7 Things We Wish We Knew When We Started Gravel Riding | Cycling Weekly

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  • Опубліковано 30 тра 2024
  • New to gravel riding or just looking for ways to increase your enjoyment of offroad riding? Let us take you through the seven most important bits of advice we wish we were given when we first started out. Follow these and maximise your ride!
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КОМЕНТАРІ • 383

  • @tamask2172
    @tamask2172 Рік тому +16

    I'd say before getting a bike, do make sure the gear ratio is sufficient on it. As gravel is all the rage these days, they are trying to sell everything as gravel or gravel-ready, but on many bikes the chainring and cassette combination is more suitable for fast paced road riding (looking at you Shimano). That will make it very difficult to tackle steeper terrain, especially on gravel or poor quality roads, if you are not in excellent riding condition. Unfortunately these components can be really expensive to switch out, so it's better to just get a bike that already comes with the ones that are best suited for your needs (and abilities).

  • @run4cmt
    @run4cmt Рік тому +6

    I tried to take up mountain biking and in my 60s it was too challenging. So I started using my mountain bike for gravel riding.

  • @philparatrooper
    @philparatrooper 3 роки тому +104

    Put a bell on your bike because you will be travelling fast on tracks with many walkers

    • @alnsn
      @alnsn 3 роки тому +3

      Block you rear wheel to make some noise, it works better than a bell.

    • @fuzzbuzztk
      @fuzzbuzztk 3 роки тому +10

      Bells make people react strangly, this is why most decent cyclist will slow, call and act on reaction

    • @paulhiggins6024
      @paulhiggins6024 3 роки тому +3

      Tom Kenyon what, they stop, turn around to see what the 'bell' sound they heard was? Giving the rider time to slow down and take the required action to avoid the walker..... Yup makes em act strange indeed.

    • @liamsoden7672
      @liamsoden7672 3 роки тому +1

      @@fuzzbuzztk do they??

    • @kencoxdesign
      @kencoxdesign 3 роки тому +1

      I find the "auto bells" that you can turn on/off and jingle from the vibration of the trail to be more effective vs the thumb flick bells which tend to come across as "get out of my way". I will turn on my TIMBER bell on downhills or areas with poor sight lines, and it gives hikers and walkers a warning that ramps up slowly as I'm approaching, giving them more time to react. It also lets me keep my hand position constant instead of having to shift to ring a bell manually. The only downside is if it's really smooth, I have to wiggle my bars a little to ring it. This is the one I use: www.mtbbell.com/

  • @TrailsofCalifornia
    @TrailsofCalifornia 3 роки тому +16

    I'm interesting in getting into gravel riding like this. Thanks for the video!

  • @rodrigolizarraga9324
    @rodrigolizarraga9324 2 роки тому +23

    I just bought an entry level gravel bike. I would love a video up which upgrades or modifications are good to make to a "cheap" bike. As I'm starting I didn't want to buy an expensive bike, if I end up loving it, I will sure upgrade to a new bike

    • @morapelimokokomali7907
      @morapelimokokomali7907 3 місяці тому

      Apparently wheels are the best upgrade you can make. I'm new too and asked myself the same question

    • @imola8
      @imola8 Місяць тому

      Best upgrade is usually a better wheelset. But honestly, most room for improvement is yourself. Just get out on the bike you have and ride it.

  • @KowalskiVanishing_Point
    @KowalskiVanishing_Point 3 роки тому +12

    Think I have made every mistake you've described and all your suggestions are bang on....except for tire pressure. I run tires pretty hard all the time as I was getting sick of pinch flats. I'm running more of a monster bike in the Salsa Fargo and run 2.5" wide Maxxis Hookworms. Surprisingly good traction off road and roll well on road although, with a 30 lb.+ steel bike I'm not winning any races! I went to a flat pedal and shoe after years of clip ins- just more into more relaxed style of riding as I get older.

  • @bensachs1855
    @bensachs1855 3 роки тому +50

    Lesson #3: regularly check to make sure your chainring bolts are tight

    • @samj1185
      @samj1185 Рік тому

      and more often than once a year!!

  • @doriankelly101
    @doriankelly101 3 роки тому +34

    So, basically, do what mountain bikers do: Optimal tire selection, lower psi, carry a larger kit, drop the saddle, shorten/raise the stem...

    • @amirdariel1303
      @amirdariel1303 2 роки тому

      I guess Im asking randomly but does anybody know a trick to get back into an Instagram account?
      I was dumb lost the login password. I love any tricks you can give me

    • @kristopherzachariah728
      @kristopherzachariah728 2 роки тому

      @Amir Dariel Instablaster =)

    • @amirdariel1303
      @amirdariel1303 2 роки тому

      @Kristopher Zachariah I really appreciate your reply. I got to the site through google and Im trying it out now.
      Takes a while so I will reply here later when my account password hopefully is recovered.

