The most exciting gravel bike for 2020 is...
#26
Senior Member
Ok, im sure this wont get much traction since its a bike by GT, but how has the new Grade not been discussed after the initial post?!?
That is a really cool bike.
- fits 42mm tires
- sensible unpaved gearing of 46/30 with 11-34.
- fork has an adjustable dropout to change trail depending on riding preference/style.
- seatstays are fiberglass core and dont attach to the seat tube at all now.
- all are 2x drivetrains.
- the seat tube is cut out to allow space for large tires and fenders(curious how this affects stiffness?).
- mounts all over the place- fork, bento, bottle cages, rack, fenders.
- external cable routing for easy service.
Really interested in the fork- that is interesting and allows it to feel like a couple different bikes.
As far as tech- this is way cooler to me than some elevated chainstays that are inherently more flexible and seem kinda gimmicky since other brands accomplish the same result with a more traditional/established setup.
That is a really cool bike.
- fits 42mm tires
- sensible unpaved gearing of 46/30 with 11-34.
- fork has an adjustable dropout to change trail depending on riding preference/style.
- seatstays are fiberglass core and dont attach to the seat tube at all now.
- all are 2x drivetrains.
- the seat tube is cut out to allow space for large tires and fenders(curious how this affects stiffness?).
- mounts all over the place- fork, bento, bottle cages, rack, fenders.
- external cable routing for easy service.
Really interested in the fork- that is interesting and allows it to feel like a couple different bikes.
As far as tech- this is way cooler to me than some elevated chainstays that are inherently more flexible and seem kinda gimmicky since other brands accomplish the same result with a more traditional/established setup.
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2014 Cannondale SuperSix EVO 2
2019 Salsa Warbird
2014 Cannondale SuperSix EVO 2
2019 Salsa Warbird
#27
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That Santa Cruz is sweet. My first real skateboard deck back around 85-86 was a Santa Cruz. I'd explore the Stigmata but like the U.P. it's going to cost too much to justify to wife. Ugh.
What's up with GT? They were good BMX bikes when I was a kid. The Grade's frame is a little wonky to me but it seems nice too.
Ok, im sure this wont get much traction since its a bike by GT, but how has the new Grade not been discussed after the initial post?!?
#28
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This. To each his own, but I'm tired of black bikes. My road bike is royal blue and the Revolt I ordered is metallic orange (it's the lower spec model, but I wanted the color, can always upgrade components).
#29
Sunshine
Join Date: Aug 2014
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completely agree- black(especially matte black) bikes are completely boring and uninspiring. But i am a child of the late 80s and 90s, so fades, splatter, and bright paint will never go out of style for me.
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#30
Finally we have a carbon topstone with 30 mm kingpin rear suspension!
https://m.startfitness.co.uk/cannond...c15600m10.html
https://m.startfitness.co.uk/cannond...c15600m10.html
#31
Rondo is cooking another interesting gravel / bikepacking bike: Bogan ST with massive 2.1 700c tire clearance and yet quite short chainstays (435).
https://granfondo-cycling.com/rondo-...ing-unlimited/
https://granfondo-cycling.com/rondo-...ing-unlimited/
#32
Rondo is cooking another interesting gravel / bikepacking bike: Bogan ST with massive 2.1 700c tire clearance and yet quite short chainstays (435).
https://granfondo-cycling.com/rondo-...ing-unlimited/
https://granfondo-cycling.com/rondo-...ing-unlimited/
Last edited by SilverRubicon; 07-05-19 at 01:04 PM.
#33
Mostly Mischief
Have two weeks on the 2020 Stigmata. 60cm, 700c with 40mm tires and Ultegra, totally stock. 19.6 lbs ready to ride with pedals, cages, Garmin mount.
It’s a zippy thing, for sure.
For comparison I sold a 2019 Tarmac because it felt dull and unexciting compared to my 2015 Cannondale SuperSix (which I kept and happily put back in commission) - for me the Stig is easily a more spirited bike than the Tarmac on the road. I’m not into the two wheelset thing, but someone could be fine on fast group rides with proper road wheels/tires and rule the dirt the next day with the stock setup.
The gravel/single track experience is so far also excellent - this is a drop bar bike from a dedicated MTB outfit.
