Your videos is by far, some of the best in the cycling category. High quality, nice edits and a good sense of humour, im really going to enjoy following in 2020, best.
Hey, don't worry about the outdoor videos, sometime the raw element makes it more human and natural. The majority of your viewers are focussed on you as a person and your adventures and equipment are a source of intruige for the uninitiated. Thank you for sharing your experiences. Very friendly and entertaining.
Wonderfull little run through. Favourite bit - the cap. For two reasons - first finding out you are "Monsieur chauve" (du heter herr Skallig) and secondly that its a Swedish brand that is the same colour as my bike, and so is perfect for my planed summer ride from Brussels to Bohuslän. Happy days!
Glad to hear you like the Gravel Kings and enjoy the wider tires all round. I've been using the Schwalbe G-One Speeds on my gravel bike in 2". They're superb on rough gravel as I can drop the pressure down to the low 20s psi or pump them up higher if I'm riding pavement. Because of their low profile they roll really nicely on pavement, but can really rock on smooth single track.
hello - I have had the tick tick soul after a ride as well and have never been able to know what it is. thanks for letting us know that it could be my disc's cooling down. nothing then to worry about as I thought it was my Fluid brakes or DI2. cheers
Discovered your channel last year, it's been great help on different products (tyres!) you've reviewed (also the technical parts). I've been (slowly) building up a nice Ibis Hakka MX, most components on your recommendation - thanks.
billystack yeah a fairly large price difference, but really a huge bang for your buck! Used the Hakka in road races, bikepacking and unsupported (gravel) races. Happy cycling!!
Swapped out the Gravelking SK for a pair of Vittoria Terreno Zero in 650b. Not as grippy on the loose stuff but improved cornering on the road and lot quieter at higher speeds.
The thing, that I have never heard of any of the parts brands, makes me a kind of „no-nerd-dumb“. Anyway: Fan if your channel since the cleaning my bike video. I wonder what you do BESIDES riding your bike? You put so much effort in your research and in your vids ... Remarkable! Thumbs up and awaiting for the new season. But one question: What would be a good starting point to having a Gravel/Road bike for daily commute if I‘m NOT into meticulously selecting any screw on it by myself. So is there a brand/model/supplier you would recommend for my first bike of this kind? Thank you from GER
Cheers mate, I’m bad at giving buying advise to anyone but myself 😜 But for commuter duties the cheaper in-brand options from crc, or wiggle might be something? I’ve not ridden any of those so shouldn’t even talk about them hehe
Hi Christian, No simple answer, sorry for that, but general advice: For starters, esp. for commuting and if you're not that picky about brands, geometry details, just pick any entry level CX/allroad/gravel bike, and for about every 150 € your budget allows you to go up, the components get better. Measure your current bike geometry as a reference point if it suits you well. Factor in pedals/shoes into your budget if you don't fancy flat pedals. (Just not to compare apples to oranges, speaking only of new bikes, 2nd hand it gets more diverse). Most sales offers are last year models or before, but never mind. Typically they start with aluminium frame and wheels, yet even (part or full) carbon fork, mechanical discs and 2x9 or 2x10 (or 1x) shifting. About 9-10kg. Sister models made of steel/carbon/titanium start further up in price and mostly with better components. Mind tire clearance (700c or 650b), for commuting esp. with additional mudguards ( manufacturers' website), some even with mounts for fenders, racks, dynamo hub and bikestand. Or go more sportive with clip-on fenders and a racier CX model, if 35-40mm tire limit is okay for you. For an overview, take any magazine, blog, better: online-shop of your preference and search for road bikes, set filter to allroad/gravel or cyclocross and lowest price upwards. (Some, like canyon only offer direct sale via their website, so you won't find them in shops.) THEN you can get all nerdy and compare specs, weights and geometries, exchanging components... 😉
Christian Benedict - Gotta say, at this time of the year you will get last year model gravel bike. For an all rounder look for something that can take 40mm comfortably (wish I did) Kinesis GCR seems to tick a few boxes for eg. If you have a box of spare parts (or prepared to strip a bike for its parts) I like Fairlights Secan. Good luck mate
I totally get what you're talking about with the open upper only being available in black! I don't ride gravel because there isn't any good gravel near me but I am currently in the market for a new road bike and my considerations are (in order of importance): blue frame, light weight, carbon wheels, di2, rim brakes. I also recently got a pair of frameless shades and I love them (Roka SL-1x)!
for me tires from 32-40mm have a good balance in weight, comfort and Puncture Resistance. But Conti Contact Urban in 50-559 is a surprisingly fun tire too. I ride mostly on Tarmac and true slicks are the way to go. Even with slicks you can ride light gravel. sadly there are very few true slicks to find like the Schwalbe Kojak. however to be more versatile as you, you might want bigger and more knobby tires.
A tip - if you want to try out floating rotors for a 6 bolt disc hub you can find them on Ebay and such from a company "Snail" they come in all the usual sizes from 160, 180 & 203mm I have been using them on my Hardtail MTB and (now) my drop bar adventure bike for years with no problems. Every gravel bike I have seen with disc brakes use 160mm rotors and these work and look great and come in many colors.
My EC90 Carbon cranks dis-bondend from the spindle after only 500km. luckily they were replaced under warranty and after 3000km on the new ones no issues. However I am still wary of them.
Good to hear that I'm not the only one having noise troubles with the xpedo. I really tried to love them and at least use them in less technical areas (due to the reduced clipping qualities). The sound though is really a big issue for me. So I will swap them with heavier pedals. Maybe eggbeater 3 tuned with titanium axles.
Crank brothers pedals are amazing, I switched from Shimano to Crank Brothers 7 years ago and never looked back. 8 out of 9 of my bikes have crank brothers pedals and I never had any issues, and their performance on our sticky mud a miles better then anything Shimano has to offer. The one bike without CB pedals is a BMX.
Glorious video as always. And the AliE expander is on three of my bikes since. The stem is holding the fork, the expander is just pulling up the fork to have a tight headset. So why people are so cautious with it? 🤔
I've found that a generous application of silicon spray both on the Shimano cleats and the Xpedo pedals helps with the squeaking. It's definitely worse with the Xpedos, but I have had the same problem (and solution) with my Shimano SPD pedals.
Andrew Van Til yep same here... like you said, the shimano are better in general but they still are prone to noise from time to time. What silicon spray are you using?
I know you're into weight, but can you suggest a bike that has similar ride feel, geometry etc. but without the cost of weight savings? Happy to have a 10-11kg bike. I like the idea of doing some off road riding. By the way, I think your approach to videos is really open hearted - no pumped up self aggrandisement, but genuine. I used to tour to Japan quite a bit when I was a musician and thought that if I ever chose to live outside the UK, then New Zealand or Japan were the best options. Great viewing, thanks.
With the risk of sound like a proper douche, but I’ve not tried any “cheaper” bikes with similar characteristics. So my opinion is meaningless :p But I’d say the Ibis Hakka seems like a good open alternative for less money and still in the same weight ball park. Slighty more gravel-style geometry than the open, but people seem to like it.
Thanks mate! Damn, I didn't even think of the cassette... which is probably the highest rating I can give hehe. I use the XTR 11-40 cassette 98% on my rides last year... nothing to report, crisp shifting and definitely the quietest 1x setup I've had.
Nice Video! wanted to ask what tires you run, but than this Video comes out 😍 think i will change my bars over the Summer because i still run the very wide salsa woodchippers and when im with roadies thats all the time a Point 😂
I was about to swap my xtr pedals with the xpedo, just for road riding in 98% dry condition, but now i am not sure if it is worth it.. Kudos for the video though
Stanislav if all out weight saving is at the top of your priority list and for road riding only, it’s not a bad option. If it’s really only for road you can go even lighter with the R-force model (single sided spd)
If you will be buying new helmet have a look at MET Manta, you can get it at good price and it saves you 30g on Trenta 😊😁 also Julbo is making frameless fotochromatic glases that go from 0 to 3, which are great even for night riding and no need to swap a lense 😊 good vid btw 👌
Haha! "Don't want to look like a mushroom". I have the same problem and the Kask Mojito was and is my go to to fix this. Fearing there would be no more like the Mojito I stocked up when they were on sale. Good to know there's another anti-mushroom helmet out there. Thanks!
