These 3 Gravel Bike Upgrades Made a HUGE Difference

[@noelbrown6771]

3-1/2 lbs off on a modern bike is amazing. The fact that it's coming off the wheels is HUGE! That's weight coming off of the rotating mass that you will no longer need to power up and maintain with your energy or slowdown with the brakes 👏 Great tip!

[@judycarlsen7707]

Richard here: My Redwood arrives in 3 days. First change will be touch points with saddle from my road bike (selling) and Fooker flat pedals. Second will be double wrap bar tape. New wheelset will be on the over the winter changes. My problem is that I also have a Poseidon X that will get a new wheelset also. It has become my go-to endurance bike, running 28mm Conti 5000 and 38mm Panarace SK. The Redwood will round out my total cycling needs. My main reason for choosing it was the Microshift Advent X will be on both bikes!

[@TheBikeSauce]

Great drivetrain!

[@jp93309]

I agree changing the touchpoints are really important. I reworked the cockpit for a closer personal fit starting with a shorter and steeper stem, Surly Truck Stop bars with 40mm rise and extra padding under the bar tape. Comfort = miles!

[@GingerKid3500]

I have the same bike color and everything. The first upgrade was switching over to tubeless. Then I put an Absolute Black chainring on which dropped a bunch of weight. The compressionless housing was next. Then taped the bars with gel inserts on the drops and the tops. I put a lighter stem on and switched the thru axles to Robert Axle Project thru axles. Next was to orange the bike out, all frame bolts, stem, valve stem, chainring bolts, jockey pulleys, seat clamp, cable housing is orange, and jockey pulley bolts. Lastly I upgraded the chain to a KMC SL in black/orange.

[@TheBikeSauce]

Baller!

[@MrIhatepandas]

Shout out to Poseidon for excellent customer service and great responses on Facebook. I worked 1 year in customer service during lock down and man i dont know how some people continue to breathe. I lost hope for humanity. But they are always helpful and polite. And the quality of their products is just great for the price

[@TheBikeSauce]

Word.

[@marcosw6893]

Very helpful. Thank you. I have a Redwood also that I bought a few months ago. I agree it is a good bike for the price. The first thing I did was replace the wheels with tubeless Gravelkings 45’s but I also have recently bought Continental Speeds 35’s for packed gravel. Secondly, I replace the saddle with Brooks Cambium. I found the stock saddle not too bad actually and the width fit me well, but I like the flex of the Brooks. Third, pedals-Xpedo Ambix.
I agree the handlebars are comfortable and stable. I may upgrade wheels in year or so but the stock are fine for now.
Thanks for the brake cable idea. I hadn’t thought of that, but I noticed almost immediately how soft the brakes were so I’ll be upgrading the cables for sure.
Good video. 👍

[@johnsnell6315]

I upgraded the wheels to Hunt 700c. Best upgrade! Also switched out the Advent X shifters to the Microshift Sword (changed the brake housing along with it). That makes a huge difference with the braking. I’m thinking about upgrading the fork to a carbon fork…

[@fredkobler2641]

Even though I wasn’t too interested in these 3 improvements I still liked this video because of your well spoken delivery.

[@dangerranger323]

I put some DT Swiss G1800s 700c wheels and 50mm Panaracer Gravel Kings. They made a huge difference. And my bougie Brooks b17 saddle.

[@PathLessPedaledTV]

Great vid format. Bag is looking good :)

[@TheBikeSauce]

Experimental on-bike format 🤷‍♂️. Ha the bag is perfect on this bike.

[@rzldzl]

@@TheBikeSauce What bag is it?

[@TheBikeSauce]

Swift kestrel and a pair of sidekicks (not shown). I was a winner on a @pathlesspedaled Patreon group challenge

[@marshalloram1999]

Mason hunt wheel are 👍🏼 love mine. Top best upgrade on my X. Behind touch points, of course.

