Hi Jom, thank you for a thorough and honest review. I have bought bikes based on your recommendations and trust your judgment. I bought a t-labs and extremely happy with it.
Really love the Bike…must be very comfortable I have a Specialized Turbo Creo SL Comp Carbon…the gravel version with GRX and I have the Future Shock 2.0 with 20mm of travel and the seat post has 20mm of travel too…very comfortable bike…is amazing what 20mm can do
thanks for mentioning the 12 speed 10-44 cassette... several months ago I was looking at upgrading from my 11 speed 11-36 to 12 speed and was shocked all the 12 speed offerings were really wide mountain bike ranges.
Great review. The shock looks like a 1990s Cannondale head shock. The line between xc hardtail and gravel bike is still distinct but they are getting really close.
Had the original mechanical version going on two seasons now. Run 28 slicks to 43 GK on the DTSwiss. It's smooth, stable and comfortable enough with no surprises. Given some thought to increased chainring size. It doesn't do technical rides like a MTB would. Thanks for the review (not fond of that mustard color, I have to say).
@@GravelCyclist yeah it's different. The shape reminds me of early 90s Konas, sloping top tube. Be good if they made a non sus version with the tyre clearance you're after, a lightweight racing only edition.
I get you: the seat post clamp, the cassette with big gaps, the limited tire clearance all for a whopping $8k. For that money you can get a monster cross with 650b x 2.1" tires for the rough stuff and a racier gravel bike.
I'd really like to see more bikes with the rear triangle elastomer. The front end on the other hand ... 1.2kg for 20mm of travel - that's an impossible to justify tradeoff. I'd be inclined to use a Lauf Grit SL if I really wanted something. Price on the bike is, as usual, crazy.
great review... I really like the 10mm travel elastomer idea to take the edge off but don't think I would ever want actual suspension (moving parts) on a gravel bike. Awesome bike but with this gearing and suspension it seems like it should fit massive tires and have loads of mounts.... more like a competitor to the Salsa Cutthroat than gravel ripper. bit of an odd mix, but I have other bikes thinking people wanting a one bike "do it all" deal might love it.
You mention the rubber boots on the bottom of the fork which you like for those moments when you have the front wheel out of the fork. This got me thinking how mountain bikes have protectors for things like your bottom bracket or the down tube. I'm surprised that I couldn't find anything like this in the aftermarket world. Maybe I didn't look hard enough.
Interesting review; I think there's a place for full-suspension gravel bikes, but maybe bike companies are getting overly clever with the concept. Simple short-travel suspension for slightly better traction and comfort should be all that's needed.
Great review! Definitely no BS! I agree with the comments this bike likely needs another iteration. As an owner of a Cannondale Silk Road, I approach any bike with a built in head shock with some skepticism! Two quick questions: where did you get you bike stand (looks ideal for routine maintenance) and what kind of feed bag / bento box did you use?
Jom, Enjoy your channel and respect your opinion, however I think you missed the mark on this one. As you pointed out this bike certainly has it's flaws (bottom bracket, tire clearance, seat tube clamp, ect.) this is no speedster race bike. I think the 1x mtn bike drive train, short chainstays, progressive geometry, and knobby tires reveal the intent of the URS. As the moniker "unrestricted" seems to imply, this bike is designed for more. It excels at technical, high mtn, and mixed terrain riding. The suspension works well on those big hits that often bottom out most gravel tires, and also smooths out corrugation. While the bike could use some refining, I think the URS and similar bikes certainly have a niche in off road gravel cycling. Respectfully P.D.M.
The tech in this bike is pretty awesome, shame all BMCs come in pressfit though. Even the boring Cannondale ditched it for threaded and now Cervelo, Trek and others are heading to T47
I've reviewed both bikes, I prefer the Grizl in this situation, as the fork can be fitted to any bike. Additionally, while the Hi-Ride system in the BMC is nice, it adds a considerable amount of weight for not a lot of suspension travel.
