Is A Gravel Bike With Full Suspension Faster?
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- Опубліковано 23 сер 2024
- We saw the first version of the Niner MCR full-suspension gravel bike last year and we've been dying to have a go ever since. And now thanks to Niner, we not only got to ride it, we also got to have a go on their brand new RLT rigid gravel bike as well!
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Thanks to our friends at Niner, we were able to test how a full-suspension gravel bike measures up to a more 'standard' gravel bike over standard gravel roads, rough sections, and even a nice bit of singletrack.
Do you think a full-suspension bike is the future of gravel riding?
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Leave us a comment below!
Do you think a full-suspension bike is the future of gravel riding?
No! Don't come near to me with that thing.
I want a full suspension road bike that isnt 10K...
Probably not I mean it’s essentially a Monster Cross, I don’t think folks really do hit that hard ground on gravel bikes, on my Norco search so 35mm max I generally only see MTB very rare to see Gravel bikes unless it’s my one club mate who also has one!
I personally like the old school MTB feeling of gravel bikes, but would I love a FS gravel bike? Yes would I buy one? Probably not!
Wait till Dirty Kanza can only be won if you’re riding a suspension gravel bike.
In my opinion it’s the beginning of a future direction for gravel. Much the same as dual suspension and hardtail MTBs both have their places.
Gravel events in my area incorporate a lot more offroad "MTB worthy" sections that will make for a punishing experience on a rigid bike. In regards to the frame I say yes, but a simpler lower maintenance suspension design like a Moots YBB Softtail or Cannondale's new Topstone Carbon would be of more interest to many. In regards to suspension up front, that is a definite yes from me. I use a Fox F29 modified to 60mm of travel on the speedy bike and a Rock Shox Paragon on my go anywhere touring rig.
I put drop handlebars on my mtb once too!! Didn’t realise I was so ahead of the times... 😂
toasty bear 😂😂😂
Tomac and other people were doing it in the 90s, seems like gravel bikes are reinventing MTB :P
Then,right now what I has to do is to fit a 34-50T crankset + a rigid fork + 1set of 700c×38 gravel tyre on my 29er mtb..oh, plus one drop handlebar and we good to go🤣
Me too 😂
Soon we'll have full susp gravel bikes with flat bars. It's gona be a paradigm shift.
This already exists
@@normadicn5700 r/woooosh
😂😂
No, it's gonna be an xc mtb XD
@@prajwalpingali go back to reddit
At this point I might as well put TT bars on my XC bike and be done with it 😜
Dude, careful with that. Delete this comment immediately or a manufacturer will steal your brilliant idea.
Nah, not even: go on e-bay and score yourself a touring frame for like 50 and bolt a drop bar on it. And chances are that you'll get coil springs instead of pneumatic ones, so you can actually go there _and back_ without rebuilding your bike.
Shhh I was going to put a 36T on my xc bike to do that
A guy here in the Philippines, who owns TT bikes in the past changed into an XC MTB with aero bars and rides along with his fellow road bikers. His reasons? Maintainance for MTBTT bike is cheaper than original TT bike. His name is HC MavErick
Rigid fork, road bike cassette, road bike deraileurs. Basically, roadbike except for the frame. Hahahaha
Hey, whatever it takes to get roadies to realise that mountain biking is more fun...baby steps and all that 😃
Plus on the trails, you are away from everyone which makes you feel better. Dogs are good buddies too. They just go and go.
Could show MTB crews that its OK to own a helmet without a visor :O
AG Coarseman why not both!? I’ve done 100km on a 29er with Maxxis Minions. 😂
AG Coarseman You should try the feeling of flying peacefully through the air on an mountain bike. Seriously, roadies don't think MTB can go fast, but I bet you can go faster on some descents than you'll on a road bike.
@@its-gsatt6855 the visor one makes you look less stupid and two is an important mud guard for your eyes.
Probably should have put in a cross country MTB for comparison.
or just put a drop handlebar on cross country bikes?
This. Anywhere I can think of a full sus gravel bike to be useful or really great, is really cross-country mtb territory already.
@@jackdumanat49 That never works properly. MTBs/straight bar bikes are much longer than drop bar bikes and you run into compatibility issues with the shifters and derailleurs if you're putting drops on a complete bike. It can be done, but it's a headache, and even after spending a bunch of money and time you are still riding a bike that fits bad. I know that some people claim they love their drop bar converted MTBs, but I also know that some people like to have intercourse with donkeys, so...
