I just built up a "beater bike" out of an old hybrid frame (which works well as a gravel-ish bike). I used Advent 9-speed with a drop bar shifter, since AdventX shifters were not available. I must say, it works beautifully. I am a super-novice mechanic, but had it shifting flawlessly within about 15 minutes. Once on the road, I have never has a missed shift. I really like it.
@@time2play_outdoors It is clunky. It’s odd going back and forth between Advent and Shimano. I just finished 70 miles riding Ultegra shifters and a 105 RD. Shimano shifts so lightly that, initially, it feels almost broken when you first get on the bike.
Hi Jesus! I went by Poseidons size chart. I bought a size medium and I’m 5’ 9-1/2. I did end up putting a 20mm longer stem on to stretch the cockpit out a bit. If you’re coming from the road bike side, you may feel slightly cramped. If you’re a mountain biker like me you’ll feel at home on the size they recommend. The longer stem gave me a bit more room when climbing while standing. Hope this helps!
Thanks for the informative video. Re: PNW Pine dropper: Do you recall your measurement from seat post collar to saddle rails? I only have about 150-160mm to work with on my Niner. Had a short travel Trans X that worked well, but am hoping to find one with more than 50mm drop. Thx.
Thanking about a redwood myself and now that you’ve had yours for a year what do you think? Or can you do an update video. Also trying to decide between the flat bar and the drops what do you think?
I hear ya! Large feels too long? You could swap out the stem for something shorter (says Captain Obvious). A 35mm stem wouldn’t be out of place with this frame geometry.
@@time2play_outdoors hi, I was looking at this bike and the breezer radar expert. Any opinion or advice on the difference between them would be appreciated. Thanks.
Hi Darren. I don't have first-hand experience with the Breezer, but I took a look at the bike design and specs on the Breezer website. That is a sweet-looking bike! I'd say the Radar is a bit more tailored for a road bike rider looking to get into gravel/bike-packing, whereas the Redwood has a very MTB feel in terms of geometry. Neither is better than the other. If I was planning mostly mellower gravel, loaded touring or extended bike-packing I'd probably give the nod to the Breezer. Some key differentiators: * Steel vs aluminum. Steel, done well, is pretty magical. I've owned a steel road bike that rode great. It's heavier than alu, and a bit more flexy, but if you want to take the edge off and don't care too much about weight, then it's hard to beat *2x front chainrings versus a 1x on the Redwood - wider gear range, great for loaded touring/bikepacking but added complexity, maintenance and weight. *It appears only 29" wheels are spec'd, with a max width of 2.1" Could be a consideration if you want more cushion and traction. However, speed, rollover and momentum would be greater with the 29'er wheels/tires, and that steel frame would add some give. *Longer reach (comparing the size mediums) and a longer stem - so a slightly less upright riding position vs. the Redwood, e.g. more road and less MTB-y. *Hydraulic disc brakes are a big plus. The mechanical disc brakes on the Redwood are adequate but not great for serious off-roading - eg steep downhills *Finish - the Redwood paint is not durable. It isn't clear-coated and wears off very easily. I trust that the Radar is properly finished. Maybe a small point, but a beautiful bike like the Radar will be one you'll want to baby. If I bought it I'd put clear tape on the wear points (as I have on my mtbs). Thanks for the question. Hope this helps! Andy
@@vmxd I think medium would have given more clearance for my man package for sure. It's also going to be shorter in length so you will be more nimble if you are taking it to the windy trails more than not.
Now that you've ridden it for a couple of months, would your recommend it for someone looking to get into bikepacking with a budget of around $1,000 USD ?
Yes I would! It certainly has all the mounting points you could ever want. The wide tires offer comfort and grip and should hold up well under luggage loads. If you envision bike packing with lots of climbs, you might consider lower gearing via a smaller chainring. I’m going to experiment with a 34 tooth. For sure I’ll lose the cruising gear for flats, but for a 1-2 hour climb it’ll be worth it. I could end up with a 36t compromise; time will tell. Lastly, for longer days on the saddle a longer stem might increase comfort as well. I bought a 70mm cheap stem to play with (stock seems to be 55mm); I’ll report on effect of these tweaks soon. Thanks for the comment and interest!
