Nice vid. I can remember when I first road my first carbon road bike. The first thing I noticed was how well it dealt with the road buzz, much more comfortable. When your 25c wide tires wear out I cannot recommend moving up to 28c enough. Your times will come down a little more I’m sure. The slightly larger volume tire with a lower pressure in will roll through the tiny bumps rather than bounce of them so to speak. They are a great bike for the money good choice mate.
Glad you like your bike. I have a Brompton folding bike which I love. It only has 6 gears but that’s OK. It’s very convenient when travelling but it seems heavy to me when everyone says they are light and portable. I’m going to check the weight and compare it to your new bike. I know what you mean about bike prices. I’m still recovering from buying my Brompton but when I took it for its last service there was a bike in the shop for £8,300! Crazy money for a bike. I’d want 30 minutes shaved off a 34 minute journey for that cash. Thanks as always.
Getting a new bike that's a real upgrade is always such a treat. My first carbon frame was very similar to your experience -- it was like strapping on a fighter jet. It really was worth it!
Nice to hear somebody whose level of procrastination rivals my own when it comes to finally pressing the ‘buy’ button. If it makes you feel any better I sat with a baseball cap in the basket for more than 2 weeks thinking ‘oooh that’s expensive!’ :). Nice bike.
Looks like a great solution to your commuting. I'm sure you do this but as an avid walker it is nice to hear a bell or "on your left/right" at least 50 feet (15 meters) before passing from behind from cyclists. Us walkers can have our heads in the clouds and it is quite startling to have a bicycle zooming by on the trail. It also lets dog walkers know to keep leashed dogs close to them to prevent close calls and accidents. Keep it bike worthy : )!
Looks a cracking bike mate. Glad your loving it. Put some gorilla clear tape a long the chain stay mate it will stop the chain smacking against the chain stay on the bumpy tow paths. Also I put it on the down tube from the bb to the forks to stop stone chips. The gorilla clear tape is really strong and you won't notice it but will save your frame getting damaged. I am the same mate it takes me ages to justify purchases.
Think you'll go for disk brakes on the next one? I'm not sure it that's a cross bit bike but they tend to offer a bit more tyre choice over strictly road bikes, (which may come in handy on the towpath). Also I I was just checking out one of the old videos about the horrendous winter and when you said you fell a number of times in the icy conditions. I wanted to recommend getting some winter studded tyres, and if you've some room, maybe even a separate winter wheelset for the studded tyres for adverse conditions.. It's amazing how carbon is so stiff, strong and light, also how has a softer resonan making it feel so smooth and and fast.
Haha that is the "good side of chirk" because of the aqueducts and the massive tourist area it is... If you go from Chirk to Ellesmere there are some parts that I literally get off and push!
Thanks! I have a video of an early morning sunny commute that I will post at some point as a "Boaty Bonus" moment of boat life, if that goes down well I will post more cycling stuff!
Beautiful bike. I remember my first (and only) Carbon bike. A Gary Fisher mountain bike. Which brings me to my question....considering the tow paths and lanes you ride on why don't you have more robust rims and tires. And 3.5 kilos is a huge weight savings. Really noticeable.
Hi Dan, it might be worth looking into DZR shoes. They are cycling shoes for clipless pedals, but they look like normal shoes. Really comfy to walk around in off the bike. It'll make a massive difference to your riding too.
Good to see you have a proper bike 🚲👍 don’t drop it carbon can break and give it 6month then go clip less mtb pedals so you walk around it is something that when try them you’ll be wondering why you didn’t do it years ago 😉🌶🌶
Great review Dan, just got into the world of non-motor bikes. On a Triban RC500 at the moment and will likely ride that until it won't ride any more, but a full carbon bike will be my next one I think
You should've done this via Bike to Work Scheme 🖒 an employer like yours should offer this option. I took it out with my employer, I got a £1000 voucher to spend on bike and/or equipment. Costs me £18.57 per week over 52 payments. Tax saving means of purchasing all you need to pedal to work. My total spending was £965.
I don't think they have a specific lining but I am not sure, the thing that took me by surprise was how thick the top of the tyre is, must be double or triple the thickness of any "normal" bike tyre I have had in the past, so that will be a big help against punctures!
