Gravel Bike / Cyclocross / Hybrid

Defy Belief · 12 Apr 2021 at 09:38

I'm so torn,

I recently got rid of my Giant PROPEL advanced pro 2 aero carbon bike, as I want a bike where I can comfortably take my 2 year old on (the back, or something like a shotgun seat) for local rides and eventually small trails like the forest of Dean which is pretty local.

I will also use it for commuting to work, the cycle path I'd use has stony/muddy trails but nothing drastic, but I definitely wouldn't want to be riding it on some slick 23/28 width tyres.

So I'm torn between these types of bikes, I will still want to do the odd bit of road riding when I can to rack up some miles, a commuter, but also a child friendly capable bike too. The racer in me will also still like to chase some KOMS, but I'm aware that having such a bike I could only likely chase those on trail type rides.

What would anyone recommend? I've looked at the likes of a Cinelli Hobootleg which seems like it would work (with a Jones handlebar)

Also like the look of a CAADX. But I don't know if I want drop handlebars to be honest.

I know the answer is to have multiple bikes but I can't do that right now

SoliD · 12 Apr 2021 at 10:41

In my opinion don't get the last two, unless you're racing CX, CX bikes are pretty hardcore and stiff (relatively speaking) and not that enjoyable on the road and depending on where you live can be a bit skittish especially on rocks and roots offroad, they also have no mounts for anything.

I've recently got myself a Boardman ADV 9.0 and it's now my go to bike, I have a set of road wheels and gravel wheels, it's relaxed enough that you can pootle or push on, comfortable enough for long rides and I would say more competent off road for the bridleways I ride on around the South Downs with the large rocks and ruts. Avoid anything that has a flat bar in my opinion, you'll only regret it. Also has loads of mounts for panniers etc, so suspect you can mount something properly and it has the reinforcement where needed to not kill the bike.

Defy Belief · 12 Apr 2021 at 19:09

SoliD said:
In my opinion don't get the last two, unless you're racing CX, CX bikes are pretty hardcore and stiff (relatively speaking) and not that enjoyable on the road and depending on where you live can be a bit skittish especially on rocks and roots offroad, they also have no mounts for anything.

I've recently got myself a Boardman ADV 9.0 and it's now my go to bike, I have a set of road wheels and gravel wheels, it's relaxed enough that you can pootle or push on, comfortable enough for long rides and I would say more competent off road for the bridleways I ride on around the South Downs with the large rocks and ruts. Avoid anything that has a flat bar in my opinion, you'll only regret it. Also has loads of mounts for panniers etc, so suspect you can mount something properly and it has the reinforcement where needed to not kill the bike.

Thanks for the advice, the boardman you bought looks pretty nice, and is the type of bike I've been looking at in terms of gravel bikes.

Going by your experience (and sounds like similar terrain) I think itd be a good fit

Defy Belief · 14 Apr 2021 at 10:22

So I just placed an order for an Orbea Terra H30 1X 2021

SoliD · 14 Apr 2021 at 10:44

Nice, I did look at those last year but there was no stock, lovely looking bike and reviews well.

Defy Belief · 14 Apr 2021 at 11:07

SoliD said:
Nice, I did look at those last year but there was no stock, lovely looking bike and reviews well.

Looks like a great spec for the money, I had been looking at the orange rx9, but the non pro was 175 cheaper but the spec was way off in comparison, should be here within a week can't wait

went for the dark green.

SoliD · 14 Apr 2021 at 11:40

Yeah the Orbeas generally come well specced for the cash. The tyres will probably be fine with the weather we're having but if you get any sort of mud they have no grip whatsoever!

Defy Belief · 14 Apr 2021 at 12:34

SoliD said:
Yeah the Orbeas generally come well specced for the cash. The tyres will probably be fine with the weather we're having but if you get any sort of mud they have no grip whatsoever!

Oh really, I will likely run them over the summer then switch to a more suitable winter tyre in that case, anything you'd recommend?

I'm half tempted to get a pair of the terreno 'zero' tyres to do some kom hunting on some trails

SoliD · 14 Apr 2021 at 12:59

Terreno Mix are good, although a bit fragile, found WTB Nano Light TCS good too, although less grip in mud than the Mix.