Yeap, agree fully, I have one. It doesn't fly up hills, but then it wasn't designed to do so. It would have to be 11 out of 10 for comfort. I've ridden mine on single track, fire roads, steep loose gravel stuff plus on tar roads, it's an awesome all rounder and the price is great. This is a great bang for buck bike.
I love my Radar! I completed Seattle to Portland (then road home to Beaverton) on it and averaged 16.6 mph. It's heavy and doesn't climb very fast but it gets the job done and then when you descend it hauls ass. That weight and steel make for a great descent and I feel confident. I have TRP HY RD brakes and they've great confidence. Great review and I bought this because of the price point and I love it! I have ridden over 6k miles since October when I bought 'Peggy Steel.' Thanks again for the review!
Was super excited for the video, clicked immediately. As someone who owns a Radar, I'd say your assertions are mostly correct. It is not the #1 climber and the rear chainstays are SO long. Yes it is heavy, but you really don't feel it that much. Gearing is perfect for what I've done on it (gravel and road, can keep up with my roadie buddies on it btw). I would have emphasized that this is a great platform for touring and gravel grinding for anyone that doesn't want to *WIn a Race; I absolutely would ride this in an endurance gravel event.
After finally getting my husband out to ride with me today (and having a good time!), he said: "So, maybe if I start riding with you more regularly, I'd like to think about getting better bike...like one of those that Russ has reviewed." :-) He watches your channel with me periodically. This Breezer may be a good option! Just sent him a link to check it out. Thanks for the coverage of more affordable options. I may also look for a "nicer" used bike.
Would love to see a review of the Surly Bridge Club with the color wheel. A review like the Jones SWB review. Keep up the good work! This is the best bike channel!
I love my Breezer Radar Expert. Using it for daily commute and for lighter trails in the woods next to our house, and it's perfect for me. Again the price is more than fair. I ride flat pedals and instead of cross country MTB, it works so nice!
Absolutely loved my Radar - just couldn't get happy with drop bars. Switched to a Surly Ogre. In hindsight I wish I'd have gone to the effort to convert the Radar to Jones bars, the frame and ride were that great. It's a super plush ride with great rough and fast handling. The gearing is great for nearly all scenarios and it rides well loaded and unloaded. One of the best bikes for the price out there.
Man I got two questions for you: me myself are not a big fan of the drop bars (mainly for the riding position) but judging from the geometry of the radar I would say it is more relaxed then usual road bikes isnt it? Otherwise I will go for a bike with a flat one too. And the second question is: do you imply with that ''nearly all scenarios'' that when loaded on steep hills the 36x30 is not enough? Many thanks in advance.
Hah, had dinner with Joe Breeze many years ago and he told me a story where he was drafting a convertible which suddenly stopped and Joe went flying and landed in the back seat, very funny story. Just buy the bike, Joes a cool dude. I still have a Breezer Lighting which is very fast steel bike. Thanks Russ
For me this is pretty much the sweetspot for the bike prices. You get very decent bikes (and sometimes great bikes when on sale) for that price and the pricing of the bikes is such that you can actually use them for stuff without being overly worried. Some of the more expensive bikes are such that I would hesitate to leave them anywhere out of my sight even if they were locked and chained. These new Sora shifters are pretty sweet also. I could definitely use them. 9 spd is plenty of gearing also and those components are generally very durable.
I have this same exact bike except in Black/Orange accents. Already rode 2,000 miles on it and haven't had any serious issues with the bike yet. It's a solid bike for the price with easily accessible aftermarket parts available (basic BB, external headset, hybrid discs, etc.) Only thing I wish on the bike was it having a thru-axle, but still happy with my $650 purchase!
Great bike I ride my all over gravel an road it is pretty smooth the stock bars didn't cut it for me. Replace mine with woodchippers 46mm. Much better in the drop zone. I run mine with panniers it's a bit heavy but it is solid and I am strong enough to handle it. Thank you for the review, looks like budget bikes are a hit to review...
I kinda see the triple bolt thing as one of those proprietary things some companies do to force you to buy there stuff. You can buy a nice Blackburn 2 bolt cargo rack that will haul anything the triple bolt rack will. Don't really need the extra bolt for strength cuz your never gonna haul that much weight on your fork. Am I missing something? Is their another reason to have a 3 bolt rack?
I think your review is spot on. I looked at this bike as well at Performance Bike before they went out of business. For the budget minded rider who’s not racing it great. I ended up getting a Salsa Vaya. For $700 more less weight, carbon fork, 10 speed, thru axel front, I have been very happy. Thanks for the review!!
Fast Fwd to Spring 2022 - Same basic design, still has the 46 - 30 crank ! AND now with Hyd Brakes. It is no longer a sub $1000 bike, now lists at $1400 IF you could get one. Looks like, you guessed it, all sold out! Thank You !!
