Senathon

What bike manufactures would you trust to buy the low end cost bike from? I am just looking for some names in general and possible models. I have hit two bikes shops already and they are trying to selling me bikes starting at $3500(used with limited warranties). I do not know bike brands very well except maybe the Canyon, Trek, and Specialized.

My preference is for gravel biking( for old abandon asphalt roads), but throw in any additional info as you please.

flangehead

I’ve had good results from the REÍ house brand Co-op. I don’t have on-hands knowledge of their current offers but catalog shows ADV 2.1 at less than $1500.

Fredo76

Jamis is a reputable manufacturer with decent prices. Their Renegade line goes from $1100 to $4000.

I started riding again on a Citizen 1, and it's a solid bike.

1989Pre 

Go used. Save a bundle. Hit Craigslist for Raleigh USA, Cannondale, Trek or Klein.
Why aim for "low-end" when you can have a fast gravel bike for $200.00-$300.00?

Herzlos

What kind of budget?

Voodoo do pretty decent gravel bikes, and if you get Boardman or Triban over there, they are pretty good too.

All of the big manufacturers do gravel bikes for about $1000. You should be able to get a Cannondale Topstone 4 for around that (it's £800 UK).

mstateglfr 

Do you see a lot of Cannondale Topstone gravel bikes for $200 near you? I cant say I have seen any around me for that price. Nor any Raleigh Willard/Tamlands. I think I am happy no gravel bikes from those brands(or others) are priced at $200-300 around me because it would lead to even more bikes in my garage.

Koyote

https://www.statebicycle.com/collect...hoCZ20QAvD_BwE

1989Pre 

I was not inferring current models. Yes, sometimes, some haggling must be done.

Examples from today: Marin Bear Valley: $180.00

Jamis Aurora (mint) $215.00

KHS TC100 $100.00

That's with hardly looking.

livedarklions

Those are "fast gravel bikes"?

Iride01 

You can probably trust just about all the manufacturers. Whether or not the place trying to sell you a bike can be trusted not to be putting more weight into selling you what's better for them than you might be a different story.

You just have to decide which make the bike that hits all the checkboxes for you. If you are riding old asphalt roads, then it doesn't have to be a gravel bike. As a general rule a gravel bike might take a wider tire, but there are plenty of other bikes that can handle wide tires too.

Think about how long and how far and how hard you intend to ride. For short rides you might be fine with a very cheap bike. If next year or so you find you ride more, then get another bike more appropriate. Essentially buy the bike for what you can reasonably do now. Not for the way you hope to ride eventually.

RH Clark

I would think the top names are reputable as far as standing behind a product. Nonstandard designs IMHO are something to avoid. I won't buy anything that has to have its own proprietary parts like integrated stem-bars, seat posts, forks. One problem I have seen with even large companies is providing replacement proprietary parts on warranty issues. They may warranty the part but if it takes 6 months to get the part the customer won't be very happy. With every bike I own, I could order any part online and replace it myself.

Bald Paul

Just the stolen ones.

Broctoon

All City and Surly both have some nice, moderately priced models. Soma makes some nice frames that shops sometimes build up into complete bikes at reasonable price.

If you're really looking for "low end" bikes, what you need to do is go to Walmart or Target. Spoiler alert: you will not be happy with what you get.

In my opinion, the three brands mentioned above (and some others) are in the sweet spot for value, which I define as quality x affordability.

Inusuit

The OP didn't ask for a "fast gravel bike." Sounds like he wants a reliable machine for riding on questionable paved roads. An inexpensive used bike like the ones 1989Pre posted will probably serve the OP's needs until he decides he wants something "fast" or newer.

mstateglfr 

You should do more looking than hardly looking because your KHS options is this...





I dont disagree that used could be a good option since if the OP finds something, it will likely cost less than the same model new. But when someone doesnt even know options in the field they want to search, its tough to go the private used route since that typically requires the buyer to know some things.
I pushed back on your initial response because the OP said gravel bike and you suggested a Cannondale, Klein, and more. The Cannondale gravel bike wont cost anywhere near what you suggest. As for Klein, that also wont cost what you suggest and no gravel bikes were even made by Klein. Nobody wants to ride 25mm tires down gravel and nobody should want to subject a Klein paint scheme to that.

The Jamis you cite could be a workable first gravel bike, depending on the model year. More recent ones will fit a 35mm tire with clearance. Not ideal, especially combined with bar end shifters for a new rider, but workable.

tyrion

I recommend Breezer. Solid value bikes.

Lombard

This and this.

I have a 2017 Jamis Renegade Exploit gravel bike and love mine!

$3500 is still a lot for a bike, even in our current inflationary period with lingering supply chain issues. For this price, you will most likely get an Ultegra or Force groupset when a 105 or Rival groupset will be just as good albeit a tad heavier.

Bottom line is don't focus heavily on brand name. There are many great brands out there including some lesser known ones like Scott and Felt. You can still get a very decent new bike for under $2000.

livedarklions

i am aware. The person I was quoting claimed that a "fast gravel bike" could be purchased through CL at those prices, and the list I was reacting to was supposedly documenting that claim.

OP has stated several times that they are looking for a gravel bike of some sort.

1989Pre 

I'm not going to even try to list the numerous options for used cycles that would be adequate on rough tarmac and that O.P. should explore. He or she asked for brand-names and I supplied some. I also recommended one of the best alternatives for used bikes. Tell me again why the Klein Pulse wouldn't work for O.P.
While it is true that some knowledge is required to buy a bike that will prove to be satisfactory to the rider, there is nothing preventing O.P. from continuing the research that they have begun.

livedarklions

Thoughtful response--I think you and I would agree that about the worst advice one could give an inexperienced buyer is to set unreasonable expectations for the values to look for there.

I think it's also reasonable to point out to OP that gravel bikes are probably the category where a really good deal on a used bike is least likely to be found. They're the hot category right now, and really haven't been around that long so stuff gets snapped up really fast as compared to other categories..

livedarklions

Right, but telling someone they're likely to find a "fast gravel bike" for about $200 is really not helping them. It's unrealistic. If your advice was to look at other categories of bikes, you should have said so.

DaveSSS 

You could build a new Yoeleo R21 with SRAM Rival AXS 12 speed for the $3500 that was mentioned. It does use integrated bars that would make fit changes difficult. Standard stems and bars could be used, but it's not a real pretty combination. I'd want some details on the seatpost. I have two R12 frames. The post works fine, but it is unique to the frame.
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https://www.yoeleobike.com/collectio...32807110017110

t2p

and this :

Jamis gravel bike can be a tough find

my LBS cannot get them

one customer found one at a dealer across the country and had it shipped

Senathon

Thanks for the info! I am going with a new bike since several of the local bike stores told me that for a beginner buying a used bike(cL or ebay) with no experience would be bad(buying a lemon or worse).

I wish there was a website for biking for newbies, so I won't be too much of a nuisance.

BTW, my price range was $400 until I was shocked at the prices which I am found out from many members. So I am trying to save up to either $1500 or $2000(6 months).

sean.hwy

Giant seems to be best value in the $2000 to $6000 range last time I shopped.

Giant Revolt adv 2
https://www.giant-bicycles.com/us/revolt-advanced-2