    • @amirdariel1303
      @amirdariel1303 2 роки тому

      @Kristopher Zachariah It worked and I now got access to my account again. I am so happy!
      Thanks so much, you saved my account!

    • @kristopherzachariah728
      @kristopherzachariah728 2 роки тому

      @Amir Dariel Glad I could help =)

  • @Paddyhudson
    @Paddyhudson 3 роки тому +116

    I'd like to add: Don't push it too far when it comes to tire clearance with your bike. The big gravel tires are going to puff out when hitting bumps much more than a road tire will. If your tires are cutting it a little close when standing still, they may actually rub when in action.

    • @gvnrchmnd
      @gvnrchmnd 3 роки тому +27

      Impact of the tyre is nowhere near your fork or chain stay when you hit a bump. The tyre will be back to normal by the time it rotates to where it meets the fork\chainstay.

    • @Paddyhudson
      @Paddyhudson 3 роки тому +6

      Gavin Richmond sorry for misphrasing; what I meant was that the tire and wheel will flex over bumps and can end up rubbing on the fork if the clearance is too tight.

    • @gvnrchmnd
      @gvnrchmnd 3 роки тому +4

      Paddyhudson Ah I get what you’re saying now. I personally think a minimum of more than 3mm each side should be ok. It’s mud clearance that might be another issue....

    • @Paddyhudson
      @Paddyhudson 3 роки тому +1

      Gavin Richmond I just know that I could use some touch up paint for my inner fork. 😕

    • @troybrowning839
      @troybrowning839 3 роки тому

      @@Paddyhudson If you have a good frame and good wheels, you're not rubbing tire and the only consideration is build of up mud or debris on the tire taking up clearance. If you've got rubbing on your fork then you're having wheel or fork/frame flex issues.

  • @bluetelecaster87
    @bluetelecaster87 3 роки тому +25

    If you need to have a high pressure when you’re riding to your gravel trails, then a low one when you arrive, just let some air out and pump them back up for your ride home

    • @colinmcdonald2499
      @colinmcdonald2499 3 роки тому +2

      Yes indeed. This is why you also want a good little compact pump, I prefer one that folds to be a mini stand pump with a short articulated hose, GOOD valve clamp and accurate guage ( the guage seems optional, but It is really nice to have). I let 1 or 1.5 BAR out of my front tire and 1 BAR out of my rear when I get to the long semi-technical gravel fireroads, with 30-50 km of ( nice) mountain tarmac roads to get home. So getting back to road pressure quickly and easily is key. I had a crank bros single action pump ( the kind you pump in both hands, in mid air) that, was murder to pump beyond 45 or 50 PSI. I want to easily ( and quickly) pump up to 71 PSI/5 BAR. If it means I carry 150 grams extra of a pump. So be it.

    •  3 місяці тому

      ​@@colinmcdonald2499have you found a pump like that?

  • @Simbostyle
    @Simbostyle 3 роки тому +39

    Dropper seat posts are great if you are on a ride with a big variation in terrain.

    • @robertkee7534
      @robertkee7534 3 роки тому +12

      Load of rubbish. If there's that much variation, move to a mountain bike with a dropper. The beauty of a gravel is the simplicity of a road type using it off road, but that can only go so far. Going to a point where you are calling for a dropper is the point to pick up your mountain bike

    • @Graptos
      @Graptos 3 роки тому +2

      Coming back down those 20% FSR for instance, but yeah sometimes you want an XC bike or a hardtail (a more popular n+1 locally).

    • @RyanWBL
      @RyanWBL 3 роки тому +4

      @@robertkee7534 my gravel is my back up mtb while also my roadie, so makes sense for people like me.

    • @Daniel-dj7fh
      @Daniel-dj7fh 3 роки тому

      @@robertkee7534 I mean it's good to have the post high for flat rides, and abit lower on trails to prevent losing you anal v-card

    • @wolfiesmith7674
      @wolfiesmith7674 2 роки тому +2

      @@robertkee7534 load of rubbish, the beauty of a gravel bike (any bike) is you can ride where ever you want. Riding mine on most of my MTB routes is far more challenging and an absolute buzz, there would be no benefits to not using a dropper.
      If you don’t have skill level to take it on MTB trails, practice a bit more…
      Or stick to road riding.

  • @kalebbarant1990
    @kalebbarant1990 2 роки тому +8

    Here are 2 things I learned from personal experience...
    Don't run road level tire pressure and a mtb stem & mtb bar when you're planning to speed down a gravel trail at 25mph lol
    Rear tire was drifting and the front tire was skidding with every quick counter steer.
    The mtb stem and mtb bar might not be that bad, but the tire pressure cost me some traction.

  • @ironfrogpress1526
    @ironfrogpress1526 3 роки тому +2

    My favorite bike for gravel war a 89 Ceturian Dave Scott Ironman, witn 28mm Continentals at 70 psi
    Super fun on hilly loose river rock...❤️

  • @costasmandylor1565
    @costasmandylor1565 3 роки тому +78

    Biggest mistake I made: if you're going to ride proper trails the semi slick "gravel" tires that are so popular are useless on technical trails. Get knobby tires!!

