Best Gravel Bike Upgrade!

Gravel Bike Essentials: To dropper or not to dropper
Dropper Curious: Use code DUSTIN15 for 15% off your first order to Competitive Cyclist: bit.ly/3R3SzqR (some exclusions may apply)
---⛓️Links From the Episode ⛓️---
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🎸 RockShox AXS Dropper: bit.ly/3R3SzqR
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----DK’s Set up---
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[@sukhoviboolsittiseri4000]

Yeah Dustin Henderson Single Track Flowology is real. You learn so much bike handling by simply following him on a trail. Plus he's the nicest, most humble shredder you'll ever meet. Grateful to have DH as a friend.

[@dustinhenderson8945]

Thanks, Sukho!! 👊

[@tdiddi1]

"and salsa recalled carbon handlebars"🤣

[@EverythingsBeenDone]

🤦🏻‍♂️🤣

[@saysthetedd]

Dang dude. This is straight up my favorite KZbin channel. SO good. The riding, the editing, the delivery, the stoke, the waffles...

[@bgfb]

A Huge Yes! for droppers on drop bar bikes. Big fan of the PNW Coast that I had on my Grizl and now Psyched on my Rock Shox Reverb AXS on my New Szepter!!

[@notYaroslav]

Один з моїх улюблених каналів про велосипеди. Стиль, монтаж, відмінне почуття гумору - все тут. Дякую за роботу. Бажаю успіхів!

[@EverythingsBeenDone]

❤❤❤

[@spikebruiser1]

I'm all for drippers on gravel rigs. I've been using the Pnw coast dropper/air adjustable suspension seatpost on my gravel rig for a few years now. It has made me a true believer! So much so that I build/buy all my drop bar bikes with a dropper.

[@vmxd]

same here ! PNW coast dropper with air suspension -> love it ! :)

[@timmcdermott815]

I am now only calling it a dripper...

[@TheBirchCreek]

Dropper post: yes! Out of the three bikes I´m currently riding, I would put it on two of them. Right away. What's stopping me: 1) I don´t want to add another cable to the bike and all the other fiddling 2) wireless posts are still quite expensive for me. Well, maybe... I´ll think about it for a little while longer and... maybe for the summer... well, sometimes. It is probably just a question of "when", rather than "if"... (?)

[@alexlove2502]

I love the dropper on my gravel bike. It lets me get into a lower, better balanced position for descending. I’m nervous on descents and this has helped so much.

[@choanlpoto]

Next step suspension then rear suspension then flat bar. Then shorter stem. Them you get back where mtb is. Lol. Gravel marketing bullshit never stop to surprise.

[@hail_sagan2830]

… or an MTB might just be overkill for what OP rides and a short travel dropper does exactly what they said without adding 5kg of unnecessary suspension I really don’t understand the combativeness around this. a dropper is just a tool that can improve the riding experience, and if they’re just hitting the occasional loose descent then there’s no reason to act like they need a bike that can go full send. an XC MTB is way too much bike for a mostly-smooth 100km gravel route.

[@glidealong1171]

Even though I forget to use my dropper all the time on the trail. Its lovely when getting on the bike! (I'm getting old)

[@marcocabral4838]

Love it! That’s a MTB ride through and through. Ok ok your old Ritchie you gave away was my favorite one of your bikes. This one officially has become my favorite. Send it my way when you’re bored 🤔😂 it’s the perfect blend of a bike! 👍

[@craigmeritz896]

Finally added a dropper on your gravel bike. Duhhh. You did articulate all but one of the reasons it's great. 1. Descents on any terrain. 2. a little extra room on anything a little (or a lot) bumpy. 3. Getting the seat a little extra high for more efficiency on the really smooth fast stuff. Once you try a dropper post, you never go back (except perhaps in a race where weight might actually really matter).

[@carlgoetzinger6876]

I’m just gonna go ahead and re-watch every video with the cutthroat in it. I’ve fallen in love with that bike.

[@crazyfurdubs]

First upgrade I did to my gravel bike, straight out of the box was a PNW dropper.

