Gravel/Hybrid Bike on budget! Chepo new vs used + some new parts?

[tribanjules]

Thanks, looks like a good price for those tyres as well.

I've just been to decathlon so I can actually ride bikes with drop bars (they got a big stores so I was actually able to ride, not like in tiny evans store.
I even liked thier Triban RC 120 Shame they don't have the gravel Tribans anymore.
So I think I'll be ordering Merlin Malt G2 Claris, unless I find something nice on ebay, but so far no luck. I want to order tommorow so I'll get the bike on weekend

Triban will take gravel tyre- panaracer 35

 

[ms.hyde]

Triban will take gravel tyre- panaracer 35

Thanks!

I'm really wondering, because it seemed pretty good, at least those two I tested and I won't be able to test Merlin, just got to order it

 

[vickster]

Triban will take gravel tyre- panaracer 35 View attachment 607983

Where do the mudguards go?
The Malt has disc brakes which might be good for all weather commuting, and mudguards compatible

 

[ms.hyde]

Where do the mudguards go?
The Malt has disc brakes which might be good for all weather commuting, and mudguards compatible

Ah yes mudguards, I forgot I would be covered in mud when it starts raining, not the best look coming in to the office in the morning

 

[vickster]

Ah yes mudguards, I forgot I would be covered in mud when it starts raining, not the best look coming in to the office in the morning

Indeed, and better for the bike too not getting covered in muck

 

[ms.hyde]

Also a question.
If I would want to upgrade/convert from Claris 2x8 to a 1x10 or 1x11 in the future?
Would I mess up the bike if I would frankenstein cranks to make it a 40T 1x8 ?
( I hate the idea of 2x and always had 1x)

 

[vickster]

If you want 1x it’s much cheaper to buy it straight off, the big cassettes alone are well over £100
eg https://www.planetx.co.uk/i/q/CBPXL...O-1H36UMcsMIZ9bGd1IaAlWSEALw_wcB#CBPXLDNRDSA1 (although the small may still be too big)

 

[adamhearn]

What do you think you'll be achieving by converting to a 1x drivetrain? Following the trend will for the most part be uneconomical/not bring huge benefits.

Buy the Merlin.

 

[ms.hyde]

I ordered the Merlin! I hope it feels great.
Just got to get used to different sprocket and get some small bits to make it a bit more colorful

Thank You everyone for help ❤

 

[vickster]

I ordered the Merlin! I hope it feels great.
Just got to get used to different sprocket and get some small bits to make it a bit more colorful

Thank You everyone for help ❤

Cycology do some super jazzy bartape
https://www.cycologygear.co.uk/collections/bartape
The Malt is black and grey so the world is your lobster colour wise

Merlin have Supacaz in lots of bright colours on special...I'm sure they'd rewrap the bars before delivery if you ask them?
https://www.merlincycles.com/supacaz-super-sticky-kush-bar-tape-120369.html

 

[T4tomo]

I've just been to decathlon so I can actually ride bikes with drop bars (they got a big stores so I was actually able to ride, not like in tiny evans store.
I even liked their Triban RC 120 Shame they don't have the gravel Tribans anymore, I even looked at this:
https://www.decathlon.co.uk/p/cycle-touring-road-bike-rc500-disc-brake/_/R-p-308097
650 for a sora is not bad, but I recon throwin a 38 tyre won't exactly make it a gravel bike and Merlin is a better choice?

Well it sort of would, a "gravel" bike is really a touring bike with clearance for fatter tyres. But then its not £650, its £720+ to factor in decent gravel tyres, and with 35mm tyres in there , you might not have clearance for mudguards.

all you gain over the malt is 9 gears vs 8, which you wouldn't notice in practice.

Where do the mudguards go?

attached to the mudguard mounts - the triban linked by the OP has rack and mudguard mounts

I ordered the Merlin! I hope it feels great.

I am sure you will love it.

 

[vickster]

attached to the mudguard mounts - the triban linked by the OP has rack and mudguard mounts

I meant with the much fatter tyres, didn't look to be much space with the brake callipers

 

[ms.hyde]

Got my Merlin yday!
I added some colour, just got to get some mud guards and proper lights

I’ve only did few miles so far, the rain was too crazy!
I’m really happy with it, just had to regulate the brakes and the reach… Brakes were barely braking, but probably becausew it’s all new ?

Thank You all for helping out

 

[jowwy]

Got my Merlin yday!
I added some colour, just got to get some mud guards and proper lights

View attachment 608489
I’ve only did few miles so far, the rain was too crazy!
I’m really happy with it, just had to regulate the brakes and the reach… Brakes were barely braking, but probably becausew it’s all new ?

Thank You all for helping out

Wow that saddle is low.........is it the right size??

 

[adamhearn]

Got my Merlin yday!
I added some colour, just got to get some mud guards and proper lights

View attachment 608489
I’ve only did few miles so far, the rain was too crazy!
I’m really happy with it, just had to regulate the brakes and the reach… Brakes were barely braking, but probably becausew it’s all new ?

Thank You all for helping out

Well done you! Looks nice (though the pedal are an acquired aesthetic I'd say )

Forgive me for asking but the saddle looks very low?!