I'm looking into getting my first gravel bike for all the awesome events we have running in Kansas. I don't want to piss the old lady off too bad, and so I need to get in as cheap as possible. I've been looking at the Fuji Cross 1.5, Kona JTS, and Cannondale CAADX. The Fuji cross is looking hard to beat, as you get some 105 and tubeless ready wheels with clearance for up to 40mm tires. Does anyone see any reason to not go with the Fuji? It seems like an awful lot of bang for the buck. The Kona/CAADX may be higher quality frames, but it seems I would still have to add in the cost of wheelset in order to go tubeless and be ready for the DK and other Midwest gravel events next year. I would appreciate any thoughts you guys could offer. Thank you
I wouldn't short change yourself on the frame if you are planning on doing 100 to 200 mile events. A cheap frame is...well...a cheap frame and will make long rides on rough terrain miserable. Not saying that's the case with the Fuji...I have no idea. But in general, cheap parts are cheap for a reason. I'd much rather have a good comfortable frame to start and build off that if need be.