@@time2play_outdoors This is good information. Thanks for the reply. I have a lot to learn about biking in general, but I'm sure I'll have a blast in the process. :)
Hi, long time mountain biker and gravel biker here, who lives in Hailey, and now sometimes in Boise/eagle. I have a new-ish partner who I would love to introduce into some easy-ish riding such as you have done on the Weiser trail, etc. Can we communicate as to local options? Was thinking I would start her on a nice light carbon hard tail 29er I have that fits her and we can go from there.
Hi: those are some old Spank Spike pedals. I plan on changing to some Kona Wah-Wah composite pedals a bit later as the bearings on the Spikes are about shot.
I bought this bike almost a year ago tried to ride it bought better seat made afew upgrades couldn't ride it, it's just to uncomfortable it borders on painful to ride
I agree the frame and fork are stiff! I think a suspension stem would be a worthy upgrade. I’m running 2.25 tires tubeless and about 30 PSI. 2.4 tires would be great but real sluggish on pavement.
Thank you for this. I’m also a mountain biker starting to get into gravel biking. I got the same bike and wanted a dropper seat post.
I just built up a "beater bike" out of an old hybrid frame (which works well as a gravel-ish bike). I used Advent 9-speed with a drop bar shifter, since AdventX shifters were not available. I must say, it works beautifully. I am a super-novice mechanic, but had it shifting flawlessly within about 15 minutes. Once on the road, I have never has a missed shift. I really like it.
It’s great! I like the mechanical “chunkiness” of the shifts. Is chunkiness a thing?
@@time2play_outdoors It is clunky. It’s odd going back and forth between Advent and Shimano. I just finished 70 miles riding Ultegra shifters and a 105 RD. Shimano shifts so lightly that, initially, it feels almost broken when you first get on the bike.
Can’t wait to get mine
Diggin the video dude! Definitely getting some of those tires!
Nice video! I was thinking about getting these bike. I read in other videos the measurements may be off. How did you select your frame size?
Hi Jesus! I went by Poseidons size chart. I bought a size medium and I’m 5’ 9-1/2. I did end up putting a 20mm longer stem on to stretch the cockpit out a bit. If you’re coming from the road bike side, you may feel slightly cramped. If you’re a mountain biker like me you’ll feel at home on the size they recommend. The longer stem gave me a bit more room when climbing while standing. Hope this helps!
@@time2play_outdoors Thank you. It does. I owe MB and old Steel frame bike with 700c 38. Ride both on dirt. Enjoy off the path type of riding.
Thanks for the informative video. Re: PNW Pine dropper: Do you recall your measurement from seat post collar to saddle rails? I only have about 150-160mm to work with on my Niner. Had a short travel Trans X that worked well, but am hoping to find one with more than 50mm drop. Thx.
Hey Henry! It’s right at 150 from collar to bottom of seat rails. Hope this helps!
@@time2play_outdoors Thank you for your response. It does, indeed, help!
I subscribed. Not my wheelhouse but I like the knowledge.
Thanks for the follow!
Thanking about a redwood myself and now that you’ve had yours for a year what do you think? Or can you do an update video. Also trying to decide between the flat bar and the drops what do you think?
I’m planning an update video as I’ve converted it to a flat bar setup. Stay tuned!
I'm 5'11. Used to be 6' but shrinking lol. Anyway, I bought the large and really wish I bought the medium.
I hear ya! Large feels too long? You could swap out the stem for something shorter (says Captain Obvious). A 35mm stem wouldn’t be out of place with this frame geometry.
