The Most Controversial Gravel Bike Upgrade!
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- Опубліковано 20 бер 2024
- Discover if a suspension fork transforms your gravel bike into the ultimate adventure machine or if it's an expensive myth.
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⑃Gravel Suspension Fork: alnk.to/2FB9NDa
🚴 Bike I rode: Caynnondale Grazzlle
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Dustin Klein: Working Artist, Lifestyle Cyclist, Maker.
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Embark on a deep dive into the world of cycling upgrades with our latest episode, where we explore the controversial yet potentially game-changing addition of suspension forks to gravel bikes. Learn about the installation challenges, cost considerations, and real-world performance of this upgrade. Is it the key to unlocking a smoother, more enjoyable ride, or just an unnecessary complication? Join us to find ou - Спорт
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no one films a bike ride better than Dustin. No one.
🥰
Agree!
i miss the mustachioed gravel sommelier dude
30-40mm of travel for $845 plus 2lbs additional weight...? Makes me think 20mm of travel, 260 grams, and $190 for the Redshift Shockstop is the way to go if someone wants to add suspension.
Shockstop isn't technically suspension though - it's just a shock absorber as the front wheel isn't "suspended". The advantage of a suspension fork is that because the wheel moves up and down with the terrain it improves grip - you don't get that with a Shockstop stem.
@@markianross I understand your point. My feeling is, if you're going to this length to put a suspension fork on a gravel bike, you might as well just get some thinner tires on your HT mountain bike.
@@RocksOff72 I have gravel bikes and mountain bikes - the biggest difference with a gravel bike for me is the drop bars and ride position. So lighter / faster tyres on a mountain bike will still be a very different bike to a gravel bike with 40mm suspension.
I ran an Allsop suspension stem for a while. Gets the job done, doesn’t break the bank
@@markianrossyou don't need the grip in the front do you?
I would like to see a head-to-head comparison video on gravel suspension - suspension stem, fork and seatpost. Curious, which one works best and/or what purpose does each serve
@@Manetty6 modern ones work a lot better. I think I'd rather run Redshift on my bike than 3lb, 800$ suspension that needs routine maintenance
Three different fork systems to consider: traditional (like Dustin used in this video), Lauf Grit, and Hiride Sterra. Then compare to stem and/or seatpost (disclaimer: I run the redshift stem & seatpost)
Did he say Canyon-dale?
🤣😂 he did!
So, gather around youngsters and hear my tale. I raced XC throughout the late 80s and the 90s. In that period front suspension was introduced and became regularly accepted. I was a late adapter, not because I didn't think it would work or any retrogrouch BS, but I was just a poor bike racer dude and I had spent all my money on my Yo Eddy and race fees (and beer?). First suspension was about 30mm, which is what my Yo was built to correct for. The first shocks were wiggly but the improvement over time (fatigue, chatter) and in clutch situations was worth it. Before the shock I excelled at climbing and very technical descents, but fast stuff...not so much. The shock changed that a bit, just enough, and I raced with one for 4 years or so? By then I had a shock with 40mm travel and I just decided to ride rigid because of the way it affected my handling. I did fine, definitely slower in some situations, but that bike...wow. I really like suspension, but sometimes I just want it to go away. Now I ride a rigid 29+ mtb and really love it. I'm slow, a little fat, but hey! Bikes are cool! (Also, the 90s Mt. bikes/gravel bikes thing is getting scary).
This story was better than my video! 🤜❤️🤛
Aw shucks...you're seriously my bike hero@@EverythingsBeenDone
I think i saw a vid very similar to this recently (A video by Trace Velo from 10 days ago). Same kinda gravel suspension fork with 30 or so mm travel but was from Ali express and was like £90. That would be a better option to try suspension on a gravel bike to see if the rider likes it or not, rather than spending $900 on the rockshock
Suntour makes one for like 300 quid too that my buddy at bike shop says is just as good.
As always, his name is Luke.
