Ha, I love that I can be engrossed watching videos of yours discussing various marginal gains, and then come over here and be like "Yup, flappy shirt. Can relate."
I like the videos both of you produce. I love touring and 'round town biking supple-style (esp. button shirts and flat pedals), as well as learning from Dylan's high-performance sci-tech to get fitter and faster. Keep it all up!
This is great stuff! Thanks, Russ for once again reminding us that we don't need to ask permission from the bicycle police to ride what and how we want. The older I get the more I appreciate practicality and simplicity. Keep up the great work. I love the inclusivity of your content and the sincerity of your delivery.
Agreed, no one has police power over biking. If there was ever a truly popular technology it has to be bikes. Who cares what anyone thinks of your bike style, whether you are a racer or partyer? Hybridizing these styles and skills is super-fun and really does get closer to the best of all cycling worlds.
Refreshing to hear someone speak on the nonjudging and noncompetitive side of bicycle riding. I started with the idea of wanting to feel free and have adventures so that's what I hope to keep my focus on. I tend towards liking these same types of things you listed.
Russ you are a serious cyclist... a professional even. (Look at all the support you're getting.) There is clearly a market for folks who aren't interested in competitive cycling and you've found us. And we're serious too... about simple components, casual clothing, comfortable bikes, and relaxed riding,.
I have absolutely migrated from aero to comfort as my biking has migrated from training to, Just get to where I'm going and be super comfortable, and enjoy the ride. I'm a path less pedaled convert for sure!
the marginal gains with aero are overstated by the use of windtunnel tests, which are not even remotely like cycling in the real world. I've done the same ride may many times alternating between a steel bike and traditional rims vs an aero frame with 58mm zipp wheels. My fastest times have been on the steel bike.
@@shamuslamont100 Benefits for racing and especially for non-racing are clearly overstated. But there is a clear benefit to getting your arms in. I run flat bars bit have installed mountain bike bar ends inboard of the brake levers and shifter. This give me an fairly comfortable and non-radical aero tuck that has a clear (though not dramatic) aero benefit. It also adds additional hand positions for the flat bar.
Same here. I love Path Less Pedaled, and I also do sometimes worry that some of the rhetoric on the channel is generalizing serious cyclists in the way *some* serious cyclists generalize about non “serious” or more casual riders an is therefore excluding the wonderful middle ground of those of us who love our flat pedal, baggy clothed bike rides in addition to our clipless racing. Hope to see more verbiage, on both “sides”, that seeks to include rather than divide :)
@@charlieamesyoutube I fall in a similar category as you. I like to be efficient on my bike and so go Clipless and all the other serious cyclist garb but if Russ and other Party Pace cyclists want to wear crocs or other clothing, I could give a shit. More power to them! Whatever gets people out of their cars is fine with me. Also, I have noticed quite a bit of snobbery coming from the more casual rider crowd. The snobbery cuts both ways.
I don't think most "serious cyclists" give a shit what other people are doing. There are certainly snobs in serious circles but we also tend to not love those folks or their attitude. I've been noticing this sentiment more and more; it obviously is semi-deserved and clearly gets clicks. My concern is that this is potentially every bit as alienating as when some asshole thinks everyone without a new Pinnarelo is beneath them. I can guarantee you there are people who are super casual who would certainly enjoy "serious" cycling and visa-versa (I do both and know plenty of others who do, too). Let's stop with the boxes and just enjoy bikes. This is as childish as the MTBers vs roadies garbage
Since Ive gotten into cycling in the past few months, this is the channel I resonate most with. I love crocs, I love being comfortable, I love going at a nice steady pace and not being a speed demon. This is the cycling I love!
I dress for my destination, not the ride. I like using my bike to go to places to enjoy...sight seeing, hiking, shopping and coffee shops. I guess I am not a "serious cyclist" LOL! I love sandals on my bike!
I'd call myself very serious when it comes to cycling. That is not the same thing as building bikes as light and aero as possible. You select the parts that are best for your preferred way of using the bike, not necessarily for winning races.
I"m definitely with you on riding with Crocs. They are comfy and they grip flat pedals really well. Fishing shirts are great too. The fishermen have it figured out. Might as well be comfortable. I also dig the simplicity of good mechanical disc brakes. The less one cares about what others think of them, the happier that person becomes. Do your thing bro.
I've had hydros in the past and really appreciated their modulation, but I missed the simplicity and versatility of cable actuation, so I installed cable actuated hydraulic brakes. I had to use compressionless cable housing, but it's been worth it in my opinion. I love biking in sandals, but now my crocs might be more useful than just checking the mail and garbage day. Now I gotta try a fishing shirt. It's all your fault! B-D
@@Taser3141 My issue is that by the time I buy compressionless housing I'm wondering why I didn't just go hydro anyway (cost wise). I'm happy with either system and I find hydro's wayyyyyy more finicky; I've never had a hydro that I'd consider "set and forget" or simple. Same with the fishing shirt, will now be trying that.
As a more competitive cyclist I agree with most of this. On my commuter I will never wear any cycling kit or clipless pedals. I wear crocs when I'm preriding race courses for a similar reason. I just don't do that when I'm racing.
The longer I ride the more I appreciate this type of advice. This is a great channel. “Functional, durable, adaptable, and no-fuss” are very underrated categories when judging bike components!
I think we have to keep in mind that all kind of hobbies becomes target of capitalistic ventures. Consumers will be exploited with expensive single-feature gear that will require us to consume more products. I mean, I get it, those specialized products might be superior for its single use-case. But for normal people that want to get out there, biking, enjoying themselves, doing things comfortably and on a budget; ghetto hacks and multi-purpose gear is far more important. For me personally cycling is much more about freedom and "owning less stuff". My "touring bike" is a cheap hybrid bike (360$), it has flat pedals, rim breaks and good hybrid tires (gravel and dirt roads). I have since added light weight plastic fenders, rear rack. a detachable handlebar bag and two frame bags. I use it for everyday commute, long distance, exercise, bike touring, gravel, dirt roads etc. and since I don't "compete" there's really no reason to get stuck in expensive enthusiast grade hardware or accessories. Heck, I even rolled up my stuff in a blue plastic ikea bag on my back rack and attached it with bungee cords, it's water proof, light weight, doesn't cost more than a couple of dollars, doesn't add any meaningful drag for someone just enjoying themselves. Sure, I could buy a 100$+ saddle bag, but why? I agree with this list. It's important to make cycling available, enthusiasts can often scare away normal people from biking with all of these excessive gear recommendations. With this being said, I usually travel around 20-30km/h on my bike. I can get up to 40km/h if I am not travelling against the wind. are there faster bikes? of course. Do I need expensive gear to enjoy cycling, or bike touring? of course not. :) I am happy to be able to own one bike for every use case.
Great video Russ. You reminded me that years ago I had a “5” speed bike with a friction gear change (and rim brakes). Learned to use it in minutes and never missed a gear. Why do we over the years suddenly NEED all the new stuff introduced?
I run friction shifting on all of my geared bikes, from 2x5 to 2x11. All rim brakes except for my Crust Romeo, which runs Paul Klampers (which I love).
The love of bycicles means you integrate them into your life. Race bikes are the other way around: they want your life to integrate/be slaves to them. I thought my whole life I like bikes so I also 'have' to like race bikes, but I never liked anything about them. Everything I love about bycicles is the total opposite of what race bikes represent.
Thanks Russ, Im just about Finished building up my first modern gravel/dirt touring bike. I've been a long time commuter and always had a pile of bikes since I was a kid but I never really liked sport cycling much so always had old tech that was reliable and just felt better suited for me in appearance. I Just wanted to say that your Chanel has really helped me find my way and enabled me to explore new possibilities for riding and gain exposure to some great designers and manufacturers. I don't know how long it would have taken me to find Grant Peterson on my own amongst many others that have really gotten me re-engage with cycling that without your contributions may not have been possible. Thanks so much for your hard work!
Love this video. I actually really like hydraulic disc brakes because of the smooth modulation they provide, but rim brakes and cable disc brakes are totally able to stop any bike in any situation, and I would never even consider hydraulic brakes for touring or bikepacking in a really remote area. (I've often thought that disc brakes are a solution to a problem that never existed.) I totally agree with you about flat pedals; clip-in pedals do perform very slightly better while sprinting and on hills, in my experience at least, but if you're not racing, a 5% performance advantage in some situations is not worth having to wear uncomfortable, expensive, ridiculous shoes. I'm ambivalent about your comments on friction shifting. Friction shifters are wonderfully worry-free, and they work really well pretty much always. I used friction shifters for over 15 years and totally loved them. However, I've been riding with Shimano 105, 11-speed, indexed gears for the last two years. They honestly don't need much more care than friction shifters, once they're dialed in, and they are pretty awesome once they're properly adjusted. Dialing them in, though, is a frustrating, tear-inducing PITA. With friction shifting, you basically just set the limit screws and never have to think about anything ever again.
With modern shifters they really aren't that hard to dial in. I recently switched from Shimano to Microshift, and there were some challenges there, but once dialed in they are a no-brainer for sure. I love index shifting. It's precise and I don't need to worry about shifting. When I need to shift it's just a click a way :D. Sometimes I need to drop multiple gears, and with a friction shifter that was always a challenge for me. An example is you have some really good speed and you come to a steep hill. You are going to want to carry that speed as much as possible, but sometimes you need to drop a couple of gears, once your momentum wears off towards the peak, in order to get the proper ratio for the hill.
@@bindingcurve fairly pants in my experience, which is admittedly years back, but decent flats/shoes will give a good secure pedal. Ie for MTB/Gravel stuff and somewhat less serious stuff for the commute as the more casual stuff you can wear all day, and doesn’t mark floors!
When it comes to haters or detractors or even anally retentive bastards in cycling I've often postulated that the most highly opinionated cyclists are the the hard core mtb'ers and roadies. Us folks in the middle are more care free and casual, are willing to try new things (cave of bad ideas) and our rides and biking experiences are just as fulfilling with half the prep, gear, miles, etc. Shimano GRX 2x10 gives me hope that the industry might actually realize there is a demographic other than the race oriented worth marketing to.
I like tubes. Talk to most cyclists and they look at you like you're crazy if you haven't converted to tubeless. I can't remember the last time I had a flat, so I think I'm good.
In bigger tire widths, tubeless can shed a lot of rotating weight. The tubes for my 3"-wide 26+ tires are heavy! Also, those that ride in cholla cactus or goat-head thorn country can really benefit from sealant to fill the spine-holes in the tires. Sealant in tubes doesn't work nearly as well.
I probably would be good with tubes on everything except my mtb. I had some many flats while mountain biking before I went Tubeless (or I had to run at stupid high pressures). I do run Tubeless on my gravel bike just cause it was setup for it and honestly for me at this point it is just as easy to setup Tubeless as put in tubes.
Lol, tempting fate there, the last time I bragged about not getting a flat (for at least 1200 miles), I had to brake hard about 5 miles later (on dirt) and took a 1x1/4" wood splinter straight through to the rim tape.
