straggler 650b

Twin Six Standard Ti Rando

Twin Six Standard Rando

Twin Six Standard Ti CX

Van Dessel A.D.D.

VPACE Bikes T1ST

Why Cycles R+

Mason Bokeh

Votec VRX Pro petrol

Weekender Archer

Weekender Drop

Weekender Nomad

djg

08-15-2018, 07:47 AM

Looking for a new bike or something used? If used what size?

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

If he's willing to look at used bikes, at 1,500 bucks I'd favor a used cross bike (that might have sold for 3 -5k new) over a new gravel bike. There are used gravel bikes too, of course, but maybe less selection? Many of the cross bikes have fairly versatile geometries, many come with water bottle bosses, and there's no need to run cross tires if one doesn't want to.

alembical

08-24-2018, 12:44 PM

I just purchased a 2019 Kona Rove ST. I needed a bike I could dedicate to commuting. It crossed all the boxes for me. Dynamo wheel being built now. It will live its life with fenders. Steel, $1590, 1X, Rival, 650b, thru axles, fender and rack mounts, 5 water bottle mounts, etc..

I was very close to getting the 2019 Masi Randonneur Elite which is $1800 with 105, 650B, thru axle, and comes with generator hub, front light and fenders.

EDS

08-24-2018, 02:15 PM

New Cannondale Topstone seems to check the boxes:

https://bikerumor.com/2018/08/24/2019-cannondale-topstone-gravel-bike-blends-fast-endurance-fit-w-big-tires/

oldfatslow

08-24-2018, 08:43 PM

Here's mine (since properly fitted with nThomson stem and post).

https://www.twinsix.com/products/standard-rando-complete-black

Compete for $1750

Keith A

08-24-2018, 10:11 PM

Thanks for the additional info.

mhespenheide

08-24-2018, 11:04 PM

Pick up an old high-end fully-rigid mountain bike from the early 90's and convert it to drop bars and fat 26" slicks?

Keith A

09-25-2018, 04:21 PM

So my friend found a 2018 Felt VR30 on clearance for $1100, which seems like a lot of bike for that price. The geometry looks okay, just don't know why they use such a steep STA. The other thing I noticed is that they have 3 bottle mounts inside of the triangle, which puts all of them in less than ideal positions.

Any thoughts?

https://feltbicycles.com/products/vr30-endurance-road-bike-red-black

Fixed

09-25-2018, 05:20 PM

Kona Rove ST at $1599 also looks great. Mounts for fenders/racks/3 bottle cages, Rival 1, 650b x 47 WTB ByWay tires.

http://konaworld.com/rove_st.cfm

http://images.konaworld.com/2019/med/rove_st.jpg

There's also an alloy frame/carbon fork version with a similar build for a little more cash. Apex on that one, though.

If you're looking for 700c wheels, I'm a big fan of the All-City Macho Man.

https://allcitycycles.com/files/studio_images/_small/All-City-Macho-Man-Disc-17-BK8564_1500x1000.jpg

https://allcitycycles.com/bikes/macho_man
The guys at my shop ride All-city bikes cool bikes

Ken Robb

09-25-2018, 06:06 PM

He might like something from Rivendell.

LGrider

09-25-2018, 10:57 PM

So my friend found a 2018 Felt VR30 on clearance for $1100, which seems like a lot of bike for that price. The geometry looks okay, just don't know why they use such a steep STA. The other thing I noticed is that they have 3 bottle mounts inside of the triangle, which puts all of them in less than ideal positions.

Any thoughts?

https://feltbicycles.com/products/vr30-endurance-road-bike-red-black

I have a 2017 VR30. It rides nice, but you're correct, the bottle cage placement isn't ideal. I have the 58cm and run the downtube cage in the position closer to the head tube. The head tube doesn't get in the way at all. The top tube is pretty sloped though which makes the bottle on the seat tube harder to access. One other annoyance it the 35mm bar, I had to get a new light because cygolite doesn't make a mount for 35mm bars. I imagine swapping stems could be difficult too. Felt may have changed that in 2018. Also, I have fairly long legs and the seat looks very high with the sloping top tube, I'm actually right at the min insertion point of the seat post.

The new Felt Breed might be worth checking out. It will clear a larger tire, but has similar geometry to the VR series.

dasein

09-26-2018, 05:10 AM

I completely agree with he CAAD X suggestion. Mine rides great, and have ridden it in all sorts of conditions/situations. Caad X ! :)

559Rando

09-28-2018, 01:14 PM

The 2019 Masi Speciale Randonneur Elite looks promising.

https://masibikes.com/collections/adventure/products/speciale-randonneur-elite-2019
https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/1750/2933/products/2019-Masi-Speciale-Randonneur-Elite-Gloss-Black_grande.jpg (https://masibikes.com/collections/adventure/products/speciale-randonneur-elite-2019)

They took the base model from last year which got a decent review from BQ and they upgraded the frame to Columbus Cromor tubing, 11 speed 105, Spyre brakes and added dynamo lighting. For a commuter, wow-wee, this checks a lot of boxes, ATMO!

Lovetoclimb

09-28-2018, 01:24 PM

Those color matched Twin 6 randos are incredible. If I was in the market for a do it all bike, a commuter, or 4 season road bike, that would be it in the sub $2k price range.

R3awak3n

09-28-2018, 07:12 PM

The 2019 Masi Speciale Randonneur Elite looks promising.

https://masibikes.com/collections/adventure/products/speciale-randonneur-elite-2019
https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/1750/2933/products/2019-Masi-Speciale-Randonneur-Elite-Gloss-Black_grande.jpg (https://masibikes.com/collections/adventure/products/speciale-randonneur-elite-2019)

They took the base model from last year which got a decent review from BQ and they upgraded the frame to Columbus Cromor tubing, 11 speed 105, Spyre brakes and added dynamo lighting. For a commuter, wow-wee, this checks a lot of boxes, ATMO!

Very cool, masi is listening. Upgrade that to hydro and it will be a killer bike

Keith A

09-28-2018, 08:01 PM

My friend bought the Felt VR30. He got a good deal on a year end close out. The input here has been great...thanks!!!

peanutgallery

09-28-2018, 10:51 PM

Please don't

Those things are trash

Check out bikesdirect.com.

pbarry

09-29-2018, 05:55 PM

My friend bought the Felt VR30. He got a good deal on a year end close out. The input here has been great...thanks!!!

Looks like a good buy. On the Geo: Steep sta is good for using all the real estate up front if you have an average to long torso and normal size femurs. Big like for the 50mm rake fork, for better trail, imo.