I’ve been to the country you are riding in. Unfortunately I was in a car. The area is phenomenal. You are truly blessed to have such a cool area to ride in. I live in New England so I too have a.truly beautiful area to ride in. Wherever you live, get out and enjoy your ride.
I almost didn't click the video because the word "beginner". I'm so glad I did. Riding for over 30 years - avid road and mtb - but new to gravel. This video was concise, great tips and great production. Great job guys! I would have added a shoe/pedal section. Next video?
Fantastic video! Thanks for sharing your depth of knowledge and experience in a palpable format! Very well thought out. 🙏🏻 The breathing part was a great bonus!
Caetie and Jake- Thanks very much for this video. It's exactly what I needed. Keep up the good work and videos for first time gravel riders. Thanks again.
Lots of it was wrong information. They haven't even balanced their weight on both tyres. Flat straight road riding, both tyres must have even weight distribution.
wow best video I found so far for gravel!!! really really hope y'all could host bike session on some platform and allow n00b bike with you!!! looks so much fun already just v. this video!!!!
Thanks for calling it dirtriding. In the UK, we have trails predominantly made up from mud/flint and some Grv. I call it either dirtbiking, or adventure riding.
Position on climbs - may have to come back a little to gain more traction at the expense of front end control for some sections or rear wheel will slip. With practice can learn to control a wayward front end. Even wheeling a little up tricky, steep low traction climbs. I also use an old method called dynamic traction where pull on on one handlebar while pushing with one peddle. Then switching for next ped stroke. I forget which is which, motorskill now.
Perfect for gravel bike newbie like me, just transition from road biking. Lot's biking technical to learn, your tips are super helpful, tempered all my anxieties🚵🏿♂️
Michigan is a whole different animal,, we have more dirt roads, then anyone can believe, but decents an climbs are short n mean, I ride an work on MTB trails during warm weather, gravel riding in winter on snow packed roads. Great vid thanx... I should make a vid on our snow pack roads they can be challenging..
Stumbled on the video and I was, “hey, I use to work there!” As a former Tam Ranger I can say the poison oak and I had a special relationship. Especially after every 🔥, unavoidable and don’t miss it here in the PNW.
Great review, Im thinking of choosing a gravel bike, Specialized diverge E5 base, Cannondale topstone 2, Canyon grail 6 .. can you guide me please which one to buy
Se uphill has to give way here in Australia as the downhill has worked for the reward vs up hill is working for it yes I have crashed at well over 60kmh on the downhill as a ebiker thaught he was smart trying to slow me down we both got broken ribs and I had to walk out 1.5kms
This is a really nice video. Thanks you very much. Can I put drop handles on my old mountain bike and do gravel? It has less of a trail geometry and is not compatible with disk brakes. Also, do you have or can you point to vides on making a gravel from an older bike?
Love this video! I bought my first gravel bike last month and was hoping to find some handling videos. I started out trying to ride it like road bike and that was super sketchy. Once I started treating it more like a hardtail, the fun started! Given that my local bike shops are currently sold out of gravel bikes, more noobs like me will hopefully find your video.
4:53 about breaking if i drive down a forest road, it can get bumpy quite quickly. with my hands on the hoods, sometimes everything seems to get out of control, because the gravel bike quickly gains a lot of speed. so i have to brake constantly. but that causes me pain in my fingers :-/ because like katie, i don't have long fingers. do you have similar issues and / or what do you do about it?
Moving to the drops will make braking easier and more controllable while the more locked in hand position might also allow you relax your grip slightly which can help with hand discomfort
Hey ! Do you live there (I do) ? I wonder how a gravel bike would perform here, especially in the hills, where even the best maintained fire roads seems to have sections covered with big pebbles. On my old fully rigid mountain bike,they are pretty shaky to ride ! Eastward, though, it seems to be different, way smoother with lots of gravel and dirt tracks.
Thanks. That was useful information even though I don't have a gravel bike (yet but maybe that will come) just a 'hybrid' that will never win any road races nor be faced (ever!) with a really rocky, steep mountain track. I've only just heard of tubeless tyres for pedal cycles and the idea has some appeal. Hydraulic brakes too...a bit of a mystery to me as yet. Thanks again for intriguing advice.
