I hear “aero is everything” more than I would like, now I know who to blame…. 😎👊. I’m so glad you started your own channel. Keep doing what you do buddy. Please don’t rush your healing process, we want to see you 100% recovered. Cheers
Your content is so helpful. I got a revolt earlier this year mostly based on your top list from 2023. But not just because it was your top bike but because you help your viewers understand the realistic benefits and drawbacks of the bikes you review. The revolt fit all my needs and wants, and your review helped me learn that. Been absolutely loving it for the past 9 months. My first real bike and have about 2k miles on it :) I would love to see you compare an upper end model and lower end model from one of your favorite bikes. Not just from one groupset to another but for example the carbon Crux vs the dsw crux. Or the higher end carbon frames vs lower. I’ll not be buying a top end bike any time soon but I’m very curious what I’m missing out on relatively speaking. I’m guessing and hoping very little but would be interesting to hear imo Cheers Ben thanks for good content
Cool. Thanks for the feedback. I will try to get such a a video done. The short answer is materials and weight. Like with components, the more expensive frames use lighter materials. Going from a mid-range carbon frame to a high-end carbon frame, it might be difficult or impossible to sense a difference without a scale or lab equipment. But going from alloy to carbon you could probably feel the difference. Thanks.
I was looking for a Gravel Bike a few months ago. Looked at quite a few different brands. Have Canyon a real hard look but the lack of local support was a bit of a deterrent for me. Pulled the trigger on a Cannondale Topstone Carbon. Coming off flat bar riding for the past 20 years I must admit it’s amazing how comfortable being on the drops are. Enjoyed your video.
Two other ends of the spectrum: 1) Review a premium steel like a Ritchey road logic or the montebello with 2x11 shimano ? 2) How about best alloy? Trek checkpoint ALR? Are alloy frames really only for the beginner or are they actually more than enough for most of us?
Good luck with the shoulder recovery Ben, been there, done that, full shoulder reconstruction, frozen shoulder sucks, I did several months riding around the local park on a single speed 26" MTB with flat pedals and my arm in a sling with a slightly lowered saddle, kept me sane and kept muscle tone and some cardio fitness, did seated 45 secs intervals up a grass bank, if anything was to go wrong I could just step off. Was awhile before I could reach the bars and start riding on the road again. I have a 2018 Checkpoint and run a 50mm Thunderburt up front and a 47mm Pathfinder in the rear, on my roads this is faster than the 40mm tires I rode for years, mainly because the forest I ride through on most of my rides has roads built for logging trucks not cars, so it has some big rocks which a 40mm tire runs the risk of rim strike and so slower speeds. And on smoother gravel roads the 50mm front allows the use of puppy paws much more, which I tend to ride in a lot over the course of long rides.
I was surprised the Siegla wasn’t on the list! I understand these are Ben’s favorites, but I think the fact the Siegla come with wireless shifting for under $3k is a huge point of emphasis for a lot of buyers
I always love your content! Plus when you show amazing scenery like in the final shots with the Crux, it just inspires me to plan more epic rides! Thanks for the overall summary- it didn't go quite like I thought it would, but great info nonetheless. Also, I loved the review for bike #2... that's really a good frame of mind and important to remember that it's the journey that is most valuable, not the steed. We all get a bit caught up in the newest/lightest/techy-est/etc that it's easy to lose sight of why we do this. I definitely appreciate the "no BS" approach to all your bike and component reviews- it's a real rarity these days. Heal soon!
Thanks for the overview Ben! Much appreciated!! The Giant Revolt seems to please a lot of reviewers, especially for what I plan to use the bike for: an endurance bike that can do gravel well. But I will not yet buy it. I hope they come to their senses next year and put in the UDH, and offer some more SRAM options. nearly everything on their website is Shimano based, and I specifically want SRAM. All other options i have considered are either too stiff or to stretched/racey rider position, or too expensive (looking at you Specialized). The search continues until Giant come to their sense 😅
Exactly! It is from Amanda and Dave's gravel event in California. I used to hang out in the skate shop in Albuquerque and watch Powell videos on their little tv and vcr. Now I follow Cab on Instagram and he's still an inspiration.
It is a hommage to the OG Caballero Dragon and Bats deck. I used to ride that when I was a kid. Cab is still alive and kicking. True legend. I'd love to get my hands on such a shirt, but unfortunately no shipping to Europe 😞
@Ben, love that the Crux makes it back to the top of your list! Love my ‘24 Crux and looking forward to my ‘25 Crux when it finally arrives. So simple, light, comfortable, predictable. Can’t beat it.
💯 agree - Ben’s content is deserving of 1M subscribers. His content is expert, balanced, professional, and helps folks get healthier and stay well in addition to excellent review of bikes. Am I the only thinking a long-form podcast from/with Ben would be stellar?
Keep up the great work Ben, hoping you have a full recovery. I can attest the Revolt is phenomenal. I've raced my 2021 many times and rode it as my do it all bike, going as far as buying a dedicated road wheelset for long century rides. However, I'm still a dirt guy at heart and was tired of compromising, so I built up a steel framed road bike (with tons of carbon) and bought the Revel Rover frame. It's awesome for more of the "MTB Hardtail" like riding in my area.
Love my Arc8 Eero, niche swiss brand, racey gravelbike with 50mm tire clearance, light frame, loved it for a road ultra as well as rougher gravel riding. Doubles really nicely as a roadbike geometry- and weight wise.