Don't get me wrong. I LOVE my gravel bike. "Capable" is the best word I can think of to describe it. However, with the addition of suspension forks, stems, and seat posts, I'm curious to know if others also feel like we are "reinventing the wheel". I mean, isn't that how the mountain bike was invented in the first place? Like a bunch of dudes brought their road bikes into the mountains and wanted to make the experience more comfortable? Lol idk just my $0.02
I feel like these kinds of upgrades turn an adventure gravel bike into adventure +. If your local terrain can make use of more suspension then by all means go for it. But regular gravel bikes will always have a place. Even with ALL the suspension, an adventure + bike will never be as comfy as an actual mountain bike. N+1
Don't tell them, or they will understand we are all humans :D
Yeah its a roadies deniability of accepting mtb.. 😅
At least a non sus gravel bike is aimed to be a fast multi terrain bike.
Adding all that suspension onto it would make it slower but still not enough juice to handle harsher terrain so it’s stuck in a weird niche.
@@MackBXIIIFully rigid gravel bike will always be faster and will suffice. That being said, I only own mountain bikes 😂
Lol. I love how gravel riders are slowly coming to the realization of 1990s mountainbikes.
i'd like a 90's mountain bike with warranty, 29 inch wheel size and disc brakes.
Exactly! Next they will realise how much easier flat bars make technical sections and finally that rear suspension saves your ass from getting utterly destroyed! Just get a proper off-road bike from the start folks, I promise life will be so much better
Except... My custom Trek 920 with 2.2" knobby tires and almost 20" wide handlebars is a lot more fun than my Kona Honzo MTB. Different strokes for di... you know what I'm saying
@@greghart6310 Just rode my gravel bike alongside a "proper" offroad hard tail and shit was slooooooooooooooooooooow
uphill, downhill, flat, road off road doesn't matter, just all around fecking slow and they were utterly knackered afterwards whilst this was my second such ride in as many days lol
@@htonmusic epic hardtail is what you're looking for
Did you say Canyondale? That totally put a smile on my face 😆
I'm riding a YT Szepter Core 4 which has the 40 mm lockable suspension fork and for me it was a real game changer. Main advantage for me is how much it reduces little bumps on fire roads, etc. which will get you tired a lot later than without fork. Second thing I noticed is how it gives me way more confidence to venture into gnarlier single trails that I wouldn't ride without suspension. It simply adds a lot of fun for me.
I came so very close to buying that bike. I ended up getting a Cannondale SuperSix CX. It came down between those two.
@@DaveCM
I have a CAAD13, so I wanted something more leaning into the MTB side of gravel. The Szepter rides a bit like a hard tail on steroids.
But I bet the Supersix CXis a beast, too.
Dustin should review that bike!
This is the right argument. More fun, comfort, and confidence.
Yup, still some of the best content on the 'Tube. Kudos, DK, on another insight and fun sojourn into the *cornucopia*, errrrm, world of Gravel!!!!
Dude, love your humor, love the few videos I’ve seen so far, definitely had to subscribe.
SR Sun tour has a way more affordable fork. It's heavier sure but still an air fork and a great way to dip your toes in to see if you want to do suspension on your gravel bike.
Thanks! I started watching this channel when you reviewed a Topstone Lefty and I'm super interested in suspension on gravel bikes.
I get myself Canyon Grizl CFSL7 las year and it was cycling changer for me. I totally abandon my 120mm full suspension all mountain bike and using just Grizl for everything... I even start to commute to work on bike daily on Grizl... Love your content. It's funny and on the point!
Absolutely brilliant vid, what a beautiful place to ride, and a touch of Winston!❤🐾🐾
Forks look good too.
TECH NOTE: The Rockshox Rudy brake mount is the same as a 140mm REAR flat mount, but configured for a 160mm disc. This means if you want to upgrade to a 180mm rotor, you need a 140-160mm REAR flat mount caliper adapter. Don't ask me how I know that; but on an unrelated topic, if anyone wants any kind of obscure flat mount adapter in box-fresh condition, drop me a line.
That's because it uses 34mm spaced thru-holes instead of the retrofitted 74mm spaced threaded holes that came from post mount. it's the way to go in my opinion lots of steel forks do this, as well as the Scott addict carbon forks, among others im sure. One would assume it is much stronger.
So, the SM-MA-R160 would accommodate the 180mm rotor?
@@naromsky Correct. That's what I used.
