Can I Go Road Touring on My Mountain Bike?
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- Опубликовано: 24 июл 2024
- The idea for today's video started with a question, do I need a new bike to enjoy bikepacking routes that are mostly on road?
After being spoilt by the wondrous GDMBR, where 90% of the 2700 miles are on unpaved trails and paths, I am now finding that most routes or tours I am looking into entail much more road riding, and some trips that I would like to do are almost entirely on roads. I therefore wanted to find out how I would feel doing a full days road riding on my Sonder, and I weight up the positives/negatives of using the Sonder for all trips, whatever the surface.
The route I did on this ride is quite local to me, I got the ferry across from Felixstowe to Harwich, and then road inland through some lovely villages and towns in the Dedham Vale Area of Natural Beauty, before looping back around through Ipswich and along the river Orwell back to Felixstowe.
Thank you for watching.
Links
Kona Sutra 2023
www.wheelbase.co.uk/product/k...
Komoot Route
www.komoot.com/tour/133760293...
00:00. Introduction
04:40. Positives to using my Sonder for road bikepacking
07:31. Negatives of using my Sonder for road bikepacking
10:21. Weighing up the options
Hey Matt,
I’m a roadie, and i like watching cycling videos on RUclips while I’m spinning away on my indoor trainer.
I searched for “cycling” videos and yourDay 1 of your Tour Divide ride came up, so I clicked on it.
When I saw the content, I thought watching some old dude ride slow is gonna be a total snooze-fest … like watching paint dry.
But I watched the entire 1st video.
When it ended, RUclips automatically started the 2nd video.
I watched it entirely.
I think I’ve watched like 10 of them now!
I don’t exactly know I keep watching … but I can’t stop. :)
So I guess I gotta say, well done my boy!
I just read your comment out to my entire household. The honesty and the revelation that my videos (old man riding slowly, which should be my new channel name) are keeping you engrossed makes me feel proud. Thanks for watching 👍👍👍
I've been a RUclips Premium subscriber for well over a decade...this is my first time ever commenting. I absolutely love your content. The GDMBR eps were great, but these latest rides in the UK are fantastic. As a Midwest US rider, I typically stick to rail trails and overnight bike camps, but you've got me thinking bigger and broader! I've exclusively ridden my Surly LHT for 12 years in all formats, surfaces and conditions... Would love to shop for a new bike but can never fully justify it! Dig the format, excellent camera work and keep up the commentary! Cheers!
I genuinely feel honoured. I can remember writing something similar when I first left somebody a comment. Thanks. It's also nice to hear that you enjoy the UK rides. I worry that nothing will be as interesting as the GDMBR. I have a few UK rides lined up, including a two night trip in the Peak District. I looked at the LHT. It seems similar to the Kona Sutra but is more expensive. I like these all rounder bikes. I'd like to hear about any upcoming trips you take. Cheers 👍
Kona Sutea would be a great choice, second-hand even better!
Thanks. It does seem to be ticking all of the right boxes. Thanks for the opinion. Cheers 👍
Yes! Explore anywhere/everywhere on a mountain bike. I love my old Gen 1 Vassago Jabberwocky.
I just had a look at your bike. Very nice! I agree that my Sonder is the best bike for exploring. It's really comfortable too. I just need something simple that can get me to and from work really. Cheers 👍
I have a road bike and a mountain bike that I use infrequently. The bike I ride most often is my Rivendell Hunqapillar. The Hunq is an all-arounder with 1.75 Schwalbe Dureme tires, rim brakes, brooks saddle, and upright bars. I ride it everywhere including single track. It always has a front basket and bag attached and it can be used as a fully loaded touring bike as well. It is not a speedy bike, but it is always comfortable and dependable. It is easy and cheap to keep running and it looks good too. The best part is that I got it second hand for a song. It needed help, but it’s sorted now and I wouldn’t trade it for anything else. I would use my mountain bike if I was doing a loaded off-road tour, but the Hunq for everything else. I’m really enjoying your content. Thanks…
I just took a look at the Hunqapillar. What a good looking bike....I think the all rounder type bike has a lot of appeal. I haven't started with the older bike renovation thing yet but I know it'll come. I imagine it's hugely rewarding. Thanks for the insight. Cheers 👍
I'm pleased that you're buying a new bike, it's much more enjoyable having a bike suitable for the occasion.
