Gravel bike decision
 

I'm kinda in the market for a gravel bike and am looking for advice.

Budget: $3,300 or less
Group: highly prefer Shimano to SRAM
Wheels: 650b compatibility is nice, but at least 43 - 45mm 700c is a must

Options:
https://www.viathonbicycles.com/products/g1-ultegra

https://ocoeebikes.com/collections/g...undary-ultegra

What brands/models within my budget am I overlooking?

What frame material do you prefer?

The Salsa Warbird 700 is a tad over your budget at $3,400 (MSRP), but comes with "only" a 105 group.

If you can swing with SRAM 1x, the Ibis Hakka MX is exactly at $3,300 and
the new Santa Cruz Stigmata is a bit more at $3,600.

I've had a few people recommend Thesis including one very knowledgeable industry guy. My brother's coworker has one and loves it.

This is the OEM frame for Thesis.

http://www.carbonda.com/road/gravel/cfr505.html

https://thesis.bike

I would highly recommend the Thesis bike. I have seen it in action and it is very nice.

save your money
 

https://www.rei.com/product/140388/s...waAjMVEALw_wcB

Once you got decent tire clearance, a capable pair of wheels, nice fat tires...you are 90-95% there, everything else is simply icing in the cake, which may or may not matter that much, depending on who you ask.

I know I know....some folks may not like what I just said, especially the ones working in the marketing department and those of us who paid quite a bit for the high end stuff. It's all good....carry on.

Try one of these on for size...

https://www.konaworld.com/rove_ltd.cfm

I purchased this back in January and could not be happier.

Giant Revolt Advanced 0

Kevin g

The new Santa Cruz Stigmata looks very nice.

I will also add Argon 18 Dark Matter to the list. I have one, and it is a very well thought out design (cable management, adjustable head tube, etc.). It also rides very nicely and can take 700x45c tires. The MSRP for the Shimano 105 model is $3,200, which includes a nice set of HED Ardennes+ disc wheelset.

By the way, since you are in Atlanta, you can come and check out my Argon 18 anytime. My buddy also owns a shop which carries both Argon 18 and Santa Cruz.

Ask JPow about the Jari Carbon. All shilling aside, it's the ultimate Q ship.

Parlee Chebacco.

This bike can handle 35s
https://www.giant-bicycles.com/us/defy-advanced-pro-1

Rodeo labs flanimal with spork is well within your range. If you need carbon- rodeo labs trail donkey

Jamis Renegade

A vote for the Ibis Hakka, and keep your eyes peeled for a used shimano group. As the new gravel group comes out I bet you can get your hands on a used di2 or mech group for a few hundred. Those stock wheels will also not be stellar but will get the proverbial job done.