Great video, I have been a roadie all my life, bought a Trek SL7 etap and just starting to venture onto the gravel and loving it, these bikes are so good at multitasking. The only negative for me was the music, this stuff I find so annoying with its constant artificial base pumping through it, which seems to be the case with most modern music, the natural sounds of the ride would have been nice, but I am 73 so am allowed a bit of a winge.
Thanks Warren, unfortunately I haven’t found a solution for nature’s wind noise, so the natural sounds are blocked out by the distortion. I certainly try and keep them in when I can. I’m glad you’re enjoying the gravel though.
Feel spoiled by another video so soon, thanks for sharing the adventure and glad you both enjoyed. Those horses are gorgeous and look friendly. Nice drone footage of you riding.
Great video, just got the same bike in orange, met your Chairman out on a ride today, told him about this video, I've downloaded route and hope to give it ago come the better weather. I love this bike. Thanks for the time you put into these videos.
Thanks Geoff, it was a great route. Oddly enough we are heading into the Quantocks again this weekend for the latest video. I’ve not seen it in orange, I’ll have to see if I can find one. Merry Christmas
@@DarrenPhillips can't attach a photo of mine on here but here's a link to an online photo I found www.balfesbikes.co.uk/images/DomaneSL5_21_28311_C_Alt1.jpg looks better when the sun shines on the glitter :) have a great Christmas
Yes, just the stock Bontrager R1 700x32c tyre. I didn’t have any issues with grip at all, they were very good. I would probably like to see how the 38c tyres would help with descending though, as I lacked a bit of confidence on some of the looser gravel.
Thanks, I think the restrictions are lifted on the 24th July as all racing and sanctioned activities can resume. We just need to wait for the official Government and British Cycling authorisation. There are some groups of 6 going out on Sundays, so keep a look out on the Facebook page for listed rides
@@DarrenPhillips yes I know what you mean. Sometimes on my vlogs messing around stopping and starting, filming rideby etc adds an eternity .... With a drone to play with I'd be out all day lol
That’s apparently what it’s made for and was a big draw to that bike. I was thinking of buying a gravel bike, and then when my old bike died, it was the perfect solution. It does seem to love the gravel!
Darren your teetering towards the mtb. How did you cope with muddy shoes haha? brilliant video and loved the drone shots. I have a drone and been wanting to shoot a video with that and the mtb. Going to make it my challenge to do.
I’d have been alright if I’d warn my everyday shoes, which I had with me and then let Pete convince me that I’d be alright in my best ones. Literally 2km’s I’m and we are walking through mud!! 😂
I just ordered a new road bike so now have to choose which of my other bikes I keep for gravel and commuting. Either my Domane SL 5 or Checkpoint ALR 5. I am leaning towards selling the Checkpoint and keeping the Domane due its versatility. What size tyres do you now run on the Domane for your gravel rides?
I have two sets of wheels, one is set up with my gravel tyres, some 38mm Gravelking Panaracer’s, which I really like. I have Continental GP5000’s at 32mm on my Road wheels, the Hunt Aero 35’s. The Conti’s are my go to tyres and as good as it gets and worth the extra cost. I run tubes in both as my experience with tubeless wasn’t great. I know the feeling of two bikes, I never ride my Canyon Ultimate either, as the Domane is just that good.
Yeah, 38 is the max you’ll get on there, the danger will be clogging up between the front wheel and the forks if you pick any mud up, which I have done before. 38’s are plenty for most surfaces though.
I can’t remember exactly as this was a long time ago now, I’ll have to look it up. It was called Just Hold On and I got it from Soundcloud, which is where I get all my music. I do try to really work hard to pick music and lyrics to go with the videos, so thank you for commenting, it really means a lot. I will try to find out who the artist was for you.
Yes, it was just the stock tyres that came with the bike. I’m still trying to figure out how good the tyres and wheels are, but they are Bontrager R1 Hard-Case Lite, wire bead, 60 tpi, 700x32 c. The bike can take up to 38c tyres, so I’m at present looking at tyre options and looking at what’s available.
