Being new to Gravel Biking it reminds me of my early days riding MTB in the 1990s, where you had to take things a bit steadier and pick your line. In a lot of ways I find that type of riding more fun and challenging. Enjoyed watching your video!
@@ZacFeltsI think this is only fun when underbiking though. And I'd say it's because these bikes are very light and responsive (=fun). Imagine riding a downhill bike up a pavement climb. Is it a bad place for the bike? Yes. Is it more enjoyable then doing it on a road bike? Absolutely not
Did 35 km on my gravel this Sunday. Also useb MTB trails for it. I also love going normal people would go on a full mtb gear (I also have a full susser rig). Cause I like going stupid on my gravel ride I would really love to get me that Topstone Lefty. I bet those 30 mm will make all the difference.
Nice vid Dave. You and Jules got me riding again dude !!!. Seriously..used to race in my younger day's. 57 now and loads of issues with back, Knee etc.etc. Sux getting old mate. Anyway I picked up a used Diverge Carbon Comp couple day'sago and had my first ride today ..Sunny in UK ;-)) OMG it felt so good to be riding again mate. Not ridden for 2 yrs after a nasty MTB crash. Both you guy's inspired me soo much to get another bike. Keep them vid's coming fella. Paul UK
Nice, I had the day off today as well and got in a 20mi (32km) ride on my MTB today. Been watching the channel and jealous, so building up a gravel mullet bike from the old CX bike to do some rides like this. :)
Hi Dave. A new fan here. I'm a mountain biker that bought a trek domane a couple of years ago. Have taken that bike on light trails a few times and it's great fun where I live in Suffolk. Watching all your gravel based vids has got me thinking about going a but gravel with the trek road bike. Better start shopping for some gravel rubber. Love your almost constant references to food - greggs, kebabs etc. Brilliant! Great videos mate, keep them coming!
Thanks Dave. New to your channel but in two vids I’ve got great advice and reenforced why I’m buying a gravel bike, just like yours actually. Complete coincidence.
I do this on my 700x38c vintage steel commuter bike. I get laughed at and told 'buy a 29er'. I don't like the handling of a 29er. Big tires, front shock blah blah. What am I riding a motorcycle? ha ha I consider riding gravel trails an adventure. Bless you Dave for sharing your ride with us.
I know what you mean about 29ers I rode with with 2.6 tyres and it just felt too heavy. I’d like to try a posh light xc bike though. Thank you for watching!
Gravel bikes are amazing bikes, mine has a front suspension which I recommend. Especially if you are going to drop into some single track. I can ride anything in the green or blue rating as long as it isn't too steep and rocky. I use my bike at the same MTB park as I use my XC MTB which is a full suspension, however I can also bike there with the gravel bike instead of driving, which is great. I am actually a better climber on the gravel bike because it is a faster lighter bike, however line choice is crucial. I tend to find myself on the gravel bike squeezing between rocks and watching where I place the bike over tree roots. On my XC I don't care as much and just allow the suspension to do the work. I love the speed of the gravel bike though, and it is a good tradeoff I think. It is really just a different kind of ride. Once they perfect the technology of the suspension gravel bikes I think more people will get on board and realize just how amazing these bikes are. In some ways I find my XC MTB has more limitations than the gravel bike. For one, in order for it to be fun and challenging I have to ride black and double black, and the problem with this is that there are features on these type of trails that I just can't do. And that makes it not fun. On the gravel bike though it seems like I am always having fun, because even the easiest green trails are fun, so are gravel roads and pavement. Dropping into single track, is just a different kind of fun.
I’ve been toying with suspension on my gravel bike. Same here, I’ve ridden some full on stuff on a gravel bike but when you get massive rock gardens and drop offs/gaps then that’s what I feel is the limit.
Nice. How do you like the front fork suspension? I went with a carbon suspension fork and added a seat post suspension to keep my fillings in. Thinking about that front fork swap however
@@Fideliohoh I think the suspension fork is amazing. I haven't noticed a big disadvantage so far with the suspension for climbing but you can lock it out. I have ridden the bike on some pretty rough single track, mainly because I didn't know the trails in this area so I had to just ride them out. The bike performed fine. I do have a quick release so I can drop my seat if I have to. I wanted a bike that combined what I like about both road biking and mountain biking and this bike does it! I am kind of surprised that more people haven't gotten on board with this type of bike but maybe it is a lack of proper marketing. We don't have BC MTB terrain here so I think that one can really come out "over" biked in our area. There is lots of easy single track that this bike makes fun!
