5 Tips For Setting Up Your Gravel Bike

[@10flyingdutchman]

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!

[@Relevant_Irrelevance]

They're back!

[@Cade_Media]

😎

[@scottharris952]

After 4months bikepacking, SPD sandals were actually my #1 favourite purchase. Seriously the best thing I had on the trip for comfort and versatility

[@1esk192]

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

[@Hook-N-Ladder]

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.

[@00brs]

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!

[@owensnicholas]

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.

[@pbandjosh]

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.

[@beyoncehadoneofthebest]

FINALLY! I missed seeing james so much! we need another trip.

[@michaelmenzel5053]

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.

[@HeikkiHeiskanen]

Yeah, same here, using 60 mm stem so I can actually reach the handlebars without stretching.

[@DonnieX6]

China gravel tour maybe?? 😉 Also love that Bikefit Tuesdays are back, perfect start for a Wednesday 👍️

[@biggertree7063]

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.

[@onenotesolo256]

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).

[@StickmanAirsoftPH]

I missed James. I just bought a Gravel bike as well. Perfect timing!

[@Cade_Media]

👊✌️

[@cb6866]

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

[@byknphil]

Nothing said about flat pedals. Great video par usual boys

[@donmann6482]

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.

[@K2theAblam]

Pinching myself seeing James on the channel again hinting at another epic bike trip.

[@weeringjohnny]

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.

[@ArthurCapone]

You guys are chaotic. Love it!!! Hahaha

[@TheDude13]

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.

[@gregmorrison7320]

Yeah one of those China frame sellers was offering 50cm bars!

[@pendingrequest]

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.

[@monrezee]

STOKED!! You and James are going on an adventure. Hopefully you bring the dog(Lawrence).

[@malcontent_1]

6:35 haha that face that snark Very nice seeing James again

[@scotchsoda3165]

Sandals!

[@chicodiflora]

Nice! Happy to see James back on show

[@jbratt]

As always James did a great job 👍. I love to spend an hour with him talking bike fit.

[@jack1ako]

Hi Francis, recently come across your KZbin 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.

[@chetmanley1885]

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.

[@tyneskipper]

was worried for you for new vids for a few days. excellent work and James really comes across well. good stuff

[@tolulopeobe]

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.

[@richardhaselwood9478]

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.

[@Greg.Sutton]

Woo Hoo - Bike trip with Bike Fit James. Brilliant.

[@richycoles]

Nice to see you guys back. It’s been a while! 👍

[@aaronhamlen8215]

Welcome back James.

[@hugog930]

Cannot wait to see next adventure with James

[@sjjw43]

Love BFT's thank you Francis & James

[@johnmills8558]

love james's frank openess ... brilliant :)

[@TheBassallyear100]

yay! an upcoming bikefit james, adventure bike trip!

[@f1hotrod527]

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.

[@hugobosswood9002]

Awesome stuff! Can’t beat a bike fit james episode! Look forward to your next adventure

[@kristinjokela381]

building a gravel bike, made all of the suggested choices already good to know I'm on the right track haha

[@abhikdas5518]

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.

[@K777John]

Welcome back to Bike Fit Tuesday-glad to see you are keeping to your normal routine and released this episode on a Wednesday…..🤣

[@Mrdirt22]

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.

[@jennibristol7720]

Thank you, very useful information from James, especially as I am doing the things he suggested already.

[@JakeMay]

The video we've all been waiting for!

[@fastfiddler1625]

I just got my gravel bike. Even though I ride a 1x MTB, I was not convinced that that's the right choice for me on a gravel bike. I would say my riding is 75-90% paved. Unless you're doing really crazy constant technical gravel climbs and all that like they said, 100% go with a 2x. I have 2x12 and it's perfect. Personally, I feel like a 1x system makes it feel like a wimpy mountain bike, whereas, a 2X makes it feel like a beefy Road bike.

[@alifecycles]

Super nice to see James back on the channel. Missed his tones. 😂 #banter

[@raybrig_5551]

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 👍

[@madetheweekend]

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 😉

[@mitchgarbeno3788]

Yes! Yes! Yes! You cheeky bastards…I missed these segments and James.

