New Bike Requirement
 

After selling 1 of my 2 road bikes I've decided it's time to start looking for an "All Around'er". Even though I will continue riding primarily on the road, I'm looking for something fully capable on gravel as well. Along with the tire clearance, endurance geometry and all of the other modern gravel bike characteristics the one thing I've decided I must have is a gravel groupset (ie. Shimano GRX). Sorry, not ready to go SRAM yet. Having said that, the first 2 bikes on my list, the Checkpoint and the Topstone are only available in road groupsets (ie. 105 and Ultegra). Thankfully, the Stigmata is offered in a GRX build otherwise my first three would be off the list already. My question is, what other high end (carbon) gravel bikes are available off the shelf in a GRX build? I know I can always buy a frame only and build however I want but that would be a last option if nothing was available "Ready to ride."

Ibis Haka MX.

Cervelo Aspero.

3T Exploro.

Niner RLT 9 RDO

Orbea Terra M20 (GRX 800) or M30 (GRX 600).
There's a lengthy wait for the M20 though. Which is why I bought one with 105 and converted it myself.

1x or 2x in the front?

Note that the Topstone carbon uses a different style rear hub and wheel dish. If you change/add wheels you’d need a shop to re-dish the wheels to work.

Correct.

Coincidently I test road the carbon Topstone today. It is very nice but unfortunately not available in a GRX build nor as a frame only:(

I stopped by 4 different bike shops today all of which stocked different brands of bikes and not one of them had a complete GRX bike for sale. The closest I came was one shop was building a custom bike for a client with GRX800 groupo.

Might just be too early to the party or ???

2x

I do think that this is the case. Since it's such a new groupset, I think (most) bike brands simply were not able to get it on their latest releases, this year. I have a feeling it will be a lot more common come 2021.

But, when it comes to the GRX 800 groupset, I do think it's it a set up from Ultegra mechanical and is worth hunting down a bike with it. Or building one yourself.

I would guess the big high volume brands didn't go with GRX this year due to availability. The smaller brands like Cervelo could get enough to meet their production needs.

Perhaps you'll be looking at a custom build, Tarsi.

Another option might be to budget for a new bike and also a GRX groupset ,from the same shop/dealer. They might be willing to work a deal on the price of the GRX groupset given that you'd be buying a bike from them.

A Custom build is starting to look like the best option. The Open U.P. was originally taken off of my list due to being available only as a frame set but comparing now to the cost of buying a complete bike plus a group set and possibly a replacement Wheelset it starts to make more and more sense. Also, every review I read about the Open just pushes further and further in that direction. Am I missing something?

Actually, I just stumbled across an article on a different forum that Salsa is offering three models of the 2020 Warbird with various levels of the GRX groupset. Maybe that's another bike to consider in your search.

Thanks but I think the Warroad would be closer to what I'm looking for. Unfortunately, that one doesn't come in a GRX build. For a custom build still leaning towards the OPEN.

then I'd +1 the prior mention of the Cervelo Aspero

Thanks. Bike looks super nice but unfortunately a bit too race oriented for me.

Many dropped chainstay bikes, like the Ibis Hakka, will not clear a small chainring than 34t on a double

ah, so this might explain the lack of offerings and the odd mixed GRX builds with 3rd party cranks.

My intention is to start with an Ultegra 50/34 but have the flexibility to switch to the GRX 48/31 if needed. Can anybody confirm that the 31 will work on the OPEN U.P.? The website just states "All road cranks" for Shimano compatibility.

Just double checked website and found info below. Guess that means both 48/31 and 46/30 cranks should work.

https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...74934dbe03.jpg

Just keep in mind, you'll also have to replace the front derailleur if you decide to switch over to the GRX crank, due to the GRX chain-line being push outward 2.5mm.
I was thinking of doing the same thing (start with an Ultegra compact), but I like the idea of being able to run an 11-30 (or 32) cassette on the back, instead of having to use an 11-34 (I really do not like large jumps between gears)

The plan was to use a GRX front derailleur from the get go. I was told that it will work with the Ultegra compact road crank as well as the GRX. Is that not the case?

Everything you’d want to know about Shimano compatibility

https://productinfo.shimano.com/#/co...453&acid=C-455

I'm not sure...but I'd be hesitant to believe so. If the GRX crank doesn't work with an Ultegra FD, then I'd think the opposite would be true as well.

If you already have an Ultegra crank on hand, then I say give it a try. I'm sure with some fiddling/maxing limit screws you could get it to work (well enough, at least). But, personally, I wouldn't buy and Ultegra crank with the plan of running a GRX FD.

Ya, I was skeptical too but Andy from Glory Cycles claims they do it all the time and it works fine. I guess I can always give it a shot and if it doesn't work then pickup an Ultegra FD.

Glory seems to have a good reputation, so I'd be incline to take his word. What is your reasoning for wanting to go with the Ultegra crank in the first place?