Gravel Bike Recommendation

Fighting Tao · 21-01-2019 9:43pm #1

The bike to work is available for me again and I am thinking of replacing my beloved 2015 Cube Peleton SL with a gravel bike. It would be used as my commuter bike (7km each way), a couple of 20km spins a week, as well as heading off paved roads a bit up the mountains when I get a chance. I already have a Dolan DR1 for road fun.

I am tied to brick and mortar shops due to the voucher scheme that work have signed up to.

I think I could get away with spending €1700 max and would want full Shimano 105 minimum.

So far the following have caught my eye:
Cube Nuroad Race - €1499 - Also comes in a boring black FE version for €1699 with hub dynamos, rack and mudguards.
Orbea Terra H30-D 19 - €1699

Any opinions on the above or any other recommendations?

RunRoryRun · 21-01-2019 11:02pm

Got the Vitus Substance v2 on chain reaction recently and love it. I went for Sram Apex instead of 105 but both were available. I find it a brilliant commuter - big comfy tyres, smooth ride, fast. Very sturdy too with a steel frame. Was on sale about 1250 or so when I got it - I'd say there's a new version coming out shortly.

Fighting Tao · 22-01-2019 7:39am

RunRoryRun wrote: »

Got the Vitus Substance v2 on chain reaction recently and love it. I went for Sram Apex instead of 105 but both were available. I find it a brilliant commuter - big comfy tyres, smooth ride, fast. Very sturdy too with a steel frame. Was on sale about 1250 or so when I got it - I'd say there's a new version coming out shortly.

Thanks for the recommendation but unfortunately CRC don’t accept the bike scheme vouchers. They’re the onlyvstickists of Vitus and have had some great offers on.

Lumen · 22-01-2019 10:47am

Lovely though they are, neither of those bikes have the new RX rear derailleur from the R8000 group, they're both running R7000.

https://road.cc/content/tech-news/239539-shimano-reveals-ultegra-rx-chain-stabilising-rear-derailleur

Does it matter? Is there a bike at that price point with that mech? Can it be upgraded on its own? I have no idea.

Lumen · 22-01-2019 10:57am

Lumen wrote: »

Is there a bike at that price point with that mech?

For comparison purposes, the cheapest Canyon with that mech is €2600.

https://www.canyon.com/en/road/grail/grail-cf-sl-8-0.html

Irritatingly you have to buy a CF frame, which seems a bit pointless on a big-tyred gravel bike.

Their AL frames come with 105.

Lumen · 22-01-2019 11:01am

Want.

https://www.on-one.co.uk/i/q/CBPXTEMV3FOR1650B/planet-x-tempest-v3-titanium-gravel-road-bike-sram-force-1-hrd-650b-wheel

Macy0161 · 22-01-2019 11:05am

The Cannondale Topstone 105 has been flashing it's eyes at me recently. Only the crank not 105, but over your (and mine!) budget at 1800.

magicbastarder · 22-01-2019 11:14am

Lumen wrote: »

Does it matter? Is there a bike at that price point with that mech? Can it be upgraded on its own? I have no idea.

does it come with a modesty veil to protect my eyes from the sight of it? i have no idea.

Lumen · 22-01-2019 11:22am

magicbastarder wrote: »

does it come with a modesty veil to protect my eyes from the sight of it? i have no idea.

The mech or that Canyon?

Fighting Tao · 22-01-2019 11:22am

Lumen wrote: »

Lovely though they are, neither of those bikes have the new RX rear derailleur from the R8000 group, they're both running R7000.

https://road.cc/content/tech-news/239539-shimano-reveals-ultegra-rx-chain-stabilising-rear-derailleur

Does it matter? Is there a bike at that price point with that mech? Can it be upgraded on its own? I have no idea.

Interesting that. However, it does look to be out of my price bracket!

Fighting Tao · 22-01-2019 11:23am

Lumen wrote: »

Want.

https://www.on-one.co.uk/i/q/CBPXTEMV3FOR1650B/planet-x-tempest-v3-titanium-gravel-road-bike-sram-force-1-hrd-650b-wheel

Why are you tempting me with stuff I can’t get

Lumen · 22-01-2019 11:32am

Fighting Tao wrote: »

Why are you tempting me with stuff I can’t get

Eh, sorry.

I don't know what's in your scheme. Is Planet X Ireland still a thing?

mr spuckler · 22-01-2019 11:39am

Lumen wrote: »

Eh, sorry.

