Para alguien que tiene un canal y "vive de ello", "dar pena" es una forma de mover sentimientos. Seguro que eres joven y mas fácilmente emocionable. Las bicicletas eran hace pocos años un recurso de desplazamiento barato para países pobres (lo sigue siendo), hoy los ricos las usamos para "hacer deporte", pero nos desplazamos en coche. Cuando alguien delante de una cámara "quiere dar pena", eso, está "guionizado". Si eres joven (yo no lo soy) a lo mejor (deseo que no), si hay un colapso de combustibles fósiles, tendrás "como castigo" que desplazarte en bicicleta.
Hi Russ - I work at a major bicycle shop in sales and do some wrenching. We say all the time 90% of people riding do it for FUN! Yet people make fun of step through frames (that help older and physically challenged, and not confident) riders get riding. People make fun of e-bikes - yet so many people ride a LOT more with an e-bike, I see road riders make fun of mountain bikers and vice versa. My philosophy which aligns with my employer- just go ride! I really love your channel and hope you ignore the negatives! Hope to ride at party pace with you and Laura! You make the bicycling world a better place! Thank you my brother!
I don't have an e-bike or intend to get one anytime soon, but I guess that you can look at it as having the ultimate bailout gear, for when you need it.
@@donhuber9131 how dare you stay active into your 70s without suffering needlessly uncomfortable equipment to conform with how 20 year old cyclists ride!
Hey man. I am a 54 year old 230 pound cyclist that climbed independence pass this summer. I slapped in a 22 on front with a 11-42 on the back ,.I have " real cyclists" look cross eyed at me cycling all the time. Even laugh as they blow by me. I imagine, to them, I look like an Orca in cycling gear. NEVER EVER feel bad..Just like you cycling changed my life for the better.... I love what you do! I appreciate it so much. I never have commented on a video before in my life. You keep doing your thing. I am heading to join as a patreon member or whatever they call it on here now. You deserve all of the support in the world.
@@michaelfasher Maybe you mean your wife has that gearing on her bike. Why do men so often talk as though their women cycling partners are incapable of making choices for themselves? (Guys, if you feel the urge to post gear reviews saying, "I got this for my girlfriend and she loves it," just stop. If the user likes the gear enough to post a review, she can.)
I don't think the criticism you're receiving has anything to do with cycling or your choice of gearing. I think it's deeper than that. I think it's because people are becoming increasingly angry and intolerant. Content creators are like lightning rods for the irritability brewing inside these people. Simply by offering a different viewpoint, you're vulnerable to their strikes. Don't let it get to you, my friend. You have a great channel, you offer thoughtful and informative opinions, and you remind us that cycling is for everyone.
100% the comments section of a youtube video they didn't even watch all the way through is low hanging fruit for folks who desire an easy, anonymous outlet for their pent up rage.
People have always been angry. Been on the web since 2000, anger is not new. The difference is there are more options to be angry and algorithm fuling anger.
I don’t think cycling has a gear shaming problem - I think people in general have a shaming problem about everything. It is everywhere on every UA-cam channel and FB group. I am soooooo sick of it. I am a slightly overweight 68 year old woman with a knee replacement and other arthritis. Bring on the lowest gears possible! Would rather pedal up a hill than walk. I have been told that my gears should be just fine. Then why do I run out of gears on climbs? Oh yeah - cause I don’t fit the cycling profile, should lose weight, and try harder. I should probably just give it up. Good grief! That’s why I subscribe to your channel and support you on Patreon. Love you guys and all of your content. Party Pace all the way! (Sorry for the rant!)
"What I find hilarious and absurd, a pro rider I watch on UA-cam profiled one of his "gravel" bikes, a carbon hardtail with a 40T front chainring and a 10-52 cassette (possibly 11-51). If a pro rider, running a 9 hour and change Unbound time is using gearing this low, why are gravel bikes for non-pros supplied with 40T or 42T chain rings coupled to an 11-42 cassette? It makes zero sense."....Part of what I posted-WHY does a 26 y/o PROFESSIONAL rider run lower gearing than what you and I can find at a bike shop? The entry-level and mid-level bikes supplied to the rest of us have gearing the pros would not use at Unbound. I just don't get it!
When our (my wife and me, as we retired) Thorn Raven Tour bikes were being specced, the designer asked about gearing and we shrugged, with no idea, and he said, "Right, we will gear them so that when touring with luggage, neither of you will ever have to step off the bike no matter what hill you come across." He got it just about dead right and over thousands of kilometres we thanked him hundreds of times over. More power to your elbow. All the best.
I love the "don't shit on other people's joy" mantra As a single speed rider with fairly easy ratio (30x20) I sometimes get an odd look from a fellow single speeder I enjoy it because it lets me enjoy steep climbs with less strain on my knees, on the flats it's pretty slow but I just try to make the most of it and enjoy the scenery My daily commuter is a 3x7 touring bicycle with 90s XT groupset, I take pride in the fact that this groupset will probably outlive most other groupsets in the market today
You do you Russ. This is a terrific channel. When people choose to ride with me, I set the pace, and that pace is Party Pace. When they want to go faster, I just meet them at the next coffee stop. At whatever speed, I choose to ride happy. You and your channel helped me come to this mindset, and I thank you.
"You'll grow into it" "You'll get used to it" But noone says you NEED low gears when: - trying to cycle again as a new dad/mom - cycling with terrible sleep but still wanting to climb a local hill to get the best view - cycling after being sick and still not feeling great
+ Getting groceries + Towing a trailer + Cycling at walking speeds with minimal pedaling effort, because sometimes I just want to enjoy the pastoral views and smells while out on my bike + Maybe I'm just a lazy bastard, and it's better for me to be out riding slowly and comfortably than not riding at all... To my third and fourth points - couldn't I just go for a walk? Sure, however - perhaps paradoxically I can ride my bike for up to a couple of hours as long as I'm going slowly and have enough snacks to keep my diabetes in check, but I can barely walk around the block without causing significant discomfort to my lower back and hips and needing to rest or call it quits.
@@thea.m.p.co.467as a fellow person with musculoskeletal problems, I'm the same way. I can ride for hours and feel great, but walking that long will put me in bed for days.
We appreciate what you do, Russ. I stumbled across your channel 5-6 years ago, after struggling to create a working, compatible drivetrain with subcompact gearing. What a godsend! Great advice, but more importantly, you made me feel like less of an outsider in the racer dominated cycling world. Was so good to find a community of cyclists who appreciate cycling without it having to be about ‘what the pros do”. I can’t tell you how many times in the last 40+ years of my cycling journey that I’ve been told by bike shops things like “no one rides gears that low”, or ‘just get stronger and push the bigger gears” because “that’s what the pros do”. I’ve finally learned to turn around and walk out of shops that say things like that. Thank you for being our cycling Everyman. What you do makes a difference, to a lot of us. F**k the haters.
I just ordered a 3x from Shimano to get the lower gearing for my Surly Ogre. I'm a big guy who loves to go bike touring/ camping. Lower gears make this way easier. There are many of us out here who do not give 2 s$:ts about watts, Strava, carbon, or the Tour de France. I'm more interested in the journey. Taking pictures, exploring at my pace. That is why I love your channel. Forget the haters. Ride what works for you. Ride where you want. And ALWAYS, enjoy the ride.
I put a 50-39-30 triple on my Synapse road bike. I'm faster compared to the 50-34 crank and 11-32 cassette which came on the bike. I"ve received tons of snide comments from the people who really aren't as fast as they want to believe.
I have 6 bikes and I have triple front rings on all of them except for one. The one that doesn't is a Brompton, and I'd have more gears on that if I could.
@@qcriverrat When you look at total range, steps between gears, low gears, and the speed you can reach on a 44-32-22 or 50-39-30 triple with an 11-34 cassette, objectively, they're hard to beat.
I look at my 3x10 road bike as 3 1x's in one bike. When I'm feeling good and descending, it's a sporty 1x. When I'm tired or it's really hilly, it's a climbing 1x. But most of the time, it's a flats 1x. I get to ride 3 bikes at a time, except that I don't have to carry the other 2 on my back. I rarely shift both the front and back to get to the next highest or lowest gear, as it's rarely necessary. It's like a car that has sports mode, economy mode and regular mode. Works for me.
I enjoy your videos so much and have nothing but respect for you Russ. You have given me great advice on components which I appreciate and although I'm much older I feel you and I are kindred spirits. As to low gearing I put a 22 tooth chainring on my Kona Sutra and rode solo 6250km across Canada in 2023. With an 11/34 cassette I was able to achieve 17.48 gear inches which enabled me to climb every hill fully loaded (tent, cooking equip. food etc.) with panniers front and rear. Please don't let these rude comments get you down. These idiots will never share in the amazing tours that you and I and so many others like us enjoy. You are a good man Russ and we all appreciate your knowledge and your thoughtful and informative videos. Stay true to yourself and remember you are respected.
Your enthusiasm certainly resonates here. I value your guidance on how to take my "endurance" ride from factory race-oriented gearing to something that works better for me. Please keep pushing cycling back to our original experience with it - sheer joy.
Oh yes. I inherited an old 80s Binachi road bike and live on a very steep hill. I mentioned to a guy at a bike coop that I would probably benefit from some different gearing and he was agreeing. He thought I should have higher gearing... .
Russ your videos taught me to get the bike that fits my purpose. It has been life changing. This week is was going up a steep hill with my 70lb kid on back while riding an e bike and thought "I wish I had lower gears"
At 75 yo noone can shame me as I don’t give a rats ass. Every year I seem to get a cassette with a bigger granny gear because it enables me to climb hills in northwestern NC that I would not normally be able to climb. So please keep on experimenting. It’s getting to the point where I may have to buy a new drive train. 😢 Thanks for what you do.
