This is my actual gravel bike for local gravel trails.and occasionally longer one with the even less occasionally cx and gravel race.Â
I have one of those! Mine is from 2013 (14 model year I think) but feels very much like it could be from last year. Pretty cool that a cross bike from well over a decade ago has hydraulic discs, and I can easily get a 43mm tyre in the front without pushing the limits on clearance.
Over the years I've done 10 mile TTs with road tyres on it, winter club rides, bikepacking trips, couple Dirty Reivers, and also descended a Munro on it (was actually fairly slow and dicey but still). I like how it's got the capabilities off-road but doesn't feel much different from a road bike at all on tarmac compared to the new gravel bikes.
The only thing I don't like about mine is quick releases, and it seems to be centrelock only for rotors...on 6 bolt rotors the bolts rub against the post mounts! Makes finding wheels quite tricky these days because they need to be centrelock and with changeable end-caps for QR.Â
It's old for a modern bike, and I got it cheap, but I'm tempted to drop some coin on it nevertheless and get new wheels & a GRX groupset. May it never die.Â
Look at Hunt wheels. The hubs and hub end caps pull apart with no tools and they can supply whatever end caps you want. They're centre-lock too. I've just bought a pair of their race wheels in the sale. I've been happy with my Hunt wheels on my hardtail.Â
Look at Hunt wheels. The hubs and hub end caps pull apart with no tools and they can supply whatever end caps you want. They're centre-lock too. I've just bought a pair of their race wheels in the sale. I've been happy with my Hunt wheels on my hardtail.Â
Do they now sell non boost to boost end caps? They didn't a few years ago.
Now there's a question I do not know the answer to. Although 'boost' seems to have a few sizes these days so best to email them.
Edit: There does seem to be a fair bit of choice though. https://www.huntbikewheels.com/collections/axle-adapters?srsltid=AfmBOoo-ifWdbmi0PffPa7KGNcaDui8GJKRRHfwSXH16XflTN49gA1Yr
I find the latest gravel bike fashion amusing...
I know it's been said that gravel bikes are essentially 1990's mountain bikes, well now they've moved in the 21st century...
Maybe gravel bikes are essentially 1930s-1960s sports (as opposed to racing) bikes. They were very capable, comfortable for all day stuff, could handle rough stuff, and light enough to shoulder over the odd rock face. The only major improvement is braking.
1955 Dawes Windrush - built for rough stuff.
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and here at Loch Einich, about as gravelly a ride as you get, and the 3 speed hubgear was enough.
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