Man, thanks. Now I can tell people "don't ask me how I know".
Owner of lauf fork. Unique solution that gets the travel with minimal weight penalty. It works well and simplifies the complexity of modern suspension forks.
Love the way your video looks and the trail you rode was wonderfull
Canyon vs Canyondale? I bought the Grizl CF SL 8 with suspension last year for my 63 birthday. 22.45 lbs, but my Rudy didn't come with a lockout, just two air ports. I love front suspension on my Gravelanche bikes!
Hey you are almost to 100k subs. Cheers man been watching for years. Keep cruzin
Thanks bud! Appreciate the support over the years.
love your vids mister!
So I did something similar to this recently, but I took a hardtail Giant XTC and had the LBS put on drop bars and wireless shifting. I had already slapped on some tubeless gravel tires the previous year. With 100mm of suspension it is a blast going down and the lock out makes it work pretty well on the pavement and smooths ups as well.
I've been riding 80 - 100mm suspension on my converted gravel bikes for about 4 years now and telling anyone who will listen the benefits of it! The caveat is "real" suspension, though, with rebound and compression adjustments, not just bouncy, gimmicky bits. Being able to ride faster, for longer, while using less energy doesn't seem to have a downside. But, the road is the last place you'll find me and it seems most gravel bikes are 80/20 road/dirt oriented.
So why would anyone choose not to keep the $845 and adjust a 100mm travel suspension to be less bouncy?
I guess my hybrid bike is quite close to this, only at a heavier weight :)
So have you fitted a regular mountain bike suspension fork?
What fork did you use? And what did it do to handling? I'd guess that the offset/trail would be huge compared to the original fork, did the front end get super floppy?
@@owenfidler2115 I used a RockShox Reba. The frames I've used were originally specced with a suspension fork, so the geometry was not compromised.
@@bonkasaurus_wrecks Ah thanks mate 👍
Lauf RULES in the Gravel Sus fork. Loved the video, hilarious clips. Liked and subscribed. Can you talk about your Rene Herse tires? were those 44 Manastach ?
Dustin, another great video 🤓👍
I’ve been doing the same modification experiments to my gravel bike and going onto more technical single track terrain to compare differences with a rigid fork. Can you do another video of your Canyon setup on one of your more MTBy single track routes and give us your thoughts?
Great content Dustin, think I'd have to go with the suspension stem tbh for all the added weight and faff, but so glad you've done a proper useful review of the fork. Niiiiiiice :)
Love the folks at Cyclepath! Got a Pivot Shuttle from them recently.
Love the use of surface sound in audio mix
Turns out I hadn't seen this video, it's a great one as always. Great meeting you at Ladds thanks for the tips!
I think your videos are so professional, funny (who is going to go with 30mm vs. 40mm?, water in the sneaker). Really you deserve so much accolades as I learn, enjoy as a fellow bicycle geek!
Thank you! Wish I could ride with you!
DK, have you tried the Redshift ShockStop suspension stem? I swear by it on my Rondo Ruut CF2 gravel rig. Super easy to install
I've been watching your videos for a while now. When you tipped the water out of the shoe I thought, 'That's the freaky kind of moment that I watch out for.' Funnily enough that one shot was enough for me to subscribe at last. 😀
I converted a Trek Excalibur 29er hardtail to a “gravel” bike. Different wheelset (that I already owned) and “skinny” tires. Reasonably light and good MTB 100mm suspension forks. Cheaper for me than adding $845 gravel forks. For now I kept flat handlebars, but I have several drop bars lying around if I choose to covert. (I have several bikes and lots of extra parts and like DIY (until I don’t;).)
I bought the Cannondale Topstone Carbon Lefty 2 based on his review. A gravel bike with a bit of suspension. It has been a blast. Go anywhere bike.
I have the Lefty 2 :) I changed the wheelset, the WTB KOM wheels are very bad, so I had custom-made carbon wheels with Newmen rims (a German brand from Cube bikes) with DT Swiss 240 hubs, yes, they make a lefty hub, now it rides fantastic. Oh yes, the cockpit I changed too, a Ritchey WCS ergomax in 42cm (from the 44cm the bike comes from) and a Zipp stem in 8cm (from the 9cm the bike in L came with). I might change the bike to 2x, a 48/31 chainring and a 11-36 cassette, the bike comes anyway with the left lever for that, to make it 2x. Cheers!
