7 Things We Wish We Knew When We Started Gravel Riding | Cycling Weekly

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  • čas přidán 2. 06. 2024
  • New to gravel riding or just looking for ways to increase your enjoyment of offroad riding? Let us take you through the seven most important bits of advice we wish we were given when we first started out. Follow these and maximise your ride!
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Komentáře • 383

  • @run4cmt
    @run4cmt Před rokem +6

    I tried to take up mountain biking and in my 60s it was too challenging. So I started using my mountain bike for gravel riding.

  • @tamask2172
    @tamask2172 Před rokem +16

    I'd say before getting a bike, do make sure the gear ratio is sufficient on it. As gravel is all the rage these days, they are trying to sell everything as gravel or gravel-ready, but on many bikes the chainring and cassette combination is more suitable for fast paced road riding (looking at you Shimano). That will make it very difficult to tackle steeper terrain, especially on gravel or poor quality roads, if you are not in excellent riding condition. Unfortunately these components can be really expensive to switch out, so it's better to just get a bike that already comes with the ones that are best suited for your needs (and abilities).

  • @philparatrooper
    @philparatrooper Před 3 lety +105

    Put a bell on your bike because you will be travelling fast on tracks with many walkers

    • @alnsn
      @alnsn Před 3 lety +3

      Block you rear wheel to make some noise, it works better than a bell.

    • @fuzzbuzztk
      @fuzzbuzztk Před 3 lety +10

      Bells make people react strangly, this is why most decent cyclist will slow, call and act on reaction

    • @paulhiggins6024
      @paulhiggins6024 Před 3 lety +3

      Tom Kenyon what, they stop, turn around to see what the 'bell' sound they heard was? Giving the rider time to slow down and take the required action to avoid the walker..... Yup makes em act strange indeed.

    • @liamsoden7672
      @liamsoden7672 Před 3 lety +1

      @@fuzzbuzztk do they??

    • @kencoxdesign
      @kencoxdesign Před 3 lety +1

      I find the "auto bells" that you can turn on/off and jingle from the vibration of the trail to be more effective vs the thumb flick bells which tend to come across as "get out of my way". I will turn on my TIMBER bell on downhills or areas with poor sight lines, and it gives hikers and walkers a warning that ramps up slowly as I'm approaching, giving them more time to react. It also lets me keep my hand position constant instead of having to shift to ring a bell manually. The only downside is if it's really smooth, I have to wiggle my bars a little to ring it. This is the one I use: www.mtbbell.com/

  • @bensachs1855
    @bensachs1855 Před 3 lety +50

    Lesson #3: regularly check to make sure your chainring bolts are tight

    • @samj1185
      @samj1185 Před rokem

      and more often than once a year!!

  • @Paddyhudson
    @Paddyhudson Před 3 lety +116

    I'd like to add: Don't push it too far when it comes to tire clearance with your bike. The big gravel tires are going to puff out when hitting bumps much more than a road tire will. If your tires are cutting it a little close when standing still, they may actually rub when in action.

    • @gvnrchmnd
      @gvnrchmnd Před 3 lety +27

      Impact of the tyre is nowhere near your fork or chain stay when you hit a bump. The tyre will be back to normal by the time it rotates to where it meets the fork\chainstay.

    • @Paddyhudson
      @Paddyhudson Před 3 lety +6

      Gavin Richmond sorry for misphrasing; what I meant was that the tire and wheel will flex over bumps and can end up rubbing on the fork if the clearance is too tight.

    • @gvnrchmnd
      @gvnrchmnd Před 3 lety +4

      Paddyhudson Ah I get what you’re saying now. I personally think a minimum of more than 3mm each side should be ok. It’s mud clearance that might be another issue....

    • @Paddyhudson
      @Paddyhudson Před 3 lety +1

      Gavin Richmond I just know that I could use some touch up paint for my inner fork. 😕

    • @troybrowning839
      @troybrowning839 Před 3 lety

      @@Paddyhudson If you have a good frame and good wheels, you're not rubbing tire and the only consideration is build of up mud or debris on the tire taking up clearance. If you've got rubbing on your fork then you're having wheel or fork/frame flex issues.

  • @TrailsofCalifornia
    @TrailsofCalifornia Před 3 lety +16

    I'm interesting in getting into gravel riding like this. Thanks for the video!

  • @KowalskiVanishing_Point
    @KowalskiVanishing_Point Před 3 lety +12

    Think I have made every mistake you've described and all your suggestions are bang on....except for tire pressure. I run tires pretty hard all the time as I was getting sick of pinch flats. I'm running more of a monster bike in the Salsa Fargo and run 2.5" wide Maxxis Hookworms. Surprisingly good traction off road and roll well on road although, with a 30 lb.+ steel bike I'm not winning any races! I went to a flat pedal and shoe after years of clip ins- just more into more relaxed style of riding as I get older.

