New Gravel Bike Suggestions $800 - $1200 range

LChrysuss on 07/08/2023 - 20:05

Hello everyone,

I've been doing some research on a new gravel bike for commuting into the city several days a week after my beloved Merida Big 9 was stolen from our 'secured' parking complex.

I realise that I was previously using a mountain bike to commute, mainly because I couldn't justify the spend and this bike was honestly fantastic. But this time around I'm hoping to get a hybrid, and budget-wise looking between $800 - $1200.

So far, I've narrowed it down to:

  • Marin Dx1
  • Specialized Sirrus 3.0
  • Polygon Heist x7
  • Merida Silex

Any suggestions / advice would be greatly appreciated! I have been browsing marketplace every day to find a good deal, but nothing great seems to pop up.

Sports & Outdoors

Comments

  • Tee Rex Arms on 07/08/2023 - 20:14
    +1

    Trek FX3 with 40s

    • Gdsamp on 07/08/2023 - 20:24
      +3

      Yep, can't go wrong, pretty much the Toyota Corolla of bikes lol

      Consider also: Giant Cross City Disc

  • Tovers93 on 07/08/2023 - 22:09
    +3

    Bought the Marin Lombard 1 from Bikes Online for $1,100 a few weeks back for daily commuting (a hilly 5km each way).
    Overall would recommend. What I really like are the 40mm tyres - so much more comfortable riding over bumps and the ruts on the bridge.
    Wider range of gears than the Gestalt which is nice on the hills. Also did a good 75km weekend ride and found it no slower than my previous road bike.
    People also seem to really rate the Nicasio and Four Corners if you want something with more gravel capability

  • kingsville on 08/08/2023 - 10:13

    Front shock or rigid?
    Drop bars or flat?

    If you're buying new you should narrow it down. If you're buying used, then can grab a great deal and live with it!

  • Euphemistic on 08/08/2023 - 21:22
    +1

    You don’t seem to have narrowed down your selection much. You’ve got a true gravel bike (drop bars) along with an urban commuter (flat bars, more road oriented).

    Do you want a gravel bike or a hybrid? They are quite different beasts. Gravel bike will possibly be geared low for road riding unless you do big hills. The gear spread could mean it’s harder to find a comfortable cadence on undulating paths.

    Start with what terrain you want to ride and go from there.

    For an urban commute I’d recommend a flat bar road bike no suspension. It’s what I commute on. Fast, agile, comfortable. Hydraulic disc brakes are a must for all weather commuting, don’t get cable disc.

    Drop bars tend to make you sit lower while a flat bar sits you a little more upright which is better for seeing in traffic.

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