Thinking about a gravel bike

[Tony Storaro]

I need a 38-40mm R2G tire that works on 25F asphalt, that digs through deep oak leaves, and that can climb 3-5% 33F mud. Think modeling clay training to be a Slurpee. Thoughts?

Cinturato Gravel M?

 

[cantunamunch]

Cinturato Gravel M?

Yes, I've been looking at those, vs something like Spesh Rhombus Pro. Teravail make some stuff that might work too, I think.

 

[mikes781]

So I also rode a Giant, Specialized and one other smaller brand that I can’t remember the name this weekend. Went back to the first shop that I visited last week and got on the Topstone. I’m down to the Topstone Carbon 3 and Checkpoint SL 5. I did feel a little more upright on the Topstone but slightly preferred being more stretched out on the Checkpoint. They are pretty much have the same components.

The Topstone dealer has also been my favorite shop to deal with. The employee spent a lot of time with me on my first visit well past closing even though I kept telling him that I could come back and not hold him up. Met the owner this morning and he was just as helpful. He did think that the Checkpoint could be easily tweaked if I needed something more upright down the road. They are going to get the sale it’s just a question of which bike now, I don’t think I can go wrong with either and I’m leaning Checkpoint. Outside of how it felt, the cabling seemed a little cleaner and I preferred both of the colors offered for it.

 

[scott43]

I'd say checkpoint it is..

 

[mikes781]

I'd say checkpoint it is..

Yep it’s going to be the Checkpoint SL 5. Think I’d be happy with either of them. Just need to decide on the color… bright red or grey. Red is faster right? Started looking for pedals tonight and lots more choices. I currently have clipless and am going am going to look for a dual platform.

 

[scott43]

I like grey. Just ages better..

Fyi I use SPDs on all my bikes..

 

[cantunamunch]

I like grey. Just ages better..

 

[scott43]

Too ...cheesy???

 

[wooglin]

I have a red bike and a grey bike. Sadly, neither one makes me any faster.

 

[mikes781]

Too ...cheesy???

Dad joke level 100 there

btw are shops negotiating on price at this point or is it hers the price?

 

[scott43]

Dad joke level 100 there

btw are shops negotiating on price at this point or is it hers the price?

Typically, even historically, they won't go much in the bike price. Typically markup on bikes is 40%. After storage, interest and assembly, they don't make much. They'll try to steer you into accessories because they make 100% on those. So if you intend to buy stuff they will be happier to give you a break on those.

 

[mikes781]

Thanks that is what I suspected.

 

[cantunamunch]

I have a red bike and a grey bike. Sadly, neither one makes me any faster.

AHA! Another candidate for Massive Fluoro Therapy!

#eyeballdoping

 

[mikes781]

SL 5 in age resistant grey ordered! Thanks again for all the help.

 

[Tom K.]

SL 5 in age resistant grey ordered! Thanks again for all the help.

Awesome. BTW, love your enthusiasm for your LBS.

 

[crosscountry]

I currently have clipless and am going am going to look for a dual platform.

?

 

[mikes781]

Was thinking I wanted to have the option to wear street shoes if I was going to just take a casual ride with my family. After looking the past few days I’m not seeing a lot of options. Maybe just an SPD pedal with a bigger platform would work?

 

[cantunamunch]

Was thinking I wanted to have the option to wear street shoes if I was going to just take a casual ride with my family. After looking the past few days I’m not seeing a lot of options. Maybe just an SPD pedal with a bigger platform would work?

You can always just use a clip-in flat adapter with a regular SPD.


But as far as flats go - what kind do you want? Block? Pin? Bear cage?

 

[cantunamunch]

SHIMANO CLICK'R Pedal single sided for casual ride | SHIMANO BIKE-EU

bike.shimano.com

PD-T400 | SHIMANO BIKE-EU

bike.shimano.com

https://www.performancebike.com/forte-campus-pedals-silver-black-w-cleats-dualpurpose-ft6dsc/p920939

Cp-100-platform-clipless-pedals | MSW Bicycle Accessories

mswbike.com

Shimano XT PD-T8000 SPD Pedals | REI Co-op

Offering versatility for touring, trekking and commuting, the Shimano XT PD-T8000 SPD pedals are clipless on one side, platforms on the other—so you can ride with any shoes.

www.rei.com

 

[cantunamunch]

Now if I had your bike and really wanted to trigger some people, a nice purple ano MKS XC-iii might do it:

MKS XC-III Pedals

The "bear trap" pedals off your classic mountain bike are back and better than ever! Made for Blue Lug by the legendary pedal manufacturer MKS. Blue Lug took the older Suntour XC-II design and made a few changes to modernize it and out popped these beauties. This is a great pedal for any bike...

crustbikes.com