I love my ‘23 crux … i run it with zipp xplr 101 650b wheels with 45mm up to 2.1 tires for gravel and the stock Roval Terra wheels with 32mm tires for road. 44t chainring with a 12speed eagle 10-50 mtb cassette/derailleur combo. Superlight snappy and comfy!
xlnt review as always. i grabbed an on sale last model year Crux as my first gravel ride (owning mtbs, tri and [road a C60 w 20k miles on it]) after a month on 40mm tires, i slapped 32mm on it for my trip to Tahoe and the Lake Tahoe loop and havent graveled since, but sold the C60 and this bike has me in love w road riding again despite the sketchy cornering capabilities.
I like your preferences. I like bikes more on the nimble side as well. But they have to have eyelets for practicality. Most of those bikes many can't afford unfortunately. A bike that used to cost $1k and be a good value, is now a $3500 bike; $2500 for the bike and an extra $1000 for the "gravel" decal.
I’m surprised you didn’t rate the Cervelo Aspero in your top 5, especially as you like bikes at the racier end. But perhaps I should broaden my horizons. Good luck with your recovery Ben. 👍
Another great video! I like the Specialized Crux, but I’m still in love with my 2020 Salsa Warbird with Shimano Ultegra, Zipp 303 Firecrest Wheels.- Secretly looking at a Rodeo Labs Trail Donkey or Enve MOG for 2025. Hope your shoulder rehab is coming along well, and you’ll be back on the bike at Midsouth. Any must ride events for 2025? Are you doing any Gravel Earth Series events in 2025? In your opinion, could we see a collaboration between Lifetime and Gravel Earth in the near future? It would take gravel to another level, like Ironman in world wide triathlon.
Thanks. Great folks and great bikes at Salsa, Rodeo and Enve. I hope to be Mid South ready! As for events, did you see the video Stephen and I did? ua-cam.com/video/Ip7TYgvnbMQ/v-deo.html Gravel Earth events.... Worlds in Nebraska for sure and hopefully more. They have quite the line up for 2025. I don't see a Gravel Earth/Life Time collaboration happening.
I'm deciding between the MOG 2025 or the Crux 10R frameset. . . . . decisions. I'm not an adventure rider, but I did get to ride a MOG last weekend and it's a sweet bike. I have not ridden a crux. Biggest concern is is it too "nimble" or sketchy for the gravel races I do.
May I ask where you got your shirt?? Great review. Just bought my first gravel bike yesterday. Can't wait to see what this segment of cycling holds for me. Excited about it!
The shirt is from Mammoth Tuff, the California event put on by former DK/Unbound winner Amanda Nauman and her husband David Sheek: www.tuff.ventures/ I'm a sucker for Powell Peralta tributes, especially the mighty Cab. Welcome to gravel!
Terrific reviews as usual. I have the 2023 Crux S-Works and it’s my favorite bike of all time. It’s simply so much lighter and more responsive than any other gravel bike I’ve tried. Bummer that I can’t put the direct mount derailleur on it though. I’m interested in the Zipp Wheel/ Tire combo after long term use…
Increasingly I choose bikes that don‘t have proprietary forks or seatposts. Cheaper to replace & no worries about spares running out in the future. Crux seems to fit that spec so could be a consideration for my next bike 👍 BTW I still ride my Scott Foil with the Bontrager Aeolus 50mm wheels that you reviewed years ago. Love that bike/wheel combo. Is unfortunately limited to a summer only treat (rim brakes) 😀
Scott Foil, eh? Sheesh, that was a while back! Or do you mean the wheels that I reviewed? In any event, I hear you on proprietary stuff: one man's integrated is another man's incompatible.
@ Ergo 70. They come in different prices, all with the same shape. I happen to have the XPLR gravel version, which has a bit more flare in the drops but doesn’t angle the levers in
Always surprised that this years winner of Unbound is never picked, the Supersix EVO SE which is fantastic and not overpriced, although the stock builds are lackluster. The SuperX which is its predecessor is a winning bike and I still see frequently at events. But…built up with a great group like a Force or GRX 1x or 2x the bikes is a quick climber with stable handling with good tire clearance for 48s even with 2x…I own about 8 bikes and have ridden many more, this is the one I grab the most for fast gravel or mixed rides.
Great and reasonable top 5 list. Your top choice is unbeatable once dialed in. It’s a joy and feels excellent on and offroad. I think about buying the new bronze colored frame (2025) and building it on my own…with a „little“ help by my LBS. 👼🏻
I was recently looking at Canyon Grizl SL 7 with Rival XPLR AXS. It came at 3399.- with aluminum DT swiss wheels and Aluminum handlebar… Specialized CRUX 2025 is at my LBS 5400.- with 35 mm deep roval wheels and carbon everything. So if I add proper wheels and bar it adds at least 1300.- to the Canyon, so 4700 vs 5400… I know which one I would go for. Just the difference on the second-hand market will probably be two times difference… 😅
Great content Ben, wish you a speedy recovery. I've been looking at a Crux for a long time. But it's so expensive versus, say, an Orbea Terra. I will buy a bike within a few months, waiting for potential UDH support on the Orbea in MY 2025. But the Crux is still lurking in my mind, and this video just snapped it right back to contention. 😅
I just haven't found a more fun and versatile gravel bike than the Crux, I continuously shop competition but in the end the only bike I'd want to replace my '21 Crux Pro with is a '24 S-Works Crux. Waiting for integrated bar but I don't think that's gonna happen.
Great video as always. Can't believe Canyon still doesn't stock the pro bar in the US. Looks like any other market has a bunch of sizes, but can't even find it on the US site. Handlebar width is the only thing I don't like about my Grail.
