First Ride & Review of Planet X Tempest Ti

Planet X Tempest Ti gravel bike size XL. Everything is standard as I bought it, and I want to ride it this way to get a proper feel for it before making any upgrades.
So the mistake I made was not buying this bike sooner!!! I can't believe how capable this is and at the stock setup. This is one of the best all round purchases I have made. Let's hope overtime it lives up to first impressions
This ride was tarmac, mud trails, gravel tracks and a bit of grass fields. It felt amazing on every surface.
I highly recommend this bike to anyone thinking of buying it, and happy to answer any questions you may have.
Discount link for any KilosGear Product (affiliate link) you will get at least 10% off using this link
kilosgear.com/bikesoutdoor
or you can use discount code - BIKESOUTDOOR

[@neilstevens4963]

Literally just ordered one of these this morning been considering it for the past year finally pulled the trigger this morning mainly because there on sale atm so managed to get mine for 1650 😀 can't wait for it to arrive now

[@thebikepackingadventurer]

Very nice. Yeah of first time purchase you get 10% off for signing up to the newsletter. I wish I knew this before I bought mine 🤦🏻‍♂️😂. You will love it. Straight away remove the hydraulic line clips, and cable tie as they fall off easy.

[@neilstevens4963]

@@thebikepackingadventurer the offer was too good to refuse I willdo along with checking all the bolts that's usually my second thing I do is change the hose clips to cable ties hopefully the bike comes soon can't wait to take her for a rip around my local xc trails 😀

[@thebikepackingadventurer]

@@neilstevens4963 yeah I went round all bolts. I missed the rotors as they were loose a touch. Honestly the cost is crazy low for what you get compared to others. I am very much more an mtber but since moving to Bournemouth I took up road riding. Love the mix of both now as got rid of my downhill bike.

[@neilstevens4963]

@@thebikepackingadventurer me to I also mainly ride mtb more so xc and enduro nowadays still own a downhill bike but not rode it for over a year now last time I rode it I broke my left hand in 6 places at bikepark Wales just can't bring myself to sell it just yet though 🤦‍♂️🤣

[@thebikepackingadventurer]

@@neilstevens4963 I sold mine and enduro bike start of lockdown when everything closed, but I got great money so wasn’t too bothered. Bad times when you have a big break, I know too well as I broke my pelvis badly a few years back. Certainly feeling it these days

[@WheelersAtLarge]

Nice bike... Nice and fast Through the Forest. Always fun to see trails we ride in videos, nice one👍

[@thebikepackingadventurer]

Thanks, it’s great value for money. I’ve done around 1000 miles on it so far, loaded and unloaded and it’s great. The new forest is great, especially in the winter when everywhere is like a bog. I live in Queen’s Park so nice and easy to get to, if you ever fancy a ride let me know

[@bensolo2000]

i have been hovering over this bike for 2 ro 3 months now and can now get the force 1x11 version for 1980 (with the 10% off) - can get it on bike to work too - which saves even more!

[@thebikepackingadventurer]

It’s an absolute bargain at that price. I waited for their 10% offer too. I bought it through my company like the bike to work scheme. Perfect all round bicycle to have in my eyes.

[@mokotramp]

Get the Titus instead!

[@jimmarshall807]

Considering buying a Tempest, if I could get weather as you are enjoying in the video as part of the package it would definitely be a sale!

[@thebikepackingadventurer]

OMG I wish the weather was like this currently. Dry trails, warm and not having to wear every item I own to stay alive would be perfect 😂. The tempest is a great bike, I think with a wheel upgrade it would be amazing value

[@bikeman123]

Looks nice. We have so few trails in Buckinghamshire, mostly paths and often the woods are fenced off each side of the trail. And it seems like everyone owns a dog these days.

[@thebikepackingadventurer]

Moors Valley is a great place for trouble free riding. Get a few dog walkers coming down the trails but rare. All the great spots seem to be shared with dog walkers so we have to be careful. Do you ride mtb or gravel type riding?

[@alechall7871]

I live in Bournemouth so it's cool to see trials I ride regularly!! Very close to pulling the trigger on a Tempest so I can get out before the nice weather disappears (might have to make Moors valley my 1st ride as well)!!