I only recently went to those trails after riding around inner Dartmoor for years, and they're so much fun! Although I'm a total slow coach on anything twisty and rocky. But, I did grab the KOM on the gravel climb that's near petrol station at the top of the hill 😃
Hi Dave... First time here. Great ride. What tire size was that? .... I have 650 b's ready to be set up. Should be better. Instead of buying a full suspension bike which I can't afford anyway And I don't do jumps or huge drops anyway... Two or 3 sets of wheels for your gravel bike gives you 2-3 bikes in one and I have a nice XC carbon hardtail. Under Biking is fun as long as it is not huge downhill segments. Work your hams, lower back, Glutes with weights and core to make back feel better. Stiff 1eg deadlifts, Good mornings, 1unges start very light with high Reps Do not go heavy and core. Most bikers have overdeveloped Quads.
Thanks! You’re right I do have overdeveloped quads, honestly I’ve been a bit lazy lately so really need to get back on building up the areas that stabilise them. Thanks for all the tips. I agree, I’m just planning a new build and I want to it to work for pretty much everything, road, light gravel, touring and racing...I wonder if it’s possible.
I decides to "explore" on my gravel bike Friday which is what it's all about in my opinion. Definitely found things I wouldn't want to ride again that just weren't pleasant.
I´m currently choosing a new bike... between typical XC hard tail and Gravel... the main thing for me is - is the gravel much bumpier on your backside than XC? Cause I had some back problems I don´t want to make worse again. But since XC´s are hardtail as well as the gravels... what´s the difference? ALso don´t plan on riding much of a terrainf, like nice forest trails.
Hiya, a gravel bike can be much bumpier on the back end. The lack of suspension up front also adds to that. You can combat it by running 650b wheels and a wider tyre…but it’s still not at comfortable as a xc bike with a nice wide tyre. I’m guess I’m saying if you’re planning a lot of off road and single track trails look at an xc whereas if you are riding mostly road and light gravel with the occasional mtb trail then gravel is perfect.
Great video... helped me to understand that a gravel bike is not for me. Never seen surfaces so smooth as at 1:50 and at end aside from road... some roads are actually worse. And the would be a total masochism compared to cross country full suspension bike unless one slows down or suffer all the the vibration and poor traction...So i guess a lot of people are right when they say it depends on where you live.
My grave bike has 29x2.0/2.1 tires & i treat it as a light xc bike personally. I have a Bombtrack Beyond 1(the drop bar bike not the plus version). It's a bit heavy, but sure feels like a tank-ish gravel bike. I am sure with a carbon fork it be lighter & faster?
I love Bombtrack bikes! A carbon fork would save a few grams and make the ride more comfortable, although I’m not sure how much faster it would be...it would just feel nice!
David, one question if I may? I can see it is a Rapha jacket, something from the Brevet line but I cannot find out which one of them? Can you guide me in this regard, please? One more question still - pertaining to the bike fit. I like the frame and consider buying it. I am 174 cm, so it seems like 54 shall be it. What would you say? I ride 54 size Tarmac as my road bike, with 90mm stem, sadlle at 74 cm. Thank you! Tomas
It’s the Brevet LS Windblock Jersey www.rapha.cc/gb/en/shop/brevet-long-sleeve-windblock-jersey/product/BWB03LS I think 54 is the size for you, the size chart is pretty spot on. 👍🏼
Hi Dave, where were these trails to? Im only in South Somerset so not to far to travel to get there. Interesting video for me as im looking for a gravel bike for comuting and a weekend warrior!
Hi Ben, there are in Haldon Forest, there’s a good variety there. There’s a couple of good blue runs, though they are a bit short. There’s a bunch of other trails, fire roads etc...all around that area.
I don’t know if you’ll see this, but was that a full carbon bike? I have one and your trails resemble what we have around here where I live, and I have a full carbon
Put flat bars on that and… “ Welcome to the 1980’s “. Or if you’re getting back ache throw some bmx bars on to get you up n back a bit. Trust me, it’s the future.
Nicely done! We ride that gnarly stuff every day here in SoCal(it's all we have!). Love at 04:26 - I get those same looks from mountain bikers when they see me coming on what they think is a road bike;)
Dude! It looks so sketchy when you're on trails like that on a gravel bike. It looks like you're fixing to go over the bars at times man! I get killed enough on the Canyon getting to my favorite roads as it is. A lot of these Texas roads are horrible. Place looks amazing. I'd stick to my mountain bike! Haha! Great ride though! And it was me asking about your diet. So glad I'm not alone having a horrible diet. It could be worse, but it could be better as well! Till next time! Later!
Yeah it was a bit sketchy at times. I probably should have taken that dropper post off 😂 it’s all doable on a gravel bike but it’s so much more fun on my full susser. My diet sounds similar to yours, I could do with cutting out a bit of the junk...but I love it 🤦🏻♂️😂
Can you please comment, do you wish it had suspension? seems that no one wants to say it, but for a good mixed use of say 70% road, 30% offroad with some downhill, seems I'd prefer a gravel bike with suspension overall. thoughts?
Dave Noakes do you use a gimbal at all. I just haven’t seen many creators moving the camera around during ride to get different angles of the bike. It’s a rad perspective.
Hey man great stuff! I’m thinking about installing a front suspension on my 650b 3T bike. I think ot would give more comfort and and confidence specially downhill. Any thoughts?
