Treated myself to some grey vans odi grips an ergon pro e-mtb saddle, defy 35+ stem and full set of volume spacers.... all of these bits have made a positive difference in terms of grip & comfort. 😎
Functional tech that I'm using: KEG Storage Vessel. Since I've upgraded my suspension on my 2019 Levo, I've compromised accessibility to my bottle cage and I no longer able to fit a bottle in there. So, I've decided to use the KEG Storage Vessel to house all the necessary tools.
Some good points in this. Tyre Inserts have been a lifesaver for me. For someone who was always getting a flat with either tubes and tubless at Bike park wales to not getting any and riding just as hard.
I don’t ride and will never ride tubeless. I’m a 60 year old man and I’m old skoool, meaning I’m a 21st century innertube lubbite who rolls with a security blanket, self healing innertubes filled with sealant and a Tannus Armour insert. These new technologies enable me to run lower tyre pressures while allowing to stay true to my cycling past. It also means I can run this system using literally any tyre, rim combination.
Great insights - I did check with Peaty's and you can use that in Butyl tubes - and you're quite right if your tyres or rims aren't tubeless compatible then a sealant enhanced tube can work great! Cheers Owen
@@OwenBikeNerd BTW: I’ve just ordered in a pair of lightweight TPI inner tubes which come with removable valve cores. I’ll keep you informed how I get on.
@@user-ot2qg8np8y I'm not quite sure the sealants will work with the TPU tubes - but many are meant to be tougher than butyl tubes - do let us know how you get on! cheers Owen
@@OwenBikeNerd Got this following message from a guy called Rob at Muc-Off ( who do a sealant specific for inner tubes) : “Hi there, Thanks for getting in touch. Our inner tube sealant is fine to be used with TPU tubes as long as the valve cores are removable. Kind regards, Rob”
I have that ergon saddle on my emtb it’s been game changer for sitting bone pain the last 6 months, I haven’t tried some top end cycling shorts yet either so it might be even better if I do.
Thanks for the feedback - and sorry I should have explained more - but the science is there - lower pressures - not flat but lower - can roll quicker - the tyre is able to conform over bumps and roots - with high pressure rather than tracking over roots and rocks the tyre just transfers those forces up through the bike - slowing it down - as an example - XC races were running 30+ psi as it was thought of as faster - but now many are running sub 20 psi - yes for grip but also to roll faster. I'll try and do much more detailed video in the future as I fear my written explanation isn't the best to illustrate my point. Again cheers for the feedback! Owen
To climb is faster but when going down is better more pressure. On hard-core terrain you need pressure to avoid destroying your rims. I live in Canada. Our trails can be extremely hard. Most people go over 30psi to avoid destroying our rims. More pressure bumps over rocks but low pressure grip more when climbing
@@ChristianPareATLAS Cheers thank you - yeah on lower pressures the burly stronger sidewall on the tougher tyres do help stabilise and support at low pressures - but yes rocky terrain can overwhelm even the toughest sidewalls too - I guess there are inserts too - which I know can be tougher fit to some rim & tyre combos - but can offer some additional protection Cheers Owen
love the ergon ebike seat. the ergon fat grips are not fat or that chushie i wouldnt waste my cash. tubless on a emtb essential.dhf maxxis front and dhr maxxis rear. also xt 4pot brakes with big rotors. i personally dont care about garmins and my riding staticics, and i love the fact that i can use my phone via Bluetooth to tune every aspect of the controller.
Loving your work sir, but could you explain further about rolling resistance being less for lower tire pressures as i am struggling to get my head around that. Maybe a topic for a future video, thanks
Hello - Thanks for the feedback Yes of course happy to explain - as its a counter intuitive concept - essentially - and you are right its worthy of a whole video to discuss it - but a lower pressure tyre can often roll quicker than a high pressure - ok a lot of the initial work on these effects has been done on road tyres but the science does work on the bigger mtb tyres. In very brief - the lower pressure tyre can deform round the trail rather than of the higher pressure tyre - that can't conform and thus transfers those forces up to the wheel into the suspension and into the bike and rider. As a brief example XC races used to run higher pressures 30psi + and now for better reduced rolling resistance and more grip they're running lower than 20psi. Sorry my description isn't the most in depth - but science is there promise - we'll try and do a video with lots more detail soon - but hope this helps at least initially? Cheers Owen
@@OwenBikeNerd I think you're saying they absorb irregularities in the trail which may give better grip to ride faster. However I don't think that counts as rolling resistance. If you put two equal bikes and riders (weight) on a slight down hill pavement, you'd find the higher pressure accelerates more than the low pressure. That's rolling resistance.
