The Appalachian Journey - April 11, 2020

[Emm]

I can not recommend the carbon Warbird highly enough. It has exceeded all of my expectations of a gravel bike. So much so, that when it became very apparent that my original Warbird was too small, I got another Warbird.

The Warbird, and the Giant Revolt Advanced (https://www.giant-bicycles.com/us/re...dvanced-0-2020) are currently at the top of my list. I tried the Warbird out when I got my renegade and thought it was really fun to ride. Birru recommended the Revolt, so I think that's worth a serious look too. I'm not planning on making the purchase until after the holidays, so I'm going to try them both out over the next few weeks hopefully and mull over my decision...

[rcannon100]

Just put some *thicc* and ~SuPpLe~ tires on your Renegade.

I second that. I just got a supple Surly Straggler (700 x 45 tires which can also do 650b x 45). It is a damn fine bike for gravel. Renegade should be a great gravel bike. Check out this guys excellent reviews of supple gravel bikes http://www.pathlesspedaled.com/

That said.... I mean.... WARBIRD!!

(you might also try the KONA Rove)

[Judd]

What's people's plans for crank and cassette sizes? My gravel bike currently has a 42 crank with a 12-36 10 speed cassette. It looks like the 65 mile route has about a 1,000 foot climb over 5 miles and then a 1,800 ish climb over 4-5 miles. It looks like an 11-42 is available for the cassette and I could go as low a 34T up front.

[Sunyata]

What's people's plans for crank and cassette sizes? My gravel bike currently has a 42 crank with a 12-36 10 speed cassette. It looks like the 65 mile route has about a 1,000 foot climb over 5 miles and then a 1,800 ish climb over 4-5 miles. It looks like an 11-42 is available for the cassette and I could go as low a 34T up front.

Run what ya brung...

That being said, I have a 50/34 up front (chain ring sizes, not crank size, my crank is 172.5 ) and an 11-36 in the back. That set up has been perfect for just about everything. However, if I had a 1x, I would want a 42 up front and an 11-42 in the back. A 1:1 ratio should be plenty for all but the steepest grades. Although, I am a masher, not a spinner. If I was a spinner, I would probably go for a 38 up front and an 11-42 in the rear. Hope that helps.

[josh]

What's people's plans for crank and cassette sizes? My gravel bike currently has a 42 crank with a 12-36 10 speed cassette. It looks like the 65 mile route has about a 1,000 foot climb over 5 miles and then a 1,800 ish climb over 4-5 miles. It looks like an 11-42 is available for the cassette and I could go as low a 34T up front.

38x17?

But yeah I'd agree with Casey that a 1:1 ratio should be good for paved/gravel climbs that aren't stupid steep if you're not carrying stuff. I used a 34x11-42 for the Dirt Farm Hill Climb and it was nice for that, but it'd be way too spinny for the flats and descents.

[Sunyata]

38x17?

But yeah I'd agree with Casey that a 1:1 ratio should be good for paved/gravel climbs that aren't stupid steep if you're not carrying stuff. I used a 34x11-42 for the Dirt Farm Hill Climb and it was nice for that, but it'd be way too spinny for the flats and descents.

Considering that I accidentally raced Ed Sander on a 40x17, I can attest that the Journey is totally doable on a 38x17.

#SoGladThereWasBourbonAtTheTop

[Smitty2k1]

Free agent here, looking for a teammate!

[musclys]

38x17?

40x17