@@time2play_outdoors hi, I was looking at this bike and the breezer radar expert. Any opinion or advice on the difference between them would be appreciated. Thanks.
Hi Darren. I don't have first-hand experience with the Breezer, but I took a look at the bike design and specs on the Breezer website. That is a sweet-looking bike! I'd say the Radar is a bit more tailored for a road bike rider looking to get into gravel/bike-packing, whereas the Redwood has a very MTB feel in terms of geometry. Neither is better than the other. If I was planning mostly mellower gravel, loaded touring or extended bike-packing I'd probably give the nod to the Breezer.
Some key differentiators:
* Steel vs aluminum. Steel, done well, is pretty magical. I've owned a steel road bike that rode great. It's heavier than alu, and a bit more flexy, but if you want to take the edge off and don't care too much about weight, then it's hard to beat
*2x front chainrings versus a 1x on the Redwood - wider gear range, great for loaded touring/bikepacking but added complexity, maintenance and weight.
*It appears only 29" wheels are spec'd, with a max width of 2.1" Could be a consideration if you want more cushion and traction. However, speed, rollover and momentum would be greater with the 29'er wheels/tires, and that steel frame would add some give.
*Longer reach (comparing the size mediums) and a longer stem - so a slightly less upright riding position vs. the Redwood, e.g. more road and less MTB-y.
*Hydraulic disc brakes are a big plus. The mechanical disc brakes on the Redwood are adequate but not great for serious off-roading - eg steep downhills
*Finish - the Redwood paint is not durable. It isn't clear-coated and wears off very easily. I trust that the Radar is properly finished. Maybe a small point, but a beautiful bike like the Radar will be one you'll want to baby. If I bought it I'd put clear tape on the wear points (as I have on my mtbs).
Thanks for the question. Hope this helps!
Andy
I am 5.10 should I go with Medium and not Large ? My mtb bike is size L
@@vmxd I think medium would have given more clearance for my man package for sure. It's also going to be shorter in length so you will be more nimble if you are taking it to the windy trails more than not.
Now that you've ridden it for a couple of months, would your recommend it for someone looking to get into bikepacking with a budget of around $1,000 USD ?
Yes I would! It certainly has all the mounting points you could ever want. The wide tires offer comfort and grip and should hold up well under luggage loads. If you envision bike packing with lots of climbs, you might consider lower gearing via a smaller chainring. I’m going to experiment with a 34 tooth. For sure I’ll lose the cruising gear for flats, but for a 1-2 hour climb it’ll be worth it. I could end up with a 36t compromise; time will tell. Lastly, for longer days on the saddle a longer stem might increase comfort as well. I bought a 70mm cheap stem to play with (stock seems to be 55mm); I’ll report on effect of these tweaks soon. Thanks for the comment and interest!
@@time2play_outdoors This is good information. Thanks for the reply. I have a lot to learn about biking in general, but I'm sure I'll have a blast in the process. :)
Hi, long time mountain biker and gravel biker here, who lives in Hailey, and now sometimes in Boise/eagle. I have a new-ish partner who I would love to introduce into some easy-ish riding such as you have done on the Weiser trail, etc. Can we communicate as to local options? Was thinking I would start her on a nice light carbon hard tail 29er I have that fits her and we can go from there.
What is the tire size? Plus exact model?
Hi there! They are MAXXIS Ikon 3C/EXO/TR Tire - 27.5in x 2.35 3C Maxx Speed/EXO/TR
What padels are you running on?
Hi: those are some old Spank Spike pedals. I plan on changing to some Kona Wah-Wah composite pedals a bit later as the bearings on the Spikes are about shot.
I bought this bike almost a year ago tried to ride it bought better seat made afew upgrades couldn't ride it, it's just to uncomfortable it borders on painful to ride
I agree the frame and fork are stiff! I think a suspension stem would be a worthy upgrade. I’m running 2.25 tires tubeless and about 30 PSI. 2.4 tires would be great but real sluggish on pavement.