DrIsotope

That Warbird is just ordinary CX geometry. In the 60cm, it isn't 5mm off of my 61cm KHS CX frame in any single dimension, and even has the same headtube and seattube angles. There's absolutely nothing about it that will have you rocketing down roads like you never did before-- you'll just be more comfortable, because it will have bigger tires at lower pressures. You won't need any kind of knob on a tire to run on groomed gravel like that-- I run on similar (and looser) surfaces on dime-store Paselas.

For me, the press-fit BB is enough for a dealbreaker-- there's absolutely no need for press fit if they're just gonna stick a Hollowtech crank in it.

vinuneuro

Domane SL/SLR or Roubaix. Nothing else will come close for the type of bike you want. There are also other options like Focus Paralane.

shoota 

Couldn't agree more. Hate those damn BBs..

Spoonrobot 

Now I'm confused. What makes a bike "fast and aggressive" to you?

For me, 435mm chainstays and a 1040mm wheelbase with 35mm tires (as w/the Devinci) would not be in that category. I've found wheels and tires make the biggest difference in speed both in terms of distance covered and acceleration in relation to other riders. Frame geometry matters less but still important, you'll be sluggin' with cs/wb that long. I recommend chainstays 420mm and under, wheelbase between 990-1010 (M frame) and a comfortable saddle/bar drop with good 35mm tires - very fast and comfortable.

I will say, this ad copy from the Devinci site is one of the top 5 funniest things I've ever seen:
DUAL CORE FUSION

TWO CORES FOR A TRIFECTA

Garfield Cat

Ok, Felt sold and now Dave Koesel moved to 3T

Dave Koesel to head up new 3T operation in United States | Bicycle Retailer and Industry News

Felt Profile: Dave Koesel ? Product Manager & Roadie | Felt Bicycles | Blog

09box

I am going to throw a Fuji Tread recommendation. I did a gravel ride this past November and one of the other guys had one and had mostly good things to say about it. It looked like a decent bike for the coin. I know right now Performance has them on sale for $575-$600 depending on what model you get:

Performance Bike - Gravel Road Bikes - Category


Fuji Bikes | LIFESTYLE | CROSS TERRAIN | TREAD 1.5 DISC


My eyes popped out when I saw the price for the 3t frames..

Barrettscv 

corp.raleigh has an online sale and some good deals. The 2017 Roker Comp with Sram hydro-brakes is $1750. Only the 52, 54 & 56 frame sizes remain. Look under the clearance models and the RXC with Shimano hydro-brakes is available for $1650, this frameset will fit 700x38 tire, according to user reviews. The RXC is a race ready Cyclocross model with thru-axles, it's about 18 lbs.

The sale has been going on for a few months. Try CYCLE4PERK code but it may have expired.

Joining is simple:
-Visit https://corp.raleighusa.com
-Enter Corporate Code - CYCLE4PERK

Join now to take advantage of Raleigh's full line of bikes this holiday season.
Save up to 40% on current models
Up to 50% off Clearance Category models (good while supplies last)
Free Shipping

wheelsmcgee

I tried signing up with the CYCLE4PERK code yesterday (just for fun) and was told the code was invalid/no longer valid. Anyone else manage to get it to work recently?

KonaRider125

Have you looked into the new Niner RLT 9 RDO? The geometry is slightly more aggressive than their metal bikes.(I've got a aluminum RLT and its geometry is aggressive enough for fast/high performance riding).

af2nr

As others have said you should probably look more at the CX line of bikes to fit your needs. I ride a Boone and it is plenty capable on both the road and off. If your size is available there are some really good deals on the Niner BSB right now. A couple of other options are the are the Niner RLT RDO, has more aggressive geometry than the aluminum version, Specialized Crux, Trek Boone, Felt FX. The Warbird is a great bike but it may be a little more relaxed than what you say you want. Good luck in your search!

mstateglfr 

Just used it today- my brother in law signed up to look.

shoota 

Make sure you're on corp.raleighusa.com and not the customer login page. Two separate things.

wheelsmcgee

Weird. Definitely went to the Corp site, definitely entered the CYCLE4PERK code...Still getting "The Corporate Code you entered is invalid". The only reasonable explanation is the local Raleigh dealer has hacked my computer in an effort to gain a sale at full MSRP

shoota 

hmm weird

tyrion

My brother just bought a 2017 Fuji Tread 1.5. The 2017 version went "down" from Sora to Claris. He wanted a 2016 but they didn't have any left in his size.

