Best gravel bike for off-road comfort and confident handling? Jamis vs Raleigh vs GT

It's all carbon from 100% Carbon! The only other bike I considered was the Jamis Renegade Elite. That bike was about 1,300 more than the Norco Search, but with a much better wheel set than came with the Search.  I changed the wheels to Reynolds ATR, which effectively brought the Search up to the Renegade price point.  So it ultimately came down to looks.  I much preferred the colour scheme of the Norco Search over the Renegade.  I'm so Vain!! 

I own both GT Grade (Ultegra) and Haanjo (Metro flatbar). Both are great bikes with very similar geometry. Grade chain stays is where the tire clearance is tightest but the fork clearance is huge and although I personally have not tried it a 40mm tire should fit there. So if trail comfort and stability is a priority you can run a 33 or 35mm in the back and a 38 or 40mm at the front. Haanjo should be able to handle some 2.0 inch MTB Tires, certainly in the fork (mine is steel). 40mm fit with plenty of space to spare all over.

vride, it is a great news for me that You have both of these bikes I have a very important question for You. In terms of comfort, what will be better: A grade carbon with 35 or even 40 mm in the fork and 35 mm in the back or ALU Haanjo with 40 mm on both wheels? (on gravel rough roads). The tire I am thinking of is the new Schwalbe G-one (to be honest I don't know if 40 mm version has really 40 mm width. Maybe it is less and will fit even in the back of GT - for sure I want to test that before deciding what to buy). The reason I am asking is because I am thinking if Grade Carbon is worth the extra money?

http://www.performancebike.com/bikes/Product_10052_10551_1185360_-1___000000

And they now have a 20% points bonus worth $400 toward future purchases for a net of $1,600.  My friend just bought one - a very nice bike at a great price.

Been looking for a gravel bike for a month.  Was going to get the Ridly x trail since I have a Fenix.  Was at my LBS this weekend and after reading this thread I picked up the Norco Search Ultegra 2015 for 1000 off.  What a great bike.  It has the 28`s on it. Will leave it for now since my ride is half payment and half gravel.  It loves gravel and will put 35`s or 38`s when I use it for the logging trails around my place.  Thanks for the great info on here.  It really gave me the info to make the right choice for me.

It's good that this thread has helped You decide what to buy. For me it's not that happy ending because in Europe i can't buy Diamondback Haanjo at all and Norco Search I would have to buy from other country dealership without even trying it and paying extra for the delivery. So for me it ended up with GT Grade. I have to wait till my dealer will have 2016 Carbon model and then i will try to fit 40c Schalbe G-one tire on it. If it will work, at least in the front wheel, then I will buy it. If not, then I am back to square one...

I hope it works out. It sucks when you have limited choice to actually feel and test before you buy.  We are lucky here in Victoria BC.  Lots of bikes and lots of shops and lots of discounts at this time of year on 2015 models.  Good lucks I hope the tires fit and again great thread you started.

GT Grade carbon is a fantastic bike but it costs too much for me so I am thinking about Alloy 105 version of Grade versus Specialized Diverge Elite DSW. I have ridden both and both seems to be very good but which will be better for gravel grinding when You don't have money for carbon bike?

DrSpoke wrote:Performance Bikes has a great deal on the GT Grade right now.  And w/the Performance Club you get points worth an additional 10% of cost for future purchases - for a net of c. $1,800.  Also, they frequently they have promos and bump that to 20% which would bring the net to c. $1,600.

http://www.performancebike.com/bikes/Product_10052_10551_1185360_-1___

A friend bought one last Thursday for delivery today.  I looked at it w/him last week and it's impressive.  It does have a Performance only spec w/Force22 hydraulic in case that's an issue though it probably shouldn't be.  In my opinion a hard deal to pass up at that price since most carbon frames cost c. $2,000 and the Force22 group has to be close to $1,000 too.  He's about 5'10" and bought a 55.

I bought one of these as well. I also previously had purchased the Ultegra Carbon. While it was $1400 cheaper there are also a lot more corners cut than meet the eye. Wheels are about a pound heavier. Seat post is clunky, BB is not a Praxis unit, cranks are heavy and the handlebars do not have the flare like the normal Grade's. So if you go the Performance Bike route just be aware that you generally get what you pay for. I looked at it like this, I wanted to replace the wheel set on either version so that was not a concern for me. Basically a frame set purchase for me. Love the GT Grade ride and fit for me. 

I bought the Ridley X-Trail from them a couple of months ago.  It was spec'd exactly the same as the Ridley C30.  That said, it has all the same issues you mentioned w/heavy seat, seatpost, stem, bars and crankset.  Wheels are good but of medium weight.  So I'm replacing all that stuff too.  And planning to convert to Di2 while I'm at it.  I was planning to go to flared bars but am going to try the Thomson Comptons.

When considering a Gravel bike purchase and juggling between spec packages and performance/comfort options...think a bit outside the box and take at look at this review from RidingGravel. I'm personally racing and winning CX races with 40-45psi on an old aluminum Kona Jake the Snake and experiencing NO post-race body fatigue and impressive control. I'm gearing up for the TransIowa and look forward to this ultimate physical, mental and mechanical test. Looking to find the right bike for the challenge.