jimlikestobike

Looking at venturing more onto dirt roads but still primarily pavement (probably 70% pavement) but may also want to do a 'gravel grinding' race of 40-60 miles. I have an older road bike, a 2006 Giant OCR limited but that hasn't seen much use in last two years. I used to belong to a road club from 2006-2011. I also have 3 mountain bikes (Trek Farley 9.6, Trek Stache 9, Trek Fuel EX9) and I'm a strong mountain biker. About $2500-$3500 is my budget and I always buy from my local bike shops. What's available to me are: Specialized Roubaix Comp, Specialized Diverge Comp or Expert, Focus Panalane, Cervelo C3, Foundry Overland, Jamis Renegade Expert, GT Grade, Niner RLT 9 2 star, and Salsa Warbird Rival. Probably not going to get into Cyclocross so a more comfortable, compact crank bike will do the trick.

NormanF

Fairdale Weekender Drop could be on the list. You have a good selection of bikes to choose from.

FrontRanger

It's not on your list, but the Salsa Vaya is an extremely capable bike, and would definitely be worth considering.

athrowawaynic

There's not a bike on that list that you'll go wrong with, unless it's the wrong size for you.

kevrider

which shop is your favorite shop? which shop does the most for advocacy? maybe that will help thin out your list.

tangerineowl

For primarily pavement I'd choose either the Warbird or the Jamis.

Carbon frame, endurance geo, with the gravel option for a wider-tire. e.g. the Jamis fits a 40 on the back / a 45 front.

No Mojo

I have the Roubaix Comp and Foundry Overland. The Roubaix is better on pavement but the Overland excels on dirt and isn't bad on tar. If I had to give up one it would be the Roubaix I absolutely love the Overland.

dgodave

Thats what I would get. But its more "light touring" than the initial list of rather racy bikes. Looks like Salsa increased the tire clearance to 50c which makes it very versatile. I guess it all depends on what you want to be able to ride.

FrontRanger

I've put thousands of miles on mine, and it's one of the most versatile bikes I've had the pleasure of owning.

Seattle Forrest

I have a GT Grade. I got the Force 22 build for $2,000 which is now $1,800 at Performance. I might sell it one day for a Cervelo C3. A lot of the reason is that SRAM road components are disappointing. The frame itself is pretty nice, but not in the same league. Anyway, the max clearance is around 35 mm for that bike, the specs aren't clear on what the exact number is.

GeneO 

I would steer clear of the Diverge Expert (or any of their carbon) Diverge because of the proprietary SCS wheels. Depending on what your riding will be, I myself would be looking at the Jamis Renegade or Specialized 2017 Roubaix.

jimlikestobike

Thanks for the input everyone. Think I narrowed it down to the Jamis Renagade Elite (a step up from the expert) or the Foundry Overland. I have not ridden either. Does the Foundry appear to be more crossbike oriented vs the Jamis?

DJH8098

They are very similar in regards to the geometry, slight differences but nothing huge. I would go with the Overland simply because I love Ti. that is completely bias and should be taken as such . Honestly they will both be great bikes though!

rickyk76

I don't have any experience with it, but the Cannondale Slate would be on my "to try" list also.

tangerineowl

As mentioned, the frame geo is fairly close between the two. Foundry being slightly longer in the reach.

For me it would come down to how wide a tire would I ever consider fitting?
The Jamis wins that by a bit.

If the 41mm mentioned for the Foundry would be plenty enough, then I'd go for that ti frame. Looks great.
Also a ti frame for best compliance over looong distances would nudge it.

cobra_kai

I thought the Jamis could only fit 40 mm tires, at least that's what it says on the main page on Jamis' site.

tangerineowl

Always best to track down real-world closeup pics/reviews, rather than manuf. sites.

birru

I've got a 2017 Renegade Expert with G-One Allround 38c set up tubeless. They measure out at 41mm +/-0.5mm. Zero issues with clearance in the rear and there's definitely room for 45mm up front. You'd probably want skinnier tires for any serious mudding though. I can probably snap some photos tomorrow night.

No Mojo

Go with the Foundry Overland you will not regret it. I absolutely love mine!