Best (mid-level) Gravel Bike You've Never Heard of

Does This $3K Gravel Bike Check all the Boxes?
All the intel for Polygon Bend R9X: bikesonline-usa.sjv.io/oqPdjo
🔗Links to Everything Else👇
---⛓️Links From the Episode ⛓️---
🚴 Bike rode: Polygon Bend R9X: bikesonline-usa.sjv.io/oqPdjo
🚲More affordable option, Polygon R7 : bikesonline-usa.sjv.io/OroA6Z
🏍️Higher end version Polygon V9X: bikesonline-usa.sjv.io/y2ENnN
⛑️On Bike kit:
🧯Fillmore Tubeless Valves RULE: amzn.to/46HuTz8
💊Dynaplugs also RULE: amzn.to/3RUdLlE
🟠Tubolite Tubes(worth it) bit.ly/3FdjCLi
👛ORNOT saddle bag: bit.ly/3QbC50Z
🚨Small Rear Light: amzn.to/3LTc2c8
🍼 Finish Line Sealant: amzn.to/3F8DUFE
⛑Aries Helmet: bit.ly/3RTzKZV
👕 Merino Shirt as base layer : bit.ly/458qzso
😈Micro Climate Jacket(Is really good!): bit.ly/3LuJiq6
🫒Micro Grid Jersey(also Rules & Made in 🇺🇸) bit.ly/44ZQvp5
🩳 Over Shorts: bit.ly/3Ql4QbR
🩲Today’s Bibs: Distance Bibs: bit.ly/41swI0h
🧦Ornot Wool socks: bit.ly/472laEu
🥑Green Gravel Shoes: bit.ly/3RtMAhe
📱Garmin Bike Computer:
👓 DK’s Glasses:bit.ly/3EK1iZZ
🌞This Sunblock(Ocean Friendly): shrsl.com/48h27
🧌Gravel Goblin: dustinklein.com/shop/gravel-g...
👨🏻Ron: bit.ly/omtm_IG
------Vital Info:------
🎟️Channel Memberships: bit.ly/EBD_Insider
👕 The EBD Gear Shop: bit.ly/EBD__Gear_Shop
📲Shall we Instagram?: bit.ly/DkleinIG
❤️‍🔥 EBD newsletter : bit.ly/EBDgear
👾EBD Discord Community: / discord
🎞️ Animation by: bit.ly/Drew_Insta
-------Did you Know:-------
📺 New Episodes of Everything’s Been Done
🗓️ Every Thursday at 1pm PST / 4pm EST / 9PM GMT
📡 EBD LIVE: 30 min before each weeks premiere:
12:30pm PST / 3:30pm EST / 8:30PM GMT
🤘Subscribe to GET RAD: bit.ly/Subscribe_to_EBD
🎶Music chances with wolves and Ron Lewis
Animation
-------🚵DK’s (Usual) Riding Gear-----
(Shopping these supports the channel)
🚲Gravel Bike: Wilier Triestina Jena x lЖLEIN bit.ly/Wilier_Jena
🛞Zipp XPLR Wheels: bit.ly/3mv97wY
🚜 Pirelli Gravel Tires: bit.ly/3zURNEM
:Soft Goods:
🎽Wind vest: bit.ly/3GDXvOV
👖GORE Trail pants: bit.ly/3BhDWt6
🩲 Bibs: Distance Bibs: bit.ly/41swI0h
👓 DK’s Glasses: bit.ly/3hWGEdq
👟Adidas Gravel Shoes: amzn.to/3lQprYK
📱Garmin Computer: bit.ly/3Kold0A☔️Packable Rain Jacket: bit.ly/3H7qAS3
📜 All Other Riding Gear: amzn.to/3SpEV1R
--------Host info--------
Dustin Klein: Working Artist, Lifestyle Cyclist, Maker.
🤳Instagram: bit.ly/DkleinIG
📈Strava: bit.ly/DkleinStrava
👤Facebook: bit.ly/Dklein_Facebook
🖥️LinkedIn: bit.ly/Dklein_LinkedIn
💃🏻TikTok: bit.ly/DK_TikTok
🌎 RidewithGPS: bit.ly/Dklein_RidewithGPS

[@EverythingsBeenDone]

Do you get the ❤‍🔥 EBD newsletter? : bit.ly/EBDgear 0nce a week reminder for each episode plus so much more

[@fordbailey8173]

Ron is the best.