Hey RoJ, love your work my friend. Ride the latest Emonda currently with my cool Trent’s Carbon helmet in white (whoop whoop) no mushrooms on me along with the EvoZeros in Jade Green and the Ruby Red you show here. You’re 100% about visibility. Now you got me thinking about a one bike fits all arrangement. Ditch the Emonda and build a light gravel, all road, crit bike. Ive got a Campag’ Ekar GS coming and undecided on a frame. What would you recommend? I think I’m gonna start wearing a cap too now as my 57 year old pate is starting to wear out like a 13 year old kids rear tyre.
I think out of the uses you describe the “light gravel” and “crit bike” is the most incompatible. A crit bike you’d want to be aggressive an “tall”, so if you ride a “gravel” geometry with say 25mm road tires, the problem with be the low bottom bracket drop on “gravel frame”, you’d run a much higher risk of pedal strikes… now if you don’t ride crit that aggressive or it might not matter at all. Then again majority of disc equipped road bikes today can take 32mm tires so that would probably cover “light gravel”, and your option are plenty. I would just circle a few frames that I’d like the look of and dig deeper from there if I was in your boots.
Hi, nice review! I'm also putting together my Open U.P. right now. I think I'm a little bit in between sizes...can you tell me what framesize you have and what size you are?
Btw, a weight-to-function-to-price compromise: Crankbrothers Eggbeater 3 weigh in at 284 g +38 g for the cleats. Haven't checked the differences apart the weight, but they cost only €135 here in the EU, online even only 85,-).
@@YuoTubeTobi Oh, so? Can't say nothing about it, as I'm riding Speedplay Syzr. A bit on the heavier side incl cleats, but nice. (Great for bike fitting: there is a version which you can stack up individually if you have asymmetrical leg/stride length.) They offer a lot and adjustable float while good and direct transfer to the pedal. Click in and out super simple, as long as the cleats don't get caked up and dry during long rides. Bit pricey though, esp. the cleats. The weight saving of the titanium version over the stainless steel is imo not worth it, as long as you're not obsessed with lightweight, but then they're not the pedal of choice, anyway. I'd like the zeroes for road as they're quite light AND are double sided like CX/MTBs. But who'd want to be confined to tarmac or worse, stuck out on gravel or offroad with delicate carbon road soles without studs, anyway? (Esp. Not on a quiver killer like the U.P.)
Nik Veldkamp An RTP upper is definitely a dream, but I just have two issues, it would take me a year to come up with a paint job that I was satisfied with enough to pay for, then as it finally gets painted, I’d want that new frame that just came out 😅 There’s no “forever bike” in my world so the custom route never was very appealing to me... however strange it may sound 🤪
I got eggbeater 11, and the older version (not my favorites on snow and ice). Xpedo R-Force 6 Titan (162g) on the way, will let you know. 11's really need the extra cleat balancing plate, so their 179g is not even a like-for-like.
Unbias good to know cheers! The egg beaters has never been on my radar personally, that simply too much money for a wear and tear part even for me. Now even less so ;)
Hi, getting ready to pull the trigger on an Open U.P. build and was wondering if you had any advice. Like you, I’m coming from an Evo which although super light never felt right. I’m not a racer by any means but do enjoy a light bike on group rides. Not a weight weenie at all. I’ve decided to go with an all GRX 810 build with a 50/34 Ultegra crank. This will give me the familiar road gearing with option to swap to GRX 48/31 crank fairly easily as needed. Beyond drivetrain I’m still undecided on wheels and cockpit. Again, not a weight weenie and budget is a concern but want to make sure I give frame the respect it deserves. Any suggestions?
Reasonably light and affordable wheels on my radar is Hunt and Lightbicycle.com. I have not owned either though. Lightbicycle you can get with DT Swiss hubs which is always a safe bet. I had 3 bikes between my Evo and Open so can't really do a justified direct comparison. The evo was definitely the most "Racie" bike I owned... for the type of ride I do now though I feel like a more endurance geometry is more enjoyable to ride. I will never brake the times I did on my Evo though. (That has a lot to do with my fittness also hehe)
Hey, Love the videos... superb production quality. Content is first class too. Thanks, I've learnt a lot from them. Quick question. What garmin mount do you use on your stem?
Cheers mate! I use the Extralite garmin mount for the Extralite hyperstem. You can see it more in serial in a previous video: ruclips.net/video/w7H9Y-FfhXA/видео.html
Thanks for the video :D I wait for your videos and the quality of your videography is so good :D Can you do a video about your disc brake pads? I’m thinking of getting some SwissStops. Also do you use stock brake hoses or do you go for others like Jagwire? Thank
Cheers mate! 🙏 I’ve been thinking of trying out some third party pads eventually, if I do I’ll definitely try and document it. I’m using standard Shimano bh90 brake hoses
A new year and already the channel of the year, or maybe it will be a channel of 2019? Nice bike, and an excellent movies. Thanks to your channel, I am considering the Open U.P. frame strongly to my gravel instead of Santa Cruz Stigmata. For the new parts: why not titanium disk brakes? Did you think the absoluteBLACK oval chainring for your bike?
Cheers mate! Do you mean Ti disc rotors? I’ve not seen any/read about any that seem to be worth it. For this build not really, I wanted to try the the original Easton rings. I had an oval wolftooth ring on my DA crank on my old open... works fine as well.
Regarding the titanium rotors, the only advantage is weight. The Easton chainring 40T is around 91g, the oval absoluteBLACK 65,5g. I just say that, because who cares about weight 😋
As usual, I love your videos. I was curious about how long you will justify those pedals based on weight. Like you said with the tyres, you don’t race and comfort is more important. Definitely gonna check out those Void caps. Same testosterone level.......;-) Peace
S. Ivers cheers mate! I’ve swapped them out for my old XT’s now for the winter season. Plan is to bring them out again once it’s nice and dry in the mountains... but knowing myself I might have another alternative by then :) The weight thing is kinda like the tires, I really think riding a light bike makes it more fun, but I’m definitely not claiming I can feel the difference for +-100g, that is more the nerd in me being curious about how low I can get.
Hey, it’s a passion and you gotta follow that. The best bike is the one that makes you wanna ride. So whatever makes you happy, enjoy. You’re the best.
My opinion is to stick with your XT pedals over XTR. I don't have a "climber's body" but let's just say a heavier "descender's body." But I find myself servicing my XTR pedals about twice per year because I develop axle play. At the same time, my M-520 spd pedals have been set and forget since I bought them about 8 years ago. So I think XT is the best balance in terms of durability, weight, and performance.
I am looking into getting some clipless pedals strictly for road use. I have settled on MTB pedals because of practicality though. Any insight into how much better performing the XT's are over the M-520s? Not talking about weight, more interested in actual performance.
@@niklasdksalkin I've heard that the XT pedals don't get clogged with mud so easily. But for advantages for road...it's believed that the axles for XT are stiffer than the less expensive models. But I don't ride competitively so I can't really tell a difference.
Hey, excellent channel⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️. I am about to press fit a new KOGEL Ceramic BB-Right BB into my Cervelo Aspero Carbon BB shell. Recommendations for "shell prep" are all over the map, so I'm a bit confused. I don't want to potentially degrade the Carbon Fiber in the shell over time with the wrong "grease" but I also can't imaging pressing it in with nothing. I have boiled the various recommendations down to a synthetic "grease," MORGAN BLUE AQUAPROOF Paste. Your secret sauce brake stuff is also an option. Overall what do you think? Is degrading the CF just a theoretical issue? Thanks. Please make more videos!
Cheers mate! Wakos brake protector is the only thing I’ve used since I stared pressing my own BB’s, and it was what my LBS used as well before that. So I can’t say how other products might work. I’m not a composite expert either, but I’ve never heard of anyones BB shell failing because of grease. We drench our headsets in grease as well, I would be more worried if that would degrade the carbon hehe... but from what I know, no one has ever advised against using grease for the headset so I think you’re safe.... but again, I’m no expert :)
@@ridesofjapan Thanks! Btw Kogel also agrees i.e., probably best to avoid press fitting dry cups. Now if we could only think of another video topic for you 🤔.