How low can you go with a 2x7? I am currently running a 2x10 22/32 11-46. I’d like to try a 11-50 cassette but I doubt I could find a grade steep enough, way too slow.🤣
It’s the only place where I’ve seen experimenting by mixing components from different manufacturers. I enjoy it, and I also learn new things. Greetings from Germany.
When I started riding in the early 80's, mixing components together from different manufacturers was not uncommon! It was a way to get what you needed or wanted to suit your own, individual riding needs. That's harder to do these days.
@@PhyllisBoone-sn8oiAlex Moulton bicycles have been doing that for decades.Successfully I might add. You Tube is a magnet for critical losers that want nothing more than to inflate their ego by destructively faulting what others are doing.Thank you for reminding us that mixing components from various manufacturers is ok if it increases our riding pleasure.
I am a newbie to your channel; how refreshing. As a veteran bikist, I have been through the lot, gears that is. For me, the best gear is the one that I am using at the time. usually a comfortable low one. Today whilst at my repairer, a young lady came in. She had just completed 230 km and 4500 meters vertical gain. "I want a lower gear," she said. Ok said Mike a new cluster or a new chain ring or for your bike a new crankset would be my choice. After discussion, a change of crank set was chosen. Out with the 48/40 and in with the 42/26. Problem solved; I do hope that she likes the change,
0:45 I was in a pizza restaurant, when a customer wanted to know how many people a large pizza would feed. The customer was shown a large pizza that was just pulled out of the oven. Their response was, “Yes, but how many people does it feed?” It’s like asking what bicycle gearing someone needs - it depends.
Lucky duck, my alloy MTB commuter is only 3x7. But lucky me, it is e-bike converted with the Green Zone Bikes kit. So don't think you're faster than me with all your extra gears. 😀
@@techjunkie68smusicandtech56 I think you are "number of bikes I own" shaming me. 😊 I only have three! All with multiple chainrings, I'm an old guy living in the hills.
From my many enjoyable cycle touring experiences, I will never deviate from a 3x set-up, because when suddenly encountering a steep hill, I simply flick down into my "granny gear" and keep on peddling, whereas a 1x is often infuriating because by the time you grounch through the gears to get to low range, you've ground to a halt!!
I ride for fun and love low gears. As you said, they enable me to do more. Looking at the fun in riding is what keeps me coming back to your channel. Try your best to ignore these people, Russ. Somehow there are people who enjoy trying to spoil other people's fun.
I bought a 90s MTB during Covid and its triple chainring was my gateway drug to lower gearing. It had a 36 middle ring and a 24 inner ring. I finally had to admit that I never used the big ring and it’s nothing more than a bash guard for me.
Yeah, I recently rediscovered 3x too. They last forever which is impressive considering the plastic gears in modern electric derailleurs. Old touring and mountain bikes with 3x are treasures. Another challenge with 1x is the relatively higher wear on the small gears and thinner chains. Been there.
I am 61 years old, been a rider since childhood and now I am using my cromoly kona with 34T chainring and 11-51T cassette ( and 2" tyres) because it makes it so much easier to climb the steep hills. I am even thinking when the chain wears out again I may try the 32T simply because I can and I don't ride fast, i never go past 28kmh on the straight. Cycling for me is a form of fitness and exploration, not winning races. I can choose any gear I like to make it easier for me and could not care less what anyone thinks. So, nobody should care what gears each person is using. Cheers and love your channel.
Thank you, thank you! My first road bike had a Sora 3x, and the dentists in my club would give me so much crap after long climbs, even though they'd have to get off and walk their pinarellos up the hill. Thanks for focusing on keeping bikes for all.
I watch your channel precisely for the enthusiasm you bring. I don’t bikepack or ride super low gears mainly just road and gravel rides but I enjoy your channel a lot mainly because of you. Hell I live right by Sulphur Mountain in Ventura and had never rode up until I saw your video with your wife riding up. It’s a regular ride for me now thanks to you guys.
This! It saddened me you feel this way, Russ. Bikes are great, you're helping people get bikes set up to do what they want to do. Don't let other people's attitude affect you.
I've been watching you for about two years now, and got the idea for lower gears from you to apply to both our bikes. This past year, my wife and I toured the western US taking our bikes with the singular goal of riding as many rails to trails routes as possible. Then we arrived to Glacier National Park when the Going to the Sun Road was closed to cars. Nirvana. I am happy to say, both of us took our respective bikes (with lower gears) and rode them to the top - Logan Pass, 3,219 ft ascent over 17 miles. It took us a couple of hours to get up there, but it was the highlight of our trip. At 65 and 64 years old, we owe you a debt of gratitude, opening our eyes to bike "customization" that would not have happened otherwise, and we would not have experienced this incredible ride.
Spot on!!! I started bike touring in the 1970s when adapted road bikes were all we had. I recall nearly splitting my knees while crossing the Green Mountains in VT on my Raleigh Super Course. When you wanted lower gears, the bike shop guys snickered about "granny gears" and made you feel like a wimp. My wife's Sekai touring bike, bought from REI in 1978, was our first bike engineered by the maker with sort-of decent low gears to carry loaded panniers over hills. When mountain bikes came out, road touring bikes became niche again, usually sourced from artisanal frame builders but at least the mountain community was providing a market for suitably low cassettes, triple cranks, etc. The bikepacking community is still outside the mainstream and has no place in most mainline bike stores who are stuck selling various road configurations. We exist thanks to niche players like Rivendell and others who understand our needs.
There's a lot of joy in racing something like the Colorado Trail Race. There's also a lot of joy in touring slowly. Either way, riding a bike through some of the most beautiful land in the county is soul-expanding, so follow your heart!
Yeah I kinda feel like it would be better not to do competitions in what comes down to "who can sleep the least?". If only for the obvious safety issues.
@@RenAigu You don't have to join races that you feel are unsafe. But some of us enjoy the challenge of balancing nutrition, effort, sleep, navigation, equipment, etc. on multi-day ultra-endurance bikepacking races like the Colorado Trail Race. The truth is that driving to the start of the race is probably riskier than the actual race!
Great video. I love your commentary on “low gears”. I love low gearing, bikepacking, gravel touring (this is my new term), going to get groceries, and riding for fun. This attitude permanents across all kinds of endeavours. Great work, keep your enthusiasm for what is important to you.
Thanks for doing what you do. I started watching you vids because you were among the few channels that offered help for those of us who want (and need) lower gears. I do old school self supported touring with rear rack and full sized panniers. I needed 18 gear inches or less to climb with a full load. Finding a drivetrain to do that was getting difficult but you have given us ways too make it happen! Haters are gonna hate, Russ. Just know some of us love what you do.
Yup. Proudly running the same 22-32-44 crank with 9 sp 11-30something for my go-anywhere adventure bike (what the industry now calls a gravel bike ) for the last 20 years. I have overflowing parts bins full of stuff from the late 80s and 90s that I like to recycle instead of buying newer, shinier, prettier crap because it's trendy. Ironically, I bought said stuff in the 80s and 90s because it was shiny, pretty and cutting edge then, but I found out it was all I really ever needed.
I'm with you man. A lot of us get into cycling because they enjoy exploring and going to places at their own pace; we're not all Tadejs and Jonases. Love your Cave of "Bad" Ideas, BTW.
I run a heavy gravel bike that I set up to tow and climb, that is also capable of fast tarmac as well. I also picked up a bit of strength along the way, as I run 52:12 to 52:32 on the regular. However, I tripled up again for pulling a 100lb+ trailer up 6 and 7% grades. I am actually pleased that someone is finally broaching this subject, as many people can't shift properly, and have no idea how to develope and sustain power with the gearing they have. I develope power in the 65 to 75 rpm range, and many roadies cannot out pull me. I'll keep my extended range gearing, thank you very much. I am an unrepentant Heavy 9 speeder that uses modified 10 speed cassettes. 24/38/52 - 42/37/32/28/24/21/18/15/12. Keep trying to teach em.
It's nice to hear you are staying true to yourself. Forget about what everybody else is saying. It's nothing personal, it's their own beliefs and issues.
Russ, thank you so much for your work. I have been cycling for over 40 years. My mantra is "the best cyclist is the one having the most fun". Scott Nicolai, Ellensburg WA
You’ve always inspired and uplifted my views on the bigger cycling world. From art to travel you’ve always stoked me out. Thank you for all you’ve done and continue to do.
In the fight with ya! I just recently got a 90s Diamondback with a triple and I CANNOT wait to make content with it 😁 already feels so much better with the triple and 7 speed in the back riding off-road. I’ll always be supporting you!
Thank you for sharing. I lead a group of slightly older women cyclists, Black Girls Do Bike, of which lowering gearing is preferred. These women our casual cyclists and find higher gearing difficult especially when having to climb. We often have to change out the cassette to something with more gear range. You are so right, bikes today are all about higher gearing....and also higher pricing. I enjoy your content. Thanks, again!
We appreciate you Russ! Keep doing what you have been doing. Living and riding most days in Bend, I love low gears. I spent a lot of money to replace drivetrains on new bikes to get 17 inch low gears. We commute, to work, ride to the library, grocery store and overnight trips with loaded bikes. Mostly on our two tandems.
Yes I thought that too. Another video definitely needed on that topic. I often get the patronising down-talk when I’m on one of my vintage 3-speeds, so I casually reply “well I’ve got another 30 bikes at home and this is what I chose today, so it’s obviously got something”.