As my own "Gravel Bike" is actually a E-MTB upgraded with Kanto Bars, it always had a 100mm suspension fork which I set up a little stiffer than I would for a real MTB. Looks weird but I love it!
That gravel monster 👿 is dope‼️ sounds comfy too.
What about trying out a fatbike for a nice long graveleske adventure? It might just blow your mind! Thank you for sharing as usual I loved it!
A few years ago i was looking for a fun playful gravel bike but then i realize i actually wanted a fast rolling mountain bike.
I kept searching then i found a 2012 Rocky Mountain Whistler and it checked all the boxes.
It's basically a Flat Bar gravel bike with 60mm SrSuntour Fork which weighs 5 pounds!
Luckily i Found a 2012 Rockshox Reba. Its the Lightest Suspension Fork at that time at 3lbs!
this channel has been the sweet spot between trace velo and berm peak, subscribed 😂
How does this compare to the Specialized Headshock? I have the latter on my Creo 2 and honestly you notice not having it more than when you do, but the forks are an interesting different approach..
I recently added a dropper post to my Giant Revolt. I love the post that came on the bike, but wanted the dropper so I could fit my bike inside the back of my truck. The dropper post has suspension built in, looks like 40ish mm of travel. This added maybe 300 (??) grams. I’m an old guy. The travel in the dropper post is a total game changer for both gravel and road. Totally worth the weight increase.
I think a suspension fork has its place for “gravel” but its pretty niche.
FWIW I’ve been running an older short (395mm) reach (pre long low & slack) Epic hardtail with drop bars, a Fox 32 SC fork with travel reduced to 80mm to keep the front end a bit lower than stock, an Easton AX dropper & Race King tyres. It comes in at 10 kilos (22lbs) and I find it’s a really fun bike.
It’s great for long mixed rides with flowy single track, rough gravel and the occasional paved road connector as long as your not concerned with absolute speed.
More of an N+1 than a quiver killer though. I just built it up ‘cause I had the parts and thought it would be fun. Not disappointed 😎
Ideal sounding bike for me: cozy shredding. Nice setup man
Thanks! I think the key is if you can find a frame with a shorter reach than you would usually want on a flatbar bike so you dont have to run a crazy short stem. @@TheGoobsters
I have seen your Cannondale Topstone Lefty 2 video, I love it, I owe the bike and I am very happy with it. Have you ridden th Specialized Diverge with the Future Shock?
I’m a believer in them. For people who ride light singletrack on their gravel bikes. Or live in an area with really washboarded roads. This fork helps so much with fatigue. The weight is a bummer. But like a dropper post, the este weight is worth it to me to ride faster, safer, and gave more fun.
Would like to hear your take on Rudy 40 vs Taper cast with 50mm of travel.
Can we get a full review of the forge and bond wheels?
Another classic vid. Do you still have your Cutthroat? I ask because I think it be interesting to see which does more, suspension gravel fork like this Rudy or stock Cutthroat with its wider tires for gravel. Essentially 2.35 tires vs 50mm of travel for gravel.
I went even further and have custom built so called monstercross (MTB with dropbars). And it's the best bike I ever had. Easy on roads with ability of whatever you ask for in rough terrain. From "ultra racing" point of view (you don't chose the road, but accepts what ever comes to you) these bikes makes absolut sens. But I agree, its not for everyone.
I sold my gravel bike because I preferred my full sus XC bike off road. Big mistake as I didn't really think about riding on road, to the trails. Got a new Specialized Roubaix about a week ago and so far have been really impressed with the Future Shock suspension on the road. Will be putting some gravel tyres on it next weekend and trying it on the trails.
That suspension fork materializes everything I'm trying to avoid on my gravel bike. The weight, the maintenance and my sprint out of the saddle feeling like running in quicksand. Wider tires will give you all of those benefits with almost none of those compromises.
Done this the cheap way -- used 2000s rockshox SID race titanium cost and weighs very little, works great! You need a 1 1/8" straight steerer though.