I agreed with you on the concept of longer top tubes and short stems… I can’t get my desired fit on them. In the end of the day gravel for me is about getting off the roads and away from cars and going to explore the backroads multi surface terrains on long distances. I thought that industry had the concept dialed by mixing concepts of the classic fully rigid off-road dropbar bike i.e a cx bike with endurance road bikes and adding clearance for bigger tires. Now a lot of the companies are pivoting into this pseudo mtb design concepts on their gravel bike and like you I don’t really see the point. But I guess there a lot of people who do otherwise no one would buy them
If I still lived in Connecticut I would agree. Now back in Australia I am looking for a dual suspension gravel. Gravel is rough and lots of deep corrugations
For the insane riding I did in California I did aboard this bike at Rock Cobbler, etc, the MTB gearing was very appropriate. But, for more tempered riding, I think the XPLR gearing would be a very good choice. I have ridden XPLR in California in the past with a 40 x 44 low gear, but really wanted a 38T chainring.
Another great review mate. Although I’m not sure why any manufacturer would send you a 1x considering your avowed dislike of the system. Seems like they are marking themselves down by a few points on the review immediately. An alternate view for anyone watching your video who is torn between the two drivetrain options: I’ve gone the opposite way; absolutely loving the mullet build on my Aspero (10-50 Eagle cassette and 42t or 44t ring means no worries keeping up at 40kph+ on tarmac). I don’t miss the in-between gears with the single exception of fast group rides, where someone else is setting a fairly high tempo and you do wind up hunting a bit. So the 2x road bike gets used for that activity. Otherwise the 1x is the go-to for every application, including solo 150km mixed or tarmac rides (albeit on 32mm GK semi slick tires rather than massive knobbly boots).
We are sending all ours back as the distributor doesn't stock any of the tools and Springs for custmization and none of these things come with the bike! The play in the front end couldnt be removed from new so not salable! great concept but without a distributor who carries all the bits this would be an expensive mistake for any customer! Topstone Lefty is a much better option with no special parts needed!
Lack of support, a true shame. As an FYI, the front suspension design is by HiRide of Italy. Be careful with Cannondale, I feel most of their bikes nowadays are pretty much total rubbish, they seem more interested in working with "influencers" versus producing nice bikes like they used to. With that said, I haven't reviewed a Topstone Lefty, but I did review the Slate. Regardless, you have the special front wheel requirement, and in the case of the Slate, it had the stupid offset rear end requiring a devoted wheelset, which for the Slate was 650b only. I think Cannondale may have ditched the offset rear end with the Topstone Lefty. Good luck!
Instead of putting that expensive, heavy and failure prone suspension fork with limited tire clearence on the bike, the same geometry would easily take a 2.1" or even 2.2" mtb tire with basically the same amount of added cushion, without any of the drawbacks. i would gladly take f.e. the new ridley kanzo adventure over this.
The reason why I subscribe to your channel is for the honest reviews you give, I never feel that I've just wasted my time watching. Thank you
Hi Jom, thank you for a thorough and honest review. I have bought bikes based on your recommendations and trust your judgment. I bought a t-labs and extremely happy with it.
Thanks Monty! BTW, a new model of the T-Lab will be launched next week. Hoping to have a review sample soon.
Really love the Bike…must be very comfortable
I have a Specialized Turbo Creo SL Comp Carbon…the gravel version with GRX and I have the Future Shock 2.0 with 20mm of travel and the seat post has 20mm of travel too…very comfortable bike…is amazing what 20mm can do
thanks for mentioning the 12 speed 10-44 cassette... several months ago I was looking at upgrading from my 11 speed 11-36 to 12 speed and was shocked all the 12 speed offerings were really wide mountain bike ranges.
Great review. The shock looks like a 1990s Cannondale head shock.
The line between xc hardtail and gravel bike is still distinct but they are getting really close.
Really appreciate your no BS and honest reviews! Keep up the great work.
Had the original mechanical version going on two seasons now. Run 28 slicks to 43 GK on the DTSwiss. It's smooth, stable and comfortable enough with no surprises. Given some thought to increased chainring size. It doesn't do technical rides like a MTB would. Thanks for the review (not fond of that mustard color, I have to say).