I’m with you on this topic! Don’t give a hoot how fast someone can go or any of the competition oriented cycling activities. Like you I’m a utilitarian bicyclist and couldn’t be happier. I do watch some of the “elite cycling channels” just because it’s good to know what they are talking about-but have not desire to be an athlete on a bike. Really appreciate your channel and where you are coming from!
Just built up a new modern aluminum gravel frame/fork with 11sp Dura Ace bar end shifting on drop bars, mtb triple 24-32-44, 11-34 cassette, and mechanical hydro disc brakes. The range is crazy. Light enough for serious gravel yet all the attachment points and gearing for anything else. Much of the ideas from your channel.
I got a very expensive gravel titanium frame. I put flat bars on it with MTB triple front rings and 11-speed rear cassette. I think the people that try to get around with single front rings are being idiotic.
@@citizenwolf8720 Your last sentence is exactly what Russ is talking about. We could all do well to look in the mirror at times and realize we might be part of the problem.
I’ve been passively enjoying this channel for awhile now so I’m over due to say I really appreciate this your work (and all the discussion about lower gearing. Something I don’t see anywhere else). Thank y’all for all the work and joy you bring me with your videos and helping me enjoy the time I spend on my bike. I have experienced this to the point that I rarely tell anyone that bikes are my favorite hobby. If it does come up I like to say “I’m a bike rider and enjoy being a home mechanic”. When I’ve said “cyclist” I get jumped all over for being too casual and that I need to start racing or join a bike club for roadies. Oh, and I need a bike that’s not what I want and is way out of my budget.
It's a shame that every activity has to have gatekeepers, they unfortunately seem to exist in every pastime. I personally am excited to meet someone who also cycles or expresses an interest in starting and especially enjoy talking shop about the bikes themselves. I consider myself fortunate to have received only positive feedback from the people I speak to about any aspect of cycling. We should all aspire to be Ambassadors not Gatekeepers...
Ive been at a 3x9 11-46 for a while now. I think from what you and also Mr. Romance have shared, its inspired me to consider a 2x setup on my next rebuild of my favorite bicycle. The journey is fun, exploring places and I like learning different strategies for building, using and maintaining the things that support the trip. Theres so much of the comparisons out there online and in life that I just distance myself and for now just try to focus back on what got me into these things.
I have been riding for over forty years, 34 of those years on the same Cannondale st400, rim brakes, triple chainrings. I don't give a hoot about what people think about my setup! I live in the Canadian Rockies, on a steep AF logging road, I need all the gears I can get! There has always been a element of exclusionary fitness "bro" types in cycling, most sports have them. Just ignore them.....Keep up the great work, love your channel.
Your view of the industry on gearing is spot on. It took me two years to find a bike that has descent gearing,,,(Kona sutra se). I do appreciate what you have done and what you bring to the table. Your channel is a breath of fresh in the wake of this industry. Kind of a modern Sheldon Brown.
Місяць тому+20
Couldn't agree with you more. I've been riding a triple crank with a 24 tooth granny gear for 40 years. Now that I'm older, that 48 tooth outer ring is primarily just a brush guard. I never understood the macho guys who pushed the big gears and had to ice their knees at the end of the ride. After 40 years of biking I still have my original knees.
The 48-tooth big ring on my 3x drivetrain gets the most use, and I'm considering a changeto a 50-tooth ring. Just my preferences, as yours are your prefs. I've still got my original knees, too, and I never have to ice them after a ride : )
I for one, certainly appreciate options for gearing. 65 years old, 3 knee surgeries and many other “repairs”, I certainly like as many options as possible. My attempts at proving myself was single speed, which I enjoyed but my knees didn’t. Now 30 to 34 tooth oval (depending on the bike or ride or load) and 9-52 cassettes let me ride most things here around Tucson. Many people “shame” e-bikes too, which I hope to put off for several years, 6:52 . I say we’re all going faster and farther than anyone on the Lazyboy. Don’t let the bastards get you down. Some people have to knock others down to feel better about themselves. Keep up the good work 🚴💨 or 🐢💨
I have left so many Facebook cycling groups in the past year. Seems to be spreading from the mainstream Internet into the cycling forums now whereby people just shit on your joy. When cycling became the new golf, it changed for the worst. Now I just stick to one or two groups with like-minded people and hope the dickhead stay away. Please don’t change what you’re doing, you have inspired me to try so many things regarding gearing and drive trains.
I'm 58. I returned to my love of cycling and bike commuting once I no longer needed to ferry my kids around. My machis-bro self tried to break out a bit, but my wiser aged self was already contemplating paths less pedaled. And I live in hill country. Your channel popped up. I added a tour commuter to my stable. I converted to bar end shifters. I went with a 22 tooth low on a 3 x up front, and I enjoy my journeys. Thanks, Russ. Oh, and I mostly keep one more car off the road.
Your bike, your rules, Do what you want, share your joy I've been in the cycling industry for a long time, and there is always someone telling you they don't like this or mock, as far as I'm concerned it's a them problem
Russ, reading through even a few of these supportive comments from fellow followers, I hope you take at least some comfort in knowing there are many of us out here who love this content and what you are doing. Like others have already mentioned, your content is invaluable, I love the fact that you are so inclusive and pushing for easier riding and equipment. There is without doubt a certain cycling snobbery and haters who exist and I have personally fallen victim of ‘roadies’ thumbing their nose at my limited efforts even though my current bike is hand made and bespoke in very way, lol. Yes, I was once a racing snake with some nice kit but now as a pensioner, who simply loves being out there, 53 x 11 is a thing of the past and good riddance I say! I’m sad to hear you mention that it feels lonely doing what you do but please, please, please know you are far from alone. Keep it up, keep This content going and as you always tell us, keep the supple side down - please. 🙏 Chris.
When I first started riding, my friends, who are lovely people, said I couldn’t get a rear cassette bigger than an 11-28. Now my “road bike” has 46/30 crank 11/36 cassette I’m now a shop mechanic and often help people choose easier gears.
Similar here for my gravel bike 😊 GRX 46-30 with 11-42 Cassette. My touring bike has an 11-40 cassette with a triple on the front having a small 26 chainring. My road bike has 52-30 chainrings with an 11-27 cassette, but it only weighs in at 6.4kg.
Keep doing what your doing Russ. Great seeing bikes and ideas that shift away from industry trends - i was actually delighted to know that the Monetbello was built with a low bb in mind! Also great to see some road/crossover style bikes like this and the Sklar Super Something settling on a higher stack/longer front centre. Hope these ideas and others such as lower gearing become the old/new standards in time!
Hi there from the Uk To highlight that the problem still exists in mass produced bikes I recently went in to my local high end bike shop to see the offering for new gravel bikes I told him what I considered to be the gearing I needed for a comfortable days riding and he told me that there was nothing he could offer “out of the box “that would meet my needs I would have to have a custom built bike. Comfort is king for me in a bike. I wish I had discovered low gearing 40 years ago when I was carrying two kids and panniers on my (retrieved from a neighbours skip ) road bike We have a gut of unused post Covid bikes in the Uk ,mainly because of the weather ,the really bad urban road surfaces and killer traffic . However I think more would persist in cycling if they could have gearing that made the hills easier to get up and over for ordinary people
Russ I really appreciate all you do,you make riding exciting and open my mind of ideas.I have a 3x from 1989 I still ride.If not for this,my 35 year smoking habit would have killed me and/or my 300 lbs. frame.I am still fat and now unsmoking for 7 years and privledged to be alive hitting my 3x as needed...forever grateful.
When it comes to other peoples choices I find it's best to keep my thoughts to myself - it can be hard to do this with everything but generally I try to follow that rule. You learn more by listening, and observing then talking over someone else's "Why" and even if their "Why" might be stupid to you, it's relevant to them. People who can't give you that base level of respect are worth ignoring, life isn't always about doing "the best" "the meta" it's about doing what you want to do and you find your own "best" and "meta" and other people can take elements of yours and add to theirs.
This is why you are the Path Less Pedaled, Russ. No shame in that. I got into cycling via the early MTB era and we *all* wanted lower gearing than the 28/28 that was the low limit back in the day. And I embrace your outlier gear setups: my gravel setup is a repurposed 26" hardtail MTB that still rocks a triple (20/34/46) and takes advantage of modern cassettes, running an 11-34 in the rear. That 20/34 low end spins out at 2.5 mph which is a lot of fun when the going gets super steep. So keep it up, stay in your happy place, and fie to the haters. Cheers from one of your Patreon supporters!
I've watched so many cycling channels, from GCN on down, and I've found there's a literal handful of them that value the idea that a bike is for helping you live a wondrous human life. Your channel is in that handful. I really appreciate that.
Just remember Russ, hate always comes from below! When u have hatters, you know you are doing something right! Keep doing you, and the real friends and followers will remain. ✌️ brother.
@@凸Bebo凸 I hope this comment is meant to be satire. If not, it's time for some professional counseling. ("Little girl"? Really? Jeez, come join us in the 21st century.) This comment screams sexual insecurity and false bravado.
I am in my later fifties and I have recently returned from a cycle tour of some of the west coast Scottish islands. When the hills get too steep I just get off and walk. I just don't care about racing anywhere. For me that is simply not the point. For others I am sure it is entirely the point. I cannot tell you the absolute pleasure I get from going slow and appreciating the outdoors. I like your channel because it is informative, interesting and quirky...it's cool. You do a great job; people believe in you and you have nothing to defend. I wish you well and I hope you continue to enjoy what you do.
I used to subscribe to full pro kits what with matching jersey, shorts, hat, and gloves, Clipless pedals, high end gruppo, etc. It was exclusive, not inclusive. I still like my old stuff but no longer look oddly at others different from me. Your posts shifted my view and I thank you. All the best to you.