Bloody fair play Dave (Big balls) 🤪🤪🤪🤪 you certainly took it to it’s limits 🚴🏻♂️🚴🏻♂️🚴🏻♂️🤪 I really think it’s in the name but gravel bikes are the perfect All rounder. Of bikes they are great on gravel good on road and ok on mountain bike tracks My road bike is great on road crap on gravel and useless on mountain bike tracks 😂 My mountain bike is great on can you guess 😂😂😂😂 But I don’t want a gravel bike. I NEED A GRAVEL BIKE less restricted to where you go or which way to go ( MORE FUN ) 🤪🤪🤪🤪 Fantastic blog 👍👍👍👍👍
Alright bud, hope you’re good. That’ll certainly do, simply put gravel bikes are basically what you get if you mix a road bike and mountain bike. Basically a cyclocross bike with bigger tyres and a bit more relaxed geometry.
Looked like fun , as usual ! Its a very different vibe over here mate, masks or face coverings are required in public. Gravel bike is my favorite , and yes, it does have limits, but its a blast pushing em a bit, eh? So much fun.... be safe bud.
Yeah it was a good day out. I think face coverings will be encouraged here, looks like I’ll be back at work next month. It certainly is good fun finding the limits 👍🏼
So, what is the limit of short-travel MTB's on gravel? I'm thinking something like a Cannondale Scalpel, a Merida 96, or the XC bike Jolanda Neff rides (a Trek Fuel or something). With a proper lockout and/or tuning, they might be better than the typical bike marketed for gravel.
Hey Dave, recently subscribed and going on a binge! I realised you are based in Devon, do you know any good gravel routes that's worth exploring around Exeter?
My gravel/mtb bikepacking event has been cancelled this year, and next year I’ve got a mates wedding, so I swapped it to a mtb event + "experienced/skilled gravel possible". So I’ve been trying to see how hard I can take my gravel bike. It’s surprisingly good, but I might end up with crinkly rims if I’ve got half a ton of camping crap on it too, and it’ll be a bloody long walk if I fold my wheels up! 😝 I have noticed crashing is easier if you’re on drop bars though as it’s not as far to the floor.
i ride everything I ride on my 160mm travel mtb with my gravel bike. obviously don't hit really big jumps but little ones sure but i do walk drops and rock gardens and really rough stuff. they are a lot of fun and capable. shake you to pieces tho
This is spot on. I have both 650Bx47 and 700cx40 bikes. They are VERY different when you hit the rough rocky stuff. I'm way more chicken on the 700c rig.
I have no idea where that starts. What’s the name of the segment, is it Spicers Loop? If it is I got a PR but am miles off the KOM, it was quite busy though so there was lots of stop starting. I got a couple of top 10s on parts of it. It’s a really fun for a simple trail, so fast and flowy.
@@DaveNoakes I think it's called Nice Flat Loop, at least that's the one I look for. Starts/finishes by the road crossing. I'm about 35 seconds off the best, so some work to do! Looks like you rode right past my front door in Chudleigh, so feel free to knock if you want someone to chase.
Dave thanks for the smashing video on the gravel bike. It's all good stuff but the gravel bike is the new mountain bike and while it might be a bit knarly on the rough stuff will eat the track up more quickly and nimbly than our 27.5 and 29ers, I ride a humble cx and wouldn't trade it for a year of Sunday dinners over a mountain bike. Its not so much a gravel vs mountain bike it's more about what the individual rider needs for his/ her needs. Id love to get to a one bike scenario and the gravel bike is the closest option to fulfilling that shoe. And BTW stop beating yourself up about a kebab Fill yer boots dave God bless Bob
These trails you are riding? That's what Gravel bikes do. Add a suspension to your seat post and some tubeless 42s. You will enjoy the hell out of that. It's only right sketch root drops and jumps or obstacles where the gravel bike comes to complete stop. Also ultra tight turns can be a huge problem. But these trails of yours? That's all I ride.
Cool, I run 44mm already. Yeah I’d say root drops and tight turns are where they struggle. I could put the dropper on or a suspension seatpost but I don’t like the weight/feel.
I have a fs mtb and a gravel bike. While you can huck anything, I would rather not wreck my prostate just because I can. I imagine blue trails are probably the limit. Single black is possible but I wouldn't. Double black and reds will land you in the ER on a gravel bike.
Dave awesome seeing you push the limits on some loose and rough stuff! Can't wait to hit trails like that. Meanwhile, check out my video I just posted getting a Strava KOM next to the Golden Gate Bridge and how fun flat could be on a gravel bike!
Public service announcement: what a gravel bike can handle when DAVE (said in Gru’s voice) is piloting is not what can be handled by you and me (amateurs!). PSA over. Return to normal programming...