    • @colinmcdonald2499
      @colinmcdonald2499 3 роки тому +5

      I am having good luck with Schwalbe Mondrials (700x 40C)... As an all-purpose tire. I just finished 98km. About 40 km of it very mixed fire road ( heavy gravel, rocky , sandy , almost dirt/natural cobbles, muddy.. over grown in sunny spots with some fallen rocks. rocks . First 12 km and last 46 km.. very smooth, highway ( with 8km of roughish pavement). I let about 15 psi out ( four squirts on presta) of the front and 11 or 12 psi out of the back ( 3 squirts.. when I got into gravel. Pumped them back to 70 psi front and 5 bar rear... 5 or 10 km after the gravel ended.
      Steep drops and about 600 meters of gravel descent.
      Those tires are worth a try... They roll nice and smooth on nice roads..
      I could only get the pro line Mondrials ( the mid level schwalbe) where I am at... But really good value.
      Fun as hell on all surfaces

    • @antonroux6737
      @antonroux6737 Рік тому

      disagree - gravel riding is not about technical trails, and subtle drifts on light trails is no problem - best to stick with semi-slicks (which do have some tread or inverted tread)

    • @artgreen6915
      @artgreen6915 Рік тому

      I think this little debate exposes the myth of one bike to rule them all. Flexible machine with ability to cover distance including mainly lighter off-road and take in diversions? Sure, and that's great.
      But if you focus on the most resilient frame it won't be light on the road. If your tyres roll fantastically then they won't have much dirt traction. Mix it up while compromising, or divide activities while specialising. Common life choices.

    • @artgreen6915
      @artgreen6915 Рік тому

      ​@@antonroux6737 I think I agree with you. If you borrow too much from a very different type of bike, the resulting character doesn't hang together very well.
      Gravel riding doesn't have to be gravel. But that's its origin and gravel is quite free draining. Packed dry summer soil is within the spirit of gravel. Coping badly with mud on a bike not designed for it has a different name: cyclo-cross!
      Coping better with mud has yet another name: MTB.

  • @aaroiseverything
    @aaroiseverything 3 роки тому +13

    Gravel riding looks so fun!!

    • @christocr
      @christocr 3 роки тому +3

      I've found that it's just as fun on a light XC MTB as it is on a gravel bike. Both are fun in different ways.

    • @photorockbar471
      @photorockbar471 3 роки тому +2

      @@christocr Riding a trail on an MTB is called riding off road. Using a gravel oriented bike on the same trail is called riding gravel. It is very confusing to some.

  • @JohnSmith-bx8zb
    @JohnSmith-bx8zb 2 роки тому +6

    One good tip is ride at a speed that allows you to stop if a pedestrian is using the track just around that corner.

  • @lancekoz
    @lancekoz 3 роки тому +1

    Excellent pace and discussion lads!

  • @TheVolksbar
    @TheVolksbar 3 роки тому +16

    Thank you for great information guys, loved all your VDOs. What inner tube strap and Bento bag are they?

    • @jamesbracey6560
      @jamesbracey6560 3 роки тому +6

      Cheers!! Bento bag is a Roswheel road top tube bag, strap is a Backcountry Research one

    • @TheVolksbar
      @TheVolksbar 3 роки тому +7

      James Bracey Thank You

  • @ZulkifleCheAbdullah
    @ZulkifleCheAbdullah 2 роки тому

    Love your experience tips, it's really help! Great video...khemah!

  • @colinmcdonald2499
    @colinmcdonald2499 3 роки тому +4

    I tend to overpack. But if you are lucky enough to live someplace with 200, 300, 500 or even 800 meter ( in elevation) descents, be sure to inspect your brake pad thickness often. I carry a new pair of spare brake pads, next to my replacement chain link. You never want to find out that you're on your last mm of disc brake pads with 700 meters of elevation still to descend!

  • @RonnRider
    @RonnRider 3 роки тому

    Nice review guys! Very fun!

  • @200MPHCLUB.
    @200MPHCLUB. 3 роки тому

    Fantastic video, thank you 👍🏻

  • @vinnyjhawer7847
    @vinnyjhawer7847 3 роки тому

    Great video, with handy advice.

  • @walterblanqui7o
    @walterblanqui7o 2 роки тому

    I would see this on my UA-cam feed after my first gravel ride lmao.thanks for the tips

  • @michaelkearney576
    @michaelkearney576 2 роки тому +1

    I lost a load of chainring bolts on a tour of Eastern Europe. Realised when my chain went between rings on a shift. I used cable ties to hold the chain rings on for over 1,000km.

  • @michaelklein7105
    @michaelklein7105 2 роки тому

    Thanks for those tips.