[@thebikepackingadventurer]

Ah nice a local to me, hi 😊. I highly recommend it. It’s perfect for the new forest, moors valley and the purbecks. Feels good on the road as well so it’s perfectly suited in my opinion. Great bike for the money, just wait until they do a sale as always doing them

[@alechall7871]

@@thebikepackingadventurer ordered one last night, watching vids of you riding in areas local to me was really useful so thank you for all the uploads! I've ordered the Rival (same spec as yours I belive) as it was on sale and looked like the best value for the money. I'm think you mention in a different vid that you're still running the Panaracer Comet Hardpack that came standard, are they suited to the riding we have locally?

[@thebikepackingadventurer]

@@alechall7871 new bike day is a happy day always. Yes I went for rival, solely as it was on offer. Both rival and force feel identical, only difference is weight really, but it’s only around 200g so who cares. Yes the comet hardpack tyres were brilliant around the loamy needles everywhere. Sand it doesn’t matter what there you have as only mtb tyres properly work in deep sand, but bits through the new forest were fine. I wouldn’t get gravelkings for round here unless you ride much more road. Great tyres for cheaper tyres in my eyes, which is rare. Glad the videos helped, KZbin is where I go to look for tips and hints. When you get it, drop me a message on Instagram, would be great to go for a spin

[@ondrejmayer]

Beautiful bike... almost pulled the trigger at this price especially. So sad they don't make them in bigger sizes, the XL is still too small for me😢

[@thebikepackingadventurer]

@@ondrejmayer you must be a big lad then? I know someone who’s 6’5 who has the XL and still more room to fit. Only thing that bigger would have to change is the stem height I think. Maybe reverse the stem or have a riser

[@sgp7975]

Good video. Bought mine a year ago and converted it for road use. Hope wheels, carbon seat post and own saddle. More comfortable than my carbon roadie on rough roads.

[@thebikepackingadventurer]

Thank you. Yes it isn’t a slow bike or slack mtb type geometry. I think a good fast 700c wheelset and a 650b wheelset with nobbly tyres on for winter could mean it could be the 1 go to bike all round

[@thebikepackingadventurer]

@Steven Vanlancker I have 38mm tyres on mine, but I think with a 28mm or 30mm road tyre they would look good

[@paulcocker]

Theres always a dick mate and i don't mean you....Planet X rock

[@thebikepackingadventurer]

yeah planet x is great value. great customer service to

[@rollingnome]

I've narrowed down my choices to two ti bikes now: Sonder Camino (Ekar) and a Planet X Tempest. Still not decided. The Tempest has more of an aerodynamic riding position, but the Camino will be easier on the torso! Enjoyed the video btw.

[@thebikepackingadventurer]

Thanks Wayne. Both are great and they were my final choices too. The sonder waiting list was ridiculous at the time and £500 more so a no brainer for me. If I were you I would go for tempest with etap as that is great value right now. I only wish they released it with etap at the time I bought as I love it on my road bike. The Camino newest version is much more relaxed, I’ve seen both versions and the older version was closer to the tempest. I think if you are looking for fastest and fun then go tempest, but more relaxed or possibly tougher trails then sonder.

[@thebikepackingadventurer]

Although I know Planet X always have sales on every other month so I would keep an eye out as they knock good money off sometimes

[@rollingnome]

Just demo'd a Sonder Camino (but only had aluminium demo bike) and hated it! Awful compliance and very twitchy at the front. Next test, Planet X!

[@thebikepackingadventurer]

The older version of the Camino seemed to be better. Now they have made it slack front end and more weight on the rear so lightens the front. That would explain that. Gravel bikes are twitchy front end compared to mtb, but it makes it fun. The tempest is much more aggressive geometry (which is why I wanted it) much more like a road bike position so better balanced in my opinion.

[@ccampbell1117]

How lucky are you having trails like that close to home . I’m in N Bedfordshire, mud predominates !