I agree tho, it seems like manufacturers are just trying to reinvent the MTB. I fell in the same trap too. I bought a gravel bike and after a while I was thinking about how I could fit bigger tyres, lower gearing etc. I was looking at drop bar frames that could take 2.1-2.2 tyres, bigger rotors, stuff like that. Then I realized wait a minute, MTBs exist for a reason. After a while an MTB, even "just" an XC one makes more sense. Also, not everyone has just miles and miles of gravel roads. A lot of the time I need to ride much more rough dirt roads and trails to get to the gravel bits where an MTB will do way better.
But still, i'll always love quirky big tyre drop bar bikes.
@@HollyBoni I built a rigid 29 inch MTB with dropbars using a combo of ultegra / XT / XTR and I love it. In fact I believe that larger tires are the solution, and not FS for gravel...
wakojako49 or both straight bar and curly bar I don’t know what they are I’m not a roadie
Image where you could ride with a full suspension gravel bike that had flat bars and slacker geometry. If only such a bike existed.
But then your rapha race cut gravel jersey doesn't fit so good because your bars are wider. ;)
"and it probably _can't_ do this"
I bet Blake Sampson looks at that a little different than you do Si.
Chris I thought the same thing and came down to comment :)
Might manage it but would it survive it, the jumps they showed were massive. Sure Blake would love it on the more usual single track jumps though.
looks like he got pretty close ua-cam.com/video/_TG5aBuWwXU/v-deo.html
Martyn Ashton already did that kind of stuff with Road Bike Party
Haven't you seen Road Bike Party 2 & 3?
How long until the GGBN ? (Global gravel bike network)
si = ggbn
Sounds like a “thing” to me
Not much gravel in UK
Normadic Not really true, there is loads when you look for it.
GGN sounds better to me: Global Gravel Network
This would be great for commuting. No worrying about potholes, and you can hop curbs but not have to lug a massive mountain bike around town.
Anthony B to expand on that, you’re able to have the speed of a road bike with the capability of a gravel bike (which is just a road bike for mountain bikers)
if you need suspension on your gravel bike, its time for you to get a mountain bike
maybe just something like lauf fork or suspension stem i can understand for long stins
Sure, if you don't mind the aerodynamic drag and tire weight and rolling resistance. It's a case of different horses for different courses. If you ride 80% singletrack and 20% fire road, an XC mountain bike is the way to go. But if it's 50/50, I'd start leaning toward gravel, because fire roads are just no fun on a mountain bike. If you ride 10% paved roads, I'd say things are decisively in favor of a gravel tire.
My mountain bike is fully rigid, which is eccentric, but maximizes fun on the trails I ride most often: moderately technical singletrack with frequently heavy foot traffic that precludes high speeds. But even though I run some of the fastest rolling MTB tires on the market, it feels like I'm dragging a boat anchor when I have to ride pavement.
That's like saying if you want your slammed road bike to be more comfortable, get a dutch bike...
You don't need to go to the extreme to solve a problem. Often a halfway house is the best option.
@@grumpynerd well you could get a second set of wheels and fit gravel tyres or what we used to call dual purpose in the old mtb days. Gravel tyres will be no good in serious wet , muddy tracks either. The industry is trying to build the everymans bike which the hardtail 29er was touted as previously. My trails are xc so i b have a dedicated xc bike my road riding is leisute and fast group hence a road bike. A road bike with more clearance would allow gravel ability with a crank change. Ideally id get another fully rigid gravel bike but can't justify that outlay.
@@grumpynerd Depends,of course,on the type of gravel roads near you. We have lots of gravel roads here but they arent the smooth ones they show in videos for gravel bike rides. Gravel can be deep,gravel can be rough. It can be almost too steep to pedal up along with deep gravel,thats what happens around here a good bit. So far I like my 29'r XC Kona pretty well for gravel. Makes fast rough downhills WAY fun.
@@bradsanders6954 Same here. We have pretty clean rail-trail paths here in southeast PA. I recently switched to a hardtail XC bike from cyclocross bikes. Not getting rattled on the straights and having a true granny gear and having more traction on the turns is, for me, worth the aero and rolling efficiency hit. I do miss the drop position though...
Hell yeah! Fort Collins! Great to see you guys come out here.
WE'VE GONE FULL CIRCLE
Perfectly balanced as all thing should be. Can we snap this now?
