The new Dare GFX gravel gran fondo road bike gets a sleeker rear dropout system, improving the adjustable chainstay length design over last year’s prototype. The new rear end puts the axle system closer into the frame, which should enhance stiffness. The brake mounts are also tucked in better, but remain easily accessible from the bottom. Overall it’s a much cleaner looking design that still provides up to 15mm of adjustment.
The flat mount calipers now sit on a standard mounting plate, which moves in tandem with the axle.
The design lets the rider tuck the rear end in tighter for racier handling, or spread out to make room for larger tires. The frame will fit up to 700×45, 29×2.1 or 650Bx2.25, giving you plenty of options.
The frame keeps the flattened lower seat tube, helping provide a little give on large bumps, but still allows for a dropper post to be installed. The downtube hides a battery compartment under the water bottle bosses.
Up front, their fork comes with a smooth insert that fills the gap when you’re running smaller tires. It’s purely an aesthetic detail, but avoids a huge opening when not maxing out your tire size. Above this is a new carbon flared handlebar that is one of the options available through their custom bike builder online. They let you choose each component from a variety of no-charge and paid upgrade parts, as well as paint color. Base builds start at just $3,599.
2019 Dare TSRf Triathlon Bike
Completely new for 2019 is the Dare TSRf triathlon bike. While many new tri super bikes are moving to disc brakes, they’re sticking with covered/hidden rim brake calipers. But, compared to the prior model, they say it’s 15% more aerodynamic.
It’s also easier to pack and transport, though they didn’t specify how. Everything is covered, from battery compartment to junction box to front brakes.
Similar to the GFX, the TSRf can be custom built based on your budget and needs.