I don't know what's in your scheme. Is Planet X Ireland still a thing?

it is, but they don't list this bike on their website...

magicbastarder · 22-01-2019 11:41am

it's also €500 over the stated max budget.

Fighting Tao · 22-01-2019 11:46am

Lumen wrote: »

Eh, sorry.

I don't know what's in your scheme. Is Planet X Ireland still a thing?

They still have an online presence but they are not listed under the scheme.

https://www.travelhub.ie/shops

Lumen · 22-01-2019 12:01pm

magicbastarder wrote: »

it's also €500 over the stated max budget.

Give it a few weeks, you'll get it for a few cans of beans and a plane ticket to Ireland.

Fighting Tao · 22-01-2019 12:28pm

I’m really liking the look of the Nukeproof Digger Pro 1x11 Sram Rival. I’ve seen it available for €1699 but I’m not sure if it’s in my size. The only thing is that I think it may be overkill in comparison to the type of on and off road I anticipate doing.

http://nukeproof.com/products/digger-pro-2019/

devonp · 22-01-2019 1:35pm

also in the market for a Gravel bike...i def want a 1x Apex or rival

was looking at the Boardman cxr 8.9 in Hellfords!! 1200e
doesn't seem available in M, a small might do with a 120mm stem

or the PlanetX full Monty 1100e

any thoughts?

fat bloke · 22-01-2019 1:41pm

What's the (besides marketing...) difference between a cycloross bike and a gravel bike?

Macy0161 · 22-01-2019 1:44pm

I've always liked the look of the Full Monty. The CXR is a cross bike rather than gravel though - so might not have the tyre clearance. ADV is their gravel bike range.

Lumen · 22-01-2019 1:54pm

fat bloke wrote: »

What's the (besides marketing...) difference between a cycloross bike and a gravel bike?

As I understand it...

CX bike = 700c, 35mm tyre clearances, 1x or 2x with small big ring.

Gravel bike = compact road gearing, maybe 650b and massive tyre clearances.

I could be wrong, it's a bit confusing. Why would you need massive tyres on gravel? Isn't that monstercross?

I did build a monstercross bike a few years ago. It was predictably crap.

magicbastarder · 22-01-2019 2:18pm

also, i think a lot of gravel bikes woudl have a more relaxed geometry than a cross bike.

El Vino · 22-01-2019 2:34pm

I have just pushed the button on an Aluminium version of the Orbea Terra, I wanted the 1 X 11 set up but it was 300 premium on the 105 equipped version. There is a cheaper Tiagra version with Hydro brakes also.

Lumen · 22-01-2019 2:52pm

magicbastarder wrote: »

also, i think a lot of gravel bikes woudl have a more relaxed geometry than a cross bike.

It used to be the case that there were several different classes of CX bike, the leisurey ones separate from the racey ones.

Maybe those leisurey ones have been rebranded gravel bikes?

Cee-Jay-Cee · 22-01-2019 3:03pm

Lumen wrote: »

As I understand it...

CX bike = 700c, 35mm tyre clearances, 1x or 2x with small big ring.

Gravel bike = compact road gearing, maybe 650b and massive tyre clearances.

I could be wrong, it's a bit confusing. Why would you need massive tyres on gravel? Isn't that monstercross?

I did build a monstercross bike a few years ago. It was predictably crap.

I think the vast majority of 'gravel bikes' have 700c wheels but bigger clearance for chunkier tyres.

I have a Felt VR30 (VR standing for Variable Road) which is marketed as a gravel/road bike. It came with 28mm Durano RaceGuard tyres and a 46/30 'adventure' chainset and 11/32 cassette (along with hydraulic brakes) I have no intention of taking it off road and so changed the tyres to 25mm. Its an excellent winter bike and the 46/30 chainset make it ideal for climbing as there is literally no hill/mountain in Ireland I couldn't spin up with high 30/32 gearing.

Thud · 22-01-2019 4:08pm

fat bloke wrote: »

What's the (besides marketing...) difference between a cycloross bike and a gravel bike?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZRe3rMyw5F8

smacl · 22-01-2019 4:35pm

magicbastarder wrote: »

it's also €500 over the stated max budget.

