• I want a gravel bike type frameset, but I don't have a clue what I should buy. The only thing that's caught my eye is the Planet X Pickenflick, but it's not ideal due to the lack of mudguard mounts (this will also double as a winter road bike). It's also more than I'd like to spend really.

    Has anyone got one for sale? It needs to be pretty big (about a 59TT). I don't want a CX frame!

    Alternatively, what else is there that's cheaper than the Pickenflick? Not keen on any of the other PX offerings. Kenesis do a few but the BB's are a bit too high. Also looked at the Pinnacle Arkose, but would prefer something with shorter stays. Don't mind steel, but it's usually a bit heavy at the cheaper end of the market.

    Any help appreciated.

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  • my tourer cum audax cum winter racer is a Specialized globe Expert of 07/08 vintage (my utility/commuter bike is globe pro flat bar)
    alu triangle, CF seat stays and CF forks. All the fixings/mounts you need, frames are bombproof IME, not too heavy, the CF stays and forks are rock solid and I've carried myself (100+kg), luggage (circa 25kg) plus a passenger for a few miles on 32h Ultegra/open pro wheels with no bother at all amongst usual lugging duties week in, week out.

    Have had the pro since 2009 and it'll take anything you can chuck at it including being rear ended by a motor (pringled wheel but frame totally unscathed).
    I've descended at high speed in the alps on it and handling is just fine.
    the best bit, you can get 55mm wide tyres in front and rear and circa 45mm with guards (std fitted was 42mm tyres with guards).

    I use TRP mini Vs with Ultegra 6700 on the Expert and it stops on a tuppenny bit, the pro uses Avid 5s, never had any issues stopping from speed in any conditions (mind, 47mph to around 10 on an alpine chicane is a bit squeaky bum when you've slightly misjudged how much distance you needed and a big fuck of campervan decides to nibble onto your side of the road)

    in a similar vein the spesh Tricross of similar era are also equally of note.
    The ones with the CF stays are harder to find and command top money but IMHO they are well worth it if you can get your hands on a good one.
    You also might want to look at the higher end Trek FX series and Marin ALP frames, both have guard/rack fixings, not overly heavy and room for wide tyres.

    luck hunting


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  • Not sure what the clearance is for tyres but there's a NOS Marin Lucas valley here, guard mounts but don't think there are rack mounts https://www.discountcyclesdirect.co.uk/catalog/product.php?CI_ID=12315
    Easy enough to convert for drops.

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WTD/Help: gravel bike frameset (Pickenflick, or something else?)

Posted by Avatar for macaroon @macaroon

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