This, sort off.. I typically wear Lycra shorts and Rapha Brevet jerseys, SPD-SL pedals, etc because that’s what I enjoy.. I enjoy the gear side of the hobby as well.. but I appreciate those that don’t as well..
This is your channel and you get to do what you like. I am nearly the opposite in terms of performance desires, but I love your attitude towards classic, beautiful, “old” tech, and “easy” gears. You fill a necessary space on UA-cam; keep it up.
I love a wider gear ratio. I was just able to swap out a 12-28 for a 11-34 7 speed cassette. Older hybrid with a 28-38-48 triple on the front. This is thanks to you helping me understand the importance of this. Don't even get me started on the swept back bars I switched out the narrow flats for. Thank you for sharing your knowledge and passion. ✌️
I completely agree. The gear-egos are real. Inside the industry and out on the roads and trails. As a former racer and now someone who rides recreationally, I find it laughable that the cycling world has not caught onto this. Not everyone needs massive gears to do what they are doing. I especially find it absurd that the same companies who push "endurance" bikes to have another slice of the market, are unwilling to gear their bikes for the activity they are promoting. As a mid-50's rider, I no longer need to have the most aero road bike. I spent last year researching endurance bikes with the plan of something that will work with my aging body as I approach 60. The number of these "endurance" bike that still are spec'd with racing gears is ridiculous. Why?? WHY?? Because the industry is broken. And lazy. If you are riding an endurance bike, you obviously could use appropriate gearing. And probably half the industry is clueless to this. Just shameful.
I ride a tandem bike with my son with disability’s, he doesn’t pedal so I incorporated an electric wheel (he 160 lbs). The vast majority of the comments are very positive, idk why I remember the clown that commented “oh thats an e-bike”. I guess thats just human nature.
@JohnBrain-y6p, Focus on the positive comments you get. For people that need to diss you to feel better about themself, just say "OK"or "Thanks". Some want a reaction from you. Some people may not realize how uncalled for their comment is. We don't need to explain our choices to strangers. Keep spending quality time with your son!
Those people are the ones ruining bikes and riding. I ride an old MTB with a 3x9 crank, 8 spd shifters and a 9 spd cassette with v brakes. I'm not a cyclist. Just a guy who enjoys riding a bike around.
Keep doing what you’re doing brother. This is one of the very best bicycle-based channels on this platform and I love the way you tinker with what cycling can be and challenge the typical bike snobbery. I own a full carbon electronic shifting road bike yet my favorite bikes are the ones I hack and experiment with 🤙🏼
Rock on Russ! Your channel is called: Path less pedaled, not Asphalt road to hell… The ones you refer to must be lost, they need better navigation skills… People like us thrive on getting lost… You sir are on the right path, and that makes all the difference! 😅
I am not someone who needs really low gears, as I'm a dedicated roadie on a carbon frame who doesn't load it down with extra bags, etc., but I have NO IDEA why anyone would shame you for choosing low gears. They obviously are a good fit for the type of biking you do, just as my friend's custom 52-tooth front ring on his SRAM setup with a 10-tooth smallest cog is a good fit for his light body weight and big power output. Do what works for YOU; don't worry about what other people think of it!
It's a trend, and like most trends not a pleasant one. Some people are living so low, instead of raising themselves up, they seek to drag everyone else down ! Misery needs a friend ! You're fine, and refreshing and many share your philosophy 😊💗
Not a trend, it’s been here for a long time. Some people seem to need a rigid framework of what’s the right way. I get the feeling, that anybody that deviates from their conformism is either a threat to the worldview that shelters them from insecurity or someone that devalues the scale on which they measure their perceived superiority.
Russ, the day I discovered your channel, I’ve been hooked and left fixed gear riding for partypacing. I’ve learned a lot from this channel and toured a bunch. Matter of factly, you and Laura were one of the reasons I moved from the big city to a better place with lots of gravel roads and awesome sceneries. Keep doing what you love doing, Russ. Let the haters hate.
I got a ~15% incline within my housing complex, I can only avoid it if I push my bike. Anything harder than 1:1 would be really uncomfortable, especially when I transport things up there.
Yes! Well said . The industry is totally silo’ed . In Wall Street mode . Faster , harder blah blah blah . You are are the Carl Honore of bike riding and I for one salute you for it . 👏🏻
I , too started in the 3by days . A Dawes tourer I bought with paper route money . I’d love that bike again . Shout out to all the framemakers and bike builders who cater for the low gear and rack inclined.
Let me say this slowly and clearly .. when I rode my homemade mountain bike in the 70s I was not doing ‘sport’ , when I rode my skateboard in the 80s and 90s I was not doing ‘sport’ and when I ride my bike now I’m not doing ‘sport’ . It’s creative . It’s self expression, it’s a way to relax , it’s getting from a-b . It’s just my life my way hey mr industry please don’t monetise me .
Russ, fully endorse all the supportive/positive comments I've read so far. I'm a 70yo Aussie and have been riding(loving bikes) for 66+ years, commuter, sports , competition, touring, have way too many bikes (hard to let them go). I'm learning and trying new things all the time. I think you're amasing and your enthusiasm is infectious. Keep doing what you love...there are plenty of us out there really appreciate it. Suggestion: refer pathetic knockers to "Desiderata" a document found in old St Paul's church ,Baltimore d.1692....and think first before shooting. ps. It's not religious, just think it's good life advice.
Roadies and low gears: today the standard "roadie" setup is 34x50 and 11-34. 34x34 was considered to be a loaded touring gear back in 1972. You and I might not consider 27" a really low gear, but compared with what the gear-shaming crew was running back in the day, things have changed a lot in the past 50 years. "Gravel" is another story; there the typical 2-by is equipped with gears that even you and I would call "low."
Been following you through Salsa’s and Brompton’s ! I love your videos and your views. You have shaped my joy of cycling in many ways. We had Salsa Vaya’s and we got way into our Bromptons and Brompton travels. Your views fit our lifestyle and I really enjoy your ideas and views. Thank you!
I might not agree with everything you have to say but I have to say your channel is a breath of fresh air in the cycling community. Keep up the great work!
I'm sorry that you felt compelled to make this video. I'm considerably overweight, over 70 and I ride my bike several times per week. It is joyful. I'm pleased with your perspective on riding and gear. I just bought an REI Coop bike with a 3x. Thank you.
Wow I love one hundred percent of your message and vibe. Subscribed. Keep doing your thing. I've encountered gatekeeping at bike shops since I was a ten year old paper carrier. As a fifty something adult looking in to bike commuting the industry seems to have changed very little unfortunately. This is a leadership problem that starts with marketing professionals and bike shop owners. We can do better.
Don’t let the haters get you down, Russ! You do you, and there are tons of us who appreciate what you do!
Para alguien que tiene un canal y "vive de ello", "dar pena" es una forma de mover sentimientos. Seguro que eres joven y mas fácilmente emocionable. Las bicicletas eran hace pocos años un recurso de desplazamiento barato para países pobres (lo sigue siendo), hoy los ricos las usamos para "hacer deporte", pero nos desplazamos en coche. Cuando alguien delante de una cámara "quiere dar pena", eso, está "guionizado". Si eres joven (yo no lo soy) a lo mejor (deseo que no), si hay un colapso de combustibles fósiles, tendrás "como castigo" que desplazarte en bicicleta.
Hi Russ - I work at a major bicycle shop in sales and do some wrenching. We say all the time 90% of people riding do it for FUN! Yet people make fun of step through frames (that help older and physically challenged, and not confident) riders get riding. People make fun of e-bikes - yet so many people ride a LOT more with an e-bike, I see road riders make fun of mountain bikers and vice versa. My philosophy which aligns with my employer- just go ride!
I really love your channel and hope you ignore the negatives!
Hope to ride at party pace with you and Laura! You make the bicycling world a better place!
Thank you my brother!
I don't have an e-bike or intend to get one anytime soon, but I guess that you can look at it as having the ultimate bailout gear, for when you need it.
There is also "riding position shaming". As I approach 70 years of age, my bars are now a bit higher than my saddle. Shame ! Shame! Shame!
@@donhuber9131 🤩😃😇🍻🥂
@@donhuber9131 how dare you stay active into your 70s without suffering needlessly uncomfortable equipment to conform with how 20 year old cyclists ride!
Humans literally invented gears to make life easier. But somehow you are not supposed to use them now.
I use all the gears - and occasionally I cross-chain too 😲
And here I am racing downtown on my fixed gear bike
I’m so elitist and anti gears I’m now just a runner I don’t need wheels being a crutch for me I now commute by running because I’m that alpha /s
@@EstebanDVO join me in the burnt out knee club in a few years 😉 ah but those days were fun
@@EstebanDVO Unless you're carrying extra weight, like a race horse, you're still a wimp.😁
Hey man. I am a 54 year old 230 pound cyclist that climbed independence pass this summer. I slapped in a 22 on front with a 11-42 on the back ,.I have " real cyclists" look cross eyed at me cycling all the time. Even laugh as they blow by me. I imagine, to them, I look like an Orca in cycling gear. NEVER EVER feel bad..Just like you cycling changed my life for the better.... I love what you do! I appreciate it so much.
I never have commented on a video before in my life. You keep doing your thing.
I am heading to join as a patreon member or whatever they call it on here now. You deserve all of the support in the world.
I have that on my wife's bike. A Deore 36/22 on the front with a Sunrace 11-42 on the back.