Using the flavor wheel on this review and hopefully the future reviews too made a whole new approach to a bike review for me who is never the less a bike geek. It made it so much more understandable. Hopefully you are going to have thag #flavorwheel on your future rewievs too. Makes much more sense to everything, and also nicely explained! Starting to go from liking your channel to loving to your channel! Keep up the awesome job!
Great bike , already own it for 2 years and riding it everywhere. In the meantime I threw some 2.2'' tires an 11- 40 kassette and it rides super smooth on every surface and gradient loaded or not. Would def recommend!
Same price as the entry level Salsa Journeyman but the drivetrain and brakes on the Breezer are a nice upgrade over the ones you would get on the Journeyman.
I’ve had the radar pro for over a year super smooth bike on rough roads running teravail cannonball 38c for gravel and some road use and during the winter I run 45nrth Khava 29x2.25 and there is still clearance left on fork and frame. The bike is very versatile and will go anywhere you want to go! Thanks for all the great reviews Russ!
looks like a quality bike for the money, also I don't see any reason you can't use an Anything Cage on those forks, I wouldn't recommend carrying a gallon of water on them, but sleeping bags, food or your typical camping stuff would be fine with just the 2 mounting screws. I've used anything cages on my reg water bottle mounts and carried 5 to 7 liter waterproof stuff sacks without issues.
In the spirit of semi economy mass production adventure bikes, I would be very interested in hearing your take on the Fuji Jari. I'm looking to change bikes next year and the Jari is one that I'm curious about. Now that you have your handy dandy flavor wheel, I'd be curious to see how it stacks up. Keep up the stellar work. 🚴♂️👍😎
timothy graf I picked up a 2018 Jari 1.7 from performance bike back in January. It’s been great so far. Comfortable for longer rides and fast enough to maintain 18/19 mph speeds on the road. It also has clearance for 42c tires and is very stable. The only thing I’ve switched out is the crank. It was pretty flexy and would rub whenever I got on the pedals.
I have an aluminum Jari with Tiagra. Ride it on gravel quickly and have also put 32mm slicks on it and rode up Mt. Evans last month (down, too!) While not the lightest, a great adventure bike for the price!
I have a Breezer Radar Pro that came with SRAM GX and cable/hydraulic SRAM HRD-700, 48/32 crankset and 11/36 cassette. I was able to put a 42 tooth cassette on it which is really nice on the climbs. The WTB Riddlers came tubeless on WTB wheels. I really love that bike, super comfy and just sucks up the bumps. Easy to spend long days in the saddle. Plus found a cool little Breezer community out there on the social media. Thanks for the review!
Thanks for that review with your new flavour-wheel. You point out what has to be said: Life with a cheaper bike is always a compromise. If there is noch such a huge wallet, get some better and lighter parts when the years go by.
Nice review! I'm currently running the 2018 Breezer Radar Pro with the Salsa Woodchippers 43MM. Found that the WTB Riddlers were an amazing set of tires for gravel but were still pretty susceptible to punctures, so I switched those out for a pair of Clement MSO Explores 37CM and finally converted to tubeless. Breezer makes solid bikes for the supple life!
Great to see a budget bike Russ! Looks a great piece of kit for the price. Remember another great way to get a good budget bike is a quality second hand! Would love to see you and Laura choosing your favourite budget bikes!👍🏻
Never knew 9spd deore could pair with Sora. Thanks for that info! Have to say, I wasn’t expecting to like the Sora groupset on my journeyman, but I’ve been pleasantly surprised with the quality of it.
basically any mountain bike components thru 9-speed work (i) with each other and (ii) with road components through 10-speed, because the shifter cable pull ratio is the same. So, for example, I have a 1x10 steup, using a 105 (5700) 10-speed shifter with a "9-speed" XT rear derailleur and an 11-36 10-speed cassette. All fully compatible and works great!
Had one of these, great value for money, easy going attitude on the road. I found the sizing to be on the big side. I had a small, felt long in the top tube, could have used a 60mm stem on hindsight, or have gone for the XS. I'm 168cm. Overall a great bike
I have a Breezer Radar Pro, bike shop was going out of business, i got a 1thousand dollar discount. The one i have is green, but this expert radar has a solid looking gold color.
Thanks for the review of the Breezer Radar Expert. How would you compare it to the Breezer Doppler Team that you reviewed last year? I was hoping to hear you state some of the differences in this review video. I've been looking into getting one of the Breezer bikes for my first Gravel Bike. Looking forward to your reply.
Running a Sora group set on my steel bike and I really like it. Yes there are differences to the Ultegra on my road bike but I find these don’t matter.
If you can get your hands on the new GT gravel bike you should. The way the from a triangle rear is set up it greatly increases comfort. Not so much on the alloy frame but still does I mention it because they have a sub $1k bike. Plus the fork has a chip in it that you move if you change from 29/700c to 27.5/650B it adjust the head angle so the bike does not handle strange. The bike has tons of eyelets to attach racks, fenders and stuff. Contact GT and try to get one to review.