I run tubeless and love it. I switched out some tires here a year ago and I had a nail and a long thorn in the tire I removed and I didn’t even know they were in there. I have no idea how many miles I had been riding on those things. Tubeless rocks
I completely agree with your take on brakes. I have hydraulics on my mountain bike because of what I ride but the cable disks on my gravel bike do just fine for what they're used for and hydro would be overkill
@@getstrongby4038 Mechanical disk brakes are easier to maintain, don't need any special or dedicated tools like funnels and such to work on them, they're bulletproof, and parts/supplies are far more common. If you have a bad wreck and bin your bike 20 miles from the nearest town on, lets say, the Alleghany Passage, where I normally ride, and you damage a hydro hose, then you're fekken screwed. You've immediately lost all of that brake, and by the time you do reach a town with a bike shop, there's only about a 25% chance, at best, that they will actually have anything there to service you. Practically none of the bike shops in this area (excluding high end shops deep in the city, and away from the actual trails) carry parts for anything except basic 3x7, maybe 3x9 groupsets, and mechanical brakes. However, your only hope to repair your hydro brakes is a wad of tape and some baby oil. That said, if you do get in a pinch with said mechanical brakes, and you bang up your cable too, somehow, if there's a Walmart along the trail you can fix it. Doesn't even need to be a bike shop, they carry cables too. Though honestly, the fact that most local bike shops outside the city don't carry fancy stuff like that, and are almost all geared toward more "entry level" bikes with "outdated" tech like mechanical brakes and 3x setups really says something about what the vast majority of riders actually ride.
@@CPD0123a trek shop is 10 minutes away, I'm not too concerned about that Never said most people aren't using 3x drivetrains, I just said they're not the best for mountain bikes, because they're not Think about it, to get mechanical disk brakes nd a 3x drivetrain would have had to buy the absolute cheapest, lowest end bike trek made to get those, i just don't see the point in going backwards
@@CPD0123a sorry didn't read properly, yes if that happed on the trail that wouldn't be great, but surely one brake would be enough just for emergency use
This may be your best video, because I agree so strongly with everything you say here. I’ve been cycling seriously since 1975, and I’ve used all the things you eschew here. I loved them. And I’ve come back to doing what you do. I loved my SPD cleats, and I don’t blame my former self for loving them, but I’m falling in love with flat pedals, and now I’m going to try some Crocs and a fly fishing shirt.
I love this video dude! I’m a bike tech and I always try to educate people about bikes and I always get those people that have been influence by there “ know it all bike friend “ that need 1x12 or hydro breaks, full suspension when all they are doing is riding around the neighborhood lol I believe 3x9 has its place just like 1x12 and mechanical breaks
I swapped my 1x12 for a 3x9 microshift on purpose. I stopped downhill riding a few years ago. I'm in my 50s now, and I just don't have the agility, or healing ability, that I did in my 20s and 30s, so bombing down crazy hills is no longer a page in my book. I still like to ride though, and I refuse to buy a roadie bike, so I put in a 3x9 groupset which is perfect for riding around town and on the trails they have around here. I have been riding since I was 6 and I used to build my own BMX bikes back in the day. I do miss the days when all you need is a set of wrenches. Now I have to buy half a dozen specialized tools just to do some regular maintenance.
I like your list, Russ, tho' I have a Croc alternative: Walmart casual dress shoes without socks on flat pedals, works a treat on my commutes and errands. And I was on my bike twice today, a 20-mile dash at noon to a nearby town and back and then an evening ten-mile ride around town, all to get things done. And my shoes were as comfortable as ever. And if you haven't watched lately, GCN is working to take itself and cycling less seriously and I think that's by popular viewer demand. And without GCN, I might never have found you, Russ, as they are the big dog drawing lots of viewers to cycling channels, not just their own.
@@mah6183 So if you're asking about GCN, it stands for the Global Cycling Network and it is a large group of cycling channels in many languages in Bath, England, a product of Discovery Communications in Maryland, the sponsor of a popular U.S. pro road team earlier this century. And I would add that my own journey with RUclips cycling vids began about six or seven years ago when I was working as a bike assembler at a Walmart and was looking for some tutorials on bike maintenance and repair. And I certainly discovered those and so much more and it is all pretty incredible, all this community and conversation and show-and-tell and advertisements and I'm okay with those as sponsors make the world go around and around, just that I won't be buying a $14,000 bicycle anytime soon.
Love the idea of one shoe only, when touring. Have you tried the Keen Venice H2 water sports sandal, as stiffer and more robust than Crocs (which I also love). You can add waterproof sealzskin socks if dewy grass, rainy and cold etc and whip them off when sun comes out. Wash under tap. Or just add normal socks if chilly but dry. Plus we've been wearing trekking shirts for years, so good call. Finally I use flat pedals with toees just for touring, you get some pull up and can stand in them climbing hills. Never see them mentioned in blogs or RUclips...don't they exist in US? The Keen sandals have a rubber toe bumper which fits perfectly under the toee. Love yourvideos -happy cycling😊
As a “serious cyclist” I can appreciate most of these but not Crocks. I wear Crocks around the house and office all day but when it comes to cycling I want something with more protection and keep my feet clean and happy. I did ride flat pedals last year at knee surgery and I was pleasantly surprised at how comfortable and efficient they are. The only downside was inconsistent foot placement. Thanks for great content.
Counter point, inconsistent foot placement is an upside on long rides, like when touring. I've actually found I get some numbness clipped in for long periods which no fit adjustment seems to fix. My feet are happier with a little freedom. I do appreciate being clipped in when I do a standing sprint though.
Came here to say what he said. Varying foot placement is a great way to prevent all kinds of injuries and inconveniences. It's not only about the feet either; it also translates to your position on the saddle. For example, you can choose to sit forward for a while and when also placing your feet forward, you can maintain optimum saddle height. Things like that are impossible when clipped in.
Be careful of plantar fasciitis if you allow your foot to flex. The ligament under your foot can become very painful if continually stressed. I only wear stiff sole shoes (on flat pedals). Voice of experience.
In my arc as a cyclist, I've pretty covered all categories. But after pushing hard for roughly 20 years and, in doing so, almost killed my love of cycling, I've come back as a much more relaxed cyclist. So I love everything thing you've suggested. I still ride with lycra and road shoes on the road bike, but anything goes for the other bikes. Great video.
Agreed on all points, although i switch between modes. Flat pedals and sandals on the town basketbike for calm errands around town and then full roadie kit for roadbike weekend century rides. For long rides the tights and road shoes are not really to go faster, it's to make riding into half day headwinds just a little easier. Proper bike and kit for either disciplines methinks Remember ditching shoes in favor of sandals on my first long tour. Situational fluidity
Heck yeah. In >50 years of cycling I've never had a cable fail me. Have been failed by hydraulics twice, so it's cables for me. I love platform pedals with aggressive steel pins. Friction shifters require a little bit of experience but in the end work better. Another thing I like that serious cyclists hate is comfortable upright bars. Of course it's totally cool to use whatever you like, those are just my prefs.
Love your attitude! Always a healthy, honest, and insightful perspective. Can't argue with any of your points! I'm all in on flat pedals and long sleeve button down shirts. Consumer driven cycling has created a strange set of "rigid" rules for how to build and maintain a bike. All you need to do to realize those rules are bunk is to go down to your nearest United States urban bus hub or convenience store and take a look at all the bikes being ridden by folks that are relying on those bikes for the majority of their daily transportation. There is abundant ingenuity and inspiration to be found amongst those crowds.
Heck Yeah Russ, I'm right there with you on all of these! I'd never wear anything but Crocs anywhere and everywhere if I could get away with it! Flats for easy bike shoe options - absolutely! Long sleeve camp shirts - yes! Friction shifting - big yes! Mechanical discs - biggest yes of all (won't do rim brakes anymore as I hate grinding rims in wet and muddy Oregon)! Your "Party Pace" approach to the world of cycling is why your content is the best online. Thanks for representing those of us who love bikes but hate the go-fast-be-light-new-new-new-spend-spend-spend side of things.
I really like my rim brakes, and I don't care what anyone say. Yes, hydraulics give you awesome modulation, but it's much more complex technically, I wouldn't want to have problems with them anywhere far from civilization. And I basically keep my rim brakes neglected for years, and nothing happens. And I'm not sure what about the stopping power - I can hit my brakes and the wheels will stop turning completely, probably sending me flying over the bike. isn't that enough? BUT. Every time I ride in the mud, it accumulates on the rims and on the brakepads, and it's really annoying, I confirm. And if there's enough mud, your wheels will stop moving completely, until you wash that shit down. So, mud trails = disc brakes definitely.
Thank you for this! I’m just getting into biking and I’ve been super intimidated by all the “gear” and didn’t really understand what I truly needed to start cycling. I’m learning as I go, and I don’t really understand everything that “serious” cyclists use.
Hahaha I LOVE this. I ride in crocs sometimes too and totally agree that they're an awesome touring shoe!! Also agree with everything else on this list. Rim brakes, flat pedals, friction shifters, and non-cycling clothing. Awesome. A bike is a tool for fun. Tech is cool too, but it should never get in the way of you having fun. That's priority #1 👍👍 thanks for keeping it real.
I agree with all of your recommendations. Being a roadie/gravel biker who's been riding for decades, we used to race mountain before SPDs were invented with flat pedals and Power Grips Toe Straps. We wore big clunky mountain boots and if you try it, you'll have the best of both worlds.
See also: 26" wheels. How, JUST HOW, did anyone ever get anywhere on 26" wheels without being super-slow & having zero-traction in any & all conditions. You do you, is a great message, Russ!
My wife rides a 26” wheeled bike and does just fine. The whole 650b/27.5/584 trend in the US seems to have evolved out of a marketing push by a few specialty bike makers/sellers, the same sort of marketing push they decry in others. Especially with the fatter tires needed by gravel bikes, the smaller wheel size need could have easily been filled by 26”/559 wheels, but that wasn’t novel enough for writing hyperbolic marketing prose around.
If you are talking MTB and you were here from the beginning then you know this sport has evolved tremendously in the 40 or so years it's been around. I still have a Zaskar 26" in my garage from 1996. I don't ride it often because it's hard to find parts for, and I have it around mostly for nostalgia (my wife hates that I keep all my bikes, but I get attached to them - they are like my steeds and I baby them :D ). I ride a 29" exclusively now.
I was a bike mechanic for years, which gave me the chance to work on and ride just about everything, and I'm inclined to agree with all these. Also kickstands. I don't have a kickstand on all of my bikes, but on the one I use for camping gear and grocery-getting, it's a nice feature.
Still use my pd mx 15 flat pedals,and rim brakes while iam wearing summer shirt and shifting by friction...iam 50 now still using an 1982 specialized stumpjumper..miles and miles of easy happy non competitive cycling life and finally this counts...i do agree with you..kind regards from Greece Europe
For those who may can't go flats and want a more versatile "one-trip-shoe" for walking, hiking, etc... check out the Bontrager/Trek Avert shoe. The cleats are embedded so you are not click stomping around like other clippless shoe (or take them off). Lugs are pretty darn good, look casual, and are comfy. *Only had them for a short while, so no long term use in them yet.
Right with you on all of this! My last tour was in Taiwan in November 2019. I wore a short-sleeve button-front outdoor shirt, zip-off shorts and Chaco sandals on flat pedals the whole time. Worked great for me! What is your take on 9-speed+ chains for strength and longevity? They seem sort-lived to me - especially in gritty/grungy conditions where one can't swap it out for cleaning and re-lubing every night.
