I love this build. Like you say the simplicity and ease of repair of the mechanical brakes. I built a gravel bike, using and old Voodoo Limba frame and forks. A bike builder friend helped me, especially on the gearing side. To got the 'NEW' 1x I was looking at very costly components, so I opted for a 2x and used a MTB gearing. Gave me a much better range and the lowest ratio gave me 0.85 and the 1x would have given me 0.87. The price difference was over £400 saving ! For me a bikepacking set-up needs to be capable of eating up the miles with ease, in relative comfort and it is clear that is what you have achieved here So refreshing to see someone building a bike in today's world, without the want/feel/need for the latest gearing and braking at extortionate costs 👊👍
Great points made with this build that hopefully help some people out there. I'm shopping for a Bridge Club so very helpful to me. Hopefully whatever type of gearing you choose gives you a nice big range between lowest and highest gears and for a touring bike it's nice for piece of mind to have a couple less cogs in the back and a wider, stronger chain. Also on the brakes seeking out more braking power quickly runs you into the limiting factor which is how much traction do you have. I also love my frame bag, super handy day to day and puts some cargo in the middle of the bike where it carries best.
I did a big part of the TMV in september as a part of my Arlon (Belgium) Iserables (Suisse) trip and I can say that your bike is a good choice. I used a Breezer radar with a 2x9 with the lowest gear a 36-24 and sometimes I wished I had a 22😅. So the set up looks like this one. I'm now converting the bike to a straight handlebar (ergotec m-bar) because the drop bar on this route was a killer for my back. The thing to check out is the capability to hike a bike with this luggage set up because there a lot of steep sections where you are going to walk. I used a front rack with a roll bag and rear rack with a rack pack and a half frame bag. It did it for me. Used the same tires as u (maxxis icon) and had one flat that could be plugged an an other that solved itself (tubeless) on the whole route (1200km) water and food are not a big problem on the TMV. In France the graveyards have drinkable water. Good luck and enjoy!
I've really enjoyed your videos about your Bridge Club. I have a recommendation about luggage on a touring bike. My bike is a Straggler but i reckon it's relevant. Get a rear rack and panniers. Continue to use your front rack and panniers and distribute the load across the bike. Consider a different front rack; one that includes a top deck for a basket, such as a Surly Front Rack or a 24 Pack Rack. Also, consider putting your Camelbak into the bottom most part of the frame bag, and running the tube out the top to where it's easy to reach for a drink.
I agree totally about a basket. Easily the most convenient way to carry stuff. I use Wald baskets with the big Surly Porteur bag for shopping, gravel rides and touring, and they work perfectly together.
I think the reason Surly used a 1X for their prebuilt drivetrain is because that is half the number of gear shifts to worry about and adjust, keeping things as simple and reliable as possible. I think if I was going to build this myself I would just use an even larger rear cassette to try and get that sweet .62/.61 area ratio, but bring the high gear closer to 3.5-4 like you said. I don't know if that's possible on a 1x setup but I would try I think as much as possible to keep it a 1x setup. I do like the idea of mechanical disc brakes, I'm definitely on board with that decision. Very simple and very reliable.
It's just simply cost, OEM build with a one by is much cheaper and easier to build than a two by or three by, Surly did state that it is design with a budget in mind.
Just an idea about the front paniers - I had similar issues on my Karate Monkey: The more the weight is in front of the axle, the more reactive/unstable the wheel rides. But if the weight slides to the rear, the wheel drives more stable / sluggish. The good thing is that the brackets on the back of the Ortliebs can move in both directions. So if necessary you could experiment a bit, if you want to transport more weight times ...
3x8 but using 9spd components. DEORE-Alivio. agree totally on this. I have a 7spd 12-32 deore 9spd RD on it smartened the tourney groupset up just right. adding the 22,32,42 front cranks. other bike has 28,38,48 and thinner tires. SOLD MY 12SPD XC8 after one season.. the cables would freeze up in the easiest gear which was stupid annoying.. mild Toronto October at night..
I was pretty jealous when I watched your build video and now I'm even more jealous seeing it in action. Also crazy to see that %655 gear range on the 3x. Makes me wonder how 1x ever became the fad.
For the 1X drivetrains I can understand the preference for simplicity and the looks, but I don't think it covers the needs of bikes that are meant to be loaded. Cheers mate !
