Gravel / Gravé / Gnarmac / Groad / ATB

It's slightly better than the slightly more expensive but slightly older stuff, it's better than the more expensive but older stuff, it's much better than the much more expensive but way older stuff, because stuff gets better and cheaper. They're essentially the good ones from a few years ago, but made cheaper with some heavier materials.

There is still a difference in the machining and tolerances between the new cheap stuff and old nice stuff. I have a newish 9 speed XT derailleur and it’s definitely nicer shifting then modern acera.

Is this the beginning of the 650b backlash? It had to happen at some point. The pendulum must swing.

I have one of these shifting beautifully with 10 speed STI. I see no reason why it would go up to 11.

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/184275183730

They polish up lovely.

There is, but the new cheap stuff is actually pretty good, there's a lot of tooling, experience and technology from the older more expensive stuff that gets used and they just blast out more of them, as you say tolerances are a bit slacker. Set up properly I think most people would be hard pushed to notice a difference between that new acera and an XT M772 or similar, the XT would weigh less and probably last longer, but good luck finding one. The new acera is nicer shifting than the older non shadow XTs too, although comparing new to new is difficult.

There’re loads on eBay. No?

Nah - I’ll stick the 650s and mudguards back on and soon as the weather turns

Up to 10 speed road (pre tiagra 4700) and 9 speed MTB have the same pull.

On the market for an affordable gravel, is the arkose d3 still the best agreed option out there? Apart from the weight it looks like a great config for the money! I saw they had it at a discounted price not so long ago as well just above 1k!?

Comparing new to NOS, used is a whole other thing.

Bored of it to be honest. I'd rather have slightly less chunkier tyre for more roll.

arkose D3 actually not that chunky - especially if you swap out the stock tyres

I’ll probably avoid a used mech. I’d rather not faff with new jockey wheels.

Ambitious pricing from Rutland Cycles for a new Topstone.

Seen it cheaper elsewhere?

If you’d finance it you could also get a new Arkose every month.

Is that an e-bike? Why is it so ugly?

Because it's a new Cannondale. No, it's not an e-bike.

First ride on my new bike, finally done after four years of procrastinating...

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Nice!

Can't remember if I've posted it here before, but but here's my ns rag. I was tempted to sell it as I'd not ridden it for a while, but have changed my mind after taking it out everyday this week... its not as fast as my hardtail on the trails, but it feels faster...that makes it more fun.

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That's beefy.

Can anyone id these tyres please? They're not gravel kings are they?

Can anyone id these tyres please?

Teravail Rutland (650b x 47mm).

Actually are they teravail cannonball? Could make out the logo better on another bike posted just after that one.