I've got a few hundred miles on my R5 and here's a mini review: 1. Bike is solid and a great value. Get One! 2. Handlebars on my Medium were pitifully narrow for gravel (38mm) and stem (80mm) was way too long. Replaced with a 60mm stem ($20) and a pair of Richey Comp Beacon Gravel Bars 46mm wide ($54) - cured! 3. Stock seat is so-so - 143mm wide - Replaced with Brooks Cambrium C17 (156mm wide) - fixed! 4. Stock front chainring is 38T and made of the thickest, heaviest steel on the planet (who does that?!)! Replaced with a $12 alloy chainring off Amazon and my mind feels soooo much lighter.... 5. Stock Tires are really good WTB Ventures - no complaints on gravel. Most of my rides are half pavement and light gravel so fitted a set of American Classic Kimberlites (47mm) and now it's a bit faster. I'd put the Ventures back on for an all day gravel grind where pavement isnt a factor. Really, I think the bike is a bar/stem swap away from being an absolute beast. Seats, tires, etc. are all personal preference anyway..... Get one - you won't regret it.
Agreed! Still loving mine. Same upgrades you mentioned (wider bar, shorter stem and new saddle) minus the chainring which so far is working out for me. Great all around bike both on and off road.
@@Tonedefy Awesome. I only changed out the chainring as I was trying to pull out / introduce more orange into the colorway (bar tape, seat clamp, chain ring, cages) as the bike has muted orange graphics. Makes it pop a bit more. When I pulled the stock chainring off I was aghast at how heavy it was. Nobody uses a steel chainring anymore!!! LOL. I did go to 36 to try to offset the gaps in the cassette - we'll see how it works out (just put it on tonight).
@@andersun16 i am curious how it looks. I went out 1 time, but the handlebar is too narrow for me. The stem was perfect. I have road bike to, for me the 38 ring is too small :)))
@@NagyFlorian I love mine with the additional orange I added (looks-wise). I put on a Ritchey Bar (Comp Beacon 46Cm) and it is the bomb for me. As for the chainring - the stocker is steel so it's VERY heavy - I'd recommend swapping for an aluminum ring whatever size works for you. Great bike...
Thanks so much for your thorough review. Have a question regarding tire clearance. Looks like the front has lots of clearance around the stock tire but couldn’t see the back. Wondering what you thought the maximum size would be in the front and rear. Thinking about some 2.1 (53) or 2.3 mtb tires.
Hi. Yes the fork has lots of clearance, a 27.5 x 2.3 should not be an issue. As for the frame clearance, I tried the rear wheel from my wife's hardtail (WTB Wolverine 27.5 x 2.2) and it fits but not a whole lot of room to play with. You may still be able to fit a 2.3 but may just be a little tight.
Hey, I'm looking to buy a Bend but I'm stuck between a medium and a large, how tall are you and what frame size did you get? Do you feel too stretched out? I normally ride a mountain bike with a reach of 465 with a 35mm stem, i have no idea how that correlates to a gravel bike tho.
Hi..Im 5'7". I'm usually comfortable on 450-460mm reach with 35-40mm stem on my MTBs. Bikesonline puts me at a Small on this bike, but another UA-camr suggested I size up so I bought a medium and Im glad I did. I would give you the same advice and get a Large.
Saw another review on a web site that had the bike listed at 23.9 pounds. I wonder if that weight must've been without pedals. Still though, 25 pounds is a hell of a lot lighter than the 29.3 pounds listed on Bikesonline. I knew that had to be way off just based on the spec and the rigid carbon fork etc. Thought maybe they were including the weight of the racks but they also list the weight of the lower spec R2 at 30 pounds and I don't think that one comes with racks. Speaking of the racks, do you know how much those weigh and how much the bike weighs with them? Thanks for the great review.
I actually was a little worried about that when I ordered the bike, the 29 lb listed on bikesonline’s spec sheet seemed a little too heavy. Also was thinking that perhaps they included the racks. That said, I can tell you that my medium bike (racks off) setup tubeless with a fairly heavy spd/platform pedals, 1 tube strapped into the frame and 2 water bottle cages weigh at approximately 25lbs. Nowhere near the 29lbs listed on their spec sheet. I will weigh the racks later this evening and keep u posted, Im kinda curious myself.
