What bike should I buy in 2020? Go Gravel
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- Опубліковано 5 вер 2024
- Why a gravel bike should be your next bike. For exercise, essential travel & off-road fun. Add your bike suggestions below.
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I can't thank you enough for this recommendation. I'm currently doing my medical training down in Devon and decided to pick up cycling for commuting and fitness. I used to be a 100m sprinter so fancied myself a sleek road bike (odd line of reasoning I know!). Yet, after your video, I hesitantly picked the gravel, which has turned out to be one of the most astute purchasing decisions I have ever made. Not only can I keep up with group rides with seasoned riders who are on road bikes (on gravel tyres), I've been able to go off piste without any reservations and relish the less travelled paths. Last but not least, cycling on less that optimal roads has been a pleasure, whilst my road bike colleagues are always on the alert for potholes and such.
I was initially concerned that the gravel would be a jack of all trades but master of none, but it's proved itself to be more than capable of handling anything that I have thrown at it so far.
Apologies for my rambling and you have a marvellous voice!
Brilliant - you get it! All the great points in one comment. Thanks so much for writing that and long may you ride.
Thanks for this comment. That is pretty much what I would pick one up to do.
I absolutely love your videos! They are inspiring and encouraging to explore the outdoors, without being pushy or salesy. I think the gravel bike is the bike to go because it marks the turning point in materialism - "the one bike fits" all approach. I don't need four bikes. One good gravel bike brings me everywhere. Thank you!
Thanks Johannes. There are sound environmental reasons for the one-bike approach too. I suspect we might see gravel bikes dividing into sub-categories soon, much like mountain bikes did. We'll see. Thank you for the kind comments, they really are appreciated.
100% agree. I got my gravel bike last year and it has brought me so much joy. I think it's taking over as my fav bike compared to even my expensive mountain bikes. Grab and go, off to explore right from my doorstep into the forests, city streets whatever I toss at it. Truly happy I got my gravel bike.
We're on the same page Paul - I hope you're still managing to get out on it (social distancing of course).
@@alwaysanotheradventure Indeed I have about once a week at least. Thankfully the city where I live in Canada hasn't shut down municipal parks yet so there are plenty of great opportunities to get out and explore currently.
I love my Boardman 8.8 adv gravel bike, I’ve put it through it’s pace and never let me down. With gravel bikes though don’t expect it to age well as mine is only a few months old and has some hard knocks. Don’t go to low on tyres either as it won’t roll on the gravel, too high and it won’t grip be prepared to inflate deflate until you get it right.. agree though I can’t see myself needing any other bike. Komoot is good but yep can get it terribly wrong
I was looking at that Boardman - I can see why you like it. Komoot can come up with howlers, but you can edit the map by logging into Open Street Map, changing that, and your amendments will filter through to Komoot.
I've gone a bit more towards off road with my new On One Bootzipper drop bar build. It's still a gravel bike though and is brilliant fun for all the reasons you just gave. It's helping to keep me sane here in South Wales during this time. All the best👍
Yeah, you're right. A bike is even more important at times like these. Best to you too
Totally agree with you, one of things I looked at before buying is what I wanted to use it for and came up with an adventure/gravel bike to be used for touring, bikepacking and local paths and like you, use to scan OS maps for routes around Scotland. Currently I am able to get out as
I live in Argyll s Secret Coast, always keeping in mind social distancing and staying safe. I am also using cycling as rehab following a second total knee replacement. Anyway loving your short vlogs keep them coming.
Take care and stay safe!
Hi Derek - you're just down the coast from us! We're lucky to live in places where we can still cycle away from cars and people. I'm trying to judge the nature of the videos I'm posting because I don't want it to come across as gloating or p*ss people off. I'm having to think a lot harder about what to shoot. Also I'm not going too wild because i don't want to be a casualty! Have you come across the Heritage Paths website? www.heritagepaths.co.uk Great old routes but probably for after the virus. Glad you're getting out after the knee replacement - that sounds like an amazing op!
This has confirmed what I was thinking. Defiantly going to get a gravel bike after COVID. I like road cycling but always like to explore off road a bit and planning bike packing in Scotland so it sounds perfect. Thanks
Good choice!
I just bought a 2019/20 Specialized Diverge just the most basic aluminium framed one. Nothing fancy or expensive but I just love it! I live on the Isle of Man and its great for the terrible roads we have here, for fire roads, single track and going to work on. Brilliant all round bike! just goes to show don't need to spend an arm and a leg to have fun.