Nothing wrong with Sora components. My Fuji Sportif came with a Sora groupset and it works fine. I swapped some stuff out and run Gevenalle cx shifters, 11-36 10 speed cassette, SRAM 10 speed chain, kept the stock 50/34 crankset (I can see Russ giving the stink eye as we speak) and run friction mode.
There is not a darn thing wrong with Sora. I have had a bike with it, and frankly, it shifts very smoothly. Changes are crisp and quick. Indeed, if I were blindfolded (not a good idea riding), I would be hard-pressed to tell the difference between it and R7000 or Ultegra (if I am not counting). OK, the hoods are a bit different, but we will ignore that. For those on a budget, Sora R3000 is a huge value. It’s use on a bike like this is quite appropriate.
Path Less Pedaled Funny you would say that... As I type on a park bench overlooking the Mississippi River, I am 24 miles into a long ride. Today I am on my old Trek Domane, which has Tiagra 4700. Tiagra is a nice groupset. Very smooth. I have two bikes with current Ultegra on them. Tiagra is really close. We are bike snobs. And that’s OK. But it’s great that Shimano offers budget components that are really good.
If you had to choose, what is one bike that can do it all? 50-70% road & 30-50% gravel and/or mtb paths. I used to have a cannondale synapse carbon and it was amazing, just a bit too "springy" and "snappy" for me. Although I do want something that can snap into action when I want to get out the saddle, I like stability and not fearing for my life going down a hill 😂 I'm considering a new purchase, and these are a few I'm looking at and a few feature's I'd like. Wanted Specs: - Aluminum frame (Unless carbon won't crack on me from a spill lol) - Thru axles front & back. - Clearance for 38/40c tires(I think that's plenty, right?) What's the 29er equivalent for a gravel bike? like...29ers to c tires...? - Complete shimano tiagra/105 groupset preferably - I really like the Giant D-fuse seatpost from what I see. - Hydraulic disc brakes - unless you'd like to convince me I'm better off with mechanical. - More relaxed geometry. - Best bang for the buck lol Options: ***I think the shops near me try to always put a matching shimano crankset on their bikes, so I tried to look past that in these specs. - Giant Contend Ar 1 2020 - Giant Contend Ar 2 2020 - Giant Contend SL 2 disc 2020 (if it can fit bigger tires, though I'm not sure about this bike anymore) - Giant Revolt Advanced 2 2019 - Giant Revolt Advanced 2 2020 (highest cost I want to pay) - Giant Revolt Advanced 3 2020 - Trek Checkpoint AL4 2019 - Trek Checkpoint ALR4 2019 - Trek Checkpoint ALR5 2020 Thank you in advance!!!
I like 9 speeds flexibility too. Hard to find 46/30 cranksets in 9 though. An alternative is Alivio Trekker triple FC-T4060 48-36-26T, which gives a more than enough range but NOT available in USA. May be all your readers can get together & bulk purchase?
I have the 2017 version and totally love it, just asks to be ridden long and rough. With the long chainstays and 2.0 tires its definitely supple in the rear but still a little rigid in the front for the more singletrack stuff here in CO. Not super familiar with geo, you think I could get away with putting on 60-80mm suspension fork?
for 1000K the GIANT toughroad looks pretty good .. its lighter and you can fit up tp 50c tires which may be supple enough, its lighter and has kind of disc breaks .. what are your thoughs ? good reveiw by the way ,,
Wishing for a chrome version, but heavy! Well, Chromoly definitely makes up with suppleness. When the tire is 700c 46 makes more sense; however, this is not quite different from 650B 50. As top/low speed is 51/11km on 700c vs. 53/12km on 650B [assuming 90 cadence &11-32 cassette]. So, are you advocating 46 for 700c only or for both? (BTW: 50/11km if 650B w/ 46/30 crankset used, which is still fast.)
This bike looks sick! Would love to hear your thoughts on the Vitus Sunstance Sora. 4130, Sora groupset, and FSA crankset for like $700. Never heard of either of these brands but am in the market for a cheap all-road gravel thang.
this channel is awesome!!! love all the videos. one tiny little thing. Try to take a lesson from #sethbikehacks, be inclusive with the "crowd". I've binge-watched most of your videos, and if I wasn't already a bike lover (I ride trails) I would probably not subscribe because of the pricy reviews you make. I think most of the apparel, and equipment are super out of most people's league. There is a lot of people interested in this lifestyle, but if you exclude 95% of consumers, you will be excluded in return. I finish with... I really love your stuff and want to bring my friends into it as well. You are an awesome person, and the vids are soooo entertaining!!! keep them coming! By the way. I am a patreon supporter too!
Thanks for the comments the. I make videos around things we are authentically interested in. Would rather have a small but enthusiastic audience that gets it rather than trying to appeal to everyone.