  • @alanhill7965
    @alanhill7965 3 роки тому

    Great advice thanks for the video

  • @Goblusser
    @Goblusser 2 роки тому

    I learnt alot, thanks

  • @josephcook647
    @josephcook647 3 роки тому

    Thanks for the info!!!!

  • @russlerjones3278
    @russlerjones3278 2 роки тому +1

    Cant recommend the funn mamba pedals enough, clips one side flat and grippy the other but it doesnt matter if you get it wrong as it provides amazing grip both sides.

  • @lucaszeta
    @lucaszeta 2 роки тому +6

    I liked the strategy of having your spare tubes on your frame!
    I have mine inside the saddle bag, but that leaves the bag with almost no space left, forcing me to have some tools in the second bottle cage

    • @stinkyfungus
      @stinkyfungus Рік тому

      Tubes?!
      lol... go tubeless and carry a plug kit.
      Tubeless is love, tubeless is life.

  • @kofio7581
    @kofio7581 3 роки тому +5

    Please can you post a link for that little multitool device under your bottle. Great video BTW.

  • @MorganBrown
    @MorganBrown 3 роки тому +24

    As an alternative to tubeless, you can get a valve core removal tool and just throw an ounce of sealant in the tube. Works wonders on small thorns and a lot less messy than tubeless.

    • @garagesale5948
      @garagesale5948 3 роки тому

      bicycle tire liner tube protectors work better.

    • @MorganBrown
      @MorganBrown 3 роки тому +2

      Garage Sale I ran the Mr Tuffy liners on an old bike. I liked them but can not confirm whether they can tolerate goat heads or not. I once ran over a goat head plant and literally got 24 goat heads between the front and rear tires. I got home, carefully pulled all the goat heads out, then put an ounce of sealant in each tube, just to see what would happen. Amazingly, those holey tubes sealed right up! The tire liners won’t help against a thorn that comes in from the side, and this obviously could happen.

    • @markrskinner
      @markrskinner 3 роки тому +4

      Just go tubeless in the first place. Works wonders on anything up to 4 inch nails.

    • @CPD0123a
      @CPD0123a 3 роки тому

      They sell those as Slime brand tubes that come pre-filled with Fix A Flat
      Needless to say after a few years the slime gums up, and makes them completely unusable. Plus it's a lot more weight that's sloshing around in your tubes.

    • @algmusicuk
      @algmusicuk 3 роки тому +2

      Took a while to go tubeless.. But had numerous flats cycling and the sealant has worked a treat.. Just kept rolling

  • @lewistrice
    @lewistrice 3 роки тому +8

    Superglue should also be in your repair kit. Easy to quickly slap some glue on loose bolts then wrench and fix them properly when you get to back home or to the shop. Saves losing them and having to ziptie your bike together.....this is definitely from experience 🤣

    • @skooterbrah
      @skooterbrah 2 роки тому +3

      Also works a treat on minor lacerations. The stuff was developed for use by field medics.

    • @stinkyfungus
      @stinkyfungus Рік тому

      Only do this if you wrench on your own bike.
      Back when I worked at bike shop as a mechanic, if I found things like superglue or thread lock on components that don't require thread lock - I'd charge extra for the trouble I'd have to take to ensure that I don't strip the Allen socket, and the time to clean that crap off the bolt when I reinstalled it.
      Carry a proper folding multitool and tighten your bolts down in the field.
      Invest in a decent torque wrench and install them correctly and they won't work loose on a ride.

  • @PerfDayToday
    @PerfDayToday 3 роки тому +3

    Is the handlebar on the silver bike a Ride Farr bar?

  • @nomorebroke1056
    @nomorebroke1056 3 роки тому

    Nice tips!🙏thank you

  • @132Marty
    @132Marty 3 роки тому +10

    Love the Mint Sauce bar tape. Got some on my Nukeproof Digger. If you know, you know.

    • @davelloyd8454
      @davelloyd8454 2 роки тому

      Mint sauce bar tape exists? Where do I buy that???

    • @132Marty
      @132Marty 2 роки тому +1

      @@davelloyd8454 Search 'Jo Burt Series bar tape', then get it on your bike. 😉

    • @KruiserIV
      @KruiserIV 2 роки тому

      @@132Marty mind explaining why it’s better than the rest?

    • @132Marty
      @132Marty 2 роки тому

      @@KruiserIV Never said it was.

    • @KruiserIV
      @KruiserIV 2 роки тому

      @@132Marty Why do you like it?

  • @MasterJCChannel
    @MasterJCChannel 3 роки тому

    Thank you for your tip im planning to get a GB next summer! Subs to you from Master JC Channel / Canada.

  • @AlexandarHullRichter
    @AlexandarHullRichter 2 роки тому +4

    Chainring belts falling out as a new one for me. I've broken plenty of chainring bolts by tightening them as part of a tune-up (which is the most convenient time to find broken parts because they can be replaced immediately), but I've never heard of them just falling out of the bike.