It surprisingly felt very stable. Only one rooty/steepish section that I had to walk, and I'm sure that's more from my lack of skills than the bike itself. You do feel every single bump though which definitely keeps you on your toes (also makes the ride more interesting/fun imo).
Hey bro! I've been looking at this bike for a few weeks now as my first gravel bike. Do you still love it? Also, I thought you were indo but deins pala haha. Not a lot of sellers locally. Official distributor sells it for ~USD1480 but out of stock (3 month wait time). The only other seller selling for ~1700
Musta! Yeah I still loving the bike! Beating the shit out of it too, and so far no issues other than some frame rub on the chainstay! Nakuha mo na sayo?
@@Tonedefy not yet! the official local distributor ran out of stock and the only other shop selling is selling at a premium so i'm holding back 😅 i'm going ride it on road maybe 90% of the time; how would it fare on crappy PH roads?
@@Tonedefy oh, i just remembered -- do you know if the chainring's easy to swap out for something bigger? what kind of chainrings should i look at for options?
Thanks! The Xtrada, not having a dropper and with the stock seatpost not dropping low enough was really frustrating for me. Other than that, there is really nothing wrong with the bike, just ultimately not what I was looking for. The Bend on the other hand, is every bit of the road-ish bike that I wanted ie something that rides fast on pavement but can still ride mellow trails. If I were you, I’d really factor in where you would primarily be using the bike. If answer skews more towards pavement than trails then I’d go with the Bend (and vice versa). Happy shopping! ps. I think the Xtrada is on sale at this time.
I'm thinking about "upgrading" from a sirrus X3 to this bike. Would this be faster, agile and like decent with bumps and imperfections on the road? Reason I bought a hybrid is because I wanted to go faster than a MTB. Thanks.
@@snappanduaksara7226 yeah you’re right. Unfortunately I ended up getting the medium and changed to a shorter stem but still felt big for me. Will have to sell it soon
Lots of things to factor in, I personally would go for a medium. Bikesonline has a good return policy so I think you'll be covered if the size doesn't work for u.
I've got a few hundred miles on my R5 and here's a mini review:
1. Bike is solid and a great value. Get One!
2. Handlebars on my Medium were pitifully narrow for gravel (38mm) and stem (80mm) was way too long. Replaced with a 60mm stem ($20) and a pair of Richey Comp Beacon Gravel Bars 46mm wide ($54) - cured!
3. Stock seat is so-so - 143mm wide - Replaced with Brooks Cambrium C17 (156mm wide) - fixed!
4. Stock front chainring is 38T and made of the thickest, heaviest steel on the planet (who does that?!)! Replaced with a $12 alloy chainring off Amazon and my mind feels soooo much lighter....
5. Stock Tires are really good WTB Ventures - no complaints on gravel. Most of my rides are half pavement and light gravel so fitted a set of American Classic Kimberlites (47mm) and now it's a bit faster. I'd put the Ventures back on for an all day gravel grind where pavement isnt a factor.
Really, I think the bike is a bar/stem swap away from being an absolute beast. Seats, tires, etc. are all personal preference anyway..... Get one - you won't regret it.
Agreed! Still loving mine. Same upgrades you mentioned (wider bar, shorter stem and new saddle) minus the chainring which so far is working out for me. Great all around bike both on and off road.
@@Tonedefy Awesome. I only changed out the chainring as I was trying to pull out / introduce more orange into the colorway (bar tape, seat clamp, chain ring, cages) as the bike has muted orange graphics. Makes it pop a bit more. When I pulled the stock chainring off I was aghast at how heavy it was. Nobody uses a steel chainring anymore!!! LOL. I did go to 36 to try to offset the gaps in the cassette - we'll see how it works out (just put it on tonight).