Hej! Grym video som vanligt! Men dessvärre fungerar inte länken till Void-kepsen när jag klickar. Något dom inte tillverkar längre? Hälsningar från ett mycket o-cykelvänligt halkigt Göteborg
Camille Clrc from my research they are actually a bit heavier... was quite some time ago I did that though so could be wrong. I have very few complaints about the DA calipers, especially with the new improved L03 resin pads so there needs to be some serious weight savings for me to switch :p
Have you ever tried running the GravelKing 700 by 43’s on the Open UP, just wondering if they’d fit. I’m running the GravelKing SK 700 by 38 now and love them but might want to try a little wider. Tried the Maxxis rambler 700 by 40, tried the Schwalbe G one 700 by 40, after both went right back to my GravelKing SK 38’s. Love to try a little wider but the Maxxis was the first tubeless tire I had that constantly lost pressure, 10-12 pounds every ride, was told just doesn’t seat perfectly on DT Swiss wheels. The Schwalbe g ones, rode much harder, not as comfortable and definitely less traction then the GravelKing SK. Love watching another Open UP rider, thanks for your videos. Same with the Open UPPER couldn’t go with it, boring black.
700x38 is the biggest I’ve run as well. Can’t say if it will work with 43, but I have a feeling it will be punishing it a bit too close the seat tube.... Cheers mate!
Rides of Japan thanks, yeah plenty of width room, just not sure how much deeper they are. Next tire I might try is the Donnelly Strada USH in 700 by 40. Love the look of the Berk saddle, might try it, currently my S-works saddle is very comfy just not as light.
Have you had any experience riding the Bombtrack Hook Ext-C or Salsa Cutthroat? I'm looking for something with a light bikepacking / gravel focus that can also be used for bunch road rides akin to your "One bike to rule them all" philosophy.
Great video again man. Thanks. For me the best bike (geometrie and gravel/road combi) is the Ridley X-Trail. It's what Ridley calls an all road. They now launched the Ridley Kanzo where 650b wheels fit in. The x-trail only fits 700c. So now I ordered a Kanzo frame and some great stuff to do what I love most, besides riding my bike. Building one (again :-) Thanks again for all your inspiration. You really contaminated me with your bike building disease :-) Only wasn't so pleased with the Panaracer Gravel Kings (see my earlier comment on your video about them suckers), but that was probably some bad luck. I ride Donnely EMP 700x38 now and they really work for me. Peace............
Taco Schaafsma sound like you found your dream bike as well! 👌 Yeah when it comes to tires we all have our ugly ducklings... I won’t ever touch another Continental GP4000 for example ;) All good though, as long as we find something that works for us, bikes will be ridden.
I also wondered how you end up in Japan and what job do you do there? And yes, keep up the great work making video's, I'm a weight wheenie myself but I lack the finance like you ;-)
Ron England actually been searching for the old 9000 xtr pedals to do some modding, the new 9100 seem to have some initial issues with seals and stuff that sound a bit worrying. No aftermarket parts for them either... unfortunately it seems like the old 9000 have disappeared from the face of the earth
I'm just curious, did you consider 3T Exploro as frame? Also I would love to see a video with road comparison between your canyon mason bokeh and open up!
Andrew Ivashkevich check out this video if you haven’t already, not a full on comparison but I go a bit onto the geometry differences. ruclips.net/video/J3AYOyMQf6o/видео.html Regarding the 3T exploro, I did consider it yes, but I found it to be a bit too racy (low stack) compared to the open which is just about perfect for me. It also missing that mounting point below the down tube which I wanted. Last thing I don’t like about the exploro is the cable routing behind the stem... great for aero I’m sure, but not for top tube bags.
I really like the ride and the race bike geometry of my Exploro. If I didn't care about the latter perhaps the Open would be a better buy because the proprietary seatpost on the Exploro is a design weak spot (not a dealbreaker but annoying).
I’m looking to build a similar bike and share your passion for the process of the build being just as much fun as riding the bike. Did you consider the Cervelo Aspero? I can’t decide between that and the UP. Thanks
The aspero was not out when I got the open, but even than I’d probably have gone for the open anyway, personally I prefer the look of the open and have not looked into the aspero geometry either, but imagine it’s more on the gravel-spectrum? I wanted a road-ish gravel frame to do both.
That makes sense. They are pretty similar really. Geometry geeks.com is a great comparison tool. I think the Aspero is slightly longer (10mm) and the wheelbase too. One thing I wanted to ask you.... was it the dt Swiss 180 hub that you thought was too loud? Just a caution- I know somebody who tried to make one a little more quiet with some grease as you did in a video. Unfortunately the grease then stopped the cassette spring from functioning correctly and it didn’t engage when accelerating out of a corner. He went over the bars but was ok. I think the newer bodies have a fix but his was one of the first hubs in the UK last year. Safe riding 👍 and the videos are great 👍
@@stevec8564 yes the new 180 EXP hubs seem way louder than my older 240s (two ratchet rings). Happy to hear your mate wasn’t badly hurt. I never manage to pack my hubs so that the doesn’t engage. I found in my latest attempt on the live stream that more grease on the outside of the rings has a much greater impact on sound than the “ratcheting” side... it did go back to its loud state after the second or third ride though, for whatever that is worth.
Funny how I always thought it was normal wearing a cap under helmet regardless of weather until a riding mate made a comment, only 2 years after riding together. I wouldn’t be able to ride without a cap, sweetie eyes!
@@ridesofjapan .. my Giant Propel is 73 degrees on seat and headtube. My size on a King Zydeco is 72.5 and 72.5 so not far off a good race geometry. It definitely has the extra wheelbase of a gravel model.And slightly less reach. I also like the adjustable front axle position to vary the steering response and the way better frame cost
@@cannon1156 Yeah I dig it, adjustable axle is super cool, only bummer that it brings up the fork weight. Look like a perfect compliment if you already have a Propel 👌
@@ridesofjapan ..btw I should have said. Enjoy your videos immensely. Full of information with a nice dry sense of humor. A lot of vloggers could learn a lot from you. Congrats
Jernej Markovc I just use a cheap hanging scale from amazon. I take the measurements a few times and go with the result that I can replicate multiple times. Usually it’s pretty consistent but from time to time I throws out some wacky numbers. To me it’s no that critical as I use a way more accurate scale for the actually parts that goes to a 1/10 of a gram.
I'm surprised you didn't look into cassettes. Now that you run an XD hub you can try sram's single piece machined cassettes which are 100s of grams lighter than normal cassettes.
I don’t have a XD hub anymore, went back to a Shimano hg body after some issues with the XD one. Also wasn’t very happy with the noise level of the sram cassette. The weight was good though.
Would be really great if you could at some point get a hambini bb, even though it might be too heavy for your :D I cant find any reviews at all, other than his videos. Also thinking about to build myself an Open Up or a 3T Exploro from the ground up and your videos really helped me understand how special these frames are compared to other "gravel" frames. Keep up the good work and hope to see more views from japan :)
J Klauser I love to get my hands on one of his BB’s eventually, weight be dammed ;) Cheers mate! Always great to hear people getting some practical benefits from the videos, that how it all started.
@@ridesofjapan Maybe he will send it to you if hambini can call you a weight weenie wanker (www)? :D I have seen oz cycle doing a homemade chain wax for the cheap. Something you would consider? Or would it complicate your love for chain cleaning?
J Klauser hehe, he can call me anything he want 💓 Call me crazy but I find the whole wax bath thing very unappealing... won’t say never ever, but first I’ll dip my toes in the wax based lube world.
@@ridesofjapan haha, I am sure hambini is into those things :D Those Australians, I am telling you, they test bicycle things intensely on youtube :D To be honest, it seemed too much work for me, but he claimed that he gets around a lifespan of 15k km per chain, by rewaxing it every 300km. And no gunk is building up. So he has a clean chain all the time ... cant believe it :D Dont know how true that is, since 15.000km per chain is insane to me. But I guess I will give it a try with my next chain, since the ingredients arent so difficult to get.
J Klauser yeah, nothing like the feeling of a new chain (mentally), I don’t care if it’s still “good”, minimum 2 new chains per/year ✊ even the DA chains are relatively cheap. I really dig the effort and testing he puts in though.
I have the same expander plug but decided to go with the standard, after watching durian rider making comments on the depth of the expander plugs, especially in carbon steerer and compression of stem. The 30g of savings was not worth it.
Allen Kruckel I definitely want to get out more this year, 2019 was a disaster. Unfortunately for me it will most likely only be overnighters, or two-night at most because of time constraints.