I see that I have quite a backlog of videos to watch and I look forward to catching up and finding out what it is, and what you are up to next/now 🚴♂️👍
Hi Tony. I have the new bike. I haven't done a lot with it yet. I seem to be in a bit of a lull but have some interesting things planned. Cheers 👍
@@matryderadventures Hi Mat. Yes, good choice of bike. Will you be buying a set of pannier bags for it?
I'm actually watching your next video atm so I might find out soon 🙂🚴♂️👍
I can move the Tailfin rack between bikes so that's the rear bags taken care of. The new bike came with a front rack so I have smaller Tailfin bags to go on that. I may make another framebag!! It depends on whether I can cope with the stress after the last one. Cheers.
You know the rules N+1 every time don't fight it, I am up to 7.
Good advice. I can find room for another 6 bikes 🤣.
Kona Sutra has a great reputation. Cycling About is a fan. I’m a Salsa guy. Love drop bars with aeros. Cutthroat carbon AXS 1x12 2.25 Terravails and suspension fork for GDMBR, and Marrakesh steel STI 3x9 38 mm Schwalbe Marathons for cross-country touring, which also works as a commuter bike for hauling groceries etc. around town. I like the gear-inches range on this…very versatile. Comes with nice Salsa front and rear racks standard. That will set you back $2000 new. Your growing RUclips community might get you a Kona or Salsa sponsorship!
The Salsa Cutthroat is such an awesome bike. I saw a few of those on the GDMBR. I looked at the Marrakesh but it was a little outside my price range. I tink the Sutra is similar. A aponsorship would be nice but I won't hold my breath. Cheers and thanks for the recommendations.
I was in the same boat. My only issue with two bikes is I only have one bum to occupy the seats. 😅
Mat, I also have a titanium bike with a Pinion. I have two sets of wheels for the bike. One set are 2.2 Maxxis Ikon. The second set of wheels are for 38mm schwalbe touring tires. Depending on the sprocket you have for the bigger tires you may need to have a belt specific for each set of tires. But it's very easy to open the frame and change the belt and you have two different bikes.
Very interesting. Thanks for letting me know. I think if it wasn't for the fact that I need a bike for commuting, I would definitely go down that route. I may still at some point. Cheers.
Hi Matt, another great video , your plans for future trips sound really interesting can’t wait to see where you go . Keep up the good work 👍and you never need an excuse to buy a new bike 😂
Hey Bert, I have a old 1990's kona MTB 3x8, as Hack/commuter, looks a bit rough/odd but is mechanically spot on!
Long muds, alt bars, front rack with a wald basket, rear rack with a selection of bungees, tyres are more road than knobblies but will do a turn on tracks/canal paths etc.
Been running it a few years now and its not been robbed yet , probably as no little scrote than pinches bikes would be seen dead on it...........
I wouldn.t leave any bike worth any kind of money that I was invested in, outside a shop/pub etc these days.
Enjoy bike shopping, make the effort to go sit on a few different ones if you can find them reasonably close by, no substitute for sitting on them IMO.
Cheers. 👍
Hey Ernie. So I need an ugly bike. Mine looks a bit ugly with the rack on it. I've strapped the bag in tightly enough that it doesn't bounce around. It's sad but true that any decent looking bike will get pinched. Thanks for the advice. Cheers, Bert 👍👍
I think there is a saying that the best bikepacking bike is the bike you have, however if you would rather have someone steal you kidney than your bike then it is perhaps a good idea to go with something else that you can use when more of your route is on the road, and therefore would require you from time to time to leave your bike in towns and cities.
The bike you are looking at looks more like an old school classic touring bike, I have had several similar bikes over the years and I think they are the perfect all-rounders. They seem to have been superseded by gravel bikes in recent years, but for multiday rides that are mostly on road or decent quality paths, I think the touring bike is still the best option, the gearing in particular I have always found to be perfect for the purpose.
Currently did my first bikepacking with a dual suspension mtb. Bikes are expensive so I decided to use the bike I've got instead of buying a new one.
If you can afford it makes sense to buy a bike for road riding/touring.
You're saying all the right things. I think the all-rounder aspect is the most important thing for me. Also, I can always get a new kidney but I'll never get away with replacing my Sonder.
