Everybody doing their dream builds with park tool precision and here we are using wooden blocks I love the transparency and authenticity. Even your haircut looks like you slept on that wooden block
Dude, HOW GOOD is this bike?? I've been off an mtb 9 weeks with a broken foot - built this new V2 frame up and three rides in on a completely new setup and I'm feeling very comfortable and speedy on this 130 shred sled! Can't believe the great seated position and ability to hook up on climbs in addition to just plowing rocks on the way down! I'm 5'10'' and went S2 and would never turn back. It's the 29er I wish I'd ridden 4 years ago. Best handling bike I've had.
I am really looking forward to your ride impression. I have the 2021 Dreadnought, been experimenting with different coil dampers and now with different air tunes. I did buy a druid V2 frame 5 weeks ago for local trails where the dread just feels too much of a bike for. I am really impressed by the v2. I did not have the chance to ride the v1, but the v2 is such a capable but still active bike. It feels shorter than it is on paper and it has been a blast to ride. Even on the uphill the idler is much less noticeable. That could be the do-it-all bike for me. It really punches above it travel while still retaining a lot of a trailbike feeling.
I agree. Checks a lot of boxes. Druid v1 was a bit of a paradox where I feel like it was a bit dead feeling and it's ceiling was so high that it kind of defeated the purpose of a 130mm bike. The v2 feels much more responsive and easy to get along with while still punching way above it's weight.
Building up my V2 as my enduro bike this season, adding 160 38, 200 rotors, and DD/DH tires. Demoed one last fall and was so impressed that I'm replacing my Spire with it (which is a great bike but overkill for most of my riding/racing), I feel like it strikes a unique balance where it floats over small to medium chunk but remains really supportive to rider inputs. Curious to see your full review!
Nice new bike! Have been eyeing one for a bit now for the same reasons you mentioned, as my Nomad is a bit on the burly side for whats local. Also: My method for dropper cable length: Before starting, check how much insertion your seat tube is allowed, then back it off by a little bit it you can't slam it, as otherwise it may pinch the cable when fully installed. 1. Start with the routed cable flush with the seat post hole, some extra protrusion if you want extra adjustment or you're extra cautious, which is okay cause this stuff is expensive. 2. if the bike allows for a slammed dropper, and you prefer a cleaner cockpit instead of more adjustment, measure 5 fingers from the front of the headtube Or. If you can't slam the dropper, or you want more adjustment at the cost of a longer cable, my go to is a 'thumbs up' away from the headtube. If you have tiny hands, add some. I've got lanky fingers; makes my life so much easier with internal routing This method works for 99/100 bikes, with the rare exception being oddball bikes with drop bars or terrible seat post insertion specs. Source: Built over 1k bikes as a builder for a large distributor you may know. Great guys and job but life goes on.
I really liked how this video was put together! Would like to see more like this, im stoked to see how you like the Luwis brakes too, as a mountain biker that has a similar riding style, i would love to see what you think of them. Congrats on the new bike, It looks sweet!
Sweet build man, I can't wait to hear your review on the V2 Druid!! I am really considering getting one for myself in a year or two if they ever got on sale. I've been a 4 bar suspension type of guy for a long time and this high pivot long chain stay bike seems like the future to me.
High pivot won’t be for everyone but done well I really like it. Long chain stays are better for most people I think. I can deal with bad suspension but a unbalanced frame is very hard to get around. Most suspension is fairly good these days no matter what layout they are using.
@@briancahal I really want to try a bike with these longer chain stays to test out this hypothesis too man, sucks that most companies don't offer them these days. I got to try it with the V1 druid a few months back and it shredded berms turns like nothing I've ever felt before, put a big smile on my face. I want to feel that again someday. I just couldn't get over the seat tube being too tall on the V1 and pitched me forwards so I had to sell it.Seems like the V2 has solved that super tall seat tube issue. I'm curious if it comes down to the longer chain stays or the suspension that company makes that gives it the magic.
@@alexstrauss5767 it’s the geo. The suspension helps but the magic is in the geo. The updated high pivot is dramatically better then their previous system imo
This was slightly painful to watch at times 🫣 but I really respect the transparency about the whole process and the get-it-done mentality. Looking forward to the ride report!
I have a similar M8000 groupset on my Remedy 9.8. XT derailleur, e.thirteen 11 speed cassette, SRAM XX1 11-speed chain and Archer Components too. It’s not crazy fast, but I really like it.
Cascade components makes a lower bash guard that helps retain your chain. Highly recommend it since you’re not running a tensioner behind your chainring.