@@vashon100And you hit on the operative thing: smooth pavement. When you have all sorts of obstacles to rollover, lower pressures are more compliant and roll “through” them rather than bouncing off and turning your forward speed into upward deflection of the whole bike and rider. Schwalbe did this scientifically; it’ll be out there somewhere.
@@tomhuber5372 Yes, exactly. Just like suspension fork vs rigid. But for him to say less rolling resistance is not the right term. That'd be like saying changing forks changes the friction coefficient of the tire.
Thanks for the info. I know it's been asked, but, why is hot wax never mentioned on these videos? It has been proven to provide better and long lasting lubrication, and I know from experience( I use it exclusively) not difficult to apply. The best part is that it doesn't attract all the muck and mire onto the chain. It can be refreshed if needed, with liquid wax in between re-waxing. Is it because your sponsors don't provide it? (Maybe they should)
@@kingerz Well there's that. But removing the chain, and replacing when I'm done take less than 5 minutes, I come back from muddy rides with just a rinse down of the chain, and I'm good to go. I re wax every three to four rides...
When is the next vid of you guys out on your bikes going to come along? Feels like you haven’t done one in ages, like a vid of a good old fashioned ebike ride rather than a comparison or a tech episode.
We use the Edge 830 quite a bit. It's compact and not too bulky but crammed with features and battery life to add to the experience! The 530 is solid also but has slightly fewer features. Still good battery life though so long rides are 👍
I thought Pirelli were the brand who originally had a harder inner layer and a soft outer layer like you mentioned? Was it only in their first iterations?
I can't claim this as my original.... Quick internet search ... Many tire companies use mixed hardness compounds in a single tire to provide a balance between grip and durability. Here are some companies known for this approach: ### 1. **Maxxis** - **3C Technology**: Maxxis employs three different compounds in one tire. The harder base layer is combined with softer outer layers, allowing for optimal grip in various terrains while maintaining durability. ### 2. **Schwalbe** - **Addix Compounds**: Schwalbe uses a blend of compounds such as Speed, Speedgrip, Soft, and Ultra Soft in different sections of the tire. This allows for varied hardness and performance characteristics tailored to specific riding conditions. ### 3. **Continental** - **Black Chili Compound**: Continental integrates varying hardness levels within the same tire to offer a combination of low rolling resistance and excellent grip. The compounds are adjusted to suit different terrains and riding styles. ### 4. **Michelin** - **GUM-X and Magi-X Compounds**: Michelin uses a mix of compounds in a single tire to balance grip and longevity. The different compounds help in providing a stable ride with good traction in diverse conditions. ### 5. **Vittoria** - **4C Graphene Technology**: Vittoria uses a four-compound layering process that combines different hardness levels to optimize performance for speed, grip, and durability. The incorporation of graphene enhances these properties. ### 6. **Kenda** - **Dual Tread Compound (DTC)**: Kenda uses a dual compound with a harder center for low rolling resistance and softer sides for better cornering grip. ### 7. **Bontrager** - **TRI Compound**: Bontrager uses different compounds in various sections of the tire to provide the right balance of grip, rolling resistance, and durability. These companies utilize mixed hardness compounds to create tires that perform well under a variety of conditions, ensuring that riders have the best possible traction and control while minimizing wear and tear.
Chain life boil your chains in Putoline chain grease I run 4 chains to a cassette and change every ride in the winter and every 3/4 days in the summer dry weather. Don't run 12 speed on a ebike run 11 speed, I run shimino cheap as chips cassette but 42/11 but replace the 11 tooth sprocket as they wear fast, and run Sram GX derallieur, and Sram solid pin 11 speed chain at £12/13 and I ride 7 days a week and I can ride as ride motocross for years to expert level. All this rubbish about about sealant is a waste as lockdown and stock run out so back to tubes. Sealant dries up and so it might be lighter and is a messy expensive waste, sorry but that's my 50 pence worth. Also stick tyres a waste too slow and wear out just use 2.4 evo tyres.
Ps. when you got your bike's shoes sorted out - get your's sorted out. Yes, vans make you look cool and interesting even if you the most boring person in the world, but they suck and blow as a mountainbiking shoe.
