simonsez

Hi,

Like many, I’m confused about what type of bike to buy. I’m coming from a 29er (Specialized Crave) that was mostly used on pavement, gravel and rail trails. I was able to sell it for a good price so now I have some money to spend.

I've never owned a drop-bar bike but these new “gravel/cx” bikes have peaked my interest for what I think would work for me. I’m not getting any younger (42) and the one thing that I didn't like was the aggressive geometry/riding position of my 29er, I felt very stretched out and would get neck pains from keeping my neck up on long rides.

So having said that, if I choose the gravel/drop bar bike route I want the most upright position possible. Is it as simple as reading the geometry?
I only tested one, the Giant Anyroad and thought that was pretty good but wondering if there are others that ride more upright. My budget will be around $1500.

Also, can the geometry of any gravel bike be easily manipulated to make it more upright?

Thank you for any input and suggestions.

redlude97

less reach and higher stack for your size is what you should be looking for

mstateglfr 

This isnt anything unique to gravel bikes, but some changes can be made.

1- have a longer steerer tube. If you can get the fork uncut, then you can decide where the handlebars should be and have them up higher than typical.
2- shorter stem will sit you more upright.
3- higher angle stem will sit you more upright. Instead of a 6deg rise, get a 17deg rise or 35deg rise. Something like that will bring the bars up.