C'mon! You're not supposed to ride these things after you buy them. They're designed to SELL, not to ride. That results in issues like yours. Just hang it up in the garage while you shop for the next one. Buy, buy, buy!
@@TheRidewithBenDelaney Cool! I’m bouncing between the S-Works Crux and the Aspero-5. Leaning to the Aspero thinking it may better lend to both racing and occasional bike packing on road and gravel/single track? I’m in CO also and ride an Ostro VAM (road)
I just took delivery of a Gravity Zilla from Bikesdirect. 2 inch tires, dropper post, Ritchey Beacon dirt drop, Shimano GRX. It's an amazing bike and not just for the money.
Since I don't have the opportunity to try these bikes myself, tests are important before a purchase. I think your tests are the most credible on UA-cam, thanks for a great job! I will only be able to afford one bike and am therefore curious which of these bikes you would have chosen for a quick road ride?
Thank you. The Crux is what I have been riding on the road recently. (Narrower slick tires would make it faster of course, but I haven’t bothered to swap.) If you are looking for one bike for road and gravel, check out the video I did on allroad bikes.
Good video. I picked the Giant Revolt it’s great for me . I was on the Oregon five day stage race and met you that was nice . After that ride I flipped the chip and put continental race kings 2.2s on and added the suspension steam on , it is still very fast but a much better ride. Great bike.😃🚵♀️
Cool. Glad that one has worked out for you. I finally got some Conti gravel rubber to try, but they are just 40s. Are you going to do Chad’s Utah stage race? Looks cool.
Everytime I travel back to Germany, I ride my mother's step-thru lady's bike. I can raise the seat up to the max and actually end up in a sonewhat aero position. I ride this 40 lbs bike about 3 to 5 mph slower, still lots of fun.
Couple of things re the Defy. I just got one. Love it! But the seat post. OMG. Used lots of carbon paste plus locktite on the bolt. Still slips. I noticed your stem spacers were above the stem spacer thing that holds the cables. I’ve never seen that before.
Arrrg, that's frustrating. I ended up running a round post on my first test bike a couple years ago after I broke the post. That eliminated the shim issue. 😀 If you got it from a shop, I'd ask for their help. Good luck!
Great video as always. Much appreciate, Ben- I'm a 40 year rider (66 years old) - toured everywhere and raced Cat 2 road for years with a few pro-1,2, stage wins in there. My passion is fast road riding and single track mountain biking and racing, but I'm finally deciding to add a a gravel to the mix. Your video really helped me focus on a few- and your ideas of a perfect gravel bike line up exactly with mine. I only wish the Specialized was available in front derailleur too. I just don't like the huge jumps on the singles as the chain moves to easier gearing. That and not having the ideal option of another larger front chainring option on big downs. Do you think having a front d will come back soon? I sure hope so. Anyway, keep up the great work and I'm glad to see you're healing up enough to ride again. I've seen you on Zwift and it makes me smile knowing you're cranking again.
Glad the videos help. I don't see the front derailleur making a major comeback. There are still 2x options like the Grail and the Revolt, but the market seems to like the look of 1x.
Have you (or someone else) covered the changes in frame design that i think thru axles brought. Especially looking at chainstays of most big bike brands, they don't really taper, they look so straight and the same height from bb to dropout. I find it interesting but maybe missed discussion about it once disc brakes took over. Probably just better for manufacturers, but so much different from the old cervelos or sl4 for instance. Thanks!
I’m afraid I haven’t ridden the Echo. But I am generally a fan of what the crew at Allied are doing. And Josh Patterson, an OG gravel guy whose opinion I value, loves that bike.
Love the content and glad my revolt made the list. Now I just need to upgrade. As far as carbon wheels for gravel do you have a recommendation that won’t break the bank?
No, that was one of a few things that I dropped when I smashed myself. They want the bike back now so I'll probably do a video on that plus a couple others bikes in one go.
Do you have an online database of your bikes ridden with reviews / recommendations? Also have you ridden the Propain Terrel CF? Curious about it because like the Revolt at least on paper, seems like the Goldilocks bike.
I don't. I should probably build one and put it on my site, theride.bike. But my UA-cam page has everything I've done on this channel thus far. I have not ridden a Propain bike.
Hey Ben, Owen Vermeulen here (Alexey's cousin we met in Colombia at TC) I know the owners well at Scarab which bike you rode at TC, It was my 2nd (8day TC) this year and 1st year was Canyon Grail, 2nd was the Grizl. Scarab are amazing bikes I have had the pleasure of riding them and are great for mixed terrain. Colombia gravel can be super chunky as you know. but with paved segments, my question is if you were to choose your perfect bike set up for Trancordilleras what would you ride?? I haved raced gravel in Colombia a fair bit now and I looking back at my first set up I was shocked how consevative my set up was, I had sponsor restraints but still.
Hey Owen. Yeah, the people at Scarab are great, right? If I were to do Transcordilleras again I would probably take a bike with a fork and 50mm tires. Those downhills were brutal!
Hey there. Thanks for giving my channel a try. My favorite titanium gravel would probably have to be a Mosaic, built here in Boulder, Colorado by Aaron Barcheck and his crew. Never heard of Reilly but getting something local is cool, and titanium is certainly a durable material for gravel. ua-cam.com/video/bWyMsmNauOA/v-deo.html
@@TheRidewithBenDelaney Kind thanks, Ben! I got interested in gravel bikes due to the 1x systems (I like super simplicity)... and saw your review of the new SRAM Red XPLR. Excellent information. Thank you for a great content!