  • @bluetelecaster87
    @bluetelecaster87 Před 3 lety +25

    If you need to have a high pressure when you’re riding to your gravel trails, then a low one when you arrive, just let some air out and pump them back up for your ride home

    • @colinmcdonald2499
      @colinmcdonald2499 Před 3 lety +2

      Yes indeed. This is why you also want a good little compact pump, I prefer one that folds to be a mini stand pump with a short articulated hose, GOOD valve clamp and accurate guage ( the guage seems optional, but It is really nice to have). I let 1 or 1.5 BAR out of my front tire and 1 BAR out of my rear when I get to the long semi-technical gravel fireroads, with 30-50 km of ( nice) mountain tarmac roads to get home. So getting back to road pressure quickly and easily is key. I had a crank bros single action pump ( the kind you pump in both hands, in mid air) that, was murder to pump beyond 45 or 50 PSI. I want to easily ( and quickly) pump up to 71 PSI/5 BAR. If it means I carry 150 grams extra of a pump. So be it.

    •  Před 3 měsíci

      ​@@colinmcdonald2499have you found a pump like that?

  • @doriankelly101
    @doriankelly101 Před 3 lety +34

    So, basically, do what mountain bikers do: Optimal tire selection, lower psi, carry a larger kit, drop the saddle, shorten/raise the stem...

    • @amirdariel1303
      @amirdariel1303 Před 2 lety

      I guess Im asking randomly but does anybody know a trick to get back into an Instagram account?
      I was dumb lost the login password. I love any tricks you can give me

    • @kristopherzachariah728
      @kristopherzachariah728 Před 2 lety

      @Amir Dariel Instablaster =)

    • @amirdariel1303
      @amirdariel1303 Před 2 lety

      @Kristopher Zachariah I really appreciate your reply. I got to the site through google and Im trying it out now.
      Takes a while so I will reply here later when my account password hopefully is recovered.

    • @amirdariel1303
      @amirdariel1303 Před 2 lety

      @Kristopher Zachariah It worked and I now got access to my account again. I am so happy!
      Thanks so much, you saved my account!

    • @kristopherzachariah728
      @kristopherzachariah728 Před 2 lety

      @Amir Dariel Glad I could help =)

  • @Simbostyle
    @Simbostyle Před 3 lety +39

    Dropper seat posts are great if you are on a ride with a big variation in terrain.

    • @robertkee7534
      @robertkee7534 Před 3 lety +12

      Load of rubbish. If there's that much variation, move to a mountain bike with a dropper. The beauty of a gravel is the simplicity of a road type using it off road, but that can only go so far. Going to a point where you are calling for a dropper is the point to pick up your mountain bike

    • @Graptos
      @Graptos Před 3 lety +2

      Coming back down those 20% FSR for instance, but yeah sometimes you want an XC bike or a hardtail (a more popular n+1 locally).

    • @RyanWBL
      @RyanWBL Před 3 lety +4

      @@robertkee7534 my gravel is my back up mtb while also my roadie, so makes sense for people like me.

    • @Daniel-dj7fh
      @Daniel-dj7fh Před 3 lety

      @@robertkee7534 I mean it's good to have the post high for flat rides, and abit lower on trails to prevent losing you anal v-card

    • @wolfiesmith7674
      @wolfiesmith7674 Před 2 lety +2

      @@robertkee7534 load of rubbish, the beauty of a gravel bike (any bike) is you can ride where ever you want. Riding mine on most of my MTB routes is far more challenging and an absolute buzz, there would be no benefits to not using a dropper.
      If you don’t have skill level to take it on MTB trails, practice a bit more…
      Or stick to road riding.

  • @JohnSmith-bx8zb
    @JohnSmith-bx8zb Před 2 lety +6

    One good tip is ride at a speed that allows you to stop if a pedestrian is using the track just around that corner.

  • @ironfrogpress1526
    @ironfrogpress1526 Před 3 lety +2

    My favorite bike for gravel war a 89 Ceturian Dave Scott Ironman, witn 28mm Continentals at 70 psi
    Super fun on hilly loose river rock...❤️

  • @kalebbarant1990
    @kalebbarant1990 Před 2 lety +8

    Here are 2 things I learned from personal experience...
    Don't run road level tire pressure and a mtb stem & mtb bar when you're planning to speed down a gravel trail at 25mph lol
    Rear tire was drifting and the front tire was skidding with every quick counter steer.
    The mtb stem and mtb bar might not be that bad, but the tire pressure cost me some traction.

  • @rodrigolizarraga9324
    @rodrigolizarraga9324 Před 2 lety +23

    I just bought an entry level gravel bike. I would love a video up which upgrades or modifications are good to make to a "cheap" bike. As I'm starting I didn't want to buy an expensive bike, if I end up loving it, I will sure upgrade to a new bike

    • @morapelimokokomali7907
      @morapelimokokomali7907 Před 3 měsíci

      Apparently wheels are the best upgrade you can make. I'm new too and asked myself the same question

    • @imola8
      @imola8 Před měsícem

      Best upgrade is usually a better wheelset. But honestly, most room for improvement is yourself. Just get out on the bike you have and ride it.

