HI Chris, Thanks again for another great video. FYI, you draw people in with your youtube reviews. They are concise and unbiased. Kudos to you. Looking forward to the SL7/ Melee shootout review. Cheers!
Thank you! I cut 2+ minutes out of this video to keep it concise and avoid unnecessary information. I'm looking forward to riding the SL7 tomorrow for a comparison.
Just picked mine up today. First ride tomorrow. I put Elite Drive 50 wheels on it. Pretty sure that goes against all things Enve but they are dope wheels and only 1320 grams for 50 mm deep wheels!
Great review, man I wish I could ride as much as you do and be able to buy the bikes you do to heheh. If I were 30 years younger too haha, fun stuff, I have the gravel king in size 38 and use it for all around. I pump up my tires to 40 psi for road and 35 for gravel, texas gravel is very knarly!!
If I didn't also do chunky gravel rides, where I feel a 45 tire is needed, this Melee would be a very strong contender for a road+ "do all". Great review, as always. Of note: I feel like you are getting a bit more honest and gentle in your delivery-it's with the most respect that I say this-you seem less BROadie than when I first came to your channel. In stoke, Aaron.
Thanks Aaron! The "do it all" option is totally subjective based on the type of terrain you're riding. I think I could get by with 35mm or 38mm tires for most of my dirt riding. Thanks for the kind words- I try to approach it in a way that makes sense for viewers while sharing my subjective opinion. Is a BROadie like a "bro" road rider?
@@outdoorbros_ Indeed! BRO+roadie. Too many of us and our friends can get a bit testosterone-pumped and it makes others around us feel a bit excluded. I myself find that sometimes a healthy sprint becomes a pissing match. Doing my best to be open, patient, and laugh more than compete when on the bike with pals these days.
Loving your reviews and insights into the Melee 👌very helpful. I need to see if this bike will work for me in terms of the geometry and perhaps my do it all ultra endurance race bike .. 35mm / 38mm is max I’d go too and my stock setup is 32mm GP5000 on 3.4 SES AR. Just depends if it can be relaxed enough in terms of the stack / reach. It looks fairly relaxed in geometry to me?
It looks relaxed, but it rides aggressively. Having fit a few different tires on it, you’re going to be REALLY pushing it at 38mm. I’ll circle back as I try this out a bit more…
I hear you! I thought I was going to have to wait much longer and then a 56 frame became available (thankfully I had all the parts from the Aethos). I hope you like it- I’ve enjoyed mine so far.
Great video Chris! I saw that you got a PR on a climb on the road mid-way through the video. I find that encouraging for a 17lb bike considering you were on an Aethos/SL7 prior. Comparing it to the SL8 for someone who lives in SoCal (Santa Monica mountains) and is not a great climber (170-175lbs) which way would you recommend?
Thanks! You can't go wrong with either- it's like the Ferrari LaFerrari vs Porche 918 vs McLaren P1- all great, just with little differences.. If tire clearance is a priority, the Melee fits 35's. If weight is a priority, SL8 is the lightest.
Love it man. I’m looking at a Melee right now. I’m doing a lot more road on my Diverge and I tend to ride my Epic when u do more aggressive dirt rides. I realize the Melee is a big departure from a Diverge. I’m really curious if you’ve put some 35s on it and did some of our local Oc gravel? Also, what computer mount are you using? Thanks !
Hey Chris, do you have any recommendations for disc brake pads ? Running sram etap on my bike. Organic sram ones don't last me more than 3-4 months. Cheers
Great review as usual! I'm currently on an Addict Gravel 10 Di2 that has been handling my gravel and road duties, but looking at going to a two bike quiver for road and gravel. Was thinking Crux and Allez Sprint, this new Melee looks amazing. Do you think it could handle smoothing type 1/type 2 gravel or is it too stiff for that? Thanks!
Jake, thank you! I think it could handle type 1 and type 2 gravel, no problems. As soon as you get into type 3, I think you run into clearance issues with larger rocks/gravel/dirt chunks. That's my preliminary two cents.