Essentially this is the same scenario we encountered way back when mountain bikes first introduced suspension. In the early days I prefered a rigid mountain bike then as suspensions evolved I much prefered the suspended bikes.
From the perspective of a recreational rider I definitely see the benefits of the MCR now and into the future.
This is a great take and I agree, for mixed terrain riding this sounds really cool. I live in Scotland so we have plenty of hills and rugged trails but I also enjoy doing road/cyle path cycling to get to those places (rather than taking a car) to me, this bike and the others like it seem like a cool option to have available.
Ok, nice, so the headache of maintaining suspensions finally comes to roadies!!!
Lol that's was my first thought to!
Really don't think this is a product for roadies.
@@CanIHasThisName You know what? For me half rodie half MB I hate suspensions and how much they require attentions and money. I want my simple steel bikes back :(.
@@DanuelNuel Well, nothing is forcing you to buy bikes with suspension :)
Just keep on riding what suits you.
I go everywhere with my rigid steel bike and never had a problem. The only maintenance I do is cleaning and shifter adjustment.
Sir Si.
You really must be the best reviewer/commentator of cycling . Well spoken, clear, informative with just the right amount of personality.
Very appreciated .
That’s just a 90’s full suspension mtb with drop bars
Well considering how bad full sus was back then I hope not...
Except this suspension will actually work.
No its not a 90s bike, its a modern "Adventure bike!"
Remember when it was weird if you saw a mountain bike with drop handle. Crazy how things change. Have to thank all those pioneers though that didn't give a crap what people thought.
Benjamin Whitehead
Adventure .... it’s a fucking bike and a mountain bike at that
Full suss looks great, more choice is always better.
The extra comfort will probably be more attractive to those of us carrying a bit more wear and tear, with less of a desire for KoMs and looking towards more fun.
I can tell you first hand more suppleness on your average gravel bike feels great! Anything less than 40mm tires and your missing out on some real fun. But I can’t imagine needing any more suppleness than the 650B x 47mm tires on my Open U.P. I bomb down gravel descents with no problem and don’t have to lock out anything on pavement.
I just got back into riding a bicycle. My old Peugeot that my big brother gave me in 1988 for my 25th birthday is a road bike. I tuned it up and trained on it for a few months and got my first James renegade gravel. I'm loving it! Thanks for your show. Y'all are truly inspiring!
Finally, a gravel bike that makes sense. Nice cinematography too! And not too much Chatter. Really enjoy Si's vdeos.
I love you GCN. I'll admit, I was surprised that the MCR was slower. But I'm curious: if the test had been longer, say 30 minutes or so, wouldn't the MCR have pulled ahead? Isn't the point of that extra suspension to help in the longer run, when the body is fatigued and running on willpower? I'm a fan of the simpler more stripped down bike (for aesthetics and maintenance purposes). In fact my main gravel bike is a retromod Peugeot PN-10 from 1973. But... I'm also a fan of accurate info and I'm afraid the hasty conclusion from this video is that full suspension gravel is slower. I'm not so sure. Anyhow, could you do that test again? hehe ;)
0:00 The world was “shocked”
(Because it has suspension)
I have just purchased the Rawland xSogn Gravel bike (I’m 6’1 and it was the only large frame available for sale in the U.S.) so I had to buy it. I only went on it for one ride and I could already tell you that it’s by far the best gravel bike I have ever ridden. 😊
This was a nice surprise when jumping on my trainer this morning. You see I bought this full suspension gravel bike used, and unseen halfway across the USA in Arizona. I thought I would give it a try instead of renting on an upcoming vacation. Three vacations not renting pays for it is how I justified it. Thank you for flying all the way to Colorado for this fine review!
Psyched to see GCN riding Fort Collins trails! My kids and I rode the trails in this video yesterday. Blue Sky. Good times!
Yup. Wish I'd known they were in town
my idea of perfect gravel bike is: steel frame, 700/650bX40-50, if needed suspension seatpost and / or stem (cane creek or red shift) . Simplicity, effectiveness, durability, fun...less is more
And low, the final Niche was filled and the masses said in one voice "Enough!"....
I would go with the full suspension on gravel. I just feel out of place and feel like I’m putting excessive strain on a rigid bike off-road. And I’m just worried about getting a puncture the whole time, even though I never get them. It’s extra stress I don’t want. I also think we’re going to see a lot more suspension for road as well.
