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[Closed] Road/gravel/cyclo-cross bikes with higher front ends.

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I'm looking for a road/gravel/cyclo-cross bike to out some miles on when the trails are a bit meh.

It will be used predominantly on the road but may occasionally wonder a bit if piste.

I've recently sold a giant defy 2 as that was a bit low at the front end and it was aggravating my wrist.

Can you suggest some bikes to look at with higher stack heights please.

Under £1000 if possible.

Many thanks.


 
Posted : 18/09/2019 9:04 pm
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Merida Silex springs to mind, also the Whyte bikes could be worth a look


 
Posted : 18/09/2019 9:10 pm
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My Arkose X has a high stack. I also got the XL despite being in the L height range to get it even higher!

Handling is great off road and comfy on it. I did bring the stem down to 80mm from 100 as well.


 
Posted : 18/09/2019 9:12 pm
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In descending stack height order:

Specialized Diverge
Cannondale Topstone
Giant Contend AR
Pinnacle Arkose
Orbea Terra

🙂


 
Posted : 18/09/2019 9:13 pm
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I flipped the stem on my Arkose

But you just need try dig through geometry figures


 
Posted : 18/09/2019 9:24 pm
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Check the Sonder Camino AL, the stack on my Small frame is relatively high.


 
Posted : 18/09/2019 9:33 pm
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Cube Nuroad might fit the bill.


 
Posted : 18/09/2019 9:34 pm
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Cotic escapade

I got a purple haze based on its higher than normal stack height


 
Posted : 18/09/2019 10:38 pm
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Check the Sonder Camino AL, the stack on my Small frame is relatively high.

This.

My large has a 170mm headtube.


 
Posted : 19/09/2019 8:58 am
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170mm headtube on a large isn't particularly high? My roadbikes have 180mm and 200mm headtubes respectively!

I've only compared the Diverge, Revolt Advanced, Topstone and Orbea Terra, and the Diverge is the tallest, then the Revolt/Topstone, then the Terra.


 
Posted : 19/09/2019 10:10 am
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The Vagabond is the highest front-end I’ve encountered but it’s more off-road orientated.

Take a look at the
Giant ToughRoad SLR GX 1
Genesis CDA
Merida Silex 200

On the more tour-ey allroad side of the fence then Vagabond, Marin Four Corners etc


 
Posted : 19/09/2019 10:37 am
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Dawes galaxy?

I do find it amusing that Dawes have been building traditional tourers for decades and this sort of bike has gone right out of fashion and then right back in again.


 
Posted : 19/09/2019 11:27 am
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I went from a Defy to a Diverge, its shorter and higher, I use the drops on the Diverge a lot more. £1500 for the one with the bouncy front though. Bouncy front is great for comfort.


 
Posted : 19/09/2019 11:41 am
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Put one of these on Mrs Dubs Arkose

https://www.wiggle.co.uk/bbb-bhs-25-highrise-oversize-stem/


 
Posted : 19/09/2019 12:03 pm
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Head length isn't the number to compare as fork length has an affect as well. Stack is a better measurement.

Another variable is amount of steerer with spacers under the stem


 
Posted : 19/09/2019 6:17 pm
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Litespeed T5G has a high front end.


 
Posted : 19/09/2019 6:25 pm
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From a spreadsheet I put together last year to help me decide
Make, Model, Stack/Reach

Marin Gestalt 1.61
Whyte Devon 1.56
Marin Four Corners 1.53
Focus Paralane AL 1.53
Marin Nicassio 1.53
Felt VR50 1.52
Jamis Ventura Race 1.52
Pinnacle Arkose 1.52
Specialized Diverge 1.52
Genesis Croix de Fer 1.52
Trek Domane ALR4 1.51
Marin Nicassio 1.50
Cannondale Synapse SE 1.50
Genesis CDA 1.50

Varies somewhat with different frames though.


 
Posted : 19/09/2019 6:50 pm
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What does that stack/reach calculation tell you?


 
Posted : 19/09/2019 8:08 pm
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What does that stack/reach calculation tell you?

Which are higher relative to length.


 
Posted : 19/09/2019 8:41 pm
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As been said before you can flip the stem to positive rise but then if you still need more look at Specialized Hover bars.


 
Posted : 19/09/2019 10:59 pm
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I wouldnt get hung up on headtube lengths, theres big variations on fork lengths and wheel and tyres sizes that affect stack height too.

Dawes galaxy?

I do find it amusing that Dawes have been building traditional tourers for decades and this sort of bike has gone right out of fashion and then right back in again.

Having owned a galaxy and a more modern gravel bike, nope. Not by a million miles.


 
Posted : 19/09/2019 11:13 pm
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Fork axle to crown length does affect stack height but tyres and wheels don’t, assuming they are the same on the front and back. Stack height is measured from the bb to the top of the head tube.


 
Posted : 19/09/2019 11:49 pm
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Fork axle to crown length does affect stack height but tyres and wheels don’t, assuming they are the same on the front and back. Stack height is measured from the bb to the top of the head tube.

So what about BB drop? 🤔😂🤦🏻‍♂️


 
Posted : 20/09/2019 2:07 am