Might be worth investing in some more robust tires if you're doing quite a bit of riding on loose ground. Punctures might be an issue with road tires. Also do you ever bump into the 'Cruising the Cut' bloke?
Look into tannus tyres for your bike as well they might suit you they might not the suit the style of riding I do they're like a solid rubber there but I know I'm safe I'll never get a puncture
Very nice Dan! looks very good gear ratio's ( I'm guessing front chainring 52/34, rear cassette 11/30) am I right? I am looking foreward to your proposed bike vids, don't forget ALL the routes with nice views in the area (there are many). Also it would be nice to include a visable compass and tachomiter (how fast your going) on the bike, just because its so interesting.
Thanks! I have a video of an early morning sunny commute that I will post at some point as a "Boaty Bonus" moment of boat life, if that goes down well I will post more cycling stuff!
Hi Dan, i have noticed that you paid £800 for your bike. 2 questions ? Why are you chaining it to the top of your boat are you not worried about theft and what about it rusting ?? Always great video's but just a bit concerned, don't want you to get it nicked, cheers
Hello! Thanks! When I am out cruising, I keep it on the roof during the day and then bring it inside at night time, you may see in some random clips dotted around my videos that you just see the handlebars peeking into shot next the to bed sometimes! I keep it on the roof if I am in a place such as the marina, but I run a loop of rope through one of the wheels and down into the bedroom through the window, that way I cn see if there is any mischief happening while I am inside! Fingers crossed, it is a sad situation the we have to be this careful in out own homes!
a very nice video again Dan have you ever considered electric bike with thicker tyres and you would be more stable on the canal towpath as well and the gravel and you wouldn't be so tired when you get back
Hello, I did look at them but ultimately thought spending the money on a good road bike was a better option. Electric bikes get very expensive and the ones I was looking at were 20kg plus, so dealing with it once I was moving it around on the boat would have been a lot harder, plus if I ran out of battery I dont want to know how hard it would have been to ride!
Yes, but again I found they were at least as heavy as the bike I was riding, I even looked at mountain bikes at first because of how bad some of the roads are around here, but then thought I just have to buckle up and hold on tight!
Yes very true, you made the right choice. your not racing or getting anywhere in super-fast time so as your careful it should hold up OK. And nice and light to lift on roof.
Bad in wind, lighter bikes!!! Just my experience Dan lol will massage you soon, racer vs electric mountain bike and interviews with Dan and Andy Outdoors
That is a very nice bike, as previously mentioned, but I would struggle to pay £900 for a bike, my new bike I got a few years ago cost me £400, I too felt unsure and not the usual amount I had previous spent buying bikes, got mine in a sale which helped, just make sure to chain it up well all the time, so it doesn't do a disappearing act, I would be distraught to lose both bike and money lol, also you'll get more confident riding it, just that it's new to you at the moment.
This bike review is very good and helped me decide to buy one after, like you, faffing about for a month trying to decide what to get! I was extra interested in your comments about the bike when used off-road on paths and gravel. So, have just bought one off eBay for £450 and collect it tomorrow. Am looking forward to seeing if my experience tallies with yours. Most of my riding is mountain bike stuff but I get the urge to go road riding sometimes with the odd path rather than the other way round. Any experts here like to suggest any tweaks to the bike to make it slightly happier when not on tarmac? I'm thinking the tyres and pedals. Suggestions?
Nice bike Dan and thanks for the video as others may have said how do you avoid punctures? I would have thought the Boardman carbon trail bike may have suited you on the towpath? Just sayin and not criticising Glad you are enjoying it mate
I was looking at the trial and cycle-X bikes, but even though I see a lot of towpath, the majority of my rides will still be on roads and lanes. It was another thing that made it hard to settle and finally buy the bike, especially with how bad the potholes are getting!
I have a Boardman MTB that cost me £1600. It hurt to drop that amount of money on a bike but it was well worth it. I've never ridden a road bike, and I'm only used to fat tires, heavy frames etc. I could imagine I'd shave a few minutes off a ride if I was on a bike that weighd as much as yours. Certainly looking at buying the exact one like yours.
Yes, honestly the time I rode my first road bike I couldn't believe the difference it made to my old mountain bikes, then buying this bike has absolutely blown me away!
