Please help to choose a bike!

Hensem wrote:

Xenophon2 Thank you very much for response.Yes,I know what is a ultra long distances.I’m a triathlete,already done half ironman.In a near future will do full Ironman.
Tell me please,how do you think,for long distance – 1×11 transmission is a good choice?
And frame of Canyon Grail is a comfort frame for long distance or I  have to look in the other direction?Does a gravel bike fit my requirements in general?

 

Longest distance (on a bike, I’m no runner) that I did was PBP back in 2015* and I’m all set for a re-run in august.  

*Full disclosure:  That was with a double.   In 2017 I switched to 1X, never looked back.

I can’t give you any definite advice as it’s very personal.   For me, yes, I’d stick to my 1X setup, love the simplicity and don’t mind the larger gaps between the gears. Occasionally you do need to compromise, especially when climbing with gear strapped to your bike.  Then I need to remind myself to dial down a bit and live with the fact that I’m just below my sweet spot, better that than insisting at the risk of boinking.  But I’m not a pro racer who gets paid for superhuman speeds or needs to ride in a peloton.   I think that Eric Nohlin did the 2018 NC4K riding a bike with SRAM Force1 (but he works for Specialized and the bike was a highly customized S-works diverge that’s way above your -and my- budget).

A gravel or endurance bike (Canyon endurace for instance) will do just fine, I’wouldn’t go too crazy on the tyres though, 32-35 mm is ample.  And I’d definitely go for tubeless (but make sure you dialled in that setup).  The only thing that won’t work because of the gear you need to take is a pure racer.

Don’t focus too much on the gear, the limiting factor for those rides like for most ultra-sports is the mental state of the  rider and the rest of the equipment/preparation and food as I’m sure you know.  Also, you need some luck with the weather, nothing to be done about that.  Last PBP I rode part of a night with a couple of guys who completed it on Brompton folders (!).  Within the allotted time.  

If your girlfriend (or

If your girlfriend (or yourself) is not used to riding ultralong distances and you want to keep her, I’d think twice before registering for the NorthCape4000.  I daresay most of the participants in that event have a pretty good idea of what their setup should be like and that leads me to think that…..

it’s better to start out small, imho.  A good Al frame can be more comfortable than a made in China cheap carbon frame.  If you want to save a truckload of money and have some time, buy used (only make sure you’re not purchaseing a stole bike).  Your 1600 Euro can get you a very good used bike but at best a mediocre (in terms of equipment) new one.  Just be careful when buying a used carbon frame as damage is not always easily detectable but could be catastrophic. 

If you want to do bikepacking/long distance rides, I’d favour comfort (relaxed geometry, reliable components) over saving a couple of 100 gr on the frame any time.  

For the groupset it depends on terrain and personal preference/condition + budget and weight constraints.  I value simplicity and am not a hardcore racer not mountain goat so I went with a 1X setup from SRAM.  It happens to be Force1 but I’m sure Apex would have been fine, too.  In Shimano, many people look down on the 105 but it’s extremely reliable and good, just not the lightest.

I ride a Grail (CF 8 SL) and am happy with it, Canyon gets you a lot of bike for your cash.  But I’m sure the Rose is also fine…only in your case, I’d consider buying used.