[@sastrawanputra]

I'm from Indonesia where this bike is made, proud to see this brand is reaching your country door step, greetings from Bali

[@sweetalert480]

overproud lu

[@truktronton88]

@@sweetalert480bacot

[@room007]

The best mid level... the THREE THOUSAND DOLLAR !! I clearly had no Idea how things scale in this sport pricewise :))

[@mattjns]

Canyon’s latest gravel is $15k😂

[@petergibson7287]

It's easy. Let's use $US for the example. Entry level is under $1000. High end is over $10K. Mid level is everything in between. Extreme high end is anything dearer than the regular high end, but feels extreme, and you can't see why it's priced like that. In other words, if you can't see the benefit in spending the money, it's not for you. Hint; from entry to mid, extra spend gives extra benefit, over high end it's diminishing returns to the point of silliness.

[@DAMN55117]

I like it when Ron brings his sidekick biking.

[@EverythingsBeenDone]

😜

[@m1les7]

Great vid Dustin, great music, some Ron-age , some great scenery , and the bike looks pretty good to me! Always good to wake up to EBD on a Thursday morning! ❤🚴‍♀️🚴‍♀️🏁🏁

[@carlchambers617]

I Love Ron! Anybody would be lucky to have a biking buddy like Ron. And you guys’ fitness level; the ride times, the miles, and the elevation! Color me impressed, I strive to attain a fraction of your fitness. Another great vid. Oh, and nice bike, too.

[@brian90tb]

SWEET! I have the Bend R5 with full racks. Great value for the GRX it came with. I also swapped the stem and saddle!

[@OneMoment581]

One of the best review videos I've seen. Content, video, commentary and music were great. Glad I found it. I've seen a few of the Polygon bikes pop up lately and the video sure helps.

[@ToeKneeBee725]

I'm excited to see you on a Ploygon! 😁👍I've had the BendR2 for the last 2 years and 4300 miles...

[@Simte]

Sick video. Grinding to the stratosphere.

[@garethhelliwell9736]

We need a bike review of Ron's bike. It looks cool AF, or is that just because Ron is on it.

[@stevec505]

Quite frankly we need a Ron review. We only know so much, and we all know we want to know more.

[@bum_doubt]

It's a branded open mold Carbonda 696, lots of info out there on them.

[@joecorrea28]

Come for the bike review, stay for the ride views. Return because of Ron's tuber advice.

[@EverythingsBeenDone]

My man!

[@simirving]

Two things: Where you live, I love how video cameras grow on trees. And I'm impressed by your range of spectacles. Nice!

[@chrislitch6952]

You got to love Ron. Already eating before “So what’s the one mile review?” 😂😂😂

[@RyanHagler-hc1ub]

Great vids bud! Solid style

[@EverythingsBeenDone]

Appreciate it!

[@carlgoetzinger6876]

It’s weird and I absolutely love weird as long as it doesn’t affect function. I’m a sucker for dropper posts… and Ron… so it’s get everything I need! I’d buy it.

[@jimmypoe4707]

I recently bought the Polygon Bend R7 in XL. I came from a Trek Roscoe MTB. Love the Apex group. Gearing is fantastic. Comes with a dropper post which are awesome for any off-road, but I'm mainly road and dirt roads now, so I put on a suspension post. Love the hydraulic brakes. I am 6'2" so the bike might be too big, but not sure at this point. The upright stack for bike packing is what I was looking for. Just my 2 cents.

[@flamencoguru]

Great video as always. I be curious to see what you thing about the Jamis Renegade C1 Gravel bike. I just purchased one. Big bang for the buck!

[@TheBassman396]

Kona use to have a combo set of tires called scratch on the front and the rear was called sniff I personally love that I think going place or bin their are great name for tires to name a few 😂

[@KahluaBomb]

Good to see both Polygon and Stub Stewart getting some attention!

[@aaronedgeart]

All the trails that Ron yelled out at the map would make wondrous tire model names.

[@EverythingsBeenDone]

OMG you are BRILLIANT!

[@maximumschwa6993]

Never Tire

[@EverythingsBeenDone]

Damn you’re good. 🤣

[@bikesonline]

You killed it! What a great watch! Thanks, Dustin!