[@fraji1]

I had two Poseidon’s :) . One was green with drop bars , the other was black with straight bars. I loved the bikes and had fun upgrading both. Brakes, dropper posts, Brooks seat, Cargo rack, wtb tires, Hunt wheels, Jones bar from straight bar, race face chain ring etc. I sold the green bike after I did my first group ride with her. My friend loved her so I sold it. The black Poseidon with Jones bar I sold in May. It’s such a fun bike to ride and upgrade. I rode the Jones bar Poseidon to Poughkeepsie NY from NJ. Fully loaded with fork cargo mounts and rear rack. She was flawless. I have a Ghost Grappler coming in. I’ll see where that goes. Be safe all and have fun on your bikes.

[@tty04]

As a Poseidon rider - I agree with all , though I haven't committed to re-cabling brakes and re-taping bars yet . New wheels , saddle, pedals were all done before I took it outside for NBD.
I really appreciate that Poseidon went with cheaper wheels and saddles and pedals.

[@kristopherwilliams1719]

I love my Redwood. I've had no issues with mine, but I keep reading about how the stock BB and cranks fail. I went ahead and got ahead of any future possible issues by installing a Shimano XT BB, and a Shimano Zee cranks set with a RaceFace 38t ring. As before the bike runs like a champ. Best $900 bike I've ever bought.

[@berns_face1830]

Cranks have failed on me. Your comment is exactly what i was looking for

[@MatthewJohnson85]

The small monsters project sticker is a nice upgrade, too 👍👍

[@TheBikeSauce]

Dam right

[@KILLA-J]

Your videos are really great and I believe I'm fairly qualified to say that because I've made hundreds of videos. You include a lot of really nice touches - probably not noticed by many - but you do a great job of keeping the attention factor high and overall, your videos provide an interesting, useful, and enjoyable experience. More please! (ha)

[@shershot]

3d printed saddles from Alliexpress is a game changer.,

[@TheUpl8te]

I am a big fan of double wrap bar tape and a good saddle and brake housing makes cable disc brakes viable.

[@tornagawn]

Bought some GoreTex cables for my road bike: definitely worth it as aside from smoother/ lower friction braking, the gearshifts were awesome,
Bar tape! Absolutely 100% agree.

[@greggr1591]

Ride-along vids are always the best 👍🏻

[@TheBikeSauce]

Will try to mix it up more 🤘

[@LIFEOFSTUFFEDANIMALS]

I recently got a mountain bike but I'm riding my gravel bike a lot more. I dunno, I think I just love the fact I can road ride and do some mild off roading nice and fast.

[@davehunt2191]

Gravel in La Habara? Awesome! I did a lot of trial riding as a kid in Fullerton as a kid.

[@savoirfaire8979]

*I upgraded my Poseidon X with a RedShift seat post suspension and suspension stem. WTB wheels with tubeless tires. Absoluteblack chainring. No-name crank arms (red). Hydraulic-mechanical hybrid brakes. Redshift pedals that have LED lights. Headlamp and brake light in back. Rack for rainproof bag. Wrapped entire bike in clear vinyl. Locking QR skewers. GPS tracker and alarm too.*

[@jasonisaac1]

Enjoyed the video and your ride! Nice upgrades. Dropper post was a key upgrade for my gravel bike and riding area, western NC.

[@TheBikeSauce]

Yes, I really want to try a dropper on this bike 🤘

[@matiasmoreno24]

I’ve got the same bike. So far I’ve swapped out the wheelset for a 650b Shimano GRX wheelset and went tubeless, new Lizardskin bar tape, new saddle and a Whisky carbon seatpost and Whisky stem. These upgrades made a huge difference.

[@rangersmith4652]

Just ordered a dropbar Redwood. I'll ride it mostly stock for a while, changing only the brake cable housings as recommended here. Not going to do a wheel/tire upgrade right away, maybe when the tires need replacing. It would be nice to shed 3-1/2 pounds, for sure.

[@TheBikeSauce]

You’ll appreciate it more if you ride stock first!

[@rangersmith4652]

@@TheBikeSauce No doubt. I have lighter bikes than the Redwood, but none of those are nearly as off-road capable. I'm the kind of rider who will intentionally get less "aero" riding into a headwind to drive up my heartrate and force a higher power usage just because it's good for me. So I don't mind carrying those extra pounds while I get used to the bike. With such low gearing, the weight won't stop me from doing the climbs around where I ride.