The increase in speeds everywhere seems miraculous Dan ! Toe clips- have you tried old style toe clips and straps, but keep the straps in a loose loop ? I've done this on my mountain bike since it was new in the '80s, and find it keeps my feet from sliding sideways or forwards, but my feet aren't locked in place at all, and I can wear any old footwear I like - including walking boots if necessary :o) Don't ask me what my old Raleigh weighs - it's a _lot_ more than any of your bikes :o)
Haha, yes I have tried the simple straps but keeping them loose, I just cant quite settle with them. Honestly the ride speeds are incredible! I did my first trip from Oswestry to Ellesmere the other day (as I've moved the boat back up there now!) and what was previously a 43-45 minute ride took me just under 31 minutes... The craziest thing was that when I got to the top of the "big hill" in the middle of the ride, I had only dropped 4 gears down from the "hardest" gear!
did i ever tell you how i found you on here same as your name is one of my favorite aurthers books i was looking for his latest and you popped up his new book by the way is "Origin".
I haven't been on a bike in 20 years but had 90 psi tires bled down to 70 psi if it was too sandy or muddy those tires are 100-130 psi. You are a much lighter fellow than I ever was so your dynamics are different than mine. Those look like the wrong tires for your tracks. Your bike is a might shiny have you been in wet weather yet?
Yes a very nice bike Dan , very light frame and faster but you should have got disc brakes for all the money you paid , they are much more efficient than calliper brakes . Keep it bike worthy :-)
Haha you'll be pleased to know that I have been watching loads of their videos recently! Which is odd (and this may surprise you) as I don't really watch much on youtube!!
Nice vid. I can remember when I first road my first carbon road bike. The first thing I noticed was how well it dealt with the road buzz, much more comfortable. When your 25c wide tires wear out I cannot recommend moving up to 28c enough. Your times will come down a little more I’m sure. The slightly larger volume tire with a lower pressure in will roll through the tiny bumps rather than bounce of them so to speak. They are a great bike for the money good choice mate.
Glad you like your bike. I have a Brompton folding bike which I love. It only has 6 gears but that’s OK. It’s very convenient when travelling but it seems heavy to me when everyone says they are light and portable. I’m going to check the weight and compare it to your new bike. I know what you mean about bike prices. I’m still recovering from buying my Brompton but when I took it for its last service there was a bike in the shop for £8,300! Crazy money for a bike. I’d want 30 minutes shaved off a 34 minute journey for that cash. Thanks as always.
Yes, it is incredible just how much times can cost... I'd be too scared to ride one for that price!
Getting a new bike that's a real upgrade is always such a treat. My first carbon frame was very similar to your experience -- it was like strapping on a fighter jet. It really was worth it!
Nice to hear somebody whose level of procrastination rivals my own when it comes to finally pressing the ‘buy’ button. If it makes you feel any better I sat with a baseball cap in the basket for more than 2 weeks thinking ‘oooh that’s expensive!’ :). Nice bike.
Looks like a great solution to your commuting. I'm sure you do this but as an avid walker it is nice to hear a bell or "on your left/right" at least 50 feet (15 meters) before passing from behind from cyclists. Us walkers can have our heads in the clouds and it is quite startling to have a bicycle zooming by on the trail. It also lets dog walkers know to keep leashed dogs close to them to prevent close calls and accidents. Keep it bike worthy : )!
I am collecting one of these next week, my first carbon bike.
Good luck! Enjoy it!
I am collecting today lol getting the mtb petals put on it to, i might get out on it tonight .
well ive done 200 miles on the bike so far and wow what a difference from my previous aluminium bike, its so solid on the road and great up hills.
Looks a cracking bike mate. Glad your loving it. Put some gorilla clear tape a long the chain stay mate it will stop the chain smacking against the chain stay on the bumpy tow paths. Also I put it on the down tube from the bb to the forks to stop stone chips. The gorilla clear tape is really strong and you won't notice it but will save your frame getting damaged. I am the same mate it takes me ages to justify purchases.
Thanks for this excellent tip!
Think you'll go for disk brakes on the next one? I'm not sure it that's a cross bit bike but they tend to offer a bit more tyre choice over strictly road bikes, (which may come in handy on the towpath). Also I I was just checking out one of the old videos about the horrendous winter and when you said you fell a number of times in the icy conditions. I wanted to recommend getting some winter studded tyres, and if you've some room, maybe even a separate winter wheelset for the studded tyres for adverse conditions.. It's amazing how carbon is so stiff, strong and light, also how has a softer resonan making it feel so smooth and and fast.
