[johno_slc]

After a 5-year hiatus, I'm looking at cx/gravel bikes again. I bought one in 2013 to ride the Crusher in the Tushar (I have the two-time dubious honor of being the last to finish before the cut-off, LOL). At the time, I rode a Fuji Cross-comp.

Fast forward, and things have changed. My old Felt F2C is really long in the teeth, so it needs to be sold or a complete Ultegra revamp. Since I am spending more and more time in the mountains, I am looking at buying a gravel/cx bike instead. My riding style is much more "touring" than racing (esp all day, 10,000 foot race climbs), so I want to be sure to get a bike that's a bit more of a relaxed fit, plusher ride, etc.. Is there a significant geometry difference between CX and "gravel" bikes, or is it all just hype, and one is the same as another?

Have my eye on a '17 Specialized Crux E5 that's well-priced, but I want to be sure I understand the market before committing the dollars.

 

[jestep]

The gravel term is somewhat ambiguous and depends on the manufacturer. They tend to migrate between CX geometry usually with more tire clearance and more of a drop bar hardtail 29er on others. I would just compare the geometry to their CX frames vs hardtail 29ers to see what you're getting.

 

[evasive]

Usually: longer wheelbase and chain stays, more bottom bracket drop, and slacker HTA. The goal is greater stability over sharp handling.

 

[KingOfOrd]

The crux falls into more of a race category than a comfortable gravel bike. Its a great option though, I own an older crux and its held up quite well

 

[solarplex]

Cx bikes if you want twitchy, single track killer gravel riding.

Gravel bike like the warbird is more what your looking for.


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