Some questions for u/hoping you can shed some light on this stuff once you finally get around to doing your deep dive review 1. Druid vs dreadnought 2.one bike quiver? 3. Which other bike does the druid most remind you of 4. Druid pro’s? 5. Druid shortcomings? 6. V1 kinematics in comparison to v2 kinematics? 7. Thoughts on idler drag? 8. What’s the biggest huck to flat you would attempt on the druid and what bike on the market do you feel is the ideal platform for sending big drops? 9. Coil vs air on the druid? 10. Your thought on bike weight in general? 11.what tire casings would you prefer to ride on the druid? Inserts? 12. Prefered stem length and bar height on the druid? 13. Thoughts on chainstay length 14. Is there anything that you wouldnt attempt on this bike, or is there another bike that you would reach for to accomplish “X” 14. Thought on anglesets and overforking the druid? It would be rad as hell if you could come up with a 2024 Optic to do a side by side ride feel noteable differences between these 2 models…. I REALLY love your bike reviews and the way you “talk bikes” i hope you get a full time gig with Vital or Pinkbike
Thanks for the questions, I'll do my best to get to them in the full review. Thanks for the support! If there's any optics around I'll definitely try to hop on one
Everybody doing their dream builds with park tool precision and here we are using wooden blocks
I love the transparency and authenticity. Even your haircut looks like you slept on that wooden block
I’ll be getting the hair tuned up soon but the wooden block is here to stay
Awesome seeing a pro do a functional mechanic session for us mortals. Good on you sir!
Dude, HOW GOOD is this bike?? I've been off an mtb 9 weeks with a broken foot - built this new V2 frame up and three rides in on a completely new setup and I'm feeling very comfortable and speedy on this 130 shred sled! Can't believe the great seated position and ability to hook up on climbs in addition to just plowing rocks on the way down! I'm 5'10'' and went S2 and would never turn back. It's the 29er I wish I'd ridden 4 years ago. Best handling bike I've had.
Dude garage mechanics love this vid and it’s honesty
I appreciate that!
You did great! That is how I build all my bikes, loving it!
I am really looking forward to your ride impression. I have the 2021 Dreadnought, been experimenting with different coil dampers and now with different air tunes. I did buy a druid V2 frame 5 weeks ago for local trails where the dread just feels too much of a bike for. I am really impressed by the v2. I did not have the chance to ride the v1, but the v2 is such a capable but still active bike. It feels shorter than it is on paper and it has been a blast to ride. Even on the uphill the idler is much less noticeable. That could be the do-it-all bike for me. It really punches above it travel while still retaining a lot of a trailbike feeling.
I agree. Checks a lot of boxes. Druid v1 was a bit of a paradox where I feel like it was a bit dead feeling and it's ceiling was so high that it kind of defeated the purpose of a 130mm bike. The v2 feels much more responsive and easy to get along with while still punching way above it's weight.
That headset press is 🔥
Building up my V2 as my enduro bike this season, adding 160 38, 200 rotors, and DD/DH tires. Demoed one last fall and was so impressed that I'm replacing my Spire with it (which is a great bike but overkill for most of my riding/racing), I feel like it strikes a unique balance where it floats over small to medium chunk but remains really supportive to rider inputs. Curious to see your full review!
Nice new bike! Have been eyeing one for a bit now for the same reasons you mentioned, as my Nomad is a bit on the burly side for whats local.
Also:
My method for dropper cable length:
Before starting, check how much insertion your seat tube is allowed, then back it off by a little bit it you can't slam it, as otherwise it may pinch the cable when fully installed.
1. Start with the routed cable flush with the seat post hole, some extra protrusion if you want extra adjustment or you're extra cautious, which is okay cause this stuff is expensive.
2. if the bike allows for a slammed dropper, and you prefer a cleaner cockpit instead of more adjustment, measure 5 fingers from the front of the headtube
Or. If you can't slam the dropper, or you want more adjustment at the cost of a longer cable, my go to is a 'thumbs up' away from the headtube.
If you have tiny hands, add some. I've got lanky fingers; makes my life so much easier with internal routing
This method works for 99/100 bikes, with the rare exception being oddball bikes with drop bars or terrible seat post insertion specs.
Source: Built over 1k bikes as a builder for a large distributor you may know. Great guys and job but life goes on.
Sweet thanks for the tip haha definitely don't need to do whatever I did again.
I really liked how this video was put together! Would like to see more like this, im stoked to see how you like the Luwis brakes too, as a mountain biker that has a similar riding style, i would love to see what you think of them. Congrats on the new bike, It looks sweet!
Thanks! Hopefully I’ll have some more builds lined up this summer
These bikes are really good to ride !
Agreed
Thanks for the video Brian. I was waiting for this one 👍
Sweet build man, I can't wait to hear your review on the V2 Druid!! I am really considering getting one for myself in a year or two if they ever got on sale. I've been a 4 bar suspension type of guy for a long time and this high pivot long chain stay bike seems like the future to me.