I love the lines and colour.
I love the colour, some people not so much. Hot Mustard!
@@GravelCyclist yeah it's different. The shape reminds me of early 90s Konas, sloping top tube. Be good if they made a non sus version with the tyre clearance you're after, a lightweight racing only edition.
I get you: the seat post clamp, the cassette with big gaps, the limited tire clearance all for a whopping $8k.
For that money you can get a monster cross with 650b x 2.1" tires for the rough stuff and a racier gravel bike.
I'd really like to see more bikes with the rear triangle elastomer. The front end on the other hand ... 1.2kg for 20mm of travel - that's an impossible to justify tradeoff. I'd be inclined to use a Lauf Grit SL if I really wanted something. Price on the bike is, as usual, crazy.
great review... I really like the 10mm travel elastomer idea to take the edge off but don't think I would ever want actual suspension (moving parts) on a gravel bike. Awesome bike but with this gearing and suspension it seems like it should fit massive tires and have loads of mounts.... more like a competitor to the Salsa Cutthroat than gravel ripper. bit of an odd mix, but I have other bikes thinking people wanting a one bike "do it all" deal might love it.
You mention the rubber boots on the bottom of the fork which you like for those moments when you have the front wheel out of the fork. This got me thinking how mountain bikes have protectors for things like your bottom bracket or the down tube. I'm surprised that I couldn't find anything like this in the aftermarket world. Maybe I didn't look hard enough.
Curious about your choice on front suspension. Specialize's future shock, bmc's mtt or the rockshox rudy?
Interesting review; I think there's a place for full-suspension gravel bikes, but maybe bike companies are getting overly clever with the concept. Simple short-travel suspension for slightly better traction and comfort should be all that's needed.
Great review. Thanks to you, I ended up scoring a Litespeed Ultimate Gravel on sale. Where's the pool chick in the background?
The lady in the pool / near the pool was either working, or going for a bike ride. Otherwise, she is known as Lady Gravel Cyclist :)
Very nice review.
Great review! Definitely no BS! I agree with the comments this bike likely needs another iteration. As an owner of a Cannondale Silk Road, I approach any bike with a built in head shock with some skepticism! Two quick questions: where did you get you bike stand (looks ideal for routine maintenance) and what kind of feed bag / bento box did you use?
Hi Rick, I scored that $5 stand at a swap meet years ago. No branding on it anywhere. The top tube bag is by Dark Speed Works.
@@GravelCyclist thanks! Great buy on the stand!
The new one is now out. Will you be reviewing it?
I am waiting for confirmation of a review sample, stay tuned...
Jom,
Enjoy your channel and respect your opinion, however I think you missed the mark on this one. As you pointed out this bike certainly has it's flaws (bottom bracket, tire clearance, seat tube clamp, ect.) this is no speedster race bike. I think the 1x mtn bike drive train, short chainstays, progressive geometry, and knobby tires reveal the intent of the URS. As the moniker "unrestricted" seems to imply, this bike is designed for more. It excels at technical, high mtn, and mixed terrain riding. The suspension works well on those big hits that often bottom out most gravel tires, and also smooths out corrugation. While the bike could use some refining, I think the URS and similar bikes certainly have a niche in off road gravel cycling.
Respectfully P.D.M.
The tech in this bike is pretty awesome, shame all BMCs come in pressfit though. Even the boring Cannondale ditched it for threaded and now Cervelo, Trek and others are heading to T47
Great review interesting comments, but I personally can't contemplate spending more on my bike than I did on my car,
what do you think about the URS vs the Canyon Grizl with the front shock? I live in Santa Cruz, CA and currently have a older Fargo with a front shock
I've reviewed both bikes, I prefer the Grizl in this situation, as the fork can be fitted to any bike. Additionally, while the Hi-Ride system in the BMC is nice, it adds a considerable amount of weight for not a lot of suspension travel.
@@GravelCyclist How about the Canyon Grizl vs a Salsa Cutthroat ?