Great question - saddles shouldn't make you're bum sore - if you're saving up for a better saddle - bikes shops often have demo saddles available - and thats an option of using a saddle fitting tool - being comfortable on the bike is huge upgrade! Cheers Owen
How in the world does he figure low tire pressure were Rohl easier it may ride softer but it's not gonna roll easier. It's gonna have higher Rohl resistance and a higher pressure.
He's got it confused with absorbing impacts to ride faster. If you put two equal bikes and riders (weight) on a slight down hill pavement, you'd find the higher pressure accelerates more than the low pressure. That's rolling resistance. (or Rohling LOL)
i gave up and padded my "big diameter" grips up. All available grips - from my point of view - are for girl's and boy's hands. I'm still waiting for the day when all the "you need thin grips because [reasons without proof]" goes the same way that "you need thin tires and thin wheels to go fast" went. The "but the pros do it"-logic has to end. It's stupid and it is disturbing the true nature of cycling and mountainbiking. Have fun and don't break your bones or strain your muscles and fibers. If (ie when) pros get rid of their saddle - would you, too?
![How To Ruin Your eMTB In 9 Easy Steps [Watch This To Avoid]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/1tDBsy6Wiis/mqdefault.jpg)
![How To Ruin Your eMTB In 9 Easy Steps [Watch This To Avoid]](/img/tr.png)
Have you made any of these upgrades yet? What’s the best functional upgrade you have made to your bike?
Treated myself to some grey vans odi grips an ergon pro e-mtb saddle, defy 35+ stem and full set of volume spacers....
all of these bits have made a positive difference in terms of grip & comfort. 😎
Shoes. The [make with three numbers] Freerider (non pro) changed my riding completely.
Functional tech that I'm using: KEG Storage Vessel. Since I've upgraded my suspension on my 2019 Levo, I've compromised accessibility to my bottle cage and I no longer able to fit a bottle in there. So, I've decided to use the KEG Storage Vessel to house all the necessary tools.
ergon saddle paired with the switchgrade is by far the best upgrade i have done to my emtb 🤟
Nice! Solid combo 😄
I use Barkbuster plastic hand guards, brilliant for mud/prickles, and they protect your levers etc
Ooo thats a great shout - I'll have to do some research into those!
Cheers
Owen
Some good points in this. Tyre Inserts have been a lifesaver for me. For someone who was always getting a flat with either tubes and tubless at Bike park wales to not getting any and riding just as hard.
29x2.6 with sidewall support is the biggest I found so far. 🤷
I don’t ride and will never ride tubeless. I’m a 60 year old man and I’m old skoool, meaning I’m a 21st century innertube lubbite who rolls with a security blanket, self healing innertubes filled with sealant and a Tannus Armour insert. These new technologies enable me to run lower tyre pressures while allowing to stay true to my cycling past. It also means I can run this system using literally any tyre, rim combination.
Great insights - I did check with Peaty's and you can use that in Butyl tubes - and you're quite right if your tyres or rims aren't tubeless compatible then a sealant enhanced tube can work great!
Cheers
Owen
@@OwenBikeNerd OMG, High praise from the main man himself. If only you could see this old black man blush with pride.
@@OwenBikeNerd BTW: I’ve just ordered in a pair of lightweight TPI inner tubes which come with removable valve cores. I’ll keep you informed how I get on.
@@user-ot2qg8np8y I'm not quite sure the sealants will work with the TPU tubes - but many are meant to be tougher than butyl tubes - do let us know how you get on!
cheers
Owen
@@OwenBikeNerd Got this following message from a guy called Rob at Muc-Off ( who do a sealant specific for inner tubes) :
“Hi there,
Thanks for getting in touch.
Our inner tube sealant is fine to be used with TPU tubes as long as the valve cores are removable.
Kind regards,
Rob”
I have that ergon saddle on my emtb it’s been game changer for sitting bone pain the last 6 months, I haven’t tried some top end cycling shorts yet either so it might be even better if I do.
That's great to hear! We do have some bib shorts in the GMBN that all of the presenters love 👍
Roll quicker with lower tyre pressures? C'mon!
Ikr
Thanks for the feedback - and sorry I should have explained more - but the science is there - lower pressures - not flat but lower - can roll quicker - the tyre is able to conform over bumps and roots - with high pressure rather than tracking over roots and rocks the tyre just transfers those forces up through the bike - slowing it down - as an example - XC races were running 30+ psi as it was thought of as faster - but now many are running sub 20 psi - yes for grip but also to roll faster.