@@lakishaweaks9784 do it! I personally feel that a flat bar gravel bike is the way to go. It will cost a little more money since you will need to switch out the brakes and shifters but it's worth it.
Great video! There’s a couple of super steep sections between Old railroad grade and Eldridge grade where I inevitably have to get off the bike. Any beta for those sections in particular?
The ones right around “Indians fire road”? Those are tough and require the combo of balance, weight transfer ( over the rear wheel ), and straight up pedaling hard. I’d call those double black diamond climbing sections.
Thanks for the tips. I find patches really suck on my wide gravel bike tires/tubes. I've only tried to patch once, but it went very poorly. Seems like I might need to inflate the tube to about the size it would be in the tire in order to get the patch to hold. As it was, even trying to make a really good bond and wait several minutes, as soon as I inflated the patch let go.
Patches in general are pretty tricky. If you're using the "sticker" type, those typically only last a short time. The more traditional glue and patch can work pretty well, but you need to take the time to let the glue / cement dry before you apply the actual patch. The best solution... Tubless tires. You will flat less often, and when you do flat, a simple plug can usually fix it.
@@ornotbike I've been thinking about tubeless. As it is, I've only had one flat on my 35 mm tires in 6,000 km - so I've just started carrying 2 tubes with me and planning to do my next patch at home when I have the time to really be patient with it.
Hey there.... Currently in your area!! Do you guys ever ride east ridge or west ridge off of skyline near Joaquin mi11er oak Or, Rush Creek? Good stuff! Fun when you pas a bunch mtb'ers!! Is that Vittoria true to size and how is it on wet trai1s? Thanks.
getting up a lot of steep climbs should i consider a 2x12 system instead of the 1x11 that most gravel bikes include in their package? should I also run tubeless, but carry tubes and repair kits anyways? what's a really reliable with better puncture resistant tires would you recommend?
Thanks for the video and it’s very helpful for a newbie like me. One question I would ask is what kind of clipless pedal was installed on Jake’s bike? I always find it a little scary to ride with SPD SL on a loose gravel ground, would appreciate it if you could provide some suggestions on pedals for gravel riding.
Those look like Time Atac XC4 pedals. Shimano SPD (non SL) is good to go, too. I can highly recommend the XT or even XTR pedals, they will last a long time. I have a set of 25 year old PD-M737 in my spare box just in case. In other words: use MTB pedals, not road pedals. There are excellent gravel shoes out there - very stiff but with a sole that's walkable. Dustin Klein made a video about gravel shoes a while back.
Waiting on my first gravel rig I ride mtb so the bar change and shifting and braking is going to be the strangest I feel. Atleast I'm getting a 2021 bike in 2021:) 6 month wait
Just got back from San Francisco yesterday. Such a beautiful city. I hate to see how so many homeless people run downtown. I thought LA was bad. But Monterrey wow that place is Heaven.
"clipless" pedals (spd / crankbrothers) will always be more efficient, but if you're not comfortable with them yet, flat pedals are a good idea. Then, once you are used to riding on different surfaces you can move over to clipless pedals.
one question. why you do not use MTB for trails like on the video?? flat handlebar and suspension is made for those routes. it is just faster and safer on mtb.
because gravel bikes are versatile .. I ride to trails from my house along the road and it's still fun. I think on an MTB it would be not so fun and slow. Some people like to feel they are slightly "under biked" too
Mt tam, right over the bridge(going north 101) specifically looks like the fire roads that go through Muir/Dipsea area. I ride near there most mornings, it makes sense why the locals feverishly try to protect it. Very beautiful. Don't take offense to the trail trolls. They mean well. You are suppose to pass at 5mph, but some must have a radar gun, because I have been yelled at for 6. Just smile, nod, and pay them no mind. Liberalism is on its last death throws of eating their brain.
i had to research a bit and to my understanding that type of brake is hydraulic but it's cable actuated. If so i don't see anything wrong with it, but it's weird that u find that cheaper than a fully mechanical brake. I wouldn't mind those brakes along as they are disc brakes, because for gravel/dirt/mud u will want that. On dirt/gravel i think the important thing is not about braking power but more about braking technique and the wheels u have.