[@thebikepackingadventurer]

Yes there are some nice meandering trails near me. No mountains for downhill stuff unfortunately, but 100’s of miles of single track and the new forest

[@mokotramp]

I've got a Free Ranger and RoadRunner. Had a few issues with the Free Ranger, but the Titus is great, bit of a slug on the road, but generally a great bike. The Free Ranger has more or less replaced my 29er, I can ride pretty much 95% of the stuff on it as I can on my Big Dog! I guess if I could only have one bike, it would be a 'gravel bike' ✌️

[@thebikepackingadventurer]

Yes after years of doing downhill racing, then movin to Bournemouth where there are no real hills, I took up road cycling, so have smashed that. Yes if I could only have one bike it would actually be this Ti bike, maybe upgrade the drivetrain to Sram AXS and have 2 wheelsets. Off road set and a road set. Cracking bikes they make tbh. Anything that gets us out there more is a bonus. Keep them wheels turning. I have heard great things about the freeranger and you are another stating the same 🤢😁

[@mokotramp]

@@thebikepackingadventurer That Giro lid looks very low profile, which model is it? I have a Cinder, but yours looks a fair bit smaller?

[@thebikepackingadventurer]

@@mokotramp it’s the giro synthe mips. Had it a few years. Very similar to the cinder

[@Swimmer47]

Where in the UK are you riding? Looks perfect. And I was hugely I was impressed by the bike. Wonder if Planet X ships to France, where I am located.

[@thebikepackingadventurer]

This is in Dorset near Bournemouth. A place called Moors Valley. It’s a cracking bike and the more I ride it, the more I am glad I bought it. Yes they deliver to France, but I expect some kind of import tax after brexit 😫

[@JohnWilliams-ge7eh]

Hi mate what size planet x tempest would you think for a 6.2ft large or xl thanks john

[@thebikepackingadventurer]

@@JohnWilliams-ge7eh hi. I’m 6’3” and long leg/arms. I have the XL. Guess it is dependant if you want an aggressive position or more relaxed. I wanted a bike that felt close enough to my road bike for bikepacking, but able to go off road. Large would be more upright for your height I think but more of a cruiser

[@JohnWilliams-ge7eh]

@@thebikepackingadventurer thanks mate

[@thebikepackingadventurer]

@@JohnWilliams-ge7eh your welcome. It’s a great bike. I only wish I knew they were going to spec axs on it a few months after I bought mine 😫🤦🏻‍♂️

[@BonPiedBonOeil]

Thanks for the great video! What's your average speed on roads with this bike and gravel tires? (just to get an idea of how the bike compares to a road bike with 25-28c tires with which you can cruise around 30-35 kph without too much effort). My commute includes both gravel and road sections so I'm looking for a compromise that's not too costly in terms of speed.

[@thebikepackingadventurer]

You’re welcome, glad you enjoyed. With these tyres on that are nobbly, I can sit 18-20mph fine. They roll quite well. The wheels are the greatest and feel heavy, but I will be switching them out shortly. Just deciding to go 650b or 700c. There is a compromise but nothing too much. I now have panaracer gravelking semi slicks and they are considerably faster. I think the normal gravelkings are fast on and off road though, but pants in mud. These stock tyres in this video are like cyclocross tyres so do well in all conditions

[@marcwilliams9285]

Billy basics with any new bike, check all grease points and torque all bolts!

[@thebikepackingadventurer]

Correct. Funnily enough after I did this video I went to go tighten and they don’t have bolts as they’re centre lock. Just poor cheap rotors. Standard for the bike industry. I’ve replaced them now for higher quality ones. I just missed checking them being excited to ride my new bike 😂🤦🏻‍♂️ I built the bike up so everything was torqued, but wheels come assembled so just whacked them in

[@mirobinson]

Just found your channel keep up the good work. I’ve gone for the Planet X Titus roadrunner due this week. One quick question what’s the make of your sunglasses as they look pretty cool. Thanks and keep the bike vlogs coming.

[@thebikepackingadventurer]

Thank you Michael. Yes the roadrunner is very similar to the tempest, a little closer to ride bike geometry. Both awesome bikes I think for the money. You will love it. Make sure you check all bolts as many of mine were not torqued up enough. Sunglasses are Sungod sierras. Nice and light, and not cycling glasses, but fit very snug so I wear them on the bike sometimes too.