@@michaelfasher Maybe you mean your wife has that gearing on her bike. Why do men so often talk as though their women cycling partners are incapable of making choices for themselves? (Guys, if you feel the urge to post gear reviews saying, "I got this for my girlfriend and she loves it," just stop. If the user likes the gear enough to post a review, she can.)
I don't think the criticism you're receiving has anything to do with cycling or your choice of gearing. I think it's deeper than that. I think it's because people are becoming increasingly angry and intolerant. Content creators are like lightning rods for the irritability brewing inside these people. Simply by offering a different viewpoint, you're vulnerable to their strikes. Don't let it get to you, my friend. You have a great channel, you offer thoughtful and informative opinions, and you remind us that cycling is for everyone.
100% the comments section of a youtube video they didn't even watch all the way through is low hanging fruit for folks who desire an easy, anonymous outlet for their pent up rage.
Agreed 100%. Well said.
People have always been angry. Been on the web since 2000, anger is not new. The difference is there are more options to be angry and algorithm fuling anger.
100%
I don’t think cycling has a gear shaming problem - I think people in general have a shaming problem about everything. It is everywhere on every UA-cam channel and FB group. I am soooooo sick of it. I am a slightly overweight 68 year old woman with a knee replacement and other arthritis. Bring on the lowest gears possible! Would rather pedal up a hill than walk. I have been told that my gears should be just fine. Then why do I run out of gears on climbs? Oh yeah - cause I don’t fit the cycling profile, should lose weight, and try harder. I should probably just give it up. Good grief! That’s why I subscribe to your channel and support you on Patreon. Love you guys and all of your content. Party Pace all the way! (Sorry for the rant!)
"What I find hilarious and absurd, a pro rider I watch on UA-cam profiled one of his "gravel" bikes, a carbon hardtail with a 40T front chainring and a 10-52 cassette (possibly 11-51). If a pro rider, running a 9 hour and change Unbound time is using gearing this low, why are gravel bikes for non-pros supplied with 40T or 42T chain rings coupled to an 11-42 cassette? It makes zero sense."....Part of what I posted-WHY does a 26 y/o PROFESSIONAL rider run lower gearing than what you and I can find at a bike shop? The entry-level and mid-level bikes supplied to the rest of us have gearing the pros would not use at Unbound. I just don't get it!
When our (my wife and me, as we retired) Thorn Raven Tour bikes were being specced, the designer asked about gearing and we shrugged, with no idea, and he said, "Right, we will gear them so that when touring with luggage, neither of you will ever have to step off the bike no matter what hill you come across." He got it just about dead right and over thousands of kilometres we thanked him hundreds of times over. More power to your elbow. All the best.
Out of interest, what what are the tooth counts on the lowest gearing ??
Thorn are awesome old school tourers and provide great advice. Very happy with my Nomad
Thorn always seemed to “get” touring. Great company and great bikes, ahead of the curve.
@@sparkynzl i also want to know
@@Simsydav Likewise after 14 years of regular use for our Raven Sports tourers.
I love the "don't shit on other people's joy" mantra
As a single speed rider with fairly easy ratio (30x20) I sometimes get an odd look from a fellow single speeder
I enjoy it because it lets me enjoy steep climbs with less strain on my knees, on the flats it's pretty slow but I just try to make the most of it and enjoy the scenery
My daily commuter is a 3x7 touring bicycle with 90s XT groupset, I take pride in the fact that this groupset will probably outlive most other groupsets in the market today
@@凸Bebo凸 Look who didn't get the message Russ was giving
I've never seen anyone ride with a 30x20 on the flats. Why not just ride geared
@@Shadowboost I just have a single modern hardtail so occasionally it runs on flats... it's generally setup for steeper days in saddle
Your content is super valuable and appreciated. It’s inclusive in a way that many channels aren’t. Long live joy in cycling! :)
You do you Russ. This is a terrific channel. When people choose to ride with me, I set the pace, and that pace is Party Pace. When they want to go faster, I just meet them at the next coffee stop. At whatever speed, I choose to ride happy. You and your channel helped me come to this mindset, and I thank you.
"You'll grow into it"
"You'll get used to it"
But noone says you NEED low gears when:
- trying to cycle again as a new dad/mom
- cycling with terrible sleep but still wanting to climb a local hill to get the best view
- cycling after being sick and still not feeling great
+ being 80 years of age.
+ Getting groceries
+ Towing a trailer
+ Cycling at walking speeds with minimal pedaling effort, because sometimes I just want to enjoy the pastoral views and smells while out on my bike
+ Maybe I'm just a lazy bastard, and it's better for me to be out riding slowly and comfortably than not riding at all...
To my third and fourth points - couldn't I just go for a walk? Sure, however - perhaps paradoxically I can ride my bike for up to a couple of hours as long as I'm going slowly and have enough snacks to keep my diabetes in check, but I can barely walk around the block without causing significant discomfort to my lower back and hips and needing to rest or call it quits.
@@thea.m.p.co.467as a fellow person with musculoskeletal problems, I'm the same way. I can ride for hours and feel great, but walking that long will put me in bed for days.
We appreciate what you do, Russ. I stumbled across your channel 5-6 years ago, after struggling to create a working, compatible drivetrain with subcompact gearing. What a godsend! Great advice, but more importantly, you made me feel like less of an outsider in the racer dominated cycling world. Was so good to find a community of cyclists who appreciate cycling without it having to be about ‘what the pros do”. I can’t tell you how many times in the last 40+ years of my cycling journey that I’ve been told by bike shops things like “no one rides gears that low”, or ‘just get stronger and push the bigger gears” because “that’s what the pros do”. I’ve finally learned to turn around and walk out of shops that say things like that. Thank you for being our cycling Everyman. What you do makes a difference, to a lot of us. F**k the haters.
I just ordered a 3x from Shimano to get the lower gearing for my Surly Ogre. I'm a big guy who loves to go bike touring/ camping. Lower gears make this way easier.
There are many of us out here who do not give 2 s$:ts about watts, Strava, carbon, or the Tour de France. I'm more interested in the journey. Taking pictures, exploring at my pace. That is why I love your channel. Forget the haters. Ride what works for you. Ride where you want. And ALWAYS, enjoy the ride.
I put a 50-39-30 triple on my Synapse road bike. I'm faster compared to the 50-34 crank and 11-32 cassette which came on the bike. I"ve received tons of snide comments from the people who really aren't as fast as they want to believe.
I adore having a 3x on my Ogre. Can't imagine riding that bike any other way.
I have 6 bikes and I have triple front rings on all of them except for one. The one that doesn't is a Brompton, and I'd have more gears on that if I could.
@@qcriverrat When you look at total range, steps between gears, low gears, and the speed you can reach on a 44-32-22 or 50-39-30 triple with an 11-34 cassette, objectively, they're hard to beat.
I look at my 3x10 road bike as 3 1x's in one bike. When I'm feeling good and descending, it's a sporty 1x. When I'm tired or it's really hilly, it's a climbing 1x. But most of the time, it's a flats 1x. I get to ride 3 bikes at a time, except that I don't have to carry the other 2 on my back. I rarely shift both the front and back to get to the next highest or lowest gear, as it's rarely necessary. It's like a car that has sports mode, economy mode and regular mode. Works for me.
I like what Jack Thurston, author of Lost Lanes, said: "We all end up becoming touring cyclists one way or another."
Yeah, his books are marvellous. We need more Jack, Russ and others of their ilk espousing the joys of non performance cycling.
No shame in running any gears, high or low. As long as you enjoy riding your bike. 💯😎✌ The problem is that people are insecure with their lives. 💯
This!!
Insecure? Just plain weird 😜
Took off 50/34 and put on 46/30. Anything that makes my cycling life easier, I do. I love being on my bike.
Ha!
@@kge420 this makes so much since 90% of people never use that top gearing on a 50/34. Makes more sense to use a 46.
I enjoy your videos so much and have nothing but respect for you Russ. You have given me great advice on components which I appreciate and although I'm much older I feel you and I are kindred spirits. As to low gearing I put a 22 tooth chainring on my Kona Sutra and rode solo 6250km across Canada in 2023. With an 11/34 cassette I was able to achieve 17.48 gear inches which enabled me to climb every hill fully loaded (tent, cooking equip. food etc.) with panniers front and rear. Please don't let these rude comments get you down. These idiots will never share in the amazing tours that you and I and so many others like us enjoy. You are a good man Russ and we all appreciate your knowledge and your thoughtful and informative videos. Stay true to yourself and remember you are respected.
I think you’re the only channel who discusses lower gearing and the alternatives available to get to it without using the big brands.
Your enthusiasm certainly resonates here. I value your guidance on how to take my "endurance" ride from factory race-oriented gearing to something that works better for me. Please keep pushing cycling back to our original experience with it - sheer joy.
Your thoughts on gearing are a breath of fresh air.
Oh yes. I inherited an old 80s Binachi road bike and live on a very steep hill.
I mentioned to a guy at a bike coop that I would probably benefit from some different gearing and he was agreeing. He thought I should have higher gearing... .
"Surely you're referring to the leftover air from other riders ahead riding proper (a.k.a. big) gears"
- A random big gear elitist.
Russ your videos taught me to get the bike that fits my purpose. It has been life changing. This week is was going up a steep hill with my 70lb kid on back while riding an e bike and thought "I wish I had lower gears"
At 75 yo noone can shame me as I don’t give a rats ass. Every year I seem to get a cassette with a bigger granny gear because it enables me to climb hills in northwestern NC that I would not normally be able to climb. So please keep on experimenting. It’s getting to the point where I may have to buy a new drive train. 😢
Thanks for what you do.
