Just bought a single speed steel bike with 41mm tires. I’m calling it a gravel bike. All-City Nature Boy. 42x17 with mechanical disc brakes. And you’ll be glad to know it’s 650b!
Stay vigilant in regards to wildlife as well. I've had coyotes dart close to me on paths, owls take flight on night rides that honestly have spooked when they've flown so close to me and various rabbits scurry across the trail. I'm mindful in regards to my speed and how quickly I can brake if animals appear unexpectedly in front of me. Some small things I've noticed while out riding.
Have you thought of doing an in-depth drop bar review? What amount of flare works best for specific situations -- handle bar bags versus none, reach/drop for gravel vs road, moving from a road to gravel set up, etc.
Your advice saved my ride today. I adjusted air pressure on my gravel road ride. It changed my day! The bike is an old 1987 touring bike with 27 1.25 inch tires. Not a gravel bike per se, but your suggestions made all the difference. Planning to ride the Great Allegheny Passage with this bike in May. My second GAP ride. Thanks again for improving my cycling experience.
great point on the psi on the tires, otherwise hard tires will bounce you all over the place when it gets rocky. I like to carry a small pump to pump the tires back up when getting back on the tarmac.
I always assume a quarry dump truck is coming at me around the next blind curve. Also, I create good will with the locals by always ceding the right-of-way on narrow one lane gravel roads. Could be farm machinery, livestock trailer, or a good ol' boy in his F150. Make friends with the locals. Most are impressed that you ride their rough roads, and you may need their help some day.
I agree with everything you've mentioned. Good, important points. I'd also mention with the changing surface conditions of gravel roads, is when the county puts new gravel in worn areas (that can be quite chunky and downright impossible to navigate through when fresh). Also: Road graders. Every time a road grader resurfaces a section, the surface can be yet another challenge to ride over, for a while. Sometimes you have to get off and hike-a-bike such a section. Riding gravel necessitates bringing more things to fix a bike problem with than on more paved surfaces, so your bike will a bit heavier, but the alternative is a LONG walk home, or back to the car! No fun. Food and hydration are two things a gravel ride will increase the need for. No skimping. Especially hydration in the heat. The need for greater preparation is paramount when riding gravel. But, riding gravel when well prepared is such a rewarding experience! Fun is the operative word.
May be obvious, but from the little gravel that we've done (basically one four-day tour on mostly "hero gravel"): chain and general drivetrain maintenance need to be paid much more attention and done much more frequently than when riding on pavement. The grime just accumulates *much* more quickly.
Been riding since the age of 5. We had a shop in our village that sold ex army gear this included bikes, single speed or if your parents could afford it....Sturmey archer 3 speed hub. The shop was named "Thackers" and bikes known as "Thacker trackers!, I guess we had the first gravel bikes because we went every where on these old bikes!! .......long lost youth!.
I recently did a gravel ride on my CAAD8 road bike on 700x23c tyres which had corrugations and sandy sections. It handled it perfectly. It was interesting how the bike and I handled it. I can say this though, be relaxed and nimble on the bike. My average speed was 20km/h and just be alert when you encounter those sandy bits because the bike behaves in an interesting way.
Tip 1 hit home. Yesterday I did a 50k 1500m ascent mostly on gravel which took me 5hrs and shredded me totally after food run out in the middle 😅. But man it was fun!
DON'T BOMB IT ON THE DOWNHILLS. Russ is spot on with that one. My only gravel puncture, thus far, came when I got over confident on the downhill and picked up too much speed to maneuver around a really chunky drop-off.
30 Years of riding and working on my own bike I am sad 😞 to say I don’t know what are Bacon strips. What are Bacon Strips. Yes I run tubeless. I am going to keep writing because I just got. PLUGS 😂😂😂😂😂 LOVE THE CHANNEL
Couple of questions: Do you need a certain kind of tire to use that low pressure or do you just deflate your regular tires? Mine recommend 45-85 psi so is it safe to use them at 35 or below? Second, I fear this is a stupid question but where do you find gravel roads? I live in an East Coast metro area and all the roads I know are paved lol (other than the occasional gravel driveway or small alley or something).
Tip No. 1: Don't be afraid to get off the bike and push it. You might encounter some terrain that is much better done with walking the bike. Tip No. 2: Have fun and do not take the riding or yourself so serious. Tip No. 3: Have a great drink at the end of the ride with your friends or just yourself if solo. Tip No. 4: If there is every any doubt, follow Tips 1-3.
Any suggestions for a portable charger that can ba attached to the handlebars and plugged into my Garmin so I can continue riding while it's charging? Enjoy your videos! Thanks...
i see most gravel bikes are drop handle bars with no suspension, are there gravel bikes that have normal flat bars? having front suspension while gravel riding is beneficial or not really?
Maybe not for newbies, but it would be interesting to get your rundown on the great gravel tread controversy. Smooth? Knobby? Smooth center/tread on side?
