Full Member
Join Date: May 2017
Location: Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Posts: 281
Bikes: 2017 Marinoni Tourismo Extreme, 1984 Trek 520, 1987 Niskhiki International, 2013 Brompton M6R, 2016 Brompton P6R
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Converting touring bike into a gravel grinder
Thinking about converting my touring bike into a gravel grinder/bike packer. I bought this bike 2 years ago as my dream touring bike but found that I enjoy pavement touring less and less. Main reason being the lack of decent cycle paths and the generally unsafe road manners of car and truck drivers in my country (Canada). I have enjoyed riding mixed surfaces on my CX bike but find it uncomfortable for long rides which is why I'm thinking of the conversion of my touring bike. The bike is currently equipped with 105 3x10 speed and TRP Spyre mechanical disc brakes.
I'm thinking of converting the 105 drivetrain to GRX (so I can go 1x11) and possibly going 650b so I can fit wider tires.
So a few questions for the group from a bikepacking noob - does anyone regret running 650b? Any reason not to do a 1x11 drivetrain (with 11-42 cassette)?
Last edited by hhk25; 10-22-19 at 08:27 PM.