Gravel / Gravé / Gnarmac / Groad / ATB

Verenti is steel, but 4130, nothing wrong with that but very difficult to compare it to titanium.
You get through axles but then you also get BB30, which I personally do not like, also hydros but aesthetically not the nicest out there in my opinion and the wheels are not muuuch better than those on the Pickenflick, i.e. you might end up wanting to upgrade them anyway if that bothers you. You get rear rack bosses also.
I have got a Pickenflick, haven't had it for long but I really like it. I've got mechanical brakes, TRP with comprensionless housing and they work a treat. I didn't want to spend a ton so I've prioritised having good wheels to having hydros.

Another vote for the Pickenflick. 4130 CroMo steel is OK, but it's really the lowest-spec steel above bog standard high tensile. Mind you, I still miss my On-One Macinato, and that was 4130. But I've always had a soft spot for the Pickenflick. Never ridden one, but always fancied getting one myself.

I'd get the Pickenflick, especially if the bike was something you planned to keep for a long time. The frame is better and you can upgrade as existing components come to their end of life, or you have the cash to upgrade.

No brainer.

Ti and upgrade up gradable parts.
Get frame that's steel and it'll always stay steel.

Fancy parts are just parts. Frame cannot be changed.
I'm not one to rave on about the 'better' materials as I'm a simpleton, but difference between ti and base steel was very much noticeable for me.

Got these pics in my inbox today from a customer who just built up this Moots I painted a while back.

Pretty solid gravel build!

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That power saddle can get to fuck!
Does that paint go from purple to blue???

That's a stunner!

Edit: saddle is gash.

Yeah, is a fade from dark purple pearl to midnight blue pearl. Also did a coat of a blue tinted translucent pearl on top of both colours to make the fade as subtle as poss. Looks great in the sunlight.

Haters gonna hate. Power saddles are one of the only ones I’ve found comfy. If it works it works

That's fair, doesn't mean it's pretty though.

That's very cool.

Just finished putting this cdf together, only done 10k on the tarmac but looking forward to hitting the gravel. Tyres are 35s and there is plenty more clearance for bigger ones esp. with the new fork.

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Have been watching this get built, looks even better IRL

why a peasant groupset?

Why are you asking me? I can only speculate why they might have chosen a much cheaper, almost aesthetically identical Groupset.

Potentially, because Ultegra will accommodate a 34t?

Thanks!
The colours are pretty sweet IRL!

Same here, on my road bike it's eliminated numb nuts.

My boardman set up for gravel (meaning i took a couple of min to put larger tyres on).

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Looking ahead to finally having a proper job after years of studying-induced austerity, and half thinking of a new bike. I’d like it to be a versatile road bike that can do a bit of gravel and touring as well as general riding/commuting. Ideally I’d like steel/Ti, hydro disks and decent clearance for guards, with budget stretching to max 2k So far I’m thinking:
Condor Fratello Disc
Fairlight Strael 2
Planet X picknflick/tempest (wait for good deal)
Bosrdman ASR

What’re the hive mind’s thoughts on these? Any obvious ones missing?

Don't forget Pinnacle Dolomite that have clearance for 32-35mm tyres, and can just about fit 32mm with mudguard.

Bowman Pilgrims? (Although it's aluminium).

I like the look of the Strael, but the geometry seems odd when compared to other bikes. I appreciate there are reasons for this, but they are either long and low, or shorter but high.

Ritchey Outback I've just posted in Ritchey thread? Lush colour.

Frame material has been done to death, the Arkose is 6061 aluminium which is probably the weapon of choice

I understand just get an Arkose, but poster wants steel/ti

brace yoselves nahbs is upon us