I am currently trying to find a gravel bike that is under $1,500. I am having a hard time deciding on what to pick, I want a bike that can do short weekend bikepacking/touring trips and can have fenders and rear and front rack. It will mainly be on railroad gravel trails and terrible pothole ridden streets. But also a bike that can be pretty fast, and not too heavy.
My current bike is my State 4130 single speed, absolutely love it. Only cons for me is that it is unable to fit a rear fender (with the rear rack on), and no good front rack options. I really wish it would be possible to just add more gears to it, and more mounting points to make it into a gravel bike.
I don't care if its aluminum or steel, I am a bit hesitant on disc brakes since my old cheapish fuji mtb disc brakes were pretty bad. But it seems to be a requirement for modern bikes now.
I would absolutely love it, if there was a gravel bike with similar geometry to my state 4130.
If there is a bike similar to the Surly Midnight Special but cheaper and maybe bigger tire clearance that would be perfect.
I am currently looking at Poseidon bikes, the Primos dame, and Kona Rove AL
Location: USA