Thank you for the great content! You make great videos an you are such a nice guy and good narrator! I personally got the Vecnum stem for my new ride and its a game changer: its not just more comfortable, it boosts my confidence on rougher terrain. Best decision ever!
I had just watched a video from @TheRidewithBenDelaney and he didn't like the rotation issue on redshift stems in a review he was doing of BMC which came with redshift as standard. This Vencum stem really looks like a great alternative. I wish they made a 70mm version but I might still try a 90mm. Another good video from you. Thank you.
I installed a set of those X1s at the beginning of the season, they rock. They hold air amazingly compared to other tubeless setups I've had. The tread pattern is fast but they also are confidence inspiring in loose corners.
I wish I had as easy as a time to get the Gravelking X1’s to seat as you did, I have them on two bikes , and they were tight to get on, and tricky to seat with my blast canister pump- I really like the tires though, fairly fast rolling, grippy, and supple.
@@stevekelly6544 I just installed GK X1-R in 45 mm. Yes they were difficult to get on the rim. But for me, they were easy to seat with a regular floor pump (no booster).
@@davidarthur they’re just some Stan’s Crest aluminum gravel wheels on one bike, and they were also a pretty tough to seat on the Velocity Quill wheels on my Single Speed. Took at least 3-7 blasts from my canister pump, usually seat tires first shot on all 3 of my bikes, first time it took so many.
I rode the Redshift stem for a couple of years and I never noticed the rotation round the single pivot. What was a problem was the lack of suspension in every position other than on the hoods. The Vecnum really is a gamechanger. Looks good too IMO, you just need to ditch that chimney.
The main downside of Berd spokes (I heard / read) is that they stretch out by quite a margin early in their life time, by as much as 25% it seems. So a Berd wheels needs frequent adjustments to keep the spokes well tensioned. Nonetheless the weight and confort advantage is really tempting 🤩 I own a set of Cane Creek stem and seat post, these two have been a game changer for both road and gravel rides. I'm not that bothered by the single pivot design of the stem, but the Vecnum stem is nice design with a weight (and look) penalty which might be too much for some people (not for me with a full-on steel frame).
Its not 25% (the system isn’t even designed to take 25% slack) I’ve heard they used to keep some inventory so the strings can remain under tension before sending to customer. They do provide a tool to tension or you can take it to your local shop after a month of riding?
I had a set built up several years ago on some dt swiss rims and wheels on my diverge. We re-tensioned at 2 months and I take them back in to the shop about once a year to have them looked at- the first year they had loosened some, this year they didn't even have to touch them. I don't know about anyone elses experience but mine have been pretty much bombproof.
Seatpost for 100%. Had a 100 USD stem from aliexpress, Used like 100km, then had to put the fixed one back. It was awful. Rattling around when reaching the limits, and only works if you keep weighted down , so it has up and down motion also, which is not the way I ride most of the time, as I tend not to put my weight on the handlebars when navigating through terrain, where I would actually need suspension. It was a pretty bad experience to use it.
I fitted the new X1 45MM for the Gralloch. Very impressed. I ridden them a lot both on local bridal ways and track as well the Gralloch and and a 95 miles Dunnnoon Glorious Gravel. They are bomb proof. Taken some bit hits on chunky Scottish fire roads on fast descents. No issues so far yet.
From what I've read/watched, a quick wash gets them back to white every time. When I've used Dyneema in the past, I've not noticed it attracting dirt or staining.
Almost a tumble - the trail got suddenly narrow due to mad overgrown nettles and brambles so I had to hit the brakes hard and the camera jolted forward !
Based on the type of ‘gravel’ you ride, which is on the chunky side, is there a reason you don’t ride a lightweight xc bike more often? I’ve tried all sorts of bikes off road in the Surrey Hills and after lots of mods and different set ups realised that the best upgrade is to 2.2” tyres. And my lightweight hardtail is most of the time a much more fun and fast option.
