Is Mason's Bokeh High-End Aluminium Gravel Bike a Rival to Carbon?

I've been riding the 3rd generation Mason Bokeh gravel bike to see if it's any good an retains everything I loved about the original launched back in 2016 and whether with the latest updates it's worth buying in 2023.
Supported by Saddleback
Castelli clothing bit.ly/justridebikes
Sidi shoes bit.ly/3tjQ8UP
HJC helmet bit.ly/3sRiB2Z
Buy Bikestow Stance stand here bit.ly/3LSZQXZ
Follow me:
Instagram: / davidjarthur
Twitter: / davearthur
Facebook: / justridebikesvideo

[@daviddjerassi]

CRAZY MONEY sorry David another rip off .

[@abedfo88]

The frameset alone is £1500! Disappointingly expensive i think.

[@charlesblithfield6182]

Nice cleaning job David. That looks like a brilliant bike. Aluminium! Aluminium is good material for a gravel bike, I’d be afraid of cracking a carbon frame.

[@AndrasH3]

TO EXPENSIV

[@paulwilliams4990]

Too much for an aluminium bike.

[@living4adrenaline]

The colossal CAVEAT is the tire clearance is only 700x45c. No frame companies should be making gravel bikes that can't clear a ~55mm/2.1" tire!

[@ThePsychodo]

Love Mason cycles, Beautiful bikes . Nice review.

[@christopherhood9241]

As a bokeh 2 rider who build up my bike as a lock down project (ekar was all i could get a hold of), 25k later i love riding my bokeh. So comfortable, so versatile, silky smooth - bike is used for everything from lunchtime training rides to ultra racing. Super helpful team a Mason to.

[@WerdnaLiten]

I'd think a Fairlight is better value; and has more options.

[@17cream]

Beautiful bike, but this is a heavy bike competing with lighter carbon frames

[@thecampingastronomer8554]

I have the previous version of the Bokeh, also kitted out with Campag Ekar, and I must say it's a beautiful bike to look at and ride. I also have an old school Mercian steel road race bike which can only take 23mm tyres. Interestingly, the Bokeh with 38mm tyres is a smoother ride on the road than the Mercian, and rolls almost as well. As a lightweight bikepacking / touring bike for on and off road the Bokeh excels, so it's a very good do it all bike. I live in Sussex, so took the opportunity to visit the Barn, and was allowed to test ride Dom's titanium Bokeh as it was my size. I went back to collect my bike when it was ready.

[@josephhowie9806]

Great review David. Love to see a video where you break down you thoughts/opinions of different gravel handlebar designs

[@lorenzodelacruz1887]

Bro David, I just got my t shirt which is interesting since I decided to never buy another! Your show is very honest and informative so I will support that. My gravel bike is the same one as my road bike, I just change tires. Surly crosscheck. I am 70, so it does fine, I can't afford to fall anyway! Hurts too much. Thanks for the show.

[@jensbertholhansen3435]

I have the first version Bokeh from December 2017. Fantastic riding machine.

[@dominicmason278]

David had an early final sample of the V3, where the rear chainstay clearance wasn't as production. There is now ample clearance for 650 x 2.1 [55] both ends : ]

[@andrewgrenville5330]

Nice review, I Love my Bokeh Ti.

[@akcalder92]

I enjoy your videos

[@themuddycyclist]

This is very tempting just struggling with this price point not being carbon

[@BikeLife154]

Beautiful bike! The finish on the frame looks immaculate.

[@nickbeauchamp1039]

Hi David, thinking of buying a new steel framed gravel bike. Options narrowed down to Fairlight Secan, Mason Exposure or Ritchy Outback. Wondered if you tested either of the last 2. I think the Ritchy is a frame only option, but Wondered if you'd tested either and would appreciate your thoughts.