Had the pleasure of riding the towpaths from Llangollen to Chirk a few weeks back on a road bike I couldn't believe how good they are around there.
Haha that is the "good side of chirk" because of the aqueducts and the massive tourist area it is... If you go from Chirk to Ellesmere there are some parts that I literally get off and push!
Glad i got off there then i was heading to whittington and a bit lost at that point.
Ha if you had carried on for a few minutes you would have found the incredible bumpy bit seen here at 4:29 it is an experience!
Dan, loving your new boating and biking videos with terrific views along the canals and roadways. Stephen (Canada)
Thanks! I have a video of an early morning sunny commute that I will post at some point as a "Boaty Bonus" moment of boat life, if that goes down well I will post more cycling stuff!
Beautiful bike. I remember my first (and only) Carbon bike. A Gary Fisher mountain bike.
Which brings me to my question....considering the tow paths and lanes you ride on why don't you have more robust rims and tires.
And 3.5 kilos is a huge weight savings. Really noticeable.
Hi Dan, it might be worth looking into DZR shoes. They are cycling shoes for clipless pedals, but they look like normal shoes. Really comfy to walk around in off the bike. It'll make a massive difference to your riding too.
Excellent bicycle. I would advise fitting a chain stay protector.
Good to see you have a proper bike 🚲👍 don’t drop it carbon can break and give it 6month then go clip less mtb pedals so you walk around it is something that when try them you’ll be wondering why you didn’t do it years ago 😉🌶🌶
Wow! I wish they had bikes like that in my biking days. It looks fantastic and rides well.
Great review Dan, just got into the world of non-motor bikes. On a Triban RC500 at the moment and will likely ride that until it won't ride any more, but a full carbon bike will be my next one I think
You should've done this via Bike to Work Scheme 🖒 an employer like yours should offer this option. I took it out with my employer, I got a £1000 voucher to spend on bike and/or equipment. Costs me £18.57 per week over 52 payments. Tax saving means of purchasing all you need to pedal to work. My total spending was £965.
I did look into that, but in the end I thought, grasp the nettle and get biking!
Looks like a great bike. Good but not too flashy! Do the tyres have a puncture resistant lining?
I don't think they have a specific lining but I am not sure, the thing that took me by surprise was how thick the top of the tyre is, must be double or triple the thickness of any "normal" bike tyre I have had in the past, so that will be a big help against punctures!
Sort Of Interesting when bikes are this good it makes you wonder if a car is really worth it! A car is meant to bring freedom but at a cost.
Might be worth investing in some more robust tires if you're doing quite a bit of riding on loose ground. Punctures might be an issue with road tires. Also do you ever bump into the 'Cruising the Cut' bloke?
No, not bumped into him yet but I am sure we will at some point, the canal network is pretty big... especially if you're travelling at 4mph!
Thank you for your reply then just to let you know I walked through Chirk tunnel today a very long tunnel
Haha great stuff, I once pulled my old boat Tilly through that tunnel by hand... downstream direction though!
👍👍
Look into tannus tyres for your bike as well they might suit you they might not the suit the style of riding I do they're like a solid rubber there but I know I'm safe I'll never get a puncture
Slow down Dan!!! I love your videos but my heart’s in my mouth and blood pressure is rising!! 👀 Glad you’re having fun but stay safe. 🚴🏽♂️⚓️🚤xx
Nice bike,agree about pedals Dan.
Very nice Dan! looks very good gear ratio's ( I'm guessing front chainring 52/34, rear cassette 11/30) am I right? I am looking foreward to your proposed bike vids, don't forget ALL the routes with nice views in the area (there are many).
Also it would be nice to include a visable compass and tachomiter (how fast your going) on the bike, just because its so interesting.
Thanks! I have a video of an early morning sunny commute that I will post at some point as a "Boaty Bonus" moment of boat life, if that goes down well I will post more cycling stuff!