@@scottmcdonald1819 Never ridden a Cutthroat.
I agreed with you on the concept of longer top tubes and short stems… I can’t get my desired fit on them. In the end of the day gravel for me is about getting off the roads and away from cars and going to explore the backroads multi surface terrains on long distances. I thought that industry had the concept dialed by mixing concepts of the classic fully rigid off-road dropbar bike i.e a cx bike with endurance road bikes and adding clearance for bigger tires. Now a lot of the companies are pivoting into this pseudo mtb design concepts on their gravel bike and like you I don’t really see the point. But I guess there a lot of people who do otherwise no one would buy them
I often think the cycling industry has run out of ideas... thanks for your comment Raz.
If I still lived in Connecticut I would agree. Now back in Australia I am looking for a dual suspension gravel. Gravel is rough and lots of deep corrugations
Which top tube bag is that? Thanks?
What did you think of the gear ratio that came with that bike. Explore vs the Mountain bike gearing.
For the insane riding I did in California I did aboard this bike at Rock Cobbler, etc, the MTB gearing was very appropriate. But, for more tempered riding, I think the XPLR gearing would be a very good choice. I have ridden XPLR in California in the past with a 40 x 44 low gear, but really wanted a 38T chainring.
Another great review mate. Although I’m not sure why any manufacturer would send you a 1x considering your avowed dislike of the system. Seems like they are marking themselves down by a few points on the review immediately. An alternate view for anyone watching your video who is torn between the two drivetrain options: I’ve gone the opposite way; absolutely loving the mullet build on my Aspero (10-50 Eagle cassette and 42t or 44t ring means no worries keeping up at 40kph+ on tarmac). I don’t miss the in-between gears with the single exception of fast group rides, where someone else is setting a fairly high tempo and you do wind up hunting a bit. So the 2x road bike gets used for that activity. Otherwise the 1x is the go-to for every application, including solo 150km mixed or tarmac rides (albeit on 32mm GK semi slick tires rather than massive knobbly boots).
We are sending all ours back as the distributor doesn't stock any of the tools and Springs for custmization and none of these things come with the bike! The play in the front end couldnt be removed from new so not salable! great concept but without a distributor who carries all the bits this would be an expensive mistake for any customer! Topstone Lefty is a much better option with no special parts needed!
Lack of support, a true shame. As an FYI, the front suspension design is by HiRide of Italy. Be careful with Cannondale, I feel most of their bikes nowadays are pretty much total rubbish, they seem more interested in working with "influencers" versus producing nice bikes like they used to. With that said, I haven't reviewed a Topstone Lefty, but I did review the Slate. Regardless, you have the special front wheel requirement, and in the case of the Slate, it had the stupid offset rear end requiring a devoted wheelset, which for the Slate was 650b only. I think Cannondale may have ditched the offset rear end with the Topstone Lefty. Good luck!
MAKE SURE YOU KNOW HOW MUCH SERVICING THE SUSPENSION REQUIRES AND IF YOU'RE WILLING TO DO THAT. I WROTE OFF MY TEAMELITE MTB BECAUSE OF IT:
THANKS FOR YOUR COMMENT, BUT PLEASE TURN CAPS LOCK OFF. Good luck! 😃
8ks?👀
Seems like this bike needs another iteration or 2 before it is really dialed.
Agreed 100%.
Instead of putting that expensive, heavy and failure prone suspension fork with limited tire clearence on the bike, the same geometry would easily take a 2.1" or even 2.2" mtb tire with basically the same amount of added cushion, without any of the drawbacks. i would gladly take f.e. the new ridley kanzo adventure over this.
Hoping to review the new Ridley soon...
I'm so tired of the 1x drivetrains with the giant cassettes.
Hypothetically, you could eat lunch off the rear side of the 52T cog :) Pie plate, etc.
Actually you wrong about 2x. Newest rear hub with wireless internal shifting can be easy installed ,and your bike becomes 2x )
I'm not wrong about 2x. You are referring to the Classified system, which requires proprietary cassettes, and you still get extreme chainline issues.