I love riding with my crocs on! They work great with flat pedals. If you’re riding with crocs on, your not really worried about the marginal gains from clipless. At all.
Hell yeah, stick it to the man. Coming from being a roadie for years I feel bamboozled. The tech has become a distraction to the stuff that matters to have a good time on two wheels. Swapped my clipless for flats and my fancy STI levers for some Gevenalle shifters and I love it. Unless you're racing, do yourself a favor and just be comfortable, you know you want to. ;-)
I'm totally with you Jordan. After the pandemic settled in, I sold my titanium go fast bike for a mint and built up a bike packing rig. Currently have two bikes. Adventure bike and rusty beater bike for errands. I sometimes miss my go fast bike and I'm thinking of building up an aluminum one just for the sake of it. It'd be my only bike with clipless pedals though.
I'm with you on most of them. I recently tried going back to friction shifting, but "grind 'em till you find 'em shifting" still seems to be too much for my ocd. You have a very valid point about the compatibility issues though that I never considered. My bike packing bike has two wheel sets. 1x11. Currently, rear wheels need identical cassettes. With a friction shifter, slap on whatever cassette you have laying around and just make sure the range adjustment screws keep the chain from falling off.
My buddy and I toured across central and eastern Oregon a couple of years ago in Hawaiian shirts and Tevas. At first, people didn't believe us because we didn't "look like cyclists." But we ended up making friends with some locals because we were more concerned with having fun adventures than riding fast or looking cool. Now, we have a network of free places to stay the next time we're in the area! Take THAT lycra and carbon fiber!
My problem with Crocs is their lack of a footbed and spongy sole. Keen makes a similar product that has a foot bed and a stiffer, yet still flexible sole, that has great over all grip on and off the bike also called the Yogui you might try?
Agree on mechanical disc brakes. Gravel bike has TRP Spyre mechanical as I do way more miles on the bike and so easy to maintain. MTB has Shimano hydraulics as it's better suited for that riding where modulation is more important IMHO.
One of your best videos Russ! Tell it like it should be told brother. I have some crank brothers stamp composite pedals on one bike and I’ve never seen a set of flat pedals stick to my feet the way these things do. You can’t even tell if your clipped in half the time. They are extra large for my size 12 shoes. And one bike has a friction downtube shifter for a 1x10 set up. Thanks for this video
I'm glad you mentioned the clothes. Anytime I go for a ride and see another group of riders, it's like they're all competing to wear the most "bike" related clothes and items for the day. I think it's the online shopping effect, where you go to amazon for one thing, and get suggested 10 others. Come out the other side wearing what everyone wears without even asking why or if you really need to.
Absolutely love friction shifting. I converted an old 10 speed to a 2x10 using downtube shifters. Works like a charm and incredibly easy to set up. Way less faff than what i expect will be the other STI mod coming up with Ultegra ;) Also i love the looks of DTS!
Down tube shifters, had those on a Nishiki Linear road bike in college. :) It also had one of those odd oblong cranks, was supposed to be more efficient.
My Scott MTB came with kickstand-specific mounting points so I bought the matching kickstand. I love it. While other bikes are lying in the grass or topple over, mine is waiting in dignity while I get some pastry from the bakery. I love it.
I haven't tried friction. Very curious about it. Otherwise I wholehearted agree with everything!! I love my flats and recently used flip flops in material similar to Crocs because of some foot surgery. I keep up just fine. I bought a fishing shirt after watching your videos. It's my favorite cycling shirt. I would add that I no longer use chamois. Ever. Boxer briefs all the way. 👍
When I first got derrailer gears it was all friction shifting on the down tube. Groping down between your legs to find a gear. I dont miss that, might be worth trying on the handlebars though.
My only gripe about friction shifting is that wearing ear buds while riding keeps you from hearing how quiet or noisy your derailleur is. Not wearing earbuds is a safer way to ride anyways.
@@Taser3141 I see, interesting. I never listen to music while riding so that's good for me then. I think I'm going to give my shop a call next week and set something up!
@@Taser3141 Never had an Issue with using ear buds when riding friciton. I think once you are used to it, muscle memory helps you find the correct gear. I always ride with music (otherwise solo rides get well mundane). Maybe dont crank the volume up to 11.
When I did my mtb to gravel conversion I decided to use friction shifters instead, and since then I don't think I will ever go back to index shifters Much much simpler mechanism, easier maintenance, and with a retroshift/genavelle style setup it's really comfortable too
Totally with ya’ on Flat Pedals, Shirts, Friction Shifters (Surly LHT), and Rim brakes or Cable Disc brakes. I mean I am really with you. Damn, now I have to try Crocs! LOL…..Thanks!
To be honest, the only thing that I hate is when somebody tries to push their ideas of perfection on others. As long as you're safe and have fun, the way you achieve it and the amount of money you pour into it are ultimately irrelevant. Best of luck and stay safe!!
As a 'serious' cyclist: 1: Soft-soled shoes resulted in massive foot pain and fatigue on longer rides for me. Stiff-soled shoes drastically improved my comfort on the bike. Your mileage will vary. 2: People misunderstand flat vs clipless. It was never about efficiency, but rather for extra security on the pedals when pushing out a lot of watts, and for being able to pull up on the upstroke when sprinting or smashing up a climb. If you're riding casually, that doesn't really come into play. 3: Wearing lycra means I can sweat gallons and not even notice. Loose clothing, no matter how fancy the fabric is, always ends up sticking to me in weird ways and getting really annoying really quickly. But if you're not sweating, there's nothing to gain here. 4: No opinion on friction shifting. if it works, ride it. 5: Rim brakes have some downsides but they're perfectly serviceable and have more than enough power in all but the most miserable conditions. Mechanical disc brakes are a case of "the 1% of good ones get a bad name from the 99% of crappy ones". There's no reason that applying the braking force via cable should be inferior to applying it by cable (at least not by such a huge amount), but because it's a budget option you end up with corners cut everywhere and brakes that barely work, unless you know enough to shop around for the few models that aren't completely awful.
If you account for pad wear, hydraulic actuation will have more leverage than mechanical actuation, if the slack isnt taken out of the mechanical system after pad wear.
I just rode 8 hours in super minimal Freet Tanga shoes on flat pedals with very pointy spikes without any discomfort to my feet. I didn't specifically train for that but do walk on barefoot shoes regularly. YMWV, as you stated. Also, I actually ride flats for extra security instead of the other way around. Not being clipped in has saved my ass numerous times when one of my wheels lost grip and decided to go sideways.
lets see you get off your bike at a pristine fishing spot and wade directly into a river. I think it is funny that people walking in their serious cycling shoes can not hardly walk.
@@adventureswithfrodo2721 You can get some incredibly comfy, walkable cycling shoes these days. Ones you'd be hard pressed to spot next to a pair of sneakers. You're still going to be a little bit limited due to the stiff sole but that's a tradeoff you make for on-bike vs off-bike comfort. And remember that to wade into the river, you must first make it TO the river. If my feet are burning 5 miles into the ride because my shoes are flexing too much, I'm gonna be sitting on the couch, not out on my bike.
I only bikepack in Crocs. In the cold spring I add waterproof socks. The all terrain models have decent grip and don’t forget your Sport Mode strap when things get rowdy.
I’m somewhere in between. I’m digging how gravel kind sorta made cycling more fun, informal. I still like kitting up, but on occasion throw on a t-shirt with some bibs, because of my bar bag. I have one rim brake road bike and a new fangled hydro disc brake on my gravel.
I'm with you. Ultimately I probably have the most fun on the gravel bike with baggies and bags full of snacks and extra layers. But it's also fun to put on some lycra and rip on the speedy road bike. And honestly baggy clothing starts to get uncomfortable after a few hours.
Thank you for the permission to do my own thing on the bike! I really needed that statement in my bikelife. Also now I'm officially friction shifting curious.😁
Well,I am a ‘Roadie ‘ always ride in cycling gear. Never use flat pedals on any of my bikes....but TOTALLY agree with everything you say. I just choose to ride in the way that suits me.. I love crocs and wear them loads.. Here in wet,windy Co. Donegal, N.W. Ireland it suits me to be heading out today for a few hours in my Castelli Nanoflex shorts and jersey in the wind and rain. However it is my considered opinion that we humans are allowing ourselves to be manipulated and coerced into compliance in many,many ways. Cycling is an activity that can offer freedom and adventure..things sadly lacking in modern life,plus can fulfill aspects of life denied by modern living. Hence don’t just put oneself into another box by missing the point! It is also a consequence of our culture that the ‘bike industry’ has been largely taken over by the ‘profit over people’ ethos of Global Corporations...
Love the timing on this video. Had a serious cyclist go down the list of things "i needed to do" today. Screw that. The only thing I need to remember is to wear sunscreen on hot sunny days. The rest is just make the wheels turn, brakes work, and pedals turn. I'm not exactly ready for friction shifting yet because i like the convenience of the shifter being right next to the brakes and they work fine so I don't see a reason to change yet. It just works. However, friction shifting does sound great. Fly fishing shirts rock, I've tried them and they are so good. They have vents and so breathable and protect from the sun. I tend to roll up the sleeves tho lol so I need the sunscreen. This channel is gold. So much gold.
Loved the poke at GCN. Agree with all five of your points especially friction shifting. I tune my friction shifting in the spring and unless a cable breaks it never gets touched again. I'd also add to your list carbon fibre bikes. If you're not in a competative environment I just don't see the point. I don't want to worry about getting a scratched frame but I'm a steel 80's bike guy so take that for what its worth.
I like to watch GCN just to see the latest greatest tech that everyone else is throwing their money away on. Wether you enjoy cycling by having carbon wireless everything or crocs and thumb shifters, the cycling industry has love for all cyclists.
I am a 'serious' cyclist and I hated nothing. You do you mate, Although I hate the look of crocs, have never actually worn a pair, if they are comfy and get the job done go for it.
I still use Shimano Deore Lx v-brake (similar to XTR v-brake) and i love it, even though i have another bike with hidraulic Shimano 105 disc brakes. I still think my v-brakes give me more confidence and stopping power/modulation.
You have a lot of reasons to use disc brakes you can search for those online. What are you trying to know when you ask me for "then why have disc brakes?"
I'm of the "If you like it, I love it" philosophy when it comes to cycling. I don't care about anything but the enjoyment of the ride. If you enjoy it differently than me, great! What I don't like are the bike snobs that literally won't talk with someone if they don't have all the perfect kit on the bike and their body. We have WAY too many bike snobs in my area and since I don't enjoy things their way, they don't talk to me. Guess I'm better off? Thanks for the video, I really love the attitude you have about riding.
I do agree with this. I also ride flat pedals on my bikes and dress casually. I hate those wild looking tight clothing kits. You stop at a coffee shop and you look like you just finished a tour de France stage. Cycling is suppose to be fun and a way of exploring places. There are some really good dual piston mechanical brakes on the market nowadays. I think the hydraulic brakes are quite overrated.
Agreed. I also don't like most cycling clothes because they have such ugly colours and are full of advertising... What I really like are the back pockets on the jerseys though! Can anyone make normal cut shirts with those pack pockets please? They are great for cyclng!
The only concession I make to "cyclist" clothes is polyester shirt to wick away sweat. Else I pedal in below-knee shorts and whatever shoe I feel like wearing. As for brakes, I run cable discs and doubt I'll ever go hydraulic. Those are more costly, messy, high-maintenance and not worth my time.
