Steel Gravel Bike Shopping List
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03-21-22, 05:43 PM
#27
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Rolla i feel like we’re here with you along the journey. Looking forward to it unfolding!
The Ritchey Frameset was on my list but over my budget (price here in Canada where it was available was nearly 3x the price of the Cross Check I ended up getting).
Good luck!
The Ritchey Frameset was on my list but over my budget (price here in Canada where it was available was nearly 3x the price of the Cross Check I ended up getting).
Good luck!
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03-21-22, 08:09 PM
#28
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Bikes: Co-Motion Cappuccino Tandem,'88 Bob Jackson Touring, Co-Motion Cascadia Touring, Open U.P., Ritchie Titanium Breakaway, Frances Cycles SmallHaul cargo bike. Those are the permanent ones; others wander in and out of the stable occasionally as well.
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Several articles say that a steel fork is more "compliant", they offer more vertical flex. I've also seen videos where people swap to a steel fork as they can feel the difference when riding over 50 miles on gravel.
How a fork was designed should make the most difference, regardless of material. Like frames, not all forks are created equal.
How a fork was designed should make the most difference, regardless of material. Like frames, not all forks are created equal.
You can find a lot of bad advice mixed in with the good out there.
Only the cheapest steel gravel bikes still come standard with a steel fork. The exception would be the really heavy-built ones designed more for bikepacking with a loaded fork, etc., but in that case that is a steel fork for durability, not for comfort.
03-21-22, 08:30 PM
#29
nothing to see here
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I'm not really into steel bikes, but I'm not a hater either. So take this as just something else to consider.
These guys are a small Colorado company. I got to check one out a few months ago, a local bike shop employee had his out on a display rack. Frame is $1600 to $2100 depending on finish, complete bike with rival 1×12 is around $4100.
https://www.rodeo-labs.com/shop/framesets/flaanimal5/
These guys are a small Colorado company. I got to check one out a few months ago, a local bike shop employee had his out on a display rack. Frame is $1600 to $2100 depending on finish, complete bike with rival 1×12 is around $4100.
https://www.rodeo-labs.com/shop/framesets/flaanimal5/
03-21-22, 09:51 PM
#30
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There are a few holdouts, such as all city space horse and fairlight faran, but they do get marketed more as touring or bike packing. It is why I'm keeping my soma fog cutter, I prefer the look and feel of steel fork.
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03-22-22, 10:30 AM
#31
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A Rock Lobster custom frame is right at the top of your F&F budget: https://rocklobstercycles.com/
He has a 1 year waiting list though.
Brent
He has a 1 year waiting list though.
Brent
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03-22-22, 12:36 PM
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It may not check all of your boxes, but at the price it is loaded with features.
https://www.citygrounds.com/products...40692429946991
https://www.citygrounds.com/products...40692429946991
03-22-22, 01:18 PM
#34
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It may not check all of your boxes, but at the price it is loaded with features.
all-city-gorilla-monsoon
all-city-gorilla-monsoon
Thanks. Definitely a contender.
Last edited by Rolla; 03-22-22 at 01:25 PM.
03-22-22, 01:23 PM
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03-22-22, 01:49 PM
#37
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Niner refuses to thread their shells. Why pressfit a steel frame? Its like the most simple and straightforward setup- thread the shell and call it good.
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03-22-22, 02:27 PM
#40
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03-22-22, 03:50 PM
#41
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I must say that I am disappointed in the BF masses. We are this deep into the thread and nobody has tried to change the OPs frame material to carbon, his brake choice to rim brakes and his gearing to triple. We do get credit for trying to push him well outside his price range, so I haven't lost all faith.
OP, you may find fun in playing with some these links.
https://theframebuilders.com/list/
OP, you may find fun in playing with some these links.
https://theframebuilders.com/list/
03-22-22, 05:30 PM
#42
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I must say that I am disappointed in the BF masses. We are this deep into the thread and nobody has tried to change the OPs frame material to carbon, his brake choice to rim brakes and his gearing to triple. We do get credit for trying to push him well outside his price range, so I haven't lost all faith.
OP, you may find fun in playing with some these links.
https://theframebuilders.com/list/
OP, you may find fun in playing with some these links.
https://theframebuilders.com/list/
03-22-22, 05:59 PM
#43
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Rolla I see you mentioned Black Mountain. My brother has one and it is smooth as hell (even just on 700x35) and he loves it. So, just consider this a vote for that I suppose. I rode it and was shocked how it felt as almost as smooth as my 650b x 47 set up.
We are all vicariously extremely excited for you lol
We are all vicariously extremely excited for you lol
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03-22-22, 07:12 PM
#46
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Bikes: Co-Motion Cappuccino Tandem,'88 Bob Jackson Touring, Co-Motion Cascadia Touring, Open U.P., Ritchie Titanium Breakaway, Frances Cycles SmallHaul cargo bike. Those are the permanent ones; others wander in and out of the stable occasionally as well.
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The Rodeo Labs Flannimal is a great choice as well.
03-22-22, 07:28 PM
#47
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Bikes: Co-Motion Cappuccino Tandem,'88 Bob Jackson Touring, Co-Motion Cascadia Touring, Open U.P., Ritchie Titanium Breakaway, Frances Cycles SmallHaul cargo bike. Those are the permanent ones; others wander in and out of the stable occasionally as well.
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I know press-fit BBs get a bad rap, but I think most of that is bad internet over-hyping the problem. We repair a few thousand bikes a year and see maybe 1 - 2 creaking press-fits each year. If it is a quality bike with proper tolerances and properly installed with the correct locktite compound, then very few or the millions out there must be repaired. Much of the hype is people telling other people's stories. I'd have no reservation at all about buying a quality bike with a properly installed press-fit BB.
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03-22-22, 07:41 PM
#48
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03-23-22, 07:42 AM
#49
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I must say that I am disappointed in the BF masses. We are this deep into the thread and nobody has tried to change the OPs frame material to carbon, his brake choice to rim brakes and his gearing to triple. We do get credit for trying to push him well outside his price range, so I haven't lost all faith.
OP, you may find fun in playing with some these links.
https://theframebuilders.com/list/
OP, you may find fun in playing with some these links.
https://theframebuilders.com/list/
Good luck finding a new rim brake gravel bike these days and good luck finding triple gearing. Disc brakes and wide range cassettes have eliminated the need for disc brakes and triple chainring.