Another great vid Matt I really look forward 2 thrm. Thank you. I'm s definite roadie back ground and hear whst u say re gravel bike but I can't recommend s specialized diverge enough. Brilliant bike I got one 2nd hand and it's the most comfortable versatile bike I've ever ridden. Not cheap but I know there on sale in the various specialized stores around the country
Another great video - enjoyed seeing places I haven’t been in more than 20 yrs. Thanks again!
Thanks. I'm glad you liked it. I'm lucky to.love in sucha beautiful area. Thanks for watching 👍
See your back in Essex, that breakfast van in Harwich does a mean breakfast in a French stick..
That bridge in Boxeted has been shut for a while now have to a quite a detour!!
Enjoy the bike shopping..
I'll try the French stick breakfast next time. I really like that whole area. I couldn't find a decent route around the bridge so ended up missing a bit of the route. It's a shame but it still ended up being 75ish miles. Cheers 👍
takes more than a pair of shades to become the "Bono" thank God, thanks man, great stuff
Yes. The similarities end there. He may have a better voice than me..maybe not?? Cheers 👍
New bike days are the best.
They definitely are 👍
As i said before, You have the most realistic biking videos on you tube, With your bike question I was thinking just putting a different sprocket and some more road like tires.. Then i remembered what my dad used to say, One is none and two is one. So yea I do buy two of everything and suggest you get another bike. Something you won't worry about... Thanks again for all your videos,,,, From Montreal Canada.
'One is none and two is one'. I like it. Wise advice. I've bought a second bike, one that I'm not too scared to leave, and am glad that I did. Thanks for the advice and thanks for watching these videos. I have to visit Montreal one day. Cheers 👍
Commuting, shopping and such rides are a big part of cycling, which justifies a good commuter that could be pressed into service as a tourer. In the event of a gearbox failure on your main bike on the night before the big flight for a grand tour.
Grab the backup bike, put on the racks and bags and go.
So pick a backup bike with this consideration.
Excellent advise. Thanks. I'll definitely consider that. Cheers 👍
I use gravel bike on my bike touring and it's perfect but looks like you can use mountain bike as well. Awesome video 👍
I agree. Gravel bikes are definitely the best all rounders in my opinion. Thanks for watching 👍👍
Great video mat. I can understand the concern of leaving bike even for a short time. Can’t wait for the trip you were talking about. I have a 3 speed chopper bike you can borrow 😂
I always wanted a Chopper when I was a kid. I had a Tomahawk which was similar but smaller and didn't have the cool gear shifter. I think a European road trip on a Chopper would get a serious amount of RUclips views though!!
Very interesting. There are several more small ferries along the Suffolk coast that carry bikes, lots of photogenic circular route options in flat-ish terrain, maybe we will see you visit again?
Definitely. I love that whole area. I'll look for some new routes. Cheers👍
Looks like a great ride out! Love you bike ... it is a short-list bike for me and my partner for around UK and European Divide - seems you did well off road with it. We rode across Canada (mostly road) on Kona Sutras and LOVED them - strong, smooth, wonderful. I can't help but think changing out the wheelset to different rims/tyres is the way to go!! It looks like you have a terrific bike - unless you are minted, I can't imagine why you would need a whole new bike!? But you seem like you want one and the idea of a commuter is good - the Sutra would do you well. We are going to electrify our Sutras for "around town" and such, and get a Pinon-style off road (maybe broken arrow?) for off-road. You'll make the best of whatever you get - as long as you are out exploring! Have fun!
I really like the Sonder. The Pinion gearbox is really good too. I have bought a Kona Sutra and you're dead right. It's such a nice smooth solid feeling bike. When are you heading out on the European Divide?
@@matryderadventures AH! That is wonderful - then you are seeing/feeling just how wonderful that bike is!! We love them!! Happy for you! We are hoping to go around UK next year and are planning 2026 for the Euro Divide! So - we have some time to dial in the bikes we need by next year ... is the Sonder an upright ride? Does it need spacers to get it there? That is a thing we both want most after years of aero road cycling!
Sounds good. My Sonder has a very upright ride, especially with the Below Orange crazy bars. I think you'd find it very comfortable after aero riding. Good luck with the upcoming rides. Cheers 👍
@@matryderadventures thanks for that insight Matt - those are the bars we are thinking of too!! All the best!