This is a needle in a haystack and probably not going to get this answered... but... one can try. Does anyone know what watch the bearded guy is wearing at 0:23? Looks great.
Was wondering the same thing. I have the journeyman and it feels like they’re similar but the journeyman has some small improvements (hydraulic bs mechanical brakes, etc). Love the color of this one though!
The bike's look and your handling description remind me a lot of the Gen 1 Fargo. Looks like the head tube may be a little shorter than the OG Fargo. Is the geo suspension corrected?
Since salsa is easily available id be interested to see what you think of the Fargo. I had one for a while. 42/28 chainrings and mtb tires. Its definitely different. Think id have kept mine if i would have got the right size.
was looking for new bike, all the close to 1 k euro bikes where with Sora, which I avoid like wildfire, got new Genesis 1,5 k with Tiagra 2xcompact, Tiagra works better and much longer with little bit more money......
I have serious issues finding a bike. If you don't like the "slanted" type frames (or whatever they are called when the top tube slants down towards the back) and prefer the classic straight top tube type dual triangle frames the options are hella limited if one also wants to have a roof over their head. Anyone in the know?
oof the geometry on these bikes dumps your weight on the handlebars. a 45cm with a 56.5 top tube??? you'd have to have the seat max forward. "having as small of frame possible while using longer-length parts like seat posts and stems to allow the bikes to properly fit riders." IDK where they got the idea this is a compact frame. Note the pic, super short stem an zero setback seat post and the forward saddle.
If you know what you're looking at and have any semblance of minor bike repair, Craigslist is a great resource. I got a 2016 Specialized Diverge for $400
Misanthropic Kat I’ve done this recently, just luck really. I’ve also blown through so much in upgrades and updates that I could have bought something new, and much nicer. Live and learn.
I tried to apply a mtb fender and a "regular" full size one and it couldn't fit either. The tires and/or my feet always reach it. I'm sure there is a good fender somwhere but I don't know where (I think the webshops are not in this game). So it remains the ass-saver (cough-cough) and the rainless pedaling (for me). But I accept any good advice.
Yay! More 'limited budget' reviews! Salamat! 😎
Yeap, agree fully, I have one. It doesn't fly up hills, but then it wasn't designed to do so. It would have to be 11 out of 10 for comfort. I've ridden mine on single track, fire roads, steep loose gravel stuff plus on tar roads, it's an awesome all rounder and the price is great. This is a great bang for buck bike.
Yes, finally a bike review for the limited money budget 😀
I love my Radar! I completed Seattle to Portland (then road home to Beaverton) on it and averaged 16.6 mph. It's heavy and doesn't climb very fast but it gets the job done and then when you descend it hauls ass. That weight and steel make for a great descent and I feel confident. I have TRP HY RD brakes and they've great confidence. Great review and I bought this because of the price point and I love it! I have ridden over 6k miles since October when I bought 'Peggy Steel.' Thanks again for the review!
Was super excited for the video, clicked immediately.
As someone who owns a Radar, I'd say your assertions are mostly correct. It is not the #1 climber and the rear chainstays are SO long. Yes it is heavy, but you really don't feel it that much. Gearing is perfect for what I've done on it (gravel and road, can keep up with my roadie buddies on it btw). I would have emphasized that this is a great platform for touring and gravel grinding for anyone that doesn't want to *WIn a Race; I absolutely would ride this in an endurance gravel event.
After finally getting my husband out to ride with me today (and having a good time!), he said: "So, maybe if I start riding with you more regularly, I'd like to think about getting better bike...like one of those that Russ has reviewed." :-) He watches your channel with me periodically. This Breezer may be a good option! Just sent him a link to check it out. Thanks for the coverage of more affordable options. I may also look for a "nicer" used bike.
Please keep using and evolving the bike flavor wheel! So unique, yet approachable
Would love to see a review of the Surly Bridge Club with the color wheel. A review like the Jones SWB review. Keep up the good work! This is the best bike channel!
I love my Breezer Radar Expert. Using it for daily commute and for lighter trails in the woods next to our house, and it's perfect for me. Again the price is more than fair.
I ride flat pedals and instead of cross country MTB, it works so nice!
Absolutely loved my Radar - just couldn't get happy with drop bars. Switched to a Surly Ogre. In hindsight I wish I'd have gone to the effort to convert the Radar to Jones bars, the frame and ride were that great. It's a super plush ride with great rough and fast handling. The gearing is great for nearly all scenarios and it rides well loaded and unloaded. One of the best bikes for the price out there.
Man I got two questions for you: me myself are not a big fan of the drop bars (mainly for the riding position) but judging from the geometry of the radar I would say it is more relaxed then usual road bikes isnt it? Otherwise I will go for a bike with a flat one too. And the second question is: do you imply with that ''nearly all scenarios'' that when loaded on steep hills the 36x30 is not enough? Many thanks in advance.