More important than what she mentioned, is having the correct gearing so you don’t have to grind up climbs. Most people still ride way too big of gearing whether on the road or not.
Depends on what type of terrain you're riding and "how" you ride. In general 700c will be a bit quicker / lighter. So if you have mellow crushed gravel, that might be good for you. If the terrain you ride is a bit more rocky and technical and you don't have to ride a lot of road miles to the gravel, 650 would be good. The lower bb may actually improve the handling of your bike and make you a bit more stable. Just be careful of pedal strikes.
![Noob To Max With DRAGON REWORK In Blox Fruits [FULL MOVIE]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/LnBMOinoOvA/mqdefault.jpg)
Thumbs up for that MONSTER on the unicycle! Thanks, guys!
Beginner gravel biker already demoralized by that dude on a unicycle 🤣
I’ve been to the country you are riding in. Unfortunately I was in a car. The area is phenomenal. You are truly blessed to have such a cool area to ride in. I live in New England so I too have a.truly beautiful area to ride in. Wherever you live, get out and enjoy your ride.
I almost didn't click the video because the word "beginner". I'm so glad I did. Riding for over 30 years - avid road and mtb - but new to gravel. This video was concise, great tips and great production. Great job guys! I would have added a shoe/pedal section. Next video?
That light blue bike is absolutely gorgeous
Thanks for very helpful beginner tips guys, just bought my 1st gravel bike :) to ride in the northern mountains of Portugal. Cheers :)
boa! divertido! (I lived in Lisbon for a year)
@@ornotbike this puts a smile on my face because I'm also from Portugal ahah
Well, me too! And looking to sell my e-bike and get a Gravel one.
Nice tips!
gravel bikes are wicked .. u will love it
What did u get?
I have to say it, beautiful explanation very polite lenguaje, straight to the point, and above all great, great attitude.....
Cheers from NYC
Now time for la cocaina y putas amigo!
Fantastic video! Thanks for sharing your depth of knowledge and experience in a palpable format! Very well thought out. 🙏🏻
The breathing part was a great bonus!
Caetie and Jake- Thanks very much for this video. It's exactly what I needed. Keep up the good work and videos for first time gravel riders. Thanks again.
Thanks Jeff. Let us know if you'd like any other topics/skills covered.
I’m a mountain bike skills coach just getting into gravel riding and this was a great video!!! Thanks for the post! 🤘🏼🤙🏼💪🏼
That was perfect! Clear and concise. Great information that is the most helpful I've heard. Thank you!
Lots of it was wrong information.
They haven't even balanced their weight on both tyres.
Flat straight road riding, both tyres must have even weight distribution.
wow best video I found so far for gravel!!! really really hope y'all could host bike session on some platform and allow n00b bike with you!!! looks so much fun already just v. this video!!!!
Thanks for calling it dirtriding. In the UK, we have trails predominantly made up from mud/flint and some Grv. I call it either dirtbiking, or adventure riding.
Clear, concise and informative for the beginner. Awesome job!
This was superb!! So much info, so little fluff, great application, relevant video to narration!!! I’m in! New to gravel, not to cycling. Thank you!
Position on climbs - may have to come back a little to gain more traction at the expense of front end control for some sections or rear wheel will slip. With practice can learn to control a wayward front end. Even wheeling a little up tricky, steep low traction climbs. I also use an old method called dynamic traction where pull on on one handlebar while pushing with one peddle. Then switching for next ped stroke. I forget which is which, motorskill now.
Perfect for gravel bike newbie like me, just transition from road biking. Lot's biking technical to learn, your tips are super helpful, tempered all my anxieties🚵🏿♂️
Which Gravel bike did you end up buying...am a newbie as well
Thanks for all your tips guys. Great for a middle aged dad just getting started. You can see my adventures at gravel @Bits and Gigs
Michigan is a whole different animal,, we have more dirt roads, then anyone can believe, but decents an climbs are short n mean, I ride an work on MTB trails during warm weather, gravel riding in winter on snow packed roads. Great vid thanx... I should make a vid on our snow pack roads they can be challenging..