Couldn't agree more with your last comment there Rico. Specialized make great bikes and, although I haven't ridden the Diverge, I hear great things. The clearances for fatter tyres on that model aren't quite as big as the new Diverge, but you should still be able to get some pretty wide ones on, especially if you can get hold of some 640b rims.
I keep coming back. Great videos. I'm just in the process of selling my sportive ride, I don't ride them anymore, no need for campy super record these days, or light weight. I think I will need my next to a wide clearance Audax with room for mud guards. I can have different wheels sets fitted with the treds I need. Audax/ gravel. Thorn, whom I already own one of there amazing touring cycles make Audax. I only ride steel frames, plus there in Somerset, my country where I hail from. Something special about ordering a bike to be build for you. Not cheap, but I don't drive. Have a great New Year.
That sounds super Marc, and well thought out too.
4:40, exactly that is gravel riding for me. Just go, whatever the terrain.
Have to think twice right now though. #nofar #nognar #nocar are being used
Gravel bikes are just hybrid bikes with drop handlebars really! I have a Carrera Gryphon hybrid bike which I have been able to use for road and trail rides with my local bike club.
I have 2 sets of tyres slick 700c X 25c for road rides and nobbly 700c X 40c tyres for off road. It keeps up with road bike and mountain bikes with without too much trouble also a great bike for my commute rides too!
This covers everything your bike does. Plus having flat handlebars gives me more control like the mountain bikes for off road riding and I have bar ends set low to get more aero on road rides.
Hmm I'm not sure about that - the seat stays on the Gryphon look shorter than many gravel and the geometry is clearly different, BUT - as long as you're enjoying riding it and it does what you want then fantastic!
Always Another Adventure Hey thanks for the reply it is clearly a matter of opinion. That's why there is a multitude of types of bikes,
As for geometry, there are subtle differences. I could not find the Seat Stay on the geometry BUT - I did find:
- Chain Stay which is 435mm on your Camino TI and 420mm on my Carrera Gryphon.
- Seat Tube which is 520mm on your Camino TI and 530mm on my Carrera Gryphon.
This shows the chain stay is slightly longer and my seat tube slightly longer than yours but only 10mm - 15mm difference, which is not a substantial distance.
My bike from new was more setup for road/urban riding. Since I have changed tyres as I previously stated above. Also, I will be changing the cassette/rear derailleur soon from 11-25 to 11-34 which make a darn sight easier on rough terrain and uphill.
Loving your videos that a produced so professionally and your voice sounds like something straight out of a TV travel show.
Keep up the awesome content from your new subscriber Simon.
Another very professional video, Simon. It seems that even the "gravel" category is now morphing into different types - rough road (closer to a road bike), bikepacking (loads of rack mounts, etc.), monster cross (massive tyre clearance; almost a mountain bike but with drop bars). Other than the flat bars and 26" wheels, my 1989 Gary Fisher fully rigid Hoo-Koo-e-Koo is almost equivalent to a gravel bike (it's surprisingly light for a steel frame), a bit like your Marin.
After a cycling fall 2 years ago, I can no longer use drop bars (wrecked elbow), but prefer what I just call "off-road" riding (which I define as anything without busy vehicle traffic), so is essentially everything you include in the "gravel" category. At 63, I am no longer massively bothered by speed, records, etc., so am happy riding a bike I feel comfortable on - which is my 30-year-old Litespeed Obed.
Keep the videos coming - I am going to make your pancake recipe for breakfast tomorrow!
Hope the pancakes work out nicely. I'm a year behind you and I also noticed the way 'gravel' is subdividing. Ah well - just have to ride on, as they say.
Great video. I wholeheartedly agree. The gravel bike restored my sanity here in Colombia where we were under one of the longest and most strict lockdowns.
I'm glad we managed to reach you in Colombia, even if only virtually. You have some amazing riding there i hear. Nearest I've been was Bogota airport while flying to Ecuador last year.
@@alwaysanotheradventure This is very true! Hopefully you can make it back one day to this area. We just started an instagram page, with the hopes of showcasing the incredible riding in the coffee axis, gravelquindiocolombia. Thanks for your content!
Great video! Just stumbled on it as im watching lots of gravel videos lately. I have finally decided to take the plunge and order a Gravel bike this week. After watching your video im now even more keen to get one. Should be ideal for the area I live in in Australia and will make a change to the old MTB.
