Gravel/Bikepack nerds enter...

[jamal]

pretty sure that when you use an old mountain bike it's called "X biking"

[Bunion 2020]

Looks like a “gravel bike”…


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My original "gravel" bike is a 92 Fisher Paragon. Aluminum is a terrible frame material if you like a comfortable ride. The CF frame on that Giant is way easier on an old body.

[buttahflake]

Tell us more, so insightful.

[Bunion 2020]

[Peruvian]

Seems about right.

[Terrapin Ben]

pretty sure that when you use an old mountain bike it's called "X biking"

This isn't reddit...

[yeahman]

Buddy of mine is doing the Tour Divide. He's rolling through Helena this afternoon, not sure if he's stopping for the night. Loooong way to go but I think he can do it. Fuckin' mind blowing to me.

[buttahflake]

Carbon vs Aluminum drop bars, noticeable difference? Looking at the Shimano Pro Discover carbons, has got me wondering. I have Specialized aluminum right now

[climberevan]

On a gravel bike with lower tire pressures, I doubt anyone can tell the difference between carbon and al bars. Plus you'll prob wreck it sooner or later, and then you'll have to worry about the integrity of the carbon bar.

A Redshift stem, OTOH, is a huge comfort helper.

[buttahflake]

Good points, I run low psi and I’m prone to wrecking. Hmmm

[Tailwind]

I bought a used gravel bike that has the Enve Gravel bars on there. I’ve been surprised but it’s very noticeable, especially in the drops.

I mean thinking it through : Carbon bars on a MTB are noticeable and that’s with 2.4” tires and suspension.

My new theory, which I wouldn’t have believed before, is that it’s much noticeable and important on a gravel bike than other categories. Things like riding through washboard in the drops just feels a bit better.

Less noticeable the closer your hands are to the stem. My other soapbox is that gravel bikes should be fit so you can ride the drops 80-90% of the time. Much more control.

No experience with the Shimano bars. I bet there are big differences in tuning from one brand to the next.

On a gravel bike with lower tire pressures, I doubt anyone can tell the difference between carbon and al bars. Plus you'll prob wreck it sooner or later, and then you'll have to worry about the integrity of the carbon bar.

A Redshift stem, OTOH, is a huge comfort helper.

[Skistack]

I went from stock aluminum bars to Easton carbon bars on my Warbird and the difference was very noticeable. Less road buzzy, high frequency vibrations. My hands are much happier now.


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[chaka]

agree on carbon curly bars being noticeably better than Al. Check out the Ritchey VentureMax. Shallow drop which I like and the little bumps on the drop work, for me.

[buttahflake]

I found the Shimano carbon bars on sale for $271 so I went for it. Thanks for the input, y’all. I’m a huge fan of the Super Sticky Kush bar tape from SuperCaz, what are you guys running for tape?

[smartyiak]

...My other soapbox is that gravel bikes should be fit so you can ride the drops 80-90% of the time. Much more control.

Glad to know it's not just me! On my road bike I occasionally ride in the drops on descents or just to mix it up, but probably 90% on the hoods.

On the gravel bike, I started riding mostly on the hoods...but more and more I was in the drops; it felt a lot more stable and maneuverable. Now I'm probably riding in the drops 75% of the time.

[natebob]

I'm looking for a steel or Ti hardtail 29er with 120-130 fork, mostly for bikepacking. I also want it to be a good trail bike for unloaded riding. Thinking I want something with similar angles and reach as my Tallboy 4, so 65-66 hta, 76-77 sta, 490 reach. A good selection of mounts, including rear rack would be great. There seem to be frames that have the geo I'm after, but not the mounts like the Lynskey Live Wire, and vice versa like the Esker Japhy. There are some good choices with steeper hta, slacker sta and mounts, like the Hayduke and El Jefe. I'm pretty sure I want rack mounts, but there are some alternative mounting options that sound good. Maybe I'm over-thinking the geo? What else should I be looking at?

[Kevo]

I have been using Stans for years. I have a little squeeze bottle of Stans that I have been filling from larger bottles and then using the little bottle to fill up my tires. It generally sucked (sealant would often spill out) but got the job done.

I finally got around to buying a syringe kit. Holy shit what a difference. It's like 20x easier. Can't believe I didn't do that earlier.

[chaka]

I have been using Stans for years. I have a little squeeze bottle of Stans that I have been filling from larger bottles and then using the little bottle to fill up my tires. It generally sucked (sealant would often spill out) but got the job done.

I finally got around to buying a syringe kit. Holy shit what a difference. It's like 20x easier. Can't believe I didn't do that earlier.

this. I was angry at myself for waiting so long. I used to never bother changing tire treads for different outings and just roll whatever I had on. Now I can easily suck the sealant out, leave in the syringe while I swap a tire, and squirt back in (assuming still relatively clean of course).

[climberevan]

I'm not going to argue too hard about it, but if you think a tire at ~25psi can transfer "high frequency buzzing" etc enough that a $200 bar that can flex at most a few mm such that you can feel it, the bicycle industry thanks you for your spending.

[buttahflake]

But, what about the 2oz I’m saving!

[Skistack]

Hey, I’m as skeptical as anyone about bicycle industry marketing hype. But carbon bars have pretty much eliminated my numb hands problems.


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[buttahflake]

I have an arthritic left wrist, I’m hoping this will help with the pain.

[Self Jupiter]

Did you guys try doing yoga? [emoji41]

[chaka]

Did you guys try doing yoga? [emoji41]

well done

[chaka]

My Solstice commute yesterday....