Well, if you keep doing smart builds like this everyone is going to figure out that 26" wheels worked just great for 30+ years! Seems like you bought back a few days of your life by going with the friction shift. You'll never have to worry about the cable indexing again. You're an inspiration to just get out and ride. Thanks for providing information that I can use.
@RollinRat 26 x 2.5 tires have exactly the same diameter as 650b x 2.0 tires, and they're both reasonably generous volume-wise, so there's not a lot to choose between them; one might be slightly better than the other in certain circumstances and vice versa. The place where 27.5 is going to win out *these days* is tire choices on the market. That's why even those old French randonneur bike makers eventually abandoned 650b for 700c; it's not that 700c is intrinsically better, it was just easier to get parts. Today there's a been a resurgence of 650b road/gravel tires, so there's great tire choices available, but you still can't get certain things, like latex tubes.
RollinRat I started on steel bikes in the fifties. Still ride steel daily. Too many carbon frames broke plus they're ugly to me. Long times cyclist 14 k yearly. It's definitely the Indian not the arrow. At 72 I ride away from youngsters on very expensive bikes with fancy wheels . No shortcuts, just ride lots
I really dig that you've gone and brought the 26" wheel set back into relevance. I built a late 90s Litespeed Unicoi (Ti, with that lovely 20mm soft tail - see the new Moots YBB for comparison) last year and while I'd like a Ti fork, I installed a Carbon fork and made a sub 23lb bike, which I love for less than $1,000. Ti and 26" is doable on a budget, folks. Recycle, reuse.
Recycle and reuse absolutely. I just bought a 20 year old Litespeed Saber. Expected it to be 700c but I actually love the way 650C rides and the bikes fits me being on the short side. Can't beat that polished metallic look. I ended up just throwing stickers all over it to make a tattoo bike cause I don't want to paint over the bare metal. Next bike is defintely gonna be a used Titanium mountain bike that I plan to turn into a gravel bike. The peace of mind not worrying about breaking something or rusting out is gold. My next project tho is my converting my wifes cruiser in a electric moped so she can keep up with me.
@@jojoadeyemi8239 Yes. You've got it going on as well. The old Litespeed frames are excellent and readily available for cheap. No stickers on mine except for the Partypace sticker on the seat tube because I like supporting channels like this that encourage my butt to get off the couch and take a bike for a ride.
I did a similar setup only with a really nice Rocky Mountain Blizzard with Tange Superlight Prestige steel tubing and a segmented titanium fork. It's really comfortable and I enjoy the drop bar
I like the bike! As a retired bike mechanic, I agree with you on internally routed cables. They are bad enough when working on a bike in a stand but can be almost impossible out on the trail.
Russ, I always love your reviews. I feel like you do a great job of explaining living with a bike, as opposed to just riding it. As someone who loves to do as much of his own maintenance, I can see how that brake hose at the chainstay would be a bear to install. It wouldn’t be. Deal breaker but is good to know for a potential buyer. Thanks for another great video
Would love to see a review on the titanium fork. At that price point ($650+) it's not an easy decision. Curious if you considered Lynskey, noticed you didn't even mention them. Yet mentioned Mouts (which is even more expensive than Bearclaw). External and internal routing options (oh and the chain stay slot is on the top for internal).
26" forever ! That being said, you are 100% correct about that rear brake cable routing, that is a terrible series of bends for a cable to have to work through. Great bike and a great video.
I've been saving up to buy a Thunderhawk as well, I think you spent money on the things that matter the most! Sick build. I'm definitely as nit picky about cable routing as well and hope they change that rear brake routing soon. I would've rather had external routing....
Love a new bike build! I am going back to friction shifting for the Gorilla Monsoon I picked up today. Using dc ene wing shifters… these are Russ’ fault! Showing us fun stuff to put on our bikes 😆 As for the wheels 26/650b/700c - seems to me that there are now good tires available on all options now so you can actually run the right wheels for the frame size depending on your height/inseam.
As a bike mechanic from long ago I've never dealt with internal cable routing. If you have to leave the housing on what is the point?? Personally I wouldn't want to deal with it! Why not run your cables on the outside of the frame using cable clips or zip ties and save yourself a lot of headache.
What a beautiful bike! Congrats. I love that you're running 26 in on this one. I've been running a set of the Humptulips for a bit now (51mm wide on Velocity Cliffhangers) and I like them a lot. Could 26 be poised for a comeback? Only time will tell,lol.
I'm right with you on the routing. If I ever get another frame, it will have external cable routing. Not only is it simpler, I love seeing the mechanicals.
With you all the way on external routing and just last week I freshened up for a neighbor a ladies' 24" Fuji by installing new rear rim-brake pads and a new rear cable. And external everything made for quick work.
Love the build! Bought the posideon redwood based on your recommendation last year and the micro advent group set is perfect for riding around. I am running a 34t up front and find it perfect w the 11-48
I used to dig the internal routing on frames until I got my Twin Six Rando with external routing and I love it. Looks super clean too. Unless the bike is a carbon frame with specific channels for cables to go through external routing is the better solution.
Awesome build! The contrast between the bling frame and the accessible components is great. It’s refreshing to see a build that’s not just someone throwing tons money at it so it’s “cool”
Being a shorter guy myself, I love 26ers and find myself often drawn to 90s MTB dropbar conversions for that reason. This seems like an awesome build. TI is a pretty neat material for bikes, esp. smaller frames. I have a Why? R+ and I feel like I can feel the spring that you always hear proponents of steel mention, but that I've never really experienced in steel - I think b/c the tubes are all so short. Congrats on wicked looking machine!
Welcome to the world of Ti. It's kinda a sickness. I really dig the simple build. I have the Bearclaw fork on my Lynskey gravel bike. Jason at Bearclaw was super cool to me when I ordered it two years ago. I like it and look forward to your thoughts. As to that tricky brake housing - have you tried running the housing under the chainstay and around the bottom to the outside? The added length may help reduce the angle and since the brake cable stop is set toward the outside maybe it will help. Just an idea. I hope that makes sense.