Another great video - fish and chips by the coast is always a winner…pre- or post-beer😉😂 I took a good long look at a Kona Sutra and was about to go for it when I saw the Brother Mehteh. In the end I went with the Mehteh and have not been disappointed! Adding a Jack-the-Bikerack on the front has given me added carrying capacity too, as good on as off road and very definitely not a mountain bike. To be honest, there are probably dozens of bikes that would suit what you’re looking for 🤔 Happy hunting and hopefully you find the perfect ride 😁
The fish and chips was a perfect end to the day. I haven't seen the Mehteh. I'll have a look. Thanks for the recommendation. I really like the look of the Jack-rhe-bikerack. That's definitely on my list. Thanks for the advice.
Hello Matt, I have a Condor Fratello, it’s a steel framed touring biased road bike with rack mounts etc. I love it and condor are great to buy from, it rides very smoothly for commuting. The other one worth looking at is Temple Cycles, out of Bristol UK. They have a discount deal on at the moment I think, I ride with someone who has the adventure disc and it’s a great bike. Cheers. Enjoying the channel. Nice to see my home region of east Anglia on RUclips!
I've already bought a Kona Sutra. One came up at the right price. I may have jumped the gun as I've had some great recommendations. I didn't come across Condor when I was searching. It's a shame. The Fratello looks like a lot of bike for the money. Thanks for the recommendation. Maybe I'll see you on one of the trails around here. Cheers 👍
Would love to see more about your van set up!
I'll do a proper tour on an upcoming video. It's pretty basic but I get a fair bit of use out of it. Cheers 👍
There's a small tour of the van in this old video. ruclips.net/video/Ou-edk0gpHY/видео.htmlsi=a8-jnqOTjs466wBB
@@matryderadventures oh brilliant! Thanks
Specialized Tricross is my bike for this option.
I'll have a look. I haven't seen that bike. Cheers 👍
I love the kona sutra I bought in June. I would higly recommend it. Though the fenders are a bit cheap (plastic) and I found the tires that came with it had a lot of rolling resistance from being a bit heavy. I replaced the tires with some gravel tires and am putting on new aluminum fenders.
Good to hear. Thanks for the information. It seems like a lot of bike for the money. Cheers 👍
I plan to use my Broken Road (coming this week!!) for road and trail trips. I've spec'd it with Maxxis Ikon tyres for a bit less rolling resistance, whilst still being decent enough for the trails. If you did plan to get a 2nd wheelset maybe go for the 29" for a bit faster rolling on the flat stuff. But, as you say maybe the setup is a bit too limited to faff about swapping stuff over. N+1 it is!
My other bike is a Salsa Marrakesh a modern steel tourer (2021 version with Shimano Sora STI shifters). Very similar to the Kona and can take wider tyres. It's the best bike I've ever had and perfect for road touring and some light offroad. Would recommend that without hesitation. Was incredible to use for a week tour in Holland last year.
The Kona seems similar to the Marrakesh. I'll have proper look. I think I realised as I was riding around that I can't be bothered switching wheels etc. I plan on riding into work so a new bike will pay for itself in no time. Thanks For the advice 👍
Another great post.
Be interested to see your van set up, exactly sort of thing I’m contemplating. Be good to know what’s good, bad and ugly about it.
Thanks.
Thanks. I'll talk a bit more about it in an upcoming video. It's very basic but works. I did have a sink/hob in it to start with but ended up taking them out. I needed more room and now both me and the bike can fit in.
I just remembered. I do a small tour of the van in this old video. ruclips.net/video/Ou-edk0gpHY/видео.htmlsi=a8-jnqOTjs466wBB
I know your talking about getting a touring bike but I'm sayin get a FATBIKE lol! Thanks for the awesome video. Good luck on whatever you choose.
I really need to try a fat bike. You're not the only person who's recommended I get one. Maybe the next bike (or the one after that!!!). Cheers.
I'm sure the shipping cost may be a deal breaker but what about the Priority 600 "all road" bike. It's basically the same thing as the 600X but with no suspension and about 1000 cheaper.@@matryderadventures
I would love a Pinion based road bike but with the duty and shipping it's too expensive. It would be the perfect bike though. Shame.
I have a POSEIDON X.
It acts like a road bike, has gravel capabilities that I will never discover. This might be an option. Aluminum with carbon fork, mechanical Tektra disk brakes and Microshift X, 1X10.