Fuji Tread 1.5 Disc Sport Hybrid Bike - 2017

That's quite a step down from a Warbird.

TimothyH

I don't know. That's why I'm asking here. I'm all ears.

kbarch

You should be able to do that road on 23s, but yeah, 35mm would be plenty wide for the likes of that. @TimothyH, check this out: A cyclocross race bike, available with Ultegra Di2, comes with 33mm tires: Giant TCX Advanced Pro 1
That's their top-of-the line cross bike. Their other performance-grade cross bikes come with SRAM 1x, and Shimano 105 on the aluminium model.

kbarch

I'll say! Funny thing, though, the pricier LTD edition is too stealth in my book, while the (relatively) cheaper TEAM edition is WHITE HOT.

BluesDawg

Maybe this would be along the lines of what you're looking for. The SOMA Fog Cutter.

"The Fog Cutter is an endurance road/road sport design. We designed it to fit fatter tires, but the frame angles are more road bike than CX or gravel bike."

RockiesDad

I remembered reading about a fellow BF 50+ rider's new bike and was a little envious...

https://www.bikeforums.net/fifty-plus...ture-bike.html

These VR series bikes are categorized under endurance road bikes on their website. DougG mentioned it would take 35c tires easily though. So here is a road bike that can take wider tires. This bike would be one my short list...

af2nr

Same thing here. Was trying to help a friend out who is looking for a bike and tried a couple different codes, using the corp site, and no code is valid that I have tried...

Kopsis

What you want is a CX racing bike. Giant TCX, Cannondale SuperX or CAADX, Trek Boone, etc. are light and nimble, and perfectly at home on pavement and groomed gravel. They probably won't fit anything bigger than a 35mm tire (actual), but that should be plenty for the kinds of gravel you're talking about. Since 1x is the go-to configuration for CX bikes, you may want to consider having your shop upgrade to a compact double to tighten up the spacing for fast group rides on the road. Give one a test ride and I think you'll quickly feel the difference between CX-racing and gravel geometry.

TimothyH

@Spoonrobot

Can you suggest a gravel bike with the geometry you recommend? Not trying to challenge but sincerely asking and trying to learn.

I'm less worried about wheels and tires since these can be upgraded as long as there is enough clearance.


-Tim-

Soonerinfrisco

Talk about "Uncut"!!!

Man I feel you with this post. I'm in the same boat. The gravel thing sure seems like loads of fun but I can't see gravel riding getting anymore that 10-20% of my riding. The thing I am struggling with is that I expect you are going down at a much higher rate than on the road (thanks goodness). And I really don't want to think about my carbon frame hitting the rocks and gravel! Several in my local bike club ride the Raleigh Roker and do just fine in our club rides. However it seems that most of the bikes that are true road bikes (road>>>>gravel) will only accommodate tires that I have been told are somewhat inadequate for softer gravel. Hell of a dilemma. But love this thread and thanks to you guys for giving your opinions.

Soonerinfrisco

And just one more note: Today my club hosted our annual Super Bowl ride. As per usual with had 4 different road paces: 13-15, 15-17, 17-19 and 20+. For the first time there was a 40 mile gravel grinder option! I think 9 people showed up. 5 miles of city roads to get to the gravel, 30 miles of gravel/dirt and 5 miles home. Of the 9, I think there were 5 Niner RLT Steel bikes. They all (all 9) gave the RLT rave reviews. I will throw that out there.

Of course I have only seen one of those guys on our regular road rides and he actually rides in the 17-19 group on that Niner with his road tire set.