AustinBike Posted March 8, 2023 Author Share Posted March 8, 2023 Looking through comments, it looks like this could also be an option. A little more expensive (and a dodger manufacturer) but probably a lot lighter and better damping because it is carbon: https://www.amazon.com/Handlebar-External-Handlebars-Traveling-640mm/dp/B0BJTVLHFC Right now my urban singlespeed has an Origin8 bat wing bar with Ergon handle grips: Maybe the first step is to swap these bars to the gravel project and see how that goes. I've done at least two 100-mile urban rides on this bike and did plenty of MTB trails in New Mexico that were very rocky. This would give me a little more flexibility and more hand positions than a flat bar. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Taco Man Posted March 11, 2023 Share Posted March 11, 2023 @AustinBike you should look at this bike. I saw one on the street not long after I got my drop bar and I still think about getting one... N+1 right? https://www.poseidonbike.com/products/flatbar-redwood Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AustinBike Posted March 11, 2023 Author Share Posted March 11, 2023 My current theory is get home from CA and start with the Vassago: Cut down the current Pike to 120MM from 140mm, cut the steerer tube Gravel tires Move the batwing bars and grips from the urban bike Next step: Try out the rigid fork that I already have Update the drive train to an 11-T 42T cassette and new derailleur Play with multiple front rings 32T through 42T Final step: Maybe get a carbon fork Maybe just go get a gravel fork 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jcarneytx Posted March 13, 2023 Share Posted March 13, 2023 Converted my Mary SS into a "gravel" bike with drop bars. I have a 2011 (or so) Reba World Cup 100mm up front (and a frankenbike bar adapter for the remote lockout lever.) It's ok. Would really rather have an acutal, dedicated gravel bike, but it works. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AntonioGG Posted March 14, 2023 Share Posted March 14, 2023 The man (google) is reading/listening. I’m not shopping for gravel bikes but this was top of my feed tonight: 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TAF Posted March 15, 2023 Share Posted March 15, 2023 On 3/11/2023 at 12:00 PM, AustinBike said: My current theory is get home from CA and start with the Vassago: Cut down the current Pike to 120MM from 140mm, cut the steerer tube Gravel tires Move the batwing bars and grips from the urban bike Next step: Try out the rigid fork that I already have Update the drive train to an 11-T 42T cassette and new derailleur Play with multiple front rings 32T through 42T Final step: Maybe get a carbon fork Maybe just go get a gravel fork You get what you pay for, and if you build a bike out of third-hand parts it'll likely be a third rate bike. I built a Why Cycles Ti gravel bike with Lauf fork from the frame up - and while expensive, it fits me perfectly and should last the rest of my life. Choices .... 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bestbike85 Posted March 16, 2023 Share Posted March 16, 2023 Gravel Bike vs. Mountain Bike? 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AustinBike Posted March 16, 2023 Author Share Posted March 16, 2023 That looks a lot like what I will end up with. Ultimately I will have 2 forks (rigid and squishy) and two Wheelsets (gravel and MTB) so I should be able to swap things around. I doubt I will do much gravel in TX because Texas gravel does not appeal to me. Most of my gravel will be in California and New Mexico during 2-4 week vacations that are becoming the norm. Being able to travel with a second Wheelset and fork would give me 2 bikes without having to haul a second bike out there with me. 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ATXZJ Posted March 16, 2023 Share Posted March 16, 2023 I struggle with these sometimes. Just seem like a MTB with drop bars which doesn't make much sense to me. In my experience, a real 20-22lb gravel bike goes like stink compared to fat tired heavier bikes. No shade, and to each their own though. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bestbike85 Posted March 19, 2023 Share Posted March 19, 2023 (edited) On 3/16/2023 at 11:50 AM, ATXZJ said: I struggle with these sometimes. Just seem like a MTB with drop bars which doesn't make much sense to me. In my experience, a real 20-22lb gravel bike goes like stink compared to fat tired heavier bikes. No shade, and to each their own though. That's fair. I bought the salsa fargo as a bike to put miles on for rides with no plan. A bike to do everything "good enough" and be fun and comfortable the entire time. From paceline roadie rides holding 18-19mph, to gravels events, to every mtb trail in central Texas, it's done it all. And surprisingly enough, it's become my favorite bike and my favorite type of riding by a huge margin. So much, that I got rid of every other bike except for my carbon Obed gravel bike, and I still ride the Fargo more by a 3-1 clip. Granted, as I get older I am enjoying moments on the bike that don't beat me up, so things like DD and even quarter notch I ride much less these days, if ever. And let the record show, this is a steel Fargo running 27.5x2.8 ikons with a dropper and 3 cages and clips 28 pounds on the dot. So it's not as burly as one may think Edited March 19, 2023 by bestbike85 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shinerider Posted April 14, 2023 Share Posted April 14, 2023 On 3/15/2023 at 9:01 PM, bestbike85 said: Back in the day - those were called "Monstercross". Here is mine 1.9 tires barely fit. IIRC, the frame is designed for 26ers! Oh, and setup SS because.....of course why not. 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.