It is a fad, along with everything modern (12speed, etc. .). I built my bridge club on 2x9, mechanical brakes, rear rack, salsa anything cages on Front. Just like Author mentioned, budget bike that can accommodate lot of parts your already have !!
One of my cycling mates rides with a Rohloff, maintenance is really easy. Only downsides: it’s heavier than a derailleur setup and it puts the weight at the back (less important on touring) and the gear range could be just slightly short for some riders
Such a shame the Packrat is discontinued...so glad i got one! Does eveyting the BC does but...low trail geo; 15+kg up front, 27.5/50mm mtb tires, much lighter. (Took mine from Amsterdam to Morocco and back, Trans Germany Trail) uwGuess its because the rimbrakes...wich i dont need. Any Surly is awesome though so Enjoy!
Your panniers alone weight a huge amount, I reckon if you look around you can easily shave 1kg off the weight of the panniers before you even add luggages in it. If you look at North St Adventure Micro Pannier 14L, they weight under 400g each, or the 21L one that is over 400g.
Hi, Merci pour ce video!. I am an american living in France and am doing more and more bike travelling. I'm looking far and wide for a new dedicated bike which is versatile. Right now i am touring on road bikes, but I feel the limits and want something for gravel situation, or to be more precise, all the situations you video discusses with the BC. I am pretty sure steel or titanium will be my choice. (lookign at Niner, Salsa, Fairlight, Surly, Leon88...among others) What you video confirmed to me is the importance of 3X drive train. I thought that many recent wide tire compatible bikes like the BC could not accept 3X, but now I see it isn't true. So from your video, it seems like purchasing a frameset could be the best bet, as long as the spec allows for the 3X...Question Is this easy/difficult to ascertain? Thanks again! - Peter
You are looking at very nice frameset brands ! I didn’t know Leon88 looks amazing. I think modern high end framesets are more easily compatible with 1x and 2x, you can actually get a pretty wide range with a 2x10 or 2x11 with a big cassette (ex. 10-51). For more “simple” or “old school” framesets (like BC) it’s more common to see 3x compatibility. Mind that the only 3x middle to high end is Shimano Deore and Deore XT Trecking, on 2x you’ll find more options even with other brands like Sram and more options for drop bars too.
Interesting frame and build. I like your choices and you explain their rationale clearly. Why do people have such a negative opinion of mech brakes? I have BB7s on one bike and they are so easy to set up and service. I also am trying mechanically actuated hydraulics on another bike [Juin brand]. I have found that the cable housing and cables make a HUGE difference to performance of these types of brakes. I’m using Jagwire compression less KEB-SL but am going to try Simworks by Nessen Talking Parts housing and cables (expensive but look cool too - stainless steel)
Cable pulled hydraulics are a good compromise, I'm using the TRP on another bike with compression-less Jagwire housing, they work really well. For the BB7 on the Bridge Club I'm using standard Jagwire housing and I'm pretty happy with the performance... an upgrade to compression-less would be nice though :)
I've recently become obsessed with manual bikes, to the point where it feels like I'm cheating on them. My passion reignited in 2022 when I started using the Bluebike rental service in Boston, which brought back the freedom I felt as a teenager. Since then, I've bought two bikes and ride them everywhere, except for trips over 30 miles for work. I was initially set on getting a Sirrus X for bike-packing and commuting, but after asking Google’s Gemini for bike recommendations, I found myself captivated by Surly bikes through countless RUclips videos. Now, I’m deeply in love with this brand and wonder if my bike preferences will shift again before I finally get a Surly with fatties. Since I ride all year round and we do get snow in New England, do you have any recommendations for fenders that would fit a 29 x 3 tire?
Great video ! Recently I get bridge club as well How did you mount front rack? Is there any problems? I am right now try to choose between tara and duo.
Hey Fran, Thanks for the great videos, you've inspired me, along with some other creators, to be more in tune with my bike and showed me so many options to consider to personalise my experience. Thank you! Do you have experience with suspension seatposts? Any thoughts? I'm seatpost curious 😅
@@bicyclepicnic Thanks for the answer! I'm also riding a Bridge Club in size L (183cm heigth) with 7mm stem and consider getting the Terminal Bars or a Jones Bar instead of a "normal" flatbar. How do you like the position and what stem length are you using since we are about the same heigth? thanks for the help and enjoy your rides! :)
I'm using a 65mm stem with the Terminal bars and sometimes I feel like I need a tiny bit more room, I'm gonna try with a 70mm or 75mm stem. The Jones have even more back-sweep than the Terminal so you'll probably have to use a longer stem, 90mm maybe ?. You can compare both bars at whatbars.com. One big advantage of the Jones over the Terminal is the space for accessories.
