Racey Boutique Gravel Frames?

[Requiem84]

I'm close to pulling the trigger on my first Gravel bike, but I'm double checking if I didn't miss a great option.

So, my mind is now set on a Rose Backroaf FF 1x13 Sram Red (https://www.rosebikes.nl/rose-backroad- ... sonic+Grey).

It checks all the boxes, but tbh the bikes lacks a bit of personality. So my question is, is there a bike with more personality that checks the same boxes:

- Racey geo / frame (I ride an Aeroad on the road)
- 45mm tire clearance
- UDH frame
- Light weightish (rose is 7.6kg)
- Integrated cables for clean looks
- BIG bonus if it has frame storage (which the Rose doesn't unfortunately).

I really like the FARA Gravel bike in terms of looks and brand, but that is not UDH compatible (and it won't be in the short term according to Fara). Are there any cool (boutique) gravel brands that check my boxes, but have a bit more personality/looks than the Rose?

(I already considered the Factor Ostro Gravel, 3T bikes, Enve MOG etc).

[MarkoP]

I just ordered a Lauf Siegla Rigid. Was considering the Rose Backroad as well (the Ostros, Mogs etc. were more than I wanted to spend on a gravel bike).

[jo.k]

I really, really like the Rose, just wish the integrated handlebar came narrower than 38 at the hoods. Saw a few out in the wild at UCI Halmstad and they looked great.

[raisinberry777]

Probably not boutique enough, but the Canyon Grail ticks all of those boxes except frame storage (but it does have the special frame bag - so it's close).

[Vespasianus]

I don't think I would consider a brand that outsources the manufacturing of their frames in China, boutique.

[eins4eins]

Probably not boutique enough, but the Canyon Grail ticks all of those boxes except frame storage (but it does have the special frame bag - so it's close).

Grail has no racy geometry though.

[Requiem84]

Grail has frame storage (only for the mid spec models and up) and geo is racey enough afaik. But really, it's not any better in terms of personality / looks than the Backroad FF for me.

The Lauf Seigla lools like an interesting proposition, but not sold on the looks. Feels a bit more like a conservative/old school approach to me.

Nevertheless, thanks a lot for all the input. Keep it coming.

[Requiem84]

I really, really like the Rose, just wish the integrated handlebar came narrower than 38 at the hoods. Saw a few out in the wild at UCI Halmstad and they looked great.

As for the 38cm handlebars at the hoods: I don't have that much gravel experience yet, but I'm not very keen on going even smaller for gravel riding. On the pavement or fast gravel stretches you want the aeroness obviously, but you also want to feel properly in control when the gravel riding becomes a bit more technical, or when it is a fast descent. If the handlebars are too narrow, I suspect the steering will feel very sensitive and therefore might disrupt my confidence.

[jo.k]

Each to their own, I guess. I have a 35 hoods/40 drops on my current gravel bike and it works every bit as good as my former setup with wider bars. These are the same bars that Dylan Johnson chose for Unbound. Then again, my road bike has very narrow bars so I'm quite used to it.

[ckchriskohl]

I'm close to pulling the trigger on my first Gravel bike, but I'm double checking if I didn't miss a great option.

So, my mind is now set on a Rose Backroaf FF 1x13 Sram Red (https://www.rosebikes.nl/rose-backroad- ... sonic+Grey).

It checks all the boxes, but tbh the bikes lacks a bit of personality. So my question is, is there a bike with more personality that checks the same boxes:

- Racey geo / frame (I ride an Aeroad on the road)
- 45mm tire clearance
- UDH frame
- Light weightish (rose is 7.6kg)
- Integrated cables for clean looks
- BIG bonus if it has frame storage (which the Rose doesn't unfortunately).

I really like the FARA Gravel bike in terms of looks and brand, but that is not UDH compatible (and it won't be in the short term according to Fara). Are there any cool (boutique) gravel brands that check my boxes, but have a bit more personality/looks than the Rose?

(I already considered the Factor Ostro Gravel, 3T bikes, Enve MOG etc).

Was on the same decision a few weeks ago. Simply could not find the perfect do it all frame. Enve Mog came really close but the price tag and couours did not do it for me in the end. Went for standert kettensäge bc it hopefully has a good resale value. I am waiting for a New crux in 25 (crossing fingers).standert not built up yet but expecting around 8kg incl. Pedals.

On a side Note i build up the bike myself so theoretically i can Transfer almost all the parts to a new frame in the future. For now also no cockpit solution but separate bar and stem (still integrated bc looks and cleaning) to dial in the Position.

[akira11]

i'm in the exact same boat as you are, also considered the factor ostro gravel and almost about to pull the trigger on a backroad ff in Red XPLR as well

BUT very tempted on a Ventum GS1

also might wait it out for a few more months until cannondale releases their new supersix CX

decisions...

[Requiem84]

Cool to see people are in the same boat as me .

So far I haven't found a better alternative to the Backroad FF.

Having said that, will check out a store with a Fara Gravel bike today. One point making me interested in the Fara is that you can run 50mm tires AND that Mtb tires (Thunderburt) fit. I really fancy this racey build:

https://youtube.com/shorts/hTJKHSsE7RY? ... 6FA1WDd9sZ



Opinions?

[akira11]

that Fara looks awesome and fun, geo is good, tyre clearance puts it in the 3T extrema category, BUT no UDH is a deal breaker for me

honestly they missed a big one not being able to run sram's transmission on this

[akira11]

at this point i just don't know why Rose's design team are not doing something more eyecatching on their paintjobs... this bike is winning Unbound in different categories yet you hear and see very little about it

speaks volumes about their marketing and production capabilities... what would happen if you ever need a replacement part? weeks of waiting?

[akira11]

i'm starting to like this more than the backroad FF...

clearance for 48mm, UDH
horizontal top tube is always nice to see