Gravel Bikes Options...

[MongooseMan]

1 hour ago, cadenceblur said:

How’s that Mezcal @MongooseMan ?

Only done 100miles on them, but no complaints thus far

 

1 hour ago, guidodg said:

some protective tape on the inside of the fork is a must 

Any suggestions for what tape specifically?

[guidodg]

8 hours ago, MongooseMan said:

Only done 100miles on them, but no complaints thus far

 

Any suggestions for what tape specifically?

https://bike-addict.co.za/collections/bikeshield

best DIY bike protective tape I have ever used

[guidodg]

Rigid fork is on😉

[Michael S]

Probing the thoughts / experiences of the hub.

I have the option of running:

a) Lauf SL fork (30 mm travel) with a max tyre clearance of 45mm. 
OR
b)  2.1 / 2.2 MTB front tyre with a rigid fork. 

This is for a gravel stage event - so 85% - 90% gravel. 

Would appreciate some thoughts on this.

Edited August 8, 2025 by Michael S

[Prince Albert Cycles]

1 hour ago, Michael S said:

Probing the thoughts / experiences of the hub.

I have the option of running:

a) Lauf SL fork (30 mm travel) with a max tyre clearance of 45mm. 
OR
b)  2.1 / 2.2 MTB front tyre with a rigid fork. 

This is for a gravel stage event - so 85% - 90% gravel. 

Would appreciate some thoughts on this.

If you’re going to do 5/6 consecutive days of gravel I’d go for the Lauf 

[guidodg]

4 hours ago, Michael S said:

Probing the thoughts / experiences of the hub.

I have the option of running:

a) Lauf SL fork (30 mm travel) with a max tyre clearance of 45mm. 
OR
b)  2.1 / 2.2 MTB front tyre with a rigid fork. 

This is for a gravel stage event - so 85% - 90% gravel. 

Would appreciate some thoughts on this.

b)

[Michael S]

8 minutes ago, guidodg said:

b)

Oef conflicting suggestions. 

Care to elaborate Guido? 
You have had some experience with a few forks on gravel bikes so would appreciate your opinion

[michaelbiker]

7 hours ago, Michael S said:

Probing the thoughts / experiences of the hub.

I have the option of running:

a) Lauf SL fork (30 mm travel) with a max tyre clearance of 45mm. 
OR
b)  2.1 / 2.2 MTB front tyre with a rigid fork. 

This is for a gravel stage event - so 85% - 90% gravel. 

Would appreciate some thoughts on this.

Either will be fine. MTB tires on rigid forks have been tested to be faster than their gravel brethren, but new testing is showing suspension forks with gravel tires are giving similar results. I tend to agree with Guido, it's cheaper and simpler and can still be fast.

[Wayne pudding Mol]

7 hours ago, Michael S said:

Probing the thoughts / experiences of the hub.

I have the option of running:

a) Lauf SL fork (30 mm travel) with a max tyre clearance of 45mm. 
OR
b)  2.1 / 2.2 MTB front tyre with a rigid fork. 

This is for a gravel stage event - so 85% - 90% gravel. 

Would appreciate some thoughts on this.

I have an older lauf and have comfortably been running 50mm since before wide was cool because I’m chunky and it’s comfy - unless they’ve changed the design 

[guidodg]

6 minutes ago, michaelbiker said:

Either will be fine. MTB tires on rigid forks have been tested to be faster than their gravel brethren, but new testing is showing suspension forks with gravel tires are giving similar results. I tend to agree with Guido, it's cheaper and simpler and can still be fast.

absolutely...less weight and less maintenance

from my experience I found the biggest difference when I moved to 2,2 Raceking tyres on 30mm internal width light carbon rims...way more compliant than the 3 suspension forks [Lefty Oliver, Temu 30mm and Rock Shox SID] that I tried..

suspension forks only really make sense when riding rougher singletrack...basically XC MTB territory

the Lauf is not a true suspension fork since there is no rebound adjustment...so on singletrack I cannot imagine it would be great...probably better on fast rough chattery gravel

[michaelbiker]

12 minutes ago, Wayne pudding Mol said:

I have an older lauf and have comfortably been running 50mm since before wide was cool because I’m chunky and it’s comfy - unless they’ve changed the design 

Nice Curve!

[nick_the_wheelbuilder]

I've been importing rims and hubs for custom wheel builds from Nextie since 2018 and they've been incredible to work with.

Last month I had the opportunity to bring in one of their gravel frames and build a bike for a customer who had ordered wheels from me.

He chose the "Gobi Grey" colourway.

The frames come with axles, hanger, fork, seatpost, headset and slightly flared integrated bar/stem combo. The quality and fit/finish is superb.

The customer supplied the GRX Di2 drivetrain and Vittoria Terreno 47c tyres.

I built the wheels, sourced the other small parts and assembled the bike for him.

Wow, it came out so nicely!

If anyone's on the fence about importing a Chinese gravel bike frame, rest assured that these are awesome. (+/- R20k for frame, fork, bar etc. if I import for you)

Enjoy the photos.

[Ispeed_V]

My old 26er HT frame converted into a gravel grinder.

27.5 inch wheels and a mix of XT and GRX.

Does the job perfectly