  • @ZulkifleCheAbdullah
    @ZulkifleCheAbdullah Před 2 lety

    Love your experience tips, it's really help! Great video...khemah!

  • @colinmcdonald2499
    @colinmcdonald2499 Před 3 lety +4

    I tend to overpack. But if you are lucky enough to live someplace with 200, 300, 500 or even 800 meter ( in elevation) descents, be sure to inspect your brake pad thickness often. I carry a new pair of spare brake pads, next to my replacement chain link. You never want to find out that you're on your last mm of disc brake pads with 700 meters of elevation still to descend!

  • @lancekoz
    @lancekoz Před 3 lety +1

    Excellent pace and discussion lads!

  • @aaroiseverything
    @aaroiseverything Před 3 lety +13

    Gravel riding looks so fun!!

    • @christocr
      @christocr Před 3 lety +3

      I've found that it's just as fun on a light XC MTB as it is on a gravel bike. Both are fun in different ways.

    • @photorockbar471
      @photorockbar471 Před 3 lety +2

      @@christocr Riding a trail on an MTB is called riding off road. Using a gravel oriented bike on the same trail is called riding gravel. It is very confusing to some.

  • @costasmandylor1565
    @costasmandylor1565 Před 3 lety +78

    Biggest mistake I made: if you're going to ride proper trails the semi slick "gravel" tires that are so popular are useless on technical trails. Get knobby tires!!

    • @colinmcdonald2499
      @colinmcdonald2499 Před 3 lety +5

      I am having good luck with Schwalbe Mondrials (700x 40C)... As an all-purpose tire. I just finished 98km. About 40 km of it very mixed fire road ( heavy gravel, rocky , sandy , almost dirt/natural cobbles, muddy.. over grown in sunny spots with some fallen rocks. rocks . First 12 km and last 46 km.. very smooth, highway ( with 8km of roughish pavement). I let about 15 psi out ( four squirts on presta) of the front and 11 or 12 psi out of the back ( 3 squirts.. when I got into gravel. Pumped them back to 70 psi front and 5 bar rear... 5 or 10 km after the gravel ended.
      Steep drops and about 600 meters of gravel descent.
      Those tires are worth a try... They roll nice and smooth on nice roads..
      I could only get the pro line Mondrials ( the mid level schwalbe) where I am at... But really good value.
      Fun as hell on all surfaces

    • @antonroux6737
      @antonroux6737 Před rokem

      disagree - gravel riding is not about technical trails, and subtle drifts on light trails is no problem - best to stick with semi-slicks (which do have some tread or inverted tread)

    • @artgreen6915
      @artgreen6915 Před rokem

      I think this little debate exposes the myth of one bike to rule them all. Flexible machine with ability to cover distance including mainly lighter off-road and take in diversions? Sure, and that's great.
      But if you focus on the most resilient frame it won't be light on the road. If your tyres roll fantastically then they won't have much dirt traction. Mix it up while compromising, or divide activities while specialising. Common life choices.

    • @artgreen6915
      @artgreen6915 Před rokem

      ​@@antonroux6737 I think I agree with you. If you borrow too much from a very different type of bike, the resulting character doesn't hang together very well.
      Gravel riding doesn't have to be gravel. But that's its origin and gravel is quite free draining. Packed dry summer soil is within the spirit of gravel. Coping badly with mud on a bike not designed for it has a different name: cyclo-cross!
      Coping better with mud has yet another name: MTB.

  • @RonnRider
    @RonnRider Před 3 lety

    Nice review guys! Very fun!

  • @walterblanqui7o
    @walterblanqui7o Před 2 lety

    I would see this on my CZcams feed after my first gravel ride lmao.thanks for the tips

  • @michaelkearney576
    @michaelkearney576 Před 2 lety +1

    I lost a load of chainring bolts on a tour of Eastern Europe. Realised when my chain went between rings on a shift. I used cable ties to hold the chain rings on for over 1,000km.

  • @200MPHCLUB.
    @200MPHCLUB. Před 3 lety

    Fantastic video, thank you 👍🏻

  • @vinnyjhawer7847
    @vinnyjhawer7847 Před 3 lety

    Great video, with handy advice.

  • @alanhill7965
    @alanhill7965 Před 3 lety

    Great advice thanks for the video

  • @michaelklein7105
    @michaelklein7105 Před 2 lety

    Thanks for those tips.

  • @nomorebroke1056
    @nomorebroke1056 Před 3 lety

    Nice tips!🙏thank you

  • @Goblusser
    @Goblusser Před 2 lety

    I learnt alot, thanks

  • @MorganBrown
    @MorganBrown Před 3 lety +24

    As an alternative to tubeless, you can get a valve core removal tool and just throw an ounce of sealant in the tube. Works wonders on small thorns and a lot less messy than tubeless.