[@williamlebron9873]

The first time I saw a dropper seat post on a drop bar bike was you camouflage Bombtrack. That bike was SO SICK. LOVED 😍 that bike.

[@davekendall1338]

My Nukeproof Digger came with a dropper. It's awesome on a 1x where the left shifter can be used to control the dropper. Definitely makes the bike more versatile and fun on steeper stuff.

[@lallineca]

Got one too, and the Rudy upfront makes it even better ! 🎉

[@mlegrand]

100% dropper 👍 Droppers should be on all gravel bikes. more trails = more fun. And I see evidence of all the wind we've been having. . . . 😬

[@jasonisaac1]

Enjoyed that spicy singletrack shred with Dustinx2! I’m running PNW droppers on my gravel bike, and drop bar touring mtb. Essential for where I ride in western NC, mostly dirt/gravel roads and some singletrack, paved to get there and back.

[@Bscott-390]

I just put a dropper on my Marin Headlands. Love love love.

[@brianwilliam8971]

Such a rad and versatile bike. Geared for the occasion too.

[@biciclistaus]

Great job Dustin&Dustin

[@ericstieg2721]

I so enjoy your videos - and the comedic relief is icing on top! I have an Evil Chamois Hagar, which is a gravel bike with a drop bar a dropper seat - love it. I gotta ask, why don’t you just ride a full suspension mountain bike on those trails??

[@johnnydoe66]

Every time you ride singletrack in the forest like that, I am expecting to see Ewoks from Star Wars

[@MrSlushierGravy]

Such underrated YT… this deserves a milli ❤

[@EverythingsBeenDone]

My heart is full!

[@neilpook3719]

Yes absolutely! The concept of putting a dropper on any bike that will go single trail. Or even on wider gravel tracks too. It sometimes feels like you're descending over loose ball bearings. So a lower centre of gravity helps a great deal, with your stability. Only with bike packing, unless you use paniers, a seat post bag gets in the way of its movement. You can put a 27.2 on bikes with larger seat tubes, there are specially sized adapter shims for that. But I advise to find the longest ones possible. Especially if you're going to do it with carbon seat posts. A longer line of squeeze will even the stress load on the post.

[@EverythingsBeenDone]

I had no idea there was an adaptor..cool tip!

[@neilpook3719]

@@EverythingsBeenDone and another good advantage on using the 27.2 is that it'll save you a few grams, as appose to the bigger ones. Such as a 31.6 which is arguably the most common seat tube size around, these days. I have a Specialized carbon Zertz seat post 27.2 in my 31.6 adventure bike. Along with the elastomer damping, the thinner diameter adds a bit more flex. So more compliance. I do this with all of my bikes, if they don't already have a 27.2. If you can still find a 25.4 then even better. Oversized seat posts are too stiff to give you a comfortable ride.

[@MegaLenny1000]

Beautiful forest!

[@hockeymommyrtlebeech4852]

Bike looks sick... now even sicker with the dropper!! 🤪

[@andreanetto69]

Finally I understood how to use a dropper seatpost on a (gravel) bike 😅 thanks Dustin

[@EverythingsBeenDone]

Happy to help!

[@lindonandlisa8114]

Awesome video as always dropper post are really good even though I don't have one of my bike

[@SeanKWhite-lk5zf]

Have a dropper on my cutty and it’s life. Even on fast descents on pavement….superntuckin. I’m using a PNW Rainer and using the front brifter to actuate it.

[@thispod]

I got very short legs and a dropper for me is necessary. Coming from my enduro, the first offroad descents on my gravel bike were SCARY! So I upgraded to a dropper. Having the seat in the way and not being able to separate bike and body makes leaning it into turns impossible, and at that point the bikes takes you along for the ride. And on the chunky stuff.... A dropper is a must if you really want to smash it, I only wish I could afford a SRAM AXS too 😂

[@WalfredoCirne]

Dropper are awesome! After you try one, there is no going back. 🙂

[@grantwelch9255]

Just in: Dustin dustin' through the dusty dust with Dustin.