@@andersun16 i am curious how it looks. I went out 1 time, but the handlebar is too narrow for me. The stem was perfect. I have road bike to, for me the 38 ring is too small :)))
My Gravel Bike Element FRC 38 Beige Grey
@@NagyFlorian I love mine with the additional orange I added (looks-wise). I put on a Ritchey Bar (Comp Beacon 46Cm) and it is the bomb for me. As for the chainring - the stocker is steel so it's VERY heavy - I'd recommend swapping for an aluminum ring whatever size works for you. Great bike...
Well done. I also do not like the color, but that is not a dealbreaker.
Lol. I would've been fine with the frame just being all gray without the brown accents.
@@Tonedefy hey - it´s certainly an ode for world precious indonesian rain forest! :-)
Very nice review.. very comprehensive 👍 nice trail just perfect for that bike
Thanks man! Still very stoked! Hit me up if you're ever in Nor Cal, I'll tour you around here. 🤙🏽
My Gravel is Element FRC 38 Beige Grey...
@@XRF987 siap Om
Thanks so much for your thorough review. Have a question regarding tire clearance. Looks like the front has lots of clearance around the stock tire but couldn’t see the back. Wondering what you thought the maximum size would be in the front and rear. Thinking about some 2.1 (53) or 2.3 mtb tires.
Hi. Yes the fork has lots of clearance, a 27.5 x 2.3 should not be an issue. As for the frame clearance, I tried the rear wheel from my wife's hardtail (WTB Wolverine 27.5 x 2.2) and it fits but not a whole lot of room to play with. You may still be able to fit a 2.3 but may just be a little tight.
Hey, I'm looking to buy a Bend but I'm stuck between a medium and a large, how tall are you and what frame size did you get? Do you feel too stretched out? I normally ride a mountain bike with a reach of 465 with a 35mm stem, i have no idea how that correlates to a gravel bike tho.
Hi..Im 5'7". I'm usually comfortable on 450-460mm reach with 35-40mm stem on my MTBs. Bikesonline puts me at a Small on this bike, but another UA-camr suggested I size up so I bought a medium and Im glad I did. I would give you the same advice and get a Large.
O
I am 183 cm (75 inch) with 83 insame and I buy a L frame. I have a Giant TCR roadbike to (L), The polygon it is a litle bit smaller, and I feel good.
Saw another review on a web site that had the bike listed at 23.9 pounds. I wonder if that weight must've been without pedals. Still though, 25 pounds is a hell of a lot lighter than the 29.3 pounds listed on Bikesonline. I knew that had to be way off just based on the spec and the rigid carbon fork etc. Thought maybe they were including the weight of the racks but they also list the weight of the lower spec R2 at 30 pounds and I don't think that one comes with racks.
Speaking of the racks, do you know how much those weigh and how much the bike weighs with them?
Thanks for the great review.
I actually was a little worried about that when I ordered the bike, the 29 lb listed on bikesonline’s spec sheet seemed a little too heavy. Also was thinking that perhaps they included the racks. That said, I can tell you that my medium bike (racks off) setup tubeless with a fairly heavy spd/platform pedals, 1 tube strapped into the frame and 2 water bottle cages weigh at approximately 25lbs. Nowhere near the 29lbs listed on their spec sheet. I will weigh the racks later this evening and keep u posted, Im kinda curious myself.
So rear rack weighs around 595g and front is 470g. Both weigh at 2.35lbs. Both racks seem pretty sturdy as well.
@@Tonedefy Awesome. Thank you.
My Medium weighed 24.9 lbs with racks and SPD pedals. Everything else stock.
@@Tonedefy Thank you, I've been looking at the R2 (my budget won't stretch to the R5)
Do you reckon it was too much for the bike bro? 😁 was it okay even it doesnt have suspension on the front?
It surprisingly felt very stable. Only one rooty/steepish section that I had to walk, and I'm sure that's more from my lack of skills than the bike itself. You do feel every single bump though which definitely keeps you on your toes (also makes the ride more interesting/fun imo).
can somebody tell me wich are the measurments for the wheels hub for the polygon bend r5 the back are 12x146 but the front?
