We live in a society in America that is saturated in materialism and self/instant gratification. We miss out on the fun and experimentation of life because we base a lot of our experiences off of others opinions and influence. I grew up in Baltimore city, you had a target painted on your back if you rode a "nice" bike, because you would get mugged or someone would break into your shed to take you bike, so we all road cheap franken bikes and it was the best time ever, discovered trails up the road and a jump line. Those bikes did what they were made for........FUN
Sorry about you being from the Baltimore area as it has been a dangerous mess for many years. I grew up in VA and when we were kids we rode bmx bikes and just enjoyed the dirt and being part of a gang. The good kind of gang, a gang of neighborhood kids. You are spot on with people needing to live in the moment.
As you get a bit older that lack of front suspension and skinny tires on a bumpy technical high speed trail will take its toll. On smooth trails however, its a perfect fit.
This 100% - Matty is like 20 years old. For those in 60, 70’s and beyond…if you don’t want new elbows, shoulders, wrists and spinal cord…I’d stay away from these bikes Matty is recommending. Unless you’re riding smoother gravel roads. Going in the mountains with bumps, rocks and roots - dual sus is a must for us older folks. Sorry to burst your bubble, Matty.
@@gainknowledgeandinsight not necessarily, I’m 59 and while I do have a fs bike I don’t consider it “a must” and could easily get by with my hard tail and gravel bikes if I wanted to.
@@gainknowledgeandinsight Often it's diet or other causes of inflammation (allergies even) that affect the joints. We needs lot of phytonutrients to keep inflammation down. Look at the Tarahumara tribes in Mexico. The older people lift massive rocks on their backs and no pain. A little bit of pain can keep the joints healthy via a process called Hormesis. It was found people who exercise end up with less joint pain for a given task. Obviously you do not want to pull tendons etc by straining too much. But it was found a good way to manage osteoarthritis is exercise - by pushing through the milder pain. So it's not as simple as you think in terms "bursting bubbles". Much more complex!
@jeffsharp4982 agree! Part of what I enjoy about riding a rigid bike is carefully selecting lines and using my arms and legs to achieve as smooth of a ride on techy terrain as I can achieve, instead of relying in a suspension to smooth out the trail.
I just spent too much money on a norco torrent. Chromo frame. I remember years ago hating aluminum bikes and loving my older steel frames. Now 99% of MTB stuff is super stiff aluminum frames
You always remind me of my twin brother when riding bikes. He loves keeping it simple preferring steel, hardtails and cable brakes. He also enjoys taking his Surly Grappler out on the local Atlanta trails showing that it can be done.
@@theymademepickaname1248 He works in the tech industry, so his work life is full of high-tech gadgets. So when he relaxes he goes with low tech options, like wooden recurve bows and arrows. At least he does get very nice Paul brakes.
I am in the same spot. I have Continental Race King 2.2 on my steel gravel bike and I use it for everything from commuting to XC riding. Sooooo versatile and fun! I love it for just chill rolling off-road away from the daily buzz
Right on man. Biking is about having fun. Kudos for having the presence of mind to see what's fun isn't necessary what the bike industry wants to sell us. I love the feeling of being connected to the trail.
I've got a lot of bikes, including a full suspension trail bike, randonneuring / sportif bike, rigid fat bike, rigid single speed trail bike, coaster brake 26'er, and a drop bar bike like you have. Even though I got back into cycling through mountain biking, my drop bar bike tire Stooge Rambler is really the bike that delights me the most, for the reasons you're talking about. These days I run it with a super fast rolling 2.2" semi-slick rear tire and a 2.2" XC tire up front with a dropper post. It's amazing how capable it is, and how much spicy stuff you can get into with the dropper post. I even added Cushcore XC and now I'm wondering why I own the other bikes. It's perfect for mixed terrain riding or even just long paved road rambles. You're totally right-- there's no need to overcomplicate your ride.
I love your video and your philosophy on riding! i bought my first mountain bike in 1989 and have ridden hard tails and full suspension bikes during the last 30+ years. I am back a rigid bike these days and I love it!! and the Breezer is something I want in the future!
Have just stumbled across your channel as I was going to purchase a second hand Trek Roscoe 6, and watched your review vid which is 3 years old, now I have watched so many of your vids and really enjoy the content 😂 subbed. Much love from New Zealand 🇳🇿🙌
In the future you should experiment with some 2.6 tires on the rigid (Rekons or Forekasters are both fast rolling and have enough grip) and lower the PSI so the tires can act as a suspension system . Wider tires actually decrease rolling resistance because they have a wider shorter contact patch and conform to the terrain better and roll over chunky stuff without sending vibrations throughout the bike. It will also increase the diameter of your wheels which will also help to roll over stuff better.
Have to say your channel always inspires me to go out and ride and ride like I am a kid again. Every speed bump in the road is an excuse to bunny hop off it
Not only is it a great rigid MTB but the bike does a lot well. I use mine to cruise around the city, it eats up gravel and double track like butter. It's also a phenomenal bikepacking bike if you want to weigh it down or just want to go light and fast. Btw, the tires in your video are legit but if you want a good fast tire on tarmac, gravel, and light chunk, look at the Continental race king protection, it's a hell of a tire.