[@flamencoguru]

Nice! Dropper posts are a must! Great video! Quick question, where did you buddy get his hat? Looks slick. Biciclista Squadra Corse

[@JonasUrthOlsen]

I´m running a Magura wireless dropper on my gravel bike, it uses a simple remote that attaches with rubberbands. The remote can be placed anywhere on the drop bar and have the easy installation you also get from the AXS dropper, but you are not tire into the the AXS ecosystem. I´m a full covert, went the with wireless dropper to easy remove the dropper post when I didn't need it, but it has stayed on my bike since installation 🙂

[@marcokalle2452]

Nice, I'm riding Campy Ekar on my gravelrig, which is all mechanical, so that wireless Magura dropper sounds interesting 😎

[@JonasUrthOlsen]

@@marcokalle2452 There some limits to the solution. I use the old version (Vyron elect v2) that uses the rubber strap remote, the new (Vyron mds-v3) have another type of remote, that might be as flexible regarding mounting. Beside that, both droppers does not come in a 27.2 mm version.

[@reiddryden9805]

Droppers on any bike and it’s so cool to be able to touch ground and still be on the seat Stay safe

[@coreypiket4174]

Yes! More Cutty content!

[@Bilbo736]

Ive got a dropper and eagle shifting on my drop bar bike, except its all mechanical with sram Force levers, def the way to go.

[@arcadialive4265]

Droppers are 100% a must for gravel/MTB. TBH I even like them for long descents on the road.

[@noredcr]

just put a dropper on my gravel bike. its a nice addition for sure.

[@tednruth453]

Popper most to the Dropper post!

[@juhao81]

Not sure I would call that gravel bike :) Looks super fun!

[@MrLoungist]

Is it snowing? Holy loam!

[@XCPainter]

Can't wait to get an axs dropper post on my warbird. Front suspension... still in debate on which one.

[@matthewshaw3747]

I have a dropped on my gravel bike and it’s a bit crap. The key difference between mine and the one fitted in the video is travel. I only get 70mm of drop which simply doesn’t get the post out of the way enough. It’s really a more is more situation.

[@2scoops624]

Yes to the dropper. All bikes are better with a dropper. I have 7 of them, and yes, I'm a mountain biker.

[@FreAkofGh3]

I struggle with pulling the trigger on a dropper for my gravel bike. I have a Thomson ti seatpost on it and it’s so comfy and looks so nice that I don’t want to get rid of it 😭

[@J3SSEB]

The recalled Salsa bar comment got me 😂

[@EverythingsBeenDone]

😜

[@Dave435l]

Can't put a dropper on my gravel bike, I'd rather die than put a black post on my totally silver build

[@GraydenMacLennan]

3:01 “And Salsa recalled carbon fiber handlebars”. That’s not the model name… they have been recalled due to cracking issues.

[@themississippikidful]

Great video , not sure about hauling balls with those Salsa "recall" bars 🤣

[@EverythingsBeenDone]

😂🤣😭

[@db_cooper3941]

I have the 2018 APEX build in XL and being a bit taller I ride with the fixed seat post high. In the chunk it feels like I’m going to get pitched over the bars. Dropper seems like no brainer but its so pricey I’m going to need to pull off a heist to afford.

[@MidtownSkyport]

Riding with Howard Moon this week

[@jonnymountain8211]

I’ve often said if I ever do a camper build, I’m going to letter the side in florist delivery, as it’s so mundane no one will want to look inside. Oh, and that bike is so sick.

[@Fango925]

I have a dropper on my gorilla monsoon, but it's only 50mm, which is tiny! Thinking about putting a 100 or 120mm dropper on it for even more rad descents

[@fraho6431]

Which tyres have you chosen and which width makes sense for droppers from your perspective? 50 mm?

