Getting back into biking, and am looking at 2 bikes in my budget. Also know I would like steel. Looking at the Jamis Renegade Exploit or the Norco Search xr 105. I will hopefully get to ride them in the near future. What everI get will probably see alot of pavement as well as gravel and dirt. I'm about to turn 65 and own an aluminium Felt f85 now. I doubt I would be racing, and am in Minnesota. Any thoughts would be helpful, thanks.
I have looked at the Jamis Renegade and know nothing about the Search xr. I would not knock out the Raleigh Tamland 1 as that is a decent bike in steel and with the Corporate discount now is at a great price. Good luck in whatever you buy.
If you can stretch your budget somewhat to around $2K, the extra $500 can buy you a significantly better bike in terms of up to date components, brakes, and tires. The aluminum version of the Salsa Warbird is a good example. In addition, the Warbird can run either 27.5 or 700C wheels. https://salsacycles.com/bikes/warbird/2018_warbird_apex_1 The 2K price point is very competitive. If you can stretch your budget, you'll find many more options from other manufacturers. I believe that all of the bikes you mentioned however, will meet your needs. But, personally I would want a bike designed for through axles, and wider tires.
bobknh wrote: -snip- In addition, the Warbird can run either 27.5 or 700C wheels. https://salsacycles.com/bikes/warbird/2018_warbird_apex_1 The 2K price point is very competitive. If you can stretch your budget, you'll find many more options from other manufacturers. I believe that all of the bikes you mentioned however, will meet your needs. But, personally I would want a bike designed for through axles, and wider tires.
+1 for what Bobknh said... Most any bike with through axles and disk brakes can be setup to run either 27.5 and 700c. If you want the option for 2 sets of wheels then two things to check: 1. Look at frame clearance at the point the tire will pass through the frame. Most (BUT NOT ALL) frames have extra wide clearance as one goes closer to the hub. This extra clearance with the natural shape of the 27.5" tire/rim will allow a much wider tire to be use. BUT not all frames are made this way so don't assume a wider 27.5" tire can be used.
2. Check BB clearance and consider if this an issue or not. Racers jamming through corners while pedaling and mountain bikers going over large obstacles do care a lot about clearance. When I'm on gravel, no I've never been concerned with clearance because I don't lean hard when cornering in gravel and I've never encountered large obstacles where I needed more BB clearance. Just my opinion...
Diamond Back sells the Haanjo in many configurations (steel, carbon, 700c, 27.5). IMO one gets a lot for the money with the DB but the geometry is very different (less standover, more stack and less reach).
One other thought of buying a new complete bike. Bike tech is moving fast - especially the gravel segment. Also, when you buy a complete bike, the manufacturer can obtain OEM discount prices from component suppliers and pass the savings on to you. IMHO, you are best served buying a current model with up to date components and technology, and from a good LBS if you can find one. This is especially true in today's gravel/adventure market, with so many attractive product offerings. Frankly, I'm amazed at what's available these days in the $2,000 price range.
It does feel that bike prices across many segments have come back down from the atmospheric heights that they were all at a few years ago. I remember aluminum bikes of all stripes with 105 selling for $2500+. Insanity.