Well, one thing to consider is, how many of those 75 were mainstream ones? I’d say many, just going off memory. Then second of all, Ben is clear about his preference for road like geometry and no suspension etc, so again that automatically rules out any niche bikes.
Hey man, the shoulder is complicated, it turns out! By immobilizing it to let the shattered bone and reconnected bicep tendon heal, a lot of little and large muscles went dormant. And now getting things going again has been a legit challenge. Thank you for asking. Where will I see you in 2025?
I had a bit of a cheater caveat in that these were my top 5 that I rode this year. Aspero is a ripper, but I didn't ride it in 2024. Maybe room for an all-time top 10 list...
@@TheRidewithBenDelaney I was looking at the 2024 version and I know prior versions have made old lists of yours. 2024 added a threaded BB, up to 45c clearance, UDH, and they dropped the price.
If you don't mind sharing, what system do you use for your vertical bike storage on the walls? Looks like a swivel product which is nice. Doesn't look like Steadyrack or others that I'm familiar with. If you'd rather not say the name you can whisper it to me in parentheses.
Happy to share! Those are Feedback Sports Velo Hinge 2.0s: feedbacksports.com/collections/wall-mounted-bike-storage/products/velo-hinge-2-0?variant=47004147679530
I hear “aero is everything” more than I would like, now I know who to blame…. 😎👊.
I’m so glad you started your own channel. Keep doing what you do buddy. Please don’t rush your healing process, we want to see you 100% recovered. Cheers
Haha, thanks! I wish I could rush this healing process... it is taking seemingly forever. Thanks.
I hope you're getting paid handsomely for those royalties Ben!
Now I remember why I aubscibed to this channel. Well...because I Apreciate the "straightness" and "no bullshit" kind of talk. Thanks man.
Your content is so helpful. I got a revolt earlier this year mostly based on your top list from 2023. But not just because it was your top bike but because you help your viewers understand the realistic benefits and drawbacks of the bikes you review. The revolt fit all my needs and wants, and your review helped me learn that. Been absolutely loving it for the past 9 months. My first real bike and have about 2k miles on it :)
I would love to see you compare an upper end model and lower end model from one of your favorite bikes. Not just from one groupset to another but for example the carbon Crux vs the dsw crux. Or the higher end carbon frames vs lower. I’ll not be buying a top end bike any time soon but I’m very curious what I’m missing out on relatively speaking. I’m guessing and hoping very little but would be interesting to hear imo
Cheers Ben thanks for good content
Cool. Thanks for the feedback. I will try to get such a a video done. The short answer is materials and weight. Like with components, the more expensive frames use lighter materials. Going from a mid-range carbon frame to a high-end carbon frame, it might be difficult or impossible to sense a difference without a scale or lab equipment. But going from alloy to carbon you could probably feel the difference.
Thanks.
I was looking for a Gravel Bike a few months ago. Looked at quite a few different brands. Have Canyon a real hard look but the lack of local support was a bit of a deterrent for me. Pulled the trigger on a Cannondale Topstone Carbon. Coming off flat bar riding for the past 20 years I must admit it’s amazing how comfortable being on the drops are. Enjoyed your video.
How come every time I watch a Ben video, I wanna justify buying another bike? Keep 'em coming Ben.
Same 😂
Nice job, Ben; always a pleasure to watch your segments
I love your toughts about bikes ... passion for riding and a good bike it´s passed to the viewers ... thanks
Two other ends of the spectrum: 1) Review a premium steel like a Ritchey road logic or the montebello with 2x11 shimano ? 2) How about best alloy? Trek checkpoint ALR? Are alloy frames really only for the beginner or are they actually more than enough for most of us?
Excellent content as usual Ben! Love my Crux and hope to see you on yours in upcoming vids!
I love your second bike! Just get out there and do it. No matter what you ride. I bought a diverge expert a few months ago and loving it.
Good luck with the shoulder recovery Ben, been there, done that, full shoulder reconstruction, frozen shoulder sucks, I did several months riding around the local park on a single speed 26" MTB with flat pedals and my arm in a sling with a slightly lowered saddle, kept me sane and kept muscle tone and some cardio fitness, did seated 45 secs intervals up a grass bank, if anything was to go wrong I could just step off. Was awhile before I could reach the bars and start riding on the road again.
I have a 2018 Checkpoint and run a 50mm Thunderburt up front and a 47mm Pathfinder in the rear, on my roads this is faster than the 40mm tires I rode for years, mainly because the forest I ride through on most of my rides has roads built for logging trucks not cars, so it has some big rocks which a 40mm tire runs the risk of rim strike and so slower speeds. And on smoother gravel roads the 50mm front allows the use of puppy paws much more, which I tend to ride in a lot over the course of long rides.
Great vid Ben, I just bought the Lauf Seigla (rigid), I was sold with your review and tire clearance alone. Keep up the good work!
Siegla 🔥🔥🔥
I was surprised the Siegla wasn’t on the list! I understand these are Ben’s favorites, but I think the fact the Siegla come with wireless shifting for under $3k is a huge point of emphasis for a lot of buyers
@ It was on the list last year when Ben tested it. Best $3K value on the market today.
Cool. How do you like it so far?
@@TheRidewithBenDelaney
I dig it a lot🤙🏼
Great video, Ben. Really enjoy your presentation style.
