I've spent a significant time on the 2022 Marin Headlands 2 and can't say enough about how good it is! The geometry is perfect for longer endurance rides and it's extremely responsive when it comes to punching it up climbs. I reckon a comprehensive review is just around the corner. Being somewhat bored of riding my road bike, the gravel bike has sparked a new sense of enjoyment when it comes to riding (and if you're wondering, my enjoyment isn't predicated on the craft beer served after most gravel events; although, I do look forward to it).
If I was buying my bike again, I would be seriously thinking about a gravel bike. Just the ability to ride on the road easier, but still take a fire road or dirt track interests me. Multiple hand positions seems a big plus too.
What's a good entrance level gravel bike? Just started riding after 40 years and purchased a Polygon Premier 4. I like it but I'm thinking I may enjoy a gravel bike on the Rail Trails more. Thanks for the info.
The Polygon Bend is a great option. If you prefer a more comfortable upright position, the Marin four corners is a great option too www.bikesonline.com.au/marin-four-corners-touring-disc-road-bike~4904128
I currently ride a Polygon Xtrada 6 2x11. I love my hardtail MTB. But I’m becoming interested in gravel. But I guess my key question is: Is the gravel bike just a drop bar hardtail MTB? Why go for a hardtail MTB? Why go for a gravel bike?
There are more mounting points on a gravel bike for bikepacking, and the drop bar gives you a few more hand positions for comfort on long rides. Gravel bikes generally lack front suspension so can’t take big hits on the downhill. The stiffer front end and occasionally slippery rear end can make for more technical & exciting rides tho!
I want a gravel bike and because of the budget I have three bikes on my list. I am analyzing which would be the best purchase, Headlands 2 2024 Marin, 365 SIGNATURE 2024 Commençal, 2024 Ibis Hakka MX Rival AXS, although the Commencal says that the aluminum frame is very comfortable, that is why it is called Commencal 365 to use 365 days a year. It has very good components. What do you think would be a good bike?
We always recommend whatever suits your budget best and meets your riding style! If you’re not racing, you’d probably be perfectly happy aboard an alloy option.
@@bikesonline Thanks, I don't do competitions. The Marin has a carbon frame and the Commencal is made of aluminum and has better components. The only thing is that most cyclists say that with the aluminum frame you will feel the vibrations and that you will get tired more. I don't know much about bicycles, although the Commencal, as I mentioned on their website, says that it is super comfortable and that it is for 365 days a year. What I didn't want was to make a mistake in buying it.
@@jduarte1506 that's definitely true regarding the vibrations - carbon fiber does an excellent job of damping disturbances. Whereas the alloy frame will rattle you a bit more.
@@bikesonline Thank you for your opinion, just one more question, if the aluminum frame has better components, that will balance, what I mean is not vs. feeling the vibrations as much and in the design of the frame, thank you for the opinion
I've spent a significant time on the 2022 Marin Headlands 2 and can't say enough about how good it is! The geometry is perfect for longer endurance rides and it's extremely responsive when it comes to punching it up climbs. I reckon a comprehensive review is just around the corner. Being somewhat bored of riding my road bike, the gravel bike has sparked a new sense of enjoyment when it comes to riding (and if you're wondering, my enjoyment isn't predicated on the craft beer served after most gravel events; although, I do look forward to it).
I think I'm going to have to try a gravel bike on MTB trail challenge 👀
If I was buying my bike again, I would be seriously thinking about a gravel bike. Just the ability to ride on the road easier, but still take a fire road or dirt track interests me. Multiple hand positions seems a big plus too.
Really a gamechanger! I am keen to really test one on some single-track to see just how capable they are on the trails! -Phil
What's a good entrance level gravel bike? Just started riding after 40 years and purchased a Polygon Premier 4. I like it but I'm thinking I may enjoy a gravel bike on the Rail Trails more. Thanks for the info.
The Polygon Bend is a great option. If you prefer a more comfortable upright position, the Marin four corners is a great option too www.bikesonline.com.au/marin-four-corners-touring-disc-road-bike~4904128
I currently ride a Polygon Xtrada 6 2x11. I love my hardtail MTB.
But I’m becoming interested in gravel. But I guess my key question is: Is the gravel bike just a drop bar hardtail MTB? Why go for a hardtail MTB? Why go for a gravel bike?
I reckon a Hard core HT and Gravel combo pretty much covers a wide range of riding possibilities.. it works for me anyway.
There are more mounting points on a gravel bike for bikepacking, and the drop bar gives you a few more hand positions for comfort on long rides. Gravel bikes generally lack front suspension so can’t take big hits on the downhill. The stiffer front end and occasionally slippery rear end can make for more technical & exciting rides tho!
We will have to do a video on hardtails vs gravel! Eugene was spot on with his answer there :)
I want a gravel bike and because of the budget I have three bikes on my list. I am analyzing which would be the best purchase, Headlands 2
2024 Marin, 365 SIGNATURE
2024 Commençal, 2024 Ibis
Hakka MX Rival AXS, although the Commencal says that the aluminum frame is very comfortable, that is why it is called Commencal 365 to use 365 days a year. It has very good components. What do you think would be a good bike?
We always recommend whatever suits your budget best and meets your riding style! If you’re not racing, you’d probably be perfectly happy aboard an alloy option.
@@bikesonline Thanks, I don't do competitions. The Marin has a carbon frame and the Commencal is made of aluminum and has better components. The only thing is that most cyclists say that with the aluminum frame you will feel the vibrations and that you will get tired more. I don't know much about bicycles, although the Commencal, as I mentioned on their website, says that it is super comfortable and that it is for 365 days a year. What I didn't want was to make a mistake in buying it.
@@jduarte1506 that's definitely true regarding the vibrations - carbon fiber does an excellent job of damping disturbances. Whereas the alloy frame will rattle you a bit more.
@@bikesonline Thank you for your opinion, just one more question, if the aluminum frame has better components, that will balance, what I mean is not vs. feeling the vibrations as much and in the design of the frame, thank you for the opinion
What happened to the dropper post guys?
We have gravel rigs that have droppers! You can see them at BikesOnline.com!