My current favourite bike is 1x7 with an old Suntour friction shifter, a much newer Deore XT derailleur, Uni glide sprockets (when one wears down you first turn it and then replace the single sprocket), historic Dura Ace brake levers (non-sti), and Shimano cantilevers. Works wonderfully.
I feel the same way with the exception of loose clothes. Loose shirts are still fine but I had a bee get in my loose shorts on my last ride. I'll be trying out some tights instead
I’ve spent the last 8 years training and racing my bike. I’ve vowed to never again pin on a number or enter the “pain cave” again. I’m tired if race fit kits and being generally uncomfortable on the bike. I’m not ready to give up my power meter and interval sessions but I have ordered some baggy clothes, flat pedals and I’ve never been embarrassed to rock a pair of crocks! I appreciate your approach.
Can't disagree with any of it, especially the flat pedals. The older I get the less I care what anyone thinks, its all about me having a good time. I've only recently discovered that not every ride is a race and chilling on the trail is much more fun.
As a frequent, but casual, bicyclist, I love this video. I've rode with nearly all these and couldn't agree more. In fact, my brand new bike has hydrolic disc brakes, and I found myself longing for my old cable rim brakes when I had to take it in to the bike shop for $250 brake tube extension to fit my new handlebars.
What Russ says is largely an echo of what Grant Petersen (Rivendell Bicycles) has been saying for 1/4 century now. That’s not a criticism of Russ. Both men have arrived at similar conclusions through experience.
I use trekking sandals for gravel riding, same foam material as crocs but are sleeker looking. Love them coz they're very comfy and even if it's warm, hot, muddy or wet, like really raining they're really grippy.
Love your taking a swipe at the "must have" mind set! I started moving away from the road race, equipment junky, mindset in the mid-80s. Prior to that if it wasn't Reynolds 531, Campagnolo and tubulars I wasn't interested. Then, one fateful day in 1982, while working in a bicycle shop, I was perusing the catalogs for the new season's bicycle offerings. I saw the first Schwinn Mtn. Bike and asked the owner to order me one. He asked "What are you going to do with that?" My response was "I don't know, but it looks like fun." When the bike came in I assembled it and the owner said "That stuff will never sell." 😉The next season I ordered a Trek 850 Rough Terrain bicycle--Trek's first mountain bike offering--and after replacing many worn out components over the years still ride it regularly. In 1986 I toured over 3,100 miles on that bike... Yesterday I took a 32 mile rail trail ride on it. I currently have 6 other bikes and have had 30+ other bikes over the years but I'll never get rid of that Trek 850! I got rid of the toe clips and straps, and clipless pedals, on several bikes and put flats on. Being able to walk around in my shoes around town and while touring became more important to me than any theoretical advantage of the "clipped in" variety. I currently have Adidas Five Ten shoes... got them before I noticed Danny MacAskill wears them.😜 A notable exception is my Specialized Epic mountain bike... I ride clipless on that to keep my feet on the pedals in rough conditions. This as I found that ripping meat off my shins and calves wasn't fun... Crocks??? Not sure I'd go that far but I've noticed some thru-hikers are wearing them so maybe I'll try them some day. Friction down tube shifters still grace one of my bikes... a 1983 Trek 620. I don't feel handicapped at all with them as I grew up with them. Index shifting is Okay but not necessary. I have cable actuated cantilever and V brakes on several bikes and they work just fine... even in the Rockies on a loaded touring bike. Clothing... any theoretical advantage of tight lycra is lost when you ride long distance with paniers or around town! I was just looking at fly fishing shirts as I prep for my next tour... this after looking at Club Ride shirts and thinking that fly fishing shirts are basically the same and in stock! Keeping poking fun... I enjoy it!
A good friend of mine loves his Crocs. Being he beat Lance by a few minutes at the Rattlesnake 100, I'd say he's a fairly serious rider. He also has been know to wear less than aero cutoff jeans and "Foreigner" cutoff shirts. I'm a former pro-mountain bike dyude who was quite serious. Serious enough to win several 6,12 & 24 hour races, yet I rock the cable-actuated disc brakes and rim brakes on my fun-to-drive daily-driver bikes. Hydraulic disc brakes are overrated - until it gets really wet or muddy. Mebbe you're a touch polarized with fast people? Tip: Merino shirts. So practical and stink-free! Like, 5-days in a row odor-free. Is that quirky enough? 😛
Props for using cable brakes! If they're set up correctly, they're just as good as any hydro brakes I've ridden. Also: the rim provides a larger surface area to cool the brakes. Friction shifting is dope, too. It's easy enough to get in and out of gear without complexity. Back in the day there was Browning Automatic shifting. Even then it seemed ridiculous.
Agreed -- 90%! I used to do a a commute with a 200m altitude drop, with lots of fresh greywacke gravel. That stuff eats through alloy rims like crazy. I've had two rims explode, one at speed. No fun. My brake of choice is now the BB7, even upgraded the mountain bike. Happy trails!
I'm very close Russ. My warm weather standard riding setup: sandals, flat pedals, dry fit t shirt, cargo shorts (padded liner if going more than 25 miles). I love my friction shifters, but I'm also very fond of the index shifters on my Surly. I never use clipless pedals, almost never wear Lycra, and I rarely wear a cycling jersey. They are not necessary for my casual style of riding
I prefer sandals to crocs. Somewhere over the last 5 years I started regularly receiving comments of genuine astonishment that I ride flats. Not sure why. Also some people cannot imagine how one rides chamois-less. Another great shirt option are climbing button ups. They allow a great range of motion, lots of fabric types and styles to choose from
Ha! Good stuff here :D I'm reminded of a newbie lady that just joined my local bike club. She rode with us "slower folk" for starters, but she had already been caught up with the "in" things, including lycra shorts and shoes with cleats. I was in jeans and wearing sandals with socks, on my flat pedals. She asked "how can you ride like that?". I took off from a signal right away while she struggled to get clipped in and going. Later, I teased her asking "how can you ride like that?". In any case, she didn't ride long (neither with us nor with the faster group). I hear ya with the cable/disc or rim brakes. When I got my latest bike (a Soma), I wanted rim brakes but I ended up with the frame that only supports disc. Got Shimano cable disc brakes. They stop plenty fast and with no maintenance problems at all.
I'm totally with you. I custom built my drop bar bike packing rig by converting a brand new mountain bike. I don't dare bring it to a group ride. It's a total OCD magnet. Ruining everyone else's ride with it's mere presence. Everyone enjoys cycling in different ways. Some people aren't ok with that.
Rim brakes indeed have a major issue riding in winter, especially if it's just below freezing point, there's still some unfrozen water here and there, puddles and such, and it's way too easy to get some water on your braking surfaces, after which it will promptly freeze and the brakes literally do nothing. I'm (again, someone stole the previous one) converting a 90s ATB as my "railway station bike" (i.e. bike I can leave at the station overnight without it being immediately stolen) and I very specifically sourced a frame with horizontal dropouts so I can have a single-speed coaster brake hub.
With you on all of these facets. I did a tour of Mongolia in summer wearing crocs. Many, many shallow creeks and wet patches to cross. While everyone else was taking off shoes, drying socks, having spills, etc, I just rode straight on, feet drying in 5 minutes. If you don’t fear having to put your food down in a shallow rocky creek, you have more confidence, or at least bravado.
As a barefoot-style minimalist footwear enthusiast, flat pedals are the only option (I use Catalysts). I actually find being able to adjust the foot position for different situations improves my biking from a performance standpoint as well. I'd like to be able to bunnyhop though. Keep preaching!
Good stuff, as usual. The only gripe I would have is over the friction shifter. But I ride where there’s a lot of short, steep climbs, and then short descents so there’s a lot of shifting. Totally agree on everything else, though. I love your approach to biking.
Bikes are meant to be experimented on. I found an abandoned Trek 920 with blown shifters and cables. I fixed the brakes, locked out the RD with a scrap of brake cable and made it a single speed. Fun, but done already. So I found a fugly, unpaired Deore 7s shifter, put it in friction and used it to operate the FRONT derailleur. So now I have a three speed 90s MTB. With a basket on back.
I like this channel as he talks common sense. I used to ride 50 miles (80 Kms) per day because I commuted to work. I rode with loose pants, running shoes, flat pedals, used friction shifters on my 12 speed, wore loose and floppy shirts simply because it was comfortable. Early spring and early winter I sometimes even rode with felt pack boots in order to keep my feet warm. Big mitts too as my hands had frost bite twice. You just have to do whatever it takes to make yourself comfortable.
The only cycling-specific clothing I found functional are shorts, definitely more comfortable on long rides. Other than that its flat pedals, tires with tubes, tennis court-style shoes, long sleeve t-shirt; do bicycle helmets and bicycle gloves count? I also use friction shifting, cabled rim brakes, and (horror or horrors!) I have a seat post racks on my regular rides for carrying MY STUFF on longer rides. I've also bicycled across the USA with these items.
You described everything I do while cycling... Crocs, rim brakes, 3x10 gearing, friction shifting, floppy flappy clothes, bikes are meant to be fun
Couldn't agree more
3x is great in my opinion etc
is friction shifting the type my bike originaly had back in late 90s?
Nope, bikes are just plain pain and meant to be for exercise only
Your version of "fun" is not more correct than anyone else’s.
I hated all of them! Great video.
This dude's been taking KOMs on crocks
Ha, I love that I can be engrossed watching videos of yours discussing various marginal gains, and then come over here and be like "Yup, flappy shirt. Can relate."
I think you can find common ground on hating Hyper Gain Beast Mode Gainer Raw Edition.
I like the videos both of you produce. I love touring and 'round town biking supple-style (esp. button shirts and flat pedals), as well as learning from Dylan's high-performance sci-tech to get fitter and faster. Keep it all up!
I love backwards hats.
This is great stuff! Thanks, Russ for once again reminding us that we don't need to ask permission from the bicycle police to ride what and how we want. The older I get the more I appreciate practicality and simplicity. Keep up the great work. I love the inclusivity of your content and the sincerity of your delivery.
Agreed, no one has police power over biking. If there was ever a truly popular technology it has to be bikes. Who cares what anyone thinks of your bike style, whether you are a racer or partyer? Hybridizing these styles and skills is super-fun and really does get closer to the best of all cycling worlds.
Refreshing to hear someone speak on the nonjudging and noncompetitive side of bicycle riding. I started with the idea of wanting to feel free and have adventures so that's what I hope to keep my focus on. I tend towards liking these same types of things you listed.
Russ you are a serious cyclist... a professional even. (Look at all the support you're getting.) There is clearly a market for folks who aren't interested in competitive cycling and you've found us. And we're serious too... about simple components, casual clothing, comfortable bikes, and relaxed riding,.
I just retired, I'm getting ready to sell my car. Bike is transport.
I love them all! I did my longest ride (200km loop) wearing flat pedals, sandals, and cargo shorts. It was amazing.
I have absolutely migrated from aero to comfort as my biking has migrated from training to, Just get to where I'm going and be super comfortable, and enjoy the ride. I'm a path less pedaled convert for sure!
the marginal gains with aero are overstated by the use of windtunnel tests, which are not even remotely like cycling in the real world. I've done the same ride may many times alternating between a steel bike and traditional rims vs an aero frame with 58mm zipp wheels. My fastest times have been on the steel bike.