I always love your content! Plus when you show amazing scenery like in the final shots with the Crux, it just inspires me to plan more epic rides! Thanks for the overall summary- it didn't go quite like I thought it would, but great info nonetheless. Also, I loved the review for bike #2... that's really a good frame of mind and important to remember that it's the journey that is most valuable, not the steed. We all get a bit caught up in the newest/lightest/techy-est/etc that it's easy to lose sight of why we do this.
I definitely appreciate the "no BS" approach to all your bike and component reviews- it's a real rarity these days.
Heal soon!
Thank you.
Awesome video and glad you’re doing better - Folks this is an awesome near year-end video and bookend / been looking forward to this! Thanks Ben
Thanks for the overview Ben! Much appreciated!! The Giant Revolt seems to please a lot of reviewers, especially for what I plan to use the bike for: an endurance bike that can do gravel well. But I will not yet buy it. I hope they come to their senses next year and put in the UDH, and offer some more SRAM options. nearly everything on their website is Shimano based, and I specifically want SRAM. All other options i have considered are either too stiff or to stretched/racey rider position, or too expensive (looking at you Specialized). The search continues until Giant come to their sense 😅
Best t-shirt. Looks like a homage to a skate brand
Powell Peralta. Steve caballero
Exactly! It is from Amanda and Dave's gravel event in California. I used to hang out in the skate shop in Albuquerque and watch Powell videos on their little tv and vcr. Now I follow Cab on Instagram and he's still an inspiration.
Used to skate way way back in the day. Powell has got the best graphics. Period. One of my favorite design was the elephant for Mike vallely
Very cool shirt... so cool I have yet to wear it. Apparently per Mammoth Tuff website "Design by Randy Noborikawa, inspired by Steve Caballero."
It is a hommage to the OG Caballero Dragon and Bats deck. I used to ride that when I was a kid. Cab is still alive and kicking. True legend. I'd love to get my hands on such a shirt, but unfortunately no shipping to Europe 😞
@@moggsquad3598 Cab is riding e-MTBs now! Super positive guy.
Solid segment Ben. Glad to see you’re on the mend.
@Ben, love that the Crux makes it back to the top of your list! Love my ‘24 Crux and looking forward to my ‘25 Crux when it finally arrives. So simple, light, comfortable, predictable. Can’t beat it.
Great review ,concise and helpful …..speedy healing to ya and a thank you 🙏
Thank you.
Let's get this man to 100k subs before UNBOUND 2025
💯 agree - Ben’s content is deserving of 1M subscribers. His content is expert, balanced, professional, and helps folks get healthier and stay well in addition to excellent review of bikes.
Am I the only thinking a long-form podcast from/with Ben would be stellar?
@gearsofmedicine I 2nd this
I could listen to Ben for hours - he knows his stuff. Putting shows together takes time, but 'll take whatever Ben puts out.
Cheers
Agreed. Love Ben’s content.
I am in 😁
Keep up the great work Ben, hoping you have a full recovery. I can attest the Revolt is phenomenal. I've raced my 2021 many times and rode it as my do it all bike, going as far as buying a dedicated road wheelset for long century rides. However, I'm still a dirt guy at heart and was tired of compromising, so I built up a steel framed road bike (with tons of carbon) and bought the Revel Rover frame. It's awesome for more of the "MTB Hardtail" like riding in my area.
Needed this this morning.
Congrats for the quality of the content and unbiased reviews. Appreciated
Love my Arc8 Eero, niche swiss brand, racey gravelbike with 50mm tire clearance, light frame, loved it for a road ultra as well as rougher gravel riding. Doubles really nicely as a roadbike geometry- and weight wise.
Nice shirt sir. Look forward to seeing you there in 2025!
🥳
I love my ‘23 crux … i run it with zipp xplr 101 650b wheels with 45mm up to 2.1 tires for gravel and the stock Roval Terra wheels with 32mm tires for road. 44t chainring with a 12speed eagle 10-50 mtb cassette/derailleur combo. Superlight snappy and comfy!
xlnt review as always. i grabbed an on sale last model year Crux as my first gravel ride (owning mtbs, tri and [road a C60 w 20k miles on it]) after a month on 40mm tires, i slapped 32mm on it for my trip to Tahoe and the Lake Tahoe loop and havent graveled since, but sold the C60 and this bike has me in love w road riding again despite the sketchy cornering capabilities.
ill take my XC bike if i need to ride chunky roads!
Glad you are back out riding!!!
Thanks for the content and keep healing!
Thank you.
Thanks Ben for your excellent not to be missed videos!
Great vid Ben
I like your preferences. I like bikes more on the nimble side as well. But they have to have eyelets for practicality.
Most of those bikes many can't afford unfortunately. A bike that used to cost $1k and be a good value, is now a $3500 bike; $2500 for the bike and an extra $1000 for the "gravel" decal.
I’m surprised you didn’t rate the Cervelo Aspero in your top 5, especially as you like bikes at the racier end. But perhaps I should broaden my horizons.
Good luck with your recovery Ben. 👍
The Aspero is a killer bike; I just didn't ride it this year. (Perhaps that was cheating a bit... but it made the selection easier!) Cheers.
Glad your back!
Great video!!!
Another great video!
I like the Specialized Crux, but I’m still in love with my 2020 Salsa Warbird with Shimano Ultegra, Zipp 303 Firecrest Wheels.- Secretly looking at a Rodeo Labs Trail Donkey or Enve MOG for 2025.
Hope your shoulder rehab is coming along well, and you’ll be back on the bike at Midsouth.