Do you plan on doing a similar thing with your trek emonda? Really loved this recap as I followed this open build from the start, and would love the same for your emonda journey :D
@@ridesofjapan that seems fair! But have to be honest, when I saw your last video I really thought you would have raplaced the emonda already for a new road bike :D
Can you? I know you can on the numerous Far East copies, but I don’t think oakley even sell their EVzero lenses as replacement parts... or maybe I dreamt that 😅 Cheers for the heads up, will look into it 👍
Does your Panaracer Gravel King have cuts marks from use? I have the Panaracer Gravel King SK TLC in 700x38 and have around 100+ miles on them. I currently run my front around 35 psi and rear 40-45 psi. Do they perform much better in terms of rolling and puncture resistance with lower psi? I have tried them at 60 psi for both front and rear and although they roll really fast but I experienced a big cut which my sealant could seal and I ride them on tarmac most of the time where there may be some very light gravel and sometimes broken glass. I'd assume cuz the tire isn't flexing much, any possible sharp object may have easier time to poke through the tire when it's stiff like how I ran it at 60psi. I thought maybe running it lower would let the tire deform around the sharp object. I wonder if that's true? I had to patch my Gravel King and then reused in the tubeless setup. They are so far holding up but I would still sometimes see those cut marks here and there. I guess it's from rocks shooting under my tire when I roll over them. The Gravel King SK sure look very nice, rolls fast for me, very comfortably supple, but they don't seem to be that durable for my commuting use although I think I might not be using it correctly with psi? What are your thoughts? I bought some more "heavy" duty touring tires from Panaracer which are the Panaracer Tour Guard Plus in 700x32 (the cheaper alternative to the Schwalbe Marathon Plus) and I'm gonna give those a try when the Gravel King finally wears down; heck I'm gonna even try to attempt to convert them tubeless lol. Wish me luck.
Johnny D. Wicked I would say your theory sound good. I had a few small cuts on my 38 slick graveklings before switching up my wheels, seems like I have far less in my 32, but I’m staying on paved roads with them so not surprising. The SK doesn’t show many cuts. I ride than max 30psi (preferably around 25), the 32s I run around 45-55 depending on mood ;)
@@ridesofjapan Ah, so it's possible that I'm not using it correctly with psi. Thank you so much for awesome video quality content and response. Much appreciated. ;)
Yet another devil whispering in your ear about the U.P.P.E.R RTP. I just ordered a 3T Strada RTP and I'm super excited about the prospect of getting a very unique road bike. Hopefully it'll be reasonably light too, even though I don't think I'll come near the UCI limit. Regarding pedals, I seriously consider trying the Look X-Track Race Carbon Ti pedals. They are a lot heavier than your Xpedo pedals, but still lighter than the XTR pedals I currently use on my Exploro, and they use cartridge bearings, which is kind of nice once you start becoming tired of trying to get Shimano cup and cone bearings just right. Bottom brackets. I'm starting to suspect that it's pretty common for bottom bracket shells to not be perfectly round and straight. Which would explain why so many people seem to have problems with them. Last but not least, a top cap GoPro mount could be a good idea, just because it makes it easy to collect raw footage during rides, without even getting off the bike. Won't be as impressive as drone footage, but you'll quickly have lots of it. :) Here is an example of how it may look. ruclips.net/video/fSCBi3KDz30/видео.html
been getting that question a lot, hope you don’t mind me pasting my answer to another viewer with the same question: Main reason I went with the Open is because I think it works better for me as one-bike solution. The Bokeh is a super fun adventure gravel bike with big rubber on. But as mentioned in the bokeh video, as soon a you put road tires on it’s a bit harsh. And using it in the mountains as a climber machine I also felt I wanted something a bit lighter. With that said, I still think the Bokeh as a gravel/adventure bike is an excellent choice, after all that’s what it’s designed to be. Hope that helps.
![Eminem - Temporary (feat. Skylar Grey) [Official Music Video]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/ZaK9Wi5ho0o/mqdefault.jpg)
Your videos is by far, some of the best in the cycling category. High quality, nice edits and a good sense of humour, im really going to enjoy following in 2020, best.
Rune Sejer Hoffmann 🙏
dude is the best but also kind of a hidden gem. Rides of Japan ought to have a **lot** more subs in 2020! And sponsorship from Open, natch.
Trey Quattro - totally agree
I'm currently building my new dream bike (moots) and you are my source of inspiration - most components for it I have bought because of your videos
Vytautas Tumas sounds like you building a proper gem there! Would love to see it when it’s done 👍
Best cinematics! Congrats!
I'd love to see you build a mountain bike, with that same obsession!
2:49 is Golden. Great review. I own an Open Up myself and love it very much. Absolutely no BB issue as I use a Wheels Manufacturing threaded BB.
Purchased the same 3T handlebars on the identical frameset...YOUR review is deac on ...THX!
Hey, don't worry about the outdoor videos, sometime the raw element makes it more human and natural. The majority of your viewers are focussed on you as a person and your adventures and equipment are a source of intruige for the uninitiated. Thank you for sharing your experiences. Very friendly and entertaining.
I’ve got 4 sets of Candy 11s. Mind you I got them on blowouts for under $200 CAD each. Love them. Yet another stellar video. Keep them coming.
Wonderfull little run through. Favourite bit - the cap. For two reasons - first finding out you are "Monsieur chauve" (du heter herr Skallig) and secondly that its a Swedish brand that is the same colour as my bike, and so is perfect for my planed summer ride from Brussels to Bohuslän. Happy days!
Frazer Goodwin 💪👴🏻
Glad to hear you like the Gravel Kings and enjoy the wider tires all round. I've been using the Schwalbe G-One Speeds on my gravel bike in 2". They're superb on rough gravel as I can drop the pressure down to the low 20s psi or pump them up higher if I'm riding pavement. Because of their low profile they roll really nicely on pavement, but can really rock on smooth single track.
hello - I have had the tick tick soul after a ride as well and have never been able to know what it is. thanks for letting us know that it could be my disc's cooling down. nothing then to worry about as I thought it was my Fluid brakes or DI2. cheers
Discovered your channel last year, it's been great help on different products (tyres!) you've reviewed (also the technical parts). I've been (slowly) building up a nice Ibis Hakka MX, most components on your recommendation - thanks.
Dirk Spits nice! The Hakka is a sweet sweet steed!
I got one last year and really like it! I think of it as the poor man's Open UP. Good luck with the build!
billystack yeah a fairly large price difference, but really a huge bang for your buck! Used the Hakka in road races, bikepacking and unsupported (gravel) races. Happy cycling!!
Swapped out the Gravelking SK for a pair of Vittoria Terreno Zero in 650b. Not as grippy on the loose stuff but improved cornering on the road and lot quieter at higher speeds.
The thing, that I have never heard of any of the parts brands, makes me a kind of „no-nerd-dumb“. Anyway: Fan if your channel since the cleaning my bike video. I wonder what you do BESIDES riding your bike? You put so much effort in your research and in your vids ... Remarkable! Thumbs up and awaiting for the new season.
But one question: What would be a good starting point to having a Gravel/Road bike for daily commute if I‘m NOT into meticulously selecting any screw on it by myself. So is there a brand/model/supplier you would recommend for my first bike of this kind?
Thank you from GER
Cheers mate,
I’m bad at giving buying advise to anyone but myself 😜
But for commuter duties the cheaper in-brand options from crc, or wiggle might be something?
I’ve not ridden any of those so shouldn’t even talk about them hehe
Hi Christian,
No simple answer, sorry for that, but general advice:
For starters, esp. for commuting and if you're not that picky about brands, geometry details, just pick any entry level CX/allroad/gravel bike, and for about every 150 € your budget allows you to go up, the components get better. Measure your current bike geometry as a reference point if it suits you well.
Factor in pedals/shoes into your budget if you don't fancy flat pedals. (Just not to compare apples to oranges, speaking only of new bikes, 2nd hand it gets more diverse).
Most sales offers are last year models or before, but never mind. Typically they start with aluminium frame and wheels, yet even (part or full) carbon fork, mechanical discs and 2x9 or 2x10 (or 1x) shifting. About 9-10kg. Sister models made of steel/carbon/titanium start further up in price and mostly with better components.
Mind tire clearance (700c or 650b), for commuting esp. with additional mudguards ( manufacturers' website), some even with mounts for fenders, racks, dynamo hub and bikestand. Or go more sportive with clip-on fenders and a racier CX model, if 35-40mm tire limit is okay for you.