Thank you for the video. I have an sl7 too. By the way, i think you dont have any video talking about GPS, and right now i am thinking about buying one, 1030 plus, 1040, karoo..what do you recomend in your opinión?
Nice! I haven’t used a Garmin since the 520, so I’m a little behind on my Garmin knowledge. My friends have the ones you mentioned and like them. I’ve personally liked the Karoo 2- it’s been fantastic. I’d check out DC Rainmakers thoughts on these devices and decide which one works best for you.
@@outdoorbros_ The Hammerhead battery only lasts about 10 hours. It's great but for those doing big rides, I'd look elsewhere. The 1040 Solar is unbelievable but uber expensive. The 830 is an option if you like the touch interface or 530 if not. Wahoo is also great but the mapping is behind the curve.
I’m enjoying the bike so far czcams.com/users/postUgkxMesz3KOGEmwmvyKQfLfrRSUXLFzfVHZA My only real complaints are the brakes and the pedals. I feel like a bike designed for bigger people should have much larger pedals and more heavy duty brakes. I’ve only gotten two really good rides out of it, minimal downhill action, and the brakes feel like they’re already going out. A larger person has more momentum, so I think this wasn’t thought through very well. Also, I wear size 13-14 wide shoes. My feet cramp up on these pedals that are clearly made for smaller feet. Since I’m not a pro rider (and I don’t think many are who purchase this bike) I don’t think that the straps on the pedal are necessary at all. None of this takes away from the enjoyment I get from riding, however. I’ll just head to a bike shop to improve on a few things.
You didn't test it with 35MM tires! Blasphemy! That's the whole purpose of this bike - TO RIDE BIG TIRES! I understand though. Going with 30's, for a CAT 1 guy like you, probably felt like you were riding a MTB. But I would love to have seen you talk about at least ONE ride that maxed out on tire width. No race bike goes to 35's. I think you missed the point of the Melee by leaving them out of your otherwise flawless review. Thanks!
Hey Mr. Isaac… I don’t think I missed out on the point of the Melee. My purpose with the initial rides was to compare it against my SL7. Hope that makes sense.
@@outdoorbros_ The title says 'Watch this before you buy the Melee,' not 'Melee - SL7 shoot-out.' Many of us ride gravel for road because we like the wider tires. Finally, a kick ass race bike comes out with 35s and you don't ride it with the 35s even once. That's disappointing. Sorry if I seem rude.
@@MrIsaac-dh3uh a few thoughts here: 1. When I posted the Melee on Instagram (prior to the this video), I received a ton of inquiries about how it stacks up against the SL7. 2. If I’m trying to give a bike an honest shake, why would I mount 35’s on it if I don’t normally ride 35’s? It would have immediately changed my perception of the bike. 3. While it might have clearance for 35’s, I would question the % of owners who will actually mount 35’s onto the Melee. 4. My goal here was to provide some real-world feedback on the bike and do so as quickly as possible. This was one of the first (if not the first) video about the Melee from someone who had actually ridden it- the rest of the videos and articles were simply commentary on the geometry and specs. I could have done the same, but chose to go a few steps further- hopefully it’s added value and helped a few people in their decision making about this bike. 5. Not rude at all, I appreciate the feedback. Hopefully someone else has done a review on the Melee with 35’s for you.
@@outdoorbros_ Sir, you do mention - at the end of the video - that SL7 comparisons were requested and that the Melee vs SL7 video was coming. That's great. But THIS video was only about the Melee, which, unlike the SL7, can roll 35s. So let me ask this: Rather than just an SL7 comparison, could you PLEASE also do a comparison with, say, a Cervelo Aspero on 35s. Any race gravel bike will do. Isn't ENVE saying that with 35s, the Melee can handle cobbles and light gravel? I don't know. But I DO know that you should tell us. Maybe then some of us will buy the Melee so we can stop riding gravel for road just for the big tires. THANKS!
Melee vs SL7 - most anticipated video in this century 🤣 Stay safe 👍
Hahaha- they’re both so good. I’m excited to jump back onto the tarmac and come to some conclusion.