That background music reminds me of Starvin’ Marvin flying the airplane on Southpark 😁
Hello, I ve been riding Suspended Cannondale Topstone Lefty for 3000 km. I am happy!
These thumbs are getting RIDICULOUS! 🔥🔥🔥
I got my Grizl second hand with the 30mm Rudy already on it. It’s incredibly capable for a gravel bike. Here in the PNW “gravel” is more like mtb in other places so I knew I wanted something burly and oh boy did I get it!
Dustin is one of my favorite cyclepaths!
I own a Grizl and the second I saw you try to install the fork I thought, "huh, they make that with the 1-1/4" steerer?" Looks like you quickly ran into that issue. I had a lot of trouble when my stem cap broke early on in my Grizl ownership. I'm curious what the LBS did to fit the fork in the larger steerer tube opening.
Luckily Cyclepath was prepared!
Um.....it's pretty straightforward. You need a new top headset, stem, and star nut. But I had no idea Canyon was 1-1/4! That's nuts. No one else in the known Universe does that.
Yup I had this issue when I added the Rudy to my Grizl CF SL eTap a year ago. Ordered a new stem and LBS did the rest. Love the sus fork for the reasons it was made for. Great vid DK once again 👏🏼
I have upgraded to 30mm Rudy on my NP Digger and it is epic on long fast rocky descents at speed means your eyes aren’t shaken out your head! 🤪
Save the long travel for the bike parks 😊
So what did your mechanic do about the 1 1/4 steerer tube? I’ve been wanting to add the rockshox Rudy to my canyon grail and I had the same problem. I couldn’t figure it out and just went with the redshift suspension stem instead.
In Jan Heine's book, "The All-Roads Bike Revolution" he details how supple and wide tyres are the primary suspension. The contact patch of a supple tyre responds faster than any suspension fork. What a fork is for is the really hard knocks like you get on gnarly singletrack. So, while a fork is great value for those who hunt gnarl, if you're a gravel spinner only, put your cash into tubless with super supple casings (and sealant, supple has a slightly higher puncture risk. Ride low PSI to fly 😀
Amazing route. Totally jealous
I had a Grizl with this fork and found it too heavy together with the aluminum frame (and the DT Swiss 2kg wheels which you changed). I could not get spare parts and servicing for the fork where I live maybe because it’s also a niche product. Now I’m riding a Lauf Seigla. Maybe you can try that in one of your videos…but get the race transmission version.
Love the @Ornot sticker on your bike!
Another absolutely entertaining and fact-filled dive into a quandary I've been pondering for a while. Thanks for tackling this important question so publicly. So glad I subscribed. #bikeshopsrule
Are those prescription sunglasses from Oakley? I'm looking for something like that. What model is it?
How do your adids shoes hold up? Need a new pair of cycling (mostly gravel) shoes...
I have two bikes on buycycle, I get a lot of spam, people offering ridiculous prices for good bikes, you get a lot of likes, but then they send you an offer for half of what the bike actually costs, it is ridiculous.
Get a Lauf fork. Zero maintenance and lighter than a traditional suspension fork. I think it ofers up to 30mm of travel and is designed for smoothing out the vibrations rather than tackling jumps. I ride a Lauf Seigla and its a dream to ride on gravel.
Off topic: as a human with imperfect vision but a keen eye for design, have you considered producing a perspective video on the best prescription eyewear for cyclists? It’s something I keep thinking about, but the sparse and non-standardized options have me either running my daily specs or contacts with normal sunnies. What’s better: traditional-but oversize lenses (eg aviators, Gucci, etc), or sporty “shield” frames with prescription inserts?
Is that Mt. Hood in the background? on the dry side maybe near Hood River?
Not for me since I just got myself an XC bike with 100 mm fork for the rougher stuff, total weight is 24 LBS.
I guess the 30mm changes the geometry of the bike by a lesser amount??
This dude is Casey Neistat but for bikes.
Great video now you need to test and compare the Ali express gravel fork £85 UK looks alright for the money.