For an overview, take any magazine, blog, better: online-shop of your preference and search for road bikes, set filter to allroad/gravel or cyclocross and lowest price upwards. (Some, like canyon only offer direct sale via their website, so you won't find them in shops.) THEN you can get all nerdy and compare specs, weights and geometries, exchanging components... 😉
du hast noch nie von Schwalbe Reifen gehört ?
Well don once again. Did you call me fat
Christian Benedict - Gotta say, at this time of the year you will get last year model gravel bike. For an all rounder look for something that can take 40mm comfortably (wish I did)
Kinesis GCR seems to tick a few boxes for eg.
If you have a box of spare parts (or prepared to strip a bike for its parts) I like Fairlights Secan.
Good luck mate
I totally get what you're talking about with the open upper only being available in black! I don't ride gravel because there isn't any good gravel near me but I am currently in the market for a new road bike and my considerations are (in order of importance): blue frame, light weight, carbon wheels, di2, rim brakes. I also recently got a pair of frameless shades and I love them (Roka SL-1x)!
The Roka's are on my wishlist 👍
cheers!
Really enjoy your editing style, i feel like im sitting down with my friends talking shop
for me tires from 32-40mm have a good balance in weight, comfort and Puncture Resistance. But Conti Contact Urban in 50-559 is a surprisingly fun tire too. I ride mostly on Tarmac and true slicks are the way to go. Even with slicks you can ride light gravel. sadly there are very few true slicks to find like the Schwalbe Kojak. however to be more versatile as you, you might want bigger and more knobby tires.
A tip - if you want to try out floating rotors for a 6 bolt disc hub you can find them on Ebay and such from a company "Snail"
they come in all the usual sizes from 160, 180 & 203mm I have been using them on my Hardtail MTB and (now) my drop bar
adventure bike for years with no problems.
Every gravel bike I have seen with disc brakes use 160mm rotors and these work and look great and come in many colors.
Good video as always. Some good tips as per products and looking forward to seeing you vlog out and about😉👍
My EC90 Carbon cranks dis-bondend from the spindle after only 500km. luckily they were replaced under warranty and after 3000km on the new ones no issues. However I am still wary of them.
Matthew Napier sounds like how I feel about my Extralite wheels ;)
Good to hear that I'm not the only one having noise troubles with the xpedo. I really tried to love them and at least use them in less technical areas (due to the reduced clipping qualities). The sound though is really a big issue for me. So I will swap them with heavier pedals. Maybe eggbeater 3 tuned with titanium axles.
Question: how did you end up living in Japan? Carrier direction? Better bike ride options?
sandrochiavaro better bike ride option 😬
Rides of Japan lol, love the Chanel man. Keep it up. Very cool edits, subjects, perspectives and self deprecating dry humor🙏🏼👍🏽👍🏽. Happy New Year
Crank brothers pedals are amazing, I switched from Shimano to Crank Brothers 7 years ago and never looked back. 8 out of 9 of my bikes have crank brothers pedals and I never had any issues, and their performance on our sticky mud a miles better then anything Shimano has to offer. The one bike without CB pedals is a BMX.
Rafael Malmegrin I can definitely see that they would shed mud a lot better than the xpedos at least. Happy you found the pedals for you 👌
Glorious video as always. And the AliE expander is on three of my bikes since. The stem is holding the fork, the expander is just pulling up the fork to have a tight headset. So why people are so cautious with it? 🤔
Tobias Tesching 🤫 don’t poke the sleeping bears ;)
I've found that a generous application of silicon spray both on the Shimano cleats and the Xpedo pedals helps with the squeaking. It's definitely worse with the Xpedos, but I have had the same problem (and solution) with my Shimano SPD pedals.
Andrew Van Til yep same here... like you said, the shimano are better in general but they still are prone to noise from time to time.
What silicon spray are you using?
@@ridesofjapan Finish Line Pedal & Cleat Dry Film Lubricant
Excellent, cheers!
LOVE MY 32s makes any ride even gravel better !!
I know you're into weight, but can you suggest a bike that has similar ride feel, geometry etc. but without the cost of weight savings? Happy to have a 10-11kg bike. I like the idea of doing some off road riding. By the way, I think your approach to videos is really open hearted - no pumped up self aggrandisement, but genuine. I used to tour to Japan quite a bit when I was a musician and thought that if I ever chose to live outside the UK, then New Zealand or Japan were the best options. Great viewing, thanks.
With the risk of sound like a proper douche, but I’ve not tried any “cheaper” bikes with similar characteristics. So my opinion is meaningless :p
But I’d say the Ibis Hakka seems like a good open alternative for less money and still in the same weight ball park. Slighty more gravel-style geometry than the open, but people seem to like it.
Like a lot of people, I'd say how much I appreciate the content, quality and humor of your vids. What about the cassette you use ?
Thanks mate!
Damn, I didn't even think of the cassette... which is probably the highest rating I can give hehe.
I use the XTR 11-40 cassette 98% on my rides last year... nothing to report, crisp shifting and definitely the quietest 1x setup I've had.
I love Sunday evening and rides of japan video pops up in subs ❤️
Aaron Keogh 🤜🤛
Happy New Year. You are, by far, my favourite presenter. Please keep it up
Monty Richardson cheers mate! 🙏
You nailed the pronounciation of Schwalbe this time. Good job!
Time ATAC 8 and 12 would give your Xpedo pedals a run for your money.
I always love your content, mate! Looking forward to more great stuff from you in 2020!
Looking forward to riding with you in 2020 😁
Yes sir! That will be great!
Nice Video! wanted to ask what tires you run, but than this Video comes out 😍 think i will change my bars over the Summer because i still run the very wide salsa woodchippers and when im with roadies thats all the time a Point 😂
Love your vids. How tall are you ? What size is your frame? Thinking of getting an Open.
Rolando Vera cheers!
I’m 184, frame is a large.
Rides of Japan thank you for taking the time to answer my question.
I was about to swap my xtr pedals with the xpedo, just for road riding in 98% dry condition, but now i am not sure if it is worth it.. Kudos for the video though
Stanislav if all out weight saving is at the top of your priority list and for road riding only, it’s not a bad option. If it’s really only for road you can go even lighter with the R-force model (single sided spd)
@@ridesofjapan Yep, pretty much they would be only race day pedals and some occasional usage from time to time, on some longer rides.
If you will be buying new helmet have a look at MET Manta, you can get it at good price and it saves you 30g on Trenta 😊😁 also Julbo is making frameless fotochromatic glases that go from 0 to 3, which are great even for night riding and no need to swap a lense 😊 good vid btw 👌
Haha. Hanbini is notorious!!
Haha! "Don't want to look like a mushroom". I have the same problem and the Kask Mojito was and is my go to to fix this. Fearing there would be no more like the Mojito I stocked up when they were on sale. Good to know there's another anti-mushroom helmet out there. Thanks!
Hey RoJ, love your work my friend. Ride the latest Emonda currently with my cool Trent’s Carbon helmet in white (whoop whoop) no mushrooms on me along with the EvoZeros in Jade Green and the Ruby Red you show here. You’re 100% about visibility.
Now you got me thinking about a one bike fits all arrangement. Ditch the Emonda and build a light gravel, all road, crit bike. Ive got a Campag’ Ekar GS coming and undecided on a frame. What would you recommend?
I think I’m gonna start wearing a cap too now as my 57 year old pate is starting to wear out like a 13 year old kids rear tyre.
I think out of the uses you describe the “light gravel” and “crit bike” is the most incompatible. A crit bike you’d want to be aggressive an “tall”, so if you ride a “gravel” geometry with say 25mm road tires, the problem with be the low bottom bracket drop on “gravel frame”, you’d run a much higher risk of pedal strikes… now if you don’t ride crit that aggressive or it might not matter at all.
Then again majority of disc equipped road bikes today can take 32mm tires so that would probably cover “light gravel”, and your option are plenty.
I would just circle a few frames that I’d like the look of and dig deeper from there if I was in your boots.
Hi, nice review! I'm also putting together my Open U.P. right now. I think I'm a little bit in between sizes...can you tell me what framesize you have and what size you are?
