We’d be remiss not to include Salsa’s venerable and highly sought-after Warbird on this list. In the same price range, Giant’s top-of-the-line Revolt Advanced 0 ($3,650) features similar ride characteristics but you get major upgrades to both its drivetrain (2 x 11 Shimano Ultegra) and wheels (carbon). I am glad to see gravel bikes appearing on singletrack. Frame: AluminumGears: 1 x 11Tires: 650b x 47mmBrakes: Hydraulic discWhat we like: E-bikes are a blast to ride.What we don’t: They’re also very expensive and very heavy. Formerly Clement, this niche and adventure-oriented company made its name in the tire arena, but in 2018 decided to shift its focus to dedicated cyclocross and gravel bikes. The main upside is that these types of shifters are easier to maintain and repair, but they’re far less ergonomic and can lead to some frustrating missed shifts or delays. Other notable features include a 1 x 11 drivetrain for ultimate simplicity, multiple mounting spots for racks and gear, and fender mounts for rainy-day commutes. If you’ve never heard of Donnelly Cycling, you’re not alone. I was looking for something between gravel bike and rigid mountain bike, so the 27.5+ wheels didn’t entice me. Simply put, if price were no issue and we could only ride one gravel bike for the rest of our lives, it almost certainly would be the Routt YBB. Rough translation - if you don't need clearance for mud you may be able to get by with slightly wider tires. Race-focused cyclists likely will be willing to spend up for less weight. The ideal tire pressure lies between these two extremes, but unfortunately, there’s no universal number—there simply are too many factors to account for, including rider weight, tire width, surface type, and riding style. Frame: TitaniumGears: 2 x 11Tires: 700c x 40mmBrakes: Hydraulic discWhat we like: Titanium softail frame and large tires are great for rugged roads.What we don’t: The most expensive gravel bike on the list. What sets the Warbird apart from other gravel bikes is their Class 5 VRS high-modulus carbon fiber frameset that is engineered to drastically improve comfort and control on gravel roads. For reference, the top-end variation of the Giant Revolt Advanced above (the “0”) is priced $150 less than the Trek but includes upgraded components like carbon wheels (the SL 6’s are aluminum). After all, people have been riding all sorts of bikes on dirt roads for decades—long before the advent of this niche category. Like all Santa Cruz bikes, the gravel rig is pricey at $3,599. Salsa Warbird Carbon Apex 57.5 cm 700 x 40c Maxxis Rambler tires WT . While the electric Synapse will only assist up to 20 miles per hour (similar to all class 1 e-bikes), this was enough of a grin-maker for even the most skeptical riders among us. Why? Photo: Courtesy Salsa. “We were riding events like the Almanzo, Ragnarök, and Dirty Kanza and we realized that the bikes that we were riding – cyclocross bikes – weren’t really suiting our needs,” said Salsa product manager Joe Meiser. Just because you can spend thousands of dollars on a race-ready carbon gravel bike doesn’t necessarily mean you should. Alternatively, if comfort is your main priority or you spend almost all of your time on gravel, then a 650b tire and wheel combo makes a lot of sense. All that said, there’s a reason behind the saying “steel is real.” In short, it’s hard to ignore the ride characteristics, burly feel, and long-term durability of a steel build. Up front, all Warbird models are equipped with the Warbird Carbon fork. Compared to the Cannondale Topstone 105, the Grail AL 7.0 is pretty close in price but comes up slightly short in a couple key areas. There's just no replacement for a great local shop, the bike and trail advice that goes with it, and the ability to ride a certain model beforehand and easily get replacement parts and service. Another key difference between these types of bikes is their geometry, or the measurements of the frame. The Warbird has a longer wheelbase and lower bottom bracket than most cyclocross bikes and makes stability for endurance racing a priority. Get £10 off the fantastic 1000W Cooks Professional Stand Mixer, Whip up some of your best bakes yet with this powerful and easy-to-use stand mixer. For pedals, we like Shimano's clipless 520 SPD in particular—we’ve put over 5,000 miles on ours and have been very impressed. First and foremost, we fully encourage you to shop at your local bike shop whenever possible. What pushes the Diverge Sport down to a mid-pack finish? SUPPLE PATCHES, PINS and STICKERS! The Warbird’s seat- and chainstays work together to increase comfort. While the definition of these dirt-focused models still is up for debate, they share a few key design features including a more upright seating position for added comfort over long distances, high-volume tires to help smooth out rough roads, and multiple mounting points for extra water and gear. From weekend gravel rides to daily