Hi Dan, i have noticed that you paid £800 for your bike. 2 questions ? Why are you chaining it to the top of your boat are you not worried about theft and what about it rusting ?? Always great video's but just a bit concerned, don't want you to get it nicked, cheers
Hello! Thanks! When I am out cruising, I keep it on the roof during the day and then bring it inside at night time, you may see in some random clips dotted around my videos that you just see the handlebars peeking into shot next the to bed sometimes! I keep it on the roof if I am in a place such as the marina, but I run a loop of rope through one of the wheels and down into the bedroom through the window, that way I cn see if there is any mischief happening while I am inside! Fingers crossed, it is a sad situation the we have to be this careful in out own homes!
Thats good to know Dan, you've got me thinking about changing my bike now, all the best, Chris
a very nice video again Dan have you ever considered electric bike with thicker tyres and you would be more stable on the canal towpath as well and the gravel and you wouldn't be so tired when you get back
I recommended that before, but maybe charging and lifting on to roof is a dilemma.
Hello, I did look at them but ultimately thought spending the money on a good road bike was a better option. Electric bikes get very expensive and the ones I was looking at were 20kg plus, so dealing with it once I was moving it around on the boat would have been a lot harder, plus if I ran out of battery I dont want to know how hard it would have been to ride!
Did you look at cyclocross and Gravel road bikes?
Yes, but again I found they were at least as heavy as the bike I was riding, I even looked at mountain bikes at first because of how bad some of the roads are around here, but then thought I just have to buckle up and hold on tight!
Yes very true, you made the right choice. your not racing or getting anywhere in super-fast time so as your careful it should hold up OK. And nice and light to lift on roof.
I use my bike to go to the supermarket and so on (Have no car). Also for camping tours. I need a bike with saddle and bags.
Bad in wind, lighter bikes!!! Just my experience Dan lol will massage you soon, racer vs electric mountain bike and interviews with Dan and Andy Outdoors
Haha, the ultimate showdown, no use of boats allowed!
Did you not consider the Boardman cross bike ??wider tyres a bit more comfort on bad roads and paths?
That is a very nice bike, as previously mentioned, but I would struggle to pay £900 for a bike, my new bike I got a few years ago cost me £400, I too felt unsure and not the usual amount I had previous spent buying bikes, got mine in a sale which helped, just make sure to chain it up well all the time, so it doesn't do a disappearing act, I would be distraught to lose both bike and money lol, also you'll get more confident riding it, just that it's new to you at the moment.
You need a camper van next ! And a whippet! 👍😀
This bike review is very good and helped me decide to buy one after, like you, faffing about for a month trying to decide what to get! I was extra interested in your comments about the bike when used off-road on paths and gravel. So, have just bought one off eBay for £450 and collect it tomorrow. Am looking forward to seeing if my experience tallies with yours. Most of my riding is mountain bike stuff but I get the urge to go road riding sometimes with the odd path rather than the other way round.
Any experts here like to suggest any tweaks to the bike to make it slightly happier when not on tarmac? I'm thinking the tyres and pedals. Suggestions?
great video! have you ever released where you work or what industry?
Hello, I have a standard "supermarket job"... which may not live up to the canal and outdoors theme of boat life!
I thought it would be more.It is still much cheaper than a car! Nice!
Nice bike Dan and thanks for the video as others may have said how do you avoid punctures? I would have thought the Boardman carbon trail bike may have suited you on the towpath? Just sayin and not criticising
Glad you are enjoying it mate
I was looking at the trial and cycle-X bikes, but even though I see a lot of towpath, the majority of my rides will still be on roads and lanes. It was another thing that made it hard to settle and finally buy the bike, especially with how bad the potholes are getting!
Lovely review
I have a Boardman MTB that cost me £1600. It hurt to drop that amount of money on a bike but it was well worth it. I've never ridden a road bike, and I'm only used to fat tires, heavy frames etc. I could imagine I'd shave a few minutes off a ride if I was on a bike that weighd as much as yours. Certainly looking at buying the exact one like yours.
Yes, honestly the time I rode my first road bike I couldn't believe the difference it made to my old mountain bikes, then buying this bike has absolutely blown me away!
Try putting 28 mm tires better ride on your type pf terrain
You go easy on those gravel tracks with those carbon forks Dan.
Will do! It is hitting the potholes unaware in the dark that I am really worried about!