Speaking of black only:
You know that you can get the Open U.P.P.E.R. frame set in a RTP (ready to paint) version?😏
Btw, a weight-to-function-to-price compromise: Crankbrothers Eggbeater 3 weigh in at 284 g +38 g for the cleats. Haven't checked the differences apart the weight, but they cost only €135 here in the EU, online even only 85,-).
But the eggbeater are said to have problems also with clicking in and out it bad weather if I'm not mistaken. Can't ride them with Shimano cleats BTW
@@YuoTubeTobi Oh, so? Can't say nothing about it, as I'm riding Speedplay Syzr. A bit on the heavier side incl cleats, but nice. (Great for bike fitting: there is a version which you can stack up individually if you have asymmetrical leg/stride length.) They offer a lot and adjustable float while good and direct transfer to the pedal. Click in and out super simple, as long as the cleats don't get caked up and dry during long rides. Bit pricey though, esp. the cleats. The weight saving of the titanium version over the stainless steel is imo not worth it, as long as you're not obsessed with lightweight, but then they're not the pedal of choice, anyway. I'd like the zeroes for road as they're quite light AND are double sided like CX/MTBs. But who'd want to be confined to tarmac or worse, stuck out on gravel or offroad with delicate carbon road soles without studs, anyway? (Esp. Not on a quiver killer like the U.P.)
@@nikveldkamp8630 and I never heard of the speedplays. Thanks for the great infos
Nik Veldkamp An RTP upper is definitely a dream, but I just have two issues, it would take me a year to come up with a paint job that I was satisfied with enough to pay for, then as it finally gets painted, I’d want that new frame that just came out 😅
There’s no “forever bike” in my world so the custom route never was very appealing to me... however strange it may sound 🤪
I got eggbeater 11, and the older version (not my favorites on snow and ice). Xpedo R-Force 6 Titan (162g) on the way, will let you know. 11's really need the extra cleat balancing plate, so their 179g is not even a like-for-like.
Unbias good to know cheers!
The egg beaters has never been on my radar personally, that simply too much money for a wear and tear part even for me.
Now even less so ;)
Excellent catch up on the bike build.👍
Hi, getting ready to pull the trigger on an Open U.P. build and was wondering if you had any advice. Like you, I’m coming from an Evo which although super light never felt right. I’m not a racer by any means but do enjoy a light bike on group rides. Not a weight weenie at all. I’ve decided to go with an all GRX 810 build with a 50/34 Ultegra crank. This will give me the familiar road gearing with option to swap to GRX 48/31 crank fairly easily as needed. Beyond drivetrain I’m still undecided on wheels and cockpit. Again, not a weight weenie and budget is a concern but want to make sure I give frame the respect it deserves. Any suggestions?
Reasonably light and affordable wheels on my radar is Hunt and Lightbicycle.com. I have not owned either though. Lightbicycle you can get with DT Swiss hubs which is always a safe bet.
I had 3 bikes between my Evo and Open so can't really do a justified direct comparison. The evo was definitely the most "Racie" bike I owned... for the type of ride I do now though I feel like a more endurance geometry is more enjoyable to ride. I will never brake the times I did on my Evo though. (That has a lot to do with my fittness also hehe)
Hey, Love the videos... superb production quality. Content is first class too. Thanks, I've learnt a lot from them. Quick question. What garmin mount do you use on your stem?
Cheers mate!
I use the Extralite garmin mount for the Extralite hyperstem. You can see it more in serial in a previous video: ruclips.net/video/w7H9Y-FfhXA/видео.html
Thanks for the video :D I wait for your videos and the quality of your videography is so good :D
Can you do a video about your disc brake pads? I’m thinking of getting some SwissStops. Also do you use stock brake hoses or do you go for others like Jagwire? Thank
Cheers mate! 🙏
I’ve been thinking of trying out some third party pads eventually, if I do I’ll definitely try and document it.
I’m using standard Shimano bh90 brake hoses
Pretty for the ...... birds??? LOL... you crack me up!! Thanks for the video... I love my Lupina too!
A new year and already the channel of the year, or maybe it will be a channel of 2019? Nice bike, and an excellent movies. Thanks to your channel, I am considering the Open U.P. frame strongly to my gravel instead of Santa Cruz Stigmata. For the new parts: why not titanium disk brakes? Did you think the absoluteBLACK oval chainring for your bike?
Cheers mate!
Do you mean Ti disc rotors? I’ve not seen any/read about any that seem to be worth it.
For this build not really, I wanted to try the the original Easton rings.
I had an oval wolftooth ring on my DA crank on my old open... works fine as well.
Regarding the titanium rotors, the only advantage is weight. The Easton chainring 40T is around 91g, the oval absoluteBLACK 65,5g. I just say that, because who cares about weight 😋
Sebastian Serwin need to look into that then 🤤
Shimano A600 pedals are the lightest spd pedals from shimano.
Can you make an indepth review about your apidura bags?
The es600, the successor, is lighter
You can get the U.P.P.E.R. ready to paint 😉
Love your videos. You're so funny. Never fails to improve my mood!
Cheers mate, happy to hear that 🙏
As usual, I love your videos.
I was curious about how long you will justify those pedals based on weight. Like you said with the tyres, you don’t race and comfort is more important.
Definitely gonna check out those Void caps. Same testosterone level.......;-)
Peace
S. Ivers cheers mate!
I’ve swapped them out for my old XT’s now for the winter season.
Plan is to bring them out again once it’s nice and dry in the mountains... but knowing myself I might have another alternative by then :)
The weight thing is kinda like the tires, I really think riding a light bike makes it more fun, but I’m definitely not claiming I can feel the difference for +-100g, that is more the nerd in me being curious about how low I can get.
Hey, it’s a passion and you gotta follow that.
The best bike is the one that makes you wanna ride. So whatever makes you happy, enjoy.
You’re the best.
My opinion is to stick with your XT pedals over XTR. I don't have a "climber's body" but let's just say a heavier "descender's body." But I find myself servicing my XTR pedals about twice per year because I develop axle play. At the same time, my M-520 spd pedals have been set and forget since I bought them about 8 years ago. So I think XT is the best balance in terms of durability, weight, and performance.
I am looking into getting some clipless pedals strictly for road use. I have settled on MTB pedals because of practicality though.
Any insight into how much better performing the XT's are over the M-520s? Not talking about weight, more interested in actual performance.
@@niklasdksalkin I've heard that the XT pedals don't get clogged with mud so easily. But for advantages for road...it's believed that the axles for XT are stiffer than the less expensive models. But I don't ride competitively so I can't really tell a difference.
ROJ, you're my go to page on all things road bike. Can you recommend a centre lock disk rotor for my Wilier wheel set, please?
Can never go wrong with Shimano rotors
Cheers!
Hey, excellent channel⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️. I am about to press fit a new KOGEL Ceramic BB-Right BB into my Cervelo Aspero Carbon BB shell. Recommendations for "shell prep" are all over the map, so I'm a bit confused. I don't want to potentially degrade the Carbon Fiber in the shell over time with the wrong "grease" but I also can't imaging pressing it in with nothing. I have boiled the various recommendations down to a synthetic "grease," MORGAN BLUE AQUAPROOF Paste. Your secret sauce brake stuff is also an option. Overall what do you think? Is degrading the CF just a theoretical issue? Thanks. Please make more videos!
Cheers mate!
Wakos brake protector is the only thing I’ve used since I stared pressing my own BB’s, and it was what my LBS used as well before that. So I can’t say how other products might work.
I’m not a composite expert either, but I’ve never heard of anyones BB shell failing because of grease. We drench our headsets in grease as well, I would be more worried if that would degrade the carbon hehe... but from what I know, no one has ever advised against using grease for the headset so I think you’re safe.... but again, I’m no expert :)
@@ridesofjapan Thanks! Btw Kogel also agrees i.e., probably best to avoid press fitting dry cups. Now if we could only think of another video topic for you 🤔.
Will definitely look into a void cap
Just found your channel. I love how honest and human you are. Don't ever lose that. But I guess I'll have to start from the beginning! Lol
Hej! Grym video som vanligt! Men dessvärre fungerar inte länken till Void-kepsen när jag klickar. Något dom inte tillverkar längre? Hälsningar från ett mycket o-cykelvänligt halkigt Göteborg
Ingen aning tyvärr, har inte haft nått med dem att göra sen dom konkursade och blev uppköpta för ett år sedan.