[@thebikepackingadventurer]

If you are looking at buying a pair of sungod sunglasses, I have a £15 voucher that has to be used before 17th June, let me know if you want it and can arrange giving you the code

[@mokotramp]

Road Runner is fantastic! ✌️

[@thebikepackingadventurer]

I have to say the Planet X Ti range is great value

[@mokotramp]

@@thebikepackingadventurer Unbeatable! 👌

[@FENCYCLIST]

Just found your video, and I like you wished I had brought a Tempest sooner, the main upgrade I have done is the chainring, went for a 38 tooth absolute black chainring, because arthritis makes it harder for me to cope with hills now, especially when bikepacking.

[@thebikepackingadventurer]

Thanks for watching Michael. Very nice upgrade, I did that on my mtb. Good quality parts they make. I will ride this 42 tooth for now but likely I will do similar as with all the extra weight of gear it helps. I have arthritis in my pelvis from a big accident I had, how are you finding it on the bike, does it help?

[@FENCYCLIST]

@@thebikepackingadventurer I find it made a big difference, makes pedaling far more natural, far better than the strange feeling of the shimano oval biopace rings from the 80s, looking at putting oval rings on my road bike next.

[@thebikepackingadventurer]

@@FENCYCLIST Good to hear it made a difference to how it feels for you. I have 36 tooth absolute black oval on my mtb and feels good, it will be what I go to should I change the chainring for sure. The Biopace was something that should never have been invented haha

[@NigelChee]

Hi Nathan, thanks for your review. I’m considering the Tempest, but also based on another reviewer- the On One Rujo. 2 years down the line have you any thoughts on the Tempest? @thebikepackingadventurer

[@thebikepackingadventurer]

@@NigelChee it’s a great bike. It suits me perfectly as I wanted a bike that felt faster and not sluggish on the roads, but was able to go off road when I needed. It’s no mtb by any means but for exploring and wildcamping trips it’s amazing. Upgraded lots of parts with redshifts kind donations, yet to film that yet, but I will soon

[@ronaldomac4918]

I think it's time to puchase this bike, it's been on my radar for a while along with the Reilly ti bike but thats just too pricy for me, thanks for the review....!

[@thebikepackingadventurer]

You’re welcome. It’s really good value for the money I think. Steel frame price without the worry of rusting. Quite good specs now as well. It suits me perfectly

[@danyboyno1]

The tempest was designed by Mark Reilly 😉

[@thebikepackingadventurer]

Oooh was it. 🤷🏻‍♂️

[@danyboyno1]

I only know as I could my pickenflick nicked so replaced it with a Tempest, but the original founder owner from PlanetX offered me to come and build the bike in Rotherham so I got to chat with him 👍

[@thebikepackingadventurer]

@@danyboyno1 that’s pretty cool to be invited there. Was it a good day?

[@dannyknight8082]

Hey, great video. I'm leaning towards the goldrush as coming from mtb. You've ridden both. What do you think of them as in the main differences. Cheers 👍🏻

[@thebikepackingadventurer]

They are quite similar but all depends what type of riding you intend on doing. If you need a more upright position the Goldrush is better, if you want something that is better on road but that can be more than capable of road then the tempest is better. If you only really want to ride off road and drive to places to ride, then personally a hardtail would be better. Both these bikes are more a go anywhere bike. Hardtails unless lightweight really expensive XC type, are boring riding to places as sluggish. I’ve ridden downhill/enduro and that’s my background but nothing really here in Bournemouth so sold those bikes. The Goldrush can fit slightly wider tyres on and a bit more relaxed. Other than that pretty similar. I wanted something that is faster and more fun road and off road, that can also do bikepacking so the tempest was better for that Hope that helps?

