One bike to rule them all!

[Crank]

I am a hack.

I have a road bike I use for roads and paved rail trails.

For all else and even some road rides I use my mtb, a FSXC 29er. I don't care about efficiency or speed. I care about getting out and getting some exercise.

 

[Tom K.]

Eh, just start keeping a notepad or spreadsheet with what works for you. You can dig into theory and calculations as you go, but it's super important to start now and stay with it. Without your own notes it's too easy to fall prey to flavour-of-the-day marketing.

My spreadsheet is not terribly complicated; I just keep track of the lower triangle defined by axles and bottom bracket and the upper triangle defined by touch points. No bike theory required. You do need Heron's formula for BB drop, but that's just 3000 year old triangle geometry

Yup, or my approach, which is buy what seems right, then, occasionally, I have to adjust the seatpost setback and/or stem length.

And in today's market, I believe my approach to have more real world applicability!

 

[cantunamunch]

Yup, or my approach, which is buy what seems right, then, occasionally, I have to adjust the seatpost setback and/or stem length.

And in today's market, I believe my approach to have more real world applicability!

Ah, yes... good old ad-hoccery

@teejaywhy - here is another 'gravel' platform that is *much* more flatland-oriented than the Marin you were looking at.

Flatbar Redwood

We took the geometry of our Poseidon X and amped it up so you can eat up gravel with enough tire to absorb the vibrations of a rutted-rocky trail. Whether you are on trails most gravel bikes would shudder at or taking in new found sights on your next bikepacking trip the Redwood is ready.

www.poseidonbike.com

It is close to being a complete opposite while still being in the same category at approximately the same price point. Have a look at the geo side by side and see if you can spot the differences.