Hah, had dinner with Joe Breeze many years ago and he told me a story where he was drafting a convertible which suddenly stopped and Joe went flying and landed in the back seat, very funny story. Just buy the bike, Joes a cool dude. I still have a Breezer Lighting which is very fast steel bike. Thanks Russ
For me this is pretty much the sweetspot for the bike prices. You get very decent bikes (and sometimes great bikes when on sale) for that price and the pricing of the bikes is such that you can actually use them for stuff without being overly worried. Some of the more expensive bikes are such that I would hesitate to leave them anywhere out of my sight even if they were locked and chained. These new Sora shifters are pretty sweet also. I could definitely use them. 9 spd is plenty of gearing also and those components are generally very durable.
Thanks Russ, would be great to see more reviews around this pricerange! (Thinking about e.g. Trek checkpoint & Cannondale topstone).
I have this same exact bike except in Black/Orange accents. Already rode 2,000 miles on it and haven't had any serious issues with the bike yet. It's a solid bike for the price with easily accessible aftermarket parts available (basic BB, external headset, hybrid discs, etc.) Only thing I wish on the bike was it having a thru-axle, but still happy with my $650 purchase!
Great bike I ride my all over gravel an road it is pretty smooth the stock bars didn't cut it for me.
Replace mine with woodchippers 46mm.
Much better in the drop zone.
I run mine with panniers it's a bit heavy but it is solid and I am strong enough to handle it.
Thank you for the review, looks like budget bikes are a hit to review...
I changed my handlebar to a salsa cowbell 42cm. Perfect!
I kinda see the triple bolt thing as one of those proprietary things some companies do to force you to buy there stuff. You can buy a nice Blackburn 2 bolt cargo rack that will haul anything the triple bolt rack will. Don't really need the extra bolt for strength cuz your never gonna haul that much weight on your fork. Am I missing something? Is their another reason to have a 3 bolt rack?
I think your review is spot on. I looked at this bike as well at Performance Bike before they went out of business. For the budget minded rider who’s not racing it great. I ended up getting a Salsa Vaya. For $700 more less weight, carbon fork, 10 speed, thru axel front, I have been very happy. Thanks for the review!!
Fast Fwd to Spring 2022 - Same basic design, still has the 46 - 30 crank ! AND now with Hyd Brakes. It is no longer a sub $1000 bike, now lists at $1400 IF you could get one. Looks like, you guessed it, all sold out! Thank You !!
Check out the Jamis Renegade Expat. I think it’s one of the best for value.
Using the flavor wheel on this review and hopefully the future reviews too made a whole new approach to a bike review for me who is never the less a bike geek. It made it so much more understandable. Hopefully you are going to have thag #flavorwheel on your future rewievs too. Makes much more sense to everything, and also nicely explained! Starting to go from liking your channel to loving to your channel! Keep up the awesome job!
Great bike , already own it for 2 years and riding it everywhere.
In the meantime I threw some 2.2'' tires an 11- 40 kassette and it rides super smooth on every surface and gradient loaded or not.
Would def recommend!
Love the content. I would love to see genesis Croix de fer and tour de fer reviews if possible.
Same price as the entry level Salsa Journeyman but the drivetrain and brakes on the Breezer are a nice upgrade over the ones you would get on the Journeyman.
I’ve had the radar pro for over a year super smooth bike on rough roads running teravail cannonball 38c for gravel and some road use and during the winter I run 45nrth Khava 29x2.25 and there is still clearance left on fork and frame. The bike is very versatile and will go anywhere you want to go! Thanks for all the great reviews Russ!
Thanks! Glad you like it.
looks like a quality bike for the money, also I don't see any reason you can't use an Anything Cage on those forks, I wouldn't recommend carrying a gallon of water on them, but sleeping bags, food or your typical camping stuff would be fine with just the 2 mounting screws. I've used anything cages on my reg water bottle mounts and carried 5 to 7 liter waterproof stuff sacks without issues.
C-jay Bows You could add rivnuts easily enough to add a single extra mounting point.
@@alexball5907 been there, got a few bikes that we've put rivnuts in, works really well.
In the spirit of semi economy mass production adventure bikes, I would be very interested in hearing your take on the Fuji Jari. I'm looking to change bikes next year and the Jari is one that I'm curious about. Now that you have your handy dandy flavor wheel, I'd be curious to see how it stacks up. Keep up the stellar work. 🚴♂️👍😎
timothy graf trying to get a hold of one!
timothy graf I picked up a 2018 Jari 1.7 from performance bike back in January. It’s been great so far. Comfortable for longer rides and fast enough to maintain 18/19 mph speeds on the road. It also has clearance for 42c tires and is very stable. The only thing I’ve switched out is the crank. It was pretty flexy and would rub whenever I got on the pedals.
Becoming difficult to find since Performance Bike went under. I've been on one for a year but it's hard to recommend now for that reason.