Carbon forks will be fine on Gravel tracks. My Cyclocross race bike has carbon forks.
Steve Hunter your cyclocross bike has carbon forks designed for cyclocross Dan's are designed for smooth tarmac
You obviously need better lights.
The increase in speeds everywhere seems miraculous Dan ! Toe clips- have you tried old style toe clips and straps, but keep the straps in a loose loop ? I've done this on my mountain bike since it was new in the '80s, and find it keeps my feet from sliding sideways or forwards, but my feet aren't locked in place at all, and I can wear any old footwear I like - including walking boots if necessary :o) Don't ask me what my old Raleigh weighs - it's a _lot_ more than any of your bikes :o)
Haha, yes I have tried the simple straps but keeping them loose, I just cant quite settle with them.
Honestly the ride speeds are incredible! I did my first trip from Oswestry to Ellesmere the other day (as I've moved the boat back up there now!) and what was previously a 43-45 minute ride took me just under 31 minutes... The craziest thing was that when I got to the top of the "big hill" in the middle of the ride, I had only dropped 4 gears down from the "hardest" gear!
Hi Dan that's a nice bike did you look at cyclo x bikes
That's it. I'm moving to England.
Dan have you thought of getting a cateye for your bike to record speed and miles ?
I use the Strava App on my phone at the moment but I may well get something dedicated for the job!
You could try MTB shoes with pedals
did i ever tell you how i found you on here same as your name is one of my favorite aurthers books i was looking for his latest and you popped up his new book by the way is "Origin".
Haha, what a bonus my name has been to me!
your welcome :)
I'd retro fit that with a nice set of 1970's cow horns............................
hihi, your left shifting lever seems not straight.
I was just wondering Dan what engine is in a canal boat do they still use the old Perkins Engines
I'm not sure to be honest! There are quite a few engines around, mine is a Beta 38, the one in Tilly was a Beta 25
I haven't been on a bike in 20 years but had 90 psi tires bled down to 70 psi if it was too sandy or muddy those tires are 100-130 psi. You are a much lighter fellow than I ever was so your dynamics are different than mine. Those look like the wrong tires for your tracks. Your bike is a might shiny have you been in wet weather yet?
Not seen any "proper" wet weather but when I do, I will be taking it very carefully!
Get clipless pedals- you will see the difference that they make!
How do you change gears ?
Great bike dan👏😁👍
Nice bike don’t leave outside this time not even for a minute
What model is it ?!
This is the Boardman Team Carbon
Can you tell me were i can find a headset for this bike mine has colapsed amd google no help
Yes a very nice bike Dan , very light frame and faster but you should have got disc brakes for all the money you paid , they are much more efficient than calliper brakes . Keep it bike worthy :-)
Oh for riding skills check out the GCN show it will make you a lot safer and give you all the info on how to maintain your new road bike 😉🌶🌶
Haha you'll be pleased to know that I have been watching loads of their videos recently! Which is odd (and this may surprise you) as I don't really watch much on youtube!!
Great bike Dan. Hope you are not storing it on the roof. At that price I'd be taking it to bed with me!
Haha, while I have been out and about on the canal it has literally been next to my bed at the front of the boat!
Hi Dan - Whats your Account on Strava?
Hello, sadly because of the madness of the internet, I have to keep it private to stop people hunting me down!!
No worries, quite hard to set your privacy perimeter when you are always moving!
Guess a performance bike is like a performance car, and needs better brakes to match the performance.
hopefully this bike can forgo the need for you to own a car! owning a car is such a damn hassle.
Boating Dan... Just kidding you have quick transport and that’s important! Still think 🤔 you should get a scooter!
Thanks for the reply then enjoy your videos but slow down on the gravel be safe it doesn't matter if you are 5 minutes late either way
Decent choice for that price range. Get in the Lycra... just not on camera... and you'll shave off another couple of minutes.
it is a nice bike :D
#jelouse I would love a bike like this not sure about the price tag though!
On my way to black my boat... Stopping at ellesmere for the night, parked up only to realise abels ark is in front of me😂😂
Haha you might see me on this very bike soon then!!!
It was good to meet you! Sorry I kept you out taking so long!
Sort Of Interesting was good to meet you mate! No worries at all, good chat with another boater 👍
Kurwt
have you quit the fixi sect?!..