I'll try and do much more detailed video in the future as I fear my written explanation isn't the best to illustrate my point.
Again cheers for the feedback!
Owen
To climb is faster but when going down is better more pressure. On hard-core terrain you need pressure to avoid destroying your rims. I live in Canada. Our trails can be extremely hard. Most people go over 30psi to avoid destroying our rims. More pressure bumps over rocks but low pressure grip more when climbing
@OwenBikeNerd good video 😊
@@ChristianPareATLAS Cheers thank you - yeah on lower pressures the burly stronger sidewall on the tougher tyres do help stabilise and support at low pressures - but yes rocky terrain can overwhelm even the toughest sidewalls too - I guess there are inserts too - which I know can be tougher fit to some rim & tyre combos - but can offer some additional protection
Cheers
Owen
I subbed, because of the awesome hair style!
Thank you!
I'll take that - hopefully we can impress with content too!
Cheers
Owen
love the ergon ebike seat. the ergon fat grips are not fat or that chushie i wouldnt waste my cash. tubless on a emtb essential.dhf maxxis front and dhr maxxis rear. also xt 4pot brakes with big rotors. i personally dont care about garmins and my riding staticics, and i love the fact that i can use my phone via Bluetooth to tune every aspect of the controller.
Nice, that sounds like you've got your set up dialled! What eBike system do you have?
Loving your work sir, but could you explain further about rolling resistance being less for lower tire pressures as i am struggling to get my head around that. Maybe a topic for a future video, thanks
Hello -
Thanks for the feedback
Yes of course happy to explain - as its a counter intuitive concept - essentially - and you are right its worthy of a whole video to discuss it - but a lower pressure tyre can often roll quicker than a high pressure - ok a lot of the initial work on these effects has been done on road tyres but the science does work on the bigger mtb tyres.
In very brief - the lower pressure tyre can deform round the trail rather than of the higher pressure tyre - that can't conform and thus transfers those forces up to the wheel into the suspension and into the bike and rider.
As a brief example XC races used to run higher pressures 30psi + and now for better reduced rolling resistance and more grip they're running lower than 20psi.
Sorry my description isn't the most in depth - but science is there promise - we'll try and do a video with lots more detail soon - but hope this helps at least initially?
Cheers
Owen
@@OwenBikeNerd I think you're saying they absorb irregularities in the trail which may give better grip to ride faster. However I don't think that counts as rolling resistance. If you put two equal bikes and riders (weight) on a slight down hill pavement, you'd find the higher pressure accelerates more than the low pressure. That's rolling resistance.
@@vashon100And you hit on the operative thing: smooth pavement. When you have all sorts of obstacles to rollover, lower pressures are more compliant and roll “through” them rather than bouncing off and turning your forward speed into upward deflection of the whole bike and rider. Schwalbe did this scientifically; it’ll be out there somewhere.
@@tomhuber5372 Yes, exactly. Just like suspension fork vs rigid. But for him to say less rolling resistance is not the right term. That'd be like saying changing forks changes the friction coefficient of the tire.
Thanks for the info. I know it's been asked, but, why is hot wax never mentioned on these videos? It has been proven to provide better and long lasting lubrication, and I know from experience( I use it exclusively) not difficult to apply. The best part is that it doesn't attract all the muck and mire onto the chain. It can be refreshed if needed, with liquid wax in between re-waxing.
Is it because your sponsors don't provide it? (Maybe they should)
You have to take the chain off so it is a lot harder to do.
@@kingerz Well there's that. But removing the chain, and replacing when I'm done take less than 5 minutes, I come back from muddy rides with just a rinse down of the chain, and I'm good to go. I re wax every three to four rides...
When is the next vid of you guys out on your bikes going to come along? Feels like you haven’t done one in ages, like a vid of a good old fashioned ebike ride rather than a comparison or a tech episode.
Soon, promise!
Cheers
Owen
How about all this flip chip geo changing is this new high tech?
Which Garmin is the best of off road routes?
We use the Edge 830 quite a bit. It's compact and not too bulky but crammed with features and battery life to add to the experience! The 530 is solid also but has slightly fewer features. Still good battery life though so long rides are 👍
Is 4 piston brakes new high tech?
I thought Pirelli were the brand who originally had a harder inner layer and a soft outer layer like you mentioned? Was it only in their first iterations?
I can't claim this as my original.... Quick internet search ...
