I had previously posted a couple of times regarding frame choices (Parlee Chebacco versus Open UP) and then Enve G23 or DT Swiss CRC 1100 wheel sets. Both of these are now closed for additional comments, but I would like to thank everyone on this forum who helped me make my decisions on the final build. I decided on the Open UPPER with Shimano GRX 800 componentry (flat mount hydraulic disc brakes, 2 x 11 with 48/31 crankset and 11/42 rear cassette), Di2, ENVE G23 wheel set, 38 mm Compass Barlow tires, ENVE gravel bars and seat post, and Brooks C17 Cambium saddle. I was only able to get out for one ride prior to the snow ariving, but the ride was sublime. Thanks again for all of your help.
Also, how does the 31-42 combo work out for you? I've got the same crankset with a 11-34 cassette, and I find the 31-34 combo almost unusable; in very steep terrain, using that gear combo and a reasonable cadence, I find that I am barely moving fast enough to even keep the bike moving. Maybe I am doing it wrong?
I have the RD-RX815. I have only ridden the bike once and then the snow arrived, so my experience with this gearing is admittedly limited. However, I was able to ride short hills of 17% grade covered with wet leaves (and my fitness is middling at best), something I attributed to the gearing. With this very brief experience, I was happy with the 31-42 combination.
I believe your Enve rims have a 23mm internal width and the tires are spec'd at 38mm. Have you measured the actual width? I'm torn between the 35mm Bon Jons or the 38mm Barlows mounted on 22mm internal DT Swiss rims.
No, I haven't measured their actual width. My bike is now hung up from the ceiling of my garage because the snow is here to stay until next spring and temperatures have been in the -15C range. My single ride prior to the arrival of the snow on the 38 mm Barlows at 20 psi was a truly different and wonderful experience.
I mounted some Terrene Elwood 700x40 tires. They’re a great tire, light, fast, and good bite off road. However, they’re at least 3mm bigger on my DT Swiss rims. I have the 650b Switchback Hills on my other wheels and love them, so am thinking about either the Bon Jon Pass or Barlow Pass tires as an alternative. So I’m leaning toward the 35mm Bon Jons as a “road/roubaix” type tire. This is all on an Ibis Hakka MX (wanted an OPEN, but the geometry just didn’t work for me). Your bike is beautiful…I’ll hope for an early Spring for you so you can take it down and put some miles on it!
JoNeal wrote:I believe your Enve rims have a 23mm internal width and the tires are spec'd at 38mm. Have you measured the actual width? I'm torn between the 35mm Bon Jons or the 38mm Barlows mounted on 22mm internal DT Swiss rims.
My Bon Jon Extralights fitted to 22C inner width rims measured 37.6mm after 1500km @406gravel The Barlow Pass Extralights measure 39.9mm on the same rims.
The Bon Jon turn in faster on the road, the Barlow Pass offer more cushioning, but the steering is too relaxed on my gravel bike for my personal taste. On a faster turning CX the bigger tyre handling may feel fine. Next time I replace a tyre, I'm going to try a Bon Jon Pass on the front and a Barlow Pass on the rear to see if I can find the best of both worlds.
Thanks for the measurements! I opted for the Bon Jons and plan to mount them this weekend. A friend has the Compass 700 x 32s (can't recall the name) which require tubes and loves them. I think the BJs will be a good compromise. I'll try to post some pics next week sometime...