@@shamuslamont100 Benefits for racing and especially for non-racing are clearly overstated. But there is a clear benefit to getting your arms in. I run flat bars bit have installed mountain bike bar ends inboard of the brake levers and shifter. This give me an fairly comfortable and non-radical aero tuck that has a clear (though not dramatic) aero benefit. It also adds additional hand positions for the flat bar.
I guess I fall into the “serious cyclist”category but I don’t hate anything your doing. I totally dig your style. Respect!
Same here. I love Path Less Pedaled, and I also do sometimes worry that some of the rhetoric on the channel is generalizing serious cyclists in the way *some* serious cyclists generalize about non “serious” or more casual riders an is therefore excluding the wonderful middle ground of those of us who love our flat pedal, baggy clothed bike rides in addition to our clipless racing. Hope to see more verbiage, on both “sides”, that seeks to include rather than divide :)
@@charlieamesyoutube I fall in a similar category as you. I like to be efficient on my bike and so go Clipless and all the other serious cyclist garb but if Russ and other Party Pace cyclists want to wear crocs or other clothing, I could give a shit. More power to them! Whatever gets people out of their cars is fine with me. Also, I have noticed quite a bit of snobbery coming from the more casual rider crowd. The snobbery cuts both ways.
I don't think most "serious cyclists" give a shit what other people are doing. There are certainly snobs in serious circles but we also tend to not love those folks or their attitude.
I've been noticing this sentiment more and more; it obviously is semi-deserved and clearly gets clicks. My concern is that this is potentially every bit as alienating as when some asshole thinks everyone without a new Pinnarelo is beneath them. I can guarantee you there are people who are super casual who would certainly enjoy "serious" cycling and visa-versa (I do both and know plenty of others who do, too).
Let's stop with the boxes and just enjoy bikes. This is as childish as the MTBers vs roadies garbage
Since Ive gotten into cycling in the past few months, this is the channel I resonate most with. I love crocs, I love being comfortable, I love going at a nice steady pace and not being a speed demon.
This is the cycling I love!
I dress for my destination, not the ride. I like using my bike to go to places to enjoy...sight seeing, hiking, shopping and coffee shops. I guess I am not a "serious cyclist" LOL! I love sandals on my bike!
I'd call myself very serious when it comes to cycling. That is not the same thing as building bikes as light and aero as possible. You select the parts that are best for your preferred way of using the bike, not necessarily for winning races.
even then, there is functional cycling clothing that does not aim for the roadie look at all.
Sandals should be banned!
NOBODY wants to see men's crusty feet 😆
I dress "for the ride" only as far as using a synthetic fiber shirt because I sweat like a bitch. Everything else, as casual as casual can be.
@@getstrongby4038 how the hell are your feet crusty?
I"m definitely with you on riding with Crocs. They are comfy and they grip flat pedals really well. Fishing shirts are great too. The fishermen have it figured out. Might as well be comfortable. I also dig the simplicity of good mechanical disc brakes. The less one cares about what others think of them, the happier that person becomes. Do your thing bro.
I've had hydros in the past and really appreciated their modulation, but I missed the simplicity and versatility of cable actuation, so I installed cable actuated hydraulic brakes. I had to use compressionless cable housing, but it's been worth it in my opinion. I love biking in sandals, but now my crocs might be more useful than just checking the mail and garbage day. Now I gotta try a fishing shirt. It's all your fault! B-D
@@Taser3141 My issue is that by the time I buy compressionless housing I'm wondering why I didn't just go hydro anyway (cost wise). I'm happy with either system and I find hydro's wayyyyyy more finicky; I've never had a hydro that I'd consider "set and forget" or simple. Same with the fishing shirt, will now be trying that.
mine are the stiff kind so theyre pretty great to me
As a more competitive cyclist I agree with most of this. On my commuter I will never wear any cycling kit or clipless pedals. I wear crocs when I'm preriding race courses for a similar reason. I just don't do that when I'm racing.
The longer I ride the more I appreciate this type of advice. This is a great channel. “Functional, durable, adaptable, and no-fuss” are very underrated categories when judging bike components!
I think we have to keep in mind that all kind of hobbies becomes target of capitalistic ventures. Consumers will be exploited with expensive single-feature gear that will require us to consume more products. I mean, I get it, those specialized products might be superior for its single use-case. But for normal people that want to get out there, biking, enjoying themselves, doing things comfortably and on a budget; ghetto hacks and multi-purpose gear is far more important. For me personally cycling is much more about freedom and "owning less stuff". My "touring bike" is a cheap hybrid bike (360$), it has flat pedals, rim breaks and good hybrid tires (gravel and dirt roads). I have since added light weight plastic fenders, rear rack. a detachable handlebar bag and two frame bags. I use it for everyday commute, long distance, exercise, bike touring, gravel, dirt roads etc. and since I don't "compete" there's really no reason to get stuck in expensive enthusiast grade hardware or accessories. Heck, I even rolled up my stuff in a blue plastic ikea bag on my back rack and attached it with bungee cords, it's water proof, light weight, doesn't cost more than a couple of dollars, doesn't add any meaningful drag for someone just enjoying themselves. Sure, I could buy a 100$+ saddle bag, but why? I agree with this list. It's important to make cycling available, enthusiasts can often scare away normal people from biking with all of these excessive gear recommendations.
With this being said, I usually travel around 20-30km/h on my bike. I can get up to 40km/h if I am not travelling against the wind. are there faster bikes? of course. Do I need expensive gear to enjoy cycling, or bike touring? of course not. :) I am happy to be able to own one bike for every use case.
Great video Russ. You reminded me that years ago I had a “5” speed bike with a friction gear change (and rim brakes). Learned to use it in minutes and never missed a gear. Why do we over the years suddenly NEED all the new stuff introduced?
I run friction shifting on all of my geared bikes, from 2x5 to 2x11. All rim brakes except for my Crust Romeo, which runs Paul Klampers (which I love).
I love my flat pedals with keen sandals, my fly fishing shirt, and my rim brakes. Plus I miss my friction shifter and how I could fine tune it.
The love of bycicles means you integrate them into your life. Race bikes are the other way around: they want your life to integrate/be slaves to them. I thought my whole life I like bikes so I also 'have' to like race bikes, but I never liked anything about them. Everything I love about bycicles is the total opposite of what race bikes represent.
I think the worst mistake anyone can make is to do what someone else thinks is right vs doing what feels right for them.
Thanks Russ, Im just about Finished building up my first modern gravel/dirt touring bike. I've been a long time commuter and always had a pile of bikes since I was a kid but I never really liked sport cycling much so always had old tech that was reliable and just felt better suited for me in appearance. I Just wanted to say that your Chanel has really helped me find my way and enabled me to explore new possibilities for riding and gain exposure to some great designers and manufacturers.
I don't know how long it would have taken me to find Grant Peterson on my own amongst many others that have really gotten me re-engage with cycling that without your contributions may not have been possible. Thanks so much for your hard work!
Love this video. I actually really like hydraulic disc brakes because of the smooth modulation they provide, but rim brakes and cable disc brakes are totally able to stop any bike in any situation, and I would never even consider hydraulic brakes for touring or bikepacking in a really remote area. (I've often thought that disc brakes are a solution to a problem that never existed.)
I totally agree with you about flat pedals; clip-in pedals do perform very slightly better while sprinting and on hills, in my experience at least, but if you're not racing, a 5% performance advantage in some situations is not worth having to wear uncomfortable, expensive, ridiculous shoes.
I'm ambivalent about your comments on friction shifting. Friction shifters are wonderfully worry-free, and they work really well pretty much always. I used friction shifters for over 15 years and totally loved them. However, I've been riding with Shimano 105, 11-speed, indexed gears for the last two years. They honestly don't need much more care than friction shifters, once they're dialed in, and they are pretty awesome once they're properly adjusted. Dialing them in, though, is a frustrating, tear-inducing PITA. With friction shifting, you basically just set the limit screws and never have to think about anything ever again.
With modern shifters they really aren't that hard to dial in. I recently switched from Shimano to Microshift, and there were some challenges there, but once dialed in they are a no-brainer for sure. I love index shifting. It's precise and I don't need to worry about shifting. When I need to shift it's just a click a way :D. Sometimes I need to drop multiple gears, and with a friction shifter that was always a challenge for me. An example is you have some really good speed and you come to a steep hill. You are going to want to carry that speed as much as possible, but sometimes you need to drop a couple of gears, once your momentum wears off towards the peak, in order to get the proper ratio for the hill.
Totally agree with the flat pedals.
Though lots of MTB ie serious cyclists use flats and flat shoes, though I think he means more casual?
@@rogercmerriman Half Toe Clips are better, just not as cool looking
@@bindingcurve fairly pants in my experience, which is admittedly years back, but decent flats/shoes will give a good secure pedal. Ie for MTB/Gravel stuff and somewhat less serious stuff for the commute as the more casual stuff you can wear all day, and doesn’t mark floors!
I'm 100% with you on all 5 things, although I currently have a Microshift Advent X groupset on my main bike ( it works great).
love that groupset
Also have it, and it performs really good.
Each to their own, but this attitude makes cycling a lot more accessible and relatable. All Lycra manufacturers will hate you though.
When it comes to haters or detractors or even anally retentive bastards in cycling I've often postulated that the most highly opinionated cyclists are the the hard core mtb'ers and roadies. Us folks in the middle are more care free and casual, are willing to try new things (cave of bad ideas) and our rides and biking experiences are just as fulfilling with half the prep, gear, miles, etc. Shimano GRX 2x10 gives me hope that the industry might actually realize there is a demographic other than the race oriented worth marketing to.
I like tubes. Talk to most cyclists and they look at you like you're crazy if you haven't converted to tubeless. I can't remember the last time I had a flat, so I think I'm good.
In bigger tire widths, tubeless can shed a lot of rotating weight. The tubes for my 3"-wide 26+ tires are heavy! Also, those that ride in cholla cactus or goat-head thorn country can really benefit from sealant to fill the spine-holes in the tires. Sealant in tubes doesn't work nearly as well.
I probably would be good with tubes on everything except my mtb. I had some many flats while mountain biking before I went Tubeless (or I had to run at stupid high pressures). I do run Tubeless on my gravel bike just cause it was setup for it and honestly for me at this point it is just as easy to setup Tubeless as put in tubes.
Lol, tempting fate there, the last time I bragged about not getting a flat (for at least 1200 miles), I had to brake hard about 5 miles later (on dirt) and took a 1x1/4" wood splinter straight through to the rim tape.
I run tubeless and love it. I switched out some tires here a year ago and I had a nail and a long thorn in the tire I removed and I didn’t even know they were in there. I have no idea how many miles I had been riding on those things. Tubeless rocks
There's more advantages to tubeless than just less flats.
I completely agree with your take on brakes. I have hydraulics on my mountain bike because of what I ride but the cable disks on my gravel bike do just fine for what they're used for and hydro would be overkill
The thing is, hydraulic brakes aren't aren't expensive, I'm just wondering what would be the point when it's not a money issue?
@@getstrongby4038 Mechanical disk brakes are easier to maintain, don't need any special or dedicated tools like funnels and such to work on them, they're bulletproof, and parts/supplies are far more common.