High pivot won’t be for everyone but done well I really like it. Long chain stays are better for most people I think. I can deal with bad suspension but a unbalanced frame is very hard to get around. Most suspension is fairly good these days no matter what layout they are using.
@@briancahal I really want to try a bike with these longer chain stays to test out this hypothesis too man, sucks that most companies don't offer them these days.
I got to try it with the V1 druid a few months back and it shredded berms turns like nothing I've ever felt before, put a big smile on my face. I want to feel that again someday.
I just couldn't get over the seat tube being too tall on the V1 and pitched me forwards so I had to sell it.Seems like the V2 has solved that super tall seat tube issue. I'm curious if it comes down to the longer chain stays or the suspension that company makes that gives it the magic.
@@alexstrauss5767 it’s the geo. The suspension helps but the magic is in the geo. The updated high pivot is dramatically better then their previous system imo
@@briancahal Thanks man, I'm looking forward to seeing your review on the new system V2 druid!!
@@alexstrauss5767 first impression is live on Patreon 👀
This was slightly painful to watch at times 🫣 but I really respect the transparency about the whole process and the get-it-done mentality. Looking forward to the ride report!
Haha thanks for sticking through it.
The experimentation continues... Nice.
I just got my Druid v2 today lol looking forward to your thoughts on it as well as my own
That first clip makes me cry
I love my druid v2. My only complaint is the rear tire clearance for 29 tires.
Interesting to see how the Archer electric stuff performed
I have a similar M8000 groupset on my Remedy 9.8. XT derailleur, e.thirteen 11 speed cassette, SRAM XX1 11-speed chain and Archer Components too. It’s not crazy fast, but I really like it.
Yeah, im super stoked to hear your thoughts as well… could this be the one bike quiver !?!?
For some people probably. The first ride went incredibly well.
Really keen to hear your thoughts on the bike
It's really good. First impressions will be up soon.
i absolutely love mine, interested to hear your thoughts on it, definitely bump it up to 160, did it to mine and i love t
This is reality part of a reality vs. instagram post 😂I love it. I was waiting for the inevitable forever lost dropped screw though
REAL BAD MAN
Pro mechanic 😎👌🏼
When is a testride vid coming? ❤
Soon!
multi tool for hex wrenches, wooden block for headset press
Cascade components makes a lower bash guard that helps retain your chain. Highly recommend it since you’re not running a tensioner behind your chainring.
Nice I'll check it out
Haha this was an awesome video.
Noticed that you are not running the FRAEZEN Stem and PWN handlebar combo anymore - any specific reason for it?
Only because it was in my geometron. I’ve gone to a one up bar now, but the frazen stem/one up bar is my favorite cockpit set up right now
@@briancahal Ah I see - thank you very much for the reply!
@@briancahal the new oneup alloy or the carbon bar?
@@MrMrRioes Been running the carbon but just got the alloy to test against it
@@briancahal 👌🏽🙏🏽
IKEA bike ;-) Jokes aside, this D1X gadget is so clever!
That wood block. LOL
Hey man , is there no internal spacers for BB ? Is that a sram dub or praxis bb ?
Praxis bb
@@briancahal but u didn’t put the internal
Spacers right ?
Bro that electronic shifter lmaoo 💀💀
My dream bike. But WAYYYYYY outta my budget.
I'd pay $69 bucks for that wooden block with your autograph!
venmo.com/u/Brian-Cahal
Dude, you're spending so much money on bike parts, save a few bucks for a proper haircut! Haha, great build, enjoy the bike!
It needs a tune up for sure haha
Some questions for u/hoping you can shed some light on this stuff once you finally get around to doing your deep dive review
1. Druid vs dreadnought
2.one bike quiver?
3. Which other bike does the druid most remind you of
4. Druid pro’s?
5. Druid shortcomings?
6. V1 kinematics in comparison to v2 kinematics?
7. Thoughts on idler drag?
8. What’s the biggest huck to flat you would attempt on the druid and what bike on the market do you feel is the ideal platform for sending big drops?
9. Coil vs air on the druid?
10. Your thought on bike weight in general?
11.what tire casings would you prefer to ride on the druid? Inserts?
12. Prefered stem length and bar height on the druid?
13. Thoughts on chainstay length
14. Is there anything that you wouldnt attempt on this bike, or is there another bike that you would reach for to accomplish “X”
14. Thought on anglesets and overforking the druid?
It would be rad as hell if you could come up with a 2024 Optic to do a side by side ride feel noteable differences between these 2 models….
I REALLY love your bike reviews and the way you “talk bikes” i hope you get a full time gig with Vital or Pinkbike
Thanks for the questions, I'll do my best to get to them in the full review. Thanks for the support! If there's any optics around I'll definitely try to hop on one
Buy a headset press. Your frames will thank you.
Forbidden owners will buy a druid v2 just for the seatstay cable clamps😭