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#cycling #bikes #bicycle
James is the most refreshing voice when talking about bikes. Weeds through the marketing BS that most other vloggers (not Francis) eat up. Thank you for keeping these going!
They're back!
😎
You can't imagine how much helpful this was for me! That info about lenght of a stem on a gravel bike in relation to it's geometry literally helped me understand the way my bike works. Thanks guys!
So glad this series is back. I’ve learned so much. Absolutely agree that shoes are more important than other equipment. I bought a pair of really nice shoes and I can’t believe how they transformed my riding. I was struggling to do more than an hour and a half in the saddle, and now I can do several hours.
Good to see James, excited for your adventures!
I stumbled into your channel about a month or so and into Bike fit Tuesdays too. Great advises. I followed some: moved cleats as back as i could and lowered a saddle - immediate improvement! Also I stopped worrying that i bought too small bike for me. Thanks a lot.
Awesome stuff! Can’t beat a bike fit james episode! Look forward to your next adventure
Nice! Happy to see James back on show
FINALLY! I missed seeing james so much! we need another trip.
After 4months bikepacking, SPD sandals were actually my #1 favourite purchase. Seriously the best thing I had on the trip for comfort and versatility
My local bike fitter (that I've not seen yet but have talked to on the phone) is shocked at how long gravel bikes are. Trek's Checkpoint ALR, for example, at 407mm reach on a 56, and 411 on a 58. I'm looking at moving to a gravel bike from my hybrid for the ergos and gear options in a 2x, and am so happy you're doing this content. The question of stem length on a gravel bike is one I've been asking myself and haven't been successful at finding a good answer. Seems everyone talks MTB or road bikes, and the city bound rail trail riders like me have to extrapolate from those conversations.
Just to offer a perspective from a short rider: 650b is great to get more clearance for bags. I run 40mm on the back and 47mm on the front which allows me to have more fun on trails while still being able to carry the bags I want. A 60mm stem is perfection. Keen Whisper sandals and Crankbrothers Stamp 7 are a glorious combo in Summer, btw. ;) When it's cold I wear flat pedal shoes by Northwave
As always James did a great job 👍. I love to spend an hour with him talking bike fit.
was worried for you for new vids for a few days. excellent work and James really comes across well. good stuff
I have really missed James and BFT! Awesome content as always!
Thanks Francis and James....I own James' favorite , Synapse , and 2 others . I learn quite a bit from watching you , a lot of excellent tips for an older/newer rider . Just ride , eh ? Peace
Thank you, very useful information from James, especially as I am doing the things he suggested already.
After a hiatus......they are back in the game ! Great advice as always, with a dash of humour sprinkled throughout! Nice one gents 👏 👍
China gravel tour maybe?? 😉 Also love that Bikefit Tuesdays are back, perfect start for a Wednesday 👍️
Love BFT's thank you Francis & James
yay! an upcoming bikefit james, adventure bike trip!
Woo Hoo - Bike trip with Bike Fit James. Brilliant.
love james's frank openess ... brilliant :)
Hi Francis, recently come across your KZhead channel and it’s brilliant. In particular been watching a lot of the bike fit “Tuesdays”. Just wondered if you’ve asked James on his thoughts on oval chainrings. My hardtails I run as ovals but my gravel bike is a standard chainring which I’m looking at changing soon.
Pinching myself seeing James on the channel again hinting at another epic bike trip.
Cannot wait to see next adventure with James
Nice to see you guys back. It’s been a while! 👍
Ref. stem length: if you’re coming from a road bike, you may also wish to go a touch longer if the geo feels a bit too upright, so you can tuck down more comfortably in a headwind or be a bit racier on tarmac. Ref. gears: 1x is lovely for its simplicity. I went for a mullet setup as well. Make sure to get a decent-sized chainring for half decent top speed, and yes you do feel the bigger gaps on a group ride (much less so riding solo, in my experience).
Nicely timed...got a new Gravel bike on order..was thinking along the lines some of the things James was suggesting...looks like I was correct 👍
As a guy who often encounters river crossings and enjoy the occasional dip in a random waterfalls, a stiff hiking sandals can't be beat.