I bought an ENVE about 4-5 months ago, after having had a Ridley for c 8 years! Life changing - what a ride. A wonderful bike :)
Most underrated channel, great job!!
Thanks! Let’s go for a spin soon!
HI Chris, Thanks again for another great video. FYI, you draw people in with your youtube reviews. They are concise and unbiased. Kudos to you. Looking forward to the SL7/ Melee shootout review. Cheers!
Thank you! I cut 2+ minutes out of this video to keep it concise and avoid unnecessary information. I'm looking forward to riding the SL7 tomorrow for a comparison.
always good video and reviewing stuff! keep it goin
Thank you!
Picked mine up today and excited to ride it tomorrow morning from Laguna Beach down to San Diego.
Awesome! Let me know what you think 👌🏻
Sick video! Bike looks so good! Stay rad and keep it up!
Thanks and likewise- have fun out there!
thank you! great review!
Thank you!
Just picked mine up today. First ride tomorrow. I put Elite Drive 50 wheels on it. Pretty sure that goes against all things Enve but they are dope wheels and only 1320 grams for 50 mm deep wheels!
What do you think so far?
Love your videos and considering the Melee to replace my Diverge. Does the Melee come with some protection for the downtube?
Great review, man I wish I could ride as much as you do and be able to buy the bikes you do to heheh. If I were 30 years younger too haha, fun stuff, I have the gravel king in size 38 and use it for all around. I pump up my tires to 40 psi for road and 35 for gravel, texas gravel is very knarly!!
Haha, thanks! Which gravel kings?
Great product, easy to clean -worked out great !
Awesome!
If I didn't also do chunky gravel rides, where I feel a 45 tire is needed, this Melee would be a very strong contender for a road+ "do all". Great review, as always. Of note: I feel like you are getting a bit more honest and gentle in your delivery-it's with the most respect that I say this-you seem less BROadie than when I first came to your channel. In stoke, Aaron.
Thanks Aaron! The "do it all" option is totally subjective based on the type of terrain you're riding. I think I could get by with 35mm or 38mm tires for most of my dirt riding.
Thanks for the kind words- I try to approach it in a way that makes sense for viewers while sharing my subjective opinion. Is a BROadie like a "bro" road rider?
@@outdoorbros_ Indeed! BRO+roadie. Too many of us and our friends can get a bit testosterone-pumped and it makes others around us feel a bit excluded. I myself find that sometimes a healthy sprint becomes a pissing match. Doing my best to be open, patient, and laugh more than compete when on the bike with pals these days.
Loving your reviews and insights into the Melee 👌very helpful. I need to see if this bike will work for me in terms of the geometry and perhaps my do it all ultra endurance race bike .. 35mm / 38mm is max I’d go too and my stock setup is 32mm GP5000 on 3.4 SES AR. Just depends if it can be relaxed enough in terms of the stack / reach. It looks fairly relaxed in geometry to me?
It looks relaxed, but it rides aggressively. Having fit a few different tires on it, you’re going to be REALLY pushing it at 38mm. I’ll circle back as I try this out a bit more…
Yes man. Melee is spectacular
No doubt!
You'll be glad to know my Melee is finally on the way! I'm going 3.4 ar ses. I hate waiting for shit though so this will be painful lol
I hear you! I thought I was going to have to wait much longer and then a 56 frame became available (thankfully I had all the parts from the Aethos). I hope you like it- I’ve enjoyed mine so far.
@@outdoorbros_ awesome. I literally can't wait. Never been more excited to get a new bike. I just followed you on Strava! Haha
Great video Chris! I saw that you got a PR on a climb on the road mid-way through the video. I find that encouraging for a 17lb bike considering you were on an Aethos/SL7 prior. Comparing it to the SL8 for someone who lives in SoCal (Santa Monica mountains) and is not a great climber (170-175lbs) which way would you recommend?
Thanks! You can't go wrong with either- it's like the Ferrari LaFerrari vs Porche 918 vs McLaren P1- all great, just with little differences.. If tire clearance is a priority, the Melee fits 35's. If weight is a priority, SL8 is the lightest.