Hard agree on the Race King Protection. 2.1 of fast, secure, all-year round no-nonsense. Sketchy as all hell in mud but fast on everything else. Amazing on gravel and hard-pack, even a blast on surfaced roads. Have had a pair on for four years now…
I added top bar brakes in addition on my gravel bike. It's great and feels safer when you need to emergency brake. Aside from the trails, the moment someone opens a car door in your path.
Ive been riding a similar bike setup for the last decade. Still probably my over-all favorite bike to ride and it's capable of riding some pretty gnarly tech if you give it a chance. Just something about that pure ride quality I love
According to a video posted yesterday on RUclips, GT bikes will shut down due to low sales of mountain bikes. They will remain open until their inventory is depleted. I hope you make a video about that.
I have an All City Gorilla Monsoon steel 27.5x2.25 ATB with a dropper post. I live in Iowa and we have a race called Core 4 in Iowa city. 4 pavement types. Gravel, road, single track, and level B minimum maintenance roads. Your bike would be perfect to tackle something like that. It’s cool to not be pressured into buying the latest greatest and just get outside as much as possible.
I remember having a blast trail riding a basic trek 26” mountain bike with v brakes back in the day. Now I can’t imagine going without 29s and a dropper post and a decent fork lol
I run 2.6 tires and a dropper on my Cutthroat for dropbarmtb. I have considered getting a 100 or 120mm fork for it as well but I kind of switched over to my hardtail MTB as my main. Still love dropbarmtb just haven't dug it out in a minute. If I were to do it again though I would get something like a Salsa Fargo for the more aggressive frame design then add an angle headset and a 120mm fork. The standover clearance comes into play more than I expected and I would prefer steel to carbon for this type of riding.
I’m so glad you’ve found out how capable a good gravel bike can be on singletrack. I love hard tails, but I definitely enjoy my gravel bike more on trails. The versatility is amazing
@@АнтонАлексеенко_044 Your logic is flawed. There are a million variations of bikes. Even within the narrow confines of specific categories and niche sub-categories, there are huge variations. But there's one universal constant. NO SINGLE BIKE CAN DO EVERYTHING EQUALLY WELL. There are always compromises that have to be made. When it comes to frames, forks, wheels and every other component, you can choose an almost limitless number of combinations to get what you want from a bike. But you will still have to decide on which compromises you are willing to make.
Good stuff, Matty! Me? I tried to get into trail riding on a drop bar gravel bike w/big tires but just never enjoyed it as much. It's a comfort & control thing. Now all of my bikes have flat bars except for my road bike, though it has 40mm tires so it's more of an atb/gravel bike.
I walked in a bike shop a few months ago to buy bar tape and started looking around at the new bikes thinking, "why is that needed?" LOL. Kuddos for making a video on simplicity in a world of mass marketing.
I just went the opposite way and took a Trek XCaliber 8 I got for a great price ($999) and switched the 2.35" Ardent Race tires to 700C x 50mm Schwalbe G-One Overland Gravel tires. I wanted a Gravel bike with front suspension to smooth out occassional rocks and roots and it's worked out well. Just have to keep in mind I gave up tires meant for rockier/wet trails and use a regular MTB on those days.
I like your message about just having fun, definitely what its all about. That being said i tried the gravel bike for a couple years and wasn't having it. Hardtail xc is the minimum my riding style can handle lol. If your ever in Colorado Springs hit me up i will show you some trails👍
Have you tried a rigid fat bike. I bought one mainly for winter riding, but am enjoying it under all conditions. Simple, responsive and surprising fast, even on the climbs. The fat tires smooth out the ride with the wide footprint and lower pressures
The problem is that too many people think downhill bike park riding is mountain biking and trail riding and tech with punchy climbs either don’t exist or are just the annoying part on their way to the top of the downhill run. I have an alloy mid travel trail bike and a step through leisure bike, those two bikes are all I need. With my old joints I want/need full suspension on the rocky trails here in PA(those trails you’re on in this video are smooth) but a hard tail would suffice for most…full rigid is a no go for me.
For my drop bar MTB, I find it’s helpful to position the hoods at a higher angle. Yeah it’s not as aesthetically nice, but it gives you more control over the rougher stuff with your hands on the hoods.
I love your videos and your perspective on mountain biking. I started off on a hardtail fuji, felt the pressure to upgrade to a full suspension DaVinci troy, and now have gone full circle and primarily only ride my fully rigid g1 explorer. less is more and under-biking is amazing
Sweet setup on your Breezer! I'm in the midwest and will take my gravel bike on the rails to trails to some much milder single track/gravel. Had some some deep rim on 700c with file treads and replaced them with 650b with 47mm senderos on Ibis wheels recently and have only test ridden it... If you have 650b wheelset, it would allow bigger tire and it would lower your bottom bracket giving you more stability, assuming the frame is compatible.
I LOVE rigid bikes. From the start of my MTB journey, I built weird bikes. I never felt like I wanted a full suspension, and the trails in California and Nevada are covered in them. The most bike I'll ever need is my Santa Cruz Chameleon. It's a special treat to ride a drop bar rigid MTB, it can go just about everywhere. Grind gravel, bikepack, and shred singletrack. It's a slower, but more enjoyable experience. It's also safer even though you are underbiking. Suspension gives you a lot of confidence that can go wrong. I built up a steel crossroads with 2in tires, from 1995. It's a rim brake bike, but thats just more fun. Drop bars, boutique parts (velo orange and crust). It's my favorite rig even for the big mountain stuff.