Yeeah new bikepacking trip with James!
Great stuff. Please tell BFJ that I finally found my Lakes...CX 241....different genre, but these videos convinced me that shoes make the ride. I consulted his shop, but short of flying to Britain, I availed myself of the expertise found locally. Probably going to look at the MTB version of the 241 to replace my Mavic Pros. Thank you also for the handlebar bit. My gravel bike came equipped with ridiculously wide bars for size 56. Swapped them out for ones like James showed and hooray neck, hands and shoulders are fine after 2+ hour rides. I have a love/hate relationship with my GRX 2X groupset. I love the narrower gear jumps but the damn derailleur hanger seems to get bent if it's breathed on. Cheers. Good luck on the "ride that will not be mentioned.:
I missed James. I just bought a Gravel bike as well. Perfect timing!
👊✌️
Excited for that new adventure 👀
building a gravel bike, made all of the suggested choices already good to know I'm on the right track haha
Really enjoying these videos!
Welcome back to Bike Fit Tuesday-glad to see you are keeping to your normal routine and released this episode on a Wednesday…..🤣
love to see james back!
I purchased a gravel bike mainly for tire width options not available on my road bike. I mainly use it for commuting and some bike packing. After experimenting with saddle adjustments and stem length, feeling good with my own bike fit.
Cant wait for the next project
STOKED!! You and James are going on an adventure. Hopefully you bring the dog(Lawrence).
James is Back! I actually would like to thank James! One "saddle" episode he said he gets good results with the "PRO Griffon" (Gel I believe). I bought one and I have to say "Thank you James!" I can finally ride long rides.
Love James' watch. Omega Speedmaster Moonwatch. I salute thee!
Love it - great video on all points. Thanks guys.
Great stuff! This really ties into what I've found with gravel bikes - shorten the stem a bit for bikepacking / touring comfort and to keep the steering a bit snappier (80mm for me on a 56 instead of the 100 it came with), and run a bar that has the same width between the hoods as you would run on your road bike, but with flared drops. The benefits of a bit shorter reach also comes into play when you're on anything other than super clean terrain, you naturally are going to have your head up more and be looking around / ahead more. Fully agree on 1x vs 2x --> both work, but most people I see with gravel bikes are riding mostly on tarmac and smooth gravel, and might be happier with 2x than 1x. Local bike shops always have 1x SRAM gravel bikes in stock, but 2x GRX bikes sell instantly.
In no small irony, my brand new, XL Merida gravel bike comes with narrower handlebars (42cm, 44 flared) than my 2015 L sized Giant Defy roadie (44cm). I'd previously been on the fence about narrower bars, although keen to try (largely because of James' advice). Definitely sold now and am looking for a set to put on the roadie when I give it it's next major service.
Thanks. Enjoyed that. Long time no see. Next...
The video we've all been waiting for!
Super nice to see James back on the channel. Missed his tones. 😂 #banter
This channel is just too good!
That inhale around 2:44 absolutely killed me 😂🤣
Another really useful chat!
After watching many BFT I put a 90mm stem on my gravel bike, I then went further down to a 60mm. Now I have a great position on the bike and the handling also remained good. Next to lowering the saddle height those made riding much more enjoyable for me.
Yeah, same here, using 60 mm stem so I can actually reach the handlebars without stretching.
6:35 haha that face that snark Very nice seeing James again
Sandals!
would love to see James' advice for mountain bikes!
Brilliant as always! Francis, would it possible to do a follow up video describing the riding position of the Scott Addict Gravel Tuned to bifurcate the different types of geometries out there for gravel bikes? I have a shorter torso and longer legs so lesser reach is always welcome however, I have my eyes on the Scott Speedster Gravel and the Trek Domane AL, purposing them as all-road bikes more than gravel. The Domane has a taller stack and shorter reach but the Speedster Gravel has a similar geometry as my current road bike. Can’t figure out if all the Scotts are inherently aggressive because they definitely look more like stretched out racing gravel bikes than comfortable, all-day in the saddle gravel bikes for averagely athletic individuals.
