Worth mentioning for those considering doing the GAP and C&O - if you ride from Pittsburgh to DC it is a constant grade of less than 3% because the route was built for train traffic. This leaves you with a pretty significant drop to closer to sea level just before you get to Cumberland, MD. If you do it the other way from DC to Pittsburgh you have to ride that climb - or take the vintage train out of Cumberland to Frostburg to avoid a good part of it. The "pay off" is that you have a pretty constant descent on the GAP into Pittsburgh.
igor is such a good filmmaker!! great video!! that shot of nic riding along the monocacy aueduct was genius. you had to ride where the water used to be to get that perspective.
That saddle bag stand off is awesome. There and Back looks good to but too nice and polished for most of my bikes. I would have to upgrade my bike just to fit that rack.❤
As you know, built the Low Kicker up over winter specifically for a towpath rig. It’s been great. I’m all over the 30 miles from Ft Frederick to the boat launch 15 mi the other way where I get on in Williamsport a few min from my house. I run it a few times a week for fitness and make a few longer trips a year. I was hoping it was my who cares if it rains rig with the fenders. I’ve removed them. I’m thinking it was my tire choice, GravelKing SK I’m at 48. They are a little too much and rub and grab lots of small stones and sticks and make a ton of noise slinging rocks out the front, sometimes at people walking in the opposite direction, lol. They were just so noisy and maybe a 47 slick would be quieter, but I’ll wear these out 1st. I do love the seat tube bag prop. I’d try it since I had a Swift Catalyst on my saddle and disliked for your same reasons. Plus on the saddle and the handlebars it sags so much it doesn’t sit upright. I installed the Carradice Bagman bar rack and it supports the bag perfectly in the upright position on the handlebars allowing a complete top down access and packing. Highly recommend…. The granola bars need the rubber to clamp well 😁. Anyhow… thanks for making this amazing bike. I love it and it’s definitely a conversation starter with all the gravel bikes and mountain bikes in the towpath. Make more C&O vids and if you guys ever host a group DC-Pitt C&O/GAP trip, I’m 100% down.
I used to live just a few miles from the C&O. As a vintage and retro bike fan I'm a huge fan of Velo Orange parts. I had no idea you guys were in that part of the country.
Did you end up putting in a longer stem after putting on the granola? If yes how much longer did you go? Considering switching to the granola but guessing my 70mm stem might be a wee bit short?
The C&O, unlike the GAP, can be a challenge after a rain. Larger tires will get you through the inevitable mud holes. I wish the NPS had funding to lay a thick stone dust layer along the length of the C&O.
So can you comment on the granola bar vs drop bar prior with some miles now? I’ve actually considered going granola-drop since for me the most comfortable position is up in the bend. I might just put some bar tape in there. Not that the handles are uncomfortable, but the front end settles down and tracks on rails then. I might just put a longer stem on also. Meh….
I've always toured with drops and I'll still recommend them for people just getting into long distance touring. Can't hurt to try them! Thats the cool thing about bikes, it's fairly easy to change bars!
Fab looking trail… interesting to see pre-railway infrastructure. I noticed a nifty front light bracket on your front rack.. is that a VO part? If so could you give me the name? Thanks 👍🏽😀
The GAP and C&O are such awesome resources! Did Pitts to DC this spring and there were folks of all types out riding, camping, and having a blast. How cool is it to just ride a bike all day!
There is a parking garage in the Washington Harbour complex in Georgetown that I have used. The complex is right on the Potomac and a short distance to the start of the C&O Canal - it is actually between mile marker zero for the canal and the start of the path. Multiple restaurants to choose from after your ride, as well.
stupid comment. no scientific basis. this comment is made as a psychological slight in order to minimize and shame -- but shame doesnt figure here, and so your rude self righteousness is just that. what KIND of helmet is cool? ANY helmet? if you lived in copenhagen where 3 million people rode helmetless today, youd be ashamed to make such an ass arrogant comment...
Or just big city dwellers. I live in Moscow, and I have to the same thing. Sometimes it’s a car, sometimes it’s a suburban train. Highways which lead outside the city area are overloaded with car traffic and not safe to ride.