    • @garagesale5948
      @garagesale5948 Před 3 lety

      bicycle tire liner tube protectors work better.

    • @MorganBrown
      @MorganBrown Před 3 lety +2

      Garage Sale I ran the Mr Tuffy liners on an old bike. I liked them but can not confirm whether they can tolerate goat heads or not. I once ran over a goat head plant and literally got 24 goat heads between the front and rear tires. I got home, carefully pulled all the goat heads out, then put an ounce of sealant in each tube, just to see what would happen. Amazingly, those holey tubes sealed right up! The tire liners won’t help against a thorn that comes in from the side, and this obviously could happen.

    • @markrskinner
      @markrskinner Před 3 lety +4

      Just go tubeless in the first place. Works wonders on anything up to 4 inch nails.

    • @CPD0123a
      @CPD0123a Před 3 lety

      They sell those as Slime brand tubes that come pre-filled with Fix A Flat
      Needless to say after a few years the slime gums up, and makes them completely unusable. Plus it's a lot more weight that's sloshing around in your tubes.

    • @algmusicuk
      @algmusicuk Před 3 lety +2

      Took a while to go tubeless.. But had numerous flats cycling and the sealant has worked a treat.. Just kept rolling

  • @MasterJCChannel
    @MasterJCChannel Před 3 lety

    Thank you for your tip im planning to get a GB next summer! Subs to you from Master JC Channel / Canada.

  • @josephcook647
    @josephcook647 Před 3 lety

    Thanks for the info!!!!

  • @roadglide
    @roadglide Před 2 lety +3

    Tire size 650b x42 or 700x 38 minimum. If your bike can hold these you are in for most scenarios and a blast. 25-30 psi is perfect for most scenarios. Just my .2.

  • @sebastianjost
    @sebastianjost Před 2 lety +2

    Note that good bottle cage by no means expensive cages. Cheap ones can be just as good.

  • @TheVolksbar
    @TheVolksbar Před 3 lety +16

    Thank you for great information guys, loved all your VDOs. What inner tube strap and Bento bag are they?

    • @jamesbracey6560
      @jamesbracey6560 Před 3 lety +6

      Cheers!! Bento bag is a Roswheel road top tube bag, strap is a Backcountry Research one

    • @TheVolksbar
      @TheVolksbar Před 3 lety +7

      James Bracey Thank You

  • @lom_video
    @lom_video Před 3 lety +1

    Nice cycling video!

  • @russlerjones3278
    @russlerjones3278 Před 2 lety +1

    Cant recommend the funn mamba pedals enough, clips one side flat and grippy the other but it doesnt matter if you get it wrong as it provides amazing grip both sides.

  • @sepg5084
    @sepg5084 Před 2 lety +4

    If traction and comfort are the priority over speed, then an XC hardtail would be the better choice for "gravel" riding. And even an XC bike would still be sufficient even if you have to ride on pavement; i can ride my XC bike comfortably for 100 KM on a combination of good and bad pavement even compared to my road bike, no need to buy a gravel bike.
    Only use my road bike if i know that i will be riding on good pavement.

  • @lewistrice
    @lewistrice Před 3 lety +8

    Superglue should also be in your repair kit. Easy to quickly slap some glue on loose bolts then wrench and fix them properly when you get to back home or to the shop. Saves losing them and having to ziptie your bike together.....this is definitely from experience 🤣

    • @skooterbrah
      @skooterbrah Před 2 lety +3

      Also works a treat on minor lacerations. The stuff was developed for use by field medics.

    • @stinkyfungus
      @stinkyfungus Před rokem

      Only do this if you wrench on your own bike.
      Back when I worked at bike shop as a mechanic, if I found things like superglue or thread lock on components that don't require thread lock - I'd charge extra for the trouble I'd have to take to ensure that I don't strip the Allen socket, and the time to clean that crap off the bolt when I reinstalled it.
      Carry a proper folding multitool and tighten your bolts down in the field.
      Invest in a decent torque wrench and install them correctly and they won't work loose on a ride.

  • @CareFreeCommuting
    @CareFreeCommuting Před 3 lety +2

    7:20 flats with straps are a nice and cheap option to start with as well.

    • @TimSoriano
      @TimSoriano Před 3 lety +3

      I still have them on my roadbike, been awhile since ive seen someone else uses them

  • @kofio7581
    @kofio7581 Před 3 lety +5

    Please can you post a link for that little multitool device under your bottle. Great video BTW.

  • @lucaszeta
    @lucaszeta Před 2 lety +6

    I liked the strategy of having your spare tubes on your frame!
    I have mine inside the saddle bag, but that leaves the bag with almost no space left, forcing me to have some tools in the second bottle cage

    • @stinkyfungus
      @stinkyfungus Před rokem

      Tubes?!
      lol... go tubeless and carry a plug kit.
      Tubeless is love, tubeless is life.

