Gravel: 25k to 30k which bike ?

[Gripen_85]

Which one feels the best when you sit on it?

 

I am in the same boat. 
But, I'd also like something that is bikepacking ready. So while I liked the feel of the Avalanche Roam, it rules it out as it only has attachment points for bottle holders.

I also tried the Trek Checkpoint ALR 5 Gen 3 (a bit out of budget, don't like the colour options, but it feels good).

The Merida Silex 400: I like Merida, but they run big in the gravel bikes, and even a small frame had me feeling stretched out.

Cannondale Topstone AL2: similar feel to the Merida. Not quite "it".

Titan Racing (not sure which one to be honest, there are so many. I think it was around the R40k mark): a bit out of budget, but felt good.

I want to try the Revolt.

[Showtime]

Look at the Outer Cycles Rora 1. I couldn't find the bike that ticked all the boxes until I stumbled onto the Rora.

[Zebra]

4 hours ago, Gripen_85 said:

I want to try the Revolt.

Nice thing about the Revolt, it that it comes in SIX sizes, and if you say another brands SMALL has you 'stretched out' then possibly the Revolt XS or S could work - just putting it out there...

Also, the Revolt has effectively FOUR bottle mounts on the main triangle alone, since you can (and I have...) mounted a bottle on the 'Bento' box mount on the top tube...

(and then the usual mounting points on each fork, etc.).

Cheers, Chris

[MG22]

Ok, yes I agree with you Showtime. My preference is Outer Rora. My question is: How different is the ride feel between AL1 and AL2 ? If the diffs is marginal I may even go for the lower specced AL2 ?

[Showtime]

AL1 has 12 speed groupset with hydraulic disc brakes vs 10 speed with mechanical disc brakes. In the parking lot or around town the ride feel will be identical but if you're planning long days out with long descents there will be a  difference.

 

[Gripen_85]

18 hours ago, Zebra said:

Nice thing about the Revolt, it that it comes in SIX sizes, and if you say another brands SMALL has you 'stretched out' then possibly the Revolt XS or S could work - just putting it out there...

Also, the Revolt has effectively FOUR bottle mounts on the main triangle alone, since you can (and I have...) mounted a bottle on the 'Bento' box mount on the top tube...

(and then the usual mounting points on each fork, etc.).

Cheers, Chris

The question is, who in Gauteng has stock? I haven't found a shop so far that has them.

[Zebra]

42 minutes ago, Gripen_85 said:

The question is, who in Gauteng has stock? I haven't found a shop so far that has them.

The shops then DRAW (new/old) STOCK from the central warehouse (or Regional Warehouse), so you are looking for a shop to get one 'in' for you - they are definitely available, hooked up a Hubber with this exact model just 3+ weeks back, etc.

Shout if you need help.

Chris