[@teunluijbregts2533]

Great vid 👍
My own upgrades: a set of SKS mudguards (on sale at 28 euros) that keep muck away from my drivetrain, an Aliexpress handlebar bag and saddle bag (combined 22 euros, but decent quality) to store rapair tools and food, an SKS hand injex framepump (17 euros on sale), a good strong carbonfibre handlebar by Workswell bikes (35 euros) and an Enve SES 3.4 AR wheelset with DT180 hubs (paid with my left kidney😭😏).

[@TheBikeSauce]

baller!

[@SeanKWhite-lk5zf]

Hunt wheels are an amazing value

[@mhilde7744]

Appreciate your channel thanks for the post. Gotta look at the Redwood!- with your upgrades, of course

[@chaotictattoo]

the compressionless housing is soooooooooooooooo worth it.. the stock brake cables are almost dangerous to ride fast on.

[@mikewilander3729]

I agree with all of your suggested upgrades, though I haven’t tried changing the housing yet. I like that idea. I also think a carbon fork could help. I might try State’s Monster fork on my Redwood.

[@ahmadzuhairi]

My first upgrades were the pedals, tyre+wheels combo and saddle.

[@nmonye01]

You look like you converted the bike to thru axle to put on those wheels. That adds $150 at least (if you do the conversion yourself $300 with Poseidon doing it.) If those wheels are Quick release then never mind. Great video!

[@troyboone4893]

Excellent as always👍🤙🏽

[@MrJayspeaks]

Great video and ultra-useful 😊

[@outbackwack368]

Wheels and tires would be #1 on my list for transformation. Blow your wad and save the other items on your list until you get more money. Thanks!

[@TheBikeSauce]

Agreed, except these are meant to be budget-conscious, and the compressionless housing just transformed the braking for very little $

[@DilbertMuc]

Probably most people would benefit from simply slimming down 3 pounds before coughing up another U$ 500.00 for new wheels and tires to save the same weight. Yes, reducing rotating weight is important but on the other hand rotating mass improves inertia while rolling over roots and rocks.

[@mattkavanaugh5623]

I would add to your touch-points upgrade a dropper post - $100 for a decent one and it can be transformative (game changer) for how and where you ride the gravel bike…

[@TheBikeSauce]

Definitely. Dropper was my top choice on the Rockhopper build

[@oOoACFREEMANoOo]

Seat Seat Post can also reduce quite a bit for not much money

[@Oddity26]

I have that wheel set on my Marin nicasio plus and they've been awesome! I agree with all your suggestions. I'll Def change to compressionless housing as my bike is spec'd out with the same brakes and the Redwood. BTW what's the little cat-like character slapped on your bike? (:

[@TheBikeSauce]

That’s a #smallmonsters sticker supporting Ben Frederick’s cause

[@marcosw6893]

Could you list the parts you would personally use to upgrade the cranks and BB? Thank you, g

[@RossBurnettChannel]

That saddle is stupid narrow especially for my plus size ass lol still love it

[@brucemurray3350]

Saddle and pedals were a day one upgrade, followed shortly by tubeless tires. Brake issue is definitely present, thinking to make that change in December and possible switch out the bars to road bars (just not super crazy about the flared bars).
What thru axle are you using, look likes you upgraded from stock? I find the stock one can vibrate and get loose during a ride which really throws off the shifting.

[@dylanfly]

Question for Bike Sauce or anyone: any thoughts on upgrading to 700c wheels and tires instead of 27.5? Given that this frame can clear 29 x 2.3 tires, why not go there instead of 27.5?

[@MrHoustonismydog]

Just found your channel, it’s great. Since I just ordered my redwood yesterday do you know if the brake issue has been fixed?

[@kaitlynchermak6488]

Thanks for the video and suggestions! What frame bag is that?

[@edwardangcanan1236]

Can you tell me what size of the tires you have in it?

[@RavelloBikes]

It must come stock with some serious "boat anchor" heavy wheels if you are rally loosing 1.75 LBS (795 grams) per wheel, by upgrading.