@@bicyclepicnic Thanks for your help! I have now decided to go with a ritchey kyote bar, since its very similar to the Terminal Bar but less than half the price.
28 kg bagage ????? Me and My Surly Ogre MAX 15 kg.exl water and cooking feul. Tent,kitchen. al cloths needed (sun rain) Matras ans sleeping bag. All on front and rear rack....
The setup is super! Happy, safe riding!
Thanks!
I love this build. Like you say the simplicity and ease of repair of the mechanical brakes. I built a gravel bike, using and old Voodoo Limba frame and forks. A bike builder friend helped me, especially on the gearing side. To got the 'NEW' 1x I was looking at very costly components, so I opted for a 2x and used a MTB gearing. Gave me a much better range and the lowest ratio gave me 0.85 and the 1x would have given me 0.87. The price difference was over £400 saving !
For me a bikepacking set-up needs to be capable of eating up the miles with ease, in relative comfort and it is clear that is what you have achieved here
So refreshing to see someone building a bike in today's world, without the want/feel/need for the latest gearing and braking at extortionate costs 👊👍
yeah ! 1x is really not enough for loaded cycling and especially on mountains, and then as you say there is the price. Enjoy your build :)
Great review. One of the last remaining touring bikes with a truly low grannie gear!
3x is the future... Again.
Happy rolling
Hehehehe love that 🙌🏽
Great points made with this build that hopefully help some people out there. I'm shopping for a Bridge Club so very helpful to me. Hopefully whatever type of gearing you choose gives you a nice big range between lowest and highest gears and for a touring bike it's nice for piece of mind to have a couple less cogs in the back and a wider, stronger chain. Also on the brakes seeking out more braking power quickly runs you into the limiting factor which is how much traction do you have. I also love my frame bag, super handy day to day and puts some cargo in the middle of the bike where it carries best.
What do you mean about the braking power vs the traction?
Inspiring! I would be inclined to use a rear rack and move some weight back there, either into panniers or a compression sack strapped on the rack.
Sympa le vélo et belle balade ;)
I did a big part of the TMV in september as a part of my Arlon (Belgium) Iserables (Suisse) trip and I can say that your bike is a good choice. I used a Breezer radar with a 2x9 with the lowest gear a 36-24 and sometimes I wished I had a 22😅. So the set up looks like this one. I'm now converting the bike to a straight handlebar (ergotec m-bar) because the drop bar on this route was a killer for my back. The thing to check out is the capability to hike a bike with this luggage set up because there a lot of steep sections where you are going to walk. I used a front rack with a roll bag and rear rack with a rack pack and a half frame bag. It did it for me. Used the same tires as u (maxxis icon) and had one flat that could be plugged an an other that solved itself (tubeless) on the whole route (1200km) water and food are not a big problem on the TMV. In France the graveyards have drinkable water. Good luck and enjoy!
I've really enjoyed your videos about your Bridge Club.
I have a recommendation about luggage on a touring bike. My bike is a Straggler but i reckon it's relevant.
Get a rear rack and panniers. Continue to use your front rack and panniers and distribute the load across the bike.
Consider a different front rack; one that includes a top deck for a basket, such as a Surly Front Rack or a 24 Pack Rack.
Also, consider putting your Camelbak into the bottom most part of the frame bag, and running the tube out the top to where it's easy to reach for a drink.
I agree totally about a basket. Easily the most convenient way to carry stuff. I use Wald baskets with the big Surly Porteur bag for shopping, gravel rides and touring, and they work perfectly together.
Hint; Compression-less brake cableset (Yokozuna Reaction) will make the BB7s feel significantly more powerful.
Amazing review buddy, greetings
Thanks 🙌🏽
I think the reason Surly used a 1X for their prebuilt drivetrain is because that is half the number of gear shifts to worry about and adjust, keeping things as simple and reliable as possible. I think if I was going to build this myself I would just use an even larger rear cassette to try and get that sweet .62/.61 area ratio, but bring the high gear closer to 3.5-4 like you said. I don't know if that's possible on a 1x setup but I would try I think as much as possible to keep it a 1x setup.
