Jamis gravelbike or hardtail? A1 , S4

[robertilles95]

Hi so I went around my near bike shops and found 2 bike what I liked. I could stretch my budget to about 500 if the bike is new. So I found the jamis S4 gravel for 399 or A1 hardtail for 499.
To be honest I liked the look of the gravel a bit more, and probably skip the woodland area if I take that bike.
Would I have hard time with that bike or I should go with the A1 hartail with 1x11 gear.
I'm 6'4 and about 120 kgs.
Thank you

 

[oxoman]

Go with the one that suits your needs. Just remember a gravel bike is more than capable of doing mtb stuff. I do sherwood and cannock on my gravel bike without issues.

 

[robertilles95]

I saw some videos guys doing some trails on gravel, however probably i would go some very light one if ever i get to that point. also saw some videos ppl tend to fall over more often on gravel bikes im a bit confused which way should i go. frame is 58 on the S4, and XL on the A1 highpoint. on paper the A1 is my size, since the 58 frame is for 6'-6'2, but wouldnt able to tell which fits well since I havent own any bike since i was about 12y old.

 

[oxoman]

The guys in the bikeshop should be able to help you on basic setup. If they can't then they don't deserve your custom. What i will also say is it's easier to make an undersized bike fit, as opposed to making to big a bike fit. If you've not ridden in a long while it might be worth just going hardtail as more forgiving on inexperienced riders imho. That gives you the excuse in a yrs time to go N+1

 

[Jameshow]

If you ride mostly on roads or paths the gravel bike will be faster. But if you ride through woods and rocky terrain the the MTB will be better.

If your older then the gravel bike will use your energy more efficiently. But the front shock on a MTB is nice even on the canal!