I have an aluminum Jari with Tiagra. Ride it on gravel quickly and have also put 32mm slicks on it and rode up Mt. Evans last month (down, too!) While not the lightest, a great adventure bike for the price!
Thank you!!! I’m currently debating (obsessively) between the Jari 2.5 and a 2018 radar expert... my brain hurts.
I have a Breezer Radar Pro that came with SRAM GX and cable/hydraulic SRAM HRD-700, 48/32 crankset and 11/36 cassette. I was able to put a 42 tooth cassette on it which is really nice on the climbs. The WTB Riddlers came tubeless on WTB wheels. I really love that bike, super comfy and just sucks up the bumps. Easy to spend long days in the saddle. Plus found a cool little Breezer community out there on the social media. Thanks for the review!
Luvin the mustard !
Thanks for that review with your new flavour-wheel. You point out what has to be said: Life with a cheaper bike is always a compromise.
If there is noch such a huge wallet, get some better and lighter parts when the years go by.
Nice review! I'm currently running the 2018 Breezer Radar Pro with the Salsa Woodchippers 43MM. Found that the WTB Riddlers were an amazing set of tires for gravel but were still pretty susceptible to punctures, so I switched those out for a pair of Clement MSO Explores 37CM and finally converted to tubeless. Breezer makes solid bikes for the supple life!
Great to see a budget bike Russ! Looks a great piece of kit for the price. Remember another great way to get a good budget bike is a quality second hand! Would love to see you and Laura choosing your favourite budget bikes!👍🏻
Holy sheeeet Russ is on the budget train!
Potz4pizza let’s not go crazy. Only visiting :)
Never knew 9spd deore could pair with Sora. Thanks for that info! Have to say, I wasn’t expecting to like the Sora groupset on my journeyman, but I’ve been pleasantly surprised with the quality of it.
basically any mountain bike components thru 9-speed work (i) with each other and (ii) with road components through 10-speed, because the shifter cable pull ratio is the same. So, for example, I have a 1x10 steup, using a 105 (5700) 10-speed shifter with a "9-speed" XT rear derailleur and an 11-36 10-speed cassette. All fully compatible and works great!
Had one of these, great value for money, easy going attitude on the road. I found the sizing to be on the big side. I had a small, felt long in the top tube, could have used a 60mm stem on hindsight, or have gone for the XS. I'm 168cm. Overall a great bike
I have a Breezer Radar Pro, bike shop was going out of business, i got a 1thousand dollar discount. The one i have is green, but this expert radar has a solid looking gold color.
Thanks for the review of the Breezer Radar Expert. How would you compare it to the Breezer Doppler Team that you reviewed last year? I was hoping to hear you state some of the differences in this review video. I've been looking into getting one of the Breezer bikes for my first Gravel Bike. Looking forward to your reply.
Love your use of the flavor chart. Maybe it should be a tee shirt or poster. And yes to 46-30, 1000 times.
Nice! I have the Doppler 650b and I'm a fan. This looks nice too!
Thanks! Was looking for that sort of thing.
Highly recommend the Cannondale Topstone for gravel riding. Not perfect for touring, but it is a monster through off-road double/single track.
Running a Sora group set on my steel bike and I really like it. Yes there are differences to the Ultegra on my road bike but I find these don’t matter.
Love the wheel. Thanks for that.
If you can get your hands on the new GT gravel bike you should. The way the from a triangle rear is set up it greatly increases comfort. Not so much on the alloy frame but still does I mention it because they have a sub $1k bike. Plus the fork has a chip in it that you move if you change from 29/700c to 27.5/650B it adjust the head angle so the bike does not handle strange. The bike has tons of eyelets to attach racks, fenders and stuff. Contact GT and try to get one to review.
Just got one, great bike.
Nothing wrong with Sora components. My Fuji Sportif came with a Sora groupset and it works fine. I swapped some stuff out and run Gevenalle cx shifters, 11-36 10 speed cassette, SRAM 10 speed chain, kept the stock 50/34 crankset (I can see Russ giving the stink eye as we speak) and run friction mode.
Rock on with the affordable bikes!
There is not a darn thing wrong with Sora. I have had a bike with it, and frankly, it shifts very smoothly. Changes are crisp and quick. Indeed, if I were blindfolded (not a good idea riding), I would be hard-pressed to tell the difference between it and R7000 or Ultegra (if I am not counting). OK, the hoods are a bit different, but we will ignore that.
For those on a budget, Sora R3000 is a huge value. It’s use on a bike like this is quite appropriate.
I like it. A lot of people in the comments freak out over Tiagra and cables so 🤷🏽♂️.
Path Less Pedaled Funny you would say that...
As I type on a park bench overlooking the Mississippi River, I am 24 miles into a long ride. Today I am on my old Trek Domane, which has Tiagra 4700.