  • @AlexandarHullRichter
    @AlexandarHullRichter Před 2 lety +4

    Chainring belts falling out as a new one for me. I've broken plenty of chainring bolts by tightening them as part of a tune-up (which is the most convenient time to find broken parts because they can be replaced immediately), but I've never heard of them just falling out of the bike.

    • @nathangant7636
      @nathangant7636 Před 2 lety

      10:36 It only needs to happen once to ruin your day. I lost 4 of my 5 chainring bolts and had to walk it out for 2 miles pushing my bike. No fun. I should have paid more attention to the noise coming from my chain area. My chain was not aligned with the front and rear sprocket and it slowing caused enough vibration to loosen the bolts over time. Having a multi-tool is useless if you don't have the bolts to tighten. I've since bought the correct spacers to keep my chainline straight. Also I now periodically inspect all bolts and screws on the bike for tightness.

  • @132Marty
    @132Marty Před 3 lety +10

    Love the Mint Sauce bar tape. Got some on my Nukeproof Digger. If you know, you know.

    • @davelloyd8454
      @davelloyd8454 Před 2 lety

      Mint sauce bar tape exists? Where do I buy that???

    • @132Marty
      @132Marty Před 2 lety +1

      @@davelloyd8454 Search 'Jo Burt Series bar tape', then get it on your bike. 😉

    • @KruiserIV
      @KruiserIV Před 2 lety

      @@132Marty mind explaining why it’s better than the rest?

    • @132Marty
      @132Marty Před 2 lety

      @@KruiserIV Never said it was.

    • @KruiserIV
      @KruiserIV Před 2 lety

      @@132Marty Why do you like it?

  • @LarryRichelli
    @LarryRichelli Před 3 lety +2

    Try the Jones H bar. I put it on my gravel bike because I almost never used my lowers. Love that Jones bar.

  • @drouleau
    @drouleau Před 3 lety

    I found my more flexible soles of my Shimano mtn bike shoes killed my toes with hot spots on a 125 mile gravel ride/race....they hurt pretty bad by the end of the ride. Just snagged a pair of Shimano RX-8 gravel race shoes, far more stiff (and much lighter as well) - they should do the trick.

  • @AndrewEbling
    @AndrewEbling Před 11 měsíci

    I prefer my trusty CamelBak hydration back pack over bottles for off road - especially in spring and autumn when there more mud about and bottles can get mucky.

  • @rudyelizondo1935
    @rudyelizondo1935 Před 3 lety

    Great vid

  • @fredricgriffin6070
    @fredricgriffin6070 Před 3 lety +4

    Great episode. Keep the supple side down :-)

  • @665Thunder
    @665Thunder Před rokem

    that black specialized comp carbon is sweet

  • @PerfDayToday
    @PerfDayToday Před 3 lety +3

    Is the handlebar on the silver bike a Ride Farr bar?

  • @darrylandrewerciaa8556
    @darrylandrewerciaa8556 Před 2 lety +6

    When you love mountain bike & road bike you ended up buying a Gravel bike 🥰

  • @oreyl
    @oreyl Před 3 lety +5

    Looking forward to James's review for the gravel handle bar on his bike!

    • @jacksonbaker414
      @jacksonbaker414 Před 3 lety

      Do we know what this handlebar is and where I can find one?

    • @oreyl
      @oreyl Před 3 lety +1

      @@jacksonbaker414 you can find it here: ridefarr.com/int/product/farr-aero-gravel-alloy/

    • @LarryRichelli
      @LarryRichelli Před 3 lety +1

      @@jacksonbaker414 Before you buy that bar look at the Jones H bar. I realized that I almost never used my lowers on my gravel bike so I got the Jones bar and I have loved it. Five had positions so I can feel like I am in the hoods and more.

    • @bigfootlil
      @bigfootlil Před 2 lety

      @@LarryRichelliSure, if you’ve already got a flatbar setup, but you’d have to switch out the shifters (among other components) to make these work.

  • @1ststater611
    @1ststater611 Před 3 lety

    Gonna start shopping, but, thinking straight bar with bar ends may be a good option

  • @jirdesteva
    @jirdesteva Před 3 lety +28

    I have a saddle bag for each bike with a puncture kit a spare tube and a multi-tool for each bike. Grab the bike can't forget the bag. Handlebars are hollow stashed inside cable ties and about 20 dollars in cash for emergencies. On every bike a crank brothers Klic Hand Pump. If driving to a location in each of the cars I have spare tires a portable compressor and a small set of tools.

    • @vgjgghbgyjn1985
      @vgjgghbgyjn1985 Před 3 lety +1

      Good. For. You.