Especially for touring and gravel exploring type bikes, I think we’ll see some form of suspension. And they’ll probably mostly be e-bikes too. I think people who aren’t riding for competition will start taking comfort a lot more seriously.
I think if they managed to come up with a half-way house of half the suspension travel for half the weight penalty, and not loosing so much of that direct feeling, I'd be interested.
I think you want a full sus mtb
Pine ridge natural area, Fort Collins Colorado. I know because I literally live across the street from there! It's a shame I missed you guys!
Found you
I don't get much time for pleasure riding and I like to make my daily ride to and from work as exhilarating as possible. So, for me, the MCR looks like the ultimate commuter bike.
I often wonder what damage I'm doing to my bike and wheels as I hop on and off curbs (not condoning doing that of course) and crash through London's many potholes.
I grew up riding mountain bikes and only recently switched to road bikes, but old habits die hard.
Looks like a pretty poor commuter bike, to me: no way to mount panniers, and the suspension makes it look sexy to bike thieves.
@@beeble2003 I use an Ass Saver nad never lock my bike up in public.
I guess I'm in a privileged position.
@@THE_W0RLD_1S_Y0UR5 You don't lock a bike, in public, in London? Despite all the bike carcasses everywhere? I left my new bike out once and the saddle disappeared on the first night, and the lock was attacked (but held) another time. How exactly do you define "public"? And what kind of garbage bike do you ride that nobody wants?
@@KimonFrousios I actually have 5 bikes of varying value, both monetary and sentimental.
But my most expensive bike I would never lock up for any period of time, I have learnt my lessons previously.
As I said, I am in the privileged position of being able to take my bike into work and have space in my flat for it (or 3 lol)
@@KimonFrousios And what do you mean despite all the bike carcasses? They serve as a constant reminder not to!
I've been dreaming of this day! Thanks for the demo! Look forward to getting my hands on one of the puppies someday
I don't need a bike like this in my life, but I want a bike like this in my life.
Definately a 90's mountain bike with drop bar.
Why can’t anyone ever just comment, “ Cool! Another option for someone who needs/wants it! But NO let’s whine and cry about it. I know, l know, you don’t even need a “gravel” bike period! “Just the bike industry trying to sell you something you don’t need.” 😒 Meanwhile I’m going for an adventure ride. Linking road with gravel with dirt with single track with double track on conservation land with...
Bravo!!!! Well said. Choice is to it all about. Plus it looks really cool
well for adventure rides there is some loss of area inside the frame triangle where you could put a bike bag previously, and depending on how far and remote you want to go, it's better to opt for something simple that you can maintain, you don't want a roadside rear shock repair do you? But other than that, it is a bkie made for that sort of thing I guess...
True! The more options the better!
I have a hard tail and I abuse my bikes. So I do not want a full on road bike so this MCR sits in that niche very nicely
Can I really like the ideas of a gravel bike and not ride it on gravel? But allow it to be my road bike? Is it fast enough to keep up with the roadies?
I’m about to turn 50 and started riding a bike again because of knee problems.
I’m in decent shape but was very worried about how my breathing sounded after a long climb because no other videos I’ve seen had riders breathing heavy.
Thank you for not editing that out and making me feel normal
Pity you all stayed on the smoother bits. That trail has some nice rocky singletrack in the trees. Would have been nice to see how it handles it...love fort Collins though, nice to see it filmed so well!
i have honestly been waiting for this to happen, since many of the cross country profesionals are riding full suspension bikes and they win often do i think just give this some time and i think theyll soon be the norm. i also think that gravel races will become more technical as this tech matures.
but honestly, i personally thought that a hard tail gravel bike with front sus would become the norm before the full sus bikes would start ariving on the market.
Finally, a road bike designed specifically for Yoann Barelli to ride down Dirt Merchant on.
I don't care which concept is "better". For me is just important that people get on a bike and have fun.
rimini84 Exactly!
PREACH
Love it. Adds more options to an already overwhelming number choices.
Want to see some Road bike party 4 with Sam Pilgrim on full-sus road bike.
0:05 in shock! Geddit
I'm all for choice, and am sure someone will buy it.
For me though I'll stick fully rigid: my gravel bike is used as a road bike which is capable of ring taken down some lighter trails and it's great fun!
Funny because people were saying the same thing about Gravel bikes a few years ago. Even on this channel, some were saying they would just use their road bike to do gravel riding.