Tiagra is a nice groupset. Very smooth. I have two bikes with current Ultegra on them. Tiagra is really close.
We are bike snobs. And that’s OK. But it’s great that Shimano offers budget components that are really good.
Could you please do a video on Fuji Jari 2.3? Or would you recommend someone that bike? Thanks!
Nice gravel / touring / bike packing option👍
If you had to choose, what is one bike that can do it all?
50-70% road & 30-50% gravel and/or mtb paths.
I used to have a cannondale synapse carbon and it was amazing, just a bit too "springy" and "snappy" for me. Although I do want something that can snap into action when I want to get out the saddle, I like stability and not fearing for my life going down a hill 😂
I'm considering a new purchase, and these are a few I'm looking at and a few feature's I'd like.
Wanted Specs:
- Aluminum frame (Unless carbon won't crack on me from a spill lol)
- Thru axles front & back.
- Clearance for 38/40c tires(I think that's plenty, right?) What's the 29er equivalent for a gravel bike? like...29ers to c tires...?
- Complete shimano tiagra/105 groupset preferably
- I really like the Giant D-fuse seatpost from what I see.
- Hydraulic disc brakes - unless you'd like to convince me I'm better off with mechanical.
- More relaxed geometry.
- Best bang for the buck lol
Options:
***I think the shops near me try to always put a matching shimano crankset on their bikes, so I tried to look past that in these specs.
- Giant Contend Ar 1 2020
- Giant Contend Ar 2 2020
- Giant Contend SL 2 disc 2020 (if it can fit bigger tires, though I'm not sure about this bike anymore)
- Giant Revolt Advanced 2 2019
- Giant Revolt Advanced 2 2020 (highest cost I want to pay)
- Giant Revolt Advanced 3 2020
- Trek Checkpoint AL4 2019
- Trek Checkpoint ALR4 2019
- Trek Checkpoint ALR5 2020
Thank you in advance!!!
That sounds like the perfect job for the #thebikewhisperer :) pathlesspedaled.bigcartel.com/product/bike-whisperer-online-bike-consultation
Me agrado todo de la bici, es super buena
I like 9 speeds flexibility too. Hard to find 46/30 cranksets in 9 though. An alternative is Alivio Trekker triple FC-T4060 48-36-26T, which gives a more than enough range but NOT available in USA. May be all your readers can get together & bulk purchase?
I would love to see a review on a Marin 4 Corners.
Some widely available bikes to review...Giant Contend AR, Trek Checkpoint ALR, and Cannondale Topstone. Also Breezer Inversion...
I dig it!
I have the 2017 version and totally love it, just asks to be ridden long and rough. With the long chainstays and 2.0 tires its definitely supple in the rear but still a little rigid in the front for the more singletrack stuff here in CO. Not super familiar with geo, you think I could get away with putting on 60-80mm suspension fork?
The steel versions of the Fuji Jari come with a 44-28 crankset and they are suposed to be cheap. You should look into that bike.
for 1000K the GIANT toughroad looks pretty good .. its lighter and you can fit up tp 50c tires which may be supple enough, its lighter and has kind of disc breaks .. what are your thoughs ? good reveiw by the way ,,
I want to modify a bike to drops for touring. Its a polygon path 2 hybrid. Do you think the frame geometry will do good with drop bars
hmm... hows this bike compared to marin four corners? almost similar spec but 3x9 shimano sora groupset
This bike compare to a marin nicasio plus? Which one would you prefer for a budget bike?
The Geometry is really long, either size down or get about three or four centimeter shorter stem.
Wishing for a chrome version, but heavy! Well, Chromoly definitely makes up with suppleness. When the tire is 700c 46 makes more sense; however, this is not quite different from 650B 50. As top/low speed is 51/11km on 700c vs. 53/12km on 650B [assuming 90 cadence &11-32 cassette]. So, are you advocating 46 for 700c only or for both? (BTW: 50/11km if 650B w/ 46/30 crankset used, which is still fast.)
What size did you review ? Also what’s your inseam ?
Small. 29.
This bike looks sick! Would love to hear your thoughts on the Vitus Sunstance Sora. 4130, Sora groupset, and FSA crankset for like $700. Never heard of either of these brands but am in the market for a cheap all-road gravel thang.
Radar X is on my radar. It's down to that, Rove, or Renegade S4. Hmmm.
Looks and components seem super similar to my Kona Sutra
Yes the 1 to 2 k price point realistic for most of us
What is the crank arm length on this thing? they look shorter.
Internet says www.breezerbikes.com/bikes/adventure/radar/radar-expert.
Would like to see a review of the Fiji Jari 2.5 (steel)
Very nice.
What difference it there between this bike, tha Radar X Pro and Radar X? Regards!