Here's the wheel spec from Bikesonline:
Alloy Double Wall Wheelset 32h, 21mm Internal Width, Sealed Bearings, Thru Axle F/R: 12x100/12x142mm
@@Tonedefy thank you. Can you tell me wich is the possible wide tyre can mount on 27,5 and 28 on this frame.
How tall are you for what size of the bike? The website is super confusing as to what to get
Yeah the only downside to this bike is that it only comes in 3 sizes. Im 5'7", and fortunately the medium frame is a perfect fit.
Wewww, loooks really coool. BB is low for this? Alllrighttt Braille na yan.
Haha pwede bro, pero palitan ko muna ng Assegai front tire ko
@@Tonedefy 😄 🤣
nice journey bro...
Hey bro! I've been looking at this bike for a few weeks now as my first gravel bike. Do you still love it?
Also, I thought you were indo but deins pala haha. Not a lot of sellers locally. Official distributor sells it for ~USD1480 but out of stock (3 month wait time). The only other seller selling for ~1700
Musta! Yeah I still loving the bike! Beating the shit out of it too, and so far no issues other than some frame rub on the chainstay! Nakuha mo na sayo?
@@Tonedefy not yet! the official local distributor ran out of stock and the only other shop selling is selling at a premium so i'm holding back 😅 i'm going ride it on road maybe 90% of the time; how would it fare on crappy PH roads?
@@Tonedefy oh, i just remembered -- do you know if the chainring's easy to swap out for something bigger? what kind of chainrings should i look at for options?
@@Dino-qt1mc I think it would be perfect for rough roads and would be much faster and efficient than riding a hardtail. I really love this bike!
@@Dino-qt1mc Replacing chainring shouldn't be an issue. You can probably go 40-42t. 38t is perfect for me, mabigat ako e haha
Nice video, what was wrong with the xtrada 7 , I’m undecided between the bend r5 or the xtrada, thx
Thanks! The Xtrada, not having a dropper and with the stock seatpost not dropping low enough was really frustrating for me. Other than that, there is really nothing wrong with the bike, just ultimately not what I was looking for. The Bend on the other hand, is every bit of the road-ish bike that I wanted ie something that rides fast on pavement but can still ride mellow trails. If I were you, I’d really factor in where you would primarily be using the bike. If answer skews more towards pavement than trails then I’d go with the Bend (and vice versa). Happy shopping!
ps. I think the Xtrada is on sale at this time.
I'm thinking about "upgrading" from a sirrus X3 to this bike. Would this be faster, agile and like decent with bumps and imperfections on the road? Reason I bought a hybrid is because I wanted to go faster than a MTB. Thanks.
Hey bud what’s your height? I’m 167cm I’m torn between the S or The M
Im 5'7" and the medium fits me well. I think Sonny (below in the comments) is about 5'5" and he said the small feels a little cramped for him.
S is better for 167cm height, my thought. Otherwise you need to change your stem length to 70mm (stock use 90mm)
@@snappanduaksara7226 yeah you’re right. Unfortunately I ended up getting the medium and changed to a shorter stem but still felt big for me. Will have to sell it soon
@@albyg9205 you better bought new frame only, and then utilize your GRX810 set from your BendR5 to your new frame, IMHO
The stocks freehub hv a poor quality, have to replace it after 1.700km.
Good to know. Mine is still doing fine at 300 miles in. But it looks like my rims need to be trued soon.
Replace it with Novatec, much better
super...
I want to know if you can put a 700C on this?
Check out Sonny R. Vlog's page (a few comments down). He is running 700c wheels on his.
Yess you can. The manual says that you can mount 700x40c, now i try to put a litle wider, like 45c or maybe 50c
today I managed and instal a 47x700 tyre on the bike. but to be perfect 45c700 is ok
Hi..which size suits me? Im 5'5
Lots of things to factor in, I personally would go for a medium. Bikesonline has a good return policy so I think you'll be covered if the size doesn't work for u.
@@Tonedefy ok thank you
It shack's your body to much