mcgeggy

I've been riding my Cannondale Synapse 105 (rim brake) since February and love it. But there is a nice reservoir that I pass with a gravel/dirt multi use 5 mile loop trail, and I'd like to be able to jump on it to mix it up a bit. I also really like the idea of having a bike that could be used for bikepacking, long trips, etc. So I'm thinking as my next bike a gravel or CX bike would fit well.

Looking for an aluminum frame, thru axles, and Apex 1 drivetrain, 700c wheels. Be nice if it came with 38-40c tires. Hyd disc brakes would be great but willing to accept mechanical. All for less than I paid for my Synapse, which was $1100!

I would just go ahead and get the Raleigh Willard 3, but it has been out of stock for awhile and I called and was told maybe March/April it might be available? I really like the Cannondale Topstone Apex, but it's almost double my budget.

So I'm looking at the 2018 Fuji Jari 1.5, which can be had for $1169 (mech disk), or the 2019 Motobecane
Whipshot AL APEX, for about $1100 (hyd disc). I don't think the Whipshot has mounting points for racks/bags, etc. though...

Fuji Jari 1.5

2019 Motobecane Whipshot AL APEX

Any feedback or thoughts?

koolerb

Lot's of gravel bike choices out there right now. The selection is overwhelming. I have a Jari 1.3 since spring of 2018 and have no complaints. Some of the Breezers are pretty cool if you want steel. Probably lots of good local bike shop deals this time of year. Check out sales at Jensen and Nashbar. Good luck!

shoota 

What size do you need?

ericzamora

I was going to suggest one of the Jamis Renegade bikes, but it may be twice the price you want to spend
https://www.jamisbikes.com/usa/renegadeexploit.html

What about a Salsa Journeyman? https://salsacycles.com/bikes/journe...man_apex_1_700

Norco Search Xr for around $1,500?
https://www.norco.com/bikes/dirt-dro...uminum-apex-1/

eric/fresno, ca.

mcgeggy

mcgeggy

shoota 

I've been tempted to move on my 56cm Tamland if that tickles your fancy.

Witterings

Check their max tyre widths if considering .... from memory think that was why I discounted Norco in comparison to others.

jwalther

One of the Kona Rove models? I love my ST. Kona

ericzamora

What tire clearances did you require? My LBS owner has the same bike I have, 2018 Norco Search XR Steel 105. He runs 2.1 wide 650b tires with clearance to spare. They come stock with 700c 40 tires, and there was some clearance there too if i recall.
Here's what mine looks like right now with 650b x 47c (1.85 inch) tires.



Teravail 650b x 47c Cannonball tires on Kinlin rims with 23c inside width.

eric/fresno, ca.

Metieval

Norco Search is limited clearance,
the Norco Search XR has massive clearance.

two different bikes similar names.

Metieval

the Topstone is going to be your Synapse with huge tire clearance. the 105 might be had for $1450 if your Cannondale dealer is hungry to sell a bike.

I've went the cheap route before for gravel. I hated it, still hate it.

as for the Whipshot. Toe over lap.

If you are dead set on a budget, look for something used,

Witterings

You / ericzamora are right ... I was looking at this one and knew it was limited to 35c and I wanted something that's take 700 x 42/43's
https://www.evanscycles.com/norco-se...-bike-EV306602

The Search XR though is way over the OP's original desired budget though.

Metieval

the Search XR also is only carbon or 725 steel. and the OP wants Aluminum.

In my opinion, the OP would be disappointed in many aluminum frames that are not Cannondale after enjoying time on his Synapse.

gus6464

Aren't Synapse aluminum frames C1 alloy? If so, every other aluminum frame you look at you will probably hate.

Gconan

ABOUT THE SEARCH XR ALUMINUM

https://www.norco.com/bikes/dirt-dropbar/gravel/search-xr-aluminum/

Metieval

ahh, excuse me for being stuck in 2018.

elmore leonard

chas58

LOL, that's funny. Then again, I have spent years riding fixed gear, because I wanted both lightweight speed and a condensed workout.

mcgeggy

My Synapse is Carbon framed.

mcgeggy

I think I will have to figure out how to raise my budget... Used is liking finding a needle in a haystack locally. I'd like to find a bike with a completely different spec list than my Synapse, so I figured aluminum would be less expensive than steel, and Apex 1 would be fun to have...

Metieval

My Synapse was a 2013 alloy 105 that is more comfortable on 700x25c then my Trek alloy crossrip on 700x38c

I sold the synapse for a supersix. No regrets there. It took the himod supersix to get me out of the alloy synapse. I however want my new gravel bike to be on par with what I had with the synapse. endurance geo and wide tires.


As for the Topstone, my only gripe is with no mid fork lugs.
even now looking at higher end gravel I am still debating carbon vs steel.

Metieval

if you don't mind a taller standover. That jari would work for you. I just saw the price.

pbass

I have a 2019 Rove St that is the most fun, comfy, and versatile bike I've ever owned. The Roves are really good bang-for-buck too IMO. None of the current models are spec'd exactly as the OP describes, but worth a look I'd say...

ericzamora

Right. The Kona Rove NRB was on my top five when shopping. I had originally wanted hydro brakes, got spoiled with my hardtail's hydros, but the mechanical TRP Spyres on the NRB, and on my eventually chosen bike, are nice brakes! In the end, I wanted a steel frame.

eric/fresno, ca.