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 4 hours 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. 

[splat]

1 hour ago, Super Sywurm said:

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

Of the list, I would say that the Stigmata is probably the most 'Mountain Bikey'.
Especially with some suspension up front.

[splat]

1 hour ago, Hannes Haasbroek said:

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. 

 

These are usually fun threads, as there are so many variable here.
You have mentioned suspension, which is always quite dividing.
Also, stock and availability might affect your choice, if your budget is flexible. There are nice bikes that cost as much as the frame sets on that list.
And then there is the Sram vs Shimano 1x vs 2x topic, which you didn't dive into (yet).
The list that you propose is quite wide and varied in terms of price and types of bike.
Someone is going to ask if you are just riding, or racing (and aiming for podium). 
Are you looking for all out race performance, or looking for some comfort ?

Most people will either recommend what they have, or tell you what they wish they had.

I would suggest a frame that can take 50mm tyres,
I fitted a Redshift stem to take the sting off the bumpy dirt and I went 2 x 12 for a good range for road and dirt. And I went titanium (because I had an itch to scratch).

I would add a Diverge to your list.
And possibly a Trek Checkpoint/Mate.

[Geco Cycles]

Titan Racing Switch Gen 2 as mentioned.

Merida Silex

Merida Mission

[Sid the Sloth]

I have been riding a Crux for the last three years and have been extremely happy on it, if you have any questions I am happy to help. I have done pretty much all of those events, and done quite well in all of them, so if you want to race and not just ride I would say you would be very happy on a Crux. Stock levels are a bit low right now, but a top up is expected soon. The bikes are also extremely light across the range of models from comp to s-works, with a comp coming in at about 8,6 kg when my girlfriend got hers, with alloy wheels. Mine weighs in at 7.5kg in race spec, s-works with sram xx1 mulleted with red shifters and crank. For 36one it was still only 8kg... It is a weapon. The bike is extremely comfortable, but again I don't have extensive experience in other bikes. Hit me up via message if you have any questions. 

[ChrisF]

34 minutes ago, Sid the Sloth said:

I have been riding a Crux for the last three years and have been extremely happy on it, if you have any questions I am happy to help. I have done pretty much all of those events, and done quite well in all of them, so if you want to race and not just ride I would say you would be very happy on a Crux. Stock levels are a bit low right now, but a top up is expected soon. The bikes are also extremely light across the range of models from comp to s-works, with a comp coming in at about 8,6 kg when my girlfriend got hers, with alloy wheels. Mine weighs in at 7.5kg in race spec, s-works with sram xx1 mulleted with red shifters and crank. For 36one it was still only 8kg... It is a weapon. The bike is extremely comfortable, but again I don't have extensive experience in other bikes. Hit me up via message if you have any questions. 

 

Sure, the Crux IS a good bike.

 

In fairness, you will make most ordinary bikes look good 

 

RESPECT on your progress over the last 5+ years !!