@@ridesofjapan Ah! Då förstår jag! Tack för svaret!
Already Ordered the Eggbeaters ? it´s like a few hours kow, since you upped the Video ;)
dEPICklopfer hehe, nope... the eggbeaters has never really been in my radar but... might have to do something about the pedal situation eventually
Hey have you thought about the Hope RX4 brakes? they seem to be a bit lighter than the Duraace caliper... And maybe a bit more efficient.
Camille Clrc from my research they are actually a bit heavier... was quite some time ago I did that though so could be wrong.
I have very few complaints about the DA calipers, especially with the new improved L03 resin pads so there needs to be some serious weight savings for me to switch :p
Have you ever tried running the GravelKing 700 by 43’s on the Open UP, just wondering if they’d fit. I’m running the GravelKing SK 700 by 38 now and love them but might want to try a little wider. Tried the Maxxis rambler 700 by 40, tried the Schwalbe G one 700 by 40, after both went right back to my GravelKing SK 38’s. Love to try a little wider but the Maxxis was the first tubeless tire I had that constantly lost pressure, 10-12 pounds every ride, was told just doesn’t seat perfectly on DT Swiss wheels. The Schwalbe g ones, rode much harder, not as comfortable and definitely less traction then the GravelKing SK. Love watching another Open UP rider, thanks for your videos. Same with the Open UPPER couldn’t go with it, boring black.
700x38 is the biggest I’ve run as well. Can’t say if it will work with 43, but I have a feeling it will be punishing it a bit too close the seat tube....
Cheers mate!
Rides of Japan thanks, yeah plenty of width room, just not sure how much deeper they are. Next tire I might try is the Donnelly Strada USH in 700 by 40. Love the look of the Berk saddle, might try it, currently my S-works saddle is very comfy just not as light.
I love your feed. I’ve just moved to Yokohama japan. I would be keen to join you for a ride
Have you had any experience riding the Bombtrack Hook Ext-C or Salsa Cutthroat? I'm looking for something with a light bikepacking / gravel focus that can also be used for bunch road rides akin to your "One bike to rule them all" philosophy.
Sorry, no experience with either.
@@ridesofjapan All good - thanks for responding in any case!
Great vids - how tall are you? Considering a One UP, just can't decide whether a Large would be too big. Many thanks.
I’m 183-4 cm depending on mood ;)
Also check stack and reach and compare with your old bike... best way to see if you’re in the right ballpark.
Great video again man. Thanks. For me the best bike (geometrie and gravel/road combi) is the Ridley X-Trail. It's what Ridley calls an all road. They now launched the Ridley Kanzo where 650b wheels fit in. The x-trail only fits 700c. So now I ordered a Kanzo frame and some great stuff to do what I love most, besides riding my bike. Building one (again :-) Thanks again for all your inspiration. You really contaminated me with your bike building disease :-) Only wasn't so pleased with the Panaracer Gravel Kings (see my earlier comment on your video about them suckers), but that was probably some bad luck. I ride Donnely EMP 700x38 now and they really work for me. Peace............
Taco Schaafsma sound like you found your dream bike as well! 👌
Yeah when it comes to tires we all have our ugly ducklings... I won’t ever touch another Continental GP4000 for example ;)
All good though, as long as we find something that works for us, bikes will be ridden.
@@ridesofjapan Well said! I tried the Gravel Kings, which turned out to be puncture kings for me. Switched to GP5000s and love 'em.
I also wondered how you end up in Japan and what job do you do there? And yes, keep up the great work making video's, I'm a weight wheenie myself but I lack the finance like you ;-)
Mountainbike Geklungel I came to study Japanese, I stayed for the cycling ;)
As usual great vid! I use the ali expansion too! Like you say bang for buck!
The best part of this Video is the last szene where the sentence came: "lets see what 2020 has to offer"
yeah, be careful what you wish for 🤪
My xtr pedals have been bomb proof for the last 3 years.
Ron England actually been searching for the old 9000 xtr pedals to do some modding, the new 9100 seem to have some initial issues with seals and stuff that sound a bit worrying. No aftermarket parts for them either... unfortunately it seems like the old 9000 have disappeared from the face of the earth
Rides of Japan wow! You’re right... there’s literally none anywhere!
I'm just curious, did you consider 3T Exploro as frame? Also I would love to see a video with road comparison between your canyon mason bokeh and open up!
Andrew Ivashkevich check out this video if you haven’t already, not a full on comparison but I go a bit onto the geometry differences. ruclips.net/video/J3AYOyMQf6o/видео.html
Regarding the 3T exploro, I did consider it yes, but I found it to be a bit too racy (low stack) compared to the open which is just about perfect for me. It also missing that mounting point below the down tube which I wanted.
Last thing I don’t like about the exploro is the cable routing behind the stem... great for aero I’m sure, but not for top tube bags.
I really like the ride and the race bike geometry of my Exploro. If I didn't care about the latter perhaps the Open would be a better buy because the proprietary seatpost on the Exploro is a design weak spot (not a dealbreaker but annoying).
Rides of Japan thanks!!
I’m looking to build a similar bike and share your passion for the process of the build being just as much fun as riding the bike. Did you consider the Cervelo Aspero? I can’t decide between that and the UP. Thanks
The aspero was not out when I got the open, but even than I’d probably have gone for the open anyway, personally I prefer the look of the open and have not looked into the aspero geometry either, but imagine it’s more on the gravel-spectrum? I wanted a road-ish gravel frame to do both.
That makes sense. They are pretty similar really. Geometry geeks.com is a great comparison tool. I think the Aspero is slightly longer (10mm) and the wheelbase too. One thing I wanted to ask you.... was it the dt Swiss 180 hub that you thought was too loud? Just a caution- I know somebody who tried to make one a little more quiet with some grease as you did in a video. Unfortunately the grease then stopped the cassette spring from functioning correctly and it didn’t engage when accelerating out of a corner. He went over the bars but was ok. I think the newer bodies have a fix but his was one of the first hubs in the UK last year. Safe riding 👍 and the videos are great 👍
@@stevec8564 yes the new 180 EXP hubs seem way louder than my older 240s (two ratchet rings).
Happy to hear your mate wasn’t badly hurt. I never manage to pack my hubs so that the doesn’t engage. I found in my latest attempt on the live stream that more grease on the outside of the rings has a much greater impact on sound than the “ratcheting” side... it did go back to its loud state after the second or third ride though, for whatever that is worth.
Glad to hear you haven’t had that issue - it can really catch you out when it happens.
Good job pronouncing Super Ghiaia! You must be the 1st non-Italian I heard pronouncing it right! 😁
Hi there. Would you know if di2 ultegra or dura ace will take a 10/42 sram cassette? You may have mentioned and I missed it.
Thank you 🤙
D H nope, it will not unless you use a hanger extender like a wolftooth roadlink for example.
Impressive job at pronouncing Schwalbe at 5:04! 👍
Never heard it as well from a non native speaker.
AG Coarseman I know. But even for Swedish people German pronounciation is a challenge ;)
Really? So all a needed to do was to not try 🤪
schwalbe is hard to pronounc XD pronouc is harder to pronouc
Why don't you change bartape for weight saving?🤔
岐阜のちびりさん comfort
Hey man solid video. How tall are you and what size frame do you ride?
183-184cm, Large frame
Cheers!
@@ridesofjapan What size crank arms do you run with your height? I'm guessing 175mm?
Manual Pedal 172.5mm
Curiously, have you ever looked at rondo hvrt? Looks interesting with the support for 650b, yet aero.
I like where they are going with the variable geometry. Question is how light it is though ;)
Funny how I always thought it was normal wearing a cap under helmet regardless of weather until a riding mate made a comment, only 2 years after riding together. I wouldn’t be able to ride without a cap, sweetie eyes!
Great vid man, I like them bro!!!
I'm very pleased with my frameless sunglasses from ekoi. Have a look...
Have you looked at the Cinelli King Zydeco frame .. quite an interesting new gravel frame
Looks nice, from the geometry, it still bit on the gravel end of things... nice looking machine non the less 👍
@@ridesofjapan .. my Giant Propel is 73 degrees on seat and headtube. My size on a King Zydeco is 72.5 and 72.5 so not far off a good race geometry. It definitely has the extra wheelbase of a gravel model.And slightly less reach. I also like the adjustable front axle position to vary the steering response and the way better frame cost
@@cannon1156 Yeah I dig it, adjustable axle is super cool, only bummer that it brings up the fork weight.