Around here things are pretty rough once off the pavement. With its mountain bike pedigree I can see the Stig do really well with a dropper/suspension post and a Redshift stem. For me personally I think I prefer the bike in clean roadbike clothes, as I enjoy the approaches as much as the dirt itself.
I work part time at a dealership and the inside price SC offered this one at was very good; and with the super high demand for these bikes I’m grateful for them to fulfill employee purchases so speedily.
It’s a zippy thing, for sure.
For comparison I sold a 2019 Tarmac because it felt dull and unexciting compared to my 2015 Cannondale SuperSix (which I kept and happily put back in commission) - for me the Stig is easily a more spirited bike than the Tarmac on the road. I’m not into the two wheelset thing, but someone could be fine on fast group rides with proper road wheels/tires and rule the dirt the next day with the stock setup.
The gravel/single track experience is so far also excellent - this is a drop bar bike from a dedicated MTB outfit.
Around here things are pretty rough once off the pavement. With its mountain bike pedigree I can see the Stig do really well with a dropper/suspension post and a Redshift stem. For me personally I think I prefer the bike in clean roadbike clothes, as I enjoy the approaches as much as the dirt itself.
I work part time at a dealership and the inside price SC offered this one at was very good; and with the super high demand for these bikes I’m grateful for them to fulfill employee purchases so speedily.
#34
Senior Member
Hate on its origins all you want, but the Viathon G1 has my eye at the moment. Clearance for 700x51mm tires with road geometry checks the box for me.
Just saw this now. Looks great. Plus a low BB and supports 2x. I'm liking it, just wish it was carbon.
Rondo is cooking another interesting gravel / bikepacking bike: Bogan ST with massive 2.1 700c tire clearance and yet quite short chainstays (435).
https://granfondo-cycling.com/rondo-...ing-unlimited/
https://granfondo-cycling.com/rondo-...ing-unlimited/
#35
But going back to main subject:
BMC has a new soft tail gravel bike with MTB like long geometry. Similary to new Rondo bike:
https://www.bmc-switzerland.com/urs-one-301837.html
Is this a new trend in gravel bikes?
#36
Junior Member
I'm partial to the Bombtrack Hook EXT-C, mainly because I have one, but it has some great numbers too.
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#37
Senior Member
IT is amazing how big tire clearance this bike has!
But going back to main subject:
BMC has a new soft tail gravel bike with MTB like long geometry. Similary to new Rondo bike:
https://www.bmc-switzerland.com/urs-one-301837.html
Is this a new trend in gravel bikes?
But going back to main subject:
BMC has a new soft tail gravel bike with MTB like long geometry. Similary to new Rondo bike:
https://www.bmc-switzerland.com/urs-one-301837.html
Is this a new trend in gravel bikes?
But, I hope this isn't a trend. Or at least not for all gravel bikes. Plenty of people here in Michigan that don't even see the need for rear suspension on their mountain bike.
I can see the gravel bike market splitting in two directions actually.
One, your more western US gravel bikes that are becoming drop bar mountain bikes. Full suspension and 27.5+ tires.
Two, midwestern and eastern US gravel bikes that are off-pavement road bikes. You could roller skate on many of our dirt roads. But elsewhere we do have enough sand and even more washboard and loose over hardpack that bigger tires are needed. The road commission loves to sprinkle a very light bit of gravel on the roads now and then. Really nothing more than ball bearings for extra excitement. Tall BB's and suspension isn't much use, but a bigger contact patch is.
#38
Senior Member
IT is amazing how big tire clearance this bike has!
But going back to main subject:
BMC has a new soft tail gravel bike with MTB like long geometry. Similary to new Rondo bike:
https://www.bmc-switzerland.com/urs-one-301837.html
Is this a new trend in gravel bikes?
But going back to main subject:
BMC has a new soft tail gravel bike with MTB like long geometry. Similary to new Rondo bike:
https://www.bmc-switzerland.com/urs-one-301837.html
Is this a new trend in gravel bikes?
#39
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Rondo is cooking another interesting gravel / bikepacking bike: Bogan ST with massive 2.1 700c tire clearance and yet quite short chainstays (435).
https://granfondo-cycling.com/rondo-...ing-unlimited/
https://granfondo-cycling.com/rondo-...ing-unlimited/
That bike will not sell well in Australia.
I see that the company behind this bike is Polish, so no doubt they don't know what the word "Bogan" means in Australia and I suspect New Zealand too.
