2018 Breezer Radar Expert Review

Sizing, weight, and my opinion on 2018 Breezer Radar Expert. Purchased from BikeShopWarehouse.com (bikeshopwarehou...)

[@kenhoff1820]

I have owned and ridden Breezer road and moutain bikes since 1998. Steel frames are great for long days in the saddle but lack power transfer on those steep climbs. My solution....avoid steep climbs. Looking forward to my Cafe racer for non technical gravel road rides. Thanks for this informative video.

[@timcupery2244]

I think "frames that aren't stiff enough lack the power transfer on steep climbs" turns out to be largely wrong. This is a tricky question to research, but it doesn't appear that flexier frames lose watts to heat. Which is to say, frame flex largely keeps energy within the bike system.

[@adammeade2300]

Right on. I live in Arkansas, too...in Cabot, just north of Little Rock. Hope to be pulling the trigger on this bike very soon. I'm in love with that army green so I hope I can snag one before they run out. Thanks for the review!

[@acap650]

I have the flat bar Radar Cafe version and while it was a good value for a sturdy steel framed multi-purpose bike there are a few issues related to it being built in China to a price. As you said, frames run one size large, also soft paint with a few flaws. Tires (Kenda small block 8, 29X1.9) were bad, casing failed exposing wire which sliced a tube, replaced with smaller, lighter faster rolling Conti Speedride 42mm . Headset bearings were rough and developed a notch after 100 miles, replaced with FSA Orbit MX. All in all still like it, heavy but smooth riding on the level crushed gravel rail trails I usually ride.

[@chopursticks]

I agree with the paint. The paint chipped easily on my Radar Expert. Casing did split at the sidewall as well, but I had WTB Riddler 45c tires from factory. I contacted WTB and they sent me a new tire under warranty. Knock on wood, everything else has been fine. I bought my Radar in January of this year and I have logged over 1,200 miles. Still rides new like the first day I got it.

[@armanafshar6599]

Great video man! To the point and addressed the exact concerns I had.

[@atropineman3541]

Thanks for the matter of fact, no nonsense review

[@bicycleandrccars568]

i have a Fuji Touring and its 3x9 its amazing..3x9 gearing its very useful for higher killer climbs..

[@bicycleandrccars568]

hey i sold my fuji bike sucks not good..breezer bike good

[@XLBikingInternational]

Thanks for the video!

[@travispowers1704]

Thanks for Video! Local Performance Bikes going out of business sale has a black one they have clearances out to $550. Thinking about jumping on it, or take my chance to see if they will go down further on price.

[@ericd1170]

I would jump on it for $550 if it's your size. I paid $750 and thought I got a Heck of a deal!

[@thejhuds22]

That's crazy man I was literally thinking the same thing.

[@connordunlap6412]

Great video! Thanks. I'm looking at buying an expert or pro now. After having it as long as you had; do you ever wish you went with the pro instead?

[@ericd1170]

No I'm still really happy with the bike. I would buy it again which is unusual because normally I'd want to try something new

[@timcupery2244]

I had a Pro for awhile, and wish that I'd had an Expert. This mainly comes down to my preference for cable-actuated disc brakes because they're much easier to work on (I'm 6'5" with large hands, though). If you're someone who often wishes you had more braking power, hydraulics would be more worthwhile.

[@ericd1170]

Just for clarification: the Expert had hydraulic brakes they are just unusual in that they are cable actuated. The hydraulic reservoir is on the brake caliper itself

[@diamondbracelette]

Thanks for posting this! Interested in this bike and have similar sizing issues as you. Did you primarily go to the 57 because of standover? And how is the standover on the 57 with your inseam? Thanks for posting the weight too.

[@ericd1170]

I went with 57cn because it was most similarly sized to my road bike (which is 60cm) and I knew the road bike fit well. The standover has enough clearance to be comfortable. I'm pretty sure there would have been contact if I got the 60cm.

[@cibulino8604]

Great video! Have you considered also Specialized Sequoia or Salsa Journeyman? Now I have the same dilemma as you had - I want to buy my very first gravel bike in addition to my mtb but still can't decide what is better.

[@ericd1170]

I don't remember specifically looking at those bikes. At the time I couldn't find anything that beat the combination of hydraulic brakes, steel frame, and ~$750 (with site discount) price point of the Breezer.

[@cibulino8604]

@@ericd1170 with this price you don't need any other options

[@jaman5735]

you need a bottom swing front derailiuer, then your bottle cage will fit

[@timcupery2244]

the main reason the cage needed spacers is that the front derailer clamp is designed for a fatter tube (and uses a shim to fit around this 28.6mm seat tube). Many newer front derailers aren't made with a 28.6mm clamp size, since that standard-for-steel diameter is less common these days.

[@alradhi6627]

How it feel? I am considering this bike just because it is breezer...This bike have very long reach... I tried salsa vaya before and it is fine..

[@timcupery2244]

the longer reach/effective top tube means you'll want a shorter stem (for bars at a given height, at least). this follows the recent trend in mtb/gravel toward longer reach & shorter stem, combined with slacker head tube angles.

[@johncaban4310]

Due to the geometry, do you think I could put a flat bar on this for a more upright position? Have the large I bought from someone late in 2019 and i'm 5"10 with a 32" inseam. Wish it was a medium.

[@ericd1170]

I think you would be better off putting a shorter stem if you want to be more upright. I put a 90mm stern on mine and I don't have to reach near as far. Plus a stem is a lot easier and cheaper than converting to flat bar

[@johncaban4310]

@@ericd1170 Thanks for this. Will look into it. Have a good one

[@PopovskiDarko]

My inseam is 33.5” and my height is 6.1” , compared to you in your opinion what do you think 57cm XL size frame how it’s gonna fit me if I were to buy one ? Thanks

[@ericd1170]

I think you will be happy with the 57c. I definitely wouldn't get the next size up. The reach may be a little long so you may end up wanting to swap the stem. I've been planning on swapping my stem for a 90mm but haven't done it yet

[@PopovskiDarko]

@@ericd1170 thanks for your quick reply, I ordered 2018 used model i found on ebay for $650 , should arrive next week , also it took me along time to find ‘’all in one bike’’, and budget friendly, downsizing from dedicated mountain bike and road bike which i sold, need just one for occasional weekend biking with family or solo in the park, some gravel trails , city cruising, and occasional weekend camping

[@PopovskiDarko]

How do TRP Hy/RD work for you for stopping power?

[@ericd1170]

I'm really happy with them. Modulation is pretty good and they have 1 finger stopping power in the drops

[@garylawrence3873]

May i ask what shoes you use?

[@ericd1170]

I wear a Pearl Izumi MTB shoe with Crank Bros cleats and pedals. I like MTB shoes because they are easier/more comfortable to walk around in off the bike.