the Best Gravel Bike under $2000? Vaast A1 MAGNESIUM

[@alexaudiovisuals]

So, 2 years later, what do you think? I really feel your point about the steel frames with modern components, thats why i ordered a vaast frame and a deda fork, planning to build a fully integrated electronic shifting allroad bike with 2 sets of deep carbon wheels (1 road, 1 gravel)

[@joejoejoe532]

As someone who owns and rides this bike regularly, the paint and coating hasn't yet chipped enough to test its corrosion resistance. I will point out that I do put protective tape just on the lowest point of the dropped chain stay just in case chain slap is an issue. On a side note: I know that magnesium alloys have been safely and effectively used in firearm industries in AR-15s. People in that community still prefer Type III anodized aluminum alloy, but magnesium alloys have been used in high stress environments (more stressful than bike impacts) to passable effect.

[@Steve-uw5bf]

Can you comment on running larger tyres (like 40 or 42mm on 700c wheels) than what ships on it? I ride chunky/muddy gravel and intrigued by the Vaast but wonder about real-world, effective clearance - I don't want to have to get my paint stick out every few miles to scrape mud off the insides of fork and seat stays, etc. Also can you give an update on what you think about it several months into ownership? Thanks.

[@joejoejoe532]

@@Steve-uw5bf I have ran 40s in pretty chunky/muddy conditions without issue, but I don't ride in those conditions regularly, so I don't have a big enough sample size to give a confident assessment. There are appears to be a fair amount of space down there. Its first use was a 1600-mile round trip from Chicago to Niagara Falls in a variety of conditions, which it did great on. I have not used 42s and cannot speak to how well they ride. In terms of wear, so far it is no different than aluminum bikes I own at similar price point (Cannondale top stone 105 in aluminum for reference). The paint hasn't chipped yet (partly because I taped up the chain stays). It is worth noting that I am only at the 8 month mark, which really isn't enough yet to test serious corrosion. But yeah so far it feels like an aluminum bike, rides like an aluminum bike of similar components, just about 300-400 grams lighter than than their equivalent counterparts.

[@imagistatheimagista1870]

I test drove the Vaast and ended up trading in my Cannondale Topstone 5 for the matte black with the 1X scram and LOVE it!!! I liked the Topstone 5 but it felt too compliant (not responsive enough for me personally). The Vaast is super responsive, fast, agile, and just feels fun to ride! It’s not as compliant as the Topstone but still feel smooth and definitely deals with vibrations etc. I’ll be using it for real gravel as well as some single track. I LOVE the look and the ride! I will probably upgrade the seat post to carbon and may, eventually, upgrade the wheel set to carbon but for now I’m good. I may also change to electronic (2X) shifting if I find myself running out of gears but for now I’m extremely happy with the bike! I’ll write again once I’ve got 300-400 miles on it but so far so good! Thanks for your video. Curious to hear more about you’ve got some miles on it! 👍🏻

[@Steve-uw5bf]

Can you comment on running larger tyres (like 40 or 42mm on 700c wheels)? I ride chunky and at times muddy gravel; intrigued by the Vaast but wonder about real-world, effective clearance - I don't want hassle with a paint stick every few miles to scrape mud off the insides of fork and seat stays, etc. Also can you give an update on what you think about it several months into ownership? Thanks.

[@jimmyhor78]

Your Topstone was alloy or carbon?

[@marcguerino5645]

Picking this bike up tomorrow, hyped for it 🤙

[@kruuuber]

Stunning bike! I follow you on the magnesium scepticism. Some rock strikes can be brutal.. and then what? I’ve chipped my ceramic coated cookware, and that’s without even leaving the house. Keep it up buddy! Looking forward to the race videos. Best wishes from Norway :)

[@WhoUWith9999]

Looking forward to seeing the M1!

[@MossieRidesBikes]

I am too!!

[@solitaryrefinement6787]

I have carbon, I have aluminum, I have vintage steel and I have a custom stainless steel build. I can't wait to get my hands on a VAAST. It sounds like the perfect rig. It's be sick if it came in a raw finish my my stainless steel rig.

[@mikep277]

Beautiful Machine ! 🤘🏼🚴🏽🤘🏼🚴🏽🤘🏼🚴🏽

[@bleachlectures3973]

get one while you czn

[@Steve-uw5bf]

Nice vid (liked/subscribed) and look forward to seeing a follow up. Was this just a review or do you actually own this bike and can comment on long-term use? Concerned about hassle-free tyre clearance with 40 or even 42mm on 700c -- in muck/mud etc of the Midwest. (Think Dirty Kanza/Unbound.) Thanks.

[@ryanturk4418]

feel free to review that stages bike when it comes in if youd like

[@aczephyr]

Have you tried 2022 Giant Revolt Advanced Gravel bike? If yes, what is your comment compared with Vaast A-1?

[@imagistatheimagista1870]

Ps. IMHO rides better than steel and as equal to a stiffer carbon bike. Compliant but not top complaint.

[@Behine.DeChilis]

Livin in a box. Livin in a cardboard box.