Gravel with Halfords C2W - advice for new cyclist

RedIntention

Hey everyone,

I've not really ridden much since I was a teenager (44 now). Back then it was "racers" vs BMX but I'm looking to get back into cycling for commuting and fun. Given the roads and tracks I am looking at it seems that Gravel/Adventure bikes are where I want to be but if I'm honest I'm completely bewildered by chainsets, groupsets, and everything else.

I am looking to use the Halfords C2W scheme which gives me £1000 to spend. Locally I can get:

Specialized Diverge E5 2018 at £799
Specialized Diverge E5 Sport 2018 at £1000
Giant ToughRoad SLR GX 3 2018 at £899

Online I also see the Giant AnyRoad 2 2018 at £899 but my knowledge means I'm clueless to know whether it or the ToughRoad would be better.

I see that a lot of online stores don't have a separate section for gravel bikes so I'm not sure what I may be missing there.

Is anyone able to advise what might be the better buys out there with my limited budget and options? Also are the big online retailers pretty reputable when it comes to building, etc?

I would rather avoid Halfords itself altogether if possible.

Thanks!

mrb123

http://www.halfords.com/cycling/bikes/c ... gJZzvD_BwE

RedIntention

Cheers for that - any thoughts on Anyroad vs Toughroad?

Yeah, the Halfords thing was based on a bad experience of a friend with my local store. The build had to be sorted by an independent store and he'd also been sized completely wrong. I suppose I could try a different store - I'm just wary now.

RedIntention

MrB123 wrote:

http://www.halfords.com/cycling/bikes/cyclocross-bikes/boardman-cxr-8-9-cyclocross-bike?cm_mmc=Google+PLA-_-Bikes-_-Cyclocross+Bikes-_-528981&istCompanyId=b8708c57-7a02-4cf6-b2c0-dc36b54a327e&istItemId=-xmillrtxrx&istBid=tzpr&_$ja=tsid:94971|cid:868641099|agid:50006189263|tid:pla-406916342393|crid:247057767545|nw:g|rnd:1518732653125686757|dvc:m|adp:1o1|mt:|loc:1006688&gclid=EAIaIQobChMImsmfsYfJ2wIVTrvtCh0sCgVNEAQYASABEgJZzvD_BwE

That looks pretty nice - I was veering toward gravel rather than cyclocross because I was told the geometry would be more relaxed, but other things I have read say there's not a huge difference. All part of my confusion!

bendertherobot

RedIntention wrote:

MrB123 wrote:

http://www.halfords.com/cycling/bikes/cyclocross-bikes/boardman-cxr-8-9-cyclocross-bike?cm_mmc=Google+PLA-_-Bikes-_-Cyclocross+Bikes-_-528981&istCompanyId=b8708c57-7a02-4cf6-b2c0-dc36b54a327e&istItemId=-xmillrtxrx&istBid=tzpr&_$ja=tsid:94971|cid:868641099|agid:50006189263|tid:pla-406916342393|crid:247057767545|nw:g|rnd:1518732653125686757|dvc:m|adp:1o1|mt:|loc:1006688&gclid=EAIaIQobChMImsmfsYfJ2wIVTrvtCh0sCgVNEAQYASABEgJZzvD_BwE

That looks pretty nice - I was veering toward gravel rather than cyclocross because I was told the geometry would be more relaxed, but other things I have read say there's not a huge difference. All part of my confusion!

I use a CX Vitus, very similar to that Boardman, for Gravel, CX and most of my road riding. It's fine, geometry is what it is. Comfy, capable of knocking out 18mph plus 50 milers. That Boardman looks excellent.

RedIntention

Thank you all. With your help I've narrowed it down to two Boardman bikes. The ADV 8.9 and the CXR 8.9.

http://www.halfords.com/cycling/bikes/c ... nture-bike

http://www.halfords.com/cycling/bikes/r ... cross-bike

Is there anything that jumps out as a red flag on any of those over the other? I'm going to go look at them over the next couple of nights to see which I prefer but was just wondering if there is anything component-wise that maybe jumps out.

Thanks again!

williamac

The one thing I'd look at is the ability to fit mudguards/rack as you may find that the Cross bike does not have the requisite fixing points. It may not be an issue for you but if using for commuting/winter then the ability to take proper mudguards will make your life easier. Cant see from the links provided what is offered on both bikes

William

bendertherobot

I'd still take the CX. The chainset is better than the "double" on the adventure and, arguably, the gears might be better. 42t rear cassette will get you up walls. The cassette might be slightly 'gappy' but there should be enough there. I've just done a 17.5mph average speed ,1500ft climbing, 40 mile ride on a 1x bike with 42/11t and it's absolutely fine.

mrb123

Both would do you nicely. Points to consider:
1) the ADV is slightly less aggressive in terms of riding position, though there's not a lot in it. See which feels more comfortable.
2) do you prefer the 1x transmission of the CXR or the compact on the ADV.
3) can you live with those ugly shifters on the ADV.
4) the tyres on the CXR might need swapping out straight away if you plan to use it a fair bit on the road. The GOnes on the ADV should be good to go for road and gravel.
5) check if either or both have mudguards mounts if you might want to fit them at some stage.

Beyond that it might just come down to which one you prefer the look of!

N0bodyOfTheGoat

My biggest reservation on these new Boardmans that I've spotted is that they did not make them bolt thru axles.

arlowood

If you want some comments on the Giant Toughroad then contact bristolpete by PM

He posted about his experiences with this bike on the "Your Road Bikes" sub-forum a few months back.

viewtopic.php?f=40044&t=13088598&hilit=toughroad

He certainly rates it but should be able to respond to any specific points you may have