Monstercross!! I remember late 2000s folks trying to stuff mtb tires in road bike frames and/or put drop bars on mtbs. I’m so glad that 29x2.0+ & drop bars are accepted now!
People started doing those things long before the late 2000s. As soon as MTBs appeared, people started putting drop bars on them. As for road bikes, the precursor to 'modern' Cyclocross consisted of people adapting a variety of road or touring bikes to run cross country. The UCI spoiled things when, as per usual, they started regulating the individual innovation and fun out of cycling by putting very specific and restrictive limitations on what constitutes a suitable bike.
I love my gravel bike. It awesome for alot of the green and some of the blue trails. Completely different experience and it has really helped me when it comes to enduro racing.
I love this bike. I saw one in a local bike shop but it wasn't my size. I have a nice emtb but I'm thinking about ordering one to just ride the roads and gravel around here.
I have a trail bike from 2016 (Ghost ASX 5500), though been upgraded, but it is still old,yet still very much capable. An enduro bike from 2019 ( Commie Clash), and a DH bike from 2010 (Specialized Demo 8),and some parts and components were upgraded. The only new bike i will have is the DJ i ordered from GT. Still on the way though…😊
I’m not sure how old you are Matty but I’m 54 and the longer I ride (entire life) the more I want simplicity, a bit like you I think? I’m quite intrigued by the hard tail with drop bars, curious to see how that goes?
I've been riding the Krytotal's on my full suspension MTB for about a year and love them. Not the greatest tire in fine loose gravel, but they are predictable enough that I can over look that small negative.
Have a bike like this in my quiver, with a suntour suspension seatpost, and the Kenekt dual pivot suspension stem, the Posiedon Redwood is heavy with all that on it, but I can ride it just about anywhere. It Came with some cheap Kenda Cadre tires, but with some slim tubes, have managed to get almost 2000 miles out of the stock $20 tires that came on the bike.
Enjoy man. I love my gravel bike. A giant revolt I'm ordering a hunt limitless gravel wheelset sticking my 40mm schwalbe g ones on those for road and lighter gravel. And the stock wheels are getting some fast xc mtb tyres. And will use those for rough gravel, mtb trails and bike packing.
I have a Surly Midnight Special and I've put on MTB tires and wheels for the same experience. The most disconcerting thing about a gravel bike on MTB trails - at least for me - was the seat height. I can't get the seat low enough on my MS. Because of the more aggressive slant of an MTB top tube, you can get the seat much lower. I have dropper posts on my MTBs and I use them a lot.
I'm actually the opposite. I feel like my one "do it all" bike is an enduro. It's a little heavier, but I'm never going to feel outgunned or beaten to death.
At 40 years old, going on 41, I’m fine hitting mainly blue trails, some greens, and the occasionally black trail. My Hardtail is fine for what I do. Considering a rigid Jones LWB in my future instead.
I run the Conti Krpytotals on my bike, love em. Though I run the downhill casings on both ends with super soft up front and soft out back, bike is a 160/170 travel bike though.
I've downsized my squadron of bikes and I have found my one bike to rule them all. It's a Genesis Vagabond and it is a joy to ride......not that it's stopped me enjoying the other three bikes I have.. 😁.
Been rideing hardtsil bikes for years. Lagely riding where I do a hardtail is really tiring and painful. I bought a full squish e-bike. Its a definite game changer. I rode where I rode years back. Iwas smiling the entire ride. Ive always like hardtails and gracel bikes. I turned an older rockhopper into a ridgid and dropped hard on the first ride.
The seat there look level with the bars. Efficiency may come more from narrower bars being more aero than your bars being dropped. Also less weight of course. Not sure if you lockout your suspension as that makes it more efficient. Lighter wheels also contribute to that feeling of zippiness.
Great video I mostly agree with you as long as you’re not handicapping yourself with the equipment you are using. A $300 bike could be just as fun as a $3000 if it’s used under the right circumstances and could be dangerous under others. It’s about having the right bike for maximum fun.
"having too pay attention" means your working your brain cells too much. on a proper bike that can maneuver that trail without thinking and just enjoying there ride is where it's at. keep on it though, you really like the hard ways
Very little in modern cycling is a totally new idea. As soon as MTBs appeared, people started putting drop bars on them. As for "gravel bikes", the precursor to 'modern' Cyclocross consisted of people adapting a variety of road or touring bikes to run cross country. Until the UCI put restrictive limitations on what constitutes a Cyclocross bike. Basically, people have been trying to adapt bikes and ride them everywhere since the bicycle was invented. Bike technology has improved, but the ideas are old. Bigger, stronger wheels, fatter tyres, suspension, multiple handlebar shapes, different frame types... they all existed over a hundred years ago.
