Building the perfect the bike for an event like GBDURO is a challenge in itself – ideally finding a frameset, and all the complimentary componentry, that blends fast gravel performance with adventure capability. Combining the speed needed for the smoother gravel and road sectors, with the stability and balance while loaded with bags, and the ability to handle the more extreme terrain that will be thrown at it along the way, is a difficult balance to strike.

Added to this is the additional need for luggage attachments, and bigger tyre clearance for the more challenging off-road stretches (of which there are plenty). As someone who doesn’t ever use a frame bag, I didn’t need a big main ‘triangle’, but did want to find a bike with a high enough front end that bags would fit even on a smaller frame size, and enough seat post for a rear pack.

I was anticipating a fair bit of compromise on my wish list of requirements for this bike build. However, after a few days of research, the Salsa Warbird was the clear winner. It was originally one of a few bikes I was considering, but it didn’t take long to conclude that the Warbird was the perfect bike for the job. Ticking every box isn’t often possible, but this time it was, and I was fortunate that I could get hold of one in my size!

The Warbird is a true endurance gravel racer (not a cyclo-cross derived bike, aimed more at tight turns than open trails) that is also able to carry a large load while still riding beautifully.  The Warbird is the original drop-barred gravel bike, so Salsa have had many years to perfect it. The rear seat stay design is famous for delivering a smooth controlled ride over rough stuff (which will be essential for GBDURO given the length and roughness of some bits), while still delivering a fast and flowing ride over the less challenging surfaces.

I will save the rest of the componentry, like wheels, tyres and finishing kit, for a future blog, partly because the bike build is still in progress, but the other decision that had to be made early on was the groupset. Even before I knew what bike I would be using, I knew that I wanted a 1x GRX setup.  This was an easy decision for me, and a bit of a no brainer, as it’s robust, reliable, easily serviced, and shifts and brakes brilliantly.

Although the official Shimano recommendation for a 1x GRX groupset is a 42t max rear cog, in practice it works flawlessly with a 46t, so this is the ratio I will be riding with, paired with a 40t chainring. It gives an extra low gear that I will definitely be grateful for, and apart from the lowest gear all the other cogs are same as a 42t cassette. No downsides, only the added option of some easier pedalling!

I’m excited to add the finishing touches to the Warbird build, and I will be testing it out over the rough stuff next weekend. Stay tuned for a future report on its first big outing.

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The Road to GBDuro with Molly Weaver