[@robp2140]

Before changing brake cable housing, I would see about better brake pads. A little "squish" gives some modulation to good cable disk brakes.
Wheel change is #1 plus I would go for a carbon fork as #2.
What's great is the use of Microshift. Its budget stuff that works!

[@danac8742]

I’ve had my Flatbar Redwood for about a month and a half. No upgrades yet, but when I picked it up at their warehouse sale, it was marked down because the tech couldn’t get the rear brake adjusted to lock out with a rider on it. He mentioned the compression-less housing which I haven’t done yet, but was able to get the rear caliper re-centered and adjusted properly. The housings are definitely in the list of upgrades, as well as the Surly Corner drop bars, a new seat, tires only (for now), and pedals. Any recommendations for a seat?

[@TheBikeSauce]

Nice! That warehouse sale was crazy! Saddles are so personal, tough to say. I’d start with an at home sit bone test to get the right width saddle first (sit on a piece of cardboard and measure center to center of the indents)

[@EricCrofut]

What would you recommend crankset and BB? Can you make video how to, thanks! I have new X Ambition after your review and love it.

[@rubenmoralesforte2376]

Would the compressionless housing help improve the break on a Poseidon X dropbar as well? I'm about to get one and heard that the main complaint is the breaking system. Thanks for these reviews and videos!

[@intr33guing]

Did you need the 6 bolt adapter for the rotors when upgrading to these wheels?

[@peterbaskind9872]

Compressionless housing? Why would you NOT do it? I bought the 10m roll which I have now used on 3 bikes. I have plenty more. It just doesn’t cost that much.

[@nicklabelle9573]

Curious if that is the outer shell half frame bag? And if so what size frame and bag?

[@goalswithgear18]

would you say that as a 6'4 individual, i should try to upgrade to 29 inch wheels at the same time?

[@juanitothebandito1]

Is there a strava link to this route?

[@EricCrofut]

What wheels do you recommend for upgrade X ambition, 700 series wheels with through axles.

[@TheBikeSauce]

Can’t go wrong with hunt 4 season

[@serjcinematic7916]

if it doesn't bother you, please write links to the upgrade, thank🙃

[@cosmicheretic8129]

What wheel tire combo did it have that were 3.5 lbs heavier?

[@rc2257]

You talked about the wheel & tire upgrade, and the weight savings it brings. Three pounds. That's a lot.
My question is: suppose I go on a diet for 10 days and lose three pounds of bodyfat. Would that have the same impact on bike performance as taking three pounds off the bike? If so, then it's like I'm being paid $475 to lose 3 pounds (or whatever the cost of the tires & wheels came out to).
Of course, people can say "why not do both? Lose the tire around your waist and get lighter tires for your bike." Sure. That would be great.
But as a scientific question, I want to know whether reductions in rider bodyfat and bike weight have a 1 to 1 relationship in terms of impact on biking performance, or whether one type of weight loss has a bigger impact than the other.
Warm regards,
Ron
Kenosha, WI

[@TheBikeSauce]

I suppose mass dropped from the body actually lowers the center of mass of the entire system, potentially improving handling. As far as a pure energy analysis, weight dropped anywhere reduces the effort to climb. Some will also say that reducing rotational weight also benefits acceleration since it take less energy to spin up the wheels.
Why not lose body weight? Most would argue that’s harder than paying for weight reduction. If you can drop the weight properly, then it’s a great option.
Then there’s the camp that says bike weight doesn’t matter, and any gains due to weight reduction are marginal at best.
I tend to appreciate a light bike (it feels more flickable and lively), but I don’t claim it’s making me substantially faster.

[@vmxd]

I kept stock wheels, but went with Panaracer SK 650b X 53mm tires, from 29lbs, weight went down to 26.7 (frame size Large), 36T chain ring is 185 grams, replaced it with oval 34T - 50 grams. so far so good. Sks are rolling fast on road and good grip on dry gravel\hard pack. Replaced brake housing with jag wire and upgraded tekro brakes, to Juine tech F1 hydro cable actuated, probably this is the best upgrade for redwood so far: ua-cam.com/video/SiaNsI4998I/v-deo.html

[@TheBikeSauce]

lookin good 🤘

[@casperlow2642]

Great video, what cameras were you using?