[@dannyknight8082]

@@thebikepackingadventurer Thanks mate that's bang on. I also got the pioneer 2 and like you love it. I'm only in hastings do may see you in Bournemouth one day 👍🏻

[@thebikepackingadventurer]

@@dannyknight8082 nice. Yes the pioneer2 is my go to tent for most camps. Had the helm1 for ages and toyed on the idea of the pioneer for over a year, but I wanted that extra bit of room to get all gear inside. I’m planning on doing a coastal multi night bikepack trip to Hythe in Kent. The in laws live in Saltwood near Hythe so will bikecamp from Bournemouth to there and possibly back. Yeah if you’re ever Bournemouth eat message me on Instagram and be cool to go for a camp

[@stevenfreeman7798]

Nothing wrong with the fulcrum 800 wheels super strong. You can fit lighter ones but doubt they will be as durable.

[@thebikepackingadventurer]

Yes these wheels are very robust. With the high spoke count they are great for taking bigger weight. My recent trip to france for 5 days on the bike they did very well

[@stevenfreeman7798]

@thebikepackingadventurer They have 28 spokes which is why they are a bit heavier fantastic for heavier riders not everybody is 60/70 kg lol.

[@thebikepackingadventurer]

@@stevenfreeman7798 oh I know that as I’m 91kgs. They are good strong wheels, but certainly not a performance wheel. Shortly going to try my 650b wheelset on but need 180 brake mounts as got ice tech rotors on that wheelset

[@frogslips]

Thinking of getting one. Great video. What shades are they?

[@thebikepackingadventurer]

It’s a great bike. Few upgrades will be happening this year, but the stock bike is good. Shades are SunGod sierras

[@frogslips]

@@thebikepackingadventurer Thanks. Would be interested in upgrades you have in mind. Saw one of these bikes a few days ago and it had wheel and crank upgrades.

[@thebikepackingadventurer]

@@frogslips definitely going to upgrade the wheels, they are solid and with loads of spikes actually would be great, but they lack feel when I am firing down some single or double track trails. Once the chainset wears on mine I will be fitting a Hambini bb and running a shimano crank instead, most likely XT.

[@frogslips]

@@thebikepackingadventurer Hambini - fantastic choice.

[@thebikepackingadventurer]

@@frogslips yes I have it on my road bike and the one previous to that. So easy to switch bearings then

[@kylewheeler6860]

Been looking at the tempest for a while now. Waiting for the v4 frames to come back in in the new year. Would be interested to see what your thoughts are on the fit of the bike. Current roadbike is a felt f4 (58) and I'm just shy of 6'2", so used to a longer reach but thinking the XL would be a bit big, but also wouldn't want to go too small. Any advice from a tempest rider would be appreciated and liking the videos, cheers.

[@thebikepackingadventurer]

It’s a great bike. There isn’t much difference between any of the V2, V3 or V4 to be honest. I have V3 I think with the flat brace behind the drivetrain. I prefer that as gives more clearance and is stronger. Perhaps not as pleasing aesthetically though, as tubing is more pleasing to the eye. I have a 58cm Cervelo R5 and this bike is an XL. I am 6’3 and it doesn’t feel stretched out so if used to a road position, the XL is the right one for you. It should feel less aggressive. The only thing I will be changing is the wheels on this bike. I have a decent 650b wheelset but think I will be buying a set of 700c gravel or xc wheelset for this bike. You will love how the bike feels, I rub it in exactly the same setup as my road bike. I am from a mtb/downhill background really, so I like how a gravel bike feels when twitchy. Makes the most basic of singletrack trails feel fun. The Panaracer comet hardpack tyres that come on it are great for grip, not great on road sections but off road very good

[@thecampingastronomer8554]

Great review Nathan, this bike seems a bargain 👍

[@thebikepackingadventurer]

Thank you. More to come in more detail and a few upgraded parts coming reasonably soon but want to ride this first for a month solidly you get to know it

[@thecampingastronomer8554]

@@thebikepackingadventurer I look forward to seeing the new videos as you upgrade parts 🙂

[@thebikepackingadventurer]

@@thecampingastronomer8554 thanks. I look forward to upgrading, whereas my bank account doesn’t 😂

[@PureLeeful]

Looking go buy this bike. Which size did you go for? I'm 6ft3 so thinking x- large.

[@thebikepackingadventurer]

That is the size I would go for, I am also 6'3". If you are going to use it more for road and the occasional trail and like an aggressive position, then the Large would fit also, but the XL is a much more comfy fit. To put in comparison I run a 58cm Cervelo R5. Hope that helps?