I just had a look. I haven't come across Poseidon. They look good. Excellent price. I've purchased a Kona Sutra. One came up at a price I couldn't turn down. I may regret not getting a bike more capable off road but I can modify it if that's the case. Thanks for the recommendation. Cheers 👍
Few things to think about in my view. Swapping bags, racks from one bike to another can be a frustrating faff. Another wheel set easier with a derailleur. In your route planning software you could always select mtb particularly for east anglia Where you have road and byeways combined for a little bit of offroad. which would suit your current bike. For long road journeys your thoughts on the Kona seem sound.
Thanks for the advice. I agree on every poin, particularly the faff of removing bags. It takes so much time. If it wasn't for the commuting/every day riding I would stick with my mountain bike. I think the Kona will be the ideal all rounder. Cheers👍
I think that your conclusion is accurate by the number of bicycles that I have in my garage LOL. I think that bicycles are like shoes in that you have to have the right type for the terrain. I tour on a gravel bicycle. but I would not ride my gravel bicycle on the GDMBR because the tires are too skinny, 700 x 38.
I really enjoyed your GDMBR videos and journey. I am pondering that very ride myself, maybe with a second rider?
Cheers ;
I would love to do the GDMBR again but it might have to wait. I'm going to explore a bit closer to home for the time being. I think a jack of all trades bike is the way to go. I'll always prefer to be off roads but that's not always easy. Cheers 👍
Take a look at the Fairlight Secan as a British touring alternative. A proper do it all bike.
I just took a look. It seems like an amazing bike. I ended up with a Kona Sutra.
I really love my trek fx2 for commuting
I just looked it up. Looks like a great bike. I found a Kona Sutra at a price I couldn't miss so have bought it. Cheers 👍
@@matryderadventures that was on my list when i bought the fx2 :) good choice
The fx2 would have been on my list of I'd have known about it. I can't believe how good the price is.
+1 for a second set of wheels. If not, consider buying some road tires to swap over then see how much smoother your life gets.
I've bought a specific road/commuter bike but will still try some road tyres on my Sonder at some point. It's such a nice bike to ride. Cheers 👍
Buy the best you can afford. 👍
Sou d advise! Cheers 👍
The answer is yes, as touring/bikepacking is not usually competitive speed and time, an MTB can do anything that a road or gravel bike can do
I agree. I've come to the conclusion that you can do anything on a mountain bike. I've still ordered a new bike, but purely for commuting. I've put too much time and effort into my mountain bike to risk it being stolen. Thanks for commenting 👍
I've tried all of that & I prefer to have just one bike , I have a similar bike & have tried loads of tyres .I've settled on 2.25 Vittoria Mazcals & I'm very happy with them very good on & off road , I found tyres like you have very draining on long road days . I have a Thorn Nomad with a Rohloff , a Surly Ogre with a Rohlofff & a Ribble Adventure 1 x 12 Sram .. All doing nothing I'm happy with my Olsen Lamb , I may fit a Surly fork on the front so I can put a rack on the front .
I think I'd just stick with the one bike if I could. Those Mezcals would definitely help my Sonder when it comes to road riding. The only thing leading me towards a new bike is the fact that I'm too scared to let the Sonder out of my sight. I'm too scared to leave it locked up if I ride to work.
@@matryderadventures I can understand that ,I'd never leave my bike un attended ,I don't care how good the lock is .. changing the subject I've recently had a professional bike fit & it's made a huge difference .
I've been considering a bike fit. I think I'll go for it. Cheers.
In the 60's is when I first saw a 10 speed. I thought THAT might be nice yet I kept riding my 3-speed for decade. I have been riding nothing but mountain bikes since 1984, when I spotted and purchased the first specialized stump jumper available at my local bike shop. A simple MTB, no matter how old, can do it all. Its a non-issue what is ridden...just get out and ride.
Mountain bikes definitely seem to be able to do everything. I love mine. A three speed sounds terrifying.....Cheers 👍
Lovely local jolly, my advice.... not that it's worth much as I know nothing about bikes would be anything with a comfortable seat 😂
Ps.... chips looked yummy 😋
The chips were very tasty..the fish was too. The seat advice is duly noted. Thanks 👍
I bought a Salsa warroad it's a endurance bike i think it would fit the bill, light and fast and handle light gravel
Now that is a nice bike. I'll take a proper look. It might tip over into the 'too nice to leave chained up' category. Cheers 👍
I would consider getting a bike with an Shimano Alfine or Nexus. That way you could still run a Gates belt. Of course you would not have the gear range of a pinion, but for commuting without hills it should be sufficient. Plus those bikes are pretty commonly used so you should be able to pick one up second hand. In Germany we have had a lot of people leasing bikes via their employers and those bikes are now in resell either privately or a little bit more expensive but still fairly affordable via resellers and than with a limited warranty.