Flat bar hardtail bikes are great downhill, one job. Drop bar mtn bikes are faster, more comfortable on smoother, open, rolling and flat areas. It's a trade off. Downhill speed on a hardtail is traded for overall comfort and higher miles with drop bars. Plus a drop bar mtn bike frame design has a shorter top tube. Try this: Stand with you hands straight out in front of you, 90 deg to floor, thumbs up, hold for five seconds. Then, turn you hands in so that your thumbs are pointed toward each other. You will immediately feel the tension in your forearms when you turn your thumbs facing each other. That tension is a flat bar mtn bike lack of comfort. Thumbs up position, less tension, is neutral on a drop bar bike.
Love the rigid bike and big cushy tires but flat bars would be safer on that trail 😄 Longer rides from home = drop bars for comfort and speed as you said.
Hey Matty, great vid! Great idea to put some MTB tires on! What action cam chest mount are you using? I’m just starting out filming and the first chest mount did not work out well 😂. Thanks!
I think you're re-discovering the origins of mountain bikes...back in the day the only bike you could get that was off-road rugged was a BMX, but you really couldn't get those in adult sizes and you really needed the gears of a 3 or 10 speed bike for climbing. Guys would fit bigger tires on the street bike frame and there you have it. You summed it up best, it needs to be fun first and foremost. I think you're hitting a wall where you've been there and done that (I can relate), you're finding new ways to keep it interesting. You're going to want to start riding with friends again, that's the best way to keep it fun and discover new places to ride.
I'd like to think that we as real cyclist are getting back to simplicity. I'm done drooling over expensive ass bike from the big “S” and the like. Pricing has gotten ridiculous and honestly the owned retail that “T and “S” are doing is hurting the brick and mortar shops and honestly the sport of cycling. Great video. Thank you
I have been thinking about turning my hardtail into a monstercross style bike. I ride a lot of cross country type trails. My wrists and hands get so tired after awhile.
My worse crash of all happened many years ago while mountain biking pre-dropper post. The geo of the bike was more road than anything but the lack of dropper lead to an OTB. Matty , any inclination to adding a dropper?
That is some of the INSIDE's Problem; One upping each other through trendy vanities :(. When I buy a bike, I look at frame design and few other frame accessory options and if a bike company has what I am needing, I purchase it (normally at an inexpensive cost) and when I get it, I rebuild it to my liking (what works and performs well for me as a female rider and my own knowledge about components).
I think the positioning works well for you there. Here in Dallas/FtWorth - aggressive stance and being low = OTB. Now about the music choice, I loved it. Next time, try some Breezin by George Benson OR Wednesdays Child by The Rippingtons. Lastly - you’re on point with the most important aspect to have…..FUN.
@ I have family down there, what trails are these. I’ve only heard of 1000 ft descent over 10/15/20 miles down there and we’re used to 2500 foot over 5/10 miles in Colorado. Haven’t ever even bothered bringing a bike.
Personally I prefer hardtail’s and single speed Mtn bikes. I also love my gravel bikes and have 2 of them. A 1x more aggressive gravel trail bike and a 2x more efficient road bike but capable of trails too. I have gone with some aggressive gravel tires but put them on wider Mtn bike rims.After watching you rip through these trails I think I will put some 2.1’ aggressive Mtn bike tires and see how they compare with my Schwalbe G-One Ultrabite gravel tires
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We live in a society in America that is saturated in materialism and self/instant gratification. We miss out on the fun and experimentation of life because we base a lot of our experiences off of others opinions and influence.
I grew up in Baltimore city, you had a target painted on your back if you rode a "nice" bike, because you would get mugged or someone would break into your shed to take you bike, so we all road cheap franken bikes and it was the best time ever, discovered trails up the road and a jump line. Those bikes did what they were made for........FUN
Bullseye!
Sorry about you being from the Baltimore area as it has been a dangerous mess for many years. I grew up in VA and when we were kids we rode bmx bikes and just enjoyed the dirt and being part of a gang. The good kind of gang, a gang of neighborhood kids. You are spot on with people needing to live in the moment.
The way we used to do it (without drops)... and it was super fun. Simpler times... simpler pleasures. Great vid.
As you get a bit older that lack of front suspension and skinny tires on a bumpy technical high speed trail will take its toll. On smooth trails however, its a perfect fit.
This 100% - Matty is like 20 years old. For those in 60, 70’s and beyond…if you don’t want new elbows, shoulders, wrists and spinal cord…I’d stay away from these bikes Matty is recommending. Unless you’re riding smoother gravel roads. Going in the mountains with bumps, rocks and roots - dual sus is a must for us older folks. Sorry to burst your bubble, Matty.
Suspension forks for gravel/ monstercross bikes exist, so do suspension dropper posts.
@@gainknowledgeandinsight not necessarily, I’m 59 and while I do have a fs bike I don’t consider it “a must” and could easily get by with my hard tail and gravel bikes if I wanted to.
@@gainknowledgeandinsight Often it's diet or other causes of inflammation (allergies even) that affect the joints. We needs lot of phytonutrients to keep inflammation down. Look at the Tarahumara tribes in Mexico. The older people lift massive rocks on their backs and no pain. A little bit of pain can keep the joints healthy via a process called Hormesis. It was found people who exercise end up with less joint pain for a given task. Obviously you do not want to pull tendons etc by straining too much. But it was found a good way to manage osteoarthritis is exercise - by pushing through the milder pain. So it's not as simple as you think in terms "bursting bubbles". Much more complex!
