Need help with choosing the right bike.

Hey guys! I want to buy a new bike this winter and need your advice.

My current bike is getting old, brakes twice a month, and because I have 700x25c tires I am getting punctures all the time. Few weeks ago I started looking for a "road bike with wider tire".  My other requirements are:
- 1x drivetrain (most likely sram rival) due to its simplicity
- possibility to mount fenders and racks
- reasonable price (to 1000 pounds ~1200 dollars).

I have found few bikes that meet these criteria:
- Gt grade alloy x (under 1000 pounds) 

• http://www.wiggle.co.uk/gt-grade-al-x-2016/

- Devinci hatchet sx (under 1000 pounds, slightly cheaper) 

• http://www.freeborn.co.uk/devinci-hatchet-sx

- Marin gestalt 2 (about 800 pounds) 
I would definitely go with gt grade, I've tested different version of it and it was very comfortable, plus it has thru-axle in the front, full carbon fork and very good saddle. It has 2 cons: you can't install racks (but I can live with that) and what's the most important - cassette is 11-28t (front is 40t)... I'm currently living in Czech Republic which has some nice, steep hills and I'm just scared that I won't be able to pedal to the top. Replacing parts would cost me a lot (new cassette + derailleur).

Devinci hatchet sx: it doesn't come with thru-axle, but you can mount racks, it has 11-36 cassette (44t in the front) which should be perfect but unfortunately I don't have an option to try it anywhere in Prague or outskirts... And I am little worried about this company. It should be good but you almost can't find any information about them.

Marin gestalt 2: the best price but mainly due to worse components: sram apex (instead of rival), not fully carbon fork and for me it doesn't look good. Pros: possibility to mount racks, good rear cassette ratio.

So maybe some of you have these bikes and could write anything about them? What are your feelings? Or could you recommend something else in reasonable price?
And does thru-axle give much difference?

I would really appreciate your help

I can only speak to the Grade, but I had a 105 alloy, and I ran a rear rack and and fenders by using a seat post collar that had rack mounts.  It was not a 1x system, but came with a 52/36 crank and 11-32 cassette.  I did switch the crank out for a 50/34, and found that to be much better.  The biggest downside to the Grade IMO is the tire clearance, which is pretty limited at 35c.  I had to really modify my fenders to get them to work with 35 tires. 

I like my Diamondback Haanjo Ultegra. Meets all your requirements. I got a very good deal on it via backcountry.com. \n \nJoel

My $.02: Almost anything that is Gravel specific in your price range, will meet your needs. Your best bet then would be to hook up with a good local bike shop and get their advice and suggestions. I also think that (and the boys at Gravel Cyclist agree) that a 2x setup is preferable to 1x. 2x drive trains have been the "standard" for a long time, give you a wider gear range, and are very reliable. I personally prefer a CX set up with a 46/36 up front and an 11-40 in back for the hilly terrain I ride. Of course, if your "best" choice has a 1x drive train, go for it. But, I wouldn't make 1x a "must have". One thing you should look for though, is sufficient room for a 40mm gravel tires, and rims that are, or can be easily converted to tubeless tires. For gravel and rough roads, tubeless is the way to go.

Thanks for your advices I bought GT grade and waiting for delivery. Unfortunately gravel bikes are very unusual in Polish/Czech shops had to buy it online. Thanks for your thoughts guys!

You might check out the Sonder Camino from Alpkit.  It has 1x Sram (Rival or Force), titanium frame and disc brakes of course.  Mine rides like a dream.  I know it is a little bit more than your budget, but the titanium frame will last forever and it is a pretty good buy for the money.

 

I was thinking about titanium frame, but don't have that amount of money right now. Plus, I wouldn't fall asleep with Ti bike wondering if someone stole it already.

KMatt wrote:I was thinking about titanium frame, but don't have that amount of money right now. Plus, I wouldn't fall asleep with Ti bike wondering if someone stole it already.

That's why we keep the precious inside close to the bed. lol.