![Noob To Max With DRAGON REWORK In Blox Fruits [FULL MOVIE]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/LnBMOinoOvA/mqdefault.jpg)
Being new to Gravel Biking it reminds me of my early days riding MTB in the 1990s, where you had to take things a bit steadier and pick your line. In a lot of ways I find that type of riding more fun and challenging. Enjoyed watching your video!
I think gravel riding is very similar to those old xc bikes, I love the challenge of tackling terrain on a bike that’s not necessarily suitable.
@@DaveNoakes riding bikes in the "wrong" place is the best.
@@ZacFeltsI think this is only fun when underbiking though. And I'd say it's because these bikes are very light and responsive (=fun). Imagine riding a downhill bike up a pavement climb. Is it a bad place for the bike? Yes. Is it more enjoyable then doing it on a road bike? Absolutely not
Thank you for finding the limits of a gravel bike. You make it safer for us who are into gravel riding.
There are no limits, it all depends on you. I've taken my gravel bike down some gnarly downhill tech. It just means you're having more fun💪😎
I like your thinking.
You are always on the limit on these bikes on these conditions. I do same but on hybrid bike I fly past all these non traction bikes.
Yes!!!!
yep. been riding mine off of some (less agressive) downhill jumps on the slopestyle course we have
Did 35 km on my gravel this Sunday. Also useb MTB trails for it. I also love going normal people would go on a full mtb gear (I also have a full susser rig). Cause I like going stupid on my gravel ride I would really love to get me that Topstone Lefty. I bet those 30 mm will make all the difference.
Nice vid Dave. You and Jules got me riding again dude !!!. Seriously..used to race in my younger day's. 57 now and loads of issues with back, Knee etc.etc. Sux getting old mate. Anyway I picked up a used Diverge Carbon Comp couple day'sago and had my first ride today ..Sunny in UK ;-)) OMG it felt so good to be riding again mate. Not ridden for 2 yrs after a nasty MTB crash. Both you guy's inspired me soo much to get another bike. Keep them vid's coming fella. Paul UK
Nice, I had the day off today as well and got in a 20mi (32km) ride on my MTB today. Been watching the channel and jealous, so building up a gravel mullet bike from the old CX bike to do some rides like this. :)
Nice, sounds rad. I love diy projects, hope you have some fun times on it.
Mate!!! That was mega.. I remember doing the blue run up there on my cx, which was fun but didn't attempt the red. Fair play to ya 🤟👍
Thanks mate, the gravel bike handled it much better than I expected 👍🏼
Hi Dave. A new fan here. I'm a mountain biker that bought a trek domane a couple of years ago. Have taken that bike on light trails a few times and it's great fun where I live in Suffolk. Watching all your gravel based vids has got me thinking about going a but gravel with the trek road bike. Better start shopping for some gravel rubber. Love your almost constant references to food - greggs, kebabs etc. Brilliant! Great videos mate, keep them coming!
Thanks Andy, have you got those tyres yet?
@@DaveNoakes Hi Dave. No not yet. Cant make my mind up and I reckon I can only squeeze a 38 in the frame although tempted to try a 40...!
Pretty rad stuff Dave. I’m hopeless riding a gravel driveway. Top camerawork on this one👍🏽
Thanks Chas 🙏🏼👋🏼
That stuff looked beautiful and smooth. You don’t know rough, come to British Columbia and you will get your brain rattled! 🍻
Or come ride in SoCal! Same thing--it is ALL hard, dry, BIG rocks. And STEEP. I'd kill for some of that flowy gravel at the beginning.
Right? Looks paved & manicured. I like it to push the limits on my gravel bike & take it on MTB trails.. So fun!
Thanks Dave. New to your channel but in two vids I’ve got great advice and reenforced why I’m buying a gravel bike, just like yours actually. Complete coincidence.
I do this on my 700x38c vintage steel commuter bike. I get laughed at and told 'buy a 29er'. I don't like the handling of a 29er. Big tires, front shock blah blah. What am I riding a motorcycle? ha ha I consider riding gravel trails an adventure. Bless you Dave for sharing your ride with us.
I know what you mean about 29ers I rode with with 2.6 tyres and it just felt too heavy. I’d like to try a posh light xc bike though. Thank you for watching!
Gravel bikes are amazing bikes, mine has a front suspension which I recommend. Especially if you are going to drop into some single track. I can ride anything in the green or blue rating as long as it isn't too steep and rocky. I use my bike at the same MTB park as I use my XC MTB which is a full suspension, however I can also bike there with the gravel bike instead of driving, which is great. I am actually a better climber on the gravel bike because it is a faster lighter bike, however line choice is crucial. I tend to find myself on the gravel bike squeezing between rocks and watching where I place the bike over tree roots. On my XC I don't care as much and just allow the suspension to do the work. I love the speed of the gravel bike though, and it is a good tradeoff I think. It is really just a different kind of ride. Once they perfect the technology of the suspension gravel bikes I think more people will get on board and realize just how amazing these bikes are. In some ways I find my XC MTB has more limitations than the gravel bike. For one, in order for it to be fun and challenging I have to ride black and double black, and the problem with this is that there are features on these type of trails that I just can't do. And that makes it not fun. On the gravel bike though it seems like I am always having fun, because even the easiest green trails are fun, so are gravel roads and pavement. Dropping into single track, is just a different kind of fun.