Gotta love the enduro and dh bikes in the background
So it's a XC Mtb for guys who have started on, and are used to, road bikes?
More like an old timey XC bike with all the modern components. Modern XC bikes are 100% mountain bikes. Not just in geometry and riding position, but also in handling. You can ride Enduro tracks on them. Not competitively, but you can.
I used to do downhill on mine before it was stolen
Kilian Ortmann 😂😂😂😂 yes
Or its a road bike for XC Mtb guys. I was seriously considering getting this but it came out a bit late, I instead got a traditional Fat Chance Chris Cross for road and single track riding
full suspension gravel bike = 1995 full suspension mountain bike with drop bars
Yeah, I have been saying for a while the light weight rigid xc bike we road in the mid 90s were gravel bikes of today. The bar end position that has been banished by most mountain bikers who were embryos in the 90's is basically the hood position.
Bianchi made a full suspension gravel (military) bike in 1912.
It's a continuum: [road] sprinter bike to aero bike to climbing bike to endurance bike to gravel bike (CX is around here somewhere) to hybrid/flatbar bike to [MTB] hardtail bike to XC race bike to trail bike to enduro bike to downhill bike. It's an infinitely dense like where you can always find/make a bike in between the "established" categories.
Bikes are a spectrum?
Global Cycling Network in a way. If you think about a rainbow, the light refracts into all different wavelengths. The visible light on the rainbow ranges from 380 to 750 nm. Continuously. But we see about six district colors. Bikes are that way, there’s bikes at every spot on the continuum, but we only see six categories.
COME TO FORT COLLINS AND DO A MEET AND GREET! I would have loved to say hi since I have been a die hard fan since the “what not to wear and eat” era. Even an organized group ride or something would be really fun to attend and could give Niner more traction on their new bike 😉 glad you enjoyed the trails and flavors of FOCO.
Somebody should resurrect the Softride Beam and suspension stem system. Not good for a mountain bike, but perfect for the gravel.
While cool, the MCR complexity level is at a 10. A Moots Routt YBB with a Lauf brings that complexity down to a 3 with similar results. The squish probably isn't as good but not having to deal with lockouts, suspension service, and a boat load of bearings, it's a winner in my book.
Finally! Waiting for a dual suspension gravel from times when a first rigid gravel was introduced!
Thanks for good review!
I'm awaiting delivery of one of these now. I mostly got it for comfort and versatility. I have ridden a basic commuter for years but stopped riding and wasn't even sure why. A year or so I bought a bike for my son that is pretty lightweight and had front shocks. I took it for a spin, and fell in love with the suspension. I can't wait to start riding again!
We're back in the 90s, boys!
I'd like to see the MCR compared to a Moots YBB Gravel w/ a Lauf fork. Also Prices & weights as tested would be useful.
Can't wait for the release of a full suspension gravel bike with flat bars
Damn - beaten to it
Just finished a bike build on a Niner RLT steel frameset which I combined with a Shimano GRX 2x11 groupset. First test ride yesterday. Lovely.
The gap between road cycling and mountain biking is really closing with new bikes like the Niner MCR and the Trek Supercaliber.
You’re in my backyard! Hope you enjoyed the front range!
I'm definitely a traditionalist. I love my 1990s hardtail GT MTB. Smallish frame, high seat post gives a fast, nippy and responsive feel. It is fun, strong and not too heavy. Great for touring on cycle trails with semi slick tires.
Welcome to Foco GCN! I see your riding horsetooth reservoir and pine ridge. Your in my backyard. Great single track around for us MTBers too.
Quite like the new RLT9 Steel. Actually trying to decide between it and going all in on a Moots.
Aaaaannnd Trek has just unveiled a new kind of rear suspension for XC softail bikes, wich looks better for gravel than a proper shock like this one. Bad timing for Niner maybe ..
And is there a bottle cap as a steering cap in those bikes ?
Nice video btw !
The one Yolanda got? It does look more streamline.
The bottle cap just presses onto niners top cap
Fat Tire Brewery, Fort Collins, CO
@@thomasfrater855 New Belgium Brewery. Fat Tire is the name of their worst beer.
@@charliedillon1400 My apologies, thank you for correcting me. And if Flat Tire is the worst, which is the best?
I already have one of these! It's a Specialized Epic!!!!
I am big fun of such gravel. Full suspension is very clever idea. I loved it.