Great bike, I have an older Thunderhawk with external routing. I found that the derailleur hangar is a bit stiff and has a tendency to snap quite easily. Otherwise very happy with the frameset! Smooth and lightweight.
Nice build and video. I'm a big fan of 26ers for their durability and low cost. I have a drop-bar conversion Habanero Ti 26er running Tiagra 9 speed 1x and a customer Rodriguez steel friction shifting 2x9 running 26ers. Easy to work on a go-anywhere bikes.
I own a Thunderhawk with external cable routing. And have sometimes wish I had the internal routing only because it looks so clean. But this is a reminder that I'm all good with external routing on my Thunderhawk. Keep doing what you do brother. I'm always looking forward to new content from you. If you're ever down this way (Tucson), reach out and let's ride. You even have a place to crash to save yourself a few dollars.🌵🏜️🚲
I did a mullet with a 34t. I worked ok for climbing, but I would spin out on the flats. I went back to a 2x setup and that was way better for climbing, but I should have done a 36t or bigger for the big ring. Fantastic range.
I've been rocking a Surly Troll for a long time with steel frame and 26 inch wheels. It does the job and can fit road touring tyres all the way to 26x3 plus wheels for some offroad fun! My 29er can roll over baby heads a bit easier, sure, but I also have to run a much smaller seat pack.
Really nice build. The Thunderhawk was one of my finalists for a gravel bike but I went with a Co-motion Klatch. I do have a couple of Co-motion's and they are some pretty sweet rides.
Russ, I'm running those Rene Hearse tires on my surly long haul. they are truly the best bike part I've ever bought Keep on being you man, youre doing good stuff.
I love bar end friction shifters. The flexibility is reason enough and I actually don’t shift constantly as I am not “cadence sensitive” anyway. Nice bike….good review. Enjoy !
Nothing wrong with bar end shifters. I used SRAM carbon brake levers that I had lying around + Dura Ace 11 speed bar ends on my Outback and that combo matches the weight of most brifters .
Awesome review and bike, thanks Russ!! I think if manufacturers make 26" to the same tubeless standards as 650B, we'll have an MTB wheelset for our gravel bikes. What a dream!
I built up a 26" 90s steel MTB as a city/suburban gravel crusher. It's super fun. But the ride is definitely a bit "mushy" with 26x2.1" tires, and it just feels kinda slow -- though it does seem to spin up quickly. I wonder if it would feel snappier with narrower tires at higher pressure. I did a full nerd-out on the geometry, and it's actually astonishing close to my Marin Nicasio (except wheel size -- that one's 700x35f/43r) on the essential points, but with a very different feel. Sooo, my rec for 26" content is: does it feel mushier with the fat tires? Does it feel snappier again with narrower tires?
So I am 1:28 in and I love your passion and your knowledge. I won't comment on whatever comes next but just wanted to say that your intro really grabbed me.
I like those handlebars. Appears to have a similar outward tilt to the Salsa Woodchippers/Cowchippers I have on a couple of bikes, but the hooks are shallow and don't stick out as far as the Woodchippers do. I'll have to look and see if you've already published a review on those.
@@Jean-jk4zv Redshift Kitchen Sink bars. Russ did an unboxing a few months back and appears to be doing a long term test with them on the Jamis Venture now.
@RollinRat Interestingly, I'm primarily a hood rider and what I like about dirt drops is the outward tilt of the brake levers. It is just a natural and comfortable position for me. About 24-25° seems perfect. I tried some bars with a much greater tilt a few years ago, but it was too much for my liking.
@RollinRat glad to here you like the Venturemax. I just purchased the 56cm version but also considered the Kitchen Sink bar. Decided I wanted a wider bar for bikepacking.
@RollinRat Yes, all good reminders, but for normal riding, I find it comfortable. And yes, my screenname is based off of Calvin's Spaceman Spiff persona.
Congratulations on the new bike, it is a beauty. Since you asked, I am currently in love with 700c/29 wheels, they just roll so good and you just can't beat the roll over. Also I prefer straight bars but drop bars have their place in any good stable so I will always have one. That said, I want "brifters". Cables? internal sucks to work on but damn those bikes that completely hide every hint of a cable are the coolest looking ever to my eyes and I hope to someday own one.
Perfection doesn't exist, and even if it did it would be fleeting because something new and even more perfect would replace it eventually. That's the way it works. The best one can hope for is to find something that meets most of their needs, knowing there will always be room for improvement. Sounds like you have found an awesome bike, enjoy it despite any shortcomings!
Nice looking bike and very functional build! Please forgive me, but watching you riding from the side it looks really like a 90th MTB with a ridgit fork, but with a drop bar. ;-) I couldn't resist... Due to the small wheels and the long stem it looks too small for your size and you could hit the front tire with your toes. I'd prefer a shorter stem (-3cm) and a frame with a longer reach (+3cm) to have a more stable ride especially going down hill. I recently moved from a 26" fully mtb plus a 26" hardtail to a 29" trailbike and I'll never look back. The ride is so much smoother. If I'd buy an adventure or gravel bike I'd chose 29" wheels 7 days a week. With continental race king tires there's not much rolling resistance. But no matter what, keep riding and have fun!
I wish there were more choices for 26" wheeled disk brake bikes (for people of average height.) Besides the VO Polyvalent or Surly Disk Trucker 26, is there anything else out there? I've got a cool set of tubeless ZTR Flows on an old hardtail and it would be cool to swap them onto a "gravel" frame of sorts. Guess I'll just put a rigid fork, brooks saddle and pair of Humptulips on it. ;) Hell, maybe I'll throw some Surly Corner bars on it too.
What a beautiful bike, Russ! 😍 It looks like a terrific build too, especially as it does what you want. You get all the thumbs up at this household. 👍👍👍👍 As for the internal routing, you know Park makes a tool for that, although I'm surprised it isn't sleeved.
AeSome! Been looking at that frame & fork for more than a year, after you revie ed it--continuing to look, conSidering the budget of a VO diamond-frame polyvalent (Same taSte, Strange huh?). P.S. I already have an original VO PaSShunter & a Riv Sam Hillborne, I agree your revie (thicky keyth...).
