FireAnthem wrote on 01/27/17 at 5:09am:


I've done Love Valley Roubaix, Darby Roubaix, Savage CX, Wilson's Revenge, and Pisgah Monstercross all on the 35's that originally came on my Warbird. They have performed well and I like them, but when the time comes to replace them I will probably go with 40's.

(You need to Login or Register to view media files and links); As Enoch stated that he likes using his hardtail mountain bike for gravel. If that is more of your interest, then the dropbar Fargo may interest you. It can handle very large tires. It seems though that you are looking for a road machine that can travel gravel. And also disc brakes seems to be a priority. If discs are not something you need. You could check out what the largest width tire you can put on your Cannondale. Anything from 28mm to 32 would be a good compromise. The only road bikes I have studied have been Trek, so if you wanted something else, you could look for a endurance style bike. The Trek Madone has a disc model and I have seen those bikes on some of the gravel courses. I don't think it would accept anything over a 32 mm. But those bikes have a more relaxed geometry for riding over the long haul. Real gravel bikes are more like marathon bikes that you could use for bike packing and ultra races that are not supported. The 2017 warbird added eyelets this year for if you wanted to add racks or fenders. I think you could save a little money by going for the Devirge. Larger width tires are good for comfort, but are a must for loaded touring. So if you want a mixed road bike for group rides that will do gravel. I ,personally, do not think all that heft is needed