Many tire companies use mixed hardness compounds in a single tire to provide a balance between grip and durability. Here are some companies known for this approach:
### 1. **Maxxis**
- **3C Technology**: Maxxis employs three different compounds in one tire. The harder base layer is combined with softer outer layers, allowing for optimal grip in various terrains while maintaining durability.
### 2. **Schwalbe**
- **Addix Compounds**: Schwalbe uses a blend of compounds such as Speed, Speedgrip, Soft, and Ultra Soft in different sections of the tire. This allows for varied hardness and performance characteristics tailored to specific riding conditions.
### 3. **Continental**
- **Black Chili Compound**: Continental integrates varying hardness levels within the same tire to offer a combination of low rolling resistance and excellent grip. The compounds are adjusted to suit different terrains and riding styles.
### 4. **Michelin**
- **GUM-X and Magi-X Compounds**: Michelin uses a mix of compounds in a single tire to balance grip and longevity. The different compounds help in providing a stable ride with good traction in diverse conditions.
### 5. **Vittoria**
- **4C Graphene Technology**: Vittoria uses a four-compound layering process that combines different hardness levels to optimize performance for speed, grip, and durability. The incorporation of graphene enhances these properties.
### 6. **Kenda**
- **Dual Tread Compound (DTC)**: Kenda uses a dual compound with a harder center for low rolling resistance and softer sides for better cornering grip.
### 7. **Bontrager**
- **TRI Compound**: Bontrager uses different compounds in various sections of the tire to provide the right balance of grip, rolling resistance, and durability.
These companies utilize mixed hardness compounds to create tires that perform well under a variety of conditions, ensuring that riders have the best possible traction and control while minimizing wear and tear.
Chain life boil your chains in Putoline chain grease I run 4 chains to a cassette and change every ride in the winter and every 3/4 days in the summer dry weather. Don't run 12 speed on a ebike run 11 speed, I run shimino cheap as chips cassette but 42/11 but replace the 11 tooth sprocket as they wear fast, and run Sram GX derallieur, and Sram solid pin 11 speed chain at £12/13 and I ride 7 days a week and I can ride as ride motocross for years to expert level. All this rubbish about about sealant is a waste as lockdown and stock run out so back to tubes. Sealant dries up and so it might be lighter and is a messy expensive waste, sorry but that's my 50 pence worth. Also stick tyres a waste too slow and wear out just use 2.4 evo tyres.
TECh ?
This is a shameless advertisement for -
Pirelli
link lube
farming
ergon
Ps. when you got your bike's shoes sorted out - get your's sorted out. Yes, vans make you look cool and interesting even if you the most boring person in the world, but they suck and blow as a mountainbiking shoe.
💯
Question for you does that saddle hurt your bum because we all cant afford to buy one until we get the right saddle ?
I bought one off ebay for 18 quid. Absolute game changer, especially on long rides.
Great question - saddles shouldn't make you're bum sore - if you're saving up for a better saddle - bikes shops often have demo saddles available - and thats an option of using a saddle fitting tool - being comfortable on the bike is huge upgrade!
Cheers
Owen
Your perm is distracting me from the good info.
Sorry for the hair distraction - if it helps it is all my own...
Cheers
Owen
Steve usually lets him know when to reel it in.
@@OwenBikeNerd Love it! There was a time when I could boast such full mane. Enjoy it while you can!
@@edteach3r Thank you!
Cheers
Owen
Glad I'm 🦲
How in the world does he figure low tire pressure were Rohl easier it may ride softer but it's not gonna roll easier. It's gonna have higher Rohl resistance and a higher pressure.
He's got it confused with absorbing impacts to ride faster. If you put two equal bikes and riders (weight) on a slight down hill pavement, you'd find the higher pressure accelerates more than the low pressure. That's rolling resistance. (or Rohling LOL)
Wow that hair is BAD
What's with the wig.
No wig - all mine own - home grown hair!
Cheers
Owen
i gave up and padded my "big diameter" grips up. All available grips - from my point of view - are for girl's and boy's hands. I'm still waiting for the day when all the "you need thin grips because [reasons without proof]" goes the same way that "you need thin tires and thin wheels to go fast" went. The "but the pros do it"-logic has to end. It's stupid and it is disturbing the true nature of cycling and mountainbiking. Have fun and don't break your bones or strain your muscles and fibers.
If (ie when) pros get rid of their saddle - would you, too?