[@littlelawson06]

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.

[@Cade_Media]

Yep I only notice it when riding with others... My cassette is quite extreme mind!

[@littlelawson06]

@@Cade_Media yeah I have the Eagle AXS with 10-50T so probably fairly similar .

[@jasongraham6772]

I would disagree that for steep Mountian riding 1x not the play you don’t get good range on either end

[@awesome4330]

would love to see James' advice for mountain bikes!

[@HKRoad]

Spot on about handlebars

[@10ktube]

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.

[@MegaSixpac]

What about a series on ‘bike packing’ or ‘adventure’ type bikes?

[@michaelhayward7572]

Concur. Even the Alt bike scene Steel tube bikes, fat tires, weird shape bars... Surlys, Salsas, Rivendells, Ritcheys and all the other wonderful and weird cycles out there. Keep it Weird....

[@xy4102]

This channel is just too good!

[@yumyumhungry]

on 1x vs 2x: I find a large portion of mechanicals I see while out bikepacking are front derailleur related, and after a couple of days that big ring doesn't get a lot of use anyways. By going 1x you are cutting out a large source of potential mechanical failures.

[@biking-places]

in my experience you'll wear out your 1x chainring that you're overusing because it's your only long before you have this mysterious 'mechanical failure.'

[@wallacewestmeath]

Why does James always remind me of Pete Bennett....but i do appreciate his amazing knowledge

[@MrAntec300]

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.

[@rtothet]

Excited for that new adventure 👀

[@bgrutterdds]

I don't see a link to the shoulder measurement video referenced. Any chance i can get a link?

[@merseypicsvids]

Yesssss, he is back!!!

[@Big2Planker]

Love it - great video on all points. Thanks guys.

[@travisreed5965]

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

[@bugrutch]

We’ve all missed James. Welcome back! Now. Where is this next adventure you speak of?

[@mrpokeit]

"Next trip" Yay!

[@ModifiedNmax]

Crocks and flat pedals work fine.

[@biking-places]

why is a 1x better for steep mountain climbs? usually they use a chainring in between what a double has (like a 32 or 34 vs a 36/26 double) so you're going to have fewer small gears and less overall range.

[@knife1406]

*laughs in my 660mm towel rack handlebar*

[@ccapp3389]

What are your thoughts on a good cycling specific flat shoe?

[@ciarantheanarchist]

Great video.

[@teroy45]

miss James so much!

[@joeblack7469]

Couldn’t agree more on overly wide or overly flared bars, if you really need that level of control you’re on the wrong bike.

[@stevemuzak8526]

When I ordered my bike producer asked my about arm length etc. They adjust everything for me before shipping my bike.

[@fennec13]

Yeah, some gravel handelbars are too wide and too flared as well. the worst of both worlds. As for 1x or 2x - I think folks can use whatever they want. But if you do as many on and off raod adventures, to and from gravel, and over crap pavement, idk how anyone could do that on a 1x. I want my big gears and mt climbing gears too. 2x really IS the best of both worlds imo.

[@tonyenglish292]

Who'd trust a bike fitter that is not bike fit 🤣🤣

[@RaceJan]

#BFT on a wednesday.. of course! :-)

[@hkp9257]

If I want to ride road and gravel, what shoes should I get? Do I have a disadvantage with mtb shoes whilst driving road only?

[@Mr.Scorpio79]

Great channel! Need help on my next gravel handle bar, I ride an addict 30 size Large which I believe comes with handlebar size 42 width 100 stem, no complaints just a little too long for me. Will it be normal to get a shorter stem??? Thanks

[@SergioCristancho]

A lot of questions but one only... For now are Gravel systems of bump absorption for the steem or the saddle a gimmick? How they affect the ' fit' if any gets affected.

[@philipp-christopherdeeke2210]

Can you please send James on a bike fit tour to the mainland. With all his tips, I can‘t find a bike fitter that matches my expectations here in Hanover/Germany. Please!