If you have a bad wreck and bin your bike 20 miles from the nearest town on, lets say, the Alleghany Passage, where I normally ride, and you damage a hydro hose, then you're fekken screwed. You've immediately lost all of that brake, and by the time you do reach a town with a bike shop, there's only about a 25% chance, at best, that they will actually have anything there to service you. Practically none of the bike shops in this area (excluding high end shops deep in the city, and away from the actual trails) carry parts for anything except basic 3x7, maybe 3x9 groupsets, and mechanical brakes. However, your only hope to repair your hydro brakes is a wad of tape and some baby oil.
That said, if you do get in a pinch with said mechanical brakes, and you bang up your cable too, somehow, if there's a Walmart along the trail you can fix it. Doesn't even need to be a bike shop, they carry cables too.
Though honestly, the fact that most local bike shops outside the city don't carry fancy stuff like that, and are almost all geared toward more "entry level" bikes with "outdated" tech like mechanical brakes and 3x setups really says something about what the vast majority of riders actually ride.
@@CPD0123a trek shop is 10 minutes away, I'm not too concerned about that
Never said most people aren't using 3x drivetrains, I just said they're not the best for mountain bikes, because they're not
Think about it, to get mechanical disk brakes nd a 3x drivetrain would have had to buy the absolute cheapest, lowest end bike trek made to get those, i just don't see the point in going backwards
@@CPD0123a sorry didn't read properly, yes if that happed on the trail that wouldn't be great, but surely one brake would be enough just for emergency use
I love flat pedals! Like you said, very little in the way of efficiency and it just makes your bike so much more versatile.
Flat pedals suck on loose climbs. Half toe clips are much better
This may be your best video, because I agree so strongly with everything you say here. I’ve been cycling seriously since 1975, and I’ve used all the things you eschew here. I loved them. And I’ve come back to doing what you do. I loved my SPD cleats, and I don’t blame my former self for loving them, but I’m falling in love with flat pedals, and now I’m going to try some Crocs and a fly fishing shirt.
I love this video dude! I’m a bike tech and I always try to educate people about bikes and I always get those people that have been influence by there “ know it all bike friend “ that need 1x12 or hydro breaks, full suspension when all they are doing is riding around the neighborhood lol I believe 3x9 has its place just like 1x12 and mechanical breaks
I swapped my 1x12 for a 3x9 microshift on purpose. I stopped downhill riding a few years ago. I'm in my 50s now, and I just don't have the agility, or healing ability, that I did in my 20s and 30s, so bombing down crazy hills is no longer a page in my book. I still like to ride though, and I refuse to buy a roadie bike, so I put in a 3x9 groupset which is perfect for riding around town and on the trails they have around here. I have been riding since I was 6 and I used to build my own BMX bikes back in the day. I do miss the days when all you need is a set of wrenches. Now I have to buy half a dozen specialized tools just to do some regular maintenance.
My "work bike" for Uber Eats and Just Eats in the UK is an 8 year old Marin Bolinas Ridge 2 with a 3x9. It's bomb proof!
I like your list, Russ, tho' I have a Croc alternative: Walmart casual dress shoes without socks on flat pedals, works a treat on my commutes and errands. And I was on my bike twice today, a 20-mile dash at noon to a nearby town and back and then an evening ten-mile ride around town, all to get things done. And my shoes were as comfortable as ever. And if you haven't watched lately, GCN is working to take itself and cycling less seriously and I think that's by popular viewer demand. And without GCN, I might never have found you, Russ, as they are the big dog drawing lots of viewers to cycling channels, not just their own.
GCN?
@@mah6183 So if you're asking about GCN, it stands for the Global Cycling Network and it is a large group of cycling channels in many languages in Bath, England, a product of Discovery Communications in Maryland, the sponsor of a popular U.S. pro road team earlier this century. And I would add that my own journey with RUclips cycling vids began about six or seven years ago when I was working as a bike assembler at a Walmart and was looking for some tutorials on bike maintenance and repair. And I certainly discovered those and so much more and it is all pretty incredible, all this community and conversation and show-and-tell and advertisements and I'm okay with those as sponsors make the world go around and around, just that I won't be buying a $14,000 bicycle anytime soon.
@@robbchastain3036 Thanks. I had no idea.
Love the idea of one shoe only, when touring. Have you tried the Keen Venice H2 water sports sandal, as stiffer and more robust than Crocs (which I also love). You can add waterproof sealzskin socks if dewy grass, rainy and cold etc and whip them off when sun comes out. Wash under tap. Or just add normal socks if chilly but dry. Plus we've been wearing trekking shirts for years, so good call. Finally I use flat pedals with toees just for touring, you get some pull up and can stand in them climbing hills. Never see them mentioned in blogs or RUclips...don't they exist in US? The Keen sandals have a rubber toe bumper which fits perfectly under the toee. Love yourvideos -happy cycling😊
I love my Keens.. I just can't get into Crocs.
As a “serious cyclist” I can appreciate most of these but not Crocks. I wear Crocks around the house and office all day but when it comes to cycling I want something with more protection and keep my feet clean and happy. I did ride flat pedals last year at knee surgery and I was pleasantly surprised at how comfortable and efficient they are. The only downside was inconsistent foot placement. Thanks for great content.
Counter point, inconsistent foot placement is an upside on long rides, like when touring. I've actually found I get some numbness clipped in for long periods which no fit adjustment seems to fix. My feet are happier with a little freedom. I do appreciate being clipped in when I do a standing sprint though.
Came here to say what he said. Varying foot placement is a great way to prevent all kinds of injuries and inconveniences. It's not only about the feet either; it also translates to your position on the saddle. For example, you can choose to sit forward for a while and when also placing your feet forward, you can maintain optimum saddle height. Things like that are impossible when clipped in.
Be careful of plantar fasciitis if you allow your foot to flex. The ligament under your foot can become very painful if continually stressed. I only wear stiff sole shoes (on flat pedals). Voice of experience.
In my arc as a cyclist, I've pretty covered all categories. But after pushing hard for roughly 20 years and, in doing so, almost killed my love of cycling, I've come back as a much more relaxed cyclist. So I love everything thing you've suggested. I still ride with lycra and road shoes on the road bike, but anything goes for the other bikes. Great video.
Agreed on all points, although i switch between modes. Flat pedals and sandals on the town basketbike for calm errands around town and then full roadie kit for roadbike weekend century rides. For long rides the tights and road shoes are not really to go faster, it's to make riding into half day headwinds just a little easier. Proper bike and kit for either disciplines methinks Remember ditching shoes in favor of sandals on my first long tour. Situational fluidity
Heck yeah. In >50 years of cycling I've never had a cable fail me. Have been failed by hydraulics twice, so it's cables for me. I love platform pedals with aggressive steel pins. Friction shifters require a little bit of experience but in the end work better.
Another thing I like that serious cyclists hate is comfortable upright bars.
Of course it's totally cool to use whatever you like, those are just my prefs.
Love your attitude! Always a healthy, honest, and insightful perspective. Can't argue with any of your points! I'm all in on flat pedals and long sleeve button down shirts. Consumer driven cycling has created a strange set of "rigid" rules for how to build and maintain a bike. All you need to do to realize those rules are bunk is to go down to your nearest United States urban bus hub or convenience store and take a look at all the bikes being ridden by folks that are relying on those bikes for the majority of their daily transportation. There is abundant ingenuity and inspiration to be found amongst those crowds.
Heck Yeah Russ, I'm right there with you on all of these! I'd never wear anything but Crocs anywhere and everywhere if I could get away with it! Flats for easy bike shoe options - absolutely! Long sleeve camp shirts - yes! Friction shifting - big yes! Mechanical discs - biggest yes of all (won't do rim brakes anymore as I hate grinding rims in wet and muddy Oregon)!
Your "Party Pace" approach to the world of cycling is why your content is the best online. Thanks for representing those of us who love bikes but hate the go-fast-be-light-new-new-new-spend-spend-spend side of things.
I really like my rim brakes, and I don't care what anyone say. Yes, hydraulics give you awesome modulation, but it's much more complex technically, I wouldn't want to have problems with them anywhere far from civilization. And I basically keep my rim brakes neglected for years, and nothing happens.
And I'm not sure what about the stopping power - I can hit my brakes and the wheels will stop turning completely, probably sending me flying over the bike. isn't that enough?
BUT. Every time I ride in the mud, it accumulates on the rims and on the brakepads, and it's really annoying, I confirm. And if there's enough mud, your wheels will stop moving completely, until you wash that shit down.
So, mud trails = disc brakes definitely.
Thank you for this! I’m just getting into biking and I’ve been super intimidated by all the “gear” and didn’t really understand what I truly needed to start cycling. I’m learning as I go, and I don’t really understand everything that “serious” cyclists use.
Hahaha I LOVE this. I ride in crocs sometimes too and totally agree that they're an awesome touring shoe!! Also agree with everything else on this list. Rim brakes, flat pedals, friction shifters, and non-cycling clothing. Awesome. A bike is a tool for fun. Tech is cool too, but it should never get in the way of you having fun. That's priority #1 👍👍 thanks for keeping it real.
I agree with all of your recommendations. Being a roadie/gravel biker who's been riding for decades, we used to race mountain before SPDs were invented with flat pedals and Power Grips Toe Straps. We wore big clunky mountain boots and if you try it, you'll have the best of both worlds.
See also: 26" wheels. How, JUST HOW, did anyone ever get anywhere on 26" wheels without being super-slow & having zero-traction in any & all conditions.
You do you, is a great message, Russ!
Still ride 26 inch rims though now they are fatbike rims with 4.8 inch tire. :)
My wife rides a 26” wheeled bike and does just fine. The whole 650b/27.5/584 trend in the US seems to have evolved out of a marketing push by a few specialty bike makers/sellers, the same sort of marketing push they decry in others. Especially with the fatter tires needed by gravel bikes, the smaller wheel size need could have easily been filled by 26”/559 wheels, but that wasn’t novel enough for writing hyperbolic marketing prose around.
At least when you pass a modern bike with your old dinosaur 26" wheeled mtb they can't complain about being out equipped. =)
@@ucanskixc568 with difficulty
If you are talking MTB and you were here from the beginning then you know this sport has evolved tremendously in the 40 or so years it's been around. I still have a Zaskar 26" in my garage from 1996. I don't ride it often because it's hard to find parts for, and I have it around mostly for nostalgia (my wife hates that I keep all my bikes, but I get attached to them - they are like my steeds and I baby them :D ). I ride a 29" exclusively now.
I was a bike mechanic for years, which gave me the chance to work on and ride just about everything, and I'm inclined to agree with all these. Also kickstands. I don't have a kickstand on all of my bikes, but on the one I use for camping gear and grocery-getting, it's a nice feature.
Still use my pd mx 15 flat pedals,and rim brakes while iam wearing summer shirt and shifting by friction...iam 50 now still using an 1982 specialized stumpjumper..miles and miles of easy happy non competitive cycling life and finally this counts...i do agree with you..kind regards from Greece Europe
Bikes are for rides, not rules. All well said Russ.
Damn, watching cycling and fly fishing in one video has just made me really really happy. Keep up with the great content!