Love it man. I’m looking at a Melee right now. I’m doing a lot more road on my Diverge and I tend to ride my Epic when u do more aggressive dirt rides. I realize the Melee is a big departure from a Diverge. I’m really curious if you’ve put some 35s on it and did some of our local Oc gravel? Also, what computer mount are you using? Thanks !
What's up, Jordan? I'm using the K-Edge/Enve mount on the Melee. I haven't ridden it with the 35mm tires.
Hey Chris, great review what mount are you running for your Hammerhead Karro2?
Running the standard L-Edge/Enve mount on the Melee and the outfront mount on the SL7/Crux.
Great review. Can we get more footage of the rides you mentioned?
I’ll try to get more footage next time I’m in the area. Riding out there is so so good.
Hey Chris, do you have any recommendations for disc brake pads ? Running sram etap on my bike. Organic sram ones don't last me more than 3-4 months. Cheers
I wish I did- I’ve always used the stock pads without much issue, other than trying to find inventory.
What tire pressures are you running?
Great review as usual! I'm currently on an Addict Gravel 10 Di2 that has been handling my gravel and road duties, but looking at going to a two bike quiver for road and gravel. Was thinking Crux and Allez Sprint, this new Melee looks amazing. Do you think it could handle smoothing type 1/type 2 gravel or is it too stiff for that? Thanks!
What year your Gravel 10 is and what size ?
Jake, thank you! I think it could handle type 1 and type 2 gravel, no problems. As soon as you get into type 3, I think you run into clearance issues with larger rocks/gravel/dirt chunks. That's my preliminary two cents.
@@pascalo5119 it's a 2020 and 56cm. For sale on Pinkbike
When it comes to ceramic bearings bottom bracket press fit for mtb is tripeak or kogel which is u recommend tnx?
I don’t have experience with either of those brands- maybe Kogel?
YEAAAAAH
The time has come…
Do you have the SL7 on size 56? I see the melee has higher stack and interesting to know if you see any difference aside from that? Thanks
Correct, all bikes are 56. Just published a video on my thoughts between Melee and SL7- both are fantastic.
Thank you for the video. I have an sl7 too.
By the way, i think you dont have any video talking about GPS, and right now i am thinking about buying one, 1030 plus, 1040, karoo..what do you recomend in your opinión?
Nice! I haven’t used a Garmin since the 520, so I’m a little behind on my Garmin knowledge. My friends have the ones you mentioned and like them. I’ve personally liked the Karoo 2- it’s been fantastic. I’d check out DC Rainmakers thoughts on these devices and decide which one works best for you.
@@outdoorbros_ The Hammerhead battery only lasts about 10 hours. It's great but for those doing big rides, I'd look elsewhere. The 1040 Solar is unbelievable but uber expensive. The 830 is an option if you like the touch interface or 530 if not. Wahoo is also great but the mapping is behind the curve.
Awesome review, looks like a keeper ! Now where's the 25% off discount code ? 🙂
Ha! If only they were out there…
gravel setup coming soon?
Hi Chris, can you explain what kind of holder for phone you have ? This very important for me. Thanks.
Like phone case? It’s a cheap, wallet one from Amazon.
@@outdoorbros_ No, how you hold device to bike ?
Looking back almost a year later, would you lean melee over a sl7? Comfort is more of a priority
If you don’t mind the big brand that is Specialized, the SL7 was my pick.
Just to understand the looks of it, how many spacers height do you have on that sideways photo you have on the beginning of the bid? Thanks!
Good question- I think it’s two spacers. I’ll confirm when I get eyes on it again.
@@outdoorbros_ I'm really into that bike and I'm trying to pick size and see what would be the look of different spacers height.
@@PedroPrego looks like a 10mm spacer and a 5mm spacer. Shoot me a message on Instagram and I’ll send you a photo, if that’ll help.
@@outdoorbros_ cool, thanks!!
If only riding road would you prefer the Melee or Aethos?
They’re totally different animals. Probably the Melee- it’s more lively and I prefer the stiffness.
What’s your rating on the actual Frame? Good build?