Nice bike. I've always wanted a titanium bike. I raced a Merlin once in a mountain bike race in 1987, which I borrowed from the then national champion, Andy Tout. It felt like what a ride should feel like. But I've never had enough money for an all ti machine. Now it doesn't matter. Older, slower, time to stop deluding myself. I have enough bikes for cryin out loud. I really like that you have the bar con friction shifter on the bars. I've never owned a bike with the gear shifters and brake levers combined. They don't put tuners on guitar pegs. They don't sell fish hooks with worms already on them. You have to learn a skill or two. And yes, you have all the time in the world to make your shifts. I have a downtube mounted friction single shift lever on my vintage Panasonic, set up as seven speed tourer. I'm recommending that riders find good old steel ten speed handlebars and bend them into randonneurs shape. It's easy and makes a whole new thing that's so cool to use.
Fantastic build! I think all bikes have some kind of compromise. The internal cable routing is something you will rarely bump up against. I’d forget it and put on as many miles as you can. Life is quirky.
Friction shifters are no more humble than 26” wheels. Henry Wildberry and Ms. Cools rock them (and on the downtube to boot). They are entirely appropriate for party pace. Yours can evidently handle 10 speeds. Nothing will skip cogs faster.
My gravel grinder CAAD X came with TRP mechanical disc brakes . . . which sucked! A couple of weeks ago I replaced them with TRP cable actuated hydraulic brakes. The front brake was a lot better, not so the rear, so I ordered. per YT research, noncompression housing. The CAAD X also has internal routing (downtube) to the rear caliper. however, it is not internally routed through the chain stay which should make things a lot easier. Although I have replaced internal cables/housings before, I never realized the nc housing might be more difficult to route. Anyway, congrats on the the new bike and regards to you both.
I am one of your subscriber here in philippines. I would like to know if specialized borought 700x45c is a good tire for gravel? Since that's the only available here in our local stores with 700x45c tire. Thank you and hope you can notice this comment. Sending my appreciation here from philippines.
Finally decided to order up one of the Twisted T-Racks while watching this and they're sold out! I feel like that has to be thanks to your review. Good on ya for showcasing some of the small makers out there!
I'm new to gravel well saying that is used to do MTB back in the 1988 showing my age now but I have been road cycling the last 6 years after being off the bike for a good 20 years I have a MTB with 26" wheels I bought to follow my son when he was doing his MTBing 😁 I was going to but dropped bars on the bike as I'm doing a gravel grind in October but have decided not to but was looking a good tyre for it and now you have found it for me thanks 😁. Also have you ever tested any Bamboo gravel bikes? Which you self build I was thinking of that at some stage 😁
Nice work Russ! And that looks like an utterly sweet bike. As for 26”… I still have a 26er on the fleet, but as a Very Tall Man, since discovering the big 29, a ride on the smaller bike just feels like I’m on skateboard wheels and I really feel the hits from ruts and roots. Each to their own, enjoy the bike!
I have the 11 speed version of that shifter on my commuter and I love it! For some reason it started giving me issues routing along the handlebar a few months after installing it, so I've since reverted to the "lazy loop", but it's been working perfectly on my daily ever since.
I have a pair of Shimano dura ace (sadly only index these days!) bar ends on a previous build. They had a U shaped protective cover for the cable with them. You may be able to get this separately. It worked well and meant I didn’t have to loop.
Friction shifting is way better than the newer index shifting but no where near as good as a Rohloff hub gears. I changed to a steel framed Thorn Nomad Mk2 with S&S couplings and a Rohloff hub 6 years ago and would never go back to derailleur gears. In that time I have covered just over 42000 miles and the only maintenance other than lubricating and cleaning the sprockets and chain has been 2 new chains and a 15-20 minute oil change for the hub every year. You need to try a Rohloff hub geared bike.
Please tell me what microshift bar end that is. SRAM/Shimano 10 speed? I have the dura-ace 9speed in friction and it doesn’t make it through the adventx cassette/derailleur. I’ve been apprehensive on pulling the trigger on one because I’m not sure which ratio it’s closest to. Please help
How would you compare this bike to the Breadwinner G-Road? You were stoked on it when you reviewed it, and watching your videos about that bike made me really want one. But I really like titanium and and I have two ti bikes (one of which would be replaced by either a G-Road or Thunderhawk if I were to buy either of those). So why did you choose to buy the Thunderhawk instead of the G-Road? Of course that question assumes this was an either/or situation - maybe you intend to own both! 😃 If so, party on!!
Dude, that bike is fantastic. Also, put on whatever parts make you happy! On a frame like that you can swap and configure whenever you get crazy and fun ideas. The bike will always have an amazing core and you can dress it up for whatever mood fits you.
Nice bike! I've just put a deposit on a custom road titanium frame from Waltly here in China, sinceI just love the look of titanium and still don't feel overly comfortable with the idea of a full carbon frame. Ti just looks so much cooler and classier than carbon. I am in the process of getting my frame designed (I'm going with internal routing for a cleaner look) and will definitely take your comment about the position of the rear brake cable housing exit hole in mind and get the hole on the top of the chain stay and a bit further back from the caliper mount, since I too will be using cable actuated hydraulic brakes with compressionless housing.
Im wondering, how many chain link do you need for that gearing ratio? Is 116 link that came in a pack when purchase the chain is enough? Cuz i have 40t chainring with 11-46t cassette and 116 link chain still not enough.
I have a suspicion that ReneHearse tires have a lot to do with the suppleness. I would really like to hear your thoughts on the gearing change between 26' and 650b tires.
Going into my 3rd year with the Thunderhawk and couldn't be happier! I have it paired with a Lauf suspension fork and wireless shifting which helps tremendously during all day rides on gravel. Mine was pre-internal routing and I would agree with your opinion, especially with regard to the brake routing exit in the rear chain stays.
