2.5" works on non-boost frames, boost adds hub width to increase spoke bracing angle.
But nobody is breaking wheels hucking their gravel bike, are they? Going continually wider for the sake of wider doesn’t seem like it’s the future-proofing people are making it out to be.
Just to note that the Scott Addict Gravel has been updated with UDH. Tire clearance still limited to 45 tho I think
In terms of downtube storage, my take is that those who want it really want to see it on new releases, but I’d be surprised if a significant portion of its fans would factor it into a purchasing decision unless it was the only difference between two otherwise equal options. For me it would 100% be part of the spec if I commissioned a fully custom bike (for basically all the reasons @grwoolf hightlights), but it’s not a must-have so I didn’t note it in the usual suspects list.
My understanding of Q Factor issues is that actually more people struggle with too narrow than too wide and are probably actually easier to fit on boost cranks from a biomechanics standpoint. We’ve learned to favour narrow stances though, I think mainly to allow road racers to pedal through corners at more extreme lean angles (and presumably it’s also more aerodynamic in most cases). Please fact check me on that though as I can’t pinpoint why I think that - maybe just general consensus from a bunch of youtube videos about components and bike fitting?
I thought the boost standard also pushed cassette (and crank) outward reducing the need for the weird chainstay designs for tire clearance. Could you share some frames that support 2.5" tires? I’m not saying they aren’t out there, I just know most of the frames on that initial list don’t even support 2.2’s. Sure, you can squeeze them in on several of those bikes, but I’d personally like to see a bike that actually fits at least 2.2’s and ideally 2.4’s with proper mud clearance.
29x2.6 and 3.0 plus bikes preceded the invention of boost by a number of years. It doesn’t add necessary clearance, it adds new bike standards that aren’t relevant to gravel bikes.
The Baum DBM has rated 2.25” clearance for non-boost and 2.4” with boost. Not cheap, though.
Interesting new bike from Niner (who I thought might be dead) Ore 9 RDO
Assume Web Page will be fully updated soon.
Super long reach and comes in green!?!??? 
Oh my this looks good.
Getting a plus bike to fit gravel sized chainrings is where the difference lies
Here she is - 2.25 clearance. Gonna sell like hot cakes. I would have bought one if they came out a few months ago. But not sure I can afford this with a potential recession now lol
The ABLE is limited to 1X, would be a no go for me.
That Able checks most of the boxes for me, but $4500 for a frame and $6500 for a Rival/GX mullet build make it an easy hold for now. Basically 2x the price of a Lauf Seigla frame or similar build. A few potential negatives -
Proprietary stems suck, but looks like it’s needed for proper cable routing.
I wonder if the 57mm tire clearance is based on road or off-road standards. Those pictures make it look pretty tight in the rear with that race king. But hard to judge via the pics.
Also, the 42t chainring looks tight was well, but I assume that’s just the angle. I assume it has to fit at least a 46 or so. EDIT-says it fits up to 50t ring.
It looks like a solid choice and I’m fully bought into to the MTB tire cool aid, but there’s just no way I could do it now after splurging big on a new XC bike last year. A Seigla frame for $2300 looks better and better. I assume current tariff uncertainty is playing a factor in the launch pricing, hopefully that trends in a better direction.
It looks like it does what many people are asking for… So kudos to them for being one of the first “mainstream” brands to really answer that call. The Mog got really close, especially considering it is going on two years old now. Whether the additional 3mm-5mm of clearance is make or break for you will be a factor. I do think Enve should’ve followed up with a different fork option without the bottle bosses, which would’ve helped them market the Mog as a bit more of a race bike versus adventure bike. I’m sure they’re working on a V2, and it wouldn’t surprise me to see them lean into that a bit more.
I don’t love the proprietary stem, which is truly required, as they route it different than most brands. Not mounting the bottle cage to the storage door was a good call, as it needn’t be as structurally sound, and less likely to rattle. The BB drop is lower than most others by a few millimeters, but I would’ve loved to see them go even further with something like 85-90mm, knowing that this bike is targeted to the “up to date” cyclist, who is likely running large tires, and short cranks. I’m sure we’ll hear nothing but glowing reviews by all the “media”, but I can’t imagine that it doesn’t ride really stiff, with a horizontal top tube, resulting in minimal seatpost extension. Combined with straight, non dropped seat stays. Not saying thats a terrible thing, but worth noting, for someone who might also be shopping a Mog or similar, which is likely a much more comfortable ride.
They will indeed sell a ton of these, and the price($4250 for the time being w/o 200g seatpost) isn’t as outrageous as I guessed($6k), and at least they let you choose the stem length.
There is a lot I like about the MOG, but I’ve seen a buddy’s bike in person with 2.2 race kings on it and it’s very, very tight in the rear and pretty tight in the front. I think it’s rated for 50’s, but I’d bet that’s road clearance standards. No way your run 2.2’s on the MOG if there is any sticky mud. I’d like to see the allied in person, pictures look tight with 2.2’s, but pics can be deceiving. If it’s rated for 2.25’s per off-road standards like a MTB, should be good. If it’s just 2.25’s when it’s dry, that’s OK, but I’d sure like to have proper clearance in something other than ideal conditions. I’m pretty sure cannondale used road clearance standard on their new topstone. Deceptive marketing as far as I’m concerned. Gravel bikes aren’t road bikes and need to be rated for off road conditions just like MTB’s (IMO). I guess maybe it’s the new normal, cheaper to change the way you measure compared to releasing a new frame.
If money is no object, that Allied looks pretty solid. However, for most riders (not all), where money is a pretty big deal, relative to the Seigla SRAM Red XPLR build, it looks like you’re paying nearly $5k more for:
Internal routing
Downtube storage
Some name brand parts (Enve bars, I9 wheels, Race Kings)
Probably a bit lighter weight
A few good-looking paint options
Those upgrades no doubt make it a significantly different bike, but $5k? Even in a rosier economic situation, that would be pretty tough to justify.
Side note: The Allied description says that the Red XPLR derailleur has the Magic Wheel, but isn’t that only on XX Transmission?
Edit: I’m just wrong, SRAM’s website clearly says that Red XPLR has the Magic Wheel.
If you mean that it can keep spinning if jammed, the XPLR 13 has that feature.
I’d be curious to how much lighter as my XPLR Seigla is pretty flipping light. It will also be interesting to see if they pull back manufacturing to Arkansas due to tariffs…cause Asia just got a bit more expensive. Cool bike, but nowhere near $5k better than a Lauf. Its nice to see a company respond to current trends quickly
Likely only ~150g lighter size for size and with similar paint color…
Moving this scale of manufacturing “back” to the US wouldn’t do anything but raise the price quite a bit more. If we pretend the tariffs are sticking around, you have to then factor in that the materials(carbon fiber likely sourced from Japan) is then subject to a 24% tariff. As is the aluminum they machine for their stems, etc. Also, despite them having a head start in having some manufacturing capabilities here, this would be a 1-2 year process at best. I suppose they could go the route of 3T and do a premium line of domestic(Italy in 3T’s case) made frames. But realistically, I don’t think that the consumer they’re now after cares about that, or at least that’s the gamble they’ve made.
It’s also worth considering, that at this point sure the Lauf is ~half the price, but Lauf will also have to pass on their rising costs at some point, reversing their price drop of 2023. Their frames are made in China and assembled in the US just like Allied.
Able review by Delaney. Sounds like tariffs have already raised prices since this video was shot. One negative he pointed out was the backend not feeling particularly plush. Not surprising with the traditional straight top tube and lack of lowered seat stays.
Allied looks hot. Also keep in mind Aspen 2.25 is huge.