While I agree, it's not totally our fault lol. Cycling in most American cities/towns is mad dangerous. Drivers here aren't used to bikers, nor do they care...and will fucking run you over. The infrastructure for it just doesn't exist.
Dude, your set up ain't all day good. The bike looks like a city bike. this is not a set up for trails like the gap and c&0. Why don't you at least buy a rear rack and nice water proof panniers and get rid of all of that stupid strap on stuff.you really need another bike to. Go buy a touring bike or a hybrid and fit racks front and back . A nice gravel bike would do great. Thanks for sharing.
Worth mentioning for those considering doing the GAP and C&O - if you ride from Pittsburgh to DC it is a constant grade of less than 3% because the route was built for train traffic. This leaves you with a pretty significant drop to closer to sea level just before you get to Cumberland, MD. If you do it the other way from DC to Pittsburgh you have to ride that climb - or take the vintage train out of Cumberland to Frostburg to avoid a good part of it. The "pay off" is that you have a pretty constant descent on the GAP into Pittsburgh.
The mustache looks great! That looked like a beautiful summer ride!
Great looking bike. Love those cranks. I only wish VO would make 155mm cranks.
Wow you just wake up in the morning and look so tired. Thank you for wonderful video.
We didn't have coffee yet haha
igor is such a good filmmaker!! great video!! that shot of nic riding along the monocacy aueduct was genius. you had to ride where the water used to be to get that perspective.
Aww thanks so much!!
yowza that rack is a super cool idea! looking forward to seeing some more of it
Great shakedown! Love the new products
Thanks!
That saddle bag stand off is awesome. There and Back looks good to but too nice and polished for most of my bikes. I would have to upgrade my bike just to fit that rack.❤
It will be available in black, too!
@@velo_orange❤
As you know, built the Low Kicker up over winter specifically for a towpath rig. It’s been great. I’m all over the 30 miles from Ft Frederick to the boat launch 15 mi the other way where I get on in Williamsport a few min from my house. I run it a few times a week for fitness and make a few longer trips a year. I was hoping it was my who cares if it rains rig with the fenders. I’ve removed them. I’m thinking it was my tire choice, GravelKing SK I’m at 48. They are a little too much and rub and grab lots of small stones and sticks and make a ton of noise slinging rocks out the front, sometimes at people walking in the opposite direction, lol. They were just so noisy and maybe a 47 slick would be quieter, but I’ll wear these out 1st. I do love the seat tube bag prop. I’d try it since I had a Swift Catalyst on my saddle and disliked for your same reasons. Plus on the saddle and the handlebars it sags so much it doesn’t sit upright. I installed the Carradice Bagman bar rack and it supports the bag perfectly in the upright position on the handlebars allowing a complete top down access and packing. Highly recommend…. The granola bars need the rubber to clamp well 😁. Anyhow… thanks for making this amazing bike. I love it and it’s definitely a conversation starter with all the gravel bikes and mountain bikes in the towpath. Make more C&O vids and if you guys ever host a group DC-Pitt C&O/GAP trip, I’m 100% down.
Thank so much for the kind words! Happy riding out there!
Love the Polyvalent as always, ive got the same frame color and pedals on mine but its not a lowkicker
Nice! Happy Riding!
best: " ok, lets get the bike on the car", haha, lol❤
What is that cool saddlebag stand off? Where can I purchase?
I used to live just a few miles from the C&O. As a vintage and retro bike fan I'm a huge fan of Velo Orange parts. I had no idea you guys were in that part of the country.
Thanks for the support! Yep, we're in Glen Burnie, MD
Did you end up putting in a longer stem after putting on the granola? If yes how much longer did you go? Considering switching to the granola but guessing my 70mm stem might be a wee bit short?
Waiting for your silver headset to come back in stock to build up my low kicker
They're almost here! The Key bridge disaster made us re-route vessels to a further port.
Definitely the instant coffee with coke is a must!
It was surprisingly good!
The C&O, unlike the GAP, can be a challenge after a rain. Larger tires will get you through the inevitable mud holes. I wish the NPS had funding to lay a thick stone dust layer along the length of the C&O.