[@LILDIRTNAPX]

...and salsa recalled carbon handlebars hahahaa

[@themihaherbst]

Nuts 🤙

[@ferencvarju651]

Nice vid! :) In my opinion, if you ride terrain that makes you consider adding a dropper to your bike, you are usually better off using an XC mountain bike anyway. I happen to have both a Chisel (like Dustin II’s bike) and a Diverge, and in my experience, the Chisel is faster on every offroad scenario, except maybe the perfectly smooth, straight hardpack roads. I vote for suspension seatposts on a gravelbike for long-term seated comfort, and a dropper on the XC bike for added capability. But if I could only have a gravel bike for riding it all, I’d go with the dropper for sure.

[@ROBinJVILLE]

i have yet to get a dropper, but im starting to reconsider

[@EverythingsBeenDone]

I would love to hear what you think after(if) you get one.

[@ryankroese5264]

“Salsa recalled carbon fiber handlebars” 😂😂

[@BeerMatt96]

If it's good enough for Matej Mohoric (Milan San Remo 2022), it's good enough for most of us mere mortals...

[@piccolo_gravel]

A dropper is like a little bit of kief in a bowl, don't need it, but it adds to the experience when you have

[@EverythingsBeenDone]

Pure poetry!

[@blkriqan]

Nice

[@getoutdoors2693]

Dustin I have the same build and wondering if you went 50 or 70mm axs dropper option.

[@aaronedgeart]

A dropper makes too much sense on sketchy stuff, 100% agree.

[@matigati8]

Hey Dustin! You've ridden the Topstone Lefty! Would you slam a dropper on that sucker? I'm considering it for this summer 🌞. Keep it gravelicious!

[@EverythingsBeenDone]

Player hell yes!!! I did a review of a Topstone lefty and it came with a dropper, really tied the room together: kzbin.info/www/bejne/ZmTXe6GsjbCGhrM

[@vivekacharya3652]

I remember watching one of your videos and then i grabbed my bike and immediately went on a ride...

[@geoffreyfowler9198]

My 2021 Giant Revolt Advanced has “D-Fuse Technology,” 😒 a D shaped post designed to absorb vibrations. It actually works well, but it’s proprietary and can’t be replaced with a dropper 😖

[@competitivecyclist]

Will we see more and more people adding droppers to their gravel bikes in 2023? 🤔

[@ranwaynecaislersambat3793]

The best bike for me

[@itzBent]

Felt like you were speaking to me…..lol

[@alyssapeck]

Awesome. Thinking about getting a dropper on my grav bike. What trails are you on?

[@EverythingsBeenDone]

This was Gales Creek in Oregon

[@mikeashbaugh7773]

I would be afraid of a dropper post, I’m 66 been riding for years, and I’m a bit forgetful, I’d be in a ride and probably hit the button and hit myself in the nads

[@thispod]

Modern droppers are not like old school ones anymore, they now rise a little more "elegantly"

[@KOL630]

What gore jacket is that you’re wearing at @6:40? Thanks

[@mihaelachiscovici]

It went together easily in less than an hour. kzbin.infoUgkxHL1v1R3NE5x4KiYfyt8dnQmyNYz7qi5L Make sure the front fork is forward or the pedals will hit the front tire. Tires are both a little soft so it needs air before I ride it. The rear wheel didn't come with a clamp regular bolts hold it on. The front had the clamp. No scratches out of box. Rims are a little off with a slight wobble. They could have spent more time with the spoke tool fixing the run out. So far out of the box I'm happy with it. I did replace the pedals with a nice aftermarket set. After riding it a bit my A$$ is a bit sore so I ordered another seat. Overall I'm nearly 60 and didn't ride a bike in 30 years. I like my new 29" Schwinn. It will be used for casual rides with my friend.

[@jeeperzr2]

Where were you riding?

[@K777John]

I have been thinking of adding a dropper to my Planet X Tempest-but I have been looking at a combination dropper and suspension post. I need the suspension part more than the dropper-it’s fairly flat over in Cambridgeshire UK where I am.