Good choice! And very pleased you like the video. Australia - amazing where these videos travel...
I’m in a lucky position of owning a road, gravel and full sus MTB bike.
I like to mix up my riding between the 3, but I mostly ride the gravel bike the go anywhere option is great. Just been in Lake District on MTB but wished I’d taken gravel bike.
Stumbled across your video’s yesterday and watched a few now great and easy explanation of topics covered.
Keep up the good work
Thanks, and pleased to hear you like the videos. It's great to have a choice of bike and I too increasingly head to the gravel do-it-all bike.
It’s funny how the first hybrid bikes which look like today’s gravel bikes but with flat bars have evolved almost a full circle , well at least to my minds eye
Nothing really new, eh Richard!
Great video . I've ridden MTB for 20 plus years, bought a Pinnacle Arkose gravel bike in the jan sale this year and not looked back . In fact I don't think I've ridden the MTB since! . Not the greatest of places to ride in the congested south east but good to get out and explore all sorts of paths and tracks .
I know what you mean - I don't think I've ridden my MTB since buying the gravel bike. Glad it's going well for you.
My Thorn xTc tourer does well on gravel. Bits of the Highland Trail 550 taken at touring pace are lots of fun, even with 4 panniers. In Caithness, I rode a T shaped route which gave me over 45 miles of gravel between the tarmac roads and there’s plenty more I have yet to ride. I’d advise a thorough check for the bike before riding Scottish gravel because some bits are an awful long way from a bike shop.
Very good point John - check the bike and check your safety equipment. I have a playlist of what I take to help stay safe, and I'm heading no where that I might need such things at the moment. But we can dream and plan...
Spot on: we've gone full circle. A modern gravel bike is very close to what the first mountain bikes used to be. But now gravel bikes with suspension in the front and even in the rear are starting to appear. Are we going for a second loop of the circle?
Oh no - really? I've got a damper stem (which is good) and a damper seat post (on test, still not sure) but neither would pass as suspension . Wouldn't it be odd to, as you say, go around for a second loop
😀😂
when I do a road trip, I'll take my road bike. When I do a gravel tour with roots and stuff like that through forrests, I prefer my 29"fully, because of comfort, especially if you plan to ride all day.
Hi Ein - oh I get that, I do. But so many rides (at least here) are a mix of the two. One of my favourite 100k rides is half road, half forest track. Agreed a gravel bike is not perfect for everything, and while it's the best compromise I've found, I realise it won't suit everyone.
All the bike shops are open, but can’t keep bikes in stock. My Brother’s shop has sold a years worth of bikes in 2 months. Most suppliers are out. Factories are on back order.
Hi David - they're doing great aren't they! When I rode this, right at the start of lockdown, some bikes shops were shut altogether, some just doing drop-off repairs (our two LBS for example) and that's I why I mentioned supporting them. The take-off in bike sales since I shot this has been amazing and very heartening to see. Nevertheless, I still think they need all our support. Booms never last...
I think I bought the cheapest gravel/adv bike from Halfords. A voodoo limba at Xmas it was £390. It’s basic and comfortable, it will see some gravel but probably just the B roads around Falkirk and Stirling I used to do short trips but did Lossiemouth to Stirling in the past, this style of bike is a bit of a Swiss Army knife I love it.
Sounds great Wullie! It might be a little heavy, and you'll need to take care of the drive chain (clean it and watch out for wear) but if you're happy with it then that's perfect. Look out for the video on Wednesday about checking chains for wear - it can save a lot of money.
always another adventure got me wondering, according to my bathroom scale my limba weighs13.9 kg and my old road bike is 10.1 kg so it. Is a bit tubby like me at 96 kg, cheapest route is for me to lose a few kg, better get pedalling more. 👍
@@wulliedornan4787 That's always the way isn't it! Me too - I added 2kg in lockdown
Great video - I'm already a gravel bike convert and my wife has told me N+1 now ends!!! Loved your look back to the early days of mountain biking - where have the years gone!!! Keep the excellent content coming and let's hope we can venture further afield soon.
Thanks Graham. Yeah, the years fair roll past don't they!