Nice vid, looks like mountain bike is best all around for gravel. I have the diverge and will be selling it for an epic mtn bike 😄😜😎
Full squish gravel is a bit of overkill IMO. Elastomers in the head tube and seat stay as well as tire choice/pressure would be the better choice again IMO. Handlebars being shaped/tuned or tuned seatposts also are nice😁
My typical gravel ride is between 45-60 miles. I always try to incorporate as many different riding surfaces as possible to keep it exciting. Out here in Oregon we have rutted logging roads, washboard farm roads, technical single track, old asphalt strewn with unavoidable pot holes and very rough pit run stretches. I've been riding the Diverge Evo for two years which has a 20mm spring in the headset. Often I question why not use a full suspension xc race bike instead. Well it's the gearing. I cannot find a frame that with accommodate a 40 tooth front chainring that is great for long descents and flat road sections. If someone made a sub 20lb. Xc MTB that did I'd buy it.
was this filmed in Ft. Collins?! awesome content, once again. thanks, y'all!
Pineridge, Maxwell Natural Area, Dixon Resevoir, Blue Sky. FoCo MTB scene is awesome. Much gnarlier terrain closeby too!
For those of us that enjoy engaging in more than one cycling discipline the MCR ticks a lot of boxes. Exploring the road less travelled in more comfort enabling longer time on a bike with less fatigue. Thats a winner in my book!
Why comparing with an enduro bike? Never heard of XC bike? Thanks niner for sponsoring this neutral Video ;)
It certainly has a place. saves the body as you get older as it is more comfortable and in some of the rockier portions provides better contact. I think the idea of gravel was not to compete with MTB or road but, it has it's own place and allows you to go where most road bikes can't and where a MTB's abilities are wasted!
Always dig your quality videos. Not always something I’m into but they are consistently always well done.
Thanks for all the support!
Put riser bars on that and it's a mountain bike. You're not fooling anybody with all your talk of geometry, we know an MTB when we see one, and this looks suspiciously like the GT Helion.
But which was most comfortable? The footage from the MCR (even taking the GoPro smoothing into account) looked smoother.
The full sus MCR was way more comfortable. Way, way more comfortable.
Recently converted a full sus 1994 Stumpjumper FSR to dropbars. Fun, comfortable and decently fast.
4 years later when the shocks become non serviceable due to scratched stantions or no service parts you realize it's time for a new bike.
New Bike Day video👍🏾
Rubbish
"and it probably can't do this"
blake: bet
Thought it was April Fools day .
That beautiful wild landscape combined with the lycra seems juxtapositionally incongruous
For my application, this is what I am looking for. Just checked the price, it's going to have to wait.
But I commend them for making this bike. I think if a lot of people were to try this bike, they would really like it.
Cycling Marketing Department: I wonder how many different categories of bikes we can trick people into thinking they need?
Cycling Community: Holy crap a new type of bike....I MUST HAVE IT!
So true. I have a road bike but definitely need a winter bike
Normadic N No, you don’t........
@@chinboy66 but its 23mm wide 😥. Should I increase tyre size? To 28mm and would i need a new tube as well?
Normadic N tbh, how much difference 5mm of rubber is going to make? I’m not sure if you are serious but in case you are, not all roadies will take 28mm tyres but I run standard tubes in mine without any issues. Conti 4000 are nearly 31mm blown up. Most disc brake bikes take bigger tyres now, gravel or not
@@normadicn5700 23mm tires are just fine. You're certainly not going to go any faster with 25 or 28mm tires and I suppose they're more comfortable, but only if you're going on bad roads
Soon they will put flat bars on these, wider tires and change geometry for offroad use. Ist just some parallel evolution :D I mean the first mtbs originated from roadbikes as well 😂
It's gone full circle... again!
0:24 On the trail? GCN? GMBN? Not sure but love'm all the way!!!
Ok...that rear suspension lockout is really cool. I am a traditionalist, but if I were riding a lot of rough stuff (and had the money) I would be tempted by the full suspension bike to use as a mountain bike, since doing big jumps and high speed downhill isn't my thing.
I like the looks and all the mounts on their traditional gravel bike, too. And that it has the guides for dynamo wiring is awesome for touring/multi-day adventures.
I've never seen Simon huffing and puffing so much. 12:00
It must be due to the Colorado altitude.