Only €243 over by my reckoning, max budget is €1700, bike is £1750 = €1993 on XE.COM. And sure aren't we expected to go a bit over budget on this forum? :P

Borderfox · 22-01-2019 5:49pm

Planet X Xls

CantGetNoSleep · 23-01-2019 11:49am

Limited sizes, not bike to work and Sram Apex - but this looks like a great deal. If I had space I'd buy it

https://www.chainreactioncycles.com/ie/en/nukeproof-digger-1-0-gravel-bike-2017/rp-prod146006

Fighting Tao · 23-01-2019 11:51am

CantGetNoSleep wrote: »

Limited sizes, not bike to work and Sram Apex - but this looks like a great deal. If I had space I'd buy it

https://www.chainreactioncycles.com/ie/en/nukeproof-digger-1-0-gravel-bike-2017/rp-prod146006

Yep. CRC are no good to me at the moment. Plus I already have a black/yellow bike

. The Diggers look serious fun though....not that I'd be able to do anything that Elliott Heap can.

Fighting Tao · 23-01-2019 11:53am

Somehow deleted this post by accident.

The more I look, the more difficult it is! It’s a pity that bike shops in Ireland are very limited in brand choice. The same brands appear everywhere.

So from calling into a few bike shops I now want Sram Rival 1x11. I think it suits my needs and a little less maintenance.

Unfortunately what became my first choice (and probably way too much bike for me) the Nukeproof Digger Pro is sold out everywhere with no stock coming back in. The lower spec Digger Comp is available and had Sram Apex, but I don' think it would be value for money upgrading it myself to Sram Rival.

So I think I have now narrowed it down to two....yes I increased my budget to €2000 but as I keep getting told by my better half, I use the bike and for the next 5 years €300 is not much:
Orbea H31 D 19
Kona Sultra Ltd

While I like the look of the Kona that little bit more, it doesn't appear to have the Rival X-Horizon rear derailleur while the Orbea does. I wouldn’t be worried about the Raceface cranks and groupset on the Kona.

El Vino · 23-01-2019 12:34pm

As I posted earlier I went for the 105 equipped version of the Orbea Terra. I would have preferred the Rival version but I didn't think it should be £300 more - all the rest of the kit was the same. The Orbea website allows you to compare models and basically the only difference between the H31 and the H30 is the Groupset. This didn't seem like good value, especially as in the Carbon version the M30 and M31 are exactly the same price.

I think the Kona looks OK but will be heavier and is more similar to a drop bar MTB, I had a Kona Jake before and those Project 2 forks alone were pretty heavy. I wanted something I could have 2 sets of wheels for and use as a road bike with minimal compromise. Mine was an insurance replacement so I could only use one online retailer - Wheelies so choices were more limited but included the similarly named Orro Terra Gravel (this was my previous bike that was stolen) Specialized Diverge, Scott Speedster Gravel, Cube NuRoad, Bergamont Grandurance and various Giants & Marins.

mr spuckler · 23-01-2019 12:40pm

El Vino wrote: »

As I posted earlier I went for the 105 equipped version of the Orbea Terra. I would have preferred the Rival version but I didn't think it should be £300 more - all the rest of the kit was the same. The Orbea website allows you to compare models and basically the only difference between the H31 and the H30 is the Groupset. This didn't seem like good value, especially as in the Carbon version the M30 and M31 are exactly the same price.

I think the Kona looks OK but will be heavier and is more similar to a drop bar MTB, I had a Kona Jake before and those Project 2 forks alone were pretty heavy. I wanted something I could have 2 sets of wheels for and use as a road bike with minimal compromise. Mine was an insurance replacement so I could only use one online retailer - Wheelies so choices were more limited but included the similarly named Orro Terra Gravel (this was my previous bike that was stolen) Specialized Diverge, Scott Speedster Gravel, Cube NuRoad, Bergamont Grandurance and various Giants & Marins.

I also had a Kona Jake before that I found very heavy so if they are the same forks I'd be very cautious alright.

Fighting Tao · 23-01-2019 12:45pm

El Vino wrote: »

As I posted earlier I went for the 105 equipped version of the Orbea Terra. I would have preferred the Rival version but I didn't think it should be £300 more - all the rest of the kit was the same. The Orbea website allows you to compare models and basically the only difference between the H31 and the H30 is the Groupset. This didn't seem like good value, especially as in the Carbon version the M30 and M31 are exactly the same price.

I think the Kona looks OK but will be heavier and is more similar to a drop bar MTB, I had a Kona Jake before and those Project 2 forks alone were pretty heavy. I wanted something I could have 2 sets of wheels for and use as a road bike with minimal compromise. Mine was an insurance replacement so I could only use one online retailer - Wheelies so choices were more limited but included the similarly named Orro Terra Gravel (this was my previous bike that was stolen) Specialized Diverge, Scott Speedster Gravel, Cube NuRoad, Bergamont Grandurance and various Giants & Marins.

