Gravel bike with massive tyre clearance (2.25") for winter riding

OffB10Path wrote:It’s not as easy or elegant as buying something complete, but you might consider using a hard tail MTB frame designed for 26” wheels as the platform for a drop-bar setup with extra tire clearance. Many 26ers can also clear 27.5 knobbies while also accommodating 700x30-ish or 650b road tires. I put together one myself last summer as an experiment, having come across a used Indy Fab frame that caught my eye and it turned out better than I could have expected. I’ve got it outfitted with 650bx47 tires and fenders at the moment. Provided you can find a suitable frame, it might be a less expensive way to go if not the most orthodox. \n \n

chunkylover53 wrote:You could also consider a Singular Swift; see this article on how you could set it up:

http://www.singularcycles.com/2016/06/14/drop-bar-29ers-gryphon-swift/

Hits a lot of your points - can fit 29 and also 27.5 x 3.0.  Relatively cheap, in my experience Singular is great to deal with.  I had a Gryphon I still regret selling - really nice riding bikes.

Barrettscv wrote:Salsa Fargo: http://salsacycles.com/bikes/fargo/2018_fargo_gx_29 Salsa Cutthroat: http://salsacycles.com/bikes/cutthroat/2018_cutthroat_force_1[/QUOTE]

i'll support these, and add a few more (all steel):

Specialized Sequoia - fits 29 x 1.8" with room for mud, so it should easily fit 27.5 x 2.1"
Salsa Vaya - fits 700 x 50c
Specialized AWOL - fits 29 x 2"

However, the Fargo and the Cutthroat fit 29 x 2.4" tires comfortably (each can fit 29 x 3.0" in the front), so for the really massive tires, either of those would be your best bet (the Fargo is a lot more affordable, the Cutthroat is a full carbon racing bike, essentially)