    • @nathangant7636
      @nathangant7636 2 роки тому

      10:36 It only needs to happen once to ruin your day. I lost 4 of my 5 chainring bolts and had to walk it out for 2 miles pushing my bike. No fun. I should have paid more attention to the noise coming from my chain area. My chain was not aligned with the front and rear sprocket and it slowing caused enough vibration to loosen the bolts over time. Having a multi-tool is useless if you don't have the bolts to tighten. I've since bought the correct spacers to keep my chainline straight. Also I now periodically inspect all bolts and screws on the bike for tightness.

  • @sepg5084
    @sepg5084 2 роки тому +4

    If traction and comfort are the priority over speed, then an XC hardtail would be the better choice for "gravel" riding. And even an XC bike would still be sufficient even if you have to ride on pavement; i can ride my XC bike comfortably for 100 KM on a combination of good and bad pavement even compared to my road bike, no need to buy a gravel bike.
    Only use my road bike if i know that i will be riding on good pavement.

  • @roadglide
    @roadglide 2 роки тому +3

    Tire size 650b x42 or 700x 38 minimum. If your bike can hold these you are in for most scenarios and a blast. 25-30 psi is perfect for most scenarios. Just my .2.

  • @lom_video
    @lom_video 3 роки тому +1

    Nice cycling video!

  • @CareFreeCommuting
    @CareFreeCommuting 3 роки тому +2

    7:20 flats with straps are a nice and cheap option to start with as well.

    • @TimSoriano
      @TimSoriano 3 роки тому +3

      I still have them on my roadbike, been awhile since ive seen someone else uses them

  • @drouleau
    @drouleau 3 роки тому

    I found my more flexible soles of my Shimano mtn bike shoes killed my toes with hot spots on a 125 mile gravel ride/race....they hurt pretty bad by the end of the ride. Just snagged a pair of Shimano RX-8 gravel race shoes, far more stiff (and much lighter as well) - they should do the trick.

  • @pietemann
    @pietemann 3 роки тому +1

    Can someone please tell me what bracket is used for holding up the trip meter in this video? U can see it on 00:29

  • @1ststater611
    @1ststater611 3 роки тому

    Gonna start shopping, but, thinking straight bar with bar ends may be a good option

  • @jeremyboesmans
    @jeremyboesmans 3 роки тому

    Can anyone tell me what gravel bike brand the titanium bike is please? Looks nice, love the handlebars.

  • @sebastianjost
    @sebastianjost 2 роки тому +2

    Note that good bottle cage by no means expensive cages. Cheap ones can be just as good.

  • @spiloFTW
    @spiloFTW 3 роки тому +1

    whats that drop bar whit a loop?

  • @LarryRichelli
    @LarryRichelli 3 роки тому +2

    Try the Jones H bar. I put it on my gravel bike because I almost never used my lowers. Love that Jones bar.

  • @JouTuubi
    @JouTuubi 3 роки тому

    What top tube bag you are using?

  • @danieljudge7176
    @danieljudge7176 3 роки тому +2

    What size are your Ride Farr aero bars? they look great and I like the idea of multiple hand positions.

  • @fredricgriffin6070
    @fredricgriffin6070 3 роки тому +4

    Great episode. Keep the supple side down :-)

  • @darrylandrewerciaa8556
    @darrylandrewerciaa8556 2 роки тому +6

    When you love mountain bike & road bike you ended up buying a Gravel bike 🥰

  • @oreyl
    @oreyl 3 роки тому +5

    Looking forward to James's review for the gravel handle bar on his bike!

    • @jacksonbaker414
      @jacksonbaker414 3 роки тому

      Do we know what this handlebar is and where I can find one?

    • @oreyl
      @oreyl 3 роки тому +1

      @@jacksonbaker414 you can find it here: ridefarr.com/int/product/farr-aero-gravel-alloy/

    • @LarryRichelli
      @LarryRichelli 3 роки тому +1

      @@jacksonbaker414 Before you buy that bar look at the Jones H bar. I realized that I almost never used my lowers on my gravel bike so I got the Jones bar and I have loved it. Five had positions so I can feel like I am in the hoods and more.

    • @bigfootlil
      @bigfootlil 2 роки тому

      @@LarryRichelliSure, if you’ve already got a flatbar setup, but you’d have to switch out the shifters (among other components) to make these work.

  • @TMick13
    @TMick13 3 роки тому +52

    Definitely go tubeless on gravel. You can run lower pressure without running the risk of pinch flats and lower pressure means more comfort, more traction and less discomfort on bumpy sections.

    • @verdomtnochmal
      @verdomtnochmal 3 роки тому +5

      I used to think the same but I hated the struggle of changing tyres every 2000km and random pressure loss during bike packing tours so much that I switched back to tubes. Setting up the tyres without compressor is just horrible if you don't want to waste co2 all the time.