It would be like marketing a bike in England under the name "The Chav".
#40
Try on your mobile. It works for me.
Cool. Can you tell me how comfortable this bike is on rough surfaces? And how do you evaluate tire clearance? Do you think that there is a possibility to put 700c 50 tire? The 425 dropped chainstay is very similar to G1 from walmart and their bike takes even 51c...
Have two weeks on the 2020 Stigmata. 60cm, 700c with 40mm tires and Ultegra, totally stock. 19.6 lbs ready to ride with pedals, cages, Garmin mount.
It’s a zippy thing, for sure.
For comparison I sold a 2019 Tarmac because it felt dull and unexciting compared to my 2015 Cannondale SuperSix (which I kept and happily put back in commission) - for me the Stig is easily a more spirited bike than the Tarmac on the road. I’m not into the two wheelset thing, but someone could be fine on fast group rides with proper road wheels/tires and rule the dirt the next day with the stock setup.
The gravel/single track experience is so far also excellent - this is a drop bar bike from a dedicated MTB outfit.
Around here things are pretty rough once off the pavement. With its mountain bike pedigree I can see the Stig do really well with a dropper/suspension post and a Redshift stem. For me personally I think I prefer the bike in clean roadbike clothes, as I enjoy the approaches as much as the dirt itself.
I work part time at a dealership and the inside price SC offered this one at was very good; and with the super high demand for these bikes I’m grateful for them to fulfill employee purchases so speedily.
It’s a zippy thing, for sure.
For comparison I sold a 2019 Tarmac because it felt dull and unexciting compared to my 2015 Cannondale SuperSix (which I kept and happily put back in commission) - for me the Stig is easily a more spirited bike than the Tarmac on the road. I’m not into the two wheelset thing, but someone could be fine on fast group rides with proper road wheels/tires and rule the dirt the next day with the stock setup.
The gravel/single track experience is so far also excellent - this is a drop bar bike from a dedicated MTB outfit.
Around here things are pretty rough once off the pavement. With its mountain bike pedigree I can see the Stig do really well with a dropper/suspension post and a Redshift stem. For me personally I think I prefer the bike in clean roadbike clothes, as I enjoy the approaches as much as the dirt itself.
I work part time at a dealership and the inside price SC offered this one at was very good; and with the super high demand for these bikes I’m grateful for them to fulfill employee purchases so speedily.
Last edited by sweetspot; 07-09-19 at 03:07 AM.
#41
Senior Member
That was on mobile. It does load on desktop though.
I'm not seeing anything exceptional. I also wouldn't call that a softtail; looks like tuned compliance via some sort of elastic insert, similar concept to many on the market already. It should work and if you can change out the insert to tune the stiffness to suit rider taste that would be better (Spec Diverge fails here - it was too soft and I found it caused me pedal bob depending on cadence/effort). It's specced with 42mm tires so tire clearance doesn't look huge, maybe enough for 45mm?
However, it appears to be 1x only, so no interest. Midwest gravel here, we draft and run pacelines on gravel at times so I absolutely love my road compact crankset and can't see giving that up until we get several more cogs out back.
I'm not seeing anything exceptional. I also wouldn't call that a softtail; looks like tuned compliance via some sort of elastic insert, similar concept to many on the market already. It should work and if you can change out the insert to tune the stiffness to suit rider taste that would be better (Spec Diverge fails here - it was too soft and I found it caused me pedal bob depending on cadence/effort). It's specced with 42mm tires so tire clearance doesn't look huge, maybe enough for 45mm?
However, it appears to be 1x only, so no interest. Midwest gravel here, we draft and run pacelines on gravel at times so I absolutely love my road compact crankset and can't see giving that up until we get several more cogs out back.
#42
Sunshine
Join Date: Aug 2014
Location: Des Moines, IA
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IT is amazing how big tire clearance this bike has!
But going back to main subject:
BMC has a new soft tail gravel bike with MTB like long geometry. Similary to new Rondo bike:
https://www.bmc-switzerland.com/urs-one-301837.html
Is this a new trend in gravel bikes?
But going back to main subject:
BMC has a new soft tail gravel bike with MTB like long geometry. Similary to new Rondo bike:
https://www.bmc-switzerland.com/urs-one-301837.html
Is this a new trend in gravel bikes?