Especially when you keep busy and active 👍
Hi Simon, loving your videos, especially about the Camino. Like you I have a Specialised Roubaix which is a terrific bike, I was torn between a gravel bike and a new hardtail 29’er earlier this year and the 29’er won-I bought a Sonder Signal Ti which I love. Living in Cambridgeshire we don’t have any mountains, but we have loads of bridleways and byways to explore. We have done pretty much all within reasonable reach-50/60 mile round trips-so now I am planning on buying a Ti gravel bike so we can easily explore further out. I am currently torn between the Camino (which is out of stock) or a Planet X Tempest. The Planet X Titus Goldrush is suspiciously the same shape and dimensions as the Camino.....
Keep up the good work.
Hi John - good to hear from you, and the more I ride the Camino in wilder places, the more I feel "hmm, perhaps I need a mountain bike"😀 I've not ridden any Planet X, but I'm sure there are a limited number of factories producing these Ti frames. The Tempest does look quite aggressive, particularly compared to the Goldrush in terms of stack. The video on that page seems to emphasise the lower front end, tucked out of the wind. That wouldn't suit my old body! Hope you get what you're after and thanks rot he kind comments.
Simon, many thanks for a super video and nostalgic look back at mountain(gravel?) bike trekking and touring.
Fabulous scenery(very jealous) and information which has perked me up no end so I'm really looking forward to further episodes.
Unfortunately I'm in the CBD of Brisbane(Spring Hill) so I'm basically a road biker at the moment,but your video has certainly wetted my appetite to buy another gravel bike(I left a Moots Ti back in USA when i moved to Brisbane thinking I didn't need it....silly me.Hoping you all stay safe up in the cold North and can soon get out without restrictions....
Hi Kevin - thanks for taking the time to comment - it is HUGELY appreciated. Yeah a gravel bike might not seem ideal in the centre of a big city, but when/if you can get a few miles outside then it comes into its own. I looked at Spring Hill on Google - can't you easily ride out into some green spaces to the west around Gold Creek? Or is everything there on road? I played with Komoot and it found quite a lot of bike paths heading out that way.
The thing I missed out of that video is the ability to escape the traffic (not that we have much) and get away from angry drivers. I'm sure that partly explains the rise in gravel routes around urban areas.
I will do more but it's a fine line between an 'inspirational' video and one that's gloating, perhaps drawing criticism from not staying at home as we're all urged to do, despite being allowed out to exercise. Check out the podcast too - I think you'll like it AlwaysAnotherAdc=venture.com Thanks again for the comment.
@@alwaysanotheradventure ...Dear Simon,
Yes I can get out to some fantastic trails if I initially cycle around 25 k or therabouts...and I would not have a problem cycling to them on a gravel bike(well apart from angry UTE's)myself so I am thinking of adding one to the road bikes that I currently ride,there is also some fantastic scenery down in the Brisbane Valley etc but there is something about the Scottish Highlands that can not be replicated I'm afraid....thanks again.
n+1 still rule but now it is about wheelset you own and able to swap on your bike when you ride on tarmac or forest patch.
Yes Jan - good way to look at it!😀
Great channel , I remember you on Look North, I live beside Thrunton woods in Northumberland which is still really good for mountain bikes ( I bet you have ridden there a few times) , you are spot on about the gravel bike it comes into its own on the country roads taking cuts through places like Thrunton or the Simonside hills on a long say 40 mile loop defo the go anywhere machine , Keep it up your vlogs they are a joy to watch.
Thank you SO much that's kind of you to say 🙏 Ah yes, Look North... back in the days when I had hair and didn't need glasses 😬 Not made too many trips into Thrunton but Simonside was a firm favourite. Hope you're managing to get out still.
Nice one Simon must get grave bike next and I fanc y a sonder value for money. 👍
They're great and now there are other value Ti bikes like PlanetX and Ribble.
Great video. I recently found your channel and really enjoy your content - very polished production and you have a great presentation style. You've really motivated me to go Gravel and I'm currently awaiting delivery of a big box from Planet X with my first gravel bike in it.
Oooo new bike day - exciting!
recently found your channel, when you compared a tripster to a camino. I owned a mk1 tripster ti, and it served me well. I've had my camino ti for over 2 years , and i love it. Keep up the good work.
Thank you, err, 'evilsovereign' 😃 How does the Camino compare to the mk1 Tripster? Just wondering...
@@alwaysanotheradventure the tripster was a superb bike, running 2x10 ultegra. the camino is force1 . i run a 11-46t out back, with an absolute black oval 40t up front. the finish is better on the tripster, but i believe the camino, for me, is a better bike. it works really well with 700c and 650b. if you have the opportunity, try it with 650b, so very comfy.