For road travel I would use your Pinion bike and add some tire pressure.
What I would not do is ever going bake to messing with a derailleur ever again and as you mentioned another Pinion bike is too expensive (especially for commuting).
Thanks for the suggestion. I did t know about the Alfine/Nexus. I completely get your point about derailleurs. My main consideration is leaving the Sonder when commuting. I work in some pretty busy towns and I'm terrified of losing it. Thanks for the advise. Cheers 👍
Personally I'd steer clear of the Nexus. I've a Marin languishing in the back of the garage. Lovely nippy commuter, but is now slipping in 1st and 4th gears which seems to be a very common problem
1) Fenders are a must.
2) Flat bar or drops?? (Drops are more aero)
3) Dynamo hub or batteries??
I'll go with fenders. I think I'll go with drops. When they're raised I find them more comfortable than flat bars. I like the dynamo hub, but batteries are fine. I didn't find the dynamo did much when I was on the GDMBR. It would likely be more efficient on road tours but power is also more available then. All good points. Cheers👍
How's the back ? Before purchasing my Unit X , I considered the Sultra , but went with the more rugged Unit X instead . I think the Sultra would be a fine choice for what you want to do
The back is getting better thanks. The Unit X looks like a nice bike. I get a bit confused as there's quite a bit of crossover between models. I think the Sutra will do all I need. Thanks for the opinion. Cheers 👍
Mayonnaise? On chipshop chips? Heathen.
I agree, I hoped for a second when editing that it was tartar sauce, but soon realised it was not. I considered censoring it, but decided the people needed to see it.
Your comment on the statue with the little girl! 😂 What was that you were eating at your 1 mile meal? Some kind of hot dog? 🌭 Have you considered a single speed for your commuter bike?
Hi. I still don't know what she was actually eating??? It was a baguette (French stick) with bacon and fried egg. It was delicious. I am scared of single speeds. Maybe I should try one at some point. I've bought a Kona Sutra. One came up at a very good price and I couldn't resist. Thanks
@@matryderadventures Kona is a great brand. I hope you love it!
Hi Matt, there’s a Kona Sutra in Elmy Cycles in Ipswich, so fairly local to you ? I think the one in stock is a large frame but even if it’s not the right size it might be useful to see one ‘in the flesh’
Nigel
I’ll be working in the store this afternoon and on Saturday so I’ll be happy to show you some bikes which might fit your requirements, we might even make you a coffee ☕️
Thanks for the offer. If I'd have known I definitely would have come in for a look and a chat. I found one at a price I couldn't refuse and have ordered it. It's a shame as it's always better to sit on one first. If this doesn't work out I'll be in touch. Cheers 👍
I'll make a point of stopping in when I'm passing next anyway. Hopefully you'll be in.
I was interested to know the speed you could get on a flat, as you say you were spinning out the pinion. At what speed was that? Thanks
I'm sorry but I didn't check. I'll make a point of paying attention next time. Thinking about it, my top speed may have been recorded in the Elemnt app. I'll check and if it was I'll let you know.
Just checked. 29 mph.
I've been riding a cheap gravel bike in Scotland, on tarmac, and I've had the lend of a mountain bike in Wales. The difference is huge. The mountain bike just wants to grip the tarmac and slow down. I did 28 miles, to Mumbles and back, and it was hard work. Horses for courses as they say. How long did that ride take you? I was about 2 1/2 to 3 hours covering 28 miles. Just curious.
It took about 7 hours. I was taking my time but the drag from the tyres was definitely noticeable. Looks like we were at a similar pace. How was the ride?
@@matryderadventures I’d have to say less enjoyable than on my gravel bike. It was mostly along the waters edge too so there was quite a headwind. I think I’ve already mentioned previously, I took it up a mountain and that’s where it came into it’s own.
What are those handlebars that you have on your bike?
They are Velo Orange Crazy Bars. I really like them.
Could you please let me know what handlebars model/brand you've got there on your bike? Can't find it on the Sonder online latest version. It appears to hv flat handlebars.
