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Picking an all-road/adventure/gravel bike

by SpiderJ
Tue, May 10, 2016 18:49
7

I'm looking for an all-road/adventure bike on the basis that it's basically a sportive bike with better clearance.

I have narrowed down my options to 4:

Jamis Renegade Expert 105
https://www.evanscycles.com/jamis-reneg ... e-EV245159

Specialized Diverge Comp Smartweld
https://www.evanscycles.com/specialized ... e-EV244933

GT Grade Carbon 105
http://www.wiggle.co.uk/gt-grade-carbon-105-2016/

Norco Search Carbon 105
https://www.evanscycles.com/norco-searc ... e-EV243354

I have test-ridden all of them apart from the GT Grade - and not much in it from what I can tell. All but the Spesh are carbon, all running Shimano 105 with hydraulic disc brakes.

Any thoughts on which one to go for? Most important is the quality of the frame, comfort for long-sportives, but also able to put a bit of zip on when needed.

ta

 

S

If you're new please join in and if you have questions pop them below and the forum regulars will answer as best we can.

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7 comments

Avatar
SpiderJ | 8 years ago
0 likes

Jterrier - that is exactly what I have just ordered 1

Avatar
Jimthebikeguy.com | 8 years ago
0 likes

I have a grade 105. Awesome. End of. I sold all my other bikes. Tire upgrade essential though. I went for tubeless schwalbe s-one's.

Avatar
SpiderJ | 8 years ago
0 likes

Thanks Paul - just what I wanted to hear. Happy to go for a good carbon frame and upgrade the Wheelset or groupset down the line.

Avatar
paulrattew | 8 years ago
2 likes

To be frank they are all good bikes. I have the GT Grade Carbon 105 and absolutely love it. The biggest thing holding it back on the road, and this goes for all of these bikes, is the wheelset. The Stans Grail's that come on the GT are brilliant but they are certainly not the lightest. I am tempted to get a second lighter set of wheels for use on rides where I know that I won't be tackling any rough stuff. That said, I've managed a number of gold times on various sportives so the bike in its current configaration is certainly not holding me back much.

Avatar
Hooch1987 | 8 years ago
0 likes

Could probably build up a Mason definition or a Bowmans Pilgrim up for that price range.

Avatar
SpiderJ | 8 years ago
0 likes

Which one do you have? The SmartWeld?

Avatar
riotgibbon | 8 years ago
0 likes

I've a Diverge, it's awesome (though I keep going through tyres)

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