You don't sadly, it's underneath the A429 from Kemble airport all the way north - I actually started this route from near Stroud and following an old Racing Collective route, check out their website
@@robbijay Yes that's right, you can pick it up just south of the airport, follow the road past Cotswold Outdoor and hang and left, and it's offroad pretty much all the way to the M4, where it then becomes a country lane that'll take you, via some steep hills, into Bath. Or you can swing off at the end and loop around to Westonbirt towards Uley and Selsley
I honestly thought when you said "one piece of advice" it would be "don't ride down a gravel track with just one hand and that on the centre of the bar"
I simply cannot believe that there is no "bobbing" . I have tested other stems and there is always a noticeable bob ( oscillation) if you stand to climb steep inclines which require tugging hard on the bars. Perhaps it is your riding style or you used the hardest setting but even then it is not locked out . I have read or viewed virtually every vecnum review out there and most do indeed mention the expected oscillation under certain circumstances . I think all the stems would be massively more versatile if they came with a simple full lockout switch . You onviously don't pull hard on the bars or have some refined style because otherwise I'm sure you would have noticed the "bob " ..even if if it is better in that respect than others . I would love to be wrong ...honestly !
Suspension stems work really well, need less maintenance, and are a fraction of the weight of a true suspension fork. Any rigid gravel bike is improved by adding one, even when using 50mm tyres.
Those wheels are $3000CDN. That would double the value of my CX bike--I sure HOPE they make the bike better. They would have to be better than me buying a WHOLE EXTRA BIKE.
It seems like super light wheels would really help with cx, where there is a ton of accelerating. They are expensive, but dropping most of a kg from rotating mass, is a big upgrade, without accounting for their toughness and ride quality
@@wrwicky It's true, and I've had light, rim-brake carbon CX tubular wheels to race on in the past. But even more important for a privateer is having multiple sets of wheels glued up for race day. 2 sets is good, 3 sets is better. And having a second bike for backup if you've got a mechanical? That's the best.
Ignore all that nonsense. Simply put the money to a high end gravel/cyclocross frame. It does all that for you. speak as someone with neuralgia throughout my entire body my high end Scott frame negates the need for suspension stem etc.
If you want to make your ride smooth and handling predictable, ride on the road. These so-called improvements are for softies. 25 mm tyres at 90 psi for the authentic gravel experience.
@davemoss6976 ...We are not all as hard core and self opinionated as yourself . Are these your own views or just something you've learned from other insecure riders who are trying to elevate themselves by putting others down ?
The X1 from Panaracer is simply awesome! 1500 miles and counting in the heart of the Kansas Flint Hills .
Thank you for the great content! You make great videos an you are such a nice guy and good narrator!
I personally got the Vecnum stem for my new ride and its a game changer: its not just more comfortable, it boosts my confidence on rougher terrain. Best decision ever!
I had just watched a video from @TheRidewithBenDelaney and he didn't like the rotation issue on redshift stems in a review he was doing of BMC which came with redshift as standard. This Vencum stem really looks like a great alternative. I wish they made a 70mm version but I might still try a 90mm. Another good video from you. Thank you.
I have this suspense stem & one big plus point is that it works on Jones H Bars type handle bars regardless of your hand position .
I installed a set of those X1s at the beginning of the season, they rock. They hold air amazingly compared to other tubeless setups I've had. The tread pattern is fast but they also are confidence inspiring in loose corners.
That would have great package with suspension seat post.
Yes agree unfortunately the d-shaped seat post on this bike doesn't permit that otherwise would have defo put one on
while we’re on it, why not put a suspension in the fork. oh wait, thats an mtb.
@@alanreymercado2665 I did that 2 years ago :) ruclips.net/video/FoHZ14UhXaM/видео.html
Hi, have you a gpx file for the route you rode please? Thank you 🙏
I rode my Ventum GS1 with Gravelking X1 45mm at Unbound. I bombed the downhills and had no issue at all.