Any must ride events for 2025?
Are you doing any Gravel Earth Series events in 2025?
In your opinion, could we see a collaboration between Lifetime and Gravel Earth in the near future? It would take gravel to another level, like Ironman in world wide triathlon.
Thanks. Great folks and great bikes at Salsa, Rodeo and Enve.
I hope to be Mid South ready!
As for events, did you see the video Stephen and I did? ua-cam.com/video/Ip7TYgvnbMQ/v-deo.html
Gravel Earth events.... Worlds in Nebraska for sure and hopefully more. They have quite the line up for 2025. I don't see a Gravel Earth/Life Time collaboration happening.
I'm deciding between the MOG 2025 or the Crux 10R frameset. . . . . decisions. I'm not an adventure rider, but I did get to ride a MOG last weekend and it's a sweet bike. I have not ridden a crux. Biggest concern is is it too "nimble" or sketchy for the gravel races I do.
May I ask where you got your shirt?? Great review. Just bought my first gravel bike yesterday. Can't wait to see what this segment of cycling holds for me. Excited about it!
The shirt is from Mammoth Tuff, the California event put on by former DK/Unbound winner Amanda Nauman and her husband David Sheek: www.tuff.ventures/ I'm a sucker for Powell Peralta tributes, especially the mighty Cab. Welcome to gravel!
@@TheRidewithBenDelaney Awesome. Thanks! As a long time skateboarder it's the first thing I noticed. Will be following your channel.
Terrific reviews as usual. I have the 2023 Crux S-Works and it’s my favorite bike of all time. It’s simply so much lighter and more responsive than any other gravel bike I’ve tried. Bummer that I can’t put the direct mount derailleur on it though. I’m interested in the Zipp Wheel/ Tire combo after long term use…
Increasingly I choose bikes that don‘t have proprietary forks or seatposts. Cheaper to replace & no worries about spares running out in the future. Crux seems to fit that spec so could be a consideration for my next bike 👍
BTW I still ride my Scott Foil with the Bontrager Aeolus 50mm wheels that you reviewed years ago. Love that bike/wheel combo. Is unfortunately limited to a summer only treat (rim brakes) 😀
Scott Foil, eh? Sheesh, that was a while back! Or do you mean the wheels that I reviewed? In any event, I hear you on proprietary stuff: one man's integrated is another man's incompatible.
Great Vlog…respect…Bender, would love to see Down Under for 3 Peaks In Australia…(Kangaroos not Mozart)…
I’ve become a fan of those Zipp bars. They’re super comfortable and I’m now running them both on road and gravel
Which bar is it?
@ Ergo 70. They come in different prices, all with the same shape. I happen to have the XPLR gravel version, which has a bit more flare in the drops but doesn’t angle the levers in
More small, lesser known, unique, creative builders. Love your stuff. Cheers.
I hear you. ✌
Always surprised that this years winner of Unbound is never picked, the Supersix EVO SE which is fantastic and not overpriced, although the stock builds are lackluster. The SuperX which is its predecessor is a winning bike and I still see frequently at events.
But…built up with a great group like a Force or GRX 1x or 2x the bikes is a quick climber with stable handling with good tire clearance for 48s even with 2x…I own about 8 bikes and have ridden many more, this is the one I grab the most for fast gravel or mixed rides.
Great video!
Great and reasonable top 5 list. Your top choice is unbeatable once dialed in. It’s a joy and feels excellent on and offroad.
I think about buying the new bronze colored frame (2025) and building it on my own…with a „little“ help by my LBS. 👼🏻
shouts on the mammoth tuff shirt!
🦣🦣🦣
I was recently looking at Canyon Grizl SL 7 with Rival XPLR AXS. It came at 3399.- with aluminum DT swiss wheels and Aluminum handlebar… Specialized CRUX 2025 is at my LBS 5400.- with 35 mm deep roval wheels and carbon everything. So if I add proper wheels and bar it adds at least 1300.- to the Canyon, so 4700 vs 5400… I know which one I would go for. Just the difference on the second-hand market will probably be two times difference… 😅
Great video Ben! Sad that the Scarab didn't make your final list. I loved that bike
Nice shirt. Good ride.
Great content Ben, wish you a speedy recovery.
I've been looking at a Crux for a long time. But it's so expensive versus, say, an Orbea Terra. I will buy a bike within a few months, waiting for potential UDH support on the Orbea in MY 2025. But the Crux is still lurking in my mind, and this video just snapped it right back to contention. 😅
The top-end Specialized bikes are always crazy expensive. The gear, too.
MOG checks off all the boxes and is ahead of its time.
Agreed!
I was surprised not to see the MOG in there. The new Pivot Vault will be featured in 2025 🏆
crazy expensive though 😅
I just haven't found a more fun and versatile gravel bike than the Crux, I continuously shop competition but in the end the only bike I'd want to replace my '21 Crux Pro with is a '24 S-Works Crux. Waiting for integrated bar but I don't think that's gonna happen.
I'm a heavier rider so chose the Grail over the Revolt because the forks flex like a noodle under a heavier rider on the revolt :)
Crux! Weeeeee 🎉 I love my Crux, just a little sad I bought in the year before they moved to UDH 🤷
OMG - I just jumped off the ground - I’m so delighted Ben’s got the vote on the Crux 🎉🙏 @specialized give the man a bonus Crux, custom The Ride colour
Nice to see CX bike being on the list
😀
The unsung hero to me is the Niner RLT RDO
Its hard to go past the Giant Revolt with the flip chip and extra compliance from the seat post, not to mention the competitive $$$
Great video as always.