I won’t claim to be a frame expert, but seems solid to me.
@@outdoorbros_ I’m on the fence to go cervelo s5 or Enve. There’s claims s5 has a weaker build.. but not so much information on the Melee
I’m enjoying the bike so far czcams.com/users/postUgkxMesz3KOGEmwmvyKQfLfrRSUXLFzfVHZA My only real complaints are the brakes and the pedals. I feel like a bike designed for bigger people should have much larger pedals and more heavy duty brakes. I’ve only gotten two really good rides out of it, minimal downhill action, and the brakes feel like they’re already going out. A larger person has more momentum, so I think this wasn’t thought through very well. Also, I wear size 13-14 wide shoes. My feet cramp up on these pedals that are clearly made for smaller feet. Since I’m not a pro rider (and I don’t think many are who purchase this bike) I don’t think that the straps on the pedal are necessary at all. None of this takes away from the enjoyment I get from riding, however. I’ll just head to a bike shop to improve on a few things.
Nice, enjoy!
Love the goemetry but I think the paint finish is too plain or boring for its very premium price.
Fair opinion. Have you seen it in person?
But how is it compered to the Aetos?…….🤓
I can do a video about that- they're quite different.
That would be a good topic for another video.
Why is it 700??
700?
Handyman
Got it.
You didn't test it with 35MM tires! Blasphemy! That's the whole purpose of this bike - TO RIDE BIG TIRES! I understand though. Going with 30's, for a CAT 1 guy like you, probably felt like you were riding a MTB. But I would love to have seen you talk about at least ONE ride that maxed out on tire width. No race bike goes to 35's. I think you missed the point of the Melee by leaving them out of your otherwise flawless review. Thanks!
Hey Mr. Isaac… I don’t think I missed out on the point of the Melee. My purpose with the initial rides was to compare it against my SL7. Hope that makes sense.
@@outdoorbros_ The title says 'Watch this before you buy the Melee,' not 'Melee - SL7 shoot-out.' Many of us ride gravel for road because we like the wider tires. Finally, a kick ass race bike comes out with 35s and you don't ride it with the 35s even once. That's disappointing. Sorry if I seem rude.
@@MrIsaac-dh3uh a few thoughts here: 1. When I posted the Melee on Instagram (prior to the this video), I received a ton of inquiries about how it stacks up against the SL7. 2. If I’m trying to give a bike an honest shake, why would I mount 35’s on it if I don’t normally ride 35’s? It would have immediately changed my perception of the bike. 3. While it might have clearance for 35’s, I would question the % of owners who will actually mount 35’s onto the Melee. 4. My goal here was to provide some real-world feedback on the bike and do so as quickly as possible. This was one of the first (if not the first) video about the Melee from someone who had actually ridden it- the rest of the videos and articles were simply commentary on the geometry and specs. I could have done the same, but chose to go a few steps further- hopefully it’s added value and helped a few people in their decision making about this bike. 5. Not rude at all, I appreciate the feedback. Hopefully someone else has done a review on the Melee with 35’s for you.
@@outdoorbros_ Sir, you do mention - at the end of the video - that SL7 comparisons were requested and that the Melee vs SL7 video was coming. That's great. But THIS video was only about the Melee, which, unlike the SL7, can roll 35s. So let me ask this: Rather than just an SL7 comparison, could you PLEASE also do a comparison with, say, a Cervelo Aspero on 35s. Any race gravel bike will do. Isn't ENVE saying that with 35s, the Melee can handle cobbles and light gravel? I don't know. But I DO know that you should tell us. Maybe then some of us will buy the Melee so we can stop riding gravel for road just for the big tires. THANKS!
The Melee is a Ferrari !!!!!!!!
It's such a good bike!
All the buzzwords.
Corners on rails
Lively
Playful
Stiff
Snappy
Responsive
Stable
Don’t forget, “nimble.”
Wait, you could afford to purchase a Melee?
I thought you said you’re like us! You work, have kids!
Lol
Hahaha, I also follow the rule about your bike being worth more than your daily driver… to each their own :)