This bike is really an unbeatable value. I have the 2019 G1 with Shimano GRX 600 and it is just great for the Vermont dirt roads and the Nordic trails. Appreciate the thought-through features like a threaded bottom bracket and name brand parts (Shimano, Zipp, Mercury, that stick to industry-standard specs). A comparable bike costs many hundreds more...

When buying a gravel bike you need to ask what you want it to be. Some are looking for a more capable road bike others are looking for more of a hard tail mountain bike or something. I still have my old hard tail and don’t need another. I was looking for a more capable road bike. This bike is a great balance of fast but with the tire clearance and the ability to mount fenders and three water bottles a do everything i want but most importantly is still relatively light and fast. I also really like that it does not have any sort of gimmick like suspension. Add in bigger tubeless tires and the fact that the seat stays mount lower and there is some flex in the seat-post you don’t need any suspension it just adds weight and if that is what you want buy a Mt Bike.

This bike is an incredible value given the summer sale. If you’re on the fence, just get the bike and you won’t be disappointed. I was deciding between this and the Grail and I have no regrets.

Pros:
- finishing kit: all zipp, fizik saddle, Ardennes plus wheels, no other bike has this spec in this price range
- black paint, it’s a matte black that kind of feels like protective paint
- 9.12kgs with xt pedals
- rear triangle is so comfortable, the front could be a bit stiff if tire pressure isn’t just right
- at first I wasn’t a fan of the quick-release style thru axles, but its convenience has grown on me. It also protected the frame when my bike fell over

Cons:
- oddly spec’d tires, I changed to 40mm wtb ventures and couldn’t be happier
- hed rim tape was crinkled from the factory, although it came with tubeless tape and the tire still sealed so I can’t complain

If you’re looking for the best specs for your money, Viathon is the brand, hands down. If you care about a story of racing heritage or something else, expect to pay more.

I’m coming from a road background with an aero and endurance bike already in the stable, this is a great addition bc it opens up so many new routes for me.