This is great looking forward on owning a 2021 trek checkpoint too we ordered the alr5's should we upgrade to SL5? is it worth the $1000 more would love to hear your advise :D
The ALR5’s are great bikes with very good reviews. Pete was looking at them at one point for bike packing adventures. It all depends on what type of riding you do. You will have more mounts on the ALR5 than the Domane if you need to carry panniers and bags. It’s around 10kg, so heavier than the Domane. The Domane is an all road bike and comfortable. I’ve ridden it on gravel and it was amazing. It would come down to how much you want to spend on a bike and what you need it for. I’m biased as I love the Domane, but if long adventure riding is your thing, then the performance and comfort of the Domane is hard to beat. But they are difficult to find in stock at the moment.
I love the disc brakes, coming from the Carbon rims on my Canyon, the braking is epic. I’m finding I have far more confidence going downhills and cornering than I ever used to. Having never ridden gravel before, I was a bit cautious to start with descending on the gravel, but this bike just gives you so much control and confidence with the suspension and braking. I cannot praise this bike enough, it is an incredible bit of kit.
The link to our Strava is in the description. All our routes are always there. But the link for the Komoot route we used is 👉 www.komoot.com/invite-tour/274813559?code=uf6var-RzfApHPnimDzNr_3Nx-QBtgigmhCDrXoPb_SIlyEWYU
Thank you Iksoo .The ones in this video are Oakley Trillbe glasses. My current glasses, which are very similar in style are Oakley Crossrange Shield and have the air vents in them to stop misting up.
Thank you Michael, that really means a lot. We have plenty of ideas and adventures planned for this year, as soon as we can finally get out of lockdown and return to some form of normality, which hopefully won’t be too much longer as the vaccine roll out gathers pace.
It’s from a Band called DUX featuring Giula Be, called Hold on. I have put the link a bit further down in the comments as someone had already previously asked. It’s on Soundcloud, which is where I get all my background music from. I hope that helps.
Sorry, this gravel thing is new to me, but, why are we taking road bikes in the dirt? We are truly living in a time when white is black and black is white. Holy cow!
The Trek Domane SL5 is an all road bike, it’s designed to ride anywhere. It was fun, a lot of fun and the bike was awesome on the gravel. So why not? I just ride and have fun.
Great video, I have been a roadie all my life, bought a Trek SL7 etap and just starting to venture onto the gravel and loving it, these bikes are so good at multitasking.
The only negative for me was the music, this stuff I find so annoying with its constant artificial base pumping through it, which seems to be the case with most modern music, the natural sounds of the ride would have been nice, but I am 73 so am allowed a bit of a winge.
Thanks Warren, unfortunately I haven’t found a solution for nature’s wind noise, so the natural sounds are blocked out by the distortion. I certainly try and keep them in when I can. I’m glad you’re enjoying the gravel though.
Feel spoiled by another video so soon, thanks for sharing the adventure and glad you both enjoyed. Those horses are gorgeous and look friendly. Nice drone footage of you riding.
Thanks Pete, it is certainly a vlog upgrade for sure. Just don’t ask how long it took to get those few pieces of footage 🙄
Taking the videos to the next level! It was great. Looks like you covered some of the same tracks we did on our MTB ride.
Thanks Justin, there are some awesome trails in the Quantocks for sure.
That was simply beautiful riding. Someday maybe I will get over the pond and try that out.
The Quantocks are just beautiful for all types of Riding.
Great video, just got the same bike in orange, met your Chairman out on a ride today, told him about this video, I've downloaded route and hope to give it ago come the better weather. I love this bike. Thanks for the time you put into these videos.