As for if this is a new trend- it isnt new, but it seems to be gaining traction for both gravel and paved road. Adding in suspension to the rear end is something that Trek, BMC, Niner, Cannondale, Pinarello(Dogma), Lapierre, Volagi, Merida, are doing. Some are using full blown suspension gadgets, others are using floating stays, some use hinging stays, and others are using stays that are apparently as flexible as rubber bands.
But if BMC's bike is an outright soft tail, then its in a rare group with Niner and...i think 1 other brand?
I am sure there is a market for a suspension frame MTB that is pretending to be a road bike. People use their bikes for all sorts of things and for some reason it seems popular for some buyers to seek out 'quiver killers', so of course brands will design bikes that could be viewed as quiver killers.
Upthread, its posted that there may be a split within the niche gravel market based on region of the country(and therefore local terrain worldwide). I could see that for sure. As it stands, the gravel bike spectrum is quite wide- from aggressive road bike with wide tires, to endurance road bike with wide tires, to sturdy adventure drop bar bike with wide tires, to 29er with drop bars and of course wide tires.
There is such a wide spectrum of gravel bike styles that any trends just add another mark along the spectrum.
With that said, I do see there is a desire for some things from people on the west coast(specifically SoCal) that I just dont even consider here in the Midwest. Dropper post?...thats so far off the radar for what I want when riding gravel roads not even registering. Slack 68-70degree head tubes?...cant imagine wanting that to ride gravel roads.
But those two things(and more) seem to be desired since the fire roads in SoCal are apparently all 15% grade and technical.
#43
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That bike will not sell well in Australia.
I see that the company behind this bike is Polish, so no doubt they don't know what the word "Bogan" means in Australia and I suspect New Zealand too.
It would be like marketing a bike in England under the name "The Chav".
I see that the company behind this bike is Polish, so no doubt they don't know what the word "Bogan" means in Australia and I suspect New Zealand too.
It would be like marketing a bike in England under the name "The Chav".
#45
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Having said that, Australia a few years ago ceased manufacturing cars in this country, and with that, the Commodore is no more.
#46
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lol chariot of choice.
And yes I'm fully aware of the demise of Australian cars manufacturing; what a waste. "The last of the V8 Interceptors!"
I'd take the Polish Bogan bike and put a Holden lion on it. Nice bike for sure.
And yes I'm fully aware of the demise of Australian cars manufacturing; what a waste. "The last of the V8 Interceptors!"
I'd take the Polish Bogan bike and put a Holden lion on it. Nice bike for sure.
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#47
Bikerumor has an overview of the 2020 rondo ruut range and new bikes looks very interesting. What i like the most is the bigger tire clearance - now they allow 700x50c tire. I am glad that more and more bike companies are making bikes with that kind of clearance while keeping short chainstays. For a long time i thought that 45c is a limit for a short chainstays. Hopefully this will be a new trend in gravel bikes.
Last edited by sweetspot; 07-09-19 at 03:45 PM.
#48
Senior Member
But only interested in the best rolling XC tires with short knobs or even a file tread if possible. The gain here is for traction in the situation of loose gravel on an otherwise smooth and hardpacked road, or over the odd sand drifts that happen when drainage crosses the road (culverts? what's a culvert? lol)
No, I have no interest in an XC bike on gravel roads, a proper gravel bike leaves it in the dust. Aside from the tires the rest of the bike should basically be an endurance road bike.
No, I have no interest in an XC bike on gravel roads, a proper gravel bike leaves it in the dust. Aside from the tires the rest of the bike should basically be an endurance road bike.
#49
Senior Member
But only interested in the best rolling XC tires with short knobs or even a file tread if possible. The gain here is for traction in the situation of loose gravel on an otherwise smooth and hardpacked road, or over the odd sand drifts that happen when drainage crosses the road (culverts? what's a culvert? lol)
No, I have no interest in an XC bike on gravel roads, a proper gravel bike leaves it in the dust. Aside from the tires the rest of the bike should basically be an endurance road bike.
No, I have no interest in an XC bike on gravel roads, a proper gravel bike leaves it in the dust. Aside from the tires the rest of the bike should basically be an endurance road bike.
#50
Senior Member
I'm sure we'll see the 46/30 GRX stuff on most of the 2021 bikes that fall into the 105 price point. I see that the new BMC gravel bike announced today has two tiers spec'd with it (one Di2, one mech).