    • @patrickmurphy8222
      @patrickmurphy8222 3 роки тому +7

      I was going to go tubeless on my gravel bike build but the tires are expensive and I have to buy and mess with that liquid stuff which requires topping off or renewing every few months. I heard they fit really tight and I have arthritis in my left hand so getting the tire on the rim would be impossible for me. Besides I bought a pair of high-end tires from a friend for pennies on the dollar so I went with those.

    • @robertkee7534
      @robertkee7534 3 роки тому +3

      Don't get carried away with tubeless. There's more disadvantages.
      1. If you pick up a puncture larger than the self sealant can cope with you will need a tyre patch and tube to get you home. Gravel riding can take you onto less traveled back countries and harder to get that backup. You are more likely to hit a larger sharp stone liable to cause a gash. If you aren't travelling across rougher ground then you don't need a gravel bike.

    • @Graptos
      @Graptos 3 роки тому

      I switched to tubeless after flatting both tires, and one of those twice on the same gravel trail, then once more over one those sections of pavement that are all broken up by tree roots. Spend a lot less time faffing about with tubes, and all you need is a cloth to wipe up the old sealant, a spray pump with soapy water and a good pump (I did pick up one of those burst canister for half price at the LBS for Boxing Day) to seat the tire (now add a tire insert and that does add a bit of 🤪 to the effort).

    • @wolfiesmith7674
      @wolfiesmith7674 2 роки тому

      @@robertkee7534 Luddite.

  • @eric.ko.
    @eric.ko. 3 роки тому +15

    Don’t fear gravel, Fear grass. Damn thorns cost me so much on tubes.

  • @Pranav_m_Mistry
    @Pranav_m_Mistry 2 роки тому

    Are Bontrager GR1 Expert a decent tire to go offroad?

  • @rudyelizondo1935
    @rudyelizondo1935 3 роки тому

    Great vid

  • @georgesolomon5696
    @georgesolomon5696 3 роки тому

    what model aero bars are you using

  • @AndrewEbling
    @AndrewEbling 11 місяців тому

    I prefer my trusty CamelBak hydration back pack over bottles for off road - especially in spring and autumn when there more mud about and bottles can get mucky.

  • @MCDmr028
    @MCDmr028 3 роки тому +6

    Hi! What tyres is Rupert using?...Specialised Pathfinder Pros??

    • @ryanbennett1532
      @ryanbennett1532 3 роки тому +2

      Def pathfinder pros. I've got them on my cx bike; they roll soooooo well on tarmac and tightly packed dirt

  • @soyurimartinez
    @soyurimartinez 3 роки тому

    nice saddle !! what brand is it ?

  • @665Thunder
    @665Thunder Рік тому

    that black specialized comp carbon is sweet

  • @jasonbull4759
    @jasonbull4759 3 роки тому +2

    Hi was this filmed at velmede Woods near the foresters pub in Fleet?

  • @Bullitluna
    @Bullitluna Рік тому

    You've got the new bike and the kit, but where to go. How do I go about find trails or gravel path to ride my new bike.

  • @jirdesteva
    @jirdesteva 3 роки тому +28

    I have a saddle bag for each bike with a puncture kit a spare tube and a multi-tool for each bike. Grab the bike can't forget the bag. Handlebars are hollow stashed inside cable ties and about 20 dollars in cash for emergencies. On every bike a crank brothers Klic Hand Pump. If driving to a location in each of the cars I have spare tires a portable compressor and a small set of tools.

    • @vgjgghbgyjn1985
      @vgjgghbgyjn1985 3 роки тому +1

      Good. For. You.

    • @vgjgghbgyjn1985
      @vgjgghbgyjn1985 3 роки тому

      Its tacky and see-through-as-f how cyclingweekly "loved" this post. Spend spend spend. Way to go china

    • @christocr
      @christocr 3 роки тому +7

      No... the justification is more like, I just had a flat and I'm 20 miles out in the middle of the desert... oh shit, my goodie bag is on my other bike, which is sitting at home. Two bags, two pumps, two multi-tools, etc, solves that little problem, even though it costs a bit more money. If you have two good bikes, with the horrendous prices these days, you can damn sure afford two bags, two pumps, two tubes, etc...

  • @colinmcdonald2499
    @colinmcdonald2499 3 роки тому +3

    I notice this most with UK cycling videos ( GCN too).
    Safety/cycling glasses are not optional for gravel biking.
    I guess the UK is blessed re: bugs???
    But today I was doing a quickly-getting-overgrown fire road in the temperate rainforest ecosystem I live in. Basically it was a twin single track already in the 2nd week of June. The prominence of this road is impressive... Which also means that you could drop 50 or 100 or 300meters if you wipe out on the outside. Keeping inside ( the uphill tire track line) has branches leaning down. Take your pick but...
    But no glasses; get whipped in both eyes with a branch;. You are totally ( royally for the UK) f'ed on so many levels.

    • @WelshMullet
      @WelshMullet 2 роки тому

      Not a lot of bugs during the day in most parts (outside of FLYING ANT DAY) as they mostly show up in the evenings, but only for short parts of the year

    • @colinmcdonald2499
      @colinmcdonald2499 2 роки тому

      @@WelshMullet tree branches lash eyeballs even if there are no flying insects.