I wish I had as easy as a time to get the Gravelking X1’s to seat as you did, I have them on two bikes , and they were tight to get on, and tricky to seat with my blast canister pump- I really like the tires though, fairly fast rolling, grippy, and supple.
What rims are you using them with out of interest?
@@stevekelly6544 I just installed GK X1-R in 45 mm. Yes they were difficult to get on the rim. But for me, they were easy to seat with a regular floor pump (no booster).
@@davidarthur they’re just some Stan’s Crest aluminum gravel wheels on one bike, and they were also a pretty tough to seat on the Velocity Quill wheels on my Single Speed. Took at least 3-7 blasts from my canister pump, usually seat tires first shot on all 3 of my bikes, first time it took so many.
At over £2000 for those mods, I would expect nothing less than a magic carpet ride.
How are the wheels compared to a suspension stem? Can you keep power down on rough gravel terrain?
I rode the Redshift stem for a couple of years and I never noticed the rotation round the single pivot. What was a problem was the lack of suspension in every position other than on the hoods. The Vecnum really is a gamechanger. Looks good too IMO, you just need to ditch that chimney.
A couple of UK winter seasons later will reveal their durability ;)
Are the GK X1s a replacement for the GK SKs? TBH, for UK conditions I am tempted to just stick with a wet tyre, like my Terreno Wets
Great video, what handlebars and width are you running? & what is the stem lenght?
That cute dog!!!
All great info and advice Arthur, but comparing G1800 to Berd Wheels that have probably 4-5 times price difference is not a very food compariaon… 👍
I have the vecnum freequence, its weight is close to redshift and way more lighter than Kinekt stem.
The issue is probably asthetic. It looks boxy
The main downside of Berd spokes (I heard / read) is that they stretch out by quite a margin early in their life time, by as much as 25% it seems. So a Berd wheels needs frequent adjustments to keep the spokes well tensioned. Nonetheless the weight and confort advantage is really tempting 🤩
I own a set of Cane Creek stem and seat post, these two have been a game changer for both road and gravel rides. I'm not that bothered by the single pivot design of the stem, but the Vecnum stem is nice design with a weight (and look) penalty which might be too much for some people (not for me with a full-on steel frame).
Its not 25% (the system isn’t even designed to take 25% slack) I’ve heard they used to keep some inventory so the strings can remain under tension before sending to customer. They do provide a tool to tension or you can take it to your local shop after a month of riding?
I had a set built up several years ago on some dt swiss rims and wheels on my diverge. We re-tensioned at 2 months and I take them back in to the shop about once a year to have them looked at- the first year they had loosened some, this year they didn't even have to touch them. I don't know about anyone elses experience but mine have been pretty much bombproof.
stem or seatpost if you had to choose?
Personally seat post as means you can keep pedalling through rough stuff, but most people go stem first
I ride with the redshift stem one. Very good. Kicks
in going downhill in tougher trails.
I like both but prefer seatpost
Stem for me, I get shoulder and hand aches
Seatpost for 100%. Had a 100 USD stem from aliexpress, Used like 100km, then had to put the fixed one back. It was awful. Rattling around when reaching the limits, and only works if you keep weighted down , so it has up and down motion also, which is not the way I ride most of the time, as I tend not to put my weight on the handlebars when navigating through terrain, where I would actually need suspension. It was a pretty bad experience to use it.
I fitted the new X1 45MM for the Gralloch. Very impressed. I ridden them a lot both on local bridal ways and track as well the Gralloch and and a 95 miles Dunnnoon Glorious Gravel. They are bomb proof. Taken some bit hits on chunky Scottish fire roads on fast descents. No issues so far yet.
how long are those white very expensive spokes going to stay white for?
From what I've read/watched, a quick wash gets them back to white every time. When I've used Dyneema in the past, I've not noticed it attracting dirt or staining.
Was that a tumble? Been there… And I’m trying that stem. Thanks!
Almost a tumble - the trail got suddenly narrow due to mad overgrown nettles and brambles so I had to hit the brakes hard and the camera jolted forward !