[@Cade_Media]

Just ride over 😉

[@RolfReibach]

Serious question: Can you explain more about footwear please? I want to go bikepacking on my gravel bike and I have chosen flat pedals. Is this a reasonable choice? everybody tells me they are garbage :D

[@casparwhittey]

Shout out to James' Speedy! Classic

[@DmitryKoupriyanov]

Flat pedal and sandals are the way to go .... so I'm told!!!

[@iandarcy905]

Wooooooohoooooooo your back 🤙🚴

[@capt_darling9454]

I am buying James a pack of Nobbly Bobblies.... They are the King of lollies!

[@Bikefitjames]

Yis pleeeeeeaaaase

[@jamessher6956]

Totally disagree on narrow bars unless your an elite Pro gravel racer. 50cm Ritchey Venture Max bars are outstanding.

[@mohyla91]

I'm riding gravel routes on my "adventure" road bike when I swap my tires. 38cm wide, 90cm stem. I've ridden several blue trails, no issues. If you need a 50cm drop handlebar, you probably need a mountain bike.

[@JamesBrown-qt2yr]

Oh and also, as your sponsored by Scott any chat on ebikes, because Scott's offering in this space seems pretty slick

[@Cade_Media]

I have only ridden one (patron)and it was absolutely mega. Need to try some more. Saw some of the future offerings at the HQ when I was there, there's some crazy stuff coming

[@davideastwood6365]

The majority of trail riding here on the Isle of Wight is up or down so 1x and a wider bar are most welcome. Not a huge amount of flat ‘gravel to ride on, lots of single track , chalky, rocky climbs and descents. I ride a nukeproof digger with 650b and it copes well with the majority of stuff. It’s only me holding it back🥴

[@pbandjosh]

I think everyone should ride the bike they want in the way that they want, first off, so no critique. here Just want to say that your example sounds like the classic case where many people (myself included at times) might say you are underbiked, aka you might be better off on a mountain bike. I _personally_ would rather have a hardtail for that kind of terrain, but I'm old and dislike rattling around, so go figure :)

[@davideastwood6365]

@@pbandjosh I like the ‘underbiked’ challenge, but I also have to travel by road to connect the trails so much prefer the gravel bike geometry 📐. As long as we’re riding we’re living👍🏻

[@TheJeeva143]

This bike was really easy to assemble kzbin.infoUgkxMesz3KOGEmwmvyKQfLfrRSUXLFzfVHZA and required very few adjustments out of the box. The wheels did not require any truing/adjustments. The frame had some small scratches, but nothing major.I did replace the seat though - the seat it came with was very uncomfortable. The tires need to be re-inflated every 4-5 days, but this appears to be quite common for the narrow 700x25 tires.Overall, in my opinion, this bike looks and rides like a much more expensive bike.

[@AndrewCoakley]

(Fitted 80mm stem on gravel bike due to not-so-great flexibiity) 10:10 "What's the shortest stem you'd go for?" (Holds breath) 10:18 "80 mil" *Palpable relief*

[@tadaka.8]

Would crank length make a difference on a gravel bike? Or should you just use what you use on a road bike?

[@49tkscott]

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.

[@jfdube6669]

What about flat bars on a gravel bike?

[@Fifi346]

Guys, maybe an episode how to fit aerobars properly for long distance riding?

[@MeBikeDad]

Can’t afford a road and a gravel bike.. so Converting a road bike to a gravel bike what should you think about set up wise.

[@Bikefitjames]

All bikes are gravel bikes

[@oal2928]

A professional once said bike shoes is used wrong by 95% of the cyclists out there, something about power on the upstrokes, and that it takes coaching and allot of experience to ride properly and benefit from them, but all the sellers won’t tell you this, it’s all in the mindset.

[@alolympic]

“If you want better grip, 650b is a better way to go” 🤔 I think more accurately - if you want better grip, a wider tyre of the same given tread pattern is the way to go. If your frame has limited clearance, you may want to size down to 650b to fit the tyres you want.

[@giancarloespejo2223]

This is what i was waiting for 😃🤣