Look like a perfect compliment if you already have a Propel 👌
@@ridesofjapan ..btw I should have said. Enjoy your videos immensely. Full of information with a nice dry sense of humor. A lot of vloggers could learn a lot from you. Congrats
What bike scale do you use to get accurate results? Or do you just follow consistency with the one you have? Would be a good video!
Jernej Markovc I just use a cheap hanging scale from amazon. I take the measurements a few times and go with the result that I can replicate multiple times. Usually it’s pretty consistent but from time to time I throws out some wacky numbers. To me it’s no that critical as I use a way more accurate scale for the actually parts that goes to a 1/10 of a gram.
I'm surprised you didn't look into cassettes. Now that you run an XD hub you can try sram's single piece machined cassettes which are 100s of grams lighter than normal cassettes.
I don’t have a XD hub anymore, went back to a Shimano hg body after some issues with the XD one. Also wasn’t very happy with the noise level of the sram cassette.
The weight was good though.
Would be really great if you could at some point get a hambini bb, even though it might be too heavy for your :D
I cant find any reviews at all, other than his videos.
Also thinking about to build myself an Open Up or a 3T Exploro from the ground up and your videos really helped me understand how special these frames are compared to other "gravel" frames. Keep up the good work and hope to see more views from japan :)
J Klauser I love to get my hands on one of his BB’s eventually, weight be dammed ;)
Cheers mate! Always great to hear people getting some practical benefits from the videos, that how it all started.
@@ridesofjapan
Maybe he will send it to you if hambini can call you a weight weenie wanker (www)? :D
I have seen oz cycle doing a homemade chain wax for the cheap. Something you would consider? Or would it complicate your love for chain cleaning?
J Klauser hehe, he can call me anything he want 💓
Call me crazy but I find the whole wax bath thing very unappealing... won’t say never ever, but first I’ll dip my toes in the wax based lube world.
@@ridesofjapan haha, I am sure hambini is into those things :D
Those Australians, I am telling you, they test bicycle things intensely on youtube :D
To be honest, it seemed too much work for me, but he claimed that he gets around a lifespan of 15k km per chain, by rewaxing it every 300km. And no gunk is building up. So he has a clean chain all the time ... cant believe it :D
Dont know how true that is, since 15.000km per chain is insane to me. But I guess I will give it a try with my next chain, since the ingredients arent so difficult to get.
J Klauser yeah, nothing like the feeling of a new chain (mentally), I don’t care if it’s still “good”, minimum 2 new chains per/year ✊ even the DA chains are relatively cheap.
I really dig the effort and testing he puts in though.
That expander plug looks very similar to the one from Carbon-Ti.
I'm Point I wouldn’t be surprised if it’s the same thing.... just a hell of a lot cheaper
I have the same expander plug but decided to go with the standard, after watching durian rider making comments on the depth of the expander plugs, especially in carbon steerer and compression of stem. The 30g of savings was not worth it.
@@chiefrocker12 Durianrider is not a source for anything scientific or honest.
Any bikepacking trips planned for this year? I’m debating doing a multi-day tour from Tokyo to Kyoto and/or from Hokkaido to Kyushu
Allen Kruckel I definitely want to get out more this year, 2019 was a disaster.
Unfortunately for me it will most likely only be overnighters, or two-night at most because of time constraints.
Thank''s buddy.
Do you plan on doing a similar thing with your trek emonda? Really loved this recap as I followed this open build from the start, and would love the same for your emonda journey :D
Once it’s time to part ways it might be worth it :)
@@ridesofjapan that seems fair! But have to be honest, when I saw your last video I really thought you would have raplaced the emonda already for a new road bike :D
Many pro cx/mtb riders prefer xt over xtr pedals
16:10 you CAN change lenses on these glasses and it is pretty easy.
Can you? I know you can on the numerous Far East copies, but I don’t think oakley even sell their EVzero lenses as replacement parts... or maybe I dreamt that 😅
Cheers for the heads up, will look into it 👍
I really like these videos.
Does your Panaracer Gravel King have cuts marks from use? I have the Panaracer Gravel King SK TLC in 700x38 and have around 100+ miles on them. I currently run my front around 35 psi and rear 40-45 psi. Do they perform much better in terms of rolling and puncture resistance with lower psi? I have tried them at 60 psi for both front and rear and although they roll really fast but I experienced a big cut which my sealant could seal and I ride them on tarmac most of the time where there may be some very light gravel and sometimes broken glass. I'd assume cuz the tire isn't flexing much, any possible sharp object may have easier time to poke through the tire when it's stiff like how I ran it at 60psi. I thought maybe running it lower would let the tire deform around the sharp object. I wonder if that's true? I had to patch my Gravel King and then reused in the tubeless setup. They are so far holding up but I would still sometimes see those cut marks here and there. I guess it's from rocks shooting under my tire when I roll over them.
The Gravel King SK sure look very nice, rolls fast for me, very comfortably supple, but they don't seem to be that durable for my commuting use although I think I might not be using it correctly with psi? What are your thoughts?
I bought some more "heavy" duty touring tires from Panaracer which are the Panaracer Tour Guard Plus in 700x32 (the cheaper alternative to the Schwalbe Marathon Plus) and I'm gonna give those a try when the Gravel King finally wears down; heck I'm gonna even try to attempt to convert them tubeless lol. Wish me luck.
Johnny D. Wicked I would say your theory sound good. I had a few small cuts on my 38 slick graveklings before switching up my wheels, seems like I have far less in my 32, but I’m staying on paved roads with them so not surprising.
The SK doesn’t show many cuts. I ride than max 30psi (preferably around 25), the 32s I run around 45-55 depending on mood ;)
@@ridesofjapan Ah, so it's possible that I'm not using it correctly with psi. Thank you so much for awesome video quality content and response. Much appreciated. ;)
What do you think of the Garibaldi G2 gravel bike? I seen it at a local Japanese bike shop the other day.
Sorry, have not seen or read about that
What hex wrenches are you using? I love the black color with silver ball ends.
Julius Estrada part of one of those rainbow colored hex-sets... sorry don’t know what brand, but not only of the big ones.
Yet another devil whispering in your ear about the U.P.P.E.R RTP. I just ordered a 3T Strada RTP and I'm super excited about the prospect of getting a very unique road bike. Hopefully it'll be reasonably light too, even though I don't think I'll come near the UCI limit.
Regarding pedals, I seriously consider trying the Look X-Track Race Carbon Ti pedals. They are a lot heavier than your Xpedo pedals, but still lighter than the XTR pedals I currently use on my Exploro, and they use cartridge bearings, which is kind of nice once you start becoming tired of trying to get Shimano cup and cone bearings just right.
Bottom brackets. I'm starting to suspect that it's pretty common for bottom bracket shells to not be perfectly round and straight. Which would explain why so many people seem to have problems with them.
Last but not least, a top cap GoPro mount could be a good idea, just because it makes it easy to collect raw footage during rides, without even getting off the bike. Won't be as impressive as drone footage, but you'll quickly have lots of it. :) Here is an example of how it may look. ruclips.net/video/fSCBi3KDz30/видео.html
XTR pedals are great!
Just Stopped by To Say Hi👍
Question: Just a quick one. What makes you changed Mason Bokeh to Open Up frame? Thank you.
been getting that question a lot, hope you don’t mind me pasting my answer to another viewer with the same question:
Main reason I went with the Open is because I think it works better for me as one-bike solution. The Bokeh is a super fun adventure gravel bike with big rubber on. But as mentioned in the bokeh video, as soon a you put road tires on it’s a bit harsh. And using it in the mountains as a climber machine I also felt I wanted something a bit lighter.
With that said, I still think the Bokeh as a gravel/adventure bike is an excellent choice, after all that’s what it’s designed to be.
Hope that helps.
@@ridesofjapan Thank you Sir. I'm still considering Bokeh for more adventure bike riding :) keep up good tips in your upcoming videos~Cheers!
My pedals make the same had to take them out and go back to shimano mtb
leslie kirk it’s such a shame for that weight 😔
Thoughts on Speedplay?
memeoid1 light pedals but heavy cleats, require a lot of maintenance. Dual sided a huge plus.
(Referring to the speedplay zero)