Stumbled on the video and I was, “hey, I use to work there!” As a former Tam Ranger I can say the poison oak and I had a special relationship. Especially after every 🔥, unavoidable and don’t miss it here in the PNW.
I’ll say a prayer for you my man!! God is good and He will show you His plans in all of this.
im getting this bike on Friday i think so i have to learn about bike before i get it so yeah thx for the help!
I noticed that I was always on my hoods so I finally upgraded to Jones H bars. Great bars!
I try to learn more about Gravel, very interesting!
Awesome video for the first time gravel riders.
lol good to see that mtn unicycling is still a thing in the bay area
Really impressed! Concise, but all the most relevant bits clearly addressed.
Very well explained and documented. Really a great job. Thanks from Italy
nice tires. mezcal and terreno. my favourites too.
Great video. Lots of good tips:-) thanks for sharing! Maybe onze thing you could add in... tyre pressure....
Great info and well presented! Get out and ride that dirt...ornot
Y’all what a great video. Thank you for the effort it took to make this. I just got into gravvy bikes this year and it’s been a lot of fun.
That was helpful, I plan to get my first Gravel bike soon
Which brand...looking for one here but rather confusing...am a beginner gravel person
@@a.joseph4233 So did you choose? Cause i`m looking for gravel too. Dont know maybe will buy triban rc520 gravel, seems cool for its price.
@@smike677 No decision as yet...have been doing a lot of road cycling this Summer....will let you know when i decide...thanks for helping
thank you for this video, great tips and nice people. cheers.
Am new to gravel knowledge thanks 👍
Bro yes the breathing steady while climbing I do this too!!
Really great video, thanks. Can you say again what those tires are?
Great review, Im thinking of choosing a gravel bike, Specialized diverge E5 base, Cannondale topstone 2, Canyon grail 6 .. can you guide me please which one to buy
Spetacular video! :D
Wish I could do something similar to my fellow bikers (live in Brazil).
i like the dance analogy. i gonna use for my mtb.
Fun and informative - cheers!
Excellent tips. Thank you!
Se uphill has to give way here in Australia as the downhill has worked for the reward vs up hill is working for it yes I have crashed at well over 60kmh on the downhill as a ebiker thaught he was smart trying to slow me down we both got broken ribs and I had to walk out 1.5kms
Nice video. Some very useful information explained well. Cheers.
This was great - thank you!
3:50 One, when descending on bumpy terrain keep your hands on the drops
This is a really nice video. Thanks you very much. Can I put drop handles on my old mountain bike and do gravel? It has less of a trail geometry and is not compatible with disk brakes. Also, do you have or can you point to vides on making a gravel from an older bike?
Do you recommend specialized diverge e5 evo / flat bar gravel bike ? I’m looking for gravel bike and I’m finding mostly drop bar ?
Love this video! I bought my first gravel bike last month and was hoping to find some handling videos. I started out trying to ride it like road bike and that was super sketchy. Once I started treating it more like a hardtail, the fun started! Given that my local bike shops are currently sold out of gravel bikes, more noobs like me will hopefully find your video.
Thanks, it's so fun to see so many new people out on bikes!
Cool. What kind of gravel bike did you get? I got a Cannondale Topstone 105 alloy this year.
Specialized Diverge. Almost got the Cannondale!
@@TMick13 Both the Diverge and Topstone are cool bikes. Have fun out there!
@@TMick13 Just looking them over - lots of great features. I might have gone that route but my nearest bike shop (love that place) does Cannondale.
Really helpful video, thanks guys! I hope you make more videos like this one :)
You're welcome! Let us know if you have any specific video requests.
Very helpful tips. Keep it coming guys.
4:53 about breaking
if i drive down a forest road, it can get bumpy quite quickly. with my hands on the hoods, sometimes everything seems to get out of control, because the gravel bike quickly gains a lot of speed. so i have to brake constantly. but that causes me pain in my fingers :-/ because like katie, i don't have long fingers. do you have similar issues and / or what do you do about it?
