Trying to get into Gravel/Cross

[Marin]

If anything you'd go a size up and use a shorter stem. You want to be really comfortable in the drops.

[kode54]

Not for racing...just riding a few dirt roads where I can find them. thx!

If I wanted to use some parts from my parts bin...has anyone used Dura Ace Di2 shifters 9170 for gravel use?
Just to see if gravel (20%) is for me...I'm willing to use road parts and get a GRX or XTR RD to accept a 11-40 11spd cassette on a 1x set up.
I'd probably use my road bars and saddle as well. Maybe get a used gravel frame to put it all together.

Are you planning on racing gravel or just riding a few dirt roads? If you want to race, or even ride fast, you're probably not going to be happy with the lack of top end from a 1x, especially on the road. There are some good ideas from mountain biking that can be used for gravel, but the gearing isn't one of them.

The advantage of GRX is the increased tire clearance from the FD, if you're not building what would effectively be a drop bar, rigid MTB, there's not much reason to not use whichever road group (and road parts in general) works with your budget. There's no need for flared bars or other niche-marketed gravel specific stuff, it really just comes down to the tires.

[kode54]

Thx for all the informative answers. all!

Here's what I plan to re-use for a 1x...
DA9170 shifters and hydro brakes from Argo 2.0
Enve SES Aero handlebars from Argo 2.0
THM M3 crank from Argo 2.0
Brooks C13 saddle from parts bin
Seatpost: whatever comes with frame
Enve 4.5AR wheels from Factor (Enve 5.6 from Argo 2.0 goes on Factor)
Schawlbe G-One Speed 30mm from Factor

GRX or XTR 11-speed shadow RD w clutch, new
XTR 11-40T cassette, new
Wolftooth 44T narrow wide chainring, new
possible new 650B wheelset for fatter tires
haven't decided on pedals...but most likely SPD

Not sure about framset yet.

[spdntrxi]

DA9170 shifters and hydro brakes from Argo 2.0 (nothing wrong with that)
Enve SES Aero handlebars from Argo 2.0 (wider is better for downhills.. I use 42 for gravel.. 40 for road)
THM M3 crank from Argo 2.0 (nice.. get a rubber arm protector is you drop to 650B)
Brooks C13 saddle from parts bin (cool)
Seatpost: whatever comes with frame (cool)
Enve 4.5AR wheels from Factor (Enve 5.6 from Argo 2.0 goes on Factor) ( as you know 4.5AR are nice wheels)
Schawlbe G-One Speed 30mm from Factor I used those briefly.. good tire for mixed surface)

GRX or XTR 11-speed shadow RD w clutch, new I use 9050 GS and love it.
XTR 11-40T cassette, new ( nice cassette..fairly light)
Wolftooth 44T narrow wide chainring, new ( good 44/11 high should get you good speed)
possible new 650B wheelset for fatter tires (dont forget those arm protectors.. you lose BB clearance)
haven't decided on pedals...but most likely SPD (spd is always safe)

my responses in bold

[AJS914]

An now my my two cents if I may.

What about the geometry?. Should you go for a size down compared to your road bike?. Should you mantain the reach, saddle lenght, etc?

For me, the frame size is the same. I have about the same reach and maybe a 1cm taller stack. The bike came with deeper drop bars so I can actually get lower in the drops on the gravel bike.

I think it also comes down to what you want to do on a gravel bike. I use my gravel bike for more casual riding and enjoying the scenery. For that reason I'll keep it on 40mm tires. If was trying to go fast on gravel I might opt for less knobby 36 or 32mm tires depending on the surface. But I reserve the road bike for going fast and doing intervals.

[kode54]

thx for the respones Johnny!

I'm looking for a used frameset now! its been getting down to 34F these days along with wet leaves on the road...I need this sooner than later.

[spdntrxi]

Judging by your stable...

Parlee, Open Upper, Aspero, Moots. others?.. the trouble is finding discount used one.

[kode54]

Yes, true. I'm leaning towards an OPEN U.P.