I’m interested in your thoughts regarding the difference between the ti fork and a steel one. I’m converting a hard tail ti mtn bike into a gravel bike and have purchased a Surly fork. Almost got a ti fork from China but hesitated due to not knowing how the bike will work out. Hope you’ll talk about the fork sometime or send me a pm with your thoughts. Thanks 😊
You made a video recently showing that you you replaced all your 1x bikes with 2x. I guess this bike no longer has a single chainring. Exceptional bike.
That bend is brutal. It's not picky to be disappointed by that. It's just a poor design choice. Beautiful bike though. I dig the internal routing and have not had difficulty with it since I got the park tool cable routing kit.
I use electrical wire connectors just cut the cable at the brake lever or shifter. Then crimp the cable's together you can even use the wire crimper to roll the outside corners so they slide across lip better. I like your titanium bicycle and really can care less on how a younger generation has to abbreviate everything they can get away with. I ride a extra large masi with a four inch handlebar riser my bar end shifters did not need tandem cable's when I had drop bars on it. I was surprised that you needed them. Thanks for the video your doing great!!
I’ve been eyeing that fork for some time for my Lynskey GR300, although I feel I might not like the change the geometry (my carbon fork has 10mm less fork to crown and 4mm less rake). I tend to ride that bike mostly on road and regularly in group rides, so I wouldn’t like to dull down the handling. Any feedback on this from any of you guys would be appreciated.
I added that fork to my GR250. The fork is a bit taller than the carbon Lynskey fork I took off. It does change the handling a tad, but is mostly noticeable at slow speeds. I dont know if it is a bad thing...just different. It goes in a straight line great. I can run along washboards without hands.
@@robertburns3 is it more stable, or simply slower/sluggish? I’m not too worried about the fit, since I could lower the stem and set it at pretty much its current height
Congratulations on your new dream bike Mr Russ! I'm looking forward to seeing more of it in future videos. I've taken note of the things that were a little spendy and the things that were a bit more budget, well done.
Ding ding ding...you nailed it for me with the brakes and the internal routing. The issue there is that the internal routing is designed to be smooth with hydraulic brakes and for whatever reason these mechanical brakes align the cable on the other side of the brake. And it's not just the Yokozuna and Juintech (which are the same) it's also the TRP HY/RD. The cable stop is outboard of the disc where on hydraulic brakes the hose is inboard and on a brake like the TRP Spyre it is inline. As you noted it results in that crappy cable orientation which loves to pull on the brake caliper in a twisting motion and you get brake rub. Same issue with internally routed forks as well. Such a bummer as I was going to update my partner's Specialized Ruby to these brakes but they just don't work well with internal routing. I wish they would update the brake design to be equivalent to what's pretty much an industry standard. But as you said...external routing also solves the issue.
Yeah, just like the hole for the rear derailleur @10:50, they could put it in the middle-top of the non-drive chainstay, which would work for routing any of the brakes you mentioned - inboard, inline, or outboard. So frustrating.
I don't think the string brakes are suitable for gravel as they will get dusty and muddy and will have to clean the string all the time or the dirt will get into the tubes. to me best would be pinion+belt+hydraulic
If you want a Grappler, Topstone and CAAD13 great. If you want an all titanium gravel bike you’d still be out of luck. That’s like saying I really want a streak, but I’m going to buy 6 happy meals instead.
I am curious when they started the internal routing. My thunderhawk doesn’t have that but I do believe mine was one of the earliest versions of the frame. I am curious how they resolved the issue with thruaxle on the ti fork. As with my ti fork I need to use a nut on one end to tighten it down.
Can you run the friction shifter in index mode with the advent derailer? Also you said 700 X 28 for tire clearance but on the website it says 700 X 50. Which is correct?
No. Friction only. It can take 700x50 but depending on frame size you will get toe overlap and it will ride wonky. . I said 700x28 because I was trying to keep the same outside diameter as 650bx48 / 26 x 2.3 and not get toe overlap.
Nice. You would make a good investor. You consider your position, make a plan and execute. You know exactly why you do what you do. You are not interested in why others may do things differently. This is actual confidence. Very good brother...
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Well, if you keep doing smart builds like this everyone is going to figure out that 26" wheels worked just great for 30+ years! Seems like you bought back a few days of your life by going with the friction shift. You'll never have to worry about the cable indexing again. You're an inspiration to just get out and ride. Thanks for providing information that I can use.
Say it!! Russ is the man!!👍🤘🤙
@RollinRat 26 x 2.5 tires have exactly the same diameter as 650b x 2.0 tires, and they're both reasonably generous volume-wise, so there's not a lot to choose between them; one might be slightly better than the other in certain circumstances and vice versa. The place where 27.5 is going to win out *these days* is tire choices on the market. That's why even those old French randonneur bike makers eventually abandoned 650b for 700c; it's not that 700c is intrinsically better, it was just easier to get parts. Today there's a been a resurgence of 650b road/gravel tires, so there's great tire choices available, but you still can't get certain things, like latex tubes.
RollinRat I started on steel bikes in the fifties. Still ride steel daily. Too many carbon frames broke plus they're ugly to me. Long times cyclist 14 k yearly. It's definitely the Indian not the arrow. At 72 I ride away from youngsters on very expensive bikes with fancy wheels . No shortcuts, just ride lots
for low people ..
From a physical standpoint 26inch does nothing better apart from being lighter tho.
I really dig that you've gone and brought the 26" wheel set back into relevance. I built a late 90s Litespeed Unicoi (Ti, with that lovely 20mm soft tail - see the new Moots YBB for comparison) last year and while I'd like a Ti fork, I installed a Carbon fork and made a sub 23lb bike, which I love for less than $1,000. Ti and 26" is doable on a budget, folks. Recycle, reuse.
Recycle and reuse absolutely. I just bought a 20 year old Litespeed Saber. Expected it to be 700c but I actually love the way 650C rides and the bikes fits me being on the short side. Can't beat that polished metallic look. I ended up just throwing stickers all over it to make a tattoo bike cause I don't want to paint over the bare metal.