commutes, the Cannondale Topstone is an excellent option. But if the shifters aren’t a deal-breaker, we think the Haanjo 5C is one of the best deals currently on the market.See the Diamondback Haanjo 5C EXP. Class 5 refers to a specific type of gravel aggregate commonly used to construct gravel roads, while VRS stands for Vibration Reduction System. Related reading: Defining the gravel race bike. Salsa Warbird. It’s also not uncommon to pay an “oversized” shipping fee. What do you give up with the budget-friendly Checkpoint AL 3? You’ll also have to replace the sealant a couple of times per year—it has a tendency to dry and become ineffective at sealing small holes. Utilizing a DT Swiss RWS 15x100mm thru axle, the post mount fork uses a 1 1/8-1 1/4″ tapered steerer which Salsa says provides the best mix of weight to strength for the build. After spending some time on the Synapse NEO SE, we came away extremely impressed by the bike’s smooth acceleration, confidence-inspiring ride, and quality build. And because of the fewer gears (typically 11-12 vs. the 16-22 found on 2x systems), we think they’re a great match for fit riders and those whose frequent rolling terrain as opposed to steep climbs and descents. Further, Cannondale’s lifetime frame warranty is more impressive than Canyon’s six years. We’ll start by saying that we didn’t anticipate our top gravel bike pick being an aluminum-frame rig, but the Cannondale Topstone 105’s versatility, smart build, and competitive price tag won us over. Love them or hate them, electric bikes are here to stay, and Cannondale’s first go at a gravel-focused model is a huge success in our opinion. San Diego, California . We spent most of the spring using and abusing the top-end Apex 1 650 model on gravel roads... From smooth and flowy post-work rides to rough and rowdy all-day backcountry epics, mountain biking can be an exceptionally fulfilling sport. During your outing, think about how your tires feel and consider any adjustments that you might want to make (this goes for every outing, not just your first). Frame: AluminumGears: 2 x 8Tires: 650b x 2.1 in.Brakes: Mechanical discWhat we like: Extremely versatile and offered in multiple configurations and sizes.What we don’t: Components are less impressive at this price point. The biggest benefit is the ability to run lower tire pressures, meaning the tires are better able to absorb impacts without increasing the risk of a pinch flat. Salsa seems to have addressed my complaints about the Warbird feeling a little too sedate, but creating the Warroad to give a more lively feel (also with 650b tires). According to Salsa, it takes employees that are intimately familiar with grassroots gravel racing. We particularly like Trek’s IsoSpeed on the Checkpoint SL 6, which decouples the top tube and seat tubes to create a less jarring ride. The Vaya 2 chromoly weighs 27.5 lbs with 700x40c’s, my Fuji is 32 lbs with 2,125 mtb knobbies. At a minimum, we like 3 to 4 millimeters of clearance to account for mud and debris between the tire and frame. Looks like a Salsa Warbird with Cannondale badging... Nice bike and nice price points, but not earth-shattering. $2,599 to $5,699. In the gravel realm, we especially like their Haanjo 5C EXP, which is the most affordable carbon build to make our round-up at $2,000. Compared to road and cyclocross bikes, gravel grinders feature significantly more mounting locations for extra water bottles, bags, and gear. Too much pressure will result in bouncing down the path or road and feeling every little bump along the way. For example, models like Trek’s Checkpoint SL 6 are significantly lighter than mountain bikes, the drop bars offer multiple hand positions for all-day comfort, and you get more mounting locations for food, water, and gear. Most gravel bikes come with one of two popular drivetrain options: 1x (which features a single front chainring and fewer overall gears) or 2x (which has two front chainrings and more gear options). But for those hoping to stay under $1,000, Salsa’s Journeyman Claris is a stellar value... Read in-depth reviewSee the Salsa Journeyman Claris 650. The steel frame and wide 650b x 50mm tires make for a comfortable ride, but they also add a lot of weight. Quote 0 0 0. sgtrobo Senior Member 155 posts. Alternatively, Specialized focuses their tech at the front of the Diverge Sport, which they equate to about 20 millimeters of suspension travel. Other updates include the use of internal cable routing for the front and rear derailleurs through ports on the sides of the down tube. Gravel rigs, on the other hand, tend to be lower and longer for increased stability during fast-paced descents. All that said, it can be a challenge converting your bike to tubeless. “Salsa owns gravel!” exclaimed Salsa’s marketing manager, Mike Riemer, at the unveiling of the redesigned Warbird. Death Mud Reputation: Join Date Feb 2011 Posts 139. What does all this mean for you? If the goal is