[@cjohnson3836]

PNW Coast

[@FreedomOfSport]

I would pick the suspension over the dropper. Like the Redshift Seat suspension. PNW Coast does not seem to give a very smooth suspension going by the info that I found but I haven't tried it myself.

[@cjohnson3836]

@@FreedomOfSport Getting the seat out of the way makes suspension irrelevant. And Droppers have value even when commuting around on smooth roads.

[@WakizashiSabre]

When seein this Salsa, I wonder, why not to take older MTB and spit a drops on it... Got the same for 1/4.

[@carlchambers617]

So explain to me the point of drop handles on the sorts of trails that you were riding in this vid. Wouldn’t flat bars put you in a more stable position where your weight isn’t out over the front of the bike? Just wondering why you prefer a gravel bike in what I would consider to be mountain bike country?

[@RatFink5912]

F-en Hell.....OUCH! done it said it, I felt your pain

[@dennisstempher9684]

Did you notice any 'wobble' when sitting on the saddle during the ride with the Rockshox dropper?

[@andrewgarrison7485]

Why does the inside of your cabin look like it belongs to a serial killer? 7:48

[@EverythingsBeenDone]

this shack is made or murder

[@davidmizelle6459]

What trail is that?

[@alexschiefer7359]

How wide are those handlebars? Thinking about getting a 520mm wide ritchey comp but im not sure if thats a bit overkill 😂

[@EverythingsBeenDone]

I want those ritchey bars as well. I think youll be stoked

[@davejenkins8013]

Not for me, never felt the need on gravel..Great video though 👍

[@EverythingsBeenDone]

I appreciate you!

[@txmale5070]

Is this Oregon or Washington state?

[@jasonsheridan6222]

Cool video, with spectacular scenery. But why not just ride a mountain bike when you're clearly on mountain bike trails, rather than riding a gravel bike sotra converted into a mountain-gravel mashup?

[@trailingupwards]

Do you still ride the Cuttthroat? I basically just bought the same bike, minus the $3000 wheels.

[@EverythingsBeenDone]

I do and I love it still!

[@AlessandroBb]

The Salsa is so yummy

[@adamnorton748]

Yeah droppers help any bike ride offroad

[@EverythingsBeenDone]

Adam knows!

[@nicholasstanko]

What happened to the NASA van?

[@WordupG]

Gravel bikes designed to get squirrelly like this should move to 30.9 or 31.6mm seatposts. Way better droppers available, and longer travel. 27.2 is wayyy too narrow to fit the good stuff.

[@EverythingsBeenDone]

I would love to see this happen!

[@WordupG]

@@EverythingsBeenDone My Otso Waheela C takes a 30.9 and it’s rocking the AXS 125mm dropper. So dialed!

[@billburke5062]

I also have a dropper on my Cutty…

[@EverythingsBeenDone]

smaaaaat move

[@getoutdoors2693]

@@EverythingsBeenDone what version is that 50mm or 75mm drop?

[@tyler.london]

Can someone explain the Golden/Platinum ratio?

[@EverythingsBeenDone]

yes! Golden ratio is 10miles ride with 1000 ft of elevation. Platinum is double the elevation ie: 10 mi / 2000 ft of elevation

[@tyler.london]

@Dustin Klein thank you, magical bike man!

[@discplayersports]

Very cool that you ride, the latest and greatest. For fun why not take you and your buddies take out those 70’s Schwinn steelies out for a ride for comparison. Double dare you. Bet you won’t.

[@BrotherlyLove12]

this is just a hardtail mtb with drop bars at this point lol super cool bike though

[@EverythingsBeenDone]

Exactly!!

[@rolffuchs2737]

Today all XC pros use a dropper post.

[@andrewleach8046]

Don’t you have dropped on your Specialized e-bike?

[@EverythingsBeenDone]

I have a dropper on many of my bikes.

[@choanlpoto]

Next step suspension then rear suspension then flat bar. Then shorter stem. Them you get back where mtb is. Lol. Gravel marketing bullshit never stop to surprise.

[@Schlem]

Too many batteries! Gimme a lever or a crank or a tin can and a wire!