Looking for gravel bike sub $1000
 

I'm torn between the Poseidon X at the Poseidon website and the Motobecane Gravel x1 from Bikes Direct.
Can anyone point me in the right direction.

Former triathlete, then ultrarunner, now looking into some cruising on rail trails and the like.

Between those two, I would go with Poseidon X. It has Microshift 1x groupset which is pretty solid. I have had it on one of my builds, and it was super solid. Shifts great and shouldnt give you any problems. Motobecane Gravel X1 is a little cheaper but uses very basic groupset, that I don't think you would want. You might as well buy a used gravel/cx bike. Definitely go with Poseidon X if it fits your budget.

Thanks so much for the info. Think I'll pull the trigger on it.

I was looking at State gravel bikes, but in many reviews I read the State brand groupset isn't up to par with what's on other bikes. Otherwise, I was looking at their bikes.

I've heard good things from owners of Poseidons.

Everything I've researched from owners has nothing but positive things, so that's a great sign.

Thank you!

I have a Poseidon X, for the price it's a decent starter gravel bike. If you join the Poseidon FB owner group, most if not all slowly upgrade if not completely rebuild their bikes. I bought mine as a frameset only and built mine with GRX and 105 components. I'd recommend the X over the low end Motobecane gravel bikes, mainly due to ease of upgrading. The X has an integrated tapered head tube, easy internal cable routing and the ability to upgrade the QR setup to thru axle. Along the way you can slowly upgrade based on your needs and budget.

Just joined the FB group. Thank you!

If you're handy and don't mind not having disc brakes, many early 80's treks can fit 38s. Pair that old frame up with a modern-ish (9sp or newer) groupset, some gravel kings, and decent mid-reach dual pivot brakes, and odds are you'll be a happy camper with a budget-friendly sub-25lb build. not too shabby!

I was going to suggest throwing drop bars on a lugged steel rigid mountain bike from the early 90's to get cantilever brakes and somewhat wider tires (but smaller wheels), but I like where you're mind is at.

I have built couple Trek Multitracks (700 and 750) with drop bars. One of them actually had Microshift Advent 1x9. I had Gravelkings 42's on it. They do fit big tires. I have some pictures on Hybrid bike forums on here under Trek Multitrack title. Its for people who get these bikes and show them off. Great frame to work off of, but you can spend some money if you do full restore.

also a great option! finding a frame with 130 or 135mm spacing makes it that much easier.