    • @tornagawn
      @tornagawn 2 роки тому +2

      Holy trinity of biking: gloves, eye protection and a helmet

  • @soliyor
    @soliyor 2 роки тому

    What is the brand of the multitool thing?

  • @mitchelleiannadres4416
    @mitchelleiannadres4416 Місяць тому

    Hi! I used to have a mtb, but I switched to gravel bike since drop bars gives me much more comfort. Can a gravel bike be used for speed just like a road bike?

  • @jordanbrashier1674
    @jordanbrashier1674 2 роки тому

    Does anyone know what that nifty bottlecage/multitool holder is called?

  • @RupertFear
    @RupertFear 3 роки тому +2

    Dont use Sram?

  • @robsp7626
    @robsp7626 3 роки тому +6

    You need to talk to Jan about tire pressure

  • @christiansmith1654
    @christiansmith1654 3 роки тому +1

    Love that specialized back... Can anyone help me with what model it is?

    • @cyclingweekly
      @cyclingweekly  3 роки тому +2

      Hi Christian - it's the Specialized diverge comp carbon www.cyclingweekly.com/reviews/gravel-bikes/specialized-diverge-comp-carbon

  • @acdj0712
    @acdj0712 3 роки тому

    Hello guys , should I get a smaller frame for a Gravel bike or the same size of my road bike
    I'm a 5'9" height and my current road bike is medium.
    thank you for all your tips.

    • @someopinionateddirt6561
      @someopinionateddirt6561 2 роки тому

      It ultimately depends on the brand. Some brands may recommend you be on a small, but you may find medium to be more comfortable. Safest bet is to go to a brick and mortar and have the staff help you out.

  • @romeogonzales345
    @romeogonzales345 Рік тому

    what's the recommended PSI pressure of gravel riding?

  • @walthefl
    @walthefl 2 роки тому

    9:57 What’s the exact multi tool there?

  • @andrewince8824
    @andrewince8824 2 роки тому

    Copy the XC/Enduro guys. Get a dropper post. Much easier to change your seat height while you keep the pace, makes everything flow much smoother.
    Get at least one Topeak Ninja bottle cage so you can have a multitool with you at all times. The bike is being shaken with nothing to deaden the vibration. Bolts have a habit of walking loose.

  • @sapiens7821
    @sapiens7821 3 роки тому +3

    Thanks for the tips I’m looking at buying a gravel bike. I love the Kinesis set up you have. Is that a titanium bike. G Day from Australia

    • @jamesbracey6560
      @jamesbracey6560 3 роки тому

      Hey Wayne, yes it is titanium, it’s the Tripster ATR V3

    • @sapiens7821
      @sapiens7821 3 роки тому

      @@jamesbracey6560 thanks ill look into it :)

    • @jacksonbaker414
      @jacksonbaker414 3 роки тому

      Hi James, what’s that handlebar?

    • @jamesbracey6560
      @jamesbracey6560 3 роки тому +1

      Jackson Baker it’s a Farr Aero Gravel

  • @TheIcebon
    @TheIcebon 3 роки тому +1

    Do these bikes start hurting your arms with the vibrations due to not having suspension on the front? Thinking of getting one

    • @ype1014
      @ype1014 3 роки тому +1

      ready ur hands dude

    • @mikefule330
      @mikefule330 3 роки тому +4

      Time was when no bikes had suspension. For general riding on single track and trails, you don't need it. Suspension is weight and mechanical complexity. Gravel bikes started as mountain bikes without suspension and with dropped bars. Then the marketing boys thought, "Hey! What if we make a gravel bike but give it suspension and straight bars?" Your tyres, arms and legs are all the suspension you need for gravel riding.

  • @rodgeabenes7762
    @rodgeabenes7762 3 роки тому +2

    Great advise and tips, thank you guys and stay safe!

  • @manchetajr
    @manchetajr 3 роки тому

    Any info on that bottle cage/tool combo?

  • @schussi2000
    @schussi2000 2 роки тому

    That Topeak multi tool bottle cage carrier is trash though. The mount of mine wore out quite quickly and then was loose all the time due to all the rattling on the ride.

  • @SquevilSqueak
    @SquevilSqueak 3 роки тому +14

    The resurgence of 90s mountain bikes...

    • @jasone2240
      @jasone2240 3 роки тому +2

      Agree and makes sense because modern mountain bikes are too good for normal trails, they need proper mountain tracks to create a real challenge.

    • @kencoxdesign
      @kencoxdesign 3 роки тому +1

      To some extent yes... comparing to my old Bridgestone of that era, mountain bikes still had a lot of road bike traits, like flat top tubes and long skinny stays. Today's gravel bikes have huge advancements and improvements though - bike weight, hydraulic disc brakes, a wide variety of tubeless 700c tires, integrated shifters (vs the Bridgestone's thumb shifters on the top of the bar), carbon frames and forks, light trail-worthy 700c wheels. They may have roughly the same silhouette, but they aren't at all the same bike.

