Bikehills1964

I am considering buying a $600 used Scott CR1 from someone I know, installing Fox fork and sispension seat post, maybe single crankset and oversize cassette to be a gravel trail bike. Or am I better off starting with a $300 Chinese frame? Thanks for your input.

shelbyfv

I don't think I've seen anything like what you are proposing with the Scott. Post pics if you go that way. Why limit yourself to two poor choices?

Bikehills1964

Your suggestion(s) please?

shelbyfv

First, I'd suggest you have this thread moved to the Gravel section. Then provide more info about the type of surface you want to ride and your budget.

Bikehills1964

I don't see a button for moving.

Idea is a light bike that is fairly comfortable doing 30' hills and rough gravel but no jumping, etc. I have a Cannondale Silk Path with mountain cassette but it is pretty heavy. Budget around $2,000.

Koyote

You realize that the Scott CR1 is a road bike, right?

shelbyfv

The red button will put you in contact with a mod who can move your thread. I suggest you browse that section, a $2000 gravel bike is not uncommon.

Bikehills1964

Guess red button is not smart phone friendly.

HillRider

+1. That means it won't have clearances for adequately large tires in the rear and the suspension fork you expect to install will have the wrong geometry. For your $2000 budget there are several much more suitable gravel bikes available ready to ride.

Bikehills1964

I am also looking for a project.

mack_turtle

CR1 is definitely a road bike with clearance for only small, slick tires. depending on what "gravel" means where you live, 25mm road tires might be all you need, but most people would want at least 32mm cyclocross tires, if not much larger. something like that will never fit in a frame like the CR1.

the frame was very intensionally designed around a fork that is 400mm long or shorter, and a suspension fork is going to jack up the front end by a LOT. that will make the bike very awkward for fitting and handling. all of this sounds like a bad idea.

if you want a road-oriented bike for gravel, look for a touring or cyclocross bike, or something from the more recent paradigm of "gravel" specific bikes. if you want a bike with suspension, I'd build something out of a hybrid or a XC mountain bike. a XC mtb with some comfy handlebars and light, supple tires makes a great gravel bike.

HillRider

That's fine but start with something suitable.

squirtdad

with $2000 budget you can get some decent already built bikes

It is almost always more expensive to build from parts than to buy a new bike. Depends on how much you want a project, how good a parts finder you are and whether you want new or used. IME it is easier to set up with matched parts systems.

have fun

shelbyfv

Projects aren't a good idea for everyone.

Koyote

You mean like someone who wants to put a suspension fork and dropper seatpost on a road bike?

I'll echo other posters' comments: for $2000, you can actually get a nice gravel bike. Right now, inventories are depleted, but start searching reviews and specs on the 'net, and then start contacting stores - you'll get a nice bike.

bOsscO

Right on! Bike project builds are fun and, if you're like me, you have time on your hands to make that project a reality.
If you're willing to spend $2K on your project gravel bike definitely stay away from the Scott CR1 frame. How about starting with a Surly Cross Check frame/fork; https://philadelphia.craigslist.org/...168334393.html
Your description says Poconos (which I had to Google) so I'm not sure how close that is to Philadelphia.

cpach

So, yeah, putting a suspension fork on a straight-up road bike to make it a gravel bike is a profoundly bad idea. You will definitely get a better, more functional bike for your money buying prebuilt unless you already have many of the parts, or can really hustle some used parts for cheap.

If you really, really want a gravel bike with a suspension fork probably the best available are the Cannondale Slate and Topstone, but you're probably not looking at getting either for less than $2000, even used. You realize that a Fox AX gravel fork costs like $800 alone, right?

If you really want to both make a hackjob of a bike and end up with something vaguely gravel-ish with suspension, your best bet is probably to find a XC hardtail and do a drop bar conversion on it, but that's also entering a whole world of geometry problems (flat bar geometry differs a lot vs drop bar geometry for the same rider).

To be honest, if you're asking this question, you are worlds away from having the knowledge and experience for really any kind of major bike project.

Realistically the best bike in your budget for the riding you're describing is probably either an xc hardtail with flat bars or a gravel/adventure bike with wider tires, like a Salsa Fargo or something similar. Or you could stretch your budget to a Cannondale Slate, which really is a pretty cool bike. Suspended gravel bikes are rare and expensive now, and you're just straight up not going to make one that doesn't suck without more than $2000 or a serious understanding of bicycle geometry, hacks to modify it, and possibly the ability to modify the travel length of a suspension fork.

veganbikes

Yeah this is a bad idea on both ends. Get a proper gravel bike. If you want suspension you might consider a XC mountain bike as some folks have stated. I would buy a complete bike at this point or get help from your local shop. Project bikes are fun but you have to know a little of what you are doing and right now it sounds like you are MS Painting a bike without the real knowledge to build it up correctly and safely and find the right bike. Save up money and get the right bike for you.

Bikehills1964

I will get great satisfaction from designing, building and riding my own bike. Many thanks to those who have posted positive/constructive replies.

shelbyfv

No doubt this is true! And really, it's not rocket surgery. You have a steep learning curve but put in the effort to learn and it's not out of the question. Be sure to post again when your project is complete and you have a successful ride report. Good luck!

HillRider

If you pick the wrong frame and components, you will get great disappointment. Do your homework before buying anything.

Elvo

I started with a $300 frame. Built this up for $1200 total.