I could definitely see upgrading it to shimano GRX if I had this
this channel is awesome!!! love all the videos. one tiny little thing. Try to take a lesson from #sethbikehacks, be inclusive with the "crowd". I've binge-watched most of your videos, and if I wasn't already a bike lover (I ride trails) I would probably not subscribe because of the pricy reviews you make. I think most of the apparel, and equipment are super out of most people's league. There is a lot of people interested in this lifestyle, but if you exclude 95% of consumers, you will be excluded in return. I finish with... I really love your stuff and want to bring my friends into it as well. You are an awesome person, and the vids are soooo entertaining!!! keep them coming! By the way. I am a patreon supporter too!
Thanks for the comments the. I make videos around things we are authentically interested in. Would rather have a small but enthusiastic audience that gets it rather than trying to appeal to everyone.
Hey, can you review the REI CO-OP Adv 4.2 bike with Jones Bar? I saw my first today and considering it over the Trek 920. 🤙🏾😊
How's this bike compare to the Marin Nacasio plus? Thanks!!
how would you compare it to the doppler, since you reviewed that one too?
My came with trp Hy/rd brake callipers. Wonder why yours have tektro. Maybe us vs Europe?
Can you review a trek checkpoint al3 man? I really dig that bike ay.
+1
That's a pretty good build for the dollar.
Is it really that bad to mount Anything Cages with only 2 screws? I have the Specialized ones and they only mount to 2.
Don’t know. I usually use 3. Might be something to test.
I loved my Radar, but sold it to fund another project and regretted it ever since.
Hi, is it a 48-S size? How tall are you? Thank you!
Any other bikes with comparable CS length?
This is a needle in a haystack and probably not going to get this answered... but... one can try. Does anyone know what watch the bearded guy is wearing at 0:23? Looks great.
How does it compare to the Journeyman being that they are similar prices?
Aside from material and weight, Journeyman is a little snappier all around.
Was wondering the same thing. I have the journeyman and it feels like they’re similar but the journeyman has some small improvements (hydraulic bs mechanical brakes, etc). Love the color of this one though!
One big deciding factor is material. If you want an all steel frame and fork. I think for extended touring I still trust a steel fork a little more.
The bike's look and your handling description remind me a lot of the Gen 1 Fargo. Looks like the head tube may be a little shorter than the OG Fargo. Is the geo suspension corrected?
No. Not sus corrected.
Since salsa is easily available id be interested to see what you think of the Fargo. I had one for a while. 42/28 chainrings and mtb tires. Its definitely different. Think id have kept mine if i would have got the right size.
I’m trying to spread out Salsa reviews since I get so much crap for just reviewing salsas :)
was looking for new bike, all the close to 1 k euro bikes where with Sora, which I avoid like wildfire, got new Genesis 1,5 k with Tiagra 2xcompact, Tiagra works better and much longer with little bit more money......
I have serious issues finding a bike. If you don't like the "slanted" type frames (or whatever they are called when the top tube slants down towards the back) and prefer the classic straight top tube type dual triangle frames the options are hella limited if one also wants to have a roof over their head. Anyone in the know?
Craigslist.
surly straggler.
Pls review the Cube Nuroad!
have you tested the Cannondale Topstone line at all?
They’re not responding to requests.
oof the geometry on these bikes dumps your weight on the handlebars. a 45cm with a 56.5 top tube??? you'd have to have the seat max forward. "having as small of frame possible while using longer-length parts like seat posts and stems to allow the bikes to properly fit riders." IDK where they got the idea this is a compact frame. Note the pic, super short stem an zero setback seat post and the forward saddle.
Alpkit Sonder Camino Al Apex1
www.alpkit.com/sonder/sonder-camino-alloy
Alpkit Santiago Steel frameset
www.alpkit.com/sonder/bikes/sonder-santiago-frame-and-fork
Well. They look interesting.
Please review the Poseidon X!
Looks a lot like an AWOL. Haven't compared the numbers but the rear triangle and high stack looks pretty close.
That’s what BikeInsights is for.
If you know what you're looking at and have any semblance of minor bike repair, Craigslist is a great resource. I got a 2016 Specialized Diverge for $400
You can definitely get more bike used for the money if you've got the time to search for it and live in an area that has nice bikes.
@@PathLessPedaledTV Flagstaff Arizona! 👍👍👍
Misanthropic Kat I’ve done this recently, just luck really. I’ve also blown through so much in upgrades and updates that I could have bought something new, and much nicer. Live and learn.
I want to know if anyone has tried a Radar with 650b x 47 tires. I can’t find anyone that has tried it.
4:23 I wonder if the bike is compatible with nice full size fenders?
I tried to apply a mtb fender and a "regular" full size one and it couldn't fit either. The tires and/or my feet always reach it. I'm sure there is a good fender somwhere but I don't know where (I think the webshops are not in this game). So it remains the ass-saver (cough-cough) and the rainless pedaling (for me). But I accept any good advice.
Do you believe these types of bikes am keep up with 20mph averages on a commute?
Yes.