carbon gravel frames

Hi all,
I'm looking to update the frame of my gravel bike, I have a Kinesis 5T Disc cross frame now but would like to have more mounts, internal cables and a bit lighter frame. Also I find this frame quite harsh with 28 mm tires so I'm looking for a frame that is a bit more comfortable.

The bike would mainly be used on tarmac in the winter and all year round on light gravel roads and the local MTB routes which are sandy single tracks with an occasional tree root. I would also like to be able to take the bike on short holidays to ride climbs on tarmac but also after swapping the tires be able to go off road.

The Ocoee Boundary looks really great but the import duties would be quite high, do you know of anything similar offered from the EU? I've looked at the Dolan GXC but it looks a bit dull, the Planet-X Free Ranger on the other hand looks a bit too over the top. Anyway they all look very similar so I'm wondering what the differences are, I would like to spend up to say 1600-1700 pounds for the frame.

Any suggestions would be more than welcome, thanks!

Comments

  • mrb123
    mrb123 Posts: 4,583
    As far as I can tell the Dolan and the Planet X (and a Tifosi model) seem to be the same frame which is a Carbonda 696. Durainrider is even hawking them branded as Pragma.

    If you're willing to buy direct from the manufacturer they will paint it however you want.
  • singleton
    singleton Posts: 2,489
    I've got a Planet-X Free Ranger which I think is also a Carbonda CFR-696 frame - as is the Vitus Substance.
    I am very happy with it as well.
  • cruff
    cruff Posts: 1,518
    Just bought a Cervelo Aspero and extremely happy with it. Think you can get frame only for about £1800, takes 700c and 650b wheels, and is perfect for gravel and trails (though you're not going to be doing any bikepacking on it and I wouldn't think it'll handle MTB trails like some gravel bikes could). It's bloody quick for a gravel bike too!
    Fat chopper. Some racing. Some testing. Some crashing.
    Specialising in Git Daaahns and Cafs. Norvern Munkey/Transplanted Laaandoner.
  • singleton
    singleton Posts: 2,489
    I was out Tuesday night on mine with 650b wheels and 47mm Sendero tyres, riding with 5 friends on their MTBs ranging from FS 29ers to hard tail trail bikes. We did 14 miles of trails, woods, some footpaths, bridleways etc and mine was great. Not ideal on the sections with big roots, rocks etc but great everywhere else. I was running lowered tyre pressures to get some grip and cushioning.
  • kingstonian
    kingstonian Posts: 2,847
    Maybe the Cannondale Topstone? I’ve seen reviews and it looks decent, but haven’t ridden it myself. That could be an option to consider.
  • ugo.santalucia
    ugo.santalucia Posts: 28,172
    The Cinelli one?

    A friend just built it up with GRX and it looks splendid
    left the forum March 2023
  • teisetrotter
    teisetrotter Posts: 342
    I almost pulled the trigger on the Cinelli, but in the end went for this:

    https://www.parcours.cc/products/flanders-forte-frameset