r/gravelcycling

Seen Paul Voß riding a camo’d prototype at the gravel WC! Excited for the release as I was debating getting the current Backroad FF.

Hey everyone!

I’m considering building a versatile all-rounder based on a 90s steel/chromoly mountain bike, rather than buying a modern gravel bike.

My idea would be to keep the classic frame but modernise the key components: a 1x9 drivetrain, good V-brakes, quality mixed-terrain tyres, and possibly some other updates where worthwhile. I’d mainly use it for commuting and city riding, but also longer rides, bikepacking, forest paths and occasional road climbs in the mountains.

I’m not looking for a high-performance race bike, just something reliable, comfortable, versatile and relatively affordable. Do you think a well-built vintage MTB could realistically cover most of the same ground as an entry-level gravel bike? What would its main limitations be, especially on longer road rides and climbs?

I also have a specific Peugeot bike in mind that has apparently been converted to 27.5" wheels. I’d love to hear your thoughts on that kind of conversion. Are there any particular issues to look out for regarding frame and fork clearance, brake compatibility, geometry, bottom bracket height or handling? Is it generally a sensible conversion, or are there reasons to stick with the original 26" wheels?

Finally, if you were building this kind of bike, which components would you prioritise, and are there any classic steel MTB frames you’d recommend looking for?

Thanks!

I recently built up a Sunpeed Charon Pro with an aluminum frame and carbon fork. It has an integrated handlebar and a Shimano CUES 1x11 drivetrain, with an 11-45T cassette and 40T chainring.
The bike originally came with different tires, but I converted the wheels to tubeless and swapped them for 700x50 Schwalbe tires — RS in the rear and RX up front.
Everything is brand new, and the whole build came in at under $1,400 USD.
I’m really happy with how it turned out, especially considering the price. What do you guys think? Is this a legit budget-friendly gravel killer?
And for those who have experience with this kind of build: what would you recommend upgrading in the future? I’m mainly interested in getting the best performance and value without spending a fortune.

Needs silver 1x grx now

Did my normal 15 mile or so evening loop of pavement, gravel roads, and farm trails. Freight train was halted for the night at one of the crossings in the middle of a cornfield. Enjoy the gratuitous glamour shots of a well loved steel Norco.

Build exclusively with AliExprexx parts. Sub-1k.

More expensive nowadays, i bought all the parts like 2 years ago, but never had the time to put it together.

Badger State Trail Souther WI. Absolutely perfect day to take out my relatively new Canyon Grizzl (64F, sunny). This is becoming addictive

This is healed in the same area as the Gravel Natls were held recently. Super fun roads, relentless climbing and fast descents with incredible ridges top cruises.

Tubed tires just better fit where I'm at with cycling and I just am not ready to deal with sealant and stuff like that rn.

That being said I love the tread on these tires and I was wondering if anyone has a recommendation for an alternative tire with a similar tread pattern to these or if I am ok just buying these tires and running tubes on them anyways

Bought me a new Gravel for my 36th Birthday a few days ago. So happy with my choice, such a good bike.

Propain New Terrel CF

SRAM Force XPLR

Fulcrum Sharq GR (with Oilslick Decals, i don't know if I keep them)

Zipp Course SL 70

Fizik Tempo Aliante R3 Adaptive

5

Part of the Hunua traverse cycle trail

Finished putting this bad boy together yesterday, and went for a first ride. What a joy, very capable geometry. Feels like a perfect all-rounder.

I have been visiting Finland for a long time, and this was the first time I was able to take a bike. I had planned a weeklong bikepacking tour, but injuries prevented that. What an incredible place to ride! Drivers are respectful, the terrain is relatively flat and cycling infrastructure is world class. Next spring I'm going back for that weeklong bikepacking trip!