So I unexpectedly got unto the Dirty Kanza 200. To celebrate I am going to buy a new bike. What should I get? Right now looking at the Niner RDO, Salsa Warbird and Cannondale Topstone Carbon. I was also thinking that I would be electronic group sets. Thoughts?

FWIW, you want GRX. The ergonomics on the shifters, in particular, are worlds better than Ultegra or equivalent SRAM. The grip feels less like you’re going to bounce off descending into bumpy stuff, and the brake pivot point gives much better leverage for stopping from the tops.

I rode an Otso Warakin steel last year and it was great. I did put a red shift stem on, which I loved. Basic Rival 1x but with a Quarq PM crank, mechanical brakes. Overall very happy with the set up. I did have a derailleur problem where I couldn’t shift into my lowest gear. But sram warrantied it a…

I have had a Warbird and Diverge, and much prefer the Diverge. It feels more nimble and handles more like a road bike. I like the future shock as well.

Fwiw, @Nate_Pearson on one of latest podcasts said he was purchasing or did purchase the Cdale Topstone. Looks like a cool bike. My n+1 turned into an n+none after last years Tarmac SL6 purchase.

@cramer312 Cervelo’ Aspero with GRX DI2. 2x up front…48/31 with an 11/34 cassette. Carbon, high volume wheels, Carbon seat post and bars…Boom! Dream build fo that race. Comfy and Fast as heck. Squeezing maximum efficiency from every pedal stroke for all 200 miles. :call_me_hand:t3:

[image] AsaBear: Fwiw, @Nate on one of latest podcasts said he was purchasing or did purchase the Cdale Topstone. He was looking at the Topstone, but saw the new Evil Chamois Hagar and decided to get that. Tips to find the best gravel bike for you From last weeks pod .

[image] mcneese.chad: new Evil Chamois Hagar I’m not sure I get the point of that bike. It’s caught in the middle between a gravel bike and an XC MTB. What style of riding/trails is it intended for? The salsa cutthroat is also a cross between a gravel bike and an XC MTB - but that has a dist…

Yeah, geometry is very personal and some want a roadie feel on the dirt while others want more stability. I have a Google Sheet with geo’s for bikes I’m considering. It’s showing 55-56cm bikes (my size), and sorted by Head Tube Angle, slack to steep (left to right). Interesting to see the Wheelba…

Here are some reviews if you want to read a bit. First Race Expectations, Beating the Breakaway, Rest Week Diets and More – Ask a Cycling Coach 242 - #3 by mcneese.chad This is a good podcast discussing the bike and some of the turbulence it seems to be causing in and out of Evil. First Race Ex…

[image] mcneese.chad: Trek Checkpoint SLR rumored to be coming in Spring. Tell me more!

Gravel Bikes for DK200

Equipment

mcneese.chad January 29, 2020, 12:51am 18

He was looking at the Topstone, but saw the new Evil Chamois Hagar and decided to get that.

Tips to find the best gravel bike for you
From last weeks pod.

Topic		Replies	Views
Gravel Tire Recommendations Equipment tires	146	23158	May 26, 2026
Gravel Bike Racing with Cyclocross Bike? Equipment bike	30	9637	February 20, 2020
Gravel race tires 2024 Equipment	424	19766	October 14, 2025
Gravel tire suggestions (narrow) Equipment tires	44	36175	September 20, 2023
Gravel Tire Clearance - How Big is Big Enough Equipment	54	14373	October 18, 2023

Gravel Bikes for DK200

Ask a Cycling Coach Podcast

We Are Here to Help!

Gravel Bikes for DK200

Related topics

Get Faster with Adaptive Training

Ask a Cycling Coach Podcast

We Are Here to Help!