[@gabbadj]

I just ordered the Redwood online for$650 after discounts. I hope the size is right? I've also ordered tires and cables based on your video. The MASON X HUNT rear wheels, is there any problem with fitting the stock cassette to the wheel? I'm pretty much going with your configuration and the bike I'm getting is even the same color. Sooo let me know if there is anything else I should know about these upgrades... Thank You

[@dylanfly]

Ha--I got the same price and colour too, just a week ago. Went with the $300 DT SWISS G540 wheelset at BikesDirect. Figure I'll try the brakes first before splurging on those compressionless cables.

[@hardmtnbiker]

How is the “toe overlap” with small frames and those big tires? Can it clear 700x45c tires?

[@TheBikeSauce]

These are 27.5 x 2.1. no overlap to speak of. I don't have experience with this bike and 29" wheels, but it's supposed to be able to fit 2.3" width

[@hardmtnbiker]

@@TheBikeSauce I’m looking at buying one but swapping out many parts and putting flat bars or “Jones bar”style of commuter bars

[@slin814]

Anyway you can share the route?

[@drewgarrison1400]

What bags are you running?? I’m eyeballing that camo one

[@TheBikeSauce]

Swift kestrel bar bag, and outershell half frame bag (sm)

[@tristramcharnley2581]

What framebag is that?

[@dcv9460]

Awesome!!!! =)

[@alexmlawsky4170]

Could you provide and url or name for the bar tape? I think you said Mark Cycling but can't find anything under that. Thanks

[@TheBikeSauce]

Sorry, yea it’s marque cycling

[@blakeyz7171]

What's the helmet btw?

[@tambosnipes1652]

Should have upgraded the pads and brake rotors

[@_PNW_Chris]

Where are the best places to buy parts?

[@TheBikeSauce]

Sheesh. This deserves its own video. It's an art form right now to find parts

[@_PNW_Chris]

@@TheBikeSauce haha welp there ya go. Another vid 💪🏽 #bikesauce

[@JamesMorse-dd6ry]

This is my first road ua-cam.com/users/postUgkxMesz3KOGEmwmvyKQfLfrRSUXLFzfVHZA and I have taken it out a handful of times and so far it is exceeding all of my expectations. I didn’t want to break the bank on a first bike and the herd is a great option for getting a fast bike with reliable components. I plan on riding this bike for many years to come. Thank you Sava!

[@jdstreams1852]

What trail is this?

[@DilbertMuc]

I think it's the same hill where Russ from "Path less pedaled" rode up with his girlfriend in his recent video. 😆

[@YourWifesRealBoyfriend]

What frame bag are you running?

[@TheBikeSauce]

Outershell half frame - small

[@DrPhilYourGap]

I bought the jagwire kit and no way in hell can u get the cable ran inside the front fork and then bending it to put into the stock caliper. the cable is so thick from the kevlar housing that it crimps the cable when bent at that angle. I literally had to route the cable outside of my fork and use electrical tape to secure it... looks like total shit, but brakes incredibly well. the 2019 poseidon X has a horrible brake system.

[@06Hrlyrydr]

what frame bag is that on the bike?

[@TheBikeSauce]

Outer shell half frame bag small

[@06Hrlyrydr]

@@TheBikeSauce Thank you!

[@k04s4]

how wide do to think you can go on a 27.5?

[@TheBikeSauce]

2.8? Unconfirmed

[@k04s4]

@@TheBikeSauce that would be awesome some semi slick tires come in that size.

[@TheBikeSauce]

It’s a common size, but I can’t guarantee the fit. It does seem like there’s a ton of space though

[@dagondon]

Those are 6 upgrades, not top 3, which makes it a bit misleading.

[@mikewarman315]

So now this is a 1600 dollar bike? Some people will call that budget and others will not.

[@solarheat9016]

It didn't need any of that.

[@pillepolle3122]

No, they don't.

[@jerianderson3844]

Is the bike made in China?