I’ve been toying with suspension on my gravel bike. Same here, I’ve ridden some full on stuff on a gravel bike but when you get massive rock gardens and drop offs/gaps then that’s what I feel is the limit.
Nice. How do you like the front fork suspension? I went with a carbon suspension fork and added a seat post suspension to keep my fillings in. Thinking about that front fork swap however
@@Fideliohoh I think the suspension fork is amazing. I haven't noticed a big disadvantage so far with the suspension for climbing but you can lock it out. I have ridden the bike on some pretty rough single track, mainly because I didn't know the trails in this area so I had to just ride them out. The bike performed fine. I do have a quick release so I can drop my seat if I have to. I wanted a bike that combined what I like about both road biking and mountain biking and this bike does it! I am kind of surprised that more people haven't gotten on board with this type of bike but maybe it is a lack of proper marketing. We don't have BC MTB terrain here so I think that one can really come out "over" biked in our area. There is lots of easy single track that this bike makes fun!
Riding similar trails on my CX bikes, love getting air
But did find my limit recently on some steep downhills....
Same here!
I only recently went to those trails after riding around inner Dartmoor for years, and they're so much fun! Although I'm a total slow coach on anything twisty and rocky. But, I did grab the KOM on the gravel climb that's near petrol station at the top of the hill 😃
They are rad! Good job on the KOM!👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼
Hi Dave... First time here. Great ride. What tire size was that? .... I have 650 b's ready to be set up. Should be better. Instead of buying a full suspension bike which I can't afford anyway And I don't do jumps or huge drops anyway... Two or 3 sets of wheels for your gravel bike gives you 2-3 bikes in one and I have a nice XC carbon hardtail. Under Biking is fun as long as it is not huge downhill segments. Work your hams, lower back, Glutes with weights and core to make back feel better. Stiff 1eg deadlifts, Good mornings, 1unges start very light with high Reps Do not go heavy and core. Most bikers have overdeveloped Quads.
Thanks! You’re right I do have overdeveloped quads, honestly I’ve been a bit lazy lately so really need to get back on building up the areas that stabilise them. Thanks for all the tips. I agree, I’m just planning a new build and I want to it to work for pretty much everything, road, light gravel, touring and racing...I wonder if it’s possible.
I decides to "explore" on my gravel bike Friday which is what it's all about in my opinion. Definitely found things I wouldn't want to ride again that just weren't pleasant.
I found a few things that were similar.
honest question is "why can't you just use a mtb" for the same exploring.
I´m currently choosing a new bike... between typical XC hard tail and Gravel... the main thing for me is - is the gravel much bumpier on your backside than XC? Cause I had some back problems I don´t want to make worse again. But since XC´s are hardtail as well as the gravels... what´s the difference? ALso don´t plan on riding much of a terrainf, like nice forest trails.
Hiya, a gravel bike can be much bumpier on the back end. The lack of suspension up front also adds to that. You can combat it by running 650b wheels and a wider tyre…but it’s still not at comfortable as a xc bike with a nice wide tyre. I’m guess I’m saying if you’re planning a lot of off road and single track trails look at an xc whereas if you are riding mostly road and light gravel with the occasional mtb trail then gravel is perfect.
Best video yet :-) sketchy ? Check! Great honesty Dave - love the change in music tempo when you say it's time to go home :-)
Thank you so much!
Those trails looked class! I would say no limits its just gets sketchy haha
Yep that’s a good way of putting it, they feel really sketchy in the air 😂
What size wheels did you ride on this 100 KM ride? Great single track you have access to. I am struggling to choose between 700C vs 650B.
I used 700 for this, I like both 650 and 700 but a lot for me depends on tyre size. I prefer a wider tyre so either 45mm 700 or 50mm 650.
@@DaveNoakes Thanks for sharing your tire size.
Lol, tight snare drum in the background keeps you sharp 🤣
😂😂😂
Great video... helped me to understand that a gravel bike is not for me. Never seen surfaces so smooth as at 1:50 and at end aside from road... some roads are actually worse. And the would be a total masochism compared to cross country full suspension bike unless one slows down or suffer all the the vibration and poor traction...So i guess a lot of people are right when they say it depends on where you live.
After a long day riding, eating kabab and chips is so satisfying. With a few beers chucked in for good measure
Couldn't agree more
If Kramer from Seinfeld was a British hipster..that’s Dave!
😂😂😂
A new subscriber from Portugal. Like your videos, like gravel.
Welcome and thank you 🙏🏼
My grave bike has 29x2.0/2.1 tires & i treat it as a light xc bike personally. I have a Bombtrack Beyond 1(the drop bar bike not the plus version). It's a bit heavy, but sure feels like a tank-ish gravel bike. I am sure with a carbon fork it be lighter & faster?