I rode Pittsburgh to DC a year before COVID. NPS was in the process of paving parts of the C&O.
They have done a lot of paving and reconstruction of the trail. It will take time though.
@@BillSmithPerson paving as in asphalt paving?
So can you comment on the granola bar vs drop bar prior with some miles now? I’ve actually considered going granola-drop since for me the most comfortable position is up in the bend. I might just put some bar tape in there. Not that the handles are uncomfortable, but the front end settles down and tracks on rails then. I might just put a longer stem on also. Meh….
I've always toured with drops and I'll still recommend them for people just getting into long distance touring. Can't hurt to try them! Thats the cool thing about bikes, it's fairly easy to change bars!
just two dudes sharing a coffee cola!
This was great.
🧡
Fab looking trail… interesting to see pre-railway infrastructure. I noticed a nifty front light bracket on your front rack.. is that a VO part? If so could you give me the name? Thanks 👍🏽😀
It is just the bracket that came with the light. Not sure if it's available aftermarket
@@velo_orangeok, thanks for the reply 👍🏽
Impressively light load for someone doing the whole DC to Pittsburgh ride! I had way more when doing the GAP section only.
He was flying!
There and Back Rack ... with the Bilbo Baggins reference, this name is a triple entendre, at least,
🧡🧡🧡
Love that low kicker,
🧡
The GAP and C&O are such awesome resources! Did Pitts to DC this spring and there were folks of all types out riding, camping, and having a blast. How cool is it to just ride a bike all day!
Just perfect.
😊
What wheels and tires does Nic have on his bike?
He's running 26" VO Voyager Rims and disc hubs and Ultradynamico 2.2 Mars tires.
@@velo_orange Thanks for the speedy reply.
Looks like Igor also has Ultradynamico. I've been considering these tires. How did they ride? Tube or tubeless?
@@longfellowleather2458 They're pretty good! I'm rolling tubeless. I had a flat and they did seal up pretty well. I did need to top it up though.
Where's a good place to park the car overnight in DC?
I chose to park in a garage nearby the beginning. It was about 25$ but I didn't have to worry about parking on the street.
There is a parking garage in the Washington Harbour complex in Georgetown that I have used. The complex is right on the Potomac and a short distance to the start of the C&O Canal - it is actually between mile marker zero for the canal and the start of the path. Multiple restaurants to choose from after your ride, as well.
Widewater!
Мы кофе с колой мешали по студенчеству и называли это "сладкий бубалех"
Helmets are 🆒
stupid comment. no scientific basis. this comment is made as a psychological slight in order to minimize and shame -- but shame doesnt figure here, and so your rude self righteousness is just that. what KIND of helmet is cool? ANY helmet? if you lived in copenhagen where 3 million people rode helmetless today, youd be ashamed to make such an ass arrogant comment...
I'm thinking about getting a ladies bike for lower stand over height.
Step through bikes are awesome. Definitely don't have to be ladies bikes. As a dude, I ride one everyday.
Putting a bike on a car to have a biketour. Americans…
Or just big city dwellers.
I live in Moscow, and I have to the same thing. Sometimes it’s a car, sometimes it’s a suburban train.
Highways which lead outside the city area are overloaded with car traffic and not safe to ride.
Yes, because our politicians refuse to give us the bike infrastructure and public transit that we are begging for.
While I agree, it's not totally our fault lol. Cycling in most American cities/towns is mad dangerous. Drivers here aren't used to bikers, nor do they care...and will fucking run you over. The infrastructure for it just doesn't exist.
I do it all the time, riding on the street sucks.
Not everyone lives next to a long trail, especially those in/around big cities.
Personally as a man, I wouldn´t want to be riding around, much less doing a tour, on a ladies bike.
Not a ladies bike. It's a step thru. Very practical.
like bikes have gender 🤪
Dude, your set up ain't all day good. The bike looks like a city bike. this is not a set up for trails like the gap and c&0. Why don't you at least buy a rear rack and nice water proof panniers and get rid of all of that stupid strap on stuff.you really need another bike to. Go buy a touring bike or a hybrid and fit racks front and back . A nice gravel bike would do great. Thanks for sharing.