Gravel/Bikepack nerds enter...

[Peruvian]

The closest MTB trails to me are about 4 miles away. I can ride from home, cut through some other trails to get there and turn it into a 15 mile trip.

I love riding my Sutra LTD to them, buzzing around without suspension and with drop bars makes them a bit of a challenge. The are not particularly technical so I probably wouldn’t ride there, otherwise.

I’ve shared pics like this before but this gives some insight. From last Sunday.

[kathleenturneroverdrive]

Are any of you riding your gravel bikes on real singletrack? I've seen a couple people riding them locally on stuff that calls for a real mountain bike, unless you weigh 90# and/or want to damage rims. (For Reno Tahoe locals, I've seen them out on Peavine and on the TRT from Mt Rose meadows.)

Singletrack? 100% yes. Technical trails? Not so much for me, but to each their own. I only end up on that stuff if I have to do it as part of a bigger route and can’t avoid it.

[Tailwind]

“Underbiking” As I think I’ve heard it called. There is a fine line where trails get to be a bit much. Loose and chunky stuff is hard and it beats the hell out of your wheels.

But I think it’s super fun.

Are any of you riding your gravel bikes on real singletrack? I've seen a couple people riding them locally on stuff that calls for a real mountain bike, unless you weigh 90# and/or want to damage rims. (For Reno Tahoe locals, I've seen them out on Peavine and on the TRT from Mt Rose meadows.)

[kathleenturneroverdrive]

Just did my first ride on the new Gravelking SS tire. Def gives up things compared to a burlier tire, but if you ride dry conditions and really value speed they’re really impressive.

[Whiteroom_Guardian]

Just did my first ride on the new Gravelking SS tire. Def gives up things compared to a burlier tire, but if you ride dry conditions and really value speed they’re really impressive.

Nice. Where did you buy them? They were sold out everywhere I looked. I am running classic TLC Gravelking 700x38 right now and loving it so far.

[kathleenturneroverdrive]

I bought them (the non Plus+ version) from Panaracer during the pre-order. They're available now: https://www.panaracerusa.com/collect...34660201103522

If you want the Plus+ I bet if you gave them a call (number is on their site) they'd tell you if/when they'll be back in stock. I had to call for my order and they were super helpful.

[Whiteroom_Guardian]

I bought them (the non Plus+ version) from Panaracer during the pre-order. They're available now: https://www.panaracerusa.com/collect...34660201103522

If you want the Plus+ I bet if you gave them a call (number is on their site) they'd tell you if/when they'll be back in stock. I had to call for my order and they were super helpful.

Nice. I'll run the classics for now until I find I really need better cornering of flat protection. For now this setup is for pavement + gravel roads and nothing super gnarly.

[Iowagriz]

Short trip report...drove from Missoula to Troy, MT. Met a buddy, had lunch and on the bikes a little after 1pm to scout the Wild West Route south to Noxon.

Long paved climb, odd to be paved in the middle on nowhere.

The summit view was not as impressive as expected.
4 miles of downhill on a decommissioned road took 90min, it got progressively worse.
Just when you trust getting through the snowbanks you go over the bars
Bridge location for the camp, perfect evening
The last 3 miles took 2hrs, 3 major road washouts that required getting west. Trail is upper left
Trail continues upper middle
Caught this pic just outside of Clark Fork, ID
We rode the main WWR backwards from Noxon. Lots of pavement, but also a cool little pass. We found a quiet sideroad on the backside for camp.

6hrs day 1
7.5hrs day 2
4hrs day 3

Impressive route, lots of navigation required compared to the Tour Divide. We go back with 8 others mid-August to ride from Eureka to Missoula. We won't be taking the washed out roads option.

[Peruvian]

A buddy completed this.

[Iowagriz]

Is that the same one that some pro rider just completed? Video someplace

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[Vt-Freeheel]

No just some Southern VT, he did what? Hold my beer guy.

[Peruvian]

Is that the same one that some pro rider just completed? Video someplace

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Same route.

Less the sponsorship and video crew.

[Iowagriz]

300 miles in under 24hrs is a hell of a quick time

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[idahospud]

Is that the same one that some pro rider just completed? Video someplace

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I think Ted King is his buddy. Pretty cool, dude seems like a good ambassador for cycling.

[Peruvian]

300 miles in under 24hrs is a hell of a quick time

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90% gravel or class 4 road.

[bodywhomper]

Repurposed for quick spins through the neighborhood

[rideit]

300 miles in under 24hrs is a hell of a quick time

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Well, at least it was a flat 304 miles.

[buttahflake]

Kris Dennan is such a mellow krusher! I miss his gravel grinder from Grafton, that stop at the hippie camp for lunch was so much fun. And his route selection was top notch.

[CaliBrit]

Nice. I have mounted dozens of tubeless tires and never tried the "pre-setting the bead" trick. May have to do that and possibly re-tape the rims or something. IDK.

New wheels and tires look nice though and will roll fast.

Attachment 332773

I hit them with a co2 cartridge. Buy a load bulk cheap. Does the job. Bead set sometimes works but not often for me. No problems with gravelking.

[CantDog]

Slapped some of those discounted revelate bags on the igleheart. Have all the parts for the Knolly now, so I’ll have to reimagine how I’ll use this.


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[sethschmautz]

Got the go ahead to buy a gravel bike and could use a little input from the collective. Currently looking at either a Giant TCX Advanced 2 with a spare wheelset (29er stan's with 19mm IW) for road OR a 2018 Diverge. Giant weighs in at 22 pounds whereas the Diverge is about 20 pounds. 2 pounds is a lot. I'm also not a HUGE fan of the headshock thing - feels gimicky and something I may spend a lot of money fixing/replacing in the future. Those who have them, love them.

Plans would be for that bike to be a combo road/gravel bike. If I don't go with the Giant, will likely buy a road wheelset next year if the gravel tires feel slow.

Giant - lower cost, extra wheelset, 2 pounds extra weight
Spec - higher cost (about $500), 2 pounds less

Also looking at a Kona Super Jake, Trek Boone, and a few others.

[Skistack]

Check the max tire width on the TCX since its a cross bike.

[sethschmautz]

Check the max tire width on the TCX since its a cross bike.

My bad. It's the Revolt that I'm looking at.

[kathleenturneroverdrive]

What year Revolt are you looking at? I'd personally avoid the 2019 with the hybrid hydraulic brake adaptor thing.

[Whiteroom_Guardian]

Anyone want to buy barely used Schwalbe Thunder Burt 27.5x2.1 Pacestart TLE casing? I have a pair and I used them for one like 20 mile ride. I got 700c wheels for my bike and will probably never run these again. $45 for the pair.