Thank you for your insight. I need to lose fat of my body and theoretically it is easier and cheaper than losing weight off a bike! The Kona weighs 11.25kg in the 56cm size. Orbea don't release weights. Would you know the weight of the Orbea and size?

Donie75 · 23-01-2019 12:48pm

I have a rim brake Genesis Equilibrium that I built with 105 and handbuilt wheels as a winter bike. I think it a great bike.
https://www.mycycle.ie/Genesis-Croix-de-Fer-30-2019-p/gna04.htm
Something like a Genesis Croix De Fer would be worth looking at.

El Vino · 23-01-2019 1:32pm

Thank you for your insight. I need to lose fat of my body and theoretically it is easier and cheaper than losing weight off a bike! The Kona weighs 11.25kg in the 56cm size. Orbea don't release weights. Would you know the weight of the Orbea and size?

I should have the 105 version in my hands by Friday or latest Monday in Medium which is the nearest to a 56cm so I will weigh it for you, My Orro Gravel with identical kit was 8.5 kg. I would be expecting the Orro to be 9.5kg at most. The 1x11 will be a little lighter again.

My point wasn't the weight exactly it is more what will the bike be used for, If I was bike packing off the beaten track and I wanted something bombproof I would pick the Kona. What I want is basically a nice fast commuter that I can fit mudguards to in the winter and other times ride on forestry tracks, boreens and canal paths without worrying about it. My old Orro was perfect for this but maxed out at 33mm tyre width. The Orbea takes 40mm which is basically 1.5 inches and what I used to stick on my mountain bike for winter back in the old days.

The Kona takes 47mm wide tyres on 650B this will make it almost as capable a rigid mountain bikes, looks very similar to the Vitus Substance. It will almost certainly allow you a wheel swap to 700c if you wanted to as other Rove models take this wheel size - please check though. Will update when bike arrives

benneca1 · 23-01-2019 3:17pm

fat bloke wrote: »

What's the (besides marketing...) difference between a cycloross bike and a gravel bike?

A gravel bike is designed to go more or less on any trail within reason and also be ok on the road while carrying sufficient kit for an overnight stop.

A CX bike on the other hand is designed to go round and round a muddy field and hop over small obstacles with scarcely a spare tube in your pocket.

Fighting Tao · 23-01-2019 3:32pm

El Vino wrote: »

Thank you for your insight. I need to lose fat of my body and theoretically it is easier and cheaper than losing weight off a bike! The Kona weighs 11.25kg in the 56cm size. Orbea don't release weights. Would you know the weight of the Orbea and size?

I should have the 105 version in my hands by Friday or latest Monday in Medium which is the nearest to a 56cm so I will weigh it for you, My Orro Gravel with identical kit was 8.5 kg. I would be expecting the Orro to be 9.5kg at most. The 1x11 will be a little lighter again.

My point wasn't the weight exactly it is more what will the bike be used for, If I was bike packing off the beaten track and I wanted something bombproof I would pick the Kona. What I want is basically a nice fast commuter that I can fit mudguards to in the winter and other times ride on forestry tracks, boreens and canal paths without worrying about it. My old Orro was perfect for this but maxed out at 33mm tyre width. The Orbea takes 40mm which is basically 1.5 inches and what I used to stick on my mountain bike for winter back in the old days.

The Kona takes 47mm wide tyres on 650B this will make it almost as capable a rigid mountain bikes, looks very similar to the Vitus Substance. It will almost certainly allow you a wheel swap to 700c if you wanted to as other Rove models take this wheel size - please check though. Will update when bike arrives

The bit in bold sticks out to me. The bike would be mainly used on tarmac and just the usual standard bumpy roads. I do also plan to do some fire track / forest trails but nothing too taxing and therefore it does not need to be so bombproof.

I finally found the weight for the Orbea. It comes in at 9.5kg like you guessed.

Many thanks. I think you have helped me make up my mind. I have the option to take a carbon version of the Orbea for a 24 hour test. I think I'll do that soon and if I'm happy I'll place my order...unless someone throws a curveball.!

The Noble Nudge · 23-01-2019 5:35pm

https://shop.base2race.ie/products/orro-terra-c-5800-hydro-1

Very happy with this...

32mm tyres as standard and takes up to 42mm but haven't tried it yet...
Disc brakes...