❤ at 69 my favourite current bike has 3 x 6 and a 20" back wheel, don't give a 💩 what anyone else thinks or say, most are wtf, 😅😅😅
Tell us your set up
I’ve got all winter to do mine
How low can you go with a 2x7? I am currently running a 2x10 22/32 11-46. I’d like to try a 11-50 cassette but I doubt I could find a grade steep enough, way too slow.🤣
@@VE7QRZWestern NC has a few nice sustained 25%ers if you want out near Grandfather Mtn that are a couple of miles long.
I'm close to 70. My bars are now a bit higher than my saddle. Shame! Shame! Shame! I also don't give a rat's arse.
If it makes it easier I’m for it🙌 you’re awesome Russ!
It’s the only place where I’ve seen experimenting by mixing components from different manufacturers. I enjoy it, and I also learn new things. Greetings from Germany.
When I started riding in the early 80's, mixing components together from different manufacturers was not uncommon! It was a way to get what you needed or wanted to suit your own, individual riding needs. That's harder to do these days.
@@PhyllisBoone-sn8oiAlex Moulton bicycles have been doing that for decades.Successfully I might add. You Tube is a magnet for critical losers that want nothing more than to inflate their ego by destructively faulting what others are doing.Thank you for reminding us that mixing components from various manufacturers is ok if it increases our riding pleasure.
I am a newbie to your channel; how refreshing. As a veteran bikist, I have been through the lot, gears that is. For me, the best gear is the one that I am using at the time. usually a comfortable low one. Today whilst at my repairer, a young lady came in. She had just completed 230 km and 4500 meters vertical gain. "I want a lower gear," she said. Ok said Mike a new cluster or a new chain ring or for your bike a new crankset would be my choice. After discussion, a change of crank set was chosen. Out with the 48/40 and in with the 42/26. Problem solved; I do hope that she likes the change,
You keep on talking about these issues. We love it!
0:45 I was in a pizza restaurant, when a customer wanted to know how many people a large pizza would feed. The customer was shown a large pizza that was just pulled out of the oven. Their response was, “Yes, but how many people does it feed?”
It’s like asking what bicycle gearing someone needs - it depends.
I still run 3x9 old school, totally agree with you.
I run two bikes with 3x7, one with 1x9, one with 3x9 and another with 3x8, I use them all! No shame, it's what they were designed for!
Lucky duck, my alloy MTB commuter is only 3x7. But lucky me, it is e-bike converted with the Green Zone Bikes kit. So don't think you're faster than me with all your extra gears. 😀
1x11 on the MTB, 3x9 on the road bike and 1x1 on the BMX
@@techjunkie68smusicandtech56 I think you are "number of bikes I own" shaming me. 😊 I only have three! All with multiple chainrings, I'm an old guy living in the hills.
From my many enjoyable cycle touring experiences, I will never deviate from a 3x set-up, because when suddenly encountering a steep hill, I simply flick down into my "granny gear" and keep on peddling, whereas a 1x is often infuriating because by the time you grounch through the gears to get to low range, you've ground to a halt!!
I ride for fun and love low gears. As you said, they enable me to do more.
Looking at the fun in riding is what keeps me coming back to your channel.
Try your best to ignore these people, Russ. Somehow there are people who enjoy trying to spoil other people's fun.
I bought a 90s MTB during Covid and its triple chainring was my gateway drug to lower gearing. It had a 36 middle ring and a 24 inner ring. I finally had to admit that I never used the big ring and it’s nothing more than a bash guard for me.
Same here. I use the middle ring all the time but never the big ring. I don’t see anyone biking at 70mph so I’m not sure I believe anyone needs one
@@zwicker5585 Now that's just low-key gear shaming of big rings. Let people choose the gearing that they want.
Long live the 3x! 😁
@@morlamweb 😂😂😂 they can ride whatever they want, didn’t suggest otherwise
Yeah, I recently rediscovered 3x too. They last forever which is impressive considering the plastic gears in modern electric derailleurs. Old touring and mountain bikes with 3x are treasures. Another challenge with 1x is the relatively higher wear on the small gears and thinner chains. Been there.
I am 61 years old, been a rider since childhood and now I am using my cromoly kona with 34T chainring and 11-51T cassette ( and 2" tyres) because it makes it so much easier to climb the steep hills. I am even thinking when the chain wears out again I may try the 32T simply because I can and I don't ride fast, i never go past 28kmh on the straight.
Cycling for me is a form of fitness and exploration, not winning races.
I can choose any gear I like to make it easier for me and could not care less what anyone thinks.
So, nobody should care what gears each person is using.
Cheers and love your channel.
Thank you, thank you! My first road bike had a Sora 3x, and the dentists in my club would give me so much crap after long climbs, even though they'd have to get off and walk their pinarellos up the hill.
Thanks for focusing on keeping bikes for all.
I watch your channel precisely for the enthusiasm you bring. I don’t bikepack or ride super low gears mainly just road and gravel rides but I enjoy your channel a lot mainly because of you. Hell I live right by Sulphur Mountain in Ventura and had never rode up until I saw your video with your wife riding up. It’s a regular ride for me now thanks to you guys.
Excellent video, Russ! It's just sad that you felt compelled to make it. Personally, your vids have me excited about wide range doubles.
This! It saddened me you feel this way, Russ. Bikes are great, you're helping people get bikes set up to do what they want to do. Don't let other people's attitude affect you.
I recommend triple front rings :)
I've been watching you for about two years now, and got the idea for lower gears from you to apply to both our bikes. This past year, my wife and I toured the western US taking our bikes with the singular goal of riding as many rails to trails routes as possible. Then we arrived to Glacier National Park when the Going to the Sun Road was closed to cars. Nirvana. I am happy to say, both of us took our respective bikes (with lower gears) and rode them to the top - Logan Pass, 3,219 ft ascent over 17 miles. It took us a couple of hours to get up there, but it was the highlight of our trip. At 65 and 64 years old, we owe you a debt of gratitude, opening our eyes to bike "customization" that would not have happened otherwise, and we would not have experienced this incredible ride.
Spot on!!! I started bike touring in the 1970s when adapted road bikes were all we had. I recall nearly splitting my knees while crossing the Green Mountains in VT on my Raleigh Super Course. When you wanted lower gears, the bike shop guys snickered about "granny gears" and made you feel like a wimp. My wife's Sekai touring bike, bought from REI in 1978, was our first bike engineered by the maker with sort-of decent low gears to carry loaded panniers over hills. When mountain bikes came out, road touring bikes became niche again, usually sourced from artisanal frame builders but at least the mountain community was providing a market for suitably low cassettes, triple cranks, etc. The bikepacking community is still outside the mainstream and has no place in most mainline bike stores who are stuck selling various road configurations. We exist thanks to niche players like Rivendell and others who understand our needs.
Sekai! :D I had an early 80's 2400, put thousands of miles on it. Loved that bike.
It's still a trip to me that bikepacking races even exist.
I agree, I always thought the point was to enjoy the experience. I never got the point of racing through the experience.
There's a lot of joy in racing something like the Colorado Trail Race. There's also a lot of joy in touring slowly. Either way, riding a bike through some of the most beautiful land in the county is soul-expanding, so follow your heart!
Yeah I kinda feel like it would be better not to do competitions in what comes down to "who can sleep the least?". If only for the obvious safety issues.
@@RenAigu You don't have to join races that you feel are unsafe. But some of us enjoy the challenge of balancing nutrition, effort, sleep, navigation, equipment, etc. on multi-day ultra-endurance bikepacking races like the Colorado Trail Race. The truth is that driving to the start of the race is probably riskier than the actual race!
Great video. I love your commentary on “low gears”. I love low gearing, bikepacking, gravel touring (this is my new term), going to get groceries, and riding for fun. This attitude permanents across all kinds of endeavours. Great work, keep your enthusiasm for what is important to you.
Thanks for doing what you do. I started watching you vids because you were among the few channels that offered help for those of us who want (and need) lower gears. I do old school self supported touring with rear rack and full sized panniers. I needed 18 gear inches or less to climb with a full load. Finding a drivetrain to do that was getting difficult but you have given us ways too make it happen! Haters are gonna hate, Russ. Just know some of us love what you do.
I’m loving the videos. Keep fighting the good fight.
Yup. Proudly running the same 22-32-44 crank with 9 sp 11-30something for my go-anywhere adventure bike (what the industry now calls a gravel bike ) for the last 20 years. I have overflowing parts bins full of stuff from the late 80s and 90s that I like to recycle instead of buying newer, shinier, prettier crap because it's trendy. Ironically, I bought said stuff in the 80s and 90s because it was shiny, pretty and cutting edge then, but I found out it was all I really ever needed.
I'm with you man. A lot of us get into cycling because they enjoy exploring and going to places at their own pace; we're not all Tadejs and Jonases. Love your Cave of "Bad" Ideas, BTW.
I run a heavy gravel bike that I set up to tow and climb, that is also capable of fast tarmac as well.
I also picked up a bit of strength along the way, as I run 52:12 to 52:32 on the regular.
However, I tripled up again for pulling a 100lb+ trailer up 6 and 7% grades.
I am actually pleased that someone is finally broaching this subject, as many people can't shift properly, and have no idea how to develope and sustain power with the gearing they have. I develope power in the 65 to 75 rpm range, and many roadies cannot out pull me. I'll keep my extended range gearing, thank you very much.
I am an unrepentant Heavy 9 speeder that uses modified 10 speed cassettes.
24/38/52 - 42/37/32/28/24/21/18/15/12.
Keep trying to teach em.
It's nice to hear you are staying true to yourself. Forget about what everybody else is saying. It's nothing personal, it's their own beliefs and issues.