    • @vgjgghbgyjn1985
      @vgjgghbgyjn1985 Před 3 lety

      Its tacky and see-through-as-f how cyclingweekly "loved" this post. Spend spend spend. Way to go china

    • @christocr
      @christocr Před 3 lety +7

      No... the justification is more like, I just had a flat and I'm 20 miles out in the middle of the desert... oh shit, my goodie bag is on my other bike, which is sitting at home. Two bags, two pumps, two multi-tools, etc, solves that little problem, even though it costs a bit more money. If you have two good bikes, with the horrendous prices these days, you can damn sure afford two bags, two pumps, two tubes, etc...

  • @TMick13
    @TMick13 Před 3 lety +52

    Definitely go tubeless on gravel. You can run lower pressure without running the risk of pinch flats and lower pressure means more comfort, more traction and less discomfort on bumpy sections.

    • @verdomtnochmal
      @verdomtnochmal Před 3 lety +5

      I used to think the same but I hated the struggle of changing tyres every 2000km and random pressure loss during bike packing tours so much that I switched back to tubes. Setting up the tyres without compressor is just horrible if you don't want to waste co2 all the time.

    • @patrickmurphy8222
      @patrickmurphy8222 Před 3 lety +7

      I was going to go tubeless on my gravel bike build but the tires are expensive and I have to buy and mess with that liquid stuff which requires topping off or renewing every few months. I heard they fit really tight and I have arthritis in my left hand so getting the tire on the rim would be impossible for me. Besides I bought a pair of high-end tires from a friend for pennies on the dollar so I went with those.

    • @robertkee7534
      @robertkee7534 Před 3 lety +3

      Don't get carried away with tubeless. There's more disadvantages.
      1. If you pick up a puncture larger than the self sealant can cope with you will need a tyre patch and tube to get you home. Gravel riding can take you onto less traveled back countries and harder to get that backup. You are more likely to hit a larger sharp stone liable to cause a gash. If you aren't travelling across rougher ground then you don't need a gravel bike.

    • @Graptos
      @Graptos Před 3 lety

      I switched to tubeless after flatting both tires, and one of those twice on the same gravel trail, then once more over one those sections of pavement that are all broken up by tree roots. Spend a lot less time faffing about with tubes, and all you need is a cloth to wipe up the old sealant, a spray pump with soapy water and a good pump (I did pick up one of those burst canister for half price at the LBS for Boxing Day) to seat the tire (now add a tire insert and that does add a bit of 🤪 to the effort).

    • @wolfiesmith7674
      @wolfiesmith7674 Před 2 lety

      @@robertkee7534 Luddite.

  • @soyurimartinez
    @soyurimartinez Před 3 lety

    nice saddle !! what brand is it ?

  • @rodgeabenes7762
    @rodgeabenes7762 Před 3 lety +2

    Great advise and tips, thank you guys and stay safe!

  • @eric.ko.
    @eric.ko. Před 3 lety +15

    Don’t fear gravel, Fear grass. Damn thorns cost me so much on tubes.

  • @andrewince8824
    @andrewince8824 Před 2 lety

    Copy the XC/Enduro guys. Get a dropper post. Much easier to change your seat height while you keep the pace, makes everything flow much smoother.
    Get at least one Topeak Ninja bottle cage so you can have a multitool with you at all times. The bike is being shaken with nothing to deaden the vibration. Bolts have a habit of walking loose.

  • @jeremyboesmans
    @jeremyboesmans Před 3 lety

    Can anyone tell me what gravel bike brand the titanium bike is please? Looks nice, love the handlebars.

  • @SquevilSqueak
    @SquevilSqueak Před 3 lety +14

    The resurgence of 90s mountain bikes...

    • @jasone2240
      @jasone2240 Před 3 lety +2

      Agree and makes sense because modern mountain bikes are too good for normal trails, they need proper mountain tracks to create a real challenge.

    • @kencoxdesign
      @kencoxdesign Před 3 lety +1

      To some extent yes... comparing to my old Bridgestone of that era, mountain bikes still had a lot of road bike traits, like flat top tubes and long skinny stays. Today's gravel bikes have huge advancements and improvements though - bike weight, hydraulic disc brakes, a wide variety of tubeless 700c tires, integrated shifters (vs the Bridgestone's thumb shifters on the top of the bar), carbon frames and forks, light trail-worthy 700c wheels. They may have roughly the same silhouette, but they aren't at all the same bike.

  • @Bullitluna
    @Bullitluna Před rokem

    You've got the new bike and the kit, but where to go. How do I go about find trails or gravel path to ride my new bike.

  • @colinmcdonald2499
    @colinmcdonald2499 Před 3 lety +3

    I notice this most with UK cycling videos ( GCN too).
    Safety/cycling glasses are not optional for gravel biking.
    I guess the UK is blessed re: bugs???
    But today I was doing a quickly-getting-overgrown fire road in the temperate rainforest ecosystem I live in. Basically it was a twin single track already in the 2nd week of June. The prominence of this road is impressive... Which also means that you could drop 50 or 100 or 300meters if you wipe out on the outside. Keeping inside ( the uphill tire track line) has branches leaning down. Take your pick but...
    But no glasses; get whipped in both eyes with a branch;. You are totally ( royally for the UK) f'ed on so many levels.

