Is it a gravel bike yet?
No it’s a drop bar, fully rigid MTB. But what’s the difference right?
A long project of mine over the last year or so is converting my 2019 Rockhopper into something more ‘gravelly’.
The latest editions were the carbon fork and the DT Swiss M1900 rear wheel (converted to fit into the QR frame).
Other modifications include the drop bars, SRAM Apex shifters and brake callipers, Specialized Pathfinder tyres in 50mm (I’ve also had the Thunder Burt’s 2.1 on there but I didn’t really get on with them for some reason) and a 36 tooth chainring.
Future upgrades include downsizing to165 GX crank arms and a Roval control carbon seatpost.
I may also consider changing the derailleur and cassette (and compatible freehub body) to GX to further extend the gear range.
I’ll finally swap out the frame set next year , probably downsizing to a Specialized Chisel in a size small and lengthening the stem a few mm’s.
The bike weighed 13.5 when I got it, it’s now 11kg.
Why not just get a gravel bike? Dunno really. This was fun and is turning into something a bit unique.
Feel free to repost to a circlejerk channel if you feel this qualifies