Russ, thank you so much for your work. I have been cycling for over 40 years. My mantra is "the best cyclist is the one having the most fun". Scott Nicolai, Ellensburg WA
You’ve always inspired and uplifted my views on the bigger cycling world. From art to travel you’ve always stoked me out. Thank you for all you’ve done and continue to do.
In the fight with ya! I just recently got a 90s Diamondback with a triple and I CANNOT wait to make content with it 😁 already feels so much better with the triple and 7 speed in the back riding off-road. I’ll always be supporting you!
Thank you for sharing. I lead a group of slightly older women cyclists, Black Girls Do Bike, of which lowering gearing is preferred. These women our casual cyclists and find higher gearing difficult especially when having to climb. We often have to change out the cassette to something with more gear range. You are so right, bikes today are all about higher gearing....and also higher pricing. I enjoy your content. Thanks, again!
We appreciate you Russ! Keep doing what you have been doing. Living and riding most days in Bend, I love low gears. I spent a lot of money to replace drivetrains on new bikes to get 17 inch low gears. We commute, to work, ride to the library, grocery store and overnight trips with loaded bikes. Mostly on our two tandems.
I thought this was going to be “gear” as in equipment but kit shaming is a whole different video.
that's what I thought too:)
Yes I thought that too. Another video definitely needed on that topic.
I often get the patronising down-talk when I’m on one of my vintage 3-speeds, so I casually reply “well I’ve got another 30 bikes at home and this is what I chose today, so it’s obviously got something”.
I’m with you on this topic! Don’t give a hoot how fast someone can go or any of the competition oriented cycling activities. Like you I’m a utilitarian bicyclist and couldn’t be happier. I do watch some of the “elite cycling channels” just because it’s good to know what they are talking about-but have not desire to be an athlete on a bike. Really appreciate your channel and where you are coming from!
Just built up a new modern aluminum gravel frame/fork with 11sp Dura Ace bar end shifting on drop bars, mtb triple 24-32-44, 11-34 cassette, and mechanical hydro disc brakes. The range is crazy. Light enough for serious gravel yet all the attachment points and gearing for anything else. Much of the ideas from your channel.
I got a very expensive gravel titanium frame. I put flat bars on it with MTB triple front rings and 11-speed rear cassette. I think the people that try to get around with single front rings are being idiotic.
@@citizenwolf8720 Your last sentence is exactly what Russ is talking about. We could all do well to look in the mirror at times and realize we might be part of the problem.
I’ve been passively enjoying this channel for awhile now so I’m over due to say I really appreciate this your work (and all the discussion about lower gearing. Something I don’t see anywhere else). Thank y’all for all the work and joy you bring me with your videos and helping me enjoy the time I spend on my bike.
I have experienced this to the point that I rarely tell anyone that bikes are my favorite hobby. If it does come up I like to say “I’m a bike rider and enjoy being a home mechanic”. When I’ve said “cyclist” I get jumped all over for being too casual and that I need to start racing or join a bike club for roadies. Oh, and I need a bike that’s not what I want and is way out of my budget.
Making cycling fun. What a novel concept.
It's a shame that every activity has to have gatekeepers, they unfortunately seem to exist in every pastime. I personally am excited to meet someone who also cycles or expresses an interest in starting and especially enjoy talking shop about the bikes themselves. I consider myself fortunate to have received only positive feedback from the people I speak to about any aspect of cycling. We should all aspire to be Ambassadors not Gatekeepers...
@@roypennock8046 I like that last sentence very much. I'm going to stick that in my back pocket
Your channel is the main thing I look forward to on UA-cam. Thanks for being a real person who makes videos for real people.
Ive been at a 3x9 11-46 for a while now. I think from what you and also Mr. Romance have shared, its inspired me to consider a 2x setup on my next rebuild of my favorite bicycle. The journey is fun, exploring places and I like learning different strategies for building, using and maintaining the things that support the trip. Theres so much of the comparisons out there online and in life that I just distance myself and for now just try to focus back on what got me into these things.
I have been riding for over forty years, 34 of those years on the same Cannondale st400, rim brakes, triple chainrings. I don't give a hoot about what people think about my setup! I live in the Canadian Rockies, on a steep AF logging road, I need all the gears I can get! There has always been a element of exclusionary fitness "bro" types in cycling, most sports have them. Just ignore them.....Keep up the great work, love your channel.
Your view of the industry on gearing is spot on. It took me two years to find a bike that has descent gearing,,,(Kona sutra se).
I do appreciate what you have done and what you bring to the table. Your channel is a breath of fresh in the wake of this industry. Kind of a modern Sheldon Brown.
Couldn't agree with you more. I've been riding a triple crank with a 24 tooth granny gear for 40 years. Now that I'm older, that 48 tooth outer ring is primarily just a brush guard. I never understood the macho guys who pushed the big gears and had to ice their knees at the end of the ride. After 40 years of biking I still have my original knees.
The 48-tooth big ring on my 3x drivetrain gets the most use, and I'm considering a changeto a 50-tooth ring. Just my preferences, as yours are your prefs. I've still got my original knees, too, and I never have to ice them after a ride : )
I for one, certainly appreciate options for gearing. 65 years old, 3 knee surgeries and many other “repairs”, I certainly like as many options as possible. My attempts at proving myself was single speed, which I enjoyed but my knees didn’t. Now 30 to 34 tooth oval (depending on the bike or ride or load) and 9-52 cassettes let me ride most things here around Tucson. Many people “shame” e-bikes too, which I hope to put off for several years, 6:52 . I say we’re all going faster and farther than anyone on the Lazyboy. Don’t let the bastards get you down. Some people have to knock others down to feel better about themselves. Keep up the good work 🚴💨 or 🐢💨
I have left so many Facebook cycling groups in the past year. Seems to be spreading from the mainstream Internet into the cycling forums now whereby people just shit on your joy. When cycling became the new golf, it changed for the worst. Now I just stick to one or two groups with like-minded people and hope the dickhead stay away. Please don’t change what you’re doing, you have inspired me to try so many things regarding gearing and drive trains.
I'm 58. I returned to my love of cycling and bike commuting once I no longer needed to ferry my kids around. My machis-bro self tried to break out a bit, but my wiser aged self was already contemplating paths less pedaled. And I live in hill country. Your channel popped up. I added a tour commuter to my stable. I converted to bar end shifters. I went with a 22 tooth low on a 3 x up front, and I enjoy my journeys. Thanks, Russ. Oh, and I mostly keep one more car off the road.
Your bike, your rules,
Do what you want, share your joy
I've been in the cycling industry for a long time, and there is always someone telling you they don't like this or mock, as far as I'm concerned it's a them problem
Russ, reading through even a few of these supportive comments from fellow followers, I hope you take at least some comfort in knowing there are many of us out here who love this content and what you are doing. Like others have already mentioned, your content is invaluable, I love the fact that you are so inclusive and pushing for easier riding and equipment. There is without doubt a certain cycling snobbery and haters who exist and I have personally fallen victim of ‘roadies’ thumbing their nose at my limited efforts even though my current bike is hand made and bespoke in very way, lol. Yes, I was once a racing snake with some nice kit but now as a pensioner, who simply loves being out there, 53 x 11 is a thing of the past and good riddance I say! I’m sad to hear you mention that it feels lonely doing what you do but please, please, please know you are far from alone. Keep it up, keep This content going and as you always tell us, keep the supple side down - please. 🙏 Chris.
When I first started riding, my friends, who are lovely people, said I couldn’t get a rear cassette bigger than an 11-28.
Now my “road bike” has 46/30 crank 11/36 cassette
I’m now a shop mechanic and often help people choose easier gears.
Thx for your services
I’m also running 46/30. So good. What chain rings and crank are you using?
@ im using the stock GRX crank and rings. They have worked great so far!
Similar here for my gravel bike 😊 GRX 46-30 with 11-42 Cassette.
My touring bike has an 11-40 cassette with a triple on the front having a small 26 chainring.
My road bike has 52-30 chainrings with an 11-27 cassette, but it only weighs in at 6.4kg.
Keep doing what your doing Russ. Great seeing bikes and ideas that shift away from industry trends - i was actually delighted to know that the Monetbello was built with a low bb in mind! Also great to see some road/crossover style bikes like this and the Sklar Super Something settling on a higher stack/longer front centre. Hope these ideas and others such as lower gearing become the old/new standards in time!
Hi there from the Uk To highlight that the problem still exists in mass produced bikes I recently went in to my local high end bike shop to see the offering for new gravel bikes I told him what I considered to be the gearing I needed for a comfortable days riding and he told me that there was nothing he could offer “out of the box “that would meet my needs I would have to have a custom built bike.
Comfort is king for me in a bike. I wish I had discovered low gearing 40 years ago when I was carrying two kids and panniers on my (retrieved from a neighbours skip ) road bike
We have a gut of unused post Covid bikes in the Uk ,mainly because of the weather ,the really bad urban road surfaces and killer traffic . However I think more would persist in cycling if they could have gearing that made the hills easier to get up and over for ordinary people
What were you missing exactly. I'm struggling here.
Russ I really appreciate all you do,you make riding exciting and open my mind of ideas.I have a 3x from 1989 I still ride.If not for this,my 35 year smoking habit would have killed me and/or my 300 lbs. frame.I am still fat and now unsmoking for 7 years and privledged to be alive hitting my 3x as needed...forever grateful.
When it comes to other peoples choices I find it's best to keep my thoughts to myself - it can be hard to do this with everything but generally I try to follow that rule.
You learn more by listening, and observing then talking over someone else's "Why" and even if their "Why" might be stupid to you, it's relevant to them.