    • @WelshMullet
      @WelshMullet Před 2 lety

      Not a lot of bugs during the day in most parts (outside of FLYING ANT DAY) as they mostly show up in the evenings, but only for short parts of the year

    • @colinmcdonald2499
      @colinmcdonald2499 Před 2 lety

      @@WelshMullet tree branches lash eyeballs even if there are no flying insects.

    • @tornagawn
      @tornagawn Před 2 lety +2

      Holy trinity of biking: gloves, eye protection and a helmet

  • @robsp7626
    @robsp7626 Před 3 lety +6

    You need to talk to Jan about tire pressure

  • @pietemann
    @pietemann Před 3 lety +1

    Can someone please tell me what bracket is used for holding up the trip meter in this video? U can see it on 00:29

  • @danieljudge7176
    @danieljudge7176 Před 3 lety +2

    What size are your Ride Farr aero bars? they look great and I like the idea of multiple hand positions.

  • @tquindt1
    @tquindt1 Před 3 lety +1

    A Dropper post is fantastic and is highly recommended.

  • @JouTuubi
    @JouTuubi Před 3 lety

    What top tube bag you are using?

  • @spiloFTW
    @spiloFTW Před 3 lety +1

    whats that drop bar whit a loop?

  • @Pranav_m_Mistry
    @Pranav_m_Mistry Před 2 lety

    Are Bontrager GR1 Expert a decent tire to go offroad?

  • @georgesolomon5696
    @georgesolomon5696 Před 3 lety

    what model aero bars are you using

  • @MCDmr028
    @MCDmr028 Před 3 lety +6

    Hi! What tyres is Rupert using?...Specialised Pathfinder Pros??

    • @ryanbennett1532
      @ryanbennett1532 Před 3 lety +2

      Def pathfinder pros. I've got them on my cx bike; they roll soooooo well on tarmac and tightly packed dirt

  • @mitchelleiannadres4416
    @mitchelleiannadres4416 Před 2 měsíci

    Hi! I used to have a mtb, but I switched to gravel bike since drop bars gives me much more comfort. Can a gravel bike be used for speed just like a road bike?

  • @jasonbull4759
    @jasonbull4759 Před 3 lety +2

    Hi was this filmed at velmede Woods near the foresters pub in Fleet?

  • @daviddauza
    @daviddauza Před 3 lety

    Tire Pressure? carry a pump, to adjust tire pressure for the road conditions, as needed.

  • @christiansmith1654
    @christiansmith1654 Před 3 lety +1

    Love that specialized back... Can anyone help me with what model it is?

    • @cyclingweekly
      @cyclingweekly  Před 3 lety +2

      Hi Christian - it's the Specialized diverge comp carbon www.cyclingweekly.com/reviews/gravel-bikes/specialized-diverge-comp-carbon

  • @schussi2000
    @schussi2000 Před 2 lety

    That Topeak multi tool bottle cage carrier is trash though. The mount of mine wore out quite quickly and then was loose all the time due to all the rattling on the ride.

  • @MrRay645
    @MrRay645 Před 2 lety +2

    “Don’t need latest kit or even a dedicated gravel bike” so step one is disregard the 20k worth of bikes and kit seen in video LOL

  • @soliyor
    @soliyor Před 2 lety

    What is the brand of the multitool thing?

  • @cristinac9604
    @cristinac9604 Před 3 lety

    At min 4:38 hahahah. That was funny. How many takes until you were able to talk with straight face.

  • @ilanpi
    @ilanpi Před 3 lety +188

    Wear gloves!

    • @mattmatthews5414
      @mattmatthews5414 Před 3 lety +20

      Hand helmets!

    • @jamesbracey6560
      @jamesbracey6560 Před 3 lety +6

      No

    • @airwilliam24
      @airwilliam24 Před 3 lety +25

      @@jamesbracey6560 Comes in handy when you crash. Hand injuries are pretty common. Of course, if you don't care about your hands, go ahead and shred them.

    • @Henrijs915
      @Henrijs915 Před 3 lety +1

      I haven't had any problems without wearing gloves, although I haven't crashed that much also 😁

    • @KowalskiVanishing_Point
      @KowalskiVanishing_Point Před 3 lety +4

      Yes, gloves. Learned that the hard way mountain biking.

  • @bernhardwardein2884
    @bernhardwardein2884 Před rokem

    Like a teleshopping conversation

  • @tintenfischfee9918
    @tintenfischfee9918 Před 3 lety +2

    I usually get punctures when riding on the road, not off road. Off road it really only get pinch flats and with tire pressure and technique I've been able to avoid them. On the road though there tend to be a lot of stuff like glass, plastic or whatever else people loose or throw around...