That new BMC Urs range is now out. Will you be reviewing?
I have asked but things do seem to be all over the place at BMC right now
@@davidarthur Thanks David. I'll keep popping back to see if BMC worked something out for you. 🙂
Is the suspension stem basically admitting that the diverge future shock is onto something in the gravel realm?
Cool, if a spoke breaks, simply replace it with one of your shoe laces.
£1700+ for the wheels 😳
You're getting one of the most comfortable and lightest wheels on the market.
That’s a normal price for quality wheels.
Based on the type of ‘gravel’ you ride, which is on the chunky side, is there a reason you don’t ride a lightweight xc bike more often? I’ve tried all sorts of bikes off road in the Surrey Hills and after lots of mods and different set ups realised that the best upgrade is to 2.2” tyres. And my lightweight hardtail is most of the time a much more fun and fast option.
@davidarthur where do you join the fosse way from Painswick/Brockworth area? I can’t find it but would love to ride it!!
You don't sadly, it's underneath the A429 from Kemble airport all the way north - I actually started this route from near Stroud and following an old Racing Collective route, check out their website
@@davidarthur ahh so I’d have to road ride to Kemble then hook it up!! Sounds like I need to plan an adventure!
@@robbijay Yes that's right, you can pick it up just south of the airport, follow the road past Cotswold Outdoor and hang and left, and it's offroad pretty much all the way to the M4, where it then becomes a country lane that'll take you, via some steep hills, into Bath. Or you can swing off at the end and loop around to Westonbirt towards Uley and Selsley
@@davidarthur Thanks. Love the channel btw, keep doing what you’re doing!
I honestly thought when you said "one piece of advice" it would be "don't ride down a gravel track with just one hand and that on the centre of the bar"
ha ha yes I wouldn't recommend that!
I simply cannot believe that there is no "bobbing" . I have tested other stems and there is always a noticeable bob ( oscillation) if you stand to climb steep inclines which require tugging hard on the bars. Perhaps it is your riding style or you used the hardest setting but even then it is not locked out . I have read or viewed virtually every vecnum review out there and most do indeed mention the expected oscillation under certain circumstances . I think all the stems would be massively more versatile if they came with a simple full lockout switch . You onviously don't pull hard on the bars or have some refined style because otherwise I'm sure you would have noticed the "bob " ..even if if it is better in that respect than others . I would love to be wrong ...honestly !
Forget a 'suspension' stem, which ain't suspension in real terms, and get a Lefty Oliver fork!
Suspension stems work really well, need less maintenance, and are a fraction of the weight of a true suspension fork. Any rigid gravel bike is improved by adding one, even when using 50mm tyres.
Those wheels are $3000CDN. That would double the value of my CX bike--I sure HOPE they make the bike better. They would have to be better than me buying a WHOLE EXTRA BIKE.
It seems like super light wheels would really help with cx, where there is a ton of accelerating. They are expensive, but dropping most of a kg from rotating mass, is a big upgrade, without accounting for their toughness and ride quality
@@wrwicky It's true, and I've had light, rim-brake carbon CX tubular wheels to race on in the past. But even more important for a privateer is having multiple sets of wheels glued up for race day. 2 sets is good, 3 sets is better. And having a second bike for backup if you've got a mechanical? That's the best.
14:34 ⁉
Ignore all that nonsense. Simply put the money to a high end gravel/cyclocross frame. It does all that for you. speak as someone with neuralgia throughout my entire body my high end Scott frame negates the need for suspension stem etc.
If you want to make your ride smooth and handling predictable, ride on the road. These so-called improvements are for softies. 25 mm tyres at 90 psi for the authentic gravel experience.
@@davemoss6976 I would lose all my dental fillings and crowns with your setup
@davemoss6976 ...We are not all as hard core and self opinionated as yourself . Are these your own views or just something you've learned from other insecure riders who are trying to elevate themselves by putting others down ?
Those wheels are cool. Cant afford them, though😊