Simon, what I find particularly interesting is that you have a Sonder Camino Ti which, I believe, will have quite compliant forks and frame, and you've added extra suspension/damping in the handlebars and seat tube, and fat tyres. I'm wondering how a steel bike without those bits would compare. I'm considering a Genesis Tour de Fer 20 - a tourer with Reynolds 725 frame and flat bars (I find I don't feel comfortable on drops anymore.) I'd want it for mostly tarmac but also gravel/fire roads. The rear rack also allows panniers for shopping.
Anyway, loving the videos. They're getting longer and therefore even better!
Hi Clive, glad you like the videos, and it's a fair question. Quite a long reply though 😃
I suffer a little bit with pain in my thumb tendons which got worse with flared 'gravel' bars, so I went to curly ones. Still, on longer, rougher rides - on which TBH I should probably have used a mountain bike - I continued to get some pain into my thumbs. But I just lived with it. Did the Dunoon Dirt Dash fine last September.
I then saw the RedStart suspension stem and wondered if it might help my thumbs. I wrote to the makers to see if I could try one (and make a video, and this was the result ua-cam.com/video/YLRiCUvuRfI/v-deo.html
As well as sending me one of the stems, they also sent a seatpost. I was less than convinced about it's usefulness. Still, a few weeks ago I fitted it, rode it for a while, and made this video about the pair ua-cam.com/video/UP7nAUH0lMc/v-deo.html admitting my reservations.
Those reservations have not yet gone. I had planned to ride it more on those wilder, gnarly trails. But during this damn crisis I feel it's more responsible to stay on less adventurous routes, where frankly that seat post is redundant. In fact, I had forgotten it was there. Now you mention it I'll probably whip it out.
It's a long time since I've ridden a steel bike so I can't comment on the Genesis. I like the Ti finish, partly because I can't chip the lacquer as I did with previous steel, alu and carbon bikes, but that's no real argument one way or another. I'd love to try a steel bike again but I have a feeling I might go back to that n+1 formula!
@@alwaysanotheradventure Great reply, thank you! Would welcome others' opinions. Cheers, Simon!
I have a Thorn Sherpa that covers every kind of cycling, i,e, day trips , tours , commuting tarmac, gravel ,mud etc etc, im not suggesting gravel bikes are a novelty, but they seemed to appear at a time when there was a lull in cycling. Truthfully i dont see what a gravel bike can do that an adventure bike cant. Also, I have flat bars as i think they give you better balance and the brakes are easier to use on rough ground. Just my opinion and preference. Anyway, great video, i really enjoy the stuff you turn out, as you are obviously an experienced and seasoned cyclist. Thanks for sharing, ride safe. thumbs up and subscribed.
I think we're pretty much in agreement Tony, even though the name is somewhat irrelevant. (That said, sticking 'Gravel' in a UA-cam title gets more hits!)
Incidentally, Kinesis call their 'gravel' bike an 'adventure' bike because they're great go-anywhere tourers - much like the Sherpa. If I remember correctly, doesn't the Sherpa come with 650b wheels and drop handlebars? Does it have greater clearances for wider tyres? Even though you have flat bars, I suspect our bikes might look fairly similar.
I completely agree that this niche appeared at a suspiciously convenient time, which is why I initially ignored it. But now I can ride road and off road with equivalent ease I'm sold, and I fear that marketing spin might have backfired. Glad you like the videos.
Hi there, yes the Sherpa can have drops or flat bars as there are so many frame size options including top tube lengths, im not sure about 650b wheels as i went straight for 26 inch wheels for added strength when carrying heavy panniers. I have 2 inch Shwalbe Marathon Tour tyres and have yet to have a puncture ( thats probably the kiss of death ) 😂 but they have a relatively low rolling resistance so theyre suitable for all terrain, that said theyre not brilliant in mud but passable. I must admit though having watched your video im more likely to give a Gravel bike a go than i was before as you really know your stuff. Take care and ride safe
@@tonydean2541 Thanks Tony. I know more about making wee films than bikes but I fake it well!
@@alwaysanotheradventure 😂😂😂👍 very well. All the best
I just live in a very urban area, so a gravel bike seems like a poor fit. And thinner road tyres look somewhat goofy on the wide forks off the gravel bikes.
Wider (32m) tyres aren’t increasingly popular on road bikes, blurring distinctions. Minimal tread wider tyres on a gravel bike could be fine in town, but it’s really whatever takes your fancy.