Moving to the drops will make braking easier and more controllable while the more locked in hand position might also allow you relax your grip slightly which can help with hand discomfort
Use straight mtb bars. Easier for braking
Looks very much like the countryside around Montpellier, France
Hey ! Do you live there (I do) ? I wonder how a gravel bike would perform here, especially in the hills, where even the best maintained fire roads seems to have sections covered with big pebbles. On my old fully rigid mountain bike,they are pretty shaky to ride ! Eastward, though, it seems to be different, way smoother with lots of gravel and dirt tracks.
Thanks. That was useful information even though I don't have a gravel bike (yet but maybe that will come) just a 'hybrid' that will never win any road races nor be faced (ever!) with a really rocky, steep mountain track. I've only just heard of tubeless tyres for pedal cycles and the idea has some appeal. Hydraulic brakes too...a bit of a mystery to me as yet. Thanks again for intriguing advice.
I have a flat bar gravel bike and I thrash the heck out of it. Guys on Mtb trip out on me since I take the bike into places it really should be in.
I want 2 build flat bar gravel cannondale slate or Poseidon red wood
@@lakishaweaks9784 do it! I personally feel that a flat bar gravel bike is the way to go. It will cost a little more money since you will need to switch out the brakes and shifters but it's worth it.
Thanks. I totally appreciate your intro.
Great video, very helpful content!
great video! Tons of good info. Thanks for sharing!
Love to know ur bikes n tyres setup
Great info, great video ✌🏻thank you
Great video! There’s a couple of super steep sections between Old railroad grade and Eldridge grade where I inevitably have to get off the bike.
Any beta for those sections in particular?
The ones right around “Indians fire road”? Those are tough and require the combo of balance, weight transfer ( over the rear wheel ), and straight up pedaling hard. I’d call those double black diamond climbing sections.
Thanks for the tips. I find patches really suck on my wide gravel bike tires/tubes. I've only tried to patch once, but it went very poorly. Seems like I might need to inflate the tube to about the size it would be in the tire in order to get the patch to hold. As it was, even trying to make a really good bond and wait several minutes, as soon as I inflated the patch let go.
Patches in general are pretty tricky. If you're using the "sticker" type, those typically only last a short time. The more traditional glue and patch can work pretty well, but you need to take the time to let the glue / cement dry before you apply the actual patch. The best solution... Tubless tires. You will flat less often, and when you do flat, a simple plug can usually fix it.
@@ornotbike I've been thinking about tubeless. As it is, I've only had one flat on my 35 mm tires in 6,000 km - so I've just started carrying 2 tubes with me and planning to do my next patch at home when I have the time to really be patient with it.
glue has to be dry if you are putting a patch on to a tube. Tube surface has to be sanded and clean
That was awesome! Thanks guys!
This is a great video, thanks.
Lots of good tips, thanks.
Thanks guys! Super helpful 🤟🏼
Great informative video!
Do you have a link or specs on the drop bar from the light blue bike?
Hello,greetings from graveland borneo🇮🇩🤟
Hi. What's the brand of your green bike ?
Thank you in advance. 🙏
Hey. I like his tire size and design . What kind ? Please and thanks. I have a hybrid but on dirt slips a lot.
Excellent content
Jake ~ where did you get those cool scarf?
Hey there.... Currently in your area!! Do you guys ever ride east ridge or west ridge off of skyline near Joaquin mi11er oak Or, Rush Creek? Good stuff! Fun when you pas a bunch mtb'ers!! Is that Vittoria true to size and how is it on wet trai1s? Thanks.
Is it better to use of gravel bike for a country trip?
Great advice and so succinct 👍
getting up a lot of steep climbs should i consider a 2x12 system instead of the 1x11 that most gravel bikes include in their package? should I also run tubeless, but carry tubes and repair kits anyways? what's a really reliable with better puncture resistant tires would you recommend?
Thanks for the video and it’s very helpful for a newbie like me. One question I would ask is what kind of clipless pedal was installed on Jake’s bike? I always find it a little scary to ride with SPD SL on a loose gravel ground, would appreciate it if you could provide some suggestions on pedals for gravel riding.