Welcome back James.
On an 11-50 rear cassette the jumps usually feel fine off-road because the terrain often varies widely. On tarmac the same cassette feels a bit toothy to me.
You guys are chaotic. Love it!!! Hahaha
Spot on about handlebars
James, You Are A Classic And Dig That Intro - Brilliant Video And Solid Points - Unfortunately , Scott Bikes Have Yet To Deliver Their Gravel Bike To Our Dealer In Colorado - Such A Bummer And Been Camped Out On The Pro's Closet - Any Used Bike Advice Would Be Appreciated Cheers
ive got 2x grx system and its class helps get up those hills.
WOO! Next Trip That We're Not Talking About!!!
I switched out my 46cm bars for 42cm (because of a couple of earlier videos you did...) and I am so happy about it. You are 100% correct.
Yeah one of those China frame sellers was offering 50cm bars!
Yesssss, he is back!!!
Aero bike with handlebar bag, I heard that sarcasm snuck in there.... Great video. Wish I lived in the same country as you to get a fit, good bike fitters are hard to come by.
How about an episode on overall bike stability due to the weight of bikepacking panniers (where volumes can reach over 60 liters or more) and the type of wheel one should use? 24 hole rim vs 32 hole rim, etc.
The only thing I like about the flared drops is it slightly helps add clearance to your knees when climbing out of saddle and turning the bars to avoid an obstacle. Otherwise, I 100% agree that the bars should be fitted correctly. I don't have flared bars....so I hit my knees.
First of. I love how James explains things. So straight to the point and logical! Second of. (sorry for asking this here) Can someone here help me? I have started cycling as a means to loose weight. However the bike that I have is no longer rideable due to a pretty heavy crash (broke the fram...). So I was looking as getting a gravel-esque bike. I have been eyeing the Orbea Vector Drop since it has wider tyres but seems to be good for both road- and gravel use. Am I right, or is there a better option? (I live in Sweden if that makes any difference) Edit. I was using my old bike both on and off road. Mainly to and from work with a longer stint on the weekend.
James is back 😭😭😭 The world has missed you James! I am a complete hater of gravel cycling but if that’s what takes to get James back, all is well that ends well.
I was just saying I miss the bike fits lol I came back to the channel and here we go! Such great advice! Do you recommend and handlebar companies?
Yes! Yes! Yes! You cheeky bastards…I missed these segments and James.
Hey James , what tires do you have in your gravel bike! Thanks for the awesome videos ! Eddie
"Next trip" Yay!
The chain or chainring is worn on the scott bike, there are big gaps between the chain and ring. That's why it's loud 😉
We’ve all missed James. Welcome back! Now. Where is this next adventure you speak of?
James is back, hooray.
Road SPD on gravel... I have zero regrets and find they shed dirt just as well as MTB cleats... I don't walk up hills. I ride.
Yes on the bars, I don't like them too wide, I don't even like that much flare, I find 16 degrees suits me. I've got both 1x and 2x drivetrains, 1x is my workhorse for commuting and dirt tours. 650b for the extra cush. 2x is the fun bike, both 700 for faster rides and some 27.5x2.2 rubber for some sillyness. They're different, I don't think one is objectively better unless you're making very narrow comparisons.
Excellent vid guys, on the 1x vs 2x wondered if either of you had any opinion on the classified powershifting hub
Might have one to play with soon 👀
There are at least three problems with carbon soled MTB/gravel racing shoes. 1. They're extremely uncomfortable to walk in since there's zero flex 2. The soles are usually slippery, with minimal grip 3. The soles often tend to separate from the uppers if you do have walk in them; I've had two pairs do this so far If you're using them for gravel racing or road riding okay, but for bikepacking and/or touring they're best avoided IME.
miss James so much!
Nothing said about flat pedals. Great video par usual boys
Wooooooohoooooooo your back 🤙🚴
I agree. I don’t want a wide dropbar and big flare. I run normal dropbar 420 mm with 6 grade flare.