covering ground quickly, we recommend checking out Trek’s Checkpoint AL 3 above, which cuts over 4 pounds of weight and features more performance-oriented geometry for $200 less. Compared to traditional road bikes, expect to find slacker head tube angles as well as longer wheelbases, which again translate to increased confidence and stability while exploring rough roads with bumpy descents. I was so impressed with this bike that I didn’t want to give it back at the end of the ride. Released last year, the mid-range Topstone 105 features a sturdy aluminum frame... Mountain bikes have come a long way in recent years, with trends like 29-inch wheels—and more recently, 27.5-inch wheels—blazing the trail for bikes that are better and more... Salsa Cycles’ adventure-by-bike ethos permeates each and every model in their lineup, and the gravel-focused Journeyman is no exception. I think it’ll get close enough to that with the skinnier tires and handlebars ? Why isn't the Co-op Cycles ADV 3.1 ranked higher? However, if you consistently frequent pavement and mellow trails, you’ll probably be better served by 700c wheels described above. As gravel riding expands into increasingly rugged terrain, 650b tires are becoming more and more common (including our top budget pick, Salsa's Journeyman Claris 650). For starters, while most modern road bikes max out at about 30-millimeter tires and cyclocross bikes at around 40 millimeters, gravel bikes typically are able to accommodate up to 700c x 45-millimeter or 650c x 50-millimeter tires (Salsa’s Warbird, for example, can accommodate both). Mounting screws included. While experienced cyclists might balk at this method, it’s a great way for new riders to understand and learn to adjust pressure based on conditions, terrain, and other factors. Another choice you’ll have to make when choosing a gravel bike is whether you want hydraulic or mechanical disc brakes. It appears Salsa was mindful of this, as the new Warbird Carbon can clear 44mm-wide tyres, while the alloy version can accommodate 42mm treads. Frame: AluminumGears: 2 x 11Tires: 700c x 37mmBrakes: Hydraulic discWhat we like: Quality components and impressive versatility at a good price.What we don’t: A bit heavy for weight-conscious riders. Our biggest complaint about the Warbird Apex is cost. In other words, it’s hard to put a price on such excellent craftsmanship. Shown here is a Warbird with a 700x41mm Surly Knard, The Warbird carbon will retail for US$3,499 for the complete bike when it becomes available this summer. Replacement derailleur hangers for Salsa frames. The aluminum frame doesn't come without compromises, however. We especially like the Waxwing fork, which features three-pack mounts that add versatility for storing water bottles or shuttling overnight gear. All that said, the ADV 3.1 has its place for easygoing and leisurely outings.See the Co-op Cycles ADV 3.1. But the Grail AL 7.0 is a solid value nevertheless, which is one of the biggest perks of buying consumer direct.See the Canyon Grail AL 7.0. Santa Cruz is lauded within the mountain biking community for their quality frames and remarkable attention to detail, and that reputation holds true with the gravel-oriented Stigmata Rival. Not only does this include a wider gear range, but it also shifts more smoothly and saves weight compared to the RLT’s Tiagra parts. I can use the trainer on my bike with this adapter and then fairly seamlessly switch to using my wife’s bike (which has a standard quick release) on the trainer. For $100 more, Cannondale’s Topstone 105 is lighter, has a wider gear range, features better stopping power with hydraulic rather than mechanical disc brakes, and includes thru-axles for a more efficient ride. 1. But none of these issues are specific to the Synapse, and if you’re set on an electric model, we think it’s a true standout.See the Cannondale Synapse NEO SE. So why are folks drawn to underbiking? One of the best and least expensive upgrades you can make to your bike is upgrading to tubeless tires. I only do one day gravel rides and dont carry any gear and rarely hit any singletrack unless its green. So my first question is, will I like using a Salsa Warbird as a road bike, assuming I'm running it with slicks? At 27.4 pounds, the ADV is the heaviest bike on our list (not including Cannondale’s Synapse e-bike, which really is a different category). The bigger contact patch with the ground also translates to increased traction, which can be especially helpful on soft or loose sections of road. If you take care of the Straggler, it should last for many years to come.See the Surly Straggler. Frame: SteelGears: 1 x 11Tires: 700c x 41mmBrakes: Mechanical discWhat we like: Quality steel frame and versatile geometry.What we don’t: Heavier and more expensive than aluminum models. Our biggest complaint about the Warbird Apex is cost. For those on a tighter budget who don’t want to make big sacrifices in ride quality, Trek’s Checkpoint SL 6 above is roughly one-third the price and features similar bump-absorbing tech with its rear IsoSpeed.See the Moots Routt YBB. Make note of this pressure and take your bike for a real ride. California-based Specialized is one of the biggest names in cycling, so it should come as no surprise that they offer a winner in the gravel-focused Diverge Sport. The biggest news with the Checkpoint is its IsoSpeed, which functions similarly to the rear suspension on a mountain bike. Frame: SteelGears: 2 x 10Tires: 650b x 50mmBrakes: Mechanical discWhat we like: Steel frame and large tires make for a comfortable ride.What we don’t: They also add a lot of weight. 