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Steel Gravel frameset for your next build on the cheap
 

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Sparky
Joined: 08 Dec 2003
Posts: 19068
Location: PDX

1/15/20 9:45 AM

Steel Gravel frameset for your next build on the cheap

came across this, seems bargain oriented to me.

Frame is a tad heavy, but may/probably hold up better to loading and dentage as a result.

Colors not great, but covered with stone dust or dried dirt... ;)

But 699.00 with an ENVE carbon fork be a reasonable start for mid cost all road/gravel steed??

And a BSA threaded BB too.

https://shop.fairdalebikes.com/products/rockitship-gravel-frame-and-enve-fork-kit

VID: https://youtu.be/B32LP2K5xsE

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Steve B.
Joined: 19 Jan 2004
Posts: 769
Location: Long Island, NY

1/15/20 11:38 AM

$700 plus $400 or so for wheels, another $700 or so for a complete 105 hydro group, plus $200 for bar, stem, post, saddle, etc... so at least $2000 to build.

Or a Cannondale Topstone 105 for $1750.

https://www.cannondale.com/en-us/bikes/road/gravel/topstone-alloy/topstone-105?sku=c15700m10xs

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Sparky
Joined: 08 Dec 2003
Posts: 19068
Location: PDX

1/15/20 2:01 PM

I guess my brain was fast mathing compared to my Strong or Lynskey...

But having said that, a low end hydo-formed alloy is not something I'd consider personally, if buying a new bike. Maybe I would for right price, I have spied the DSW frames in the past. Is the Smart form on par with the DSW Specialized alloys? In which case can you consider either low end alloy?

Probably with 38mm tires the frame material does not really matter for ride quality. But I'll take the nice butted 4130 tig welded frame. Lower end alloy frames are really no lighter either. My Redline Conquest proved that to me.

My Redline was a 1600.00 MSRP with Less than 105 in 2015 [2014?] So that Cado for 1750.00 looks a nice price point really.

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Steve B.
Joined: 19 Jan 2004
Posts: 769
Location: Long Island, NY

1/15/20 6:24 PM

I just purchased a Topstone so admit to having a bias.

I looked at about 15-20 different bikes, in shop as well as on-line. As a buddy owns a Topstone I was inclined towards what I could see.

I was impressed with;

A) The 105 group which I think is the best value in a cycling group you can buy. I had the 5800 series on my fast bike before moving to Di2 and was impressed, the 7020 group is terrific and is the new Ultegra. Has an FSA Praxis 30/46 crank so reasonably low gearing.

B) It had a lot of smart features for a production bike including 3 bottle mounts, F & R fender mounts, a R rack mount (but no fender if a rack used) and top tube eyelets.

C) It handles 45mm tires. I purchased a set of WTB Riddler 45mm tires. They are terrific and there's clearance. The bike comes with 37 Riddler and are likely about right for most uses. I added a 2nd set of wheels with 28mmm Conti GP4S tires, which are 32 on the 23mm wide rims, so a great commuting bike.

Lot of bang for the buck.

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Sparky
Joined: 08 Dec 2003
Posts: 19068
Location: PDX

1/15/20 7:27 PM

" I added a 2nd set of wheels with 28mmm Conti GP4S tires"

I have added 650b with 47mm for non paved use on the gravel bike. I also have 2.1 knobbies and 47mm WTB Horizon in 650b for my 29er. I probably won't put 700 wheels on that anymore I like it so much as 650b.

These QR 650b wheels were meant for the Strong disc frame I got in 2015, but the BB I find to low on the bike for less than 2.1 650b.

BTW Steve, when you get to wanting/needing tires, The Hutchinson Override IMO should be high on your list. They run a touch small, and the 35 has a smoother center ridge, the 38 sorta file tread. I find the 35 is a great winter, super coarse chipseal tire. Hardpack also VG. Let some air out and the corners get some bits so decent on loose.

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henoch
Joined: 12 Jan 2004
Posts: 1690

1/16/20 2:54 PM

That Topstone sounds sweet.

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henoch
Joined: 12 Jan 2004
Posts: 1690

1/16/20 2:59 PM

On the topic of Gravel bikes, this seems like a good deal if it's your size
https://spotbrand.com/collections/used-demo-bikes/products/spot-rallye-geared-52cm


Last edited by henoch on 1/16/20 6:54 PM; edited 1 time in total

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Sparky
Joined: 08 Dec 2003
Posts: 19068
Location: PDX

1/16/20 3:54 PM

Nice color that Spot.

It is a demo thus used, yes?

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henoch
Joined: 12 Jan 2004
Posts: 1690

1/16/20 6:54 PM

I am not really sure.

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Brian Nystrom
Joined: 26 Jan 2004
Posts: 5096
Location: Nashua, NH

1/17/20 6:32 AM

The link on their home page is "USED DEMO BIKES".

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henoch
Joined: 12 Jan 2004
Posts: 1690

1/17/20 9:28 AM

Well there is that :)

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