Also curious to know the average speed over the full distance/course - similar question from @PeteM-xp4qc - your reply was 29mph, that's the fastest speed recorded - which is irrelevant in my opinion. I cover singletrack/gravel, all terrain, in my hybrid/touring Cube, I can get to 60/70km p/h downhill, but the overall average only around 20km/h depending on terrain, hills, how much % off rd etc. Speed is not the most important, but it's more enjoyable to hv a bike that can go fast when you need/want to and respond to effort put in. Safe, happy cycling👍 🚲.
They're Velo Orange Crazy Bars. I like them.
I'll find out the average speed. I'm nor sure it'll tell us much as I was messing around filming etc. I agree completely with your point about speed. I know that my old gravel bike got me to work (all roads) in 1 hour where my mountain bike takes 1.5 hrs. That's a lot of time to be saved when commuting. Cheers, and thanks for commenting.
@@matryderadventures Thank you
@arturduarte113 By the way, I didn't get them from Alpkit.
😮My commuter is a hybrid, 700c, with light suspension fork. Heavy but solid and can haul groceries or business goods. Winter, 90s MTB with 8 speed Alfine, and studded tires. I think the Kona Sutra is a great choice for an all a-rounder. With my back, and wrists, I need a more upright bike and set-up with alt-bars. And I enjoy doing resto-mods on 80-90s mountain bikes.
The Kona seems to have a good upright riding position which is important. My back needs all the help it can get. I've heard that retro Mountain bikes make good commuters. I might have a go at modding one at some point. Cheers 👍
Hi is that an Ergon saddle your running? What model is it and how are you finding it?
I use a plus bike for everything and it has 3.0 wide tyres lol Yes I could make it a lot easier with the correct bike for the right situations, but i love my bike and don't care what anyone thinks. I mean how fast and how many miles do you want to do in a day on the road anyway? I take my time and enjoy the comfort my 3 inch tyres give me. 😊
It is an Ergon SMC. So far it's been very comfortable. I've only used it for about 120 miles but it's looking good.
I'm tempted to put 3" tyres on mine. I've been using 2.6" up until now. I like the idea of running lower pressures. I've ordered a bike specifically for commuting and road touring. I agree that pace and distance is not really an issue when on a leisure ride but I'm too scared to leave my mountain bike chained up in towns when commuting. Which tyres do you have?
@matryderadventures Thanks for the reply. I've been looking at the Ergon saddles but wasn't sure what model to go for. The tyres I use are Maxxis Chronicles. Brilliant tyres but they are hard to get hold of now. You might be lucky and find a set with a bit of constant searching.
I'm just watching your series of the Great Divide. So impressive. Well done! I would love to do that.
@matryderadventures and I totally agree about being worried about leaving your bike. I also carry two lightweight small padlocks. I put them through my brake discs, one on front and back. It won't stop your bike from being stolen, but it helps slow them down while you're in the shops. They will have to carry the bike away. I put the 2 spare keys in a small bag and put them inside my handlebars just in case I lose the keys.
@@dalj4362I'll start looking for the Maxxis Chronicles. The GDMBR was amazing. If you get chance I'd definitely recommend it.
@@dalj4362great idea..I'll definitely do that. Like you say, anything to slow them down will help. Cheers 👍
Nope! There is no such thing as too wide, a road tire, so get some 2 inch less knobby tires, and call it a day
Interesting. I may experiment with that in the future. The more I think about it, the more I know I'd be terrified to leave the Sonder chained up anywhere. Bike theft is getting worse. I'd still love to see how it does with road tyres. Cheers 👍
I don't get why you need another bike Mat. Chuck some Vittoria Mezcals on yours. Great tyres. on and offroad
I saw a lot of those tyres on the GDMBR. They are pretty amazing all round tyres. I'll probably put some on my mountain bike next time. I was going to try 3" tyres but I don't think they make them that wide. Not quite a fat bike but as fat as I can get.
Just to reassure you, I ride 100 miles on and offroad in 10 hours at a steady pace filming on my fatbike. The difference you enjoy it more. crouched over a dropbar bike on bone shattering tyres is no fun in my book. Thats a 70 miler. Great ride ruclips.net/video/1KZ-rhBqGWI/видео.htmlsi=dMEZ07jlBmofAXKR
Hi Graham. I'll have a watch later. I 100% agree when it comes to relaxing rides. I'm just terrified of somebody stealing it. I work all over the place and it's rare that I can take the bike indoors. I'll always prefer riding off road.