I bought an Open UP recently, absolutely my favorite bike. Most fun bike I’ve ever owned, grx 1 by system with 700x38 tires and a second set with 650x47. Definitely feel like a kid exploring again and plenty fast enough for group rides when they are allowed again.
That's it! That feeling like a kid again. That's kinda what I meant by Joy. Those Open Up's look excellent - fast too.
Enjoyed your podcast with the single speed round the world cyclist subscribed to your podcasts as well
Thanks Alan - I'm trying to grow those now so if you can help soread the word about the podcasts that would be great!
always another adventure will do for sure
I have been out of bike riding since 2015. I was an avid bike road bike rider, and owned a Lynskey R255 titanium bike with Ultegra 6700. I did sell it when I had some problems physically, and am hoping I’ll be able to get back into riding soon.
I have been watching UA-cam videos on gravel bikes, which I had never heard of before. Everyone has their own opinion on which is the best, whether it be made out of aluminum, carbon, or titanium.
I’ve seen the Ribble CRG series, Canyon, Specialized, Giant, Trek, and other gravel bike models. Which one to choose? Carbon fiber is out for me. I’ve owned a Bianchi and Giant CF road bikes, both frames cracked, and I needed a frame replacement for both.
Gravel bikes intrigue me. While I live in NW Florida, we don’t have mountains, but a few small rolling hills or inclines. Which bike should I get? Also a 1 by or 2 by derailer for the front? I’ll be mostly pedaling by myself, probably mostly on paved roads, and maybe sand covered roads at times.
Hi Ron - I honestly don't know enough to give you a definitive answer. In fact, only you can really decide because it's you who has to be happy with the choice. All I can do it give you some things to consider.
You rode a Ti bike, and that's a fantastic material for a gravel bike. Actually, called them 'Adventure Bikes, because that gives a better idea where you can go. Ti for me hits the sweet spot between weight, compliance, robustness and ease of maintenance. Your local bike shop should advise you as to what's best for your local terrain - but ask a few or they'll just try to sell you what they stock.
I'm not sure what winter is like in your part of the state, but a gravel bike with road wheels make an excellent 'winter' bike too, once you add mudguards - so make sure there are attachment points if that's part of the plan.
As for drivechain...
My friend Allister in France (in two of the videos) swears by his 2x chainrings. It's not that the range is limited on the 1x, he feels there's too big a gap between the gears. I'm far less subtle in my riding, possibly because of where I live, and I'm often pushing or carrying the bike when I venture off road, so the lighter 1x helps. It's also easier to clean.
So there are two things to think about. Try tlaking to the shops; to other cyclists you meet in the shops or you see on the road; get a range of opinions and hopefully a plan will take shape in your mind. I hope that's of some use Ron.
Ron, if your terrain is mostly flattish and rolling, a 2x might be better for you. I think when you are rolling along roads, there's a greater need for gears to be "closer", so that when you change gear, your cadence doesn't change markedly. The bigger jumps you'll find with a 1x are OK when the terrain is constantly changing up/down/flat, but I think you'll notice them more in Florida. I used to live in middle TN, which also is very flat and rolling rather than major steep mountains, and I visited the panhandle a lot, so I know what you mean.
You've almost got two options: (a) get a 2x (downside: heavier components, if that's a problem, and the whole "redundant gears" thing, combined with the "what gear should I be in?" thing, when you have two sets of levers), or (b) get a 1x, but with a closer range of gears, with a range suitable for flat and rolling (e.g., 11-36). The downside of the latter is that if you leave Florida (for a vacation, or to live), that gearing may not suit where you move to, if it's very hilly.
This is fantastic thank you. I am looking to get a gravel bike so this vlog is very useful. Thanks.
Glad it was helpful Suresh - I hope you'll subscribe for more.
Did when I discovered the channel. Love Scotland. We were in the Highlands last year and loved every moment.
Really professional quality content.
Thanks - pleased you like it Nabeel
Great video. So much history in those legs. Subscribed.
Thanks for the sub. (I'd swap 'history' for 'power' any day 😂😱)
great content and recommendations. Although the place I am living without much gravel road and nature, I own 1 roadbike run 25mm tyres and another Ti gravel bike run 700c 38mm tyres. I enjoy and use the gravel bike over 80% of cycling time. Road bike only for fast group ride. If I have the gravel bike first, I would just keep one road wheel to serve the purpose.
Yeah but, being honest, you can never really have enough bikes...
