Bicycle Recommendation - Athletic but Entry Level Gravel
Hi all, I’m new to this space and fairly new to cycling. I’ve been looking at gravel bikes at around a $1500 price point (though I’m keeping some eye out for a bike holding value in case I take to this and want to upgrade). I recognize this is not going to get super high end, but I’m told I can get something reliable and good at about this price point. I tried the Trek Checkpoint series out, and the ARL 3 I thought was a pretty good ride, but I think I’ve narrowed it down to Co-op Cycles ADV 2.1 Bike and the Van Rysel GRVL AF 2 Sword Bike. They’re both at REI, slightly more economical than the TREK, and I like the REI support structure.
I was settled on the Van Rysel, which is just under $1600, but REI is having a sale on their Co-Op cycles right now, which puts the regular $1500 price point at $1200. From what I can see of specs, there’s not a ton of difference— both have the same shifting system, and both have similar mechanical disc brakes— but I’m reading the Van Rysel may have a “racier geometry.” I don’t mind spending the extra money if it’s a worthwhile investment; however, I don’t know how quickly I would feel the difference.
For context, I’m new to cycling, but I am athletic, so I do want the bike to hold up well to regular 20+ mile rides. Basically, I realized I can’t run 7 plus miles everyday at 42, and I need something that’s going to be a good supplement to that from spring to fall. Rides for the most part will be paved or crushed limestone, but I’m looking at gravel bikes for the times I’m not on that.