Next bike is defintely gonna be a used Titanium mountain bike that I plan to turn into a gravel bike. The peace of mind not worrying about breaking something or rusting out is gold. My next project tho is my converting my wifes cruiser in a electric moped so she can keep up with me.
@@jojoadeyemi8239 Yes. You've got it going on as well. The old Litespeed frames are excellent and readily available for cheap. No stickers on mine except for the Partypace sticker on the seat tube because I like supporting channels like this that encourage my butt to get off the couch and take a bike for a ride.
@@fiveacrespread3756 Partypace stickers look good on it. 👍🏾
Shhhh... I need some great deals to be available when I do my build. Great build!
I did a similar setup only with a really nice Rocky Mountain Blizzard with Tange Superlight Prestige steel tubing and a segmented titanium fork. It's really comfortable and I enjoy the drop bar
I like the bike! As a retired bike mechanic, I agree with you on internally routed cables. They are bad enough when working on a bike in a stand but can be almost impossible out on the trail.
Russ, I always love your reviews. I feel like you do a great job of explaining living with a bike, as opposed to just riding it. As someone who loves to do as much of his own maintenance, I can see how that brake hose at the chainstay would be a bear to install. It wouldn’t be. Deal breaker but is good to know for a potential buyer. Thanks for another great video
Would love to see a review on the titanium fork. At that price point ($650+) it's not an easy decision. Curious if you considered Lynskey, noticed you didn't even mention them. Yet mentioned Mouts (which is even more expensive than Bearclaw). External and internal routing options (oh and the chain stay slot is on the top for internal).
26" forever ! That being said, you are 100% correct about that rear brake cable routing, that is a terrible series of bends for a cable to have to work through. Great bike and a great video.
I've been saving up to buy a Thunderhawk as well, I think you spent money on the things that matter the most! Sick build. I'm definitely as nit picky about cable routing as well and hope they change that rear brake routing soon. I would've rather had external routing....
Love a new bike build! I am going back to friction shifting for the Gorilla Monsoon I picked up today. Using dc ene wing shifters… these are Russ’ fault! Showing us fun stuff to put on our bikes 😆 As for the wheels 26/650b/700c - seems to me that there are now good tires available on all options now so you can actually run the right wheels for the frame size depending on your height/inseam.
What's your favorite genre(s) of literature? Favorite writers? (sorry, I know this channel is about bikes, but you've mentioned it a few times . . . )
As a bike mechanic from long ago I've never dealt with internal cable routing. If you have to leave the housing on what is the point?? Personally I wouldn't want to deal with it! Why not run your cables on the outside of the frame using cable clips or zip ties and save yourself a lot of headache.
What a beautiful bike! Congrats. I love that you're running 26 in on this one. I've been running a set of the Humptulips for a bit now (51mm wide on Velocity Cliffhangers) and I like them a lot. Could 26 be poised for a comeback? Only time will tell,lol.
I'm right with you on the routing. If I ever get another frame, it will have external cable routing. Not only is it simpler, I love seeing the mechanicals.
sorry to disagree- I love the aesthetics of internal routing- but I leave installation to those that know how!
With you all the way on external routing and just last week I freshened up for a neighbor a ladies' 24" Fuji by installing new rear rim-brake pads and a new rear cable. And external everything made for quick work.
BAR-END SHIFTERS OF THE WORLD UNITE!
Love the build! Bought the posideon redwood based on your recommendation last year and the micro advent group set is perfect for riding around. I am running a 34t up front and find it perfect w the 11-48
I used to dig the internal routing on frames until I got my Twin Six Rando with external routing and I love it. Looks super clean too. Unless the bike is a carbon frame with specific channels for cables to go through external routing is the better solution.
Awesome build! The contrast between the bling frame and the accessible components is great. It’s refreshing to see a build that’s not just someone throwing tons money at it so it’s “cool”
Didn’t realize Jason changed that. Original bike had external routing to keep it simple. Been saving for one too!
Being a shorter guy myself, I love 26ers and find myself often drawn to 90s MTB dropbar conversions for that reason. This seems like an awesome build. TI is a pretty neat material for bikes, esp. smaller frames. I have a Why? R+ and I feel like I can feel the spring that you always hear proponents of steel mention, but that I've never really experienced in steel - I think b/c the tubes are all so short. Congrats on wicked looking machine!
Rightfully, touring bicycles should be set up with rim brakes for the ease of maintenance and long lasting break pads. Lighter also.
That sounds like someone else’s dream bike.
Welcome to the world of Ti. It's kinda a sickness. I really dig the simple build. I have the Bearclaw fork on my Lynskey gravel bike. Jason at Bearclaw was super cool to me when I ordered it two years ago. I like it and look forward to your thoughts.
As to that tricky brake housing - have you tried running the housing under the chainstay and around the bottom to the outside? The added length may help reduce the angle and since the brake cable stop is set toward the outside maybe it will help. Just an idea. I hope that makes sense.
That’s a good idea. May try that.
Great bike, I have an older Thunderhawk with external routing. I found that the derailleur hangar is a bit stiff and has a tendency to snap quite easily. Otherwise very happy with the frameset! Smooth and lightweight.
Nice build and video. I'm a big fan of 26ers for their durability and low cost. I have a drop-bar conversion Habanero Ti 26er running Tiagra 9 speed 1x and a customer Rodriguez steel friction shifting 2x9 running 26ers. Easy to work on a go-anywhere bikes.
I own a Thunderhawk with external cable routing. And have sometimes wish I had the internal routing only because it looks so clean. But this is a reminder that I'm all good with external routing on my Thunderhawk. Keep doing what you do brother. I'm always looking forward to new content from you. If you're ever down this way (Tucson), reach out and let's ride. You even have a place to crash to save yourself a few dollars.🌵🏜️🚲
I did a mullet with a 34t. I worked ok for climbing, but I would spin out on the flats. I went back to a 2x setup and that was way better for climbing, but I should have done a 36t or bigger for the big ring. Fantastic range.
I hear having a cassette starting at the 10t could be help a bit.