For those who may can't go flats and want a more versatile "one-trip-shoe" for walking, hiking, etc... check out the Bontrager/Trek Avert shoe. The cleats are embedded so you are not click stomping around like other clippless shoe (or take them off). Lugs are pretty darn good, look casual, and are comfy.
*Only had them for a short while, so no long term use in them yet.
Right with you on all of this! My last tour was in Taiwan in November 2019. I wore a short-sleeve button-front outdoor shirt, zip-off shorts and Chaco sandals on flat pedals the whole time. Worked great for me! What is your take on 9-speed+ chains for strength and longevity? They seem sort-lived to me - especially in gritty/grungy conditions where one can't swap it out for cleaning and re-lubing every night.
I love riding with my crocs on! They work great with flat pedals. If you’re riding with crocs on, your not really worried about the marginal gains from clipless. At all.
Hell yeah, stick it to the man. Coming from being a roadie for years I feel bamboozled. The tech has become a distraction to the stuff that matters to have a good time on two wheels. Swapped my clipless for flats and my fancy STI levers for some Gevenalle shifters and I love it. Unless you're racing, do yourself a favor and just be comfortable, you know you want to. ;-)
I'm totally with you Jordan. After the pandemic settled in, I sold my titanium go fast bike for a mint and built up a bike packing rig. Currently have two bikes. Adventure bike and rusty beater bike for errands. I sometimes miss my go fast bike and I'm thinking of building up an aluminum one just for the sake of it. It'd be my only bike with clipless pedals though.
I got a set of gevenalles on one bike and they are the shit
I'm with you on most of them. I recently tried going back to friction shifting, but "grind 'em till you find 'em shifting" still seems to be too much for my ocd. You have a very valid point about the compatibility issues though that I never considered. My bike packing bike has two wheel sets. 1x11. Currently, rear wheels need identical cassettes. With a friction shifter, slap on whatever cassette you have laying around and just make sure the range adjustment screws keep the chain from falling off.
My buddy and I toured across central and eastern Oregon a couple of years ago in Hawaiian shirts and Tevas. At first, people didn't believe us because we didn't "look like cyclists." But we ended up making friends with some locals because we were more concerned with having fun adventures than riding fast or looking cool. Now, we have a network of free places to stay the next time we're in the area! Take THAT lycra and carbon fiber!
My problem with Crocs is their lack of a footbed and spongy sole. Keen makes a similar product that has a foot bed and a stiffer, yet still flexible sole, that has great over all grip on and off the bike also called the Yogui you might try?
Agree on mechanical disc brakes. Gravel bike has TRP Spyre mechanical as I do way more miles on the bike and so easy to maintain. MTB has Shimano hydraulics as it's better suited for that riding where modulation is more important IMHO.
One of your best videos Russ! Tell it like it should be told brother. I have some crank brothers stamp composite pedals on one bike and I’ve never seen a set of flat pedals stick to my feet the way these things do. You can’t even tell if your clipped in half the time. They are extra large for my size 12 shoes. And one bike has a friction downtube shifter for a 1x10 set up.
Thanks for this video
I so much totally agree with all your points!!! Personally I would add: "I love a folding mechanism in a bike!"
I'm glad you mentioned the clothes. Anytime I go for a ride and see another group of riders, it's like they're all competing to wear the most "bike" related clothes and items for the day. I think it's the online shopping effect, where you go to amazon for one thing, and get suggested 10 others. Come out the other side wearing what everyone wears without even asking why or if you really need to.
Absolutely love friction shifting. I converted an old 10 speed to a 2x10 using downtube shifters. Works like a charm and incredibly easy to set up. Way less faff than what i expect will be the other STI mod coming up with Ultegra ;)
Also i love the looks of DTS!
Down tube shifters, had those on a Nishiki Linear road bike in college. :) It also had one of those odd oblong cranks, was supposed to be more efficient.
Only reason I don't like DTS is because they would be quite a reach for me on a 62-64cm frame!
My Scott MTB came with kickstand-specific mounting points so I bought the matching kickstand. I love it. While other bikes are lying in the grass or topple over, mine is waiting in dignity while I get some pastry from the bakery. I love it.
I haven't tried friction. Very curious about it. Otherwise I wholehearted agree with everything!! I love my flats and recently used flip flops in material similar to Crocs because of some foot surgery. I keep up just fine. I bought a fishing shirt after watching your videos. It's my favorite cycling shirt.
I would add that I no longer use chamois. Ever. Boxer briefs all the way. 👍
When I first got derrailer gears it was all friction shifting on the down tube. Groping down between your legs to find a gear. I dont miss that, might be worth trying on the handlebars though.
My only gripe about friction shifting is that wearing ear buds while riding keeps you from hearing how quiet or noisy your derailleur is. Not wearing earbuds is a safer way to ride anyways.
@@Taser3141 I see, interesting. I never listen to music while riding so that's good for me then. I think I'm going to give my shop a call next week and set something up!
@@Taser3141 Never had an Issue with using ear buds when riding friciton. I think once you are used to it, muscle memory helps you find the correct gear. I always ride with music (otherwise solo rides get well mundane). Maybe dont crank the volume up to 11.
Get flats that are rubber or use griptape, then you can ride barefoot
When I did my mtb to gravel conversion I decided to use friction shifters instead, and since then I don't think I will ever go back to index shifters
Much much simpler mechanism, easier maintenance, and with a retroshift/genavelle style setup it's really comfortable too
Totally with ya’ on Flat Pedals, Shirts, Friction Shifters (Surly LHT), and Rim brakes or Cable Disc brakes. I mean I am really with you. Damn, now I have to try Crocs! LOL…..Thanks!
To be honest, the only thing that I hate is when somebody tries to push their ideas of perfection on others. As long as you're safe and have fun, the way you achieve it and the amount of money you pour into it are ultimately irrelevant. Best of luck and stay safe!!
As a 'serious' cyclist:
1: Soft-soled shoes resulted in massive foot pain and fatigue on longer rides for me. Stiff-soled shoes drastically improved my comfort on the bike. Your mileage will vary.
2: People misunderstand flat vs clipless. It was never about efficiency, but rather for extra security on the pedals when pushing out a lot of watts, and for being able to pull up on the upstroke when sprinting or smashing up a climb. If you're riding casually, that doesn't really come into play.
3: Wearing lycra means I can sweat gallons and not even notice. Loose clothing, no matter how fancy the fabric is, always ends up sticking to me in weird ways and getting really annoying really quickly. But if you're not sweating, there's nothing to gain here.
4: No opinion on friction shifting. if it works, ride it.
5: Rim brakes have some downsides but they're perfectly serviceable and have more than enough power in all but the most miserable conditions. Mechanical disc brakes are a case of "the 1% of good ones get a bad name from the 99% of crappy ones". There's no reason that applying the braking force via cable should be inferior to applying it by cable (at least not by such a huge amount), but because it's a budget option you end up with corners cut everywhere and brakes that barely work, unless you know enough to shop around for the few models that aren't completely awful.
If you account for pad wear, hydraulic actuation will have more leverage than mechanical actuation, if the slack isnt taken out of the mechanical system after pad wear.
I just rode 8 hours in super minimal Freet Tanga shoes on flat pedals with very pointy spikes without any discomfort to my feet. I didn't specifically train for that but do walk on barefoot shoes regularly. YMWV, as you stated. Also, I actually ride flats for extra security instead of the other way around. Not being clipped in has saved my ass numerous times when one of my wheels lost grip and decided to go sideways.
agree. thats why i like stiff crocs 😂
lets see you get off your bike at a pristine fishing spot and wade directly into a river. I think it is funny that people walking in their serious cycling shoes can not hardly walk.
@@adventureswithfrodo2721 You can get some incredibly comfy, walkable cycling shoes these days. Ones you'd be hard pressed to spot next to a pair of sneakers. You're still going to be a little bit limited due to the stiff sole but that's a tradeoff you make for on-bike vs off-bike comfort.
And remember that to wade into the river, you must first make it TO the river. If my feet are burning 5 miles into the ride because my shoes are flexing too much, I'm gonna be sitting on the couch, not out on my bike.
I only bikepack in Crocs. In the cold spring I add waterproof socks. The all terrain models have decent grip and don’t forget your Sport Mode strap when things get rowdy.
I’m somewhere in between. I’m digging how gravel kind sorta made cycling more fun, informal. I still like kitting up, but on occasion throw on a t-shirt with some bibs, because of my bar bag. I have one rim brake road bike and a new fangled hydro disc brake on my gravel.
I'm with you. Ultimately I probably have the most fun on the gravel bike with baggies and bags full of snacks and extra layers. But it's also fun to put on some lycra and rip on the speedy road bike. And honestly baggy clothing starts to get uncomfortable after a few hours.
Thank you for the permission to do my own thing on the bike! I really needed that statement in my bikelife. Also now I'm officially friction shifting curious.😁
Well,I am a ‘Roadie ‘ always ride in cycling gear. Never use flat pedals on any of my bikes....but TOTALLY agree with everything you say. I just choose to ride in the way that suits me.. I love crocs and wear them loads.. Here in wet,windy Co. Donegal, N.W. Ireland it suits me to be heading out today for a few hours in my Castelli Nanoflex shorts and jersey in the wind and rain. However it is my considered opinion that we humans are allowing ourselves to be manipulated and coerced into compliance in many,many ways. Cycling is an activity that can offer freedom and adventure..things sadly lacking in modern life,plus can fulfill aspects of life denied by modern living. Hence don’t just put oneself into another box by missing the point! It is also a consequence of our culture that the ‘bike industry’ has been largely taken over by the ‘profit over people’ ethos of Global Corporations...
Love the timing on this video. Had a serious cyclist go down the list of things "i needed to do" today. Screw that. The only thing I need to remember is to wear sunscreen on hot sunny days. The rest is just make the wheels turn, brakes work, and pedals turn. I'm not exactly ready for friction shifting yet because i like the convenience of the shifter being right next to the brakes and they work fine so I don't see a reason to change yet. It just works. However, friction shifting does sound great. Fly fishing shirts rock, I've tried them and they are so good. They have vents and so breathable and protect from the sun. I tend to roll up the sleeves tho lol so I need the sunscreen. This channel is gold. So much gold.
Loved the poke at GCN. Agree with all five of your points especially friction shifting. I tune my friction shifting in the spring and unless a cable breaks it never gets touched again. I'd also add to your list carbon fibre bikes. If you're not in a competative environment I just don't see the point. I don't want to worry about getting a scratched frame but I'm a steel 80's bike guy so take that for what its worth.
I like to watch GCN just to see the latest greatest tech that everyone else is throwing their money away on. Wether you enjoy cycling by having carbon wireless everything or crocs and thumb shifters, the cycling industry has love for all cyclists.
I am a 'serious' cyclist and I hated nothing. You do you mate, Although I hate the look of crocs, have never actually worn a pair, if they are comfy and get the job done go for it.
I still use Shimano Deore Lx v-brake (similar to XTR v-brake) and i love it, even though i have another bike with hidraulic Shimano 105 disc brakes. I still think my v-brakes give me more confidence and stopping power/modulation.
Then why have disc brakes?
@@Wobbz9413 Why you ask about discs and not cantilever or hydraulic v-brakes?
@@CyclingLifePT oh. I see you can get them. I thought you had a bike with hydraulic disks. My appologies! Still, what is wrong with cables?