Thanks Geoff, it was a great route. Oddly enough we are heading into the Quantocks again this weekend for the latest video. I’ve not seen it in orange, I’ll have to see if I can find one. Merry Christmas
@@DarrenPhillips can't attach a photo of mine on here but here's a link to an online photo I found www.balfesbikes.co.uk/images/DomaneSL5_21_28311_C_Alt1.jpg looks better when the sun shines on the glitter :) have a great Christmas
@@GeoffCollard ooooh! I like that colour scheme!
Looked like a fun day in a beautiful place that we love walking!
It definitely was. Pete nearly, nearly had a sulk when he couldn’t figure out the drone controls. I’ve never seen him not happy 😂
Cool video fellas! Beautiful scenery, Greetings from California!
Thanks, the Quantocks are beautiful, it might be time to venture back there again!
Loving the drone footage!
Pete was VERY excited
Mendip Cycling Vlogs who can blame him!
Until he thought he’d broken it 🙄
Assuming you were on the stock 32c tires, looks like you did really well on the varied surface.
Yes, just the stock Bontrager R1 700x32c tyre. I didn’t have any issues with grip at all, they were very good. I would probably like to see how the 38c tyres would help with descending though, as I lacked a bit of confidence on some of the looser gravel.
Nice one, had the Quantocks in mind for while... We'll make it after lockdown for sure👍
The Quantocks are amazing and well worth many visits to explore all it has to offer
Quality video 📹 👌
Will you all start meeting at the Market Cross in town soon?
Thanks, I think the restrictions are lifted on the 24th July as all racing and sanctioned activities can resume. We just need to wait for the official Government and British Cycling authorisation. There are some groups of 6 going out on Sundays, so keep a look out on the Facebook page for listed rides
Bit of everything on that ride. Enjoyed your vlog ! I’d love to get a drone for my vlogs too...... adds a great dimension
It certainly does, but as we found out, it’s a little time consuming. I’m glad you enjoyed the video
@@DarrenPhillips yes I know what you mean. Sometimes on my vlogs messing around stopping and starting, filming rideby etc adds an eternity .... With a drone to play with I'd be out all day lol
But what a way to spend a day!
Great video chaps - still think you're crazy taking the Trek on gravel...
That’s apparently what it’s made for and was a big draw to that bike. I was thinking of buying a gravel bike, and then when my old bike died, it was the perfect solution. It does seem to love the gravel!
Darren your teetering towards the mtb. How did you cope with muddy shoes haha? brilliant video and loved the drone shots. I have a drone and been wanting to shoot a video with that and the mtb. Going to make it my challenge to do.
I wasn’t impressed with the state of my shoes 😂
You’d cringe if you seen the state of my mtb shoes 😂
Should have seen the state of my cleats that I changed last week! Was disgusting
I’d have been alright if I’d warn my everyday shoes, which I had with me and then let Pete convince me that I’d be alright in my best ones. Literally 2km’s I’m and we are walking through mud!! 😂
Are you on insta ? I’ll add you go have a look at the picture I posted of my cleats 🙄
Great video!! What type of shades are you wearing? They're really cool
Joseph Abraham Jr Thank you, Glad you liked it. I think I was wearing my Oakley Trillbe’s in this one.
That was amazing filming
Thank you
I just ordered a new road bike so now have to choose which of my other bikes I keep for gravel and commuting. Either my Domane SL 5 or Checkpoint ALR 5.
I am leaning towards selling the Checkpoint and keeping the Domane due its versatility. What size tyres do you now run on the Domane for your gravel rides?
I have two sets of wheels, one is set up with my gravel tyres, some 38mm Gravelking Panaracer’s, which I really like. I have Continental GP5000’s at 32mm on my Road wheels, the Hunt Aero 35’s. The Conti’s are my go to tyres and as good as it gets and worth the extra cost. I run tubes in both as my experience with tubeless wasn’t great. I know the feeling of two bikes, I never ride my Canyon Ultimate either, as the Domane is just that good.
@@DarrenPhillips nice. Although Trek say max 38 width tyres, do you reckon it would safely fit 40s ?