Can't believe Canyon still doesn't stock the pro bar in the US. Looks like any other market has a bunch of sizes, but can't even find it on the US site. Handlebar width is the only thing I don't like about my Grail.
I completely agree! Came with a 44, why? I'd like the 40, but like you say, not avail in U.S.
C'mon! You're not supposed to ride these things after you buy them. They're designed to SELL, not to ride. That results in issues like yours. Just hang it up in the garage while you shop for the next one. Buy, buy, buy!
really enjoy the grail with a 110th pro cockpit
Would have liked to have included a review of the Cervelo Aspero-5 up against your top picks as well. Excellent reviews. You have a new follower!
I love that bike. Thanks for the feedback - and the follow.
@@TheRidewithBenDelaney Cool! I’m bouncing between the S-Works Crux and the Aspero-5. Leaning to the Aspero thinking it may better lend to both racing and occasional bike packing on road and gravel/single track? I’m in CO also and ride an Ostro VAM (road)
Max Headroom!
I knew I recognized Ben
✌😄
I just took delivery of a Gravity Zilla from Bikesdirect. 2 inch tires, dropper post, Ritchey Beacon dirt drop, Shimano GRX. It's an amazing bike and not just for the money.
Had not heard of that one. Will check it out.
@@TheRidewithBenDelaney Cheers!
Since I don't have the opportunity to try these bikes myself, tests are important before a purchase. I think your tests are the most credible on UA-cam, thanks for a great job! I will only be able to afford one bike and am therefore curious which of these bikes you would have chosen for a quick road ride?
Thank you. The Crux is what I have been riding on the road recently. (Narrower slick tires would make it faster of course, but I haven’t bothered to swap.) If you are looking for one bike for road and gravel, check out the video I did on allroad bikes.
Good video. I picked the Giant Revolt it’s great for me . I was on the Oregon five day stage race and met you that was nice . After that ride I flipped the chip and put continental race kings 2.2s on and added the suspension steam on , it is still very fast but a much better ride. Great bike.😃🚵♀️
Cool. Glad that one has worked out for you. I finally got some Conti gravel rubber to try, but they are just 40s. Are you going to do Chad’s Utah stage race? Looks cool.
@@mikecardwell6497 good to know. How much clearance is there with the 2.2’s? Do they measure 55mm? Thank you.
Everytime I travel back to Germany, I ride my mother's step-thru lady's bike. I can raise the seat up to the max and actually end up in a sonewhat aero position. I ride this 40 lbs bike about 3 to 5 mph slower, still lots of fun.
Ha ha, sweet!
Couple of things re the Defy. I just got one. Love it! But the seat post. OMG. Used lots of carbon paste plus locktite on the bolt. Still slips. I noticed your stem spacers were above the stem spacer thing that holds the cables. I’ve never seen that before.
Arrrg, that's frustrating. I ended up running a round post on my first test bike a couple years ago after I broke the post. That eliminated the shim issue. 😀 If you got it from a shop, I'd ask for their help. Good luck!
Thanks for the video! You mention the Rocky Mountain Solo was ridden this year, do you have a review video for it?
Great video as always. Much appreciate, Ben- I'm a 40 year rider (66 years old) - toured everywhere and raced Cat 2 road for years with a few pro-1,2, stage wins in there. My passion is fast road riding and single track mountain biking and racing, but I'm finally deciding to add a a gravel to the mix. Your video really helped me focus on a few- and your ideas of a perfect gravel bike line up exactly with mine. I only wish the Specialized was available in front derailleur too. I just don't like the huge jumps on the singles as the chain moves to easier gearing. That and not having the ideal option of another larger front chainring option on big downs. Do you think having a front d will come back soon? I sure hope so. Anyway, keep up the great work and I'm glad to see you're healing up enough to ride again. I've seen you on Zwift and it makes me smile knowing you're cranking again.
Glad the videos help. I don't see the front derailleur making a major comeback. There are still 2x options like the Grail and the Revolt, but the market seems to like the look of 1x.
Have you (or someone else) covered the changes in frame design that i think thru axles brought. Especially looking at chainstays of most big bike brands, they don't really taper, they look so straight and the same height from bb to dropout. I find it interesting but maybe missed discussion about it once disc brakes took over. Probably just better for manufacturers, but so much different from the old cervelos or sl4 for instance. Thanks!
Geez. It takes me a few months to figure out a bike. It would take me a few lifetimes to cover as many.
I’m considering the Cannondale Topstone 3. How do you rate it?
Thanks for another nice video. I’m curious to know if you tested the Pinarello Grevil and if so, which are your thoughts. Thanks mate!
What were your thoughts on the Felt Breed Advanced?
Great video. I wonder what your thoughts are on the Allied Echo and where it would rate on your list.
I’m afraid I haven’t ridden the Echo. But I am generally a fan of what the crew at Allied are doing. And Josh Patterson, an OG gravel guy whose opinion I value, loves that bike.
“Any bike” hands down the best
Love the content and glad my revolt made the list. Now I just need to upgrade. As far as carbon wheels for gravel do you have a recommendation that won’t break the bank?
Video on gravel wheels coming up!
Hi Ben, compliments for your work and experience. What do you think about No22’s Drifter? Rgds from Verona, Italy.
Thank you. No 22s are beautiful, but I have yet to ride one.
I thought this was the daily show with John Stuart for a second
Only choices from massive brands?
Did I miss the review of the Rocky Mountain? I’ve been wanting to hear your thoughts on it!