@jeffsharp4982 agree! Part of what I enjoy about riding a rigid bike is carefully selecting lines and using my arms and legs to achieve as smooth of a ride on techy terrain as I can achieve, instead of relying in a suspension to smooth out the trail.
Props to the Lancer Evo with a bike rack.
I love the progression of your channel, getting more people doing more with less!
Steel hardtails all day long! Simple sketchy fun!
I just spent too much money on a norco torrent. Chromo frame. I remember years ago hating aluminum bikes and loving my older steel frames. Now 99% of MTB stuff is super stiff aluminum frames
You always remind me of my twin brother when riding bikes. He loves keeping it simple preferring steel, hardtails and cable brakes. He also enjoys taking his Surly Grappler out on the local Atlanta trails showing that it can be done.
I agree with everything except brakes. Nowadays, hydraulic brakes are cheap, simple, and reliable.
@@theymademepickaname1248 He works in the tech industry, so his work life is full of high-tech gadgets. So when he relaxes he goes with low tech options, like wooden recurve bows and arrows. At least he does get very nice Paul brakes.
I am in the same spot. I have Continental Race King 2.2 on my steel gravel bike and I use it for everything from commuting to XC riding. Sooooo versatile and fun! I love it for just chill rolling off-road away from the daily buzz
RK 2.2 is an amazing tire and would make Marty’s bike come alive.
@jmdrstv I agree. I would go so far and say that the Kryptotal on his bike is a bit too much 😅
@@eXaviar a wee bit
It's all about enjoying the trail in your own vibe!
Right on man. Biking is about having fun. Kudos for having the presence of mind to see what's fun isn't necessary what the bike industry wants to sell us. I love the feeling of being connected to the trail.
I've got a lot of bikes, including a full suspension trail bike, randonneuring / sportif bike, rigid fat bike, rigid single speed trail bike, coaster brake 26'er, and a drop bar bike like you have. Even though I got back into cycling through mountain biking, my drop bar bike tire Stooge Rambler is really the bike that delights me the most, for the reasons you're talking about. These days I run it with a super fast rolling 2.2" semi-slick rear tire and a 2.2" XC tire up front with a dropper post. It's amazing how capable it is, and how much spicy stuff you can get into with the dropper post. I even added Cushcore XC and now I'm wondering why I own the other bikes. It's perfect for mixed terrain riding or even just long paved road rambles. You're totally right-- there's no need to overcomplicate your ride.
I love your video and your philosophy on riding!
i bought my first mountain bike in 1989 and have ridden hard tails and full suspension bikes during the last 30+ years. I am back a rigid bike these days and I love it!! and the Breezer is something I want in the future!
Awesome video!
Have just stumbled across your channel as I was going to purchase a second hand Trek Roscoe 6, and watched your review vid which is 3 years old, now I have watched so many of your vids and really enjoy the content 😂 subbed. Much love from New Zealand 🇳🇿🙌
Thank you! The trek Roscoe 6 is an awesome bike!
In the future you should experiment with some 2.6 tires on the rigid (Rekons or Forekasters are both fast rolling and have enough grip) and lower the PSI so the tires can act as a suspension system . Wider tires actually decrease rolling resistance because they have a wider shorter contact patch and conform to the terrain better and roll over chunky stuff without sending vibrations throughout the bike. It will also increase the diameter of your wheels which will also help to roll over stuff better.
Have to say your channel always inspires me to go out and ride and ride like I am a kid again. Every speed bump in the road is an excuse to bunny hop off it
Not only is it a great rigid MTB but the bike does a lot well. I use mine to cruise around the city, it eats up gravel and double track like butter. It's also a phenomenal bikepacking bike if you want to weigh it down or just want to go light and fast.
Btw, the tires in your video are legit but if you want a good fast tire on tarmac, gravel, and light chunk, look at the Continental race king protection, it's a hell of a tire.
Hard agree on the Race King Protection. 2.1 of fast, secure, all-year round no-nonsense. Sketchy as all hell in mud but fast on everything else. Amazing on gravel and hard-pack, even a blast on surfaced roads. Have had a pair on for four years now…
I added top bar brakes in addition on my gravel bike. It's great and feels safer when you need to emergency brake. Aside from the trails, the moment someone opens a car door in your path.
Ive been riding a similar bike setup for the last decade. Still probably my over-all favorite bike to ride and it's capable of riding some pretty gnarly tech if you give it a chance. Just something about that pure ride quality I love
According to a video posted yesterday on RUclips, GT bikes will shut down due to low sales of mountain bikes. They will remain open until their inventory is depleted. I hope you make a video about that.
I think he did when it was first announced a few weeks ago
I have an All City Gorilla Monsoon steel 27.5x2.25 ATB with a dropper post. I live in Iowa and we have a race called Core 4 in Iowa city. 4 pavement types. Gravel, road, single track, and level B minimum maintenance roads. Your bike would be perfect to tackle something like that. It’s cool to not be pressured into buying the latest greatest and just get outside as much as possible.