Yeah, 38 is the max you’ll get on there, the danger will be clogging up between the front wheel and the forks if you pick any mud up, which I have done before. 38’s are plenty for most surfaces though.
What’s the name of the song in the video? Perfectly fits the awesome video
I can’t remember exactly as this was a long time ago now, I’ll have to look it up. It was called Just Hold On and I got it from Soundcloud, which is where I get all my music. I do try to really work hard to pick music and lyrics to go with the videos, so thank you for commenting, it really means a lot. I will try to find out who the artist was for you.
soundcloud.app.goo.gl/WHTGRaJ5zKLNUiDKA
It’s a band called DUX featuring Giulia Be and it’s called Hold On
Thanks for the video! What tires did you have on the Domane? You mentioned it was the 32c. Was it the stock tire? Traction was sufficient?
Yes, it was just the stock tyres that came with the bike. I’m still trying to figure out how good the tyres and wheels are, but they are Bontrager R1 Hard-Case Lite, wire bead, 60 tpi, 700x32 c. The bike can take up to 38c tyres, so I’m at present looking at tyre options and looking at what’s available.
This is great looking forward on owning a 2021 trek checkpoint too we ordered the alr5's should we upgrade to SL5? is it worth the $1000 more would love to hear your advise :D
The ALR5’s are great bikes with very good reviews. Pete was looking at them at one point for bike packing adventures. It all depends on what type of riding you do. You will have more mounts on the ALR5 than the Domane if you need to carry panniers and bags. It’s around 10kg, so heavier than the Domane. The Domane is an all road bike and comfortable. I’ve ridden it on gravel and it was amazing. It would come down to how much you want to spend on a bike and what you need it for. I’m biased as I love the Domane, but if long adventure riding is your thing, then the performance and comfort of the Domane is hard to beat. But they are difficult to find in stock at the moment.
Great vlog
Thanks, we really enjoyed making this one
Were you happy you had disc brakes going down some of those hills? Did you feel you had better control?
I love the disc brakes, coming from the Carbon rims on my Canyon, the braking is epic. I’m finding I have far more confidence going downhills and cornering than I ever used to. Having never ridden gravel before, I was a bit cautious to start with descending on the gravel, but this bike just gives you so much control and confidence with the suspension and braking. I cannot praise this bike enough, it is an incredible bit of kit.
any chance you have the route? looked stunning?
The link to our Strava is in the description. All our routes are always there. But the link for the Komoot route we used is 👉 www.komoot.com/invite-tour/274813559?code=uf6var-RzfApHPnimDzNr_3Nx-QBtgigmhCDrXoPb_SIlyEWYU
When are you going to take Abbie out on the bike again?
When she earns it!
nice video. what's the brand and model you are wearing? goggle.
Thank you Iksoo .The ones in this video are Oakley Trillbe glasses. My current glasses, which are very similar in style are Oakley Crossrange Shield and have the air vents in them to stop misting up.
@@DarrenPhillips Thanks for reply...:)
Like your vlogs
Thank you Michael, that really means a lot. We have plenty of ideas and adventures planned for this year, as soon as we can finally get out of lockdown and return to some form of normality, which hopefully won’t be too much longer as the vaccine roll out gathers pace.
what is that Audio song, Can someone share it here
It’s from a Band called DUX featuring Giula Be, called Hold on. I have put the link a bit further down in the comments as someone had already previously asked. It’s on Soundcloud, which is where I get all my background music from. I hope that helps.
What helmet is the SL5 rider wearing?
That would be me, hello! I’m Darren and I wear a MET Manta helmet. Thanks for watching!
Sorry, this gravel thing is new to me, but, why are we taking road bikes in the dirt? We are truly living in a time when white is black and black is white. Holy cow!
The Trek Domane SL5 is an all road bike, it’s designed to ride anywhere. It was fun, a lot of fun and the bike was awesome on the gravel. So why not? I just ride and have fun.
🌻🍻⛵️🙏🏻👋