  • @bobbob9364
    @bobbob9364 3 роки тому

    Can I use a gravel bike as a mountain bike

  • @ryananderson6321
    @ryananderson6321 2 роки тому +1

    What about riding a hardtail 29er, carbon frame vs a gravel bike? I just wonder if that mtb will give you more comfort but maybe the efficiency of the gravel bike is much better 🤷‍♂️

    • @kevinclark9176
      @kevinclark9176 2 роки тому

      This is the build I’m starting. Bought a 29er carbon hardtail, planning to swap to a rigid fork, 45mm tires, 720mm flat bar with aerobar (get both control/comfort for more technical but tucked for smoother/faster sections), MTB 1x12 wide range. On the tires side, many gravel people have been limited there. Gravel frames keep getting wider to allow the 40-50mm+, but no clearance issues with a 29er. A gravel frame is likely a bit lighter though.

  • @DawidDgk
    @DawidDgk 3 роки тому +4

    where can I find this funky multi-tool?

    • @harrylook7810
      @harrylook7810 3 роки тому +1

      i think it's the topeak ninja master

    • @jamesbracey6560
      @jamesbracey6560 3 роки тому +1

      Yep, what he said👆🏻

    • @luckaffe237
      @luckaffe237 3 роки тому

      harrylook make sure that you can reach everything important. The tools of my Ninja 16+ are very short

  • @edstud1
    @edstud1 3 роки тому

    Whenever I go off pavement I get those puncture stickers and a flat, what do I do?

    • @edstud1
      @edstud1 3 роки тому

      @Steve King that is my current strategy. 🙄

  • @degutos
    @degutos 3 роки тому +2

    Hi guys. I am really new biker and just bought a second hand Trek speed bike. I am overweight and was thinking if a gravel bike with wider tyres and different frame design would make my riding little more confortable on roads at least during this beginning?

    • @Daniel-dj7fh
      @Daniel-dj7fh 3 роки тому

      maybe abit, but some gravel bikes are also pretty stiff.
      It's important to have the right seating height, you dont want to be whipping up and down because your seat is too high or too low, which is just extra strain on parts and yer bum

  • @MrRay645
    @MrRay645 2 роки тому +2

    “Don’t need latest kit or even a dedicated gravel bike” so step one is disregard the 20k worth of bikes and kit seen in video LOL

  • @tintenfischfee9918
    @tintenfischfee9918 3 роки тому +2

    I usually get punctures when riding on the road, not off road. Off road it really only get pinch flats and with tire pressure and technique I've been able to avoid them. On the road though there tend to be a lot of stuff like glass, plastic or whatever else people loose or throw around...

    • @chrismissedtree
      @chrismissedtree 3 роки тому

      Swing tubeless on mtb. After a couple pinch flats I was over tubes on the trail. I use orange endurance sealant. Best in my opinion.

  • @tquindt1
    @tquindt1 3 роки тому +1

    A Dropper post is fantastic and is highly recommended.

  • @lauragatehouse7935
    @lauragatehouse7935 2 роки тому

    Thoughts on suspension seat post?

    • @imbrooks
      @imbrooks Рік тому

      Redshift Sports suspension seatpost. Pricey and heavy, but man is it a sweeeeeeeet ride. Tuneable. Highly recommend!!

  • @JBR.1974
    @JBR.1974 3 роки тому

    what the bottle cage tool holder thing

  • @bernhardwardein2884
    @bernhardwardein2884 Рік тому

    Like a teleshopping conversation

  • @teguhwicaksono1704
    @teguhwicaksono1704 3 роки тому +5

    2:06 dropbar looks sick! Whats the name of it?

    • @thismakessand
      @thismakessand 3 роки тому

      looks like Farr Aero Gravel handlebars

  • @kellymckenzie4865
    @kellymckenzie4865 3 роки тому +7

    The perfect solution is to bring a pump, run what ever pressure you want on the road, off the road, then back on the road.

  • @rahulthoudam2419
    @rahulthoudam2419 2 роки тому

    Got flat tires on my first of gravel bike and was very disappointed although I was driving in and around the city and not off-road what tyre pressure would you suggest for that? So I had to ride back home without air for about 8km since it was late at night and no workshop would be open by that time and i had no tools at all since it was just a short city ride right after the delivery of the bike. And now I’m concerned whether my rim will be fucked up or not. I’m new to gravel world and my bike is Scott speedster 20. Any suggestion regarding the tyre pressure or how to avoid them from
    getting flat?

  • @daviddauza
    @daviddauza 3 роки тому

    Tire Pressure? carry a pump, to adjust tire pressure for the road conditions, as needed.

  • @cristinac9604
    @cristinac9604 3 роки тому

    At min 4:38 hahahah. That was funny. How many takes until you were able to talk with straight face.