Which Gravel Bike for SA races

[Hannes Haasbroek]

Howzit guys, 

I'm looking for some advice regarding a gravel bike purchase.

I currently own a long travel trail bike SC Hightower and a Cannondale Scalpel XC bike. I'm looking to get a gravel bike that will on the odd occasion (CPT cycle tour) and maybe a few training rides here and there double as a road bike . Primary use will be for gravel events such as The Cedar race, The Gallows, Stanford 100M, Round the Pot, Race to the Sea etc. I also spend about 2 months a year in the Malgas/Witsand (Overberg) area, lot's of gravel riding opportunities, but not exactly "Champagne Gravel". I'm not racing for a podium, but do enjoy pushing myself. 

I need some help deciding on which bike to get to serve the above mentioned purpose. Bikes I have been looking at: Mondraker Arid, SC Stigmata, Titan Racing Switch Gen 2, Cannondale Super X, Cannondale Topstone, Specialized Crux and even the Curve GXR4 (Kevin). Also curious on suspension vs rigid frames/forks. Budget is flexible. 

Any help will be appreciated. 

 

Edited 1 hour ago by Hannes Haasbroek

[Super Sywurm]

My personal choices was between the Giant Revolt and the Merida Silex.  The main reason being the more MTB-ish geometry.