Oh my, what a large head tube you have!

Every two years I like to switch out bikes, at least gravel bikes. The Fred Mobile only lasted a year and the Specialized Tri-Cross lasted two commutes. I replaced the Cannondale SX800 with a Surly Cross Check and I wasn't really happy with the size of the Specialized. Now, two years later I now have a new bike.

Co-op Cycles ADV 3.1 Bike

I have gone back to a smaller frame.  The store called this a large which after you look at the geometry it works out to a 58 cm frame. I feel like riding a 61 cm to be great on a bike commute with some mixed terrain but when in the woods the bike doesn't seem to be nimble enough. My Cross Check was certainly nimble.  Of course one another driving factor is the price. Since its discontinued and the last one in the store, it was half the regular retail price.  I also had my REI Dividend and a $50 gift card to use.

These cement tires, 700x40c, are awesome.  Plenty of knob for dirt and constant pattern down the middle of roads.  Additional qualities are light weight and puncture resistant.

I wanted to try a 1x but an 11x34 and triple upfront gives me plenty of range to climb just about anything.

Yep, those are barend shifters and they are really smooth.  The bars are seriously flared and the shorter drop makes riding in the drops and switching between braking and shifting all that easier.

Features

• Double-butted chromoly steel frame offers durability for the backcountry and the reliably smooth ride quality that steel is known for
• Flared handlebar with bar-end shifters enhances downhill handling on rough terrain
• Shimano Deore triple crank powers the 30-speed drivetrain for versatile performance on any grade
• TRP Spyre cable-actuated mechanical disc brakes offer excellent stopping power
• Puncture-resistant 700 x 40c tires feature a wide, stable contact patch for confidence on varied terrain
• Low-rider fork mounts and rear braze-ons accept front and rear racks for light touring (racks sold separately)

 

Above is a stock picture of the bike because I am still in the process of Fredding up mine.  Switching out the saddle, eventually I will get a Brooks C15 for it.  A longer stem that is angled down instead of up as seen above.  Under top tube gear bag, bottle cages, and a front rack.  If and when I go touring, I will be adding a rear rack, too.

Best Use	Bike Touring
Frame	Double-butted chromoly steel
Fork	Chromoly steel
Bike Suspension	No Suspension
Crankset	Shimano Deore, 48/36/26
Bottom Bracket	Shimano Deore SM-BB52 external bearing
Shifters	Microshift BS-M10 bar-end
Front Derailleur	Shimano Deore
Rear Derailleur	Shimano Deore
Rear Cogs	Shimano HG62, 11-34, 10-speed
Number of Gears	30
Brake Type	Mechanical Disc Brake
Brakes	TRP Spyre mechanical disc
Brake Levers	TRP RRL-A
Rims	Alex AT 470
Front Hub	Formula, 32h
Rear Hub	Formula, 32h
Wheel Size	700c
Tires	DONNELLY X'PLOR MSO, 700 x 40mm
Tire Width	40 millimeters
Handlebar Shape	Drop Bar
Handlebar	Co-op Cycles aluminum
Stem	Co-op Cycles aluminum
Seat Post	Co-op Cycles aluminum
Saddle	WTB Pure V Race
Pedals	Sold separately
Headset	FSA with turn limiter
Chain	KMC Z99
Weight	25 lbs. 9.6 oz.