No, that was one of a few things that I dropped when I smashed myself. They want the bike back now so I'll probably do a video on that plus a couple others bikes in one go.
makes sense! Thanks for the update!
Do you have an online database of your bikes ridden with reviews / recommendations?
Also have you ridden the Propain Terrel CF? Curious about it because like the Revolt at least on paper, seems like the Goldilocks bike.
I don't. I should probably build one and put it on my site, theride.bike. But my UA-cam page has everything I've done on this channel thus far.
I have not ridden a Propain bike.
Have you ever ridden an Ibis HAKKA? Was directed to this bike from someone who road a Giant revolt.
Yes, but it has been years. Had one of those in a 'cross roundup at BikeRadar back in the day.
Always appreciate the content Ben. Quick question. What brand of wall mounted bike racks are you using behind you there? Thanks
Feedback Sports Velo Hinge 2.0: feedbacksports.com/collections/wall-mounted-bike-storage/products/velo-hinge-2-0?variant=47004147679530
Hey Ben, Owen Vermeulen here (Alexey's cousin we met in Colombia at TC) I know the owners well at Scarab which bike you rode at TC, It was my 2nd (8day TC) this year and 1st year was Canyon Grail, 2nd was the Grizl. Scarab are amazing bikes I have had the pleasure of riding them and are great for mixed terrain. Colombia gravel can be super chunky as you know. but with paved segments, my question is if you were to choose your perfect bike set up for Trancordilleras what would you ride?? I haved raced gravel in Colombia a fair bit now and I looking back at my first set up I was shocked how consevative my set up was, I had sponsor restraints but still.
Hey Owen. Yeah, the people at Scarab are great, right? If I were to do Transcordilleras again I would probably take a bike with a fork and 50mm tires. Those downhills were brutal!
Great video. What are your thoughts on the Revel Rover? Any recommendation for a Ti gravel bike?
Rover take here: ua-cam.com/video/XEDxVsSW2kE/v-deo.html
For ti gravel, Mosaic makes some of the best: ua-cam.com/video/bWyMsmNauOA/v-deo.html
Hi @ben Just found your channel! What’s your favorite (high-end) Titanium gravel frame? Looking at the Reilly Reflex from the UK. THanks!
Hey there. Thanks for giving my channel a try. My favorite titanium gravel would probably have to be a Mosaic, built here in Boulder, Colorado by Aaron Barcheck and his crew. Never heard of Reilly but getting something local is cool, and titanium is certainly a durable material for gravel. ua-cam.com/video/bWyMsmNauOA/v-deo.html
@@TheRidewithBenDelaney Kind thanks, Ben! I got interested in gravel bikes due to the 1x systems (I like super simplicity)... and saw your review of the new SRAM Red XPLR. Excellent information. Thank you for a great content!
VeloFix is a mobile bike repair company out of Boulder that is licensed to work on Canyon.
Yep, and a number of IBDs work on Canyons, too. I'm curious to see if REI will stock some of Canyon's parts, like mounts, bars, bags, etc.
@@TheRidewithBenDelaney I hope so! The new Grail accessories are far too rare!!
Nice list! What bar is on that crux? Edit: Looks like it's the Zipp SL 70 XPLR bar.
It's this guy: www.sram.com/en/zipp/road/series/sl-70-xplr
75 bikes and the best were the top 5 mainstream ones?
Well, one thing to consider is, how many of those 75 were mainstream ones? I’d say many, just going off memory. Then second of all, Ben is clear about his preference for road like geometry and no suspension etc, so again that automatically rules out any niche bikes.
Ben. Great vid as always. You rode over 75 Gravel bikes! What’s your top 5 from that list?
Perhaps an all-time best video is due, eh?
No Pinarello Grevil? 😢
Ben, my brother, how's the shoulder? Great video
Hey man, the shoulder is complicated, it turns out! By immobilizing it to let the shattered bone and reconnected bicep tendon heal, a lot of little and large muscles went dormant. And now getting things going again has been a legit challenge. Thank you for asking. Where will I see you in 2025?
@TheRidewithBenDelaney need you out at Barry Roubaix in April if possible. However, I might see you at UNBOUND
@TheRidewithBenDelaney get better take your time don't rush it. Don't be like me, and let your ego be your setback
so tell me - what is the resistance to flat bar gravel bikes.
Where does the MOG fit on this list? Top 10? Or overated?
How about 6-10? No Aspero?
I had a bit of a cheater caveat in that these were my top 5 that I rode this year. Aspero is a ripper, but I didn't ride it in 2024. Maybe room for an all-time top 10 list...
@@TheRidewithBenDelaney I was looking at the 2024 version and I know prior versions have made old lists of yours. 2024 added a threaded BB, up to 45c clearance, UDH, and they dropped the price.
VAAST all road? Magnesium frame.
Have you tried the Open U.P.?
If you don't mind sharing, what system do you use for your vertical bike storage on the walls? Looks like a swivel product which is nice. Doesn't look like Steadyrack or others that I'm familiar with. If you'd rather not say the name you can whisper it to me in parentheses.
Happy to share! Those are Feedback Sports Velo Hinge 2.0s: feedbacksports.com/collections/wall-mounted-bike-storage/products/velo-hinge-2-0?variant=47004147679530
Love this BUt missing a budget take on gravel bikes. When you say Revolt - does that mean the base gravel model revolt 0?
That's a separate video. I'll try to get that one done this year. I rode the Revolt Advanced Pro this year.