I do like the idea of mechanical disc brakes, I'm definitely on board with that decision. Very simple and very reliable.
It's just simply cost, OEM build with a one by is much cheaper and easier to build than a two by or three by, Surly did state that it is design with a budget in mind.
I used to run bb7 brakes but changed to trp spyke as they have dual pistons. Much better design.
Just an idea about the front paniers - I had similar issues on my Karate Monkey:
The more the weight is in front of the axle, the more reactive/unstable the wheel rides. But if the weight slides to the rear, the wheel drives more stable / sluggish.
The good thing is that the brackets on the back of the Ortliebs can move in both directions. So if necessary you could experiment a bit, if you want to transport more weight times ...
Hey ! Thanks a lot ! I’ll try that 👍🏽
I have custom built Ghost Grappler with a Ritchey Kyote alt bar, and a very similar build. We agree on many things!
3x8 but using 9spd components. DEORE-Alivio. agree totally on this. I have a 7spd 12-32 deore 9spd RD on it smartened the tourney groupset up just right. adding the 22,32,42 front cranks. other bike has 28,38,48 and thinner tires.
SOLD MY 12SPD XC8 after one season.. the cables would freeze up in the easiest gear which was stupid annoying.. mild Toronto October at night..
I have same brakes on my Fargo nice choice
Do you have the bb7 for drop-bar levers ? Good to hear they also perform well 👍🏽
@@bicyclepicnic yes but my next upgrade will be a jones h bar to replace The woodchipper
I was pretty jealous when I watched your build video and now I'm even more jealous seeing it in action.
Also crazy to see that %655 gear range on the 3x. Makes me wonder how 1x ever became the fad.
For the 1X drivetrains I can understand the preference for simplicity and the looks, but I don't think it covers the needs of bikes that are meant to be loaded. Cheers mate !
It is a fad, along with everything modern (12speed, etc. .). I built my bridge club on 2x9, mechanical brakes, rear rack, salsa anything cages on Front. Just like Author mentioned, budget bike that can accommodate lot of parts your already have !!
Really like your setup. I'm looking at the BC but also the Ogre as it has the horizontal drop outs for a rohloff hub.
One of my cycling mates rides with a Rohloff, maintenance is really easy. Only downsides: it’s heavier than a derailleur setup and it puts the weight at the back (less important on touring) and the gear range could be just slightly short for some riders
The Ogre may have smaller tubing (desired), Hub weight is irrelevant, rim/tire is what effects torque, this is touring bike anyway.
Such a shame the Packrat is discontinued...so glad i got one! Does eveyting the BC does but...low trail geo; 15+kg up front, 27.5/50mm mtb tires, much lighter. (Took mine from Amsterdam to Morocco and back, Trans Germany Trail) uwGuess its because the rimbrakes...wich i dont need. Any Surly is awesome though so Enjoy!
Your panniers alone weight a huge amount, I reckon if you look around you can easily shave 1kg off the weight of the panniers before you even add luggages in it.
If you look at North St Adventure Micro Pannier 14L, they weight under 400g each, or the 21L one that is over 400g.
Hi, Merci pour ce video!. I am an american living in France and am doing more and more bike travelling. I'm looking far and wide for a new dedicated bike which is versatile. Right now i am touring on road bikes, but I feel the limits and want something for gravel situation, or to be more precise, all the situations you video discusses with the BC. I am pretty sure steel or titanium will be my choice. (lookign at Niner, Salsa, Fairlight, Surly, Leon88...among others) What you video confirmed to me is the importance of 3X drive train. I thought that many recent wide tire compatible bikes like the BC could not accept 3X, but now I see it isn't true. So from your video, it seems like purchasing a frameset could be the best bet, as long as the spec allows for the 3X...Question Is this easy/difficult to ascertain? Thanks again! - Peter
You are looking at very nice frameset brands ! I didn’t know Leon88 looks amazing. I think modern high end framesets are more easily compatible with 1x and 2x, you can actually get a pretty wide range with a 2x10 or 2x11 with a big cassette (ex. 10-51). For more “simple” or “old school” framesets (like BC) it’s more common to see 3x compatibility. Mind that the only 3x middle to high end is Shimano Deore and Deore XT Trecking, on 2x you’ll find more options even with other brands like Sram and more options for drop bars too.
