Gravel bike decision

[LegendRider]

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?

[scoobydrew]

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.

[weaponsgrade]

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

[killerrabbit]

This is the OEM frame for Thesis.

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

[joosttx]

https://thesis.bike

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

[weisan]

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.

[charliedid]

Try one of these on for size...

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

[onekgguy]

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

Giant Revolt Advanced 0

Kevin g

[rkhatibi]

Originally Posted by joosttx

https://thesis.bike

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

I did a demo ride with them this morning because of the mention here. 1x 42T, 11-46T, 650B, and dropper. Hawk Hill, down and up Julian Trail, and back to their office in Russian Hill.

I should do a longer writeup, but good setup. Rival drive train was great. Brakes not quite the feel of Ultegra, but performed fine. The wide 650B rims made a world of difference in tire squirm. $3600 for the fancy paintjob, dropper, and build to match lengths for cranks, stem, bars.

[Clancy]

Originally Posted by killerrabbit

This is the OEM frame for Thesis.

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

Curious, what’s the pricing on these? Or is that an option?

[scoobydrew]

Originally Posted by Clancy

Curious, what’s the pricing on these? Or is that an option?

They're about $600 for the frameset (+/- $100). I don't remember if that included paint, but it wouldn't be much on top of that if anything. If you're interested, there's a huge thread over on the RidingGravel forums discussing how to order, issues, builds, etc.

[fa63]

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.

[Elefantino]

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

[elliott]

Parlee Chebacco.

[dbnm]

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