I love Bombtrack bikes! A carbon fork would save a few grams and make the ride more comfortable, although I’m not sure how much faster it would be...it would just feel nice!
David, one question if I may? I can see it is a Rapha jacket, something from the Brevet line but I cannot find out which one of them? Can you guide me in this regard, please? One more question still - pertaining to the bike fit. I like the frame and consider buying it. I am 174 cm, so it seems like 54 shall be it. What would you say? I ride 54 size Tarmac as my road bike, with 90mm stem, sadlle at 74 cm. Thank you! Tomas
It’s the Brevet LS Windblock Jersey
www.rapha.cc/gb/en/shop/brevet-long-sleeve-windblock-jersey/product/BWB03LS
I think 54 is the size for you, the size chart is pretty spot on. 👍🏼
@@DaveNoakes Thank you very much David!
That was some solid riding. Wonder if a mouth guard would help on chunky trails like that?
Thank you, the trails aren’t that bad...it was my arms that took most the beating.
Hi Dave, where were these trails to? Im only in South Somerset so not to far to travel to get there. Interesting video for me as im looking for a gravel bike for comuting and a weekend warrior!
Hi Ben, there are in Haldon Forest, there’s a good variety there. There’s a couple of good blue runs, though they are a bit short. There’s a bunch of other trails, fire roads etc...all around that area.
I don’t know if you’ll see this, but was that a full carbon bike? I have one and your trails resemble what we have around here where I live, and I have a full carbon
Hiya, yes it is full carbon 👍🏼
Loved tagging along on the day out with you
Thanks, nice to have you along.
Put flat bars on that and… “ Welcome to the 1980’s “.
Or if you’re getting back ache throw some bmx bars on to get you up n back a bit. Trust me, it’s the future.
So glad you said your diet is crap it makes me feel so much better about myself 😂😂 mega vid again 👍👍
It’s sooo crap 😂😂😂 thanks mate!
Nicely done! We ride that gnarly stuff every day here in SoCal(it's all we have!). Love at 04:26 - I get those same looks from mountain bikers when they see me coming on what they think is a road bike;)
Thanks Greg, you have some mega trails over there!
Dude! It looks so sketchy when you're on trails like that on a gravel bike. It looks like you're fixing to go over the bars at times man! I get killed enough on the Canyon getting to my favorite roads as it is. A lot of these Texas roads are horrible. Place looks amazing. I'd stick to my mountain bike! Haha! Great ride though! And it was me asking about your diet. So glad I'm not alone having a horrible diet. It could be worse, but it could be better as well! Till next time! Later!
Yeah it was a bit sketchy at times. I probably should have taken that dropper post off 😂 it’s all doable on a gravel bike but it’s so much more fun on my full susser. My diet sounds similar to yours, I could do with cutting out a bit of the junk...but I love it 🤦🏻♂️😂
Last time I was at Afan there was a guy on the Santa Cruz gravel bike (Stigmata?) on the Zig Zag trail! If you know that love you'll know its rough.
Damn that’s hella bumpy!
@@DaveNoakes you know mate, mad bastard 😂
Can you please comment, do you wish it had suspension? seems that no one wants to say it, but for a good mixed use of say 70% road, 30% offroad with some downhill, seems I'd prefer a gravel bike with suspension overall. thoughts?
Nah I don’t wish it had suspension.
whats the camera and accessories you're using on this video it looks, SO GOOD!!!! just stumbled across your vids and I'm loving the channel.
Hiya, welcome to the channel. I was using a GoPro 7 black for this with a chest mount.
Dave Noakes do you use a gimbal at all. I just haven’t seen many creators moving the camera around during ride to get different angles of the bike. It’s a rad perspective.
Nah it’s not a gimbal, the hyper smooth on the GoPro really helps with the stabilisation.
@@DaveNoakes I look forward to future content for sure!
Hey man great stuff!
I’m thinking about installing a front suspension on my 650b 3T bike.
I think ot would give more comfort and and confidence specially downhill.
Any thoughts?
Keep the videos coming 🙌💪
Thanks 👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼
So mtb or gravel for those
Kind of trails? Awsome ride man!
Mtb for the most fun but a gravel bike is capable
Great stuff man keep up the great vids
Thank you
Bloody fair play Dave (Big balls) 🤪🤪🤪🤪 you certainly took it to it’s limits 🚴🏻♂️🚴🏻♂️🚴🏻♂️🤪
I really think it’s in the name but gravel bikes are the perfect All rounder. Of bikes they are great on gravel good on road and ok on mountain bike tracks
My road bike is great on road crap on gravel and useless on mountain bike tracks 😂
My mountain bike is great on can you guess 😂😂😂😂
But I don’t want a gravel bike. I NEED A GRAVEL BIKE less restricted to where you go or which way to go ( MORE FUN ) 🤪🤪🤪🤪
Fantastic blog 👍👍👍👍👍
Thank you! That’s a great summary, a gravel bike is such a good all rounder.