700c Thanks for the information. In short, it ticks most of the important boxes in this category, including a high-quality aluminum frame, lightweight carbon fork, and gravel-specific Shimano GRX drivetrain. If you plan to transport your e-bike with any regularity, it’s important to consider the weight limit of your rack and your ability to lift and load the bike. Moreover, the IsoSpeed decoupler does add a little complexity to the design and will require occasional maintenance. For $400 more, we recommend checking out Cannondale’s Topstone Sora, which addresses some of these issues and features a more premium carbon fork and drivetrain. These nitpicks aside, the Norco is a well-built, versatile gravel bike and a good value.See the Norco Search XR A2. In the end, it depends on how comfortable you are choosing, sizing, and assembling a bike.Back to Our Top Gravel Bike Picks  Back to Our Gravel Bike Comparison Table. The Grail’s proven and tubeless-ready DT Swiss wheels also are wrapped in one of our favorite gravel tires at the moment: Schwalbe’s 40mm G-One Bite, which transition nicely from tarmac to trail. There's good reason why this is one of the fastest-growing bike categories. As Jan Heine defines it, underbiking is “riding a bike that is only marginally suited to the environment where we ride.” For the cool kids, that means skidding a roadie or cross bike down a dirt road or slice of singletrack. This also translates to a larger contact patch with the ground, making them ideal for off-road use. Others, like Competitive Cyclist, also feature bike-fit tools that should help you determine your correct size. The alloy and carbon Warbirds have long, thin, outwardly bowed seatstays that function much like leaf springs. Skip that extra bit of carbon instead. In terms of design, the Topstone features a Shimano 105 drivetrain complete with hydraulic disc brakes, proven WTB Riddler 37-millimeter tires, and appropriately wide wheels for soaking up bumps. The Warbird Carbon will be available this summer. For 2020, the Warbird is only available in 700c wheel kits but if $5699 is too rich for your blood, there are other GRX builds ranging from $3199 and an Apex build kit for $2599. Salsa Warbird. As their name suggests, gravel bikes are designed to be ridden on surfaces like gravel trails, doubletrack, and forest service roads. Salsa Warbird GRX 600 2020 - Free shipping available - GRX 600 - order yours now before the price drop runs out… In general, 700c wheels and tires offer the best overall performance for mixed-terrain riding, and they continue to be the most common option for gravel bikes. Added up, you’d be hard-pressed to find a similarly equipped and well-made carbon design at this price point. Both brands offer a solid lineup of sizes and tread patterns that cover everything from smooth road tires to aggressive gravel options. I own Salsa Warbird and really love that bike. It’s never going to be as light as a Salsa Warbird racer, but for already bought and paid for as a sub $ 200 atb, I think it’ll be competitive enough. Within the Niner lineup, you can upgrade to a SRAM Rival drivetrain with the RLT 3-Star model, but that will cost you a whopping $2,900.See the Niner RLT 2-Star. Both aluminium bikes use Avid BB7 mechanical disc brakes and come with tubeless-compatible wheelsets. Frame: AluminumGears: 2 x 10Tires: 700c x 40mmBrakes: Hydraulic discWhat we like: Classic old-school looks and off-road features.What we don’t: Cannondale’s Topstone 105 performs better across most categories. Compared to the top-ranked Cannondale Topstone 105 above, the Niner RLT 2-Star comes in $450 more expensive yet sees a substantial downgrade in the drivetrain department (the Cannondale features a Shimano 105 build kit). I was lucky enough to spend a few hours aboard it on a 40 mile mixed road/dirt ride for the 2016 SRAM media launch. The 2016 Salsa Warbird is categorized on the Salsa website as a: GRAVEL RACING / FIREROAD RIDING / ROAD RIDING bicycle. The frame with matching carbon fork will retail for US$1,999. The matching full carbon fork has a claimed weight of 410g (uncut). While gravel bikes bear a strong resemblance to both cyclocross and road bikes, there are a number of key differences to point out. And a final note: we recommend running anywhere from 3 to 8 psi less in your front tire than the back as most of your weight is over the rear. Giant has built a reputation around producing high-quality bikes at affordable prices, and their Revolt Advanced 2 is a shining example. Diamondback is best known for their budget-friendly bikes sold at big-box stores, but being value-driven isn't necessarily a bad thing. 