    • @chrismissedtree
      @chrismissedtree Před 3 lety

      Swing tubeless on mtb. After a couple pinch flats I was over tubes on the trail. I use orange endurance sealant. Best in my opinion.

  • @acdj0712
    @acdj0712 Před 3 lety

    Hello guys , should I get a smaller frame for a Gravel bike or the same size of my road bike
    I'm a 5'9" height and my current road bike is medium.
    thank you for all your tips.

    • @someopinionateddirt6561
      @someopinionateddirt6561 Před 2 lety

      It ultimately depends on the brand. Some brands may recommend you be on a small, but you may find medium to be more comfortable. Safest bet is to go to a brick and mortar and have the staff help you out.

  • @sapiens7821
    @sapiens7821 Před 3 lety +3

    Thanks for the tips I’m looking at buying a gravel bike. I love the Kinesis set up you have. Is that a titanium bike. G Day from Australia

  • @jankulozic401
    @jankulozic401 Před 2 lety

    Carry a mini pump and adjust your pressure at the trail head.

  • @romeogonzales345
    @romeogonzales345 Před rokem

    what's the recommended PSI pressure of gravel riding?

  • @richardmiddleton7770
    @richardmiddleton7770 Před 2 lety +1

    For tyre pressure, put your thumb on the tyre then put your other palm over your thumb and put all your weight on your thumb till you nearly lift your feet off the ground. If you feel the rim it's a bit too soft, if you almost touch the rim it's probably about right.

  • @TheIcebon
    @TheIcebon Před 3 lety +1

    Do these bikes start hurting your arms with the vibrations due to not having suspension on the front? Thinking of getting one

    • @ype1014
      @ype1014 Před 3 lety +1

      ready ur hands dude

    • @mikefule330
      @mikefule330 Před 3 lety +4

      Time was when no bikes had suspension. For general riding on single track and trails, you don't need it. Suspension is weight and mechanical complexity. Gravel bikes started as mountain bikes without suspension and with dropped bars. Then the marketing boys thought, "Hey! What if we make a gravel bike but give it suspension and straight bars?" Your tyres, arms and legs are all the suspension you need for gravel riding.

  • @kellymckenzie4865
    @kellymckenzie4865 Před 3 lety +7

    The perfect solution is to bring a pump, run what ever pressure you want on the road, off the road, then back on the road.

  • @RupertFear
    @RupertFear Před 3 lety +2

    Dont use Sram?

  • @ZenTeT
    @ZenTeT Před 3 lety

    i use mountain bike clip ins on my road bike

  • @lauragatehouse7935
    @lauragatehouse7935 Před 2 lety

    Thoughts on suspension seat post?

    • @imbrooks
      @imbrooks Před rokem

      Redshift Sports suspension seatpost. Pricey and heavy, but man is it a sweeeeeeeet ride. Tuneable. Highly recommend!!

  • @jordanbrashier1674
    @jordanbrashier1674 Před 2 lety

    Does anyone know what that nifty bottlecage/multitool holder is called?

  • @DawidDgk
    @DawidDgk Před 3 lety +4

    where can I find this funky multi-tool?

    • @harrylook7810
      @harrylook7810 Před 3 lety +1

      i think it's the topeak ninja master

    • @jamesbracey6560
      @jamesbracey6560 Před 3 lety +1

      Yep, what he said👆🏻

    • @luckaffe237
      @luckaffe237 Před 3 lety

      harrylook make sure that you can reach everything important. The tools of my Ninja 16+ are very short

  • @manchetajr
    @manchetajr Před 3 lety

    Any info on that bottle cage/tool combo?

  • @andyg1677
    @andyg1677 Před 2 lety +2

    Tip I think they missed is , cut up an old road tyre and use in case you get a big split in your tyres , to stop the inner tube sticking out.

  • @ryananderson6321
    @ryananderson6321 Před 2 lety +1

    What about riding a hardtail 29er, carbon frame vs a gravel bike? I just wonder if that mtb will give you more comfort but maybe the efficiency of the gravel bike is much better 🤷‍♂️

    • @kevinclark9176
      @kevinclark9176 Před 2 lety

      This is the build I’m starting. Bought a 29er carbon hardtail, planning to swap to a rigid fork, 45mm tires, 720mm flat bar with aerobar (get both control/comfort for more technical but tucked for smoother/faster sections), MTB 1x12 wide range. On the tires side, many gravel people have been limited there. Gravel frames keep getting wider to allow the 40-50mm+, but no clearance issues with a 29er. A gravel frame is likely a bit lighter though.

  • @walthefl
    @walthefl Před 2 lety

    9:57 What’s the exact multi tool there?

  • @bobbob9364
    @bobbob9364 Před 3 lety

    Can I use a gravel bike as a mountain bike