I've finally got permission from SWMBO to buy a new bike. Therefore, I was wondering if you lot had thoughts on a sub 1k gravel bike. I'm thinking pinnacle Arkose x, or Sonder Camino AL.

What you reckon ?

Arkose - don't know about the Sonder as I've not ridden one.

If I were looking for a "gravel" bike I'd be building one up like Stu's Arkrose

2 inch, 650b wheels and mtb gearing.

Sure I remember James saying that there may be some in the shops soon?

I'm thinking a 38/40t cassette but not sure about the chain ting. What you running Stu?

I have a gt grade al x which is great. Got it on sale for 974 with 1x11 sram rival group set.

What you running Stu?

36 on the back and a 28/36 up front. Quite low (too low) for serious road use but I built it for off-road where it works very well.

PM coming your way, Dave.

Cheers folks.

The newer arkoses have more clearance than before

Mr Arbuckle wrote:I have a gt grade al x which is great. Got it on sale for 974 with 1x11 sram rival group set.

What's the tyre clearance like ?

ootini wrote:

Mr Arbuckle wrote:I have a gt grade al x which is great. Got it on sale for 974 with 1x11 sram rival group set.

What's the tyre clearance like ?

It's not brilliant TBH it came with 33mm gravel/cx tyres (clement mxp) and I wouldnt want to squeeze any bigger on it. the rear isn't as tight as the front. I'm really selling it here arent I? the bike is quite light for what it is and compared to others at that pricepoint. I upgraded the cranks to a set of carbon sram force 1 and the stem, seatpost and saddle to lighter more shock absorbing carbon jobbies. only real issue was the rear wheel had a few spokes snap on me, prb due to a bad factory build, been ok since I loosened them all off and re tensioned them. the rear freehub hasnt lasted that well over the british winter (6 months and its goosed, but at about £80 for a mavic ksyrium rear wheel its easier just to replace when it does give up.

Hope you find what you are looking for. good luck