I remember having a blast trail riding a basic trek 26” mountain bike with v brakes back in the day. Now I can’t imagine going without 29s and a dropper post and a decent fork lol
I run 2.6 tires and a dropper on my Cutthroat for dropbarmtb. I have considered getting a 100 or 120mm fork for it as well but I kind of switched over to my hardtail MTB as my main. Still love dropbarmtb just haven't dug it out in a minute. If I were to do it again though I would get something like a Salsa Fargo for the more aggressive frame design then add an angle headset and a 120mm fork. The standover clearance comes into play more than I expected and I would prefer steel to carbon for this type of riding.
That looks so buttery smooth!
Nice video, I like the way that you simplify some of the things that most of us make way too complicated.
I’m so glad you’ve found out how capable a good gravel bike can be on singletrack. I love hard tails, but I definitely enjoy my gravel bike more on trails. The versatility is amazing
The only problem is that as it gets capable on a singletrack it also becomes as capable as a mountain bike on a road. So where is the win there?
@@АнтонАлексеенко_044 Your logic is flawed. There are a million variations of bikes. Even within the narrow confines of specific categories and niche sub-categories, there are huge variations. But there's one universal constant. NO SINGLE BIKE CAN DO EVERYTHING EQUALLY WELL. There are always compromises that have to be made. When it comes to frames, forks, wheels and every other component, you can choose an almost limitless number of combinations to get what you want from a bike. But you will still have to decide on which compromises you are willing to make.
That place your riding your bike is beautiful.
Good stuff, Matty!
Me? I tried to get into trail riding on a drop bar gravel bike w/big tires but just never enjoyed it as much. It's a comfort & control thing. Now all of my bikes have flat bars except for my road bike, though it has 40mm tires so it's more of an atb/gravel bike.
I walked in a bike shop a few months ago to buy bar tape and started looking around at the new bikes thinking, "why is that needed?" LOL. Kuddos for making a video on simplicity in a world of mass marketing.
I just went the opposite way and took a Trek XCaliber 8 I got for a great price ($999) and switched the 2.35" Ardent Race tires to 700C x 50mm Schwalbe G-One Overland Gravel tires. I wanted a Gravel bike with front suspension to smooth out occassional rocks and roots and it's worked out well. Just have to keep in mind I gave up tires meant for rockier/wet trails and use a regular MTB on those days.
Be safe. Have fun. Ride often!
I like your message about just having fun, definitely what its all about.
That being said i tried the gravel bike for a couple years and wasn't having it. Hardtail xc is the minimum my riding style can handle lol.
If your ever in Colorado Springs hit me up i will show you some trails👍
Have you tried a rigid fat bike. I bought one mainly for winter riding, but am enjoying it under all conditions. Simple, responsive and surprising fast, even on the climbs. The fat tires smooth out the ride with the wide footprint and lower pressures
The problem is that too many people think downhill bike park riding is mountain biking and trail riding and tech with punchy climbs either don’t exist or are just the annoying part on their way to the top of the downhill run. I have an alloy mid travel trail bike and a step through leisure bike, those two bikes are all I need. With my old joints I want/need full suspension on the rocky trails here in PA(those trails you’re on in this video are smooth) but a hard tail would suffice for most…full rigid is a no go for me.
For my drop bar MTB, I find it’s helpful to position the hoods at a higher angle. Yeah it’s not as aesthetically nice, but it gives you more control over the rougher stuff with your hands on the hoods.
Speaking as a cyclist who lives in the UK, your very lucky living where you do, very nice.
Cool build man! Seems like a very versatile bike!
I love your videos and your perspective on mountain biking. I started off on a hardtail fuji, felt the pressure to upgrade to a full suspension DaVinci troy, and now have gone full circle and primarily only ride my fully rigid g1 explorer. less is more and under-biking is amazing
Sweet setup on your Breezer! I'm in the midwest and will take my gravel bike on the rails to trails to some much milder single track/gravel. Had some some deep rim on 700c with file treads and replaced them with 650b with 47mm senderos on Ibis wheels recently and have only test ridden it... If you have 650b wheelset, it would allow bigger tire and it would lower your bottom bracket giving you more stability, assuming the frame is compatible.
I just got a Santa Cruz stigmata, I’m one of those idiots that over pays for a bike, but worth every penny those drop bar bikes are awesome!!!
I LOVE rigid bikes. From the start of my MTB journey, I built weird bikes. I never felt like I wanted a full suspension, and the trails in California and Nevada are covered in them. The most bike I'll ever need is my Santa Cruz Chameleon. It's a special treat to ride a drop bar rigid MTB, it can go just about everywhere. Grind gravel, bikepack, and shred singletrack. It's a slower, but more enjoyable experience. It's also safer even though you are underbiking. Suspension gives you a lot of confidence that can go wrong.
I built up a steel crossroads with 2in tires, from 1995. It's a rim brake bike, but thats just more fun. Drop bars, boutique parts (velo orange and crust). It's my favorite rig even for the big mountain stuff.
Monstercross!! I remember late 2000s folks trying to stuff mtb tires in road bike frames and/or put drop bars on mtbs.
I’m so glad that 29x2.0+ & drop bars are accepted now!
People started doing those things long before the late 2000s. As soon as MTBs appeared, people started putting drop bars on them. As for road bikes, the precursor to 'modern' Cyclocross consisted of people adapting a variety of road or touring bikes to run cross country. The UCI spoiled things when, as per usual, they started regulating the individual innovation and fun out of cycling by putting very specific and restrictive limitations on what constitutes a suitable bike.