[@EverythingsBeenDone]

🤜❤️🤛

[@tobiassoar]

Great vid, as always! I’m personally skeptical about OEM parts. I recently got a Cannondale Topstone 4 and the rear mech and hub crapped out on me quickly. Ended up upgrading the wheels and entire group set because the OEM parts were either unavailable or overpriced.

[@laillosidgar]

well, it's novatec wheelset, there is almost no OEM in bend r9, it just got many brand that western cyclist not familiar with.

[@miggyruru]

love your vids. Your editing is outstanding making for entertaining viewing

[@thomasseymour4190]

Ummmm the tire brand is Vee Tire Co. the model is the rocketman. Vee has been around forever; when i stared they mostly sold entry level tires in the us(think $10 tires in 1990), the first nicer tires from them I recall were fat bike tires from 2012ish. Nova tech is the manufacturer for tons of house brand hubs(think a hub labeled as specialized, cannondale, etc) as well as their own stuff. The higher quality hubs they make under their own label have longer lasting bearings, stronger axles and stronger engagement mechanisms the the uber-popular cool kid hubs on so many bikes.

[@johnwilliamson9453]

The D & R show doesn’t disappoint!

[@Schlem]

Man, I rode in the slop last night (sans fendres). Just.. blech. I need mood amplifier like Ron on my rides. My XLNT Tire co: Pneumo, with the Road Turtle, Mountain Beaver, and (Gravel) Ad Venturo product lines.

[@plain-bagel]

Looks like a fun ride!

[@jackbmth7783]

Epic fun times! 😎 Please can you tell me the name of the funky music track you used for the single track section 🙏

[@D3lp]

A brand from Indonesia, I use to rock their Bend R9 Gravel/Touring bike

[@EverythingsBeenDone]

Very similar bike. Did your a have all these tech gnar angles on the frame?

[@D3lp]

No, unfortunately mine still has a "traditional" frame shape

[@obyannuryan2318]

thats from my country! indonesia thanks DK for review it

[@daniellarson3068]

Nice blue color and not covered with crappy writing, flames, snakes or unnecessary designs.

[@EverythingsBeenDone]

There is a cool subtle topographic detail along the top tube as well.

[@lomicwind]

What a nice environment to do a gravel ride :)

[@istvanlilik2006]

Hi, I love your channel. I have only one question, what kind of backpack do you use in this video? THX for the answer

[@Alex_564]

Looks like that Winspace frame all the gravel KZbinrs were testing but in alloy. How were the Vee Tires on road & dirt?

[@anggerocx]

Polygon bikes come from Indonesia, and they make very good budget bikes. I started road cycling in 2013 with polygon for 350$ and i rode it for 7 years. i love it. and in recent years they have been making good gravel bikes

[@ArdianSutarjan]

overproud lu

[@themihaherbst]

Greaat video 🤙 my tire brand name would be Gripless 😆

[@EverythingsBeenDone]

Try Gripless Tires: When your looking for rubber side up

[@simonXsludge]

Great video! My tire brand would be called Ssslick, logo would be a snake. Maybe. Also, I literally just grabbed one of those little saddle bags half an hour ago. Almost grabbed the colorful one. Almost. Also also, I think Polygon have one of, if not the cheapest carbon frame MTBs on the market.

[@EverythingsBeenDone]

Hell yes to all this! Do you recall Which model of polygon is the cheapest carbon MTB? Could be an interesting review!

[@joecorrea28]

I'm on the look for one of those saddlebags. What model is that one?

[@simonXsludge]

@@EverythingsBeenDone Syncline C2 for $1599.

[@simonXsludge]

@@joecorrea28 It's an Ornot Seat Bag.

[@jonamcc]

@@EverythingsBeenDonei think it’s the Siskyou

[@serzhick23]

This bike is very similar to the Marin Gestalt line. (they are even manufactured in the same factory, have the same fork model, and even have the same strangely named tires).

[@drill_fiend1097]

Polygon owns Marin afaik.

[@XR4turbo]

Yo Dustin could you do a video about civilian/commuter/urban cycling clothing options? Having a hell of a time finding a good brand for pants especially that could be cycled in AND go to work in...maybe I'm too aspirational

[@JwallzMTB]

NS RAG+1 also a very good option with hydraulic and sram for only 1200$

[@flexmtb]

Amazing video as always DK. Question for you, where are you mounting your GP on your USWE or other for your riding shots?

