Gravel / Gravé / Gnarmac / Groad / ATB

Woop. Now to find what parts I don't have in the garage.

Do people still face and ream their frames? I'd have to take it to the LBS for that.

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Have a look at the BB shell and brake tabs, you should be able to tell if they've been faced or if you have a straight edge you can check them to a certain extent.

Going to be in Chester over the weekend. Anyone got any decent gravelly routes around there? Last time I was there I went up the Wirral to West Kirby. Would be interested in heading more East / West / South.

Another Crux anyone? https://www.lfgss.com/conversations/397413/#comment17434544

Thanks, the BB shell still has paint on and the brake tabs have a lip where they peeled the tape off.

The crown race won't slide over the bulge on the steerer/fork due to excess CF in that area so need a proper tool to smash it into place.

It sounds like taking it to the LBS would be the ideal if you have the time / money / patience.

This a slow burn build. Have yet to decide on drops or flats but it will be parts bin di2

Will try and dig something out this evening. What sort of distance?

Heading towards Delamere and around that area might be your best bet.

Was thinking anywhere between 30 to 50 miles. Hadn't clocked Delamere Forest over there, so will take a look at what goes out in that direction. Cheers!

Ugh, I feel like this is the one I should have bought. I've just put those bars and stem on my pedestrian comp version.

There are some good sections across the marshes between Ince/Elton and Frodsham, then on NCR5 from Aston to Dutton Locks before looping back towards Delamere Forest. Don't have any routes from Chester though as I'm in the other direction.

As the title says, this is a very lazy loop and includes the bits @El_Tomba mentions. Apologies in advance for the stinky cycle path next to the main road at Stanlow.

I've just gone straight through Delamere to Kelsall Cycles on this, I can never remember the loops around Delamere, and they've put in some new blue MTB trails that look fun for a gravel bike. If you check Komoot or something I'm sure you'll find some decent routes around there.

The station cafe in Delamere has more character than the visitor center. Kelsall cycles used to have a bunch of gravel routes on their website but it seems to have had an overhaul. They have a cafe too.

https://ridewithgps.com/routes/47318288

Another route with gravel-y section from Frodsham towards Marbury country park, you could then follow NCN 70 back to Chester, calling through Delamere on the way: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/43513849

Lazy is pretty much my middle name, so this looks perfect. Thank you!

No problem!

As expected, there's a whole bunch of Delamere bits you could squeeze in on Komoot: https://www.komoot.com/guide/3468971/gravel-biking-around-delamere

Ok so when looking at the Enve Mog this has raised other questions, mainly due to do I really need one.

But now been looking at the Curve Big Kev and the Salsa Cutthroat.

So basically I have 3 frames to choose from but should I do it and would I notice anything differently compared to my Stayer OG+

Pic with new Mezcals fitted

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I think if you buy the Salsa, you're contractually obliged to race the tour divide

Time away from the family, could have its upsides!

Bear or Family?

Jumping on the gravel bandwagon. Still needs a bit doing but managed a quick spin down the street earlier. Looking forward to getting out and exploring this summer! Any tips for fun gravel routes starting in south east London?

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I like the greeny grey sidewalls with the green frame. Would have preferred the saucy purple but this came up for a good price.

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Family

So... thinking way ahead of myself here... looking at getting a frameset to build up early next year. Top of the list was a Ritchey Outback, but now a Mason Bokeh or Fairlight Secan has been added into the mix. I've heard and read loads about how good the Secan is lately... anyone had experience with any of the frames I'm looking at?

https://ridewithgps.com/routes/39145394

What difference are you hoping to notice?