415 views. Salsa will also offer the alloy Warbird as frameset for US$999. The rear brake line is routed externally along the down tube. Where does the Stigmata Rival fall short? All told, Salsa’s fourth-generation Warbird is an enviable gravel race bike that happily pulls double duty as a lightweight bikepacking rig for weekend trips. In the end, if your cycling goals include winning the Dirty Kanza 200, it’s likely worth spending up for the Trek, and its more forgiving ride undeniably is a plus over long and hard miles. jameseo: Salsa-Warbird in: Bikes - Road. The lack of seat- and chainstay bridges increase the amount of vertically-tuned flex. Upfront, Salsa reduced the frame’s stack height, and replaced the 1.125 to 1.5in tapered carbon fork used on the original Warbird with a 1.125 to 1.25in tapered carbon model to improve comfort. The chainstays are wide and flattened to work in concert with the chainstays to absorb vibration. At well over $8,000, the Routt YBB is reserved for committed cyclists who ride often and ride hard (and have deep pockets). Frame: AluminumGears: 2 x 10Tires: 700c x 38mmBrakes: Mechanical discWhat we like: Good overall performance for a palatable price.What we don’t: Downgraded drivetrain. Better known for their extensive lineup of mountain bikes, Norco did a nice job with the dirt-focused Search XR A2. Feast your eyes on the new Warbird, in its highest-end build spec with GRX 810 Di2 in 700c. Alternatively, those consistently tackling long, steep grades likely will prefer the Giant Revolt Advanced 2’s wider gear range (although the G//C Force is perfectly adequate for riding rolling terrain). If you’re searching for the best way to transport bikes, hitch-mounted bike racks are the way to go. For the majority of casual cyclists, we recommend sticking with an aluminum gravel bike simply to get the best bang for your buck. Compared to the Cannondale above, the Claris is a significant downgrade in both components and features. The original 2013 Warbird was all about stability. Taking the place of the unique and innovative Slate gravel bike is Cannondale's latest all-road creation: the Topstone. Salsa Warbird Carbon Apex 1 $2,799.00 Tame the toughest terrain with Warbird’s Class 5 VRS-equipped high-modulus carbon fiber frameset and SRAM’s sure-shifting Apex 1 drivetrain. The main advantage to these beefier tires is their ability to run lower air pressure, which results in a more forgiving ride and greater traction. On the flip side, titanium undoubtedly is pricey, but Moots uses a high-quality, U.S.-made version that’s welded in-house at the company’s headquarters. At 22.5 pounds without pedals and set up tubeless (on our scale in a size medium), the Topstone certainly isn't the lightest gravel bike on the market and likely won't be the first choice of speed-focused riders (if this sounds like you, check out the carbon Giant Revolt Advanced 2 below). Our medium had a 56.1-centimeter top tube length, which ended up being a bit on the large side for us. Germany-based Canyon might not have the name recognition of other brands on this list, but their Grail AL 7.0 adventure bike certainly is worth a look. For 2015, Salsa will offer the Warbird in one carbon and two alloy versions. Those who already own a hardtail might be wondering: “Can’t I just ride my mountain bike on gravel roads instead of purchasing something new?” And the answer is a resounding “yes.” In fact, we actually encourage riders to use what they already have whenever possible. One of the most important parts of bike setup is properly adjusting tire pressure, which is measured in pounds per square inch (psi). Put simply, gravel bikes can continue on when traditional roads bikes are forced to turn around, and they can easily handle the daily commute to work too. If you don’t feel comfortable with the initial installation, we recommend asking your local bike shop for help. At this price point, however, the Norco Search XR can't quite stand up to the all-around performance of our top pick, the Cannondale Topstone 105. If versatility is a key consideration, we think it’s a nice choice.See the Salsa Warbird Carbon Apex 1. But now I have made peace with the idea tha… Salsa Timberjack SS-Gears give me headaches. Both are top-notch gravel bikes, but the simple answer is that we don't think the $700 bump in cost is worth it for most riders. If you plan on spending the majority of your time off-road and are looking to stay in the $1,000 price range, we recommend checking out Salsa's Journeyman above. 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