I've been rocking a Surly Troll for a long time with steel frame and 26 inch wheels. It does the job and can fit road touring tyres all the way to 26x3 plus wheels for some offroad fun! My 29er can roll over baby heads a bit easier, sure, but I also have to run a much smaller seat pack.
Really nice build. The Thunderhawk was one of my finalists for a gravel bike but I went with a Co-motion Klatch. I do have a couple of Co-motion's and they are some pretty sweet rides.
Russ, I'm running those Rene Hearse tires on my surly long haul. they are truly the best bike part I've ever bought Keep on being you man, youre doing good stuff.
I love bar end friction shifters. The flexibility is reason enough and I actually don’t shift constantly as I am not “cadence sensitive” anyway. Nice bike….good review. Enjoy !
Nothing wrong with bar end shifters. I used SRAM carbon brake levers that I had lying around + Dura Ace 11 speed bar ends on my Outback and that combo matches the weight of most brifters .
nothing wrong except you can't use brakes and shifters without changing position of your hands.
Awesome review and bike, thanks Russ!! I think if manufacturers make 26" to the same tubeless standards as 650B, we'll have an MTB wheelset for our gravel bikes. What a dream!
I built up a 26" 90s steel MTB as a city/suburban gravel crusher. It's super fun. But the ride is definitely a bit "mushy" with 26x2.1" tires, and it just feels kinda slow -- though it does seem to spin up quickly. I wonder if it would feel snappier with narrower tires at higher pressure. I did a full nerd-out on the geometry, and it's actually astonishing close to my Marin Nicasio (except wheel size -- that one's 700x35f/43r) on the essential points, but with a very different feel. Sooo, my rec for 26" content is: does it feel mushier with the fat tires? Does it feel snappier again with narrower tires?
I have a lynskey titanium and I am very happy with it.
So I am 1:28 in and I love your passion and your knowledge. I won't comment on whatever comes next but just wanted to say that your intro really grabbed me.
I like those handlebars. Appears to have a similar outward tilt to the Salsa Woodchippers/Cowchippers I have on a couple of bikes, but the hooks are shallow and don't stick out as far as the Woodchippers do. I'll have to look and see if you've already published a review on those.
Same here do you know what model it is ?
@@Jean-jk4zv Redshift Kitchen Sink bars. Russ did an unboxing a few months back and appears to be doing a long term test with them on the Jamis Venture now.
@RollinRat Interestingly, I'm primarily a hood rider and what I like about dirt drops is the outward tilt of the brake levers. It is just a natural and comfortable position for me. About 24-25° seems perfect. I tried some bars with a much greater tilt a few years ago, but it was too much for my liking.
@RollinRat glad to here you like the Venturemax. I just purchased the 56cm version but also considered the Kitchen Sink bar. Decided I wanted a wider bar for bikepacking.
@RollinRat Yes, all good reminders, but for normal riding, I find it comfortable. And yes, my screenname is based off of Calvin's Spaceman Spiff persona.
This channel makes me wish I had more dirt terrain near by. 😞
Congratulations on the new bike, it is a beauty.
Since you asked, I am currently in love with 700c/29 wheels, they just roll so good and you just can't beat the roll over. Also I prefer straight bars but drop bars have their place in any good stable so I will always have one. That said, I want "brifters".
Cables? internal sucks to work on but damn those bikes that completely hide every hint of a cable are the coolest looking ever to my eyes and I hope to someday own one.
I love my Thunderhawk. Never regret spending that $$. Like your build.
Perfection doesn't exist, and even if it did it would be fleeting because something new and even more perfect would replace it eventually. That's the way it works. The best one can hope for is to find something that meets most of their needs, knowing there will always be room for improvement. Sounds like you have found an awesome bike, enjoy it despite any shortcomings!
Did I miss a "Why we moved to Montana" video? Why did you?
Laura took a job with Adventure Cycling.
Nice looking bike and very functional build!
Please forgive me, but watching you riding from the side it looks really like a 90th MTB with a ridgit fork, but with a drop bar. ;-) I couldn't resist...
Due to the small wheels and the long stem it looks too small for your size and you could hit the front tire with your toes.
I'd prefer a shorter stem (-3cm) and a frame with a longer reach (+3cm) to have a more stable ride especially going down hill.
I recently moved from a 26" fully mtb plus a 26" hardtail to a 29" trailbike and I'll never look back. The ride is so much smoother.
If I'd buy an adventure or gravel bike I'd chose 29" wheels 7 days a week. With continental race king tires there's not much rolling resistance.
But no matter what, keep riding and have fun!
I wish there were more choices for 26" wheeled disk brake bikes (for people of average height.) Besides the VO Polyvalent or Surly Disk Trucker 26, is there anything else out there? I've got a cool set of tubeless ZTR Flows on an old hardtail and it would be cool to swap them onto a "gravel" frame of sorts. Guess I'll just put a rigid fork, brooks saddle and pair of Humptulips on it. ;) Hell, maybe I'll throw some Surly Corner bars on it too.
What a beautiful bike, Russ! 😍 It looks like a terrific build too, especially as it does what you want. You get all the thumbs up at this household. 👍👍👍👍
As for the internal routing, you know Park makes a tool for that, although I'm surprised it isn't sleeved.
AeSome! Been looking at that frame & fork for more than a year, after you revie ed it--continuing to look, conSidering the budget of a VO diamond-frame polyvalent (Same taSte, Strange huh?). P.S. I already have an original VO PaSShunter & a Riv Sam Hillborne, I agree your revie (thicky keyth...).
Nice bike. I've always wanted a titanium bike. I raced a Merlin once in a mountain bike race in 1987, which I borrowed from the then national champion, Andy Tout. It felt like what a ride should feel like.
But I've never had enough money for an all ti machine. Now it doesn't matter. Older, slower, time to stop deluding myself. I have enough bikes for cryin out loud.
I really like that you have the bar con friction shifter on the bars.
I've never owned a bike with the gear shifters and brake levers combined. They don't put tuners on guitar pegs.