I love my gravel bike. It awesome for alot of the green and some of the blue trails. Completely different experience and it has really helped me when it comes to enduro racing.
I love this bike. I saw one in a local bike shop but it wasn't my size. I have a nice emtb but I'm thinking about ordering one to just ride the roads and gravel around here.
At the end of the day it’s really about what you want to ride. I ride park mostly so my trek slash is perfect for me.
I have a trail bike from 2016 (Ghost ASX 5500), though been upgraded, but it is still old,yet still very much capable. An enduro bike from 2019 ( Commie Clash), and a DH bike from 2010 (Specialized Demo 8),and some parts and components were upgraded. The only new bike i will have is the DJ i ordered from GT. Still on the way though…😊
Looking cool🔥🔥🔥
There is a certain charm in simple bikes.
I’m not sure how old you are Matty but I’m 54 and the longer I ride (entire life) the more I want simplicity, a bit like you I think? I’m quite intrigued by the hard tail with drop bars, curious to see how that goes?
I've been riding the Krytotal's on my full suspension MTB for about a year and love them. Not the greatest tire in fine loose gravel, but they are predictable enough that I can over look that small negative.
Have a bike like this in my quiver, with a suntour suspension seatpost, and the Kenekt dual pivot suspension stem, the Posiedon Redwood is heavy with all that on it, but I can ride it just about anywhere. It Came with some cheap Kenda Cadre tires, but with some slim tubes, have managed to get almost 2000 miles out of the stock $20 tires that came on the bike.
Go Matty Go,,, your rocking this stuff... wheels down brother... lol... Western Canada Don along the Rocky I Range
Enjoy man. I love my gravel bike. A giant revolt I'm ordering a hunt limitless gravel wheelset sticking my 40mm schwalbe g ones on those for road and lighter gravel. And the stock wheels are getting some fast xc mtb tyres. And will use those for rough gravel, mtb trails and bike packing.
I’ve been on a steel rigid mtb for years now and it’s the best riding if you are looking for a all-body workout 😂
Good reminder to get my Walmart gravel bike fixed up.
I have a Surly Midnight Special and I've put on MTB tires and wheels for the same experience. The most disconcerting thing about a gravel bike on MTB trails - at least for me - was the seat height. I can't get the seat low enough on my MS. Because of the more aggressive slant of an MTB top tube, you can get the seat much lower. I have dropper posts on my MTBs and I use them a lot.
Simple. Capable. Fun. What can you ask?
Matty said it best in the 1st 55 seconds. That’s what it’s all about. 👍
I'm actually the opposite. I feel like my one "do it all" bike is an enduro. It's a little heavier, but I'm never going to feel outgunned or beaten to death.
At 40 years old, going on 41, I’m fine hitting mainly blue trails, some greens, and the occasionally black trail. My Hardtail is fine for what I do. Considering a rigid Jones LWB in my future instead.
I run the Conti Krpytotals on my bike, love em. Though I run the downhill casings on both ends with super soft up front and soft out back, bike is a 160/170 travel bike though.
I've downsized my squadron of bikes and I have found my one bike to rule them all. It's a Genesis Vagabond and it is a joy to ride......not that it's stopped me enjoying the other three bikes I have.. 😁.
Been rideing hardtsil bikes for years. Lagely riding where I do a hardtail is really tiring and painful. I bought a full squish e-bike. Its a definite game changer. I rode where I rode years back. Iwas smiling the entire ride. Ive always like hardtails and gracel bikes. I turned an older rockhopper into a ridgid and dropped hard on the first ride.
The seat there look level with the bars. Efficiency may come more from narrower bars being more aero than your bars being dropped. Also less weight of course. Not sure if you lockout your suspension as that makes it more efficient. Lighter wheels also contribute to that feeling of zippiness.
This is the way. Whatever works for you and give you fun! Who's there to tell you what's good and fun for you, right?
Awesome build, refreshing approach. Great that the Breezer has so much clearance. Next step: dropper?
Jones bike is ideal for what you’re about. Best bike I’ve ever ridden.
I’m 45. Singlespeed baby🤘🏻 lube your chain check yer brakes and maybe put some air in your tires. Ride! ✌🏻 cool vid my dude
Great video
I mostly agree with you as long as you’re not handicapping yourself with the equipment you are using.
A $300 bike could be just as fun as a $3000 if it’s used under the right circumstances and could be dangerous under others. It’s about having the right bike for maximum fun.
"having too pay attention" means your working your brain cells too much. on a proper bike that can maneuver that trail without thinking and just enjoying there ride is where it's at. keep on it though, you really like the hard ways
Would have been nice to see update on build and; acquire a suspension seat post
Very little in modern cycling is a totally new idea. As soon as MTBs appeared, people started putting drop bars on them. As for "gravel bikes", the precursor to 'modern' Cyclocross consisted of people adapting a variety of road or touring bikes to run cross country. Until the UCI put restrictive limitations on what constitutes a Cyclocross bike. Basically, people have been trying to adapt bikes and ride them everywhere since the bicycle was invented. Bike technology has improved, but the ideas are old. Bigger, stronger wheels, fatter tyres, suspension, multiple handlebar shapes, different frame types... they all existed over a hundred years ago.