People who can't give you that base level of respect are worth ignoring, life isn't always about doing "the best" "the meta" it's about doing what you want to do and you find your own "best" and "meta" and other people can take elements of yours and add to theirs.
This is why you are the Path Less Pedaled, Russ. No shame in that. I got into cycling via the early MTB era and we *all* wanted lower gearing than the 28/28 that was the low limit back in the day. And I embrace your outlier gear setups: my gravel setup is a repurposed 26" hardtail MTB that still rocks a triple (20/34/46) and takes advantage of modern cassettes, running an 11-34 in the rear. That 20/34 low end spins out at 2.5 mph which is a lot of fun when the going gets super steep. So keep it up, stay in your happy place, and fie to the haters. Cheers from one of your Patreon supporters!
Utility vs sport is the essential distinction. Normalize cycling as transport.
I've watched so many cycling channels, from GCN on down, and I've found there's a literal handful of them that value the idea that a bike is for helping you live a wondrous human life. Your channel is in that handful. I really appreciate that.
Just remember Russ, hate always comes from below! When u have hatters, you know you are doing something right! Keep doing you, and the real friends and followers will remain. ✌️ brother.
@凸Bebo凸 no real name or pic. Typical beech troll. Go jur@k off in your mom's basement like the small boy you are.
@@凸Bebo凸 I hope this comment is meant to be satire. If not, it's time for some professional counseling. ("Little girl"? Really? Jeez, come join us in the 21st century.) This comment screams sexual insecurity and false bravado.
I am in my later fifties and I have recently returned from a cycle tour of some of the west coast Scottish islands. When the hills get too steep I just get off and walk. I just don't care about racing anywhere. For me that is simply not the point. For others I am sure it is entirely the point. I cannot tell you the absolute pleasure I get from going slow and appreciating the outdoors. I like your channel because it is informative, interesting and quirky...it's cool. You do a great job; people believe in you and you have nothing to defend. I wish you well and I hope you continue to enjoy what you do.
I used to subscribe to full pro kits what with matching jersey, shorts, hat, and gloves, Clipless pedals, high end gruppo, etc. It was exclusive, not inclusive. I still like my old stuff but no longer look oddly at others different from me. Your posts shifted my view and I thank you. All the best to you.
This, sort off.. I typically wear Lycra shorts and Rapha Brevet jerseys, SPD-SL pedals, etc because that’s what I enjoy.. I enjoy the gear side of the hobby as well.. but I appreciate those that don’t as well..
This is your channel and you get to do what you like. I am nearly the opposite in terms of performance desires, but I love your attitude towards classic, beautiful, “old” tech, and “easy” gears. You fill a necessary space on UA-cam; keep it up.
just did a gravel ride and all I was thinking is that I need a lower gear! I enjoy your nerdy videos. Dont worry about youtube trolls!
I love a wider gear ratio. I was just able to swap out a 12-28 for a 11-34 7 speed cassette. Older hybrid with a 28-38-48 triple on the front. This is thanks to you helping me understand the importance of this. Don't even get me started on the swept back bars I switched out the narrow flats for. Thank you for sharing your knowledge and passion. ✌️
I completely agree. The gear-egos are real. Inside the industry and out on the roads and trails. As a former racer and now someone who rides recreationally, I find it laughable that the cycling world has not caught onto this. Not everyone needs massive gears to do what they are doing. I especially find it absurd that the same companies who push "endurance" bikes to have another slice of the market, are unwilling to gear their bikes for the activity they are promoting. As a mid-50's rider, I no longer need to have the most aero road bike. I spent last year researching endurance bikes with the plan of something that will work with my aging body as I approach 60. The number of these "endurance" bike that still are spec'd with racing gears is ridiculous. Why?? WHY?? Because the industry is broken. And lazy. If you are riding an endurance bike, you obviously could use appropriate gearing. And probably half the industry is clueless to this. Just shameful.
There is no need to defend yourself. You’re keeping it honest and real. Keep up all your great work.
I ride a tandem bike with my son with disability’s, he doesn’t pedal so I incorporated an electric wheel (he 160 lbs). The vast majority of the comments are very positive, idk why I remember the clown that commented “oh thats an e-bike”. I guess thats just human nature.
@JohnBrain-y6p, Focus on the positive comments you get. For people that need to diss you to feel better about themself, just say "OK"or "Thanks". Some want a reaction from you. Some people may not realize how uncalled for their comment is. We don't need to explain our choices to strangers. Keep spending quality time with your son!
Keep enjoying being you as I enjoy watching what you create, not what they create. Wait, they aren’t creating things are they? No. They can’t. 😅
Those people are the ones ruining bikes and riding. I ride an old MTB with a 3x9 crank, 8 spd shifters and a 9 spd cassette with v brakes. I'm not a cyclist. Just a guy who enjoys riding a bike around.
Keep doing what you’re doing brother. This is one of the very best bicycle-based channels on this platform and I love the way you tinker with what cycling can be and challenge the typical bike snobbery. I own a full carbon electronic shifting road bike yet my favorite bikes are the ones I hack and experiment with 🤙🏼
Rock on Russ! Your channel is called: Path less pedaled, not Asphalt road to hell… The ones you refer to must be lost, they need better navigation skills… People like us thrive on getting lost… You sir are on the right path, and that makes all the difference! 😅
I am not someone who needs really low gears, as I'm a dedicated roadie on a carbon frame who doesn't load it down with extra bags, etc., but I have NO IDEA why anyone would shame you for choosing low gears. They obviously are a good fit for the type of biking you do, just as my friend's custom 52-tooth front ring on his SRAM setup with a 10-tooth smallest cog is a good fit for his light body weight and big power output. Do what works for YOU; don't worry about what other people think of it!
It's a trend, and like most trends not a pleasant one. Some people are living so low, instead of raising themselves up, they seek to drag everyone else down ! Misery needs a friend !
You're fine, and refreshing and many share your philosophy 😊💗
Not a trend, it’s been here for a long time. Some people seem to need a rigid framework of what’s the right way. I get the feeling, that anybody that deviates from their conformism is either a threat to the worldview that shelters them from insecurity or someone that devalues the scale on which they measure their perceived superiority.
I was being kind, but you're right. Still, if one person reading my comment re-evaluated, my kindness would not be in vain. @@tillman5529
Huge hug, always enjoying and appreciating your work and videos! Please dont stop
Keep doing what you are doing. I enjoy all of your videos. Great job!
Russ, the day I discovered your channel, I’ve been hooked and left fixed gear riding for partypacing. I’ve learned a lot from this channel and toured a bunch. Matter of factly, you and Laura were one of the reasons I moved from the big city to a better place with lots of gravel roads and awesome sceneries. Keep doing what you love doing, Russ. Let the haters hate.
I got a ~15% incline within my housing complex, I can only avoid it if I push my bike. Anything harder than 1:1 would be really uncomfortable, especially when I transport things up there.
Love your channel Russ. It totally fits my bicycle philosophy: slow and steady. Give me a wide-range 2x any day. Front derailleurs and low gears rule.
Yes! Well said . The industry is totally silo’ed . In Wall Street mode . Faster , harder blah blah blah . You are are the Carl Honore of bike riding and I for one salute you for it . 👏🏻
I , too started in the 3by days . A Dawes tourer I bought with paper route money . I’d love that bike again . Shout out to all the framemakers and bike builders who cater for the low gear and rack inclined.
Let me say this slowly and clearly .. when I rode my homemade mountain bike in the 70s I was not doing ‘sport’ , when I rode my skateboard in the 80s and 90s I was not doing ‘sport’ and when I ride my bike now I’m not doing ‘sport’ . It’s creative . It’s self expression, it’s a way to relax , it’s getting from a-b . It’s just my life my way hey mr industry please don’t monetise me .
Russ, fully endorse all the supportive/positive comments I've read so far. I'm a 70yo Aussie and have been riding(loving bikes) for 66+ years, commuter, sports , competition, touring, have way too many bikes (hard to let them go). I'm learning and trying new things all the time. I think you're amasing and your enthusiasm is infectious. Keep doing what you love...there are plenty of us out there really appreciate it.
Suggestion: refer pathetic knockers to "Desiderata" a document found in old St Paul's church ,Baltimore d.1692....and think first before shooting. ps. It's not religious, just think it's good life advice.
Roadies and low gears: today the standard "roadie" setup is 34x50 and 11-34. 34x34 was considered to be a loaded touring gear back in 1972. You and I might not consider 27" a really low gear, but compared with what the gear-shaming crew was running back in the day, things have changed a lot in the past 50 years. "Gravel" is another story; there the typical 2-by is equipped with gears that even you and I would call "low."
Been following you through Salsa’s and Brompton’s ! I love your videos and your views. You have shaped my joy of cycling in many ways. We had Salsa Vaya’s and we got way into our Bromptons and Brompton travels. Your views fit our lifestyle and I really enjoy your ideas and views. Thank you!
My kid says, "Don't yuck somebody's yum!"
I might not agree with everything you have to say but I have to say your channel is a breath of fresh air in the cycling community. Keep up the great work!
I'm sorry that you felt compelled to make this video. I'm considerably overweight, over 70 and I ride my bike several times per week. It is joyful. I'm pleased with your perspective on riding and gear. I just bought an REI Coop bike with a 3x. Thank you.
Wow I love one hundred percent of your message and vibe. Subscribed. Keep doing your thing. I've encountered gatekeeping at bike shops since I was a ten year old paper carrier. As a fifty something adult looking in to bike commuting the industry seems to have changed very little unfortunately. This is a leadership problem that starts with marketing professionals and bike shop owners. We can do better.