@@CyclingLifePT not that I care really. Rim brakes and cables are fine with me for all my bikes, but each to their own really.
You have a lot of reasons to use disc brakes you can search for those online. What are you trying to know when you ask me for "then why have disc brakes?"
I'm of the "If you like it, I love it" philosophy when it comes to cycling. I don't care about anything but the enjoyment of the ride. If you enjoy it differently than me, great! What I don't like are the bike snobs that literally won't talk with someone if they don't have all the perfect kit on the bike and their body. We have WAY too many bike snobs in my area and since I don't enjoy things their way, they don't talk to me. Guess I'm better off? Thanks for the video, I really love the attitude you have about riding.
I do agree with this. I also ride flat pedals on my bikes and dress casually. I hate those wild looking tight clothing kits. You stop at a coffee shop and you look like you just finished a tour de France stage. Cycling is suppose to be fun and a way of exploring places. There are some really good dual piston mechanical brakes on the market nowadays. I think the hydraulic brakes are quite overrated.
Agreed. I also don't like most cycling clothes because they have such ugly colours and are full of advertising... What I really like are the back pockets on the jerseys though! Can anyone make normal cut shirts with those pack pockets please? They are great for cyclng!
@@felixfranke2838 Yes the colors are ridiculous. I think there are some casual shirts with back pockets. I believe I seen some before. Those are nice.
The only concession I make to "cyclist" clothes is polyester shirt to wick away sweat. Else I pedal in below-knee shorts and whatever shoe I feel like wearing.
As for brakes, I run cable discs and doubt I'll ever go hydraulic. Those are more costly, messy, high-maintenance and not worth my time.
My current favourite bike is 1x7 with an old Suntour friction shifter, a much newer Deore XT derailleur, Uni glide sprockets (when one wears down you first turn it and then replace the single sprocket), historic Dura Ace brake levers (non-sti), and Shimano cantilevers. Works wonderfully.
I feel the same way with the exception of loose clothes. Loose shirts are still fine but I had a bee get in my loose shorts on my last ride. I'll be trying out some tights instead
Loose clothing means no mosquito bites! lol. Hence no lycra in the bush.
I’ve spent the last 8 years training and racing my bike. I’ve vowed to never again pin on a number or enter the “pain cave” again. I’m tired if race fit kits and being generally uncomfortable on the bike. I’m not ready to give up my power meter and interval sessions but I have ordered some baggy clothes, flat pedals and I’ve never been embarrassed to rock a pair of crocks! I appreciate your approach.
Can't disagree with any of it, especially the flat pedals. The older I get the less I care what anyone thinks, its all about me having a good time. I've only recently discovered that not every ride is a race and chilling on the trail is much more fun.
I agree 100%, slow down smell the trees and flowers and take pictures. :)
As a frequent, but casual, bicyclist, I love this video. I've rode with nearly all these and couldn't agree more. In fact, my brand new bike has hydrolic disc brakes, and I found myself longing for my old cable rim brakes when I had to take it in to the bike shop for $250 brake tube extension to fit my new handlebars.
You are really the ONLY
Sane person out there
Thank you very much for just being normal.
Bicycles - fun
Mark from Maryland
What Russ says is largely an echo of what Grant Petersen (Rivendell Bicycles) has been saying for 1/4 century now. That’s not a criticism of Russ. Both men have arrived at similar conclusions through experience.
I use trekking sandals for gravel riding, same foam material as crocs but are sleeker looking. Love them coz they're very comfy and even if it's warm, hot, muddy or wet, like really raining they're really grippy.
Thankfully I am not a serious cyclist… love sandals and fishing shirts! 😜
Love your taking a swipe at the "must have" mind set!
I started moving away from the road race, equipment junky, mindset in the mid-80s. Prior to that if it wasn't Reynolds 531, Campagnolo and tubulars I wasn't interested. Then, one fateful day in 1982, while working in a bicycle shop, I was perusing the catalogs for the new season's bicycle offerings. I saw the first Schwinn Mtn. Bike and asked the owner to order me one. He asked "What are you going to do with that?" My response was "I don't know, but it looks like fun." When the bike came in I assembled it and the owner said "That stuff will never sell." 😉The next season I ordered a Trek 850 Rough Terrain bicycle--Trek's first mountain bike offering--and after replacing many worn out components over the years still ride it regularly. In 1986 I toured over 3,100 miles on that bike... Yesterday I took a 32 mile rail trail ride on it. I currently have 6 other bikes and have had 30+ other bikes over the years but I'll never get rid of that Trek 850!
I got rid of the toe clips and straps, and clipless pedals, on several bikes and put flats on. Being able to walk around in my shoes around town and while touring became more important to me than any theoretical advantage of the "clipped in" variety. I currently have Adidas Five Ten shoes... got them before I noticed Danny MacAskill wears them.😜 A notable exception is my Specialized Epic mountain bike... I ride clipless on that to keep my feet on the pedals in rough conditions. This as I found that ripping meat off my shins and calves wasn't fun... Crocks??? Not sure I'd go that far but I've noticed some thru-hikers are wearing them so maybe I'll try them some day.
Friction down tube shifters still grace one of my bikes... a 1983 Trek 620. I don't feel handicapped at all with them as I grew up with them. Index shifting is Okay but not necessary.
I have cable actuated cantilever and V brakes on several bikes and they work just fine... even in the Rockies on a loaded touring bike.
Clothing... any theoretical advantage of tight lycra is lost when you ride long distance with paniers or around town! I was just looking at fly fishing shirts as I prep for my next tour... this after looking at Club Ride shirts and thinking that fly fishing shirts are basically the same and in stock!
Keeping poking fun... I enjoy it!
A good friend of mine loves his Crocs. Being he beat Lance by a few minutes at the Rattlesnake 100, I'd say he's a fairly serious rider. He also has been know to wear less than aero cutoff jeans and "Foreigner" cutoff shirts. I'm a former pro-mountain bike dyude who was quite serious. Serious enough to win several 6,12 & 24 hour races, yet I rock the cable-actuated disc brakes and rim brakes on my fun-to-drive daily-driver bikes. Hydraulic disc brakes are overrated - until it gets really wet or muddy. Mebbe you're a touch polarized with fast people?
Tip: Merino shirts. So practical and stink-free! Like, 5-days in a row odor-free. Is that quirky enough? 😛
Props for using cable brakes! If they're set up correctly, they're just as good as any hydro brakes I've ridden. Also: the rim provides a larger surface area to cool the brakes. Friction shifting is dope, too. It's easy enough to get in and out of gear without complexity. Back in the day there was Browning Automatic shifting. Even then it seemed ridiculous.
Agreed -- 90%! I used to do a a commute with a 200m altitude drop, with lots of fresh greywacke gravel. That stuff eats through alloy rims like crazy. I've had two rims explode, one at speed. No fun. My brake of choice is now the BB7, even upgraded the mountain bike. Happy trails!
I'm very close Russ. My warm weather standard riding setup: sandals, flat pedals, dry fit t shirt, cargo shorts (padded liner if going more than 25 miles). I love my friction shifters, but I'm also very fond of the index shifters on my Surly. I never use clipless pedals, almost never wear Lycra, and I rarely wear a cycling jersey. They are not necessary for my casual style of riding
I prefer sandals to crocs. Somewhere over the last 5 years I started regularly receiving comments of genuine astonishment that I ride flats. Not sure why. Also some people cannot imagine how one rides chamois-less. Another great shirt option are climbing button ups. They allow a great range of motion, lots of fabric types and styles to choose from
I prefer sandals too -- although the Crocs sound intriguing, because they would be even nerdier! :)
Ha! Good stuff here :D I'm reminded of a newbie lady that just joined my local bike club. She rode with us "slower folk" for starters, but she had already been caught up with the "in" things, including lycra shorts and shoes with cleats. I was in jeans and wearing sandals with socks, on my flat pedals. She asked "how can you ride like that?". I took off from a signal right away while she struggled to get clipped in and going. Later, I teased her asking "how can you ride like that?". In any case, she didn't ride long (neither with us nor with the faster group).
I hear ya with the cable/disc or rim brakes. When I got my latest bike (a Soma), I wanted rim brakes but I ended up with the frame that only supports disc. Got Shimano cable disc brakes. They stop plenty fast and with no maintenance problems at all.
I think I'm at the point that if a "serious cyclist" hates it, I'm going to want to do it even more. Tar and feather the fun killers.
I'm totally with you. I custom built my drop bar bike packing rig by converting a brand new mountain bike. I don't dare bring it to a group ride. It's a total OCD magnet. Ruining everyone else's ride with it's mere presence. Everyone enjoys cycling in different ways. Some people aren't ok with that.
Rim brakes indeed have a major issue riding in winter, especially if it's just below freezing point, there's still some unfrozen water here and there, puddles and such, and it's way too easy to get some water on your braking surfaces, after which it will promptly freeze and the brakes literally do nothing. I'm (again, someone stole the previous one) converting a 90s ATB as my "railway station bike" (i.e. bike I can leave at the station overnight without it being immediately stolen) and I very specifically sourced a frame with horizontal dropouts so I can have a single-speed coaster brake hub.
With you on all of these facets. I did a tour of Mongolia in summer wearing crocs. Many, many shallow creeks and wet patches to cross. While everyone else was taking off shoes, drying socks, having spills, etc, I just rode straight on, feet drying in 5 minutes. If you don’t fear having to put your food down in a shallow rocky creek, you have more confidence, or at least bravado.
As a barefoot-style minimalist footwear enthusiast, flat pedals are the only option (I use Catalysts). I actually find being able to adjust the foot position for different situations improves my biking from a performance standpoint as well. I'd like to be able to bunnyhop though.
Keep preaching!
Pedal wise, my theory is that on flats l move around and the load on the knee spreads and there's less knee trouble
Good stuff, as usual. The only gripe I would have is over the friction shifter. But I ride where there’s a lot of short, steep climbs, and then short descents so there’s a lot of shifting. Totally agree on everything else, though. I love your approach to biking.
Awesome channel man. Riding out and fishing looks so good.
Bikes are meant to be experimented on. I found an abandoned Trek 920 with blown shifters and cables. I fixed the brakes, locked out the RD with a scrap of brake cable and made it a single speed. Fun, but done already. So I found a fugly, unpaired Deore 7s shifter, put it in friction and used it to operate the FRONT derailleur. So now I have a three speed 90s MTB. With a basket on back.
I like this channel as he talks common sense. I used to ride 50 miles (80 Kms) per day because I commuted to work. I rode with loose pants, running shoes, flat pedals, used friction shifters on my 12 speed, wore loose and floppy shirts simply because it was comfortable. Early spring and early winter I sometimes even rode with felt pack boots in order to keep my feet warm. Big mitts too as my hands had frost bite twice. You just have to do whatever it takes to make yourself comfortable.
kudos on a 40 km commute. :O That would be too far for me ;) You had to be well fit
The only cycling-specific clothing I found functional are shorts, definitely more comfortable on long rides. Other than that its flat pedals, tires with tubes, tennis court-style shoes, long sleeve t-shirt; do bicycle helmets and bicycle gloves count? I also use friction shifting, cabled rim brakes, and (horror or horrors!) I have a seat post racks on my regular rides for carrying MY STUFF on longer rides. I've also bicycled across the USA with these items.