At last. Great information as always. Just shows what the channel has been missing. Please include James and the bike fit Tuesday’s type concept more. To fit it in then what about cutting down on the less than interesting mountain bike things please. Another adventure sounds fun .....
Too bad we're MTBing together next month then, or does it balance out if James is there?
@@Cade_Media oh dear. That’s a shame. One less adventure to watch for me this time it seems. Hopefully you guys can all link up an do another USA type adventure in the future. Enjoy your mountain bike trip
Whoo hoo! It's back!
Gents, just came across this excellent clip...I've got a 2015 Diverge Pro Carbon that I ride on the road and gravel with. I've just this week put SPDs on, fitted some tubeless GravelKing SK 35s, and done some really fun riding in some really horrible weather here in NZ. I'm looking at a new bike toward the end of the year, and wondered if you reckon the new AXS Explr groupset solves the issue of big changes in cadence with 1x? Trek don't seem to have moved over to it just yet for the Checkpoint, nor Specialised with the current Diverges. I'm considering a custom build and trying to broaden my knowledge to cover all the potential options.
I really like my 1x12 when i"m out riding by myself and I'm not trying to smash any strava segments etc. In group rides not having the fine tuning of gear selection is definitely noticeable though.
Yep I only notice it when riding with others... My cassette is quite extreme mind!
@@Cade_Media yeah I have the Eagle AXS with 10-50T so probably fairly similar .
My friends call me weak for switching to a 46/30 crankset, but that little ring a lifesaver on any steep terrain. The 50/34 was a bit much. I feel personally attacked by the lack of love for Crank Bros cleats or, gasp, flat pedals! Seriously, though, there is probably a sweet spot on stiffness. Stiff, but not too stiff. Have to be able to walk on gravel, too.
Can you do a budget shoe review I’m new and looking at the halfords mountain bike shoe with spd cleats, be interested to see how they compare to proper shoes good or bad cheers love your content
I really want 1x to work, as it is so nice to half the mechanical complexity and reduce the thought required. I rode a bike it’s 1x rival axs and pushing button on right lever to shift up, push button on lady lever to shift down was very nice.
Great video.
Shout out to James' Speedy! Classic
This is what i was waiting for 😃🤣
One other nice thing about a 1x setup is it's easier to get lower gearing. With a 2x the front derailleur and what the manufactures actually make yields pretty limited options, and the rear derailleur are similarly limited. So, for instance, a friend's tiagra 2x is 50x34 with an 11-34. He can get an 11-36 in the back easily enough, but an 11-40 you need an extension for the hanger, and 11-42 or better doesn't really work. The front you can't really do anything about. Conversely my mullet sram setup is 10-50 in the back with a 42t ring in front, but I can put a 36t in front for a really low gear or go up to a 46t without macgyvering anything.
I run a sugino ox601 crankset, 44/24 chainrings, works perfectly, depends on the off-road climbing people do, weight on the bike etc... I could rin rings from 24 (74bcd) through to 52 (110 BCD, you could also modify certain road triples
@@faz723 I know there are things that can be done, but it's not easy to figure out for most people. What works for a 2015 emonda with shimano ultegra 50x34 11-28 11speed pressfit bb90?
1: make sure it’s single speed 2: make sure your brakes work 3: refer back to one 4 check your gear ratio if you plan on doing some hill climbs 5: pick the setup you like and will ride The best setup is the one you will ride and comfortably And single speed (Only down side is if you live in a FLAT area, and wanna ride fast, the sizing of freewheels generally stops at 16, so you end up with a dinner plate for a front chainring, BUUUUUUT, bike peen chainring)
Totally agree on handlebars. I use 40 cm Easton AX70 with flare. No idea what control issues people think they are curing with massive wide handelbars and ride 650b for everything which is so comfortable and super durable. Great advice as always on here.
Awesome, any truth to the opinion that Gravel bike geometry is better for casual riding, as I find a road bike geometry very aggressive due to the aero aspect of the riding position which puts undue pressure on my hands and wrists.
When I ordered my bike producer asked my about arm length etc. They adjust everything for me before shipping my bike.
Why does James always remind me of Pete Bennett....but i do appreciate his amazing knowledge