Great video,
Where are you riding Dave?
Hiya was aiming to go to Haldon this week. How many laps of the blue did you do for 80k! Any other routes there other than the advertised ones?
What is a gravel bike exactly? I've got an old Charge Plug sitting around - can I make that work?
Alright bud, hope you’re good. That’ll certainly do, simply put gravel bikes are basically what you get if you mix a road bike and mountain bike. Basically a cyclocross bike with bigger tyres and a bit more relaxed geometry.
Rapha gets some bad press !! but I always think you look smart on the bike Dave what was the jacket you had on buddy
I think it’s just cool to hate on Rapha for some reason 😂 thanks, it’s the Brevet LS jersey...but deffo more of a jacket 👍🏼
Looked like fun , as usual ! Its a very different vibe over here mate, masks or face coverings are required in public. Gravel bike is my favorite , and yes, it does have limits, but its a blast pushing em a bit, eh? So much fun.... be safe bud.
Yeah it was a good day out. I think face coverings will be encouraged here, looks like I’ll be back at work next month. It certainly is good fun finding the limits 👍🏼
So, what is the limit of short-travel MTB's on gravel? I'm thinking something like a Cannondale Scalpel, a Merida 96, or the XC bike Jolanda Neff rides (a Trek Fuel or something). With a proper lockout and/or tuning, they might be better than the typical bike marketed for gravel.
Hey Dave, recently subscribed and going on a binge! I realised you are based in Devon, do you know any good gravel routes that's worth exploring around Exeter?
Welcome to the channel. I’m not too sure for exeter, I’ve been to Haldon a few times that’s quite nice and there’s some stuff around that area.
@@DaveNoakes Thanks for the response will check it out!
My gravel/mtb bikepacking event has been cancelled this year, and next year I’ve got a mates wedding, so I swapped it to a mtb event + "experienced/skilled gravel possible". So I’ve been trying to see how hard I can take my gravel bike. It’s surprisingly good, but I might end up with crinkly rims if I’ve got half a ton of camping crap on it too, and it’ll be a bloody long walk if I fold my wheels up! 😝 I have noticed crashing is easier if you’re on drop bars though as it’s not as far to the floor.
looking good Dave, nice mayo, super ride...
Thanks 👍
Hello mate, new subscriber to the channel, really enjoying it. Quick question, which bar bag are you using on the video?
Thanks for the sub! Its by Skin Grows Back
Where is this need to go do some fun trails
Haldon Forrest Park, Devon, UK. 👍🏼
Where is this filmed looks so beautiful
Haldon Forest, Exeter UK 👍🏽
I thought gravel bike is a road bike with bigger wheels, or is it?
Maybe you could make a video about different kind of bike (geometry)?
It’s got pretty different geo, good idea for a vlog. Thanks
Whats that trail centre called Dave please?
It’s Haldon Forest Park 👍🏼
What tire size and type are you using?
Great vids keep them coming 👍👍🚴🚴
Thanks!
650B is practically a MTB :D Good job Dave!
Yeah it’s pretty close. Funnily enough my next vlog I’m switching to 650 for a bit. Interested to see the difference.
Carbon, Alu or Alu w/ Carbon fork?
Carbon frame, carbon fork
I bet a redshift suspension stem would help.
Cool video 😎 I keep pushing the limits of my gravel bike too 😂 what sort of pressures you running on 650b?
Thanks, hope you’re having fun. Usually between 30/35 psi
Dave Noakes thanks Dave 👍 keep up the good work
Thanks for riding a real mtb trail 💯🇺🇸💪👍
You’re welcome
Indeed, around 6:50, that is a bit over the top for a gravel bike😀
Totally!
what's your tire size ?
These were 700x44
What bike is it mate?
Marin Headlands.
It’s nice mate.. subbed
@@Wayne-cp8rs 🙏🏼🙏🏼
where is this?
Haldon Forest, Devon, uk
i ride everything I ride on my 160mm travel mtb with my gravel bike. obviously don't hit really big jumps but little ones sure but i do walk drops and rock gardens and really rough stuff. they are a lot of fun and capable. shake you to pieces tho
Yes, yes and yes!!!
Yes mate! Huge respect for doing that on 700c. You've got to bring your bike out to Barcelona, we have some crazy good mtb trails for gravel
This is spot on. I have both 650Bx47 and 700cx40 bikes. They are VERY different when you hit the rough rocky stuff. I'm way more chicken on the 700c rig.
Where is this forest?
Haldon Forest, Devon
@@DaveNoakes Lovely! Time to plan a trip with my gravel bike
New headphones Dave?
New old, Skull Candy Indy. It was really windy out and I was on trails so prefer them for that.
Kebab mayo on the nose, lol. Awesome trails Dave.👍
😂😂😂thanks.