You stole my comment! He was huffing and puffing the entire video. Welcome to riding in Colorado Si. 😁
mountain bikes: heavy metal
gravel bikes: elevator music
I found that funny,being that I'm a lifelong metalhead that rides my gravel bike more than my mountain bike.
This video has been brought to you by GMBN
I specifically got into "gravel" bikes to get away from the complications of suspension and hydraulics. I have been a mountain biker for decades but mountain bikes have become overcomplicated, heavy, failure-prone, impractical, and require constant money/maintenance. I love the simplicity of a rigid bike with functional aspects like various mount accommodations, huge tire clearance for whatever floats your boat, and playful yet stable geometry. Not only do I not care for suspension frames/forks, I also prefer mechanical disks due to experience with sudden failure of hydraulics as well as chronic air ingress issues when below freezing. As always, I primarily ride technical single track yet also use my bike for commuting and errands. Rain, snow, sun, ice, mud, salt, etc
Wow, I'm impressed. First it was recumbents, now suspension! I thought these where bad words in GCN circles! I wish this was available years ago as the roads where I'm from haven't been paved since there first paving and are full of pot holes patched or otherwise. Dirt and gravel roads are smoother then the "paved" roads we have here.
But why? A rigid MTB set up with soft 2.4in tubeless tyres would be lighter, more versatile and more comfortable.
Like all the GCN vids, this one is another treat to watch! I enjoy all the experimental projects and bikes you showcase. I would love to give the full suspension a try. I think the future of gravel bikes (with full suspensions) are looking good. I have found that many of the older riders (myself included) prefer the more gravel orientated stage races. Less agressive terrain but still long distances, in which case a bike that delivers a smooth and fast (yet sturdy) ride will be preferred. I honestly think the gravel bike is the bike of the future because of its dual application on road and gravel. I was in a specialised bike shop a few days ago and I was dumbstruck at all the cyclo cross variations currently available. I wonder if suspensions will ever come into play on tarmacs...
I love my gravel bike, it’s fully rigid, narrower tyres than my mountain bike. It makes tame fireroad and single track rides more enjoyable. I fail to see why a full sus gravel bike is needed, I may as well use my xc mtb
At this point, seriously just buy a mountain bike.
Guy Drabble
YES
Yup. Xc bike with drop bars
Lol yeah dude, whats the purpose of this bike
Tbh, I could understand a gravel bike with a suspension seatpost and a fork... But yeah seriously. *You sure you don't want a mountain bike?*
Chris* Cervantes
That is a fuking mountain biek
Four seconds difference... that's just noise, statistically speaking. The difference may have been that you were fresher on the first go round (with the rigid bicycle). Or that the rigid bicycle just felt more "normal" to a roady. Cool comparison, but, it may just end up being a decision based on the type of outings you think you might most encounter.
Agreed. Few of these comparisons have any statistical validity without replication and randomisation. Rider could have been more tired, conversely more familiar with the course. Perhaps the weather was warmer for the second trip, or a stronger wind. At the least, the trial should have been repeated with a different order of bikes used. Better would be to repeat in randomised order several times and t-test to see that variation due to chance was not bigger than variation due to the bikes. Sorry to be boring. A fun, quite useful video all the same.
Don’t see the issue with full suspension gravel bikes - it’s just a drop bar bike optimised for a particular purpose. Mountain bikers have been doing this for years, take the ‘humble’ hard tail, you get them optimised for XC, trail riding, dirt jumping, enduro, even DH.
"...if you're off adventuring, then simplicity probably gets the thumbs up..." which is precisely why my favorite adventure/gravel bike is steel Rawland fixed gear cyclocross bike with chubby tires. Simple as can be :-)
At this point isn't that just a mountain bike with drop bars? To be honest it is more of a mountain bike than my current mtb. I still rock a trek carbon 9700 mountain bike from the mid 90's. No suspension, and a triple.
Simply buy Trek's new Supercaliber and add a drop bar
That’s a great idea.
Geometry matters. Mountain bikes are optimally designed for flat bar.
@@merlinthebikewizard4392 Only the modern ones. The 90's MTBs had a short frame and monstrous long stems with up to 130mm. Perfect fit for drop bar conversion with normal stem. ;)
went from germany to the southern french coast this summer on a cheapo steel road bike with 32mm tyres.. had an absolute blast. only thing i was missing was a granny ring for the climbs. and more power banks ;)
That’s my dream bike, full suspension gravel bike, I was looking for such bike long time