Racing newb here looking for some advice. I'm getting back into biking (been off and on since grade school) and want to pursue going to the various gravel races around MI next year.
Currently, I've got a few older bikes. I was one of the guys with a "bike from last century" at Uncle John's Dirty Ride. I know the best upgrade is more time in he saddle, but I'm also looking to upgrade to something more aggressive and lighter. I'm in the Ortonville/Davison area, so my roads are pretty smooth and hard packed, but I'm not sure what would be best for the different conditions around the state. Any advice on favorite bikes out there?
I’m in Grand Rapids and GRBC is one of the larger Salsa dealers in the country so their bikes are pretty popular around here (I just ordered a new Warbird).
You can’t go wrong with either the Warbird or the Cutthroat, depending on how you want to ride. Cutthroat might be better if you want to ride gravel and single track or races with a lot of sand (Barry 100, C2C, etc). The new Warbird fits tires up to 2.1” and is a great option for 98% of the gravel I ride in MI (made up number, but it’s close to that). Plus, if I toss a set of slicks on it I can go out and hold my own with my roadie friends.
The new Salsa products might be a little pricey for the component levels, but they’ve been doing this gravel thing for a long time and I trust the improvements they made to the frame are worthwhile.
Lots of good options out there, those are just the two I see a lot of people purchasing and enjoying.
I'm a big rider coming in at about 225. For me, I went with a TI bike. I bought a Lynskey GR 250 and lot it. Stripped down it's around 21 pounds so it's good to go. It will take 650b tires no issue and I also have a set of road slicks too. For me it's the best option out there. But that was two years ago. Now there are other options. Naturally costs are up too.
Thanks for the feedback! I ended up going with a 2018 Warbird Rival from a local shop. I know the new version is very tempting but this carried a good price and is here now. Actually, I've got 250 miles on it so far.
So far, it's great and very fast. This is my first carbon bike and it's impressive how the frame features, weight and tires work together. Now, to keep putting the miles on so I can get my legs in shape for a respectable showing in some 2019 races!
Caliper wrote:Thanks for the feedback! I ended up going with a 2018 Warbird Rival from a local shop. I know the new version is very tempting but this carried a good price and is here now. Actually, I've got 250 miles on it so far.
So far, it's great and very fast. This is my first carbon bike and it's impressive how the frame features, weight and tires work together. Now, to keep putting the miles on so I can get my legs in shape for a respectable showing in some 2019 races!
Can't go wrong shopping at Kinetic systems. I test road some warbirds there. Hope you are enjoying your ride!