They don't sell fish hooks with worms already on them. You have to learn a skill or two. And yes, you have all the time in the world to make your shifts. I have a downtube mounted friction single shift lever on my vintage Panasonic, set up as seven speed tourer. I'm recommending that riders find good old steel ten speed handlebars and bend them into randonneurs shape. It's easy and makes a whole new thing that's so cool to use.
Super stoked! Great video Russ and thanks for sharing your new Bearclaw, looks great.
Fantastic build! I think all bikes have some kind of compromise. The internal cable routing is something you will rarely bump up against. I’d forget it and put on as many miles as you can. Life is quirky.
Friction shifters are no more humble than 26” wheels. Henry Wildberry and Ms. Cools rock them (and on the downtube to boot). They are entirely appropriate for party pace. Yours can evidently handle 10 speeds. Nothing will skip cogs faster.
My gravel grinder CAAD X came with TRP mechanical disc brakes . . . which sucked! A couple of weeks ago I replaced them with TRP cable actuated hydraulic brakes. The front brake was a lot better, not so the rear, so I ordered. per YT research, noncompression housing. The CAAD X also has internal routing (downtube) to the rear caliper. however, it is not internally routed through the chain stay which should make things a lot easier. Although I have replaced internal cables/housings before, I never realized the nc housing might be more difficult to route. Anyway, congrats on the the new bike and regards to you both.
I am one of your subscriber here in philippines. I would like to know if specialized borought 700x45c is a good tire for gravel? Since that's the only available here in our local stores with 700x45c tire. Thank you and hope you can notice this comment. Sending my appreciation here from philippines.
Finally decided to order up one of the Twisted T-Racks while watching this and they're sold out! I feel like that has to be thanks to your review. Good on ya for showcasing some of the small makers out there!
I'm new to gravel well saying that is used to do MTB back in the 1988 showing my age now but I have been road cycling the last 6 years after being off the bike for a good 20 years I have a MTB with 26" wheels I bought to follow my son when he was doing his MTBing 😁 I was going to but dropped bars on the bike as I'm doing a gravel grind in October but have decided not to but was looking a good tyre for it and now you have found it for me thanks 😁. Also have you ever tested any Bamboo gravel bikes? Which you self build I was thinking of that at some stage 😁
Nice work Russ! And that looks like an utterly sweet bike. As for 26”… I still have a 26er on the fleet, but as a Very Tall Man, since discovering the big 29, a ride on the smaller bike just feels like I’m on skateboard wheels and I really feel the hits from ruts and roots. Each to their own, enjoy the bike!
I have the 11 speed version of that shifter on my commuter and I love it! For some reason it started giving me issues routing along the handlebar a few months after installing it, so I've since reverted to the "lazy loop", but it's been working perfectly on my daily ever since.
I have a pair of Shimano dura ace (sadly only index these days!) bar ends on a previous build. They had a U shaped protective cover for the cable with them. You may be able to get this separately. It worked well and meant I didn’t have to loop.
Alas, you've neglected to install the mount for the super speed graphic............
Friction shifting is way better than the newer index shifting but no where near as good as a Rohloff hub gears.
I changed to a steel framed Thorn Nomad Mk2 with S&S couplings and a Rohloff hub 6 years ago and would never go back to derailleur gears.
In that time I have covered just over 42000 miles and the only maintenance other than lubricating and cleaning the sprockets and chain has been 2 new chains and a 15-20 minute oil change for the hub every year.
You need to try a Rohloff hub geared bike.
What a sweet ride, and I concur that Ti fork is a looker and super practical. May you have many interesting adventures together.
Please tell me what microshift bar end that is. SRAM/Shimano 10 speed? I have the dura-ace 9speed in friction and it doesn’t make it through the adventx cassette/derailleur. I’ve been apprehensive on pulling the trigger on one because I’m not sure which ratio it’s closest to.
Please help
How would you compare this bike to the Breadwinner G-Road? You were stoked on it when you reviewed it, and watching your videos about that bike made me really want one. But I really like titanium and and I have two ti bikes (one of which would be replaced by either a G-Road or Thunderhawk if I were to buy either of those). So why did you choose to buy the Thunderhawk instead of the G-Road? Of course that question assumes this was an either/or situation - maybe you intend to own both! 😃 If so, party on!!
Dude, that bike is fantastic. Also, put on whatever parts make you happy! On a frame like that you can swap and configure whenever you get crazy and fun ideas. The bike will always have an amazing core and you can dress it up for whatever mood fits you.
Nice bike! I've just put a deposit on a custom road titanium frame from Waltly here in China, sinceI just love the look of titanium and still don't feel overly comfortable with the idea of a full carbon frame. Ti just looks so much cooler and classier than carbon. I am in the process of getting my frame designed (I'm going with internal routing for a cleaner look) and will definitely take your comment about the position of the rear brake cable housing exit hole in mind and get the hole on the top of the chain stay and a bit further back from the caliper mount, since I too will be using cable actuated hydraulic brakes with compressionless housing.
Hey Phila bike expo coming up soon.Hopefully Crust bike gang will be there again!🤖⚡
Magnets work but those hydraulic brake lines... i would have thought would be more difficult than cables.
Like the low gearing, I'm not riding a bike to push, if I wanted to push I would take up running!
Im wondering, how many chain link do you need for that gearing ratio? Is 116 link that came in a pack when purchase the chain is enough? Cuz i have 40t chainring with 11-46t cassette and 116 link chain still not enough.
I have a suspicion that ReneHearse tires have a lot to do with the suppleness. I would really like to hear your thoughts on the gearing change between 26' and 650b tires.
Going into my 3rd year with the Thunderhawk and couldn't be happier! I have it paired with a Lauf suspension fork and wireless shifting which helps tremendously during all day rides on gravel. Mine was pre-internal routing and I would agree with your opinion, especially with regard to the brake routing exit in the rear chain stays.
I’m interested in your thoughts regarding the difference between the ti fork and a steel one. I’m converting a hard tail ti mtn bike into a gravel bike and have purchased a Surly fork. Almost got a ti fork from China but hesitated due to not knowing how the bike will work out. Hope you’ll talk about the fork sometime or send me a pm with your thoughts. Thanks 😊
Just one other comment, my project bike will have drop bars with barend shifters, traditional brakes and 26 inch rims.
