I am new to the forum and to cycling but I am sure you get alot of these threads on here but I thought I would throw this out there, as I said I am new to cycling, but I did a little bit of research and for bikes under 1200.00 I have come down with 2 bikes that I think maybe a good intro gravel bikes..curious on any feedback to these 2 bikes or other suggestions to a good bike at this price point.. these are the 2 bikes I am looking at
Check out the Kona Rove if you have a dealer near you. Great value and a good intro gravel bike when tires are replaced. http://www.konaworld.com/rove.cfm
I bought a Salsa Journeyman for my brother and he could not have been happier if I bought him a fancy sports car! (not that I could ) The Journeyman has been getting absolutely amazing reviews all around and can be picked up for less than $1000.00 and then be made into any type of riding you could want. My brother uses his bike mainly for commuting but then he gets to ride Forest Park and all the trail goodness he can muster in between!
drwelby wrote:Can you give us a little more information about you and your plans?
Where are you located? How much dirt road do you have access to?
Are you riding for fitness? Fun? Plans to challenge yourself with events? Maybe some touring? And are you coming in to cycling from another sport?
Thank you for your response.. I live in the adirondacks of upstate NY.. I am surrounded by dirt roads and tons of paths to explore, I recently had a life changing event that pushed me to change how I feel about my weight and fitness.. currently I am down about 80lbs since June and want to continue the weight loss, Cycling has been somthing I always enjoyed but never really got serious about it till now.. Looking for good intro bike for around $1k the cannondale and giant I posted are the ones I thought maybe a good start
Between the Giant and the Cannondale I'd pick the Cannondale, their XL is likely to be a better fit. The Journeyman is pretty similar in size and spec. It does give you the triple bosses on the fork which might be a plus if you like to carry stuff.
Looking at those options I think the Cannondale is the way to go as well. Both dropouts are thru axle and the group set is a bit better spec'd Also has a carbon fork. Where in the ADK's are you located? I am from WNY, and I'd like to get up for Black Fly this year.
Spec and value for money - hands down is the Topstone Sora - it is much more upgradable as well with thru-axles and dropper routing.
They reason I would go with the Journeyman or the Kona Rove is if you want to run 650b or have an option to run it later or swap with 2nd wheelset. Chances are given your height you'll probably want to stick with 700c. The other downside with the Topstone is I believe the max tire clearance is 42mm ish, while the Journeyman can clear 50mm. So that's more important if you want the maximum "Supple life".
clarksonxc wrote:Looking at those options I think the Cannondale is the way to go as well. Both dropouts are thru axle and the group set is a bit better spec'd Also has a carbon fork. Where in the ADK's are you located? I am from WNY, and I'd like to get up for Black Fly this year.
I am about 20 miles north of Lake George and about an hour and 15 minutes from inlet.. My goal is to be able to attempt the black fly with in the next 2 years.. but very lucky for me the cycling community in my town is thriving and growing.. a bike shop that is also a cafe/pub opened up a few years ago and really has boosted the local economy.. they also set up a mountain bike trail behind the establishment that has amazing views of brant lake.. The Hub as it is called really was a big factor for me to get into cycling.. here is a link to the Hub if your interested (closed in winter months) http://www.thehubadk.com
Wow, I know the exact place! I saw an advertisement for the Harry Elkes Ride in 2017, so we decided to make a gravel weekend out of it. We actually started at The Hub and left before all the road riders did, and just did our own (mostly) gravel course from some routes that they had on the webpage. We were the last ones back, the parking lot was empty, but it was a great ride. Got some pizza and beer right afterwards, which was really good. The next day we drove to Vermont for another gravel ride before heading home. You're pretty lucky to have a place like that so close to you!
I think if you can do some of the gravel routes they post around Brant Lake/Bolton/Warrensburg, you'd have no trouble finishing Black Fly.
Unfortunately I have no info to share regarding your bike choice, but I just wanted to say congrats to you regarding your lifestyle change and weight loss. Welcome to the gravel cycling community! I recently moved from Upstate NY (Hudson), and i rode the Black Fly in 2016. Definitely a do-able event once you get some riding experience, including riding in groups. Also, if you're planning on riding for fun and fitness, not racing, you may want to consider checking out Path Less Pedaled on Youtube. Good info and advice for non-racer types, esp regarding gearing. Good luck, stay healthy, and have fun!
) The Journeyman has been getting absolutely amazing reviews all around and can be picked up for less than $1000.00 and then be made into any type of riding you could want. My brother uses his bike mainly for commuting but then he gets to ride Forest Park and all the trail goodness he can muster in between!