Its alright if you dont really like mtbing.
Oh no, must we now part ways? I can't see myself watching someone ride MTB trails with drop bars 😮😂
Flat bar hardtail bikes are great downhill, one job. Drop bar mtn bikes are faster, more comfortable on smoother, open, rolling and flat areas. It's a trade off. Downhill speed on a hardtail is traded for overall comfort and higher miles with drop bars. Plus a drop bar mtn bike frame design has a shorter top tube. Try this: Stand with you hands straight out in front of you, 90 deg to floor, thumbs up, hold for five seconds. Then, turn you hands in so that your thumbs are pointed toward each other. You will immediately feel the tension in your forearms when you turn your thumbs facing each other. That tension is a flat bar mtn bike lack of comfort. Thumbs up position, less tension, is neutral on a drop bar bike.
Also you out in Colorado take that thing on a badass bikepack trip
Love the rigid bike and big cushy tires but flat bars would be safer on that trail 😄
Longer rides from home = drop bars for comfort and speed as you said.
Hey Matty, great vid! Great idea to put some MTB tires on! What action cam chest mount are you using? I’m just starting out filming and the first chest mount did not work out well 😂. Thanks!
I tried a minimal bike. I prefer my full sus carbon bike. Very light weight, very playful. Easier on my body, especially my spine.
I don’t blame you! I just don’t ride as crazy as I used to so my body doesn’t really take a beating like that.
Enjoy while your wrists are still intact because you’ll destroy them in due time. Love your videos though, you’re so grounded!
I think you're re-discovering the origins of mountain bikes...back in the day the only bike you could get that was off-road rugged was a BMX, but you really couldn't get those in adult sizes and you really needed the gears of a 3 or 10 speed bike for climbing. Guys would fit bigger tires on the street bike frame and there you have it. You summed it up best, it needs to be fun first and foremost. I think you're hitting a wall where you've been there and done that (I can relate), you're finding new ways to keep it interesting. You're going to want to start riding with friends again, that's the best way to keep it fun and discover new places to ride.
I'd like to think that we as real cyclist are getting back to simplicity. I'm done drooling over expensive ass bike from the big “S” and the like.
Pricing has gotten ridiculous and honestly the owned retail that “T and “S” are doing is hurting the brick and mortar shops and honestly the sport of cycling.
Great video. Thank you
i remember when $2500 before covid got you a good bike. with the crazy price on MTB i went back to riding my BMX bikes alot more.
Those Continental tires probably cost more than my current bike, they are FIRE!
My Rigid 84 Ritchey works good too. 2.2 tires
Great video.
You took it to the shop to change tires...
hard to watch lol
I'm currently doing the opposite, trail bike with skinny 2.3 xc tires with fast rolling tread, we shall see
I just put those kinds of tires on my rigid breezer thunder mountain bike and I love them
I have been thinking about turning my hardtail into a monstercross style bike. I ride a lot of cross country type trails. My wrists and hands get so tired after awhile.
straight bar is good enough for me
My worse crash of all happened many years ago while mountain biking pre-dropper post. The geo of the bike was more road than anything but the lack of dropper lead to an OTB.
Matty , any inclination to adding a dropper?
Less is more is my motto for my lifestyle in general
Cheers
That is some of the INSIDE's Problem; One upping each other through trendy vanities :(. When I buy a bike, I look at frame design and few other frame accessory options and if a bike company has what I am needing, I purchase it (normally at an inexpensive cost) and when I get it, I rebuild it to my liking (what works and performs well for me as a female rider and my own knowledge about components).
I think the positioning works well for you there. Here in Dallas/FtWorth - aggressive stance and being low = OTB. Now about the music choice, I loved it. Next time, try some Breezin by George Benson OR Wednesdays Child by The Rippingtons. Lastly - you’re on point with the most important aspect to have…..FUN.
Y’all got steeper trails than Colorado?
@ I think it’s steepness plus tons of toots, ticks & drops. Personally angled more aggressively forward and down shifts body weight too far forward
@ I have family down there, what trails are these. I’ve only heard of 1000 ft descent over 10/15/20 miles down there and we’re used to 2500 foot over 5/10 miles in Colorado. Haven’t ever even bothered bringing a bike.
Personally I prefer hardtail’s and single speed Mtn bikes. I also love my gravel bikes and have 2 of them. A 1x more aggressive gravel trail bike and a 2x more efficient road bike but capable of trails too. I have gone with some aggressive gravel tires but put them on wider Mtn bike rims.After watching you rip through these trails I think I will put some 2.1’ aggressive Mtn bike tires and see how they compare with my Schwalbe G-One Ultrabite gravel tires
I'd be interested to see if that bike can fit 27.5 x 3.0 and how that would change your ride feel.
What a great all-around bike! On the tires, are you running tubeless? What pressure are you running on the trail?
Those tires look badass! How do they roll? im Currently shopping around.
Yeah, gravel es pretty, but a suspension fork on irregular terrain just makes sense.
a "smaller" mountain bike for me would be a 140/125 which I would love to find one with an aluminum frame and under 31lbs