I bought a Specialized Crux Comp after some research and I'm totally happy with it. Only thing I had to change was the cassette, from 10-45 to 10-51 (40T in the front). There are some decisions one has to take, but most of the learning curve will happen at the beginning. It's difficult to foresee what decisions you would take after your personal learning curve.
Some things from my particular niche: consider how much climbing you have in mind and what's in your area, mine came with 10-42 cassette and 40T chainring, which can get rough up steeper climbs especially if you don't want to make every climb above 5-6% an effort. Reason why I'm personally going for a mullet build with an MTB cassette for the custom rebuild of my current Revolt X (2023 edition, the 2024s are all mullet by default afaik) Similarly if you feel like you might want/need a little bit of suspensions consider that when picking a bike. You can fit a Rudy or Fox equivalent on any bike but they're longer than a rigid fork so your geometry changes if the frame wasn't designed around one. There's also redshift stems and maybe carbon handlebars if your hands are the major concern if your bike doesn't come with those already. You can also get some softer ride feel through wider tires or less pressure in tubeless, all really depends on where you intend to go. Tire clearance is also something to look out for, though 45 seems to be the default for newer models.
Great video, i'm new to the world of gravel rides, I have started researching the right bike for me, it's crazy how much choice there is out there and can be a bit confusing if i'm honest. Which bike are you riding, looks really nice and I like the sound of being comfortable on longish rides?
Hey - thanks for your comment! I know what you mean on that front, are you new to cycling altogether, or just gravel? My bike is the Giant Revolt Advanced 0 with an upgraded wheelset but the CXR2 carbon ones it ships with are still perfectly fine. I opted for this one as it has the luggage mount holes on the forks so I can use it as a bikepacking rig too - that's something to consider if you are looking for more than just gravel riding. I love the bike for it's relaxed geometry which means it's very comfortable for all day rides where body position is concerned. Obviously depending on the gravel surfaces things can still get bumpy and body fatigue sets in so bear this in mind for any bike vs. where you would be intending to ride. Hope that helps but ping some more questions over if you want to!
Well you are in the right place! I was sceptical and must admit it did take me a while to say I was “enjoying it” but now I’m definitely sold on gravel. Be sure to have a good poke around on komoot to see what gravel is within reach of your local area
I bought a Specialized Crux Comp after some research and I'm totally happy with it. Only thing I had to change was the cassette, from 10-45 to 10-51 (40T in the front). There are some decisions one has to take, but most of the learning curve will happen at the beginning. It's difficult to foresee what decisions you would take after your personal learning curve.
That’s a great bike from what I’ve seen around on UA-cam. Hope it’s treating you well and you’re enjoying the gravel scene 🙌🏻
Some things from my particular niche: consider how much climbing you have in mind and what's in your area, mine came with 10-42 cassette and 40T chainring, which can get rough up steeper climbs especially if you don't want to make every climb above 5-6% an effort. Reason why I'm personally going for a mullet build with an MTB cassette for the custom rebuild of my current Revolt X (2023 edition, the 2024s are all mullet by default afaik)
Similarly if you feel like you might want/need a little bit of suspensions consider that when picking a bike. You can fit a Rudy or Fox equivalent on any bike but they're longer than a rigid fork so your geometry changes if the frame wasn't designed around one. There's also redshift stems and maybe carbon handlebars if your hands are the major concern if your bike doesn't come with those already. You can also get some softer ride feel through wider tires or less pressure in tubeless, all really depends on where you intend to go. Tire clearance is also something to look out for, though 45 seems to be the default for newer models.
Some great points there, thanks for sharing in the comments 🙌🏻
Great video, i'm new to the world of gravel rides, I have started researching the right bike for me, it's crazy how much choice there is out there and can be a bit confusing if i'm honest. Which bike are you riding, looks really nice and I like the sound of being comfortable on longish rides?
Hey - thanks for your comment! I know what you mean on that front, are you new to cycling altogether, or just gravel? My bike is the Giant Revolt Advanced 0 with an upgraded wheelset but the CXR2 carbon ones it ships with are still perfectly fine. I opted for this one as it has the luggage mount holes on the forks so I can use it as a bikepacking rig too - that's something to consider if you are looking for more than just gravel riding.
I love the bike for it's relaxed geometry which means it's very comfortable for all day rides where body position is concerned. Obviously depending on the gravel surfaces things can still get bumpy and body fatigue sets in so bear this in mind for any bike vs. where you would be intending to ride.
Hope that helps but ping some more questions over if you want to!
Thanks for the reply, I’m new to gravel, I’m currently on a Trek dual sport 2 which is ok but I want to take my rides to the next level 😊
Well you are in the right place! I was sceptical and must admit it did take me a while to say I was “enjoying it” but now I’m definitely sold on gravel. Be sure to have a good poke around on komoot to see what gravel is within reach of your local area