@@alwaysanotheradventure lots of people say that, but I own a road bike and an older XC MTB which doesn't get a lot of use - except those times when I want to venture into forests. So I'm thinking of replacing the MTB with gravel rather than adding to my collection... MTB is 2.4" tyre at the back so I'm thinking what is considered wide for a gravel, I will still consider pretty narrow (and not as good for dusty /sandy road round here)...
@@lechprotean Good point. My bike can take a 47mm tyre, but that's under 2 inches, and would be great in really muddy stuff, and certainly not in situations where I'd need front shocks to bounce down stuff. It depends what surfaces you ride most. I still have my MTB but frankly it doesn't get much use...
I wish they made flat bar gravel bikes. I just don’t get along with road handlebars. The closest thing I’ve found is the Specialized Sirrus X but it only takes 700c wheels and won’t fit 650b.
Hi Ron - I'm guessing you tried the different type's of flared bars? I couldn't get along with them and prefer the road ones. One thought might be to ask a friendly bike shop, or even a maker like Sonder (via Alpkit) whether they've tried putting flat bars onto a gravel frame. I'd be surprised if they haven't played a round a little, given they make flat bar bikes too.
Just ended up subscribing!
All good except the drop bars.
What's the point of them really apart from a ' point of difference '.
Great concept and a great marketing strategy.
Good work.
I cynically assumed it was just marketing but I've been convinced (well, to a certain extent).
When the route strays onto a road, or even just faster gravel, you get into a much better position for either speed or efficiency - in my view at least. My wrists sit better in the position where they're on the hoods rather than on a flat bar - (remember bar ends for climbing? I used those as a touring position on my MTB). All that said, the more I ride this bike, the more tempted I am to get a better mountain bike! n+1 is not gone...
Just stumbled across your video, just ordered an electric gravel bike. Still in lockdown 😬
Hi Richard - an electric gravel bike sounds great! What sort? I'd like to know more. Next week we have an adventure video where I tried an eMTB on a rather tricky route.
"I make adventure cycling and swimming videos out here in Scotland" - dammit, youtube algorithm... why have you been keeping this gem from me! This is brilliant mate, glad to have found you...
One point though, your link doesnt work because it is missing the .com and wont resolve ;) Tiny detail, but might derail someone who doesn't know what's wrong and think the website is down without checking the URL
Hi Ali - I’m pleased you found the channel too! I fixed the link so thanks!
We are currently allowed exercise in a 2km radius . I envy you !
You in France? My friend is there with similar restrictions. They could be coming here too. I'm lucky I can ride well away from people or traffic. I know it and I'm trying not to come over as gloating or worse, so thinking hard about what to shoot and post.
Well done. Thank you.
What glasses are you wearing? Looks like regular RX lenses with a frame that fits over. I need that. Regular RX sunglasses are too expensive.
Here you go - ua-cam.com/video/TcN3S67ijJE/v-deo.html
Excellent I’ve subscribed !
Thanks Alan
Hi Simon probably a no brainer for you but what’s your thoughts on front suspension forks or solids for adventure bikepacking where the goal is the Norwegian mountains where no man has gone before. Thx
I've not ridden in Norway, despite having been many times. I hear they're mostly gravel roads but I don't know. Instinctively, I feel if you need suspension, you need a mountain bike with the fatter tyres and flat bar but I there are companies doing suspension for gravel.
Awesome video and I am looking into one currently soo much research
Good luck!
What an excellent chanel. Kudos!
From one old man to another - thank you!
Another great video, keep it up!
Thanks Will - getting harder, but I'll try.😀
Iv been looking at gravel bikes but then i came across hybrid bikes. Now im confused. What is the difference between the two?
Hi Qz - I can see why you might be puzzled.
Hybrid bikes have the main characteristics of early mountain bikes, with flat handlebars and a lower top-tube to step over. Typically they're used around town or an lighter trails - Sustrans type routes along old railway lines and canal towpaths. Usually the tyre clearances (space between the forks or chain& seat stays) are more suited to touring sized tyres of 28-35mm. They're popular with bike rental companies in holiday resorts as they're unlikely to tempt anyone to 'go for a blast'. They were envisaged as a hybrid between mountain and road, but they're definitely more suited to the road end of that scale. I tend to think of them as 'sit-up-and-beg' road bikes, but I know that sounds dismissive, sorry.