OleRodrigo · 23-01-2019 5:45pm

I see Ribble have a new line of steel bikes, including gravel. Nice.

https://bit.ly/2FScDdc

Fighting Tao · 23-01-2019 8:01pm

The Noble Nudge wrote: »

https://shop.base2race.ie/products/orro-terra-c-5800-hydro-1

Very happy with this...
32mm tyres as standard and takes up to 42mm but haven't tried it yet...
Disc brakes...

Nice but way to expensive for me.

Fighting Tao · 23-01-2019 8:02pm

OleRodrigo wrote: »

I see Ribble have a new line of steel bikes, including gravel. Nice.

https://bit.ly/2FScDdc

Can’t use the bike to work with Ribble.

coastwatch · 23-01-2019 8:29pm

Fighting Tao wrote: »

..The bike would be mainly used on tarmac and just the usual standard bumpy roads. I do also plan to do some fire track / forest trails but nothing too taxing and therefore it does not need to be so bombproof.

If it's mainly for tarmac, I think I'd find a 1X gearing hard to like, it might look tidy, but lots of missing gears.

magicbastarder · 23-01-2019 8:33pm

OleRodrigo wrote: »

I see Ribble have a new line of steel bikes, including gravel. Nice.
https://bit.ly/2FScDdc

hmm, quite similar spec to genesis but for about €500 cheaper.

Fighting Tao · 23-01-2019 8:41pm

coastwatch wrote: »

If it's mainly for tarmac, I think I'd find a 1X gearing hard to like, it might look tidy, but lots of missing gears.

When I say tarmac it’s commuting just over 12km each day. I also take a group of people on hybrids out for 15-20km once a week. They’re much slower than I’d normally be so I’m not worried about speed. As for missing gears...I think I’d get used to it. The only up hill would probably be up to the trails and the gear ratios seem like they’d be of use there.

I already have a DR1 34/52; 11/34 for the fun tarmac stuff.

a148pro · 23-01-2019 11:49pm

Fighting Tao wrote: »

The bit in bold sticks out to me. The bike would be mainly used on tarmac and just the usual standard bumpy roads. I do also plan to do some fire track / forest trails but nothing too taxing and therefore it does not need to be so bombproof.

I finally found the weight for the Orbea. It comes in at 9.5kg like you guessed.

Many thanks. I think you have helped me make up my mind. I have the option to take a carbon version of the Orbea for a 24 hour test. I think I'll do that soon and if I'm happy I'll place my order...unless someone throws a curveball.!

I've ridden the kona sutra ltd a lot, maybe 100k and bought a diverge instead for similar reasons that you set out. Just wanted something a bit more nimble.

Kona is a superb bike though. And I was surprised how fast it went. And diverge ain't no road bike. You can probably test ride a kona out of moycullen if interested. But I think your analysis is probably correct. Kona for crossing afghanistan. Something lighter for doing easier ****.

OleRodrigo · 24-01-2019 9:55am

magicbastarder wrote: »

hmm, quite similar spec to genesis but for about €500 cheaper.

Like Canyon, Genesis seem to have crept up a lot in recent years.

magicbastarder · 24-01-2019 10:09am

yeah, i bought an equilibrium 20 disc off a boardsie two years ago; at the time the price for one in a B&M shop here was i think around €1800. now it's €2235; there have been a couple of changes in spec - brakes and chainset are better on the current model, but the wheels are now own brand rather than aksiums.

WAPAIC · 25-01-2019 2:40pm

Surly Midnight Special is worth a look although I suspect it's a bit expensive and heavy if that matters. Looks like a proper do it all type bike though. Frame only might be an option if you're prepared to build it up as you like it. A few shops around Ireland can get them in which means you can btw it.

The Noble Nudge · 25-01-2019 5:31pm

Fighting Tao wrote: »

Nice but way to expensive for me.

Get your haggling boots on lad...:cool:
They also do a steel version..my original choice but red never came into stock...

https://shop.base2race.ie/products/orro-terra-gravel-road-105-candy-red-available-feb-2018

They are doing Genesis bikes too so might be worth visiting the shop itself.

El Vino · 29-01-2019 10:47am

Orbea Terra, the 105 equipped Al one arrived Friday. Slightly heavier than advertised 9.8 kg. There is a lot of weight in the wheels & tyres so I might swap them for a set of Hunt Gravel wheels I have already which will shed 600g straight off.

Nice looking bike after the compact framed Orro this seems like a big bike. Plenty of room for a frame bag for bike packing and should be stable off road. Also looks like you could fit a wider tyre than the 40mm fitted 42mm at least.

First commute tomorrow unless there is snow.

Gravel Bike Recommendation

Comments