As a bike shop employee all of my bikes are a hodge-podge of random parts I got for a deal. Always works! Love your build!
You made a video recently showing that you you replaced all your 1x bikes with 2x. I guess this bike no longer has a single chainring. Exceptional bike.
That bend is brutal. It's not picky to be disappointed by that. It's just a poor design choice. Beautiful bike though. I dig the internal routing and have not had difficulty with it since I got the park tool cable routing kit.
I really like those party pace sticker..
:)
in the Philippines we say "baka naman"
if we are asking it for free..
:)
thank you
I keep thinking Thai bike instead of Ti lol
🤭
FALKENJAGD
Advent is Just dead on the best bang for your Buck With the clutch, its mechanical feel and its alloy construction
I use electrical wire connectors just cut the cable at the brake lever or shifter. Then crimp the cable's together you can even use the wire crimper to roll the outside corners so they slide across lip better. I like your titanium bicycle and really can care less on how a younger generation has to abbreviate everything they can get away with. I ride a extra large masi with a four inch handlebar riser my bar end shifters did not need tandem cable's when I had drop bars on it. I was surprised that you needed them. Thanks for the video your doing great!!
I’ve been eyeing that fork for some time for my Lynskey GR300, although I feel I might not like the change the geometry (my carbon fork has 10mm less fork to crown and 4mm less rake). I tend to ride that bike mostly on road and regularly in group rides, so I wouldn’t like to dull down the handling. Any feedback on this from any of you guys would be appreciated.
I added that fork to my GR250. The fork is a bit taller than the carbon Lynskey fork I took off. It does change the handling a tad, but is mostly noticeable at slow speeds. I dont know if it is a bad thing...just different. It goes in a straight line great. I can run along washboards without hands.
@@robertburns3 is it more stable, or simply slower/sluggish? I’m not too worried about the fit, since I could lower the stem and set it at pretty much its current height
Congratulations on your new dream bike Mr Russ! I'm looking forward to seeing more of it in future videos. I've taken note of the things that were a little spendy and the things that were a bit more budget, well done.
I think I feel the same way about the Towmak as you did the Thunderhawk. It's always there in the back of my mind saying "you'll buy me one day".
Russ, I really enjoy this one. Spend money where you can, and save where you can. Nice build!
In a few years time I can expect Russ to proudly declare that the 16" wheel size on a gravel bike is a thing!
Already done! Path less pedaled Deep cuts. Big adventure small wheels project 10 years ago by R and L. 😀👍
Great bicycle, just need a Rohloff Speedhub and a Jones H Bar.
Love the baron rims, but i destroyed 3 of the neo rear hubs, just riding xc. Just paired with a better hub can't wait for that ride feel again.
Ding ding ding...you nailed it for me with the brakes and the internal routing. The issue there is that the internal routing is designed to be smooth with hydraulic brakes and for whatever reason these mechanical brakes align the cable on the other side of the brake. And it's not just the Yokozuna and Juintech (which are the same) it's also the TRP HY/RD. The cable stop is outboard of the disc where on hydraulic brakes the hose is inboard and on a brake like the TRP Spyre it is inline. As you noted it results in that crappy cable orientation which loves to pull on the brake caliper in a twisting motion and you get brake rub. Same issue with internally routed forks as well. Such a bummer as I was going to update my partner's Specialized Ruby to these brakes but they just don't work well with internal routing. I wish they would update the brake design to be equivalent to what's pretty much an industry standard. But as you said...external routing also solves the issue.
Yeah, just like the hole for the rear derailleur @10:50, they could put it in the middle-top of the non-drive chainstay, which would work for routing any of the brakes you mentioned - inboard, inline, or outboard. So frustrating.
Thanks for this really helpful explanation John..
I don't think the string brakes are suitable for gravel as they will get dusty and muddy and will have to clean the string all the time or the dirt will get into the tubes. to me best would be pinion+belt+hydraulic
$5,690 to $10,290. For this amount, I can buy a Surly Grappler, Cannondale Topstone 1 and a CAAD13. No brainer.
If you want a Grappler, Topstone and CAAD13 great. If you want an all titanium gravel bike you’d still be out of luck. That’s like saying I really want a streak, but I’m going to buy 6 happy meals instead.
I am curious when they started the internal routing. My thunderhawk doesn’t have that but I do believe mine was one of the earliest versions of the frame. I am curious how they resolved the issue with thruaxle on the ti fork. As with my ti fork I need to use a nut on one end to tighten it down.
Which Ergon saddle do you use? I checked a few other videos and I couldn’t find it.
Nice Ti bike. So do you have that bike built video with that surprise what's on the box?
My older version of the thunderhawk doesn't have internally routing 😀
So onboard with you. Internal routing is so unnecessary and a solution to problem that doesn’t exist.
I sweat to god I thought you had been referencing Thai bikes before this. Very different
yooooo. you should make an updated video on your bikes. what you use them for? if you were to buy another bike, what would it be?
Can you run the friction shifter in index mode with the advent derailer?
Also you said 700 X 28 for tire clearance but on the website it says 700 X 50. Which is correct?
No. Friction only. It can take 700x50 but depending on frame size you will get toe overlap and it will ride wonky. . I said 700x28 because I was trying to keep the same outside diameter as 650bx48 / 26 x 2.3 and not get toe overlap.
riding a bike is good for environment. Titanium says hold my beer.
This is one of the most beautiful bikes I've ever seen - and I've seen a lot of bikes by now =)
More like you bought MY dream bike. Good on ya. If not you, then who?
That is a great looking bike, happy trails.👍
With the 26inch tires snd your crank cassette combo what is the low gear inches?
that cable routing is not nitpicky that is bad design, hydro or cable
Nice. You would make a good investor. You consider your position, make a plan and execute. You know exactly why you do what you do. You are not interested in why others may do things differently. This is actual confidence. Very good brother...