Interesting frame and build. I like your choices and you explain their rationale clearly. Why do people have such a negative opinion of mech brakes? I have BB7s on one bike and they are so easy to set up and service. I also am trying mechanically actuated hydraulics on another bike [Juin brand]. I have found that the cable housing and cables make a HUGE difference to performance of these types of brakes. I’m using Jagwire compression less KEB-SL but am going to try Simworks by Nessen Talking Parts housing and cables (expensive but look cool too - stainless steel)
Cable pulled hydraulics are a good compromise, I'm using the TRP on another bike with compression-less Jagwire housing, they work really well. For the BB7 on the Bridge Club I'm using standard Jagwire housing and I'm pretty happy with the performance... an upgrade to compression-less would be nice though :)
I've recently become obsessed with manual bikes, to the point where it feels like I'm cheating on them. My passion reignited in 2022 when I started using the Bluebike rental service in Boston, which brought back the freedom I felt as a teenager. Since then, I've bought two bikes and ride them everywhere, except for trips over 30 miles for work. I was initially set on getting a Sirrus X for bike-packing and commuting, but after asking Google’s Gemini for bike recommendations, I found myself captivated by Surly bikes through countless RUclips videos. Now, I’m deeply in love with this brand and wonder if my bike preferences will shift again before I finally get a Surly with fatties. Since I ride all year round and we do get snow in New England, do you have any recommendations for fenders that would fit a 29 x 3 tire?
Could you let me know the tire size? 26" or 27.5" or 29"
Great video! How tall are you? I’m looking at getting a L frame but I could also go M at my height
Hey what is your height? I am 1m78cm. Would you rather recommend going with frame size M or L? Thanks
muy bueno
Gracias :)
Hello, what are the size of the tires? Thx
Great video ! Recently I get bridge club as well How did you mount front rack? Is there any problems? I am right now try to choose between tara and duo.
Hi ! I got Tara, very happy with it. I haven’t had any problems so far 👍🏽
I love the frame bag. What brand is that? It fits the frame perfectly.
It’s from Alpkit, you can check out the review here ruclips.net/video/ZEy31WxFfD0/видео.html 😉
@@bicyclepicnic damn, that is a very nice bag. I plan to buy a Bridge Club in the future and will definitely be getting this bag.
What bar is that may I ask?
With the shorter chainstays would I have chances of heel strikes with a rear rack and ortleib panniers?
Good point, I haven’t tested that yet
46 size shoe, no heel strike with my Axiom Panniers/Rack. This is a Surly!! Not wanna be off road bike from Cannondale.
Hey Fran,
Thanks for the great videos, you've inspired me, along with some other creators, to be more in tune with my bike and showed me so many options to consider to personalise my experience. Thank you!
Do you have experience with suspension seatposts? Any thoughts? I'm seatpost curious 😅
Hey ! Thanks a lot ! Unfortunately I don’t have much experience with seat posts :/ take care mate 🙌🏽
Great bike! Love your setup! I noticed that you changed your hanlebars from the last video? are those open bars by surly?
Thanks 🙌🏽 - the bars are the Surly Terminal Bars, very comfy but a bit difficult to put gear on them because of the curves
@@bicyclepicnic Thanks for the answer! I'm also riding a Bridge Club in size L (183cm heigth) with 7mm stem and consider getting the Terminal Bars or a Jones Bar instead of a "normal" flatbar. How do you like the position and what stem length are you using since we are about the same heigth? thanks for the help and enjoy your rides! :)
I'm using a 65mm stem with the Terminal bars and sometimes I feel like I need a tiny bit more room, I'm gonna try with a 70mm or 75mm stem. The Jones have even more back-sweep than the Terminal so you'll probably have to use a longer stem, 90mm maybe ?. You can compare both bars at whatbars.com. One big advantage of the Jones over the Terminal is the space for accessories.
@@bicyclepicnic Thanks for your help! I have now decided to go with a ritchey kyote bar, since its very similar to the Terminal Bar but less than half the price.
can u say model this handbar?
Sure, it’s the Surly Terminal bars
28 kg bagage ?????
Me and My Surly Ogre MAX 15 kg.exl water and cooking feul.
Tent,kitchen. al cloths needed (sun rain)
Matras ans sleeping bag.
All on front and rear rack....
You put all the extra weight up front?????