[@EverythingsBeenDone]

Yes!

[@flexmtb]

@@EverythingsBeenDone LOL. Are you using the Grill/Mouth mount?! And hooking it into a strap?!? Thanks!!!!!

[@christiankilleen7626]

I'd call my tires GiggleGrips to honour Dustins laugh whens he's really having fun on a bike.

[@philtomlinson8220]

Great video............as always! Tyre names - Boondocks Vagabonds. Hinterland Hobos

[@JnFTff]

Request, Dustin, could you do a review of the new Zwift Hub One? Thanks!!

[@JeffRevell]

The tire brand is actually VeeTech, which is a popular brand with Polygon.

[@TimDatema]

Vee Tire Co. They’ve been around for ages and make some good stuff. Also sponsor Aaron Gwin for downhill.

[@mehieltube]

2:12 LOL wtf! I'm literally watching this now from a place called Petrichor Café here in Greece.

[@ArminAdams]

Please, where did you get the Stardust Memory hat? It's really good!!!

[@randuakm8382]

First time i see Polygon brand in Le tour de Langkawi, one of the professional team are compete used this brand.

[@330_Crew]

KnobbyMcKnobFace

[@EverythingsBeenDone]

🤣 I’m dying

[@jonamcc]

Review the Lauf Seigla rigid! Best value out there right now!

[@zimmejoc]

I would love to get a tour of Ron’s bike garage.

[@timshelhamer7374]

My tire names would be Creamy, and Krunchy. Peanut butter sidewalls of course. Can be run as a front rear combo.

[@homestead.smallholding]

Petrichor, I learned something, thanks Ron

[@ravennexusmh]

built my own cheap alloy hybrid mtb style frame and fork. 69.5 degree head angle. 74 degree seat tube angle with 110cm wheelbase. fullcrum wheels. sram apex 1x11 modded to 1x12 with ratio conversion kit and sram gx mech and 11-cassette. hope x2 brake calipers. brand x dropper, 50mm pro plt stem (long 60cm toptube). running 700x42 conti speeds when i commute on it, 29x2.0 xc tyres for dirt. sram xo DH carbon cranks (wanted 165mm, 46t AB oval when i commute, 42t sram for dirt) romin evo pro saddle. 46cm pro plt bars. brand x dropper. cost me £700 total it's quick, agile, super stable on dirt downhills.

[@BUILTLIGHTWOUNDTIGHT]

AWESOMENESS!!! 😎

[@mister_ray]

I like that Ron runs a slammed setup.

[@ErrinV]

Can you (and Ron) do a video about preparing the mid-ride sweet potatoes? I'm intrigued by this ride snack.

[@Jean-jk4zv]

It’s just cooked in the oven and bagged 😅 and I think Dustin explained in an older video how he prepared them

[@mowensmd]

OH this route is epic. The connections used here are classics.

[@JBthePAdashC]

Video idea: interviews with the adventure squad in the style of The Office (talking head) where they tell stories and how they really feel about Dustin overlayed with Dustin falling and saying “get rad!”.

[@angelicabrewer3711]

I looked into the Bend but am going with the Cotic escapade instead. I am trying steel for my first grav.

[@EverythingsBeenDone]

Steel feels the best. Be mindful about how heavy it can get.

[@angelicabrewer3711]

@@EverythingsBeenDone do you have a steel bike, if so do you find yourself not using it due to the weight

[@Jean-jk4zv]

@@angelicabrewer3711I rode a Rondo Bogan for 6 months and it felt great. Until I rode a carbon bike and sold the steel bike to my GF. It’s a trade off, sustainability vs comfort. Never went back to steel 😅

[@glidealong1171]

Thanks for the review. I've really enjoyed your videos. I just had to comment that a nearly 24 lb bike is NOT just a little over 20 lb. It is, lighter than my 25lb steel ride. Peace

[@EverythingsBeenDone]

I couldnt recall the actual weight when I was in the middle of the ride.