Gravel bikes are in themselves not a hybrid (folks might disagree), but they're suited to a wider (hybrid?) range of conditions. They look like a relaxed road bike, more 'sportive' shape than racer, beefed up in strength, with clearances more like a mountain bike - so wider forks and chain/seat stays. They're not as good as a road bike on the road, and not as good as a mountain bike off road, but in both cases they come close enough for me. They let you ride great loops that are a mix of on and off road, as in many of my videos.
I use drop handlebars on my gravel bike, but many people use flared bards - they're a hybrid between the curly road bars and the straight mountain bike ones, in which the curved part is bent outwards. It's meant to be more relaxing and you can fit a wider bike bag in front.
One of the key strengths / innovations is the ability to take two different sizes of wheel rim. You can have a set of 650b rims with a fat tyre on it (47mm in my case, close to MTB widths) and, because they are disk brakes, a second set of larger 700c wheels with skinnier tyres (35mm in my case). Although the wheels are different sizes, the difference in tyre thickness means the outer circumference of the whole wheel+tyre is roughly the same. 650bs for gnarly stuff, 700c for trails and road.
Come back to me if that doesn't explain enough.
Supercaliber is my choice
You just prompted me to ask folk to add their bike recommendations here. Nice one.
Just realized that this is my 3rd time watching this.
That's great! Hope you liked it Dan.
always another adventure loved it! Wish you would make more of the same.
Any particular knee protection you recommend? Also due you have any other active bikes besides the vielo and sonder ?
I've only ever used knee protection for downhill. Those two gravel bikes and a nice road bike.
There's nothing my gravel bike can handle that my hard tail can't, but plenty my hard tail can that my gravel bike can't.
😁 That's one way of looking at it
what kind of glasses do you have? I am looking for a nice solution for prescription bike specs
Hi Fraser - I get asked about these so much I'm doing a separate video. They're by Sunwise and the model is Austin. I think they're only available through opticians because it's vital to get the centre of the prescription insert in the right spot over your eyes.
@@alwaysanotheradventure wonderful, thanks very much.
Gravel No. MTB Yes
That's too closed minded for me. Riding a bike is riding a bike.
Do you have any recommendations for a sat nav to go on the front of the bike?
Well I use a Garmin but I've been impressed with my friend's Hammerhead unit even if Xert doesn't yet support it. Check out 'DC Rainmaker' for the best advice on this sort of tech.
Well done video👍 ..750 subscriber
appreciated
Which mudguard do you use on this sonder?
Here you go, a video about fitting them: ua-cam.com/video/oiSQKXCMVog/v-deo.html
and a direct answer: SKS Bluemels Mountain Mudguard Set: amzn.to/2Q7mXTe
what is the exact tyre width you are using for commuting?
Hi Max - sorry for any confusion. It's a long time since I did any commuting, and back then it was on an old mountain bike, so 26" wheel with a slick 26mm tyre.
@@alwaysanotheradventure thanks for your quick reply! At minute 1:18 you are saying that you use these tyres which have a width above 30mm... The tyres at this point looked quite wide too me so I was wondering what the exact width actually is? :)
@@maxberentelg I'd forgotten that I'd mentioned that, sorry Max. (The video was made over a year ago). Searching my orders, these were 'Schwalbe G-One Allround RaceGuard Folding Road Tyre Black 35c 700c'. I'd have provided a link but I suspect Schwalbe has updated the model. This means they're more than the "just over 30mm" I mention. One thing to bear in mind is that the actual width of the tyre depends in part on the width of the rim. I'd nip out and measure the ones on my bike now but I've switched to Panracer Gravel Kings which seem to last a bit longer and have more off-road grip while still maintaining a good rolling resistance. It can be a pain sourcing the best tyres, but these is a website that can help - I made a video about it here: ua-cam.com/video/DaHkB2RY90U/v-deo.html I hope that's a little more help than my first reply.
One bike to rule them all GRAVEL
I would have agreed with you when I made this video Simon, but now I find myself looking at a second gravel bike, faster and more road like... N+1 is still there 😁
@@alwaysanotheradventure I am completely new to Gravel and have been thinking about Decathlon's Triban RC 520 which seems to be a very good gravel bike for beginners.
@@lifeisastruggle5517 I can see why you like it - Decathlon do some very nice bikes. From all the reviews it's great value and just a little on the heavy side.
@@alwaysanotheradventure I have a mountain bike electric and it weighs 20kg and the Triban feels super light compared to what I have now.
£230 for a seat post - thats taking the piss
Did you mean to put this comment on this video?