Mine has Hutchinson Overide 700x38. File tread on the side and almost smooth in the middle. I like them so far. www.google.com/url?sa=i&source=images&cd=&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=2ahUKEwiZ7enG6I7hAhXJ4IMKHbW9A6kQjRx6BAgBEAU&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cxmagazine.com%2Fhutchinson-overide-tubeless-gravel-tire-review-35-38&psig=AOvVaw21tBcZXfAq9tZWhTqNMX_1&ust=1553105855501876
I ride my hybrid on packed gravel (roads with no roots or any crazy stuff) I'd have to ride over...save those routes for the mtb. I use schwalbe touring tires and have only had 1 flat in 8000 km's. I always wear biking gloves for all off-road riding as well😊
Just bought a single speed steel bike with 41mm tires. I’m calling it a gravel bike. All-City Nature Boy. 42x17 with mechanical disc brakes. And you’ll be glad to know it’s 650b!
Stay vigilant in regards to wildlife as well. I've had coyotes dart close to me on paths, owls take flight on night rides that honestly have spooked when they've flown so close to me and various rabbits scurry across the trail. I'm mindful in regards to my speed and how quickly I can brake if animals appear unexpectedly in front of me. Some small things I've noticed while out riding.
An paper map is probably the best option. Battery life longer.
Have you thought of doing an in-depth drop bar review? What amount of flare works best for specific situations -- handle bar bags versus none, reach/drop for gravel vs road, moving from a road to gravel set up, etc.
And Drop vs Flat bar vs JonesnH/Surly Moloko
thanks, been a dedicated road cyclist for 40 years, looking at a Kona Sutra to get out on some hard packed dirt more. Traffic is getting unbearable!
Go with the Kona Rove
Your advice saved my ride today. I adjusted air pressure on my gravel road ride. It changed my day! The bike is an old 1987 touring bike with 27 1.25 inch tires. Not a gravel bike per se, but your suggestions made all the difference. Planning to ride the Great Allegheny Passage with this bike in May. My second GAP ride. Thanks again for improving my cycling experience.
Excellent analogy to trail running! When things go off-road there are far less rules and therefore much steeper grades.
great point on the psi on the tires, otherwise hard tires will bounce you all over the place when it gets rocky. I like to carry a small pump to pump the tires back up when getting back on the tarmac.
I really enjoy your channel and have recently gotten a 650 B Journeyman based partly on your review and I'm loving it.
I always assume a quarry dump truck is coming at me around the next blind curve. Also, I create good will with the locals by always ceding the right-of-way on narrow one lane gravel roads. Could be farm machinery, livestock trailer, or a good ol' boy in his F150. Make friends with the locals. Most are impressed that you ride their rough roads, and you may need their help some day.
I agree with everything you've mentioned. Good, important points. I'd also mention with the changing surface conditions of gravel roads, is when the county puts new gravel in worn areas (that can be quite chunky and downright impossible to navigate through when fresh). Also: Road graders. Every time a road grader resurfaces a section, the surface can be yet another challenge to ride over, for a while. Sometimes you have to get off and hike-a-bike such a section. Riding gravel necessitates bringing more things to fix a bike problem with than on more paved surfaces, so your bike will a bit heavier, but the alternative is a LONG walk home, or back to the car! No fun. Food and hydration are two things a gravel ride will increase the need for. No skimping. Especially hydration in the heat. The need for greater preparation is paramount when riding gravel. But, riding gravel when well prepared is such a rewarding experience! Fun is the operative word.
Easy on the front brake. Weight back in the softer stuff and try not to over-steer.
Love riding gravel. It's definitely so different than road riding. Great tips
May be obvious, but from the little gravel that we've done (basically one four-day tour on mostly "hero gravel"): chain and general drivetrain maintenance need to be paid much more attention and done much more frequently than when riding on pavement. The grime just accumulates *much* more quickly.
Waxing the chain even more important.
Been riding since the age of 5. We had a shop in our village that sold ex army gear this included bikes, single speed or if your parents could afford it....Sturmey archer 3 speed hub. The shop was named "Thackers" and bikes known as "Thacker trackers!, I guess we had the first gravel bikes because we went every where on these old bikes!! .......long lost youth!.
Great tutorial for newbies and some gentle reminders for the more experienced!
I recently did a gravel ride on my CAAD8 road bike on 700x23c tyres which had corrugations and sandy sections. It handled it perfectly. It was interesting how the bike and I handled it. I can say this though, be relaxed and nimble on the bike. My average speed was 20km/h and just be alert when you encounter those sandy bits because the bike behaves in an interesting way.
Tip 1 hit home. Yesterday I did a 50k 1500m ascent mostly on gravel which took me 5hrs and shredded me totally after food run out in the middle 😅. But man it was fun!
Would love to see a video or two (or three, or....) about using Gaia GPS, eTrex, Google maps, offline maps, tracks, routes, yadda, yadda, yadda...
One mention, when using google maps, double check satellite imagery. The logging/gravel roads marked do not always exist or connect.
Or even the Libre if you can find one! They’re magical!
