I’ve been riding the same 2015 Canyon Inflite AL, from new, for the past 10 years. It was sold as a CX bike back before gravel specific marketing was really a thing. It comes with some additions like threaded inserts for mounting full fenders - this has made it ideal as a commuter / winter bike as well.
While it’s still holding up well (I’ve changed a lot of worn out components), I’m starting to think about an upgrade.
I’m looking for something I can use for gravel (larger tyre clearance than I currently have and a bit more comfort), but ideally also race CX on, and extra ideally also mount full fenders (e.g. with proper hardware, not straps).
Does such a bike exist or am I describing a unicorn? Does anyone use a single bike for these 3 modes, and what are the compromises? Would you do anything differently?
Crux is going to be hard to beat. Light weight, responsive and can handle chunky gravel with 47 mm tire clearance (you can go even bigger on the front if that’s your thing). It may not be as aero as the tarmac but it holds it own on the road, especially with a road wheel set. And while it has evolved into more of a gravel bike it has CX roots and is certainly capable.
You can find some great deals on the last model (the one that does not have udh, don’t know if that matters to you). It’s a great bike and worth a look.
Very few compromises unless you like to weigh your bike. I guess this is where it is maybe a little weak for racing CX. Proper mounting points and can even put a front rack (like the Nitto M18) on the latest carbon fork.
I have the more touring orientated Faran, commuted today on fast 35c tyres on carbon wheels and metal mud guards. Last weekend it was running a front rack, 2.1 inch mezcals and carrying camping kit for an off-road overnighter.
My partner has the Secan 3.0 and 2x wheelsets 700x50c and 35c. We both run GRX 1x with 10-51 cassettes which covers touring, commuting, loaded off road riding, etc. Her bike is smaller so hard to compare but the Secan does feel much livelier than the Faran.
Noted that you said fenders, not sure what these are like to get into the US right now.
Canyon Grail might be worth a look, doesn’t have threaded fender inserts but does have a set of fenders specifically designed for it which should at least be a step up from the ones that attach with rubber bands. And designed as a racing gravel bike so has both decent tire clearance and race geometry for CX.
Its geometry would work really well for CX, but it also fits 50mm tires.
You can spec it with lightweight tubing, rack & fender mounts, a taller head tube for more comfort, along with many other things to your liking.
You kept your last bike for 10 years, and this is the type of bike that won’t leave you wanting something new as soon as the next model drops. This one’s a keeper.
When looking at the title of your post, I was immediately thinking of my (double decker handlebar) Canyon Grail. I don’t do CX races, but can recommend it for all other mentioned purposes. The special fenders are indeed great for commuting.
This all sounds very good, thanks. I’m going to investigate the options in more detail. I love the look of the Fairlights I’ve seen on the road / trails.
Haha, I only said fenders because I assumed majority in the US on here, I’m actually in the UK
Thanks, the Crux is definitely on the list, I was also thinking about the Santa Cruz Stigmata along the same lines of used to have CX roots but crossed over into gravel…but I think it’s maybe evolved even further into gravel.
Thanks all so far, loads to think about. The other bike that catches my eye is the Lauf Single with the Grit fork but then maybe also a rigid fork to switch in for CX…though I’m not sure on geometry and mudguard mounting with this option.
If it weren’t for the mudguards I’d say Specialized Crux as well.
But I’ll also say this sounds like a good use case for a full custom Ti frame. You have a broad but specific use case that a good builder could figure out a geo for that would suit your handling tastes and make sure that it has the mount points and clearance you need for front and rear fenders, maybe even racks for commuting. Add to that Ti being especially resilient against the elements making it well suited for your winter commuter needs. Not to mention being able to use reputable brands for headsets and bottom brackets for low fuss and easily sourced and replaced bearings which is good for a bike that’s going to see dirt and maybe wet with all its intended uses. And I happen to be a big fan of how titanium feels to ride but that’s not for everybody. You could shop local in the UK as Cycling Weekly had a 10 British bike builders article or you could try an American brand as there are plenty. I’m pretty sure Seven ships to the UK and potentially has partner stores.
I thought this called for a comparison spreadsheet. So far I’m still not clear, but I think I can rule a couple of options out. I’ve left the Chumba out for now, I think it’s going to be much less hassle to get something in the UK.
The Lauf Seigla is catching my eye. Huge tyre clearance while retaining relatively short wheelbase, and with a BB drop close to my current CX bike. Weight can be reduced to ~8.5kg swapping a rigid fork for CX. Main downsides are no mounts, and direct to consumer/ high import fees / no cycle to work scheme.
I also like the look of the Grail, I just wish it took slightly larger tyres.
I just bought a Chinese frame and build my own, but I like the look of Planet X new gravel bike, the Reiver. Carbon, full mudguard/rack mounting options, 50mm tyres clearance, geometry doesn’t seem too crazy. Will probably also be good value compared to your other options.
Great chart! Nice thing about the stigmata is that there is no toe overlap (that’s a thing I didn’t think about but really appreciate). The v4 has an official 50 mm clearance but people squeeze in 2.1 thunderbirds if wider tires are your thing. A bit heavy frame compared to some others like the crux. Great “west coast” gravel bike, as it can put on a geo correct suspension fork, but wouldn’t consider it a “do-it-all” bike like I would a crux.
Crux 100%. It is a great race bike for cross and decent for many kinds of gravel. Don’t sweat the fenders with bands. You can use pipe clamps to make them just as rigid as dedicated hardware style mounts.
I’ve also been looking at options for a gravel race bike that can take full fenders and serve as a winter road bike. (I live in Seattle, so UK-ish winters.) As brands split their gravel offerings into “race” vs “adventure” lines, it seems only the latter reliably get fender mounts, which is annoying. I don’t care about CX racing, so some of my candidates might not be good for that.
Lauf Seigla: I own one, it’s great, but really race focused. No fender or even bikepacking-type mounts.
Enve MOG: super nice, rather expensive. Has eyelets for full fenders, ENVE offers a kit to mount ‘em.
New Orbea Terra: Seems nice, mounts for full fenders plus other features I like (in-frame storage, round seatpost)
Giant Revolt: Seems a great frame with nice fender mounts, but currently disqualified by lack of UDH. If/when Giant updates to UDH I’d buy one immediately.
Various Chinese options: Inexpensive frames with decent tire clearance, UDH and fender mounts are available from Winspace, Carbonda and Yoeleo. Caveats of these companies apply (no distribution network, dubious post-purchase support, probably a bit heavier than other options) but the price is right.
Have you looked at the Gen 3 Trek Checkpoint? Takes fenders, lots of tire clearance, internal storage, round seatpost/regular stem. Probably not the lightest option and limited to claimed 44T 1x chainring if that’s a concern.