[@glidealong1171]

Sorry to be a to much of a critic. I alway look forward to your vids. Especially ride videos @@EverythingsBeenDone

[@mattbgraves]

I’m confused. When I watched the video as soon as he said “just over 20 pounds” he cut in the broll with the weight of the bike. Is that not what you saw? Just making sure I’m not in a parallel universe.

[@josuezuniga6776]

My bike cost me $200 I don't know what I'm doing here😂,but the video it's great 🤙, greetings from Costa Rica 🇨🇷😎

[@pierrehenri2297]

Not sure about the bike- but that ride looked epic! 🤘🏼

[@catladyrai]

I'd make gravel tires called Dust Bunny, Dirt Muncher, or Fluffernutter.

[@johnperry3105]

Like you, l think the experimentation is awsum

[@crankycycles1829]

What do you think of the brand new Fuji Yari Carbon 1.3? I got mine for a steal at €2499.

[@MrStephanedelisle]

I also want to know more about Ron's bike and set-up.... please

[@helldorado1489]

I wish I had a friend like Ron.

[@cryingbball]

lol i just saw they came out with another gravel bike, the Tambora.

[@the_yesnt1358]

How do you think it compares to canyons offerings as they are both direct to consumer

[@suedepede]

Great job on that 20%! I walked it.

[@420_gunna]

I'm a dumb guy - How would you compare this to something like the Lauf models that are (iirc) in that 2.5-3k range?

[@macht4turbo]

I don't know whether this bike has an identity crisis. Performance and adventure can be a target. I do ride an xc bike for bikepacking and i use that for my mtb needs as well. N-1 maybe?

[@AdrenalineIsLife]

I have the older Bend R2. I call it R2D2.

[@chrisjong8412]

Do you have a Spotify channel for all the Great music, i haven't seen it

[@EverythingsBeenDone]

I do not. Most of it is from here: bit.ly/Chances_with_Wolves

[@kenny_kaos]

I love Ron, hope he found employment!

[@pdxbk]

Earl's kinda pissed you didn't stop in and say hi. New Direction Tires of course.

[@MW-ud8zp]

the tyre brand is Vee, the model is Rocket Man

[@kingkooper7522]

Hey...if i made set of tyres they would be big grauch.........and lil sauce. Nice bike polygon. Peace.

[@Filthy_Rich_556]

That seems like more than a mid level bike with all the components you listed.

[@MrSeriousvideo]

Al frame though.

[@conroe_au]

Gimme a set of bubblebumps in 650x45c

[@matthart2701]

Any clue what max tire you can run on this?

[@petererbse6253]

Such a pity that this bike only comes with SRAM groupsets because I kinda want one now

[@eniojurko]

I see you two swapped bikes for a short time, i reckon Ron is somewhat taller than you judging by the videos.. So how tall are you Dustin?

[@ismailaan8646]

Buatan indonesia 👍

[@samuelemmettbray]

Liquid Sunshine is the best shine.

[@angelicabrewer3711]

My tire brand would be called RunTheseMC

[@hewsi5751]

Rons cool 😂

[@JDWink]

If I could name my own tires… “Dirt Digglers” 😈

[@EverythingsBeenDone]

LMAO Brilliance!!

[@fajrding5879]

I believe they've got another line of gravel bike supposed to be launched today, i'll try check it out later, their factory is just about a mile from my place 😊

[@EverythingsBeenDone]

Very interesting. Where are you based?

[@tjbarke6086]

Dang, out early today.

[@marcokalle2452]

If I had to give a name to tires for dry and dusty conditions, I'd call them the "Ziggy Stardusts"...

[@Kyleridesbikess]

Trojan should make some tires, they have lot of experience

[@zimmejoc]

That is quite a good bit o’ bike for 3k. Call me interested. What does it weigh?

[@EverythingsBeenDone]

Weight is in the video. It’s around 23-24lbs

[@zimmejoc]

@@EverythingsBeenDone I saw that as I kept watching. I was even more impressed with the bike once you gave its weight.

[@adamgengenbach8183]

New tire name? What about TRAILPOUNDER6969? Because I will never emotionally mature past junior high level

[@tonym6633]

Bro you got the shakedry. Afraid to wear mine half the time.

[@EverythingsBeenDone]

They are stronger then they appear. Just avoid things like thorns if at all possible!

[@Mzkysti]

Burbking 's would be nice tires 😅