[AbnInf]

I ask because there's 2018 105 models on ebay for $1000 +100/ship. A lot of them. Is this bike just not selling for some reason? I wasn't even really that interested in them but this price has me tempted.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/2018-Slate-105-Endurance-Gravel-Road-Bike-Large-Retail-2000/323781215285

 

[1 cog frog]

Could be because it has a rigid fork instead of the Lefty Oliver?


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[Crash_FLMB]

Sure wish I had an extra grand!

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[Devastazione]

My local italian forum test rode it few years ago and they were less than enthusiastic about it. Too stiff and unpredictable they said.

 

[ddoh]

That's the low end Slate. The only one they sold w/o suspension. Sorta defeats the whole purpose.

 

[AbnInf]

Yeah it's the low end one but it's still a killer price. I like the wheelset on it, it even has butted DT Comp spokes so that would eliminate spending more money for a future wheel upgrade for me personally. Except for the BB30 cranks (ugg) it has the same group as my DB Podium road bike. I've been looking at other bikes for overnight camping trips in the woods with 90% on-road routes and a little off road. This has me thinking.

 

[rockcrusher]

That's a good price. Does one really need a 30mm fork when you can run 650bx42C tires? i would think with tubeless and 35psi you would have a pretty compliant ride without the weight of the oliver fork. Sure the fork is cool but this is a pretty slick price. Not sure how much these weigh or perform on the road or off road but price point it is pretty killer. Also bonus dual chainring and shimano hydros which puts it above the 1x higher end model as well for me.

 

[AbnInf]

I would rather have that rigid fork. I never really liked the lefty forks. I do wish they would come back with the Head Shox. I had an F1000 back in the day and that was my favorite fork of all time. Enough travel for me, super stiff and a lockout on the top of the stem. It would be perfect for a gravel or CX bike.

 

[life behind bars]

It's almost worth buying for a parts donor.

 

[ddoh]

"I've been looking at other bikes for overnight camping trips in the woods with 90% on-road routes and a little off road."

Looks like it would be damn near perfect for that. Nice price,

 

[HEMIjer]

Pull trigger, ride the pizz out of it, write a review, post some pics. Let us know!

 

[velcipede]

Your use case describes many rides I’ve done with my Ultegra Slate, and I love it for that. Honestly, the rigid fork isn’t a drawback, since the tires can provide a good amount of give, and the rigid fork won’t require servicing like the lefty. I’ve done 80+ mile road/gravel rides on mine and have no complaints with the ride.

 

[AbnInf]

I'm still considering it, I may get one at the end of the month. I'm keeping an eye on the one in my size. Yesterday the seller was down to 3 left and I thought about getting one before he sold out, but this morning he has "more than 10 available" and he's sold 19 so far. These bikes must not have moved at all in the shops.

 

[Joe Mama]

I think the lefty fork just weirds people out. That and the road bike gearing are the main negatives I see. Still seems like a great deal at 1k.

 

[1 cog frog]

What’s the tire clearance? Both in 650b & 700c?


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[AbnInf]

What's the tire clearance? Both in 650b & 700c?

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The picture is from a review article. Doesn't look like it can go much bigger than the stock 42's. Not a big deal to me, I never got on the modern fat tire bandwagon. Don't know about 700c.

 

[Joe Mama]

here's a good review: https://www.cyclingabout.com/cannondale-slate-review-long-term-test/

It seems to be in no man's land between popular 700/650 tire sizes and not much clearance, road gearing, could still be a good option depending on your needs