DON'T BOMB IT ON THE DOWNHILLS. Russ is spot on with that one. My only gravel puncture, thus far, came when I got over confident on the downhill and picked up too much speed to maneuver around a really chunky drop-off.
Or as I put it, I'd rather fall off the bike at 18mph than 30. :D
are you still going to make a "how to create routes for dummies" video(s)? Thanks Russ love gravel riding!
Yeah. Trying to figure out the screencast thing.
30 Years of riding and working on my own bike I am sad 😞 to say I don’t know what are Bacon strips.
What are Bacon Strips. Yes I run tubeless. I am going to keep writing because I just got. PLUGS
😂😂😂😂😂
LOVE THE CHANNEL
Bacon strips are a plugs for tubeless bicycle tires. They are also what women have between their legs.
Another far worse road hazard than cars/trucks are horses.
They can freak-out and throw the rider - who is probably freaking out too!
Couple of questions:
Do you need a certain kind of tire to use that low pressure or do you just deflate your regular tires? Mine recommend 45-85 psi so is it safe to use them at 35 or below?
Second, I fear this is a stupid question but where do you find gravel roads? I live in an East Coast metro area and all the roads I know are paved lol (other than the occasional gravel driveway or small alley or something).
When climbing, better to stay in saddle so the rear wheel does not skid. When descending move weight to the back also to keep rear wheel stable.
Followed your tips. Mountain Lion jumped out and mauled my riding buddy. You should update your tips.
Tip No. 1: Don't be afraid to get off the bike and push it. You might encounter some terrain that is much better done with walking the bike.
Tip No. 2: Have fun and do not take the riding or yourself so serious.
Tip No. 3: Have a great drink at the end of the ride with your friends or just yourself if solo.
Tip No. 4: If there is every any doubt, follow Tips 1-3.
“Prepare for the worst”.
Curious as to what size and brand tires Laura has on her cutthroat?
Any suggestions for a portable charger that can ba attached to the handlebars and plugged into my Garmin so I can continue riding while it's charging? Enjoy your videos! Thanks...
MTB shoes if you're going clipless!
Thankyou 🦢
Love it Russ. Getting excited to get back out there!
Do you carry a portable charger? I've been carrying one on road rides for a while now
i see most gravel bikes are drop handle bars with no suspension, are there gravel bikes that have normal flat bars? having front suspension while gravel riding is beneficial or not really?
4:22. Is that a can of cheese wiz ? 😄
bear spray
Maybe not for newbies, but it would be interesting to get your rundown on the great gravel tread controversy. Smooth? Knobby? Smooth center/tread on side?
Mine has Hutchinson Overide 700x38. File tread on the side and almost smooth in the middle. I like them so far. www.google.com/url?sa=i&source=images&cd=&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=2ahUKEwiZ7enG6I7hAhXJ4IMKHbW9A6kQjRx6BAgBEAU&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cxmagazine.com%2Fhutchinson-overide-tubeless-gravel-tire-review-35-38&psig=AOvVaw21tBcZXfAq9tZWhTqNMX_1&ust=1553105855501876
Get a tire with small knobs such as Panaracer GravelKing SK.
Around every corner, I feel like my wheels are going to suddenly lose traction and slide out from under me.
How much does it weigh?????
I never tire of "baby-head" LOL
Just ride a few miles of it at end of a long, wet day.
In my day it never occurred to me to distinguish between road and gravel riding. It's all road riding
"All-road" riding 😉
Is there an app that shows where all the gravel roads are around me?
Would start with RidewithGPS and do a search!
Path Less Pedaled thanks I’ll see what I can find there
Gravelmaps.com
@@michaelwillis689 That website is great! They just need to make an app that helps you put routes together using its data.
Late addition: OCM with elevate 4 theme is perfect. The continous brown lines/roads is what you're looking for.
Be prepared for dogs. Also, take something for self defense, especially if you’re riding alone.
dogs, and also, Hogs.... some area, tigers
Stickers please
Is a used 60cm Warbird too big for my 6’1” frame?
TheFrost2003 yes. I am 6’2”. My warbird is a 57
croatian here, what do you mean "maintenance schedule" XD XD XD
Another good rule is, there's no shame in doing a hike-a-bike.
Can you ride gravel on a hybrid, Russ? :D
Depends on the gravel.
In the 80's I rode my 3 speed Schwinn everywhere on gravel and pavement. I did have to learn how to patch my tubes though.
I ride my hybrid on packed gravel (roads with no roots or any crazy stuff) I'd have to ride over...save those routes for the mtb. I use schwalbe touring tires and have only had 1 flat in 8000 km's. I always wear biking gloves for all off-road riding as well😊
Oops. Guys, I was actually just trolling for a cheap laugh (which I didn't get). I apologize for derailing. :D
You can NOT ride gravel on a hybrid! Are you crazy??
If you love steelbikes, gravel and adventures, than CHECKOUT my latest video as well! m.ruclips.net/video/Ow3sPW0dmrI/видео.html
Be ware of animals
"Gravel Bike" = a bicycle with two wheels that you've ridden on a dirt road.
Oh. Haven’t heard that one.