How did you get on with going for the segment on the flat blue loop? Been having a pop at that lately as well. It's so basic but so much fun!
I have no idea where that starts. What’s the name of the segment, is it Spicers Loop? If it is I got a PR but am miles off the KOM, it was quite busy though so there was lots of stop starting. I got a couple of top 10s on parts of it. It’s a really fun for a simple trail, so fast and flowy.
@@DaveNoakes I think it's called Nice Flat Loop, at least that's the one I look for. Starts/finishes by the road crossing. I'm about 35 seconds off the best, so some work to do! Looks like you rode right past my front door in Chudleigh, so feel free to knock if you want someone to chase.
Nice trail flora. Hypnotizing.
Thanks, it certainly is.
This was incredibly enjoyable to watch. New sub from me! 👍
Thank you, much appreciated. Welcome to the channel 👍🏼
I wouldn't mind seeing the pastie again. Mind you, if I had been riding you probably would have seen the pastie again!
700x 40c?
please i nee to know
I think was 650
700 x 44c Wtb Raddler
Dave thanks for the smashing video on the gravel bike.
It's all good stuff but the gravel bike is the new mountain bike and while it might be a bit knarly on the rough stuff will eat the track up more quickly and nimbly than our 27.5 and 29ers,
I ride a humble cx and wouldn't trade it for a year of Sunday dinners over a mountain bike.
Its not so much a gravel vs mountain bike it's more about what the individual rider needs for his/ her needs.
Id love to get to a one bike scenario and the gravel bike is the closest option to fulfilling that shoe. And BTW stop beating yourself up about a kebab
Fill yer boots dave
God bless
Bob
These trails you are riding? That's what Gravel bikes do. Add a suspension to your seat post and some tubeless 42s. You will enjoy the hell out of that. It's only right sketch root drops and jumps or obstacles where the gravel bike comes to complete stop. Also ultra tight turns can be a huge problem. But these trails of yours? That's all I ride.
Cool, I run 44mm already. Yeah I’d say root drops and tight turns are where they struggle. I could put the dropper on or a suspension seatpost but I don’t like the weight/feel.
"I can ride as long as I like" Is your Boss getting her hair done?
😂nah it’s was her rest day. It’s normally a balancing act to both go for rides and take care of kiddo, work etc...was nice to have a full day off. 👍🏼
@@DaveNoakes Like your videos. "More Fun"
What is this front bag?
It’s by Skin Grows Back
I have a fs mtb and a gravel bike. While you can huck anything, I would rather not wreck my prostate just because I can. I imagine blue trails are probably the limit. Single black is possible but I wouldn't. Double black and reds will land you in the ER on a gravel bike.
yeah! 🔥
👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼
4:25 It's all about the rider, not the bike-as we can see here.
🙏🏽
Great video .
Thanks 👍🏼👍🏼
Cornish Pasty? 😁
Of course 👍🏼
Omg.. you just advertised that bike so perfectly.. i hope you get paid well by the company... btw this video is interesting to watch...
Hahaha thanks! I can honestly say I don’t get paid a penny and I genuinely love the bike.
What bike is it??
Drop bars on a gravel bike confuse me. Doesn’t seem to make sense.
What about drop bars on a cyclocross bike? Gravel is similar to that 👍🏼🤣
Mayo on your nose! Love it. 😂😂😂😂
😂😂😂
Nice ride Dave .. yep 650b wheels cream it , as I've done some mountain bike trails over at Holcombe near Ramsbottom 😀 👍😉
Yeah I’m definitely putting the 650s on and going back. 👍🏼
Plenty of similar trails in London, gravel bikes make it easier to get to them
👍🏼👍🏼
I would pinned that on my trail bike, but it's butt puckering on your crossbike........lolololol!
Sure is….the difference between riding my trail bike and gravel bike here is huge!
Dave awesome seeing you push the limits on some loose and rough stuff! Can't wait to hit trails like that. Meanwhile, check out my video I just posted getting a Strava KOM next to the Golden Gate Bridge and how fun flat could be on a gravel bike!
Public service announcement: what a gravel bike can handle when DAVE (said in Gru’s voice) is piloting is not what can be handled by you and me (amateurs!). PSA over. Return to normal programming...
😂😂😂😂
The limits are the same as a xc bike plus rider skills.
True but I wouldn’t fancy hitting some of the jumps I hit on my mtb on my gravel bike.
@@DaveNoakes true, I would jump anything I jump on my xc bike
Keg and are awesone
Keg? Thanks
Dave Noakes auto correct I meant kebabs . Kebabs are awesome. Gourmet in hand
They really are!
Dave Noakes I work in a bottle shop right next door to a kebab shop and to an Indian take away. The aromas are amazing
A Bell Helmet!
Yes
FFS 😲 Dave buddy please look after your back
It’s not fucked like before, this is more to do with my riding position I think....probably need to stretch more...the big 40 this year 😂