Those look like Time Atac XC4 pedals. Shimano SPD (non SL) is good to go, too. I can highly recommend the XT or even XTR pedals, they will last a long time. I have a set of 25 year old PD-M737 in my spare box just in case. In other words: use MTB pedals, not road pedals. There are excellent gravel shoes out there - very stiff but with a sole that's walkable. Dustin Klein made a video about gravel shoes a while back.
How is the gravel for the plain( no elevation ) yet rough roads ?
Don't forget a Quick link or two
Waiting on my first gravel rig I ride mtb so the bar change and shifting and braking is going to be the strangest I feel. Atleast I'm getting a 2021 bike in 2021:) 6 month wait
@@leagueofotters2774 gravel bike is for long long rides for exercise.. cute comment
Just got back from San Francisco yesterday. Such a beautiful city. I hate to see how so many homeless people run downtown. I thought LA was bad. But Monterrey wow that place is Heaven.
Damn, you realize that, by having access to such absolutely amazing place, you're blessed!? I'm freakin jealous !! :D
Which tires do you recommend? I could not understand what you said in the videeo
Love the tips. You show a cycling wallet who's the manufacturer?! Thanks
We were! We've been sold out and haven't made any for a while... It's a product that will probably make a comeback.
"Gravel for beginners " lol 😂🤣
all good info, thanks!
What about your thoughts on tyre width?
Is it better to avoid using cleats and use regular pedals when riding on trails ??
"clipless" pedals (spd / crankbrothers) will always be more efficient, but if you're not comfortable with them yet, flat pedals are a good idea. Then, once you are used to riding on different surfaces you can move over to clipless pedals.
one question. why you do not use MTB for trails like on the video?? flat handlebar and suspension is made for those routes. it is just faster and safer on mtb.
because gravel bikes are versatile .. I ride to trails from my house along the road and it's still fun. I think on an MTB it would be not so fun and slow.
Some people like to feel they are slightly "under biked" too
Nice video! Thanks!!
Thank you for the climb advice, it really helps!
I would love to know where this specific trail is . I live in Richmond, CA
Mt tam, right over the bridge(going north 101) specifically looks like the fire roads that go through Muir/Dipsea area. I ride near there most mornings, it makes sense why the locals feverishly try to protect it. Very beautiful. Don't take offense to the trail trolls. They mean well. You are suppose to pass at 5mph, but some must have a radar gun, because I have been yelled at for 6. Just smile, nod, and pay them no mind. Liberalism is on its last death throws of eating their brain.
@@rocketssss6 corny
Thanks for sharing.
I am looking at a bike with semi hydraulic brakes because of budget reasons. you think that is still a dealbreaker / worth investing in?
Thanks!
i had to research a bit and to my understanding that type of brake is hydraulic but it's cable actuated. If so i don't see anything wrong with it, but it's weird that u find that cheaper than a fully mechanical brake. I wouldn't mind those brakes along as they are disc brakes, because for gravel/dirt/mud u will want that. On dirt/gravel i think the important thing is not about braking power but more about braking technique and the wheels u have.
Damn, just purchased the Trek AL4.....
That's good right? Took my alr5 for the first ride today. The bike rides nice...
Great video.
what handler bag do you have there?
More important than what she mentioned, is having the correct gearing so you don’t have to grind up climbs. Most people still ride way too big of gearing whether on the road or not.
True! Having the correct gearing is crucial. Luckily with all of the options between 1x and 2x it's pretty easy to get it right.
Toe overlap + gradient is my worst enemy
Is it worth sacrificing a little BB height to go to 650bx48 vs 700x40 ( if both fit) ?
Depends on what type of terrain you're riding and "how" you ride. In general 700c will be a bit quicker / lighter. So if you have mellow crushed gravel, that might be good for you. If the terrain you ride is a bit more rocky and technical and you don't have to ride a lot of road miles to the gravel, 650 would be good. The lower bb may actually improve the handling of your bike and make you a bit more stable. Just be careful of pedal strikes.
not a big deal.