Time for a new ride

I currently ride a 2006 Felt F1x as my gravel bike, it has served me well, but it is getting a bit tired.  I'm starting to look for a new bike and I'm thinking that I may want to go with a steel frame this time.  My current aluminum frame rides a bit harsh and it is not very comfortable for all day rides.  I would like to stay around the $2500 range.  I think that I have it narrowed down to a few options.

-Salsa Vaya
-Niner RLT 9 Steel
-Advocate Lorax

Any thoughts on these bikes?  I'm looking for something that would be comfortable for all day rides.

Thanks!

Good set of choices.  I've narrowed my list down to the Vaya, and the Specialized Sequoia.  I test rode the Vaya, and its a very good fit.  Still noodling over the decision.  

Curious about what you decide, and good luck!

Also consider the Raleigh Tamland. The Frame material is Reynolds 631 and the frame and fork feature thru-axles on the 2017 models. Drivetrain on the 2017 models is Sram 1X on the Tamland 2 and Shimano 105 1x11 speed on the Tamland 1.\n\n\nThe Tamland can be purchased directly from Raleigh, both the 2016 and 2017 models are available. See: http://ridinggravel.forumchitchat.com/post/raleigh-sale-on-2017-bikes-8323038\n\n https://corp.raleighusa.com/tamland-28\n\n\nhttp://ridinggravel.com/gravel-news/raleigh-tamland-two-reviewed/\n\n

There's an interesting new option with the Endpoint Hunter/Gatherer.

$999 for a MUSA frame/fork. I'm not sure if they could put together a complete for $2500.

The pre-order for the first production run is sold out but they plan to do another run in a few months. By then there should be more photos of them built up.

I like steel and used to build steel frames at Waterford Precision Cycle, but I would seriously consider a Fyxation carbon adventure bike. I got one last fall and this is honestly one of the most comfortable riding bikes I own. I do still have a lugged steel Waterford all-rounder too. I think steel is more comfy than even modern alloy bikes, don't get me wrong, but I am amazed how smooth this bike is and the price is similar to steel bikes. I just sent Ben and Ted my At the Finish review, so watch for that in the coming days. Here is the Checkpoint review: http://ridinggravel.com/gravel-bikes/fyxation-crusher-checkpoint/

Hey - if you want steel check out the Ritchie CX frames and bikes. I'm lovin' my Ritchie Swiss Cross Canti. But if you want to go with discs the Swiss Cross Disc won't disappoint you. If you want steel, you can't go wrong with Ritchie Swiss Cross.

The Vaya gives the largest tire clearance up to 50. Downsides are its chomoly, and has QR on the backside. \nThe Lorax is just plain garbage compared to the other 2 bikes for consideration. Its still make of chomoly, it still has QR, same price as a vaya, only clears a 40 \nThe RLT most expensive on the list but is the best build on the list. Downside is it runs 1x which may or may not like. Pluses it runs hydraulic brakes, 853 grade steel, thru axles, clears a up to 45. To further reduce harshness, people typically replace the front fork with a lauf grit if you want to go down that road with it. \n \nGo with RLT

Thanks for the feedback all good things to consider.  I just need to get out and test ride and see where I go from there!  Thanks!

So... I got out and did some test rides this weekend.  I tried out the Vaya, RLT 9 Steel and Warbird Aluminum.  I was planning on going with steel frame so the Warbird was not on my list, the bike shop thought that I should try it out.  All of these would make a great bikes.  I rode all 3 bikes back to back over the some route.  Here are some of my thoughts.

Vaya-It rode great, very smooth, very comfortable. But it felt a bit heavy and a little slow (which I expected).  The fit was good, it did feel a little short on the top tube length.

RLT 9 Steel- It rode ok, I thought that it was a bit harsh.  The fork is much stiffer than the Vaya or Warbird.  I think that a 40 tire would help, the stock build has 35 tires.  The weight was good and it did not feel heavy.  I was not sure if I cared for the Apex 1x11 gearing.

Warbird-  I was really surprised how smooth this was, I did not think it was harsh at all.  The newer frame design is much better than the original Warbird.  Quicker handling than the steel bikes and it was comfortable.

I ended up buying the Warbird, which really surprised me.  I put some miles on it yesterday and I think that I made a great choice.  We see have to see what I think after Almanzo!

 
  

A well designed aluminum bike can be pretty comfortable. Cannondale is famous for designing great riding alloy frames. My Kona Private Jake rides really nice too and doesn't hurt that it's on 40c tires. I've also been on aluminum that made you think about visiting the dentist after the ride to check and make sure all your teeth are still in your head.

That Warbird is definitely a nice looking bike. I was after a carbon Warbird last year but they were sold out and no Salsa dealer in my area. Ended up on a Jamis instead.

That's a great choice, and maybe I'll see you at Almanzo!

I think many make too much out of the frame material, instead of the frame as a whole.  I have an aluminum 29" Trek hardtail that I love, and think it provides a solid, responsive and smooth ride.  I always look forward to riding it.  I've also rode carbon hardtails that that just felt so painful I can't imagine riding them more than a few minutes. 

The Warbird seems like a well designed, well integrated ride, and I bet you'll be very fast!  Now if we'd just get some spring weather!