Suspension seatpost and stem is best of both worlds. Little-to-no energy losses because the suspension isn't between the wheel and the drivetrain. Enough travel for gravel. Most of the weight is still on the rider side of the suspension - though obviously not as extreme as having the suspension on the fork, so works best with as light a bike as possible (another excuse to be a weenie!).
Rust on the chain? Well, time for a new bike I guess. 🤣
My Grizl came with the Rudy already installed. I wouldn’t wanna miss it and it’s always a talking point on group rides. I think most people are jealous 😂
A suspension fork is just another component. Put it on if you want, or not. The most important statement in this video is the one about value judgement. You don't _need_ any of the extra bits, but it's a fun and cool way to spend your extra money and time.
Makes me think of that V4 Stiggy that you demo’ed, and that is at the top of my N+1 list
I can confirm that the v4 ‘Stiggysaurus’ both with and without the suspension fork is the real ‘big wave gun’ of gravel.
My next upgrade is new wheels. Right after the generic maintenance stuff ahaha. After that, swapping bars to something more compliant sounds interesting? Not really interested in a suspension fork for some reason? Probably because I ride roads too much
oooh boy, I'm definitely doing that, swap to a suspension fork on my XC..or just add a bar-end to make it into a gb lol
Did I miss it but what part did you use for the upper bearing?
How’s the Rudy vs Futureshock for comfort?
I own a 45mm-tyre aluminium gravel bike (focus atlas) with carbon fork and the only place where I miss some suspension is on descents with many many more embedded cobbles than the ones you showed here. Handlebar vibration becomes unbearable unless you overbrake. You are overtaken by the MTBs who can descent with much more ease. Other than that, for regular firm wide tracks, suspension is an overkill for a gravel bike.
Vistas in your video are remarkable. Southeast Michigan is pretty flat in comparison.
Those are just for you 😉
Suspension is totally worth it. The Lauf fork is a great option if you want something lighter. You really don't need damping with 30mm of travel and zero maintenance is a huge plus.
Just to make a note, there is a big difference between the aluminum grizl and the carbon grizl in ride feel. I "purchased" an aluminum and a carbon back to back and after less than a quarter mile test ride I **immediately** ditched the aluminum for the carbon bike and filled out a return RMA. The ride feel is that massive. No hesitation, not gimmick. It's real. The aluminum feels like you're riding on a stone. If you're buying the aluminum Grizl, not only are you taking a serious weight penalty (24lbs vs 19lbs) but you're sacrificing ride quality. And then on top of it you slam a front suspension on it? Nope. Just shell out for the carbon bike and a S15 VCLS seatpost and you'll be happy as a clam. My carbon Grizl did NOT come with the VCLS seatpost so that ride feel test I did was back to back with stiff seatposts. I later added the VCLS and it was like riding on a cloud. 2,500 miles later and I still love my *carbon* Grizl.
What route is this? Looks awesome
If you want a mountain bike, you should probably buy one, the intent of the gravel bike is that of an endurance geometry that can handle 50mm and smaller tires to explore more roads, thus, gravel. 🤷🏼♂️ suspension forks and the added weight they bring is a no go.
What camera do you use to film your rides?
I'm all about my 2nd gravel bike having suspension. N+1 and all that!
Please Dustin, tell me which parts I have to buy. Been wanting to do the same thing for loooong time
Ok, I’m going to put the cat among the pigeons among the dedicated gravel bike crew but if your on a budget, the old drop bar conversion on a decent quality hybrid with a suspension fork already installed could be pulled off for a few hundred bucks and provide similar results.
I like the way your thinking!
I have a giant revolt X with the same shock on it. I tear the fuck out of the trails this thing is a fucking rocket shit.
Also check if your original fork is suspension corrected, otherwise the suspension fork might be raising your head angle to much and the stearing will be horrible
I feel that you suffer from the same affliction as I do. Trying to recreate a bike you already have. Your Ibis hardtail already does what your Canyon is becoming. You just put a drop bar on a mountain bike. Been there brother!
Considered ordering the grizl with the sus fork too but instead i just changed and used Redshift stem for weight savings hehehe
Nice Black Rainbows t-shirt!😉
i made aero suspension forks for gravel, no one wanted them which is crazy to me