[@PureLeeful]

Presume it'd worth putting on a set of Mavic Askium wheels that I have.

[@thebikepackingadventurer]

@@PureLeeful The stock wheels aren't actual that bad. Very strong, but certainly worth upgrading for a better feel as they are heavy. Great wheels for touring though, as so many spokes and rock solid, so would stand up to all sorts I think. I will be upgrading mine very shortly. I have a set of 650b great wheels, but most likely going with a set of Scribe Gravel wheels or possibly Winspace, although shipping is a nightmare from China to the UK currently

[@sergiobilbao4153]

Mine has the original fulcrum wheels. They run nicely, but the spokes have rusted badly in two years time.

[@thebikepackingadventurer]

Interesting to know that. I will be upgrading them after the winter. Get a winters use out of them then I will be selling them

[@paulrobinson1595]

My 29er has not been used since last May when I picked up the Orbea. Is your camera mount on the bars or is it body mounted?

[@thebikepackingadventurer]

I can see why. This bike rides like a road bike, but is capable in going off road. Perfect combo. What orbea gravel bike have you got again?

[@thebikepackingadventurer]

Oh and the mount is the pro standard mouth mount. Great for seeing exactly where you look, but as you can hear it sounds like I am struggling to breathe when I am not, but the microphone picks up everything as right by my mouth. Much better for action shots, with music over I think

[@paulrobinson1595]

@@thebikepackingadventurer I've got the Orbea Terra H40 2021 - Does everything that the 29er did, barely notice the lack of Shock absorbers. I did end up with Tennis Elbow after 1500 miles, this may of had something to do with riding 25 across fields one.

[@thebikepackingadventurer]

@@paulrobinson1595 yes I think if you have good soft pressures on these bikes, they work better than expected. Just need to check on the headset more often for safety I think. Ah yes that is a nice bike. Always got time to look at bikes 😂

[@paulrobinson1595]

@@thebikepackingadventurer Did a 50 mile endurance training ride on mine at the weekend was quite stunned, even with low pressures and being battered by a cross winds out in the fens, I still smashed a couple of PB's on the Orbea, that I'd set on the road bike.... Bad news is the shop have told me the rear cassette and chain are both toast from going all out and that I need to be running a higher cadence in the mid range gears... Learn something new every day!

[@RichardOutdoors]

Sold!

[@thebikepackingadventurer]

Honestly it exceeded expectations. The wheels are even okay, albeit a bit slow off the mark. Good and solid though which is a plus. Press buy now 😉💷

[@thebikepackingadventurer]

Hey Rich, If you are still in the market for the Ti gravel bike, this month they are doing the offer where the Sram Force setup and whole bike is the same cost of Sram Rival. Sign up to the newsletter and you can get an extra 10% off as well. a great deal

[@marcoshea4868]

I put zipp 303 wheels and wtb nano on mine it’s like a rocket I have 4 bikes but this is the one I use most 👍

[@thebikepackingadventurer]

Very nice wheelset to add to the bike. I have them on my road bike. To be honest I was considering the same setup, so I am glad you found it good. It’s good to hear that kind of feedback of real use. I have a feeling this bike will be the one I reach to most as well. Do you use it more off road or on the road?

[@marcoshea4868]

@@thebikepackingadventurer Hi I do I use it as a winter training bike so comfortable I have a sworks tarmac with sram etap but after 2hours it beats me up 😃, I did 35 mile gravel ride yesterday it had about 6 Mile road but going from one to another it was smooth with as with 40psi , I’m thinking of doing king Alfred’s way august September!!

[@marcoshea4868]

@@thebikepackingadventurer I’d you use mainly of road

[@thebikepackingadventurer]

@@marcoshea4868 very nice. My road bike is a Cervelo R5 with etap as well. Love that bike so much. This Ti bike feels remarkably nice on the road, but having the ability to go anywhere off road is what I love. I did the KAW last year, and going to do it again this summer. Did it over 3 days and was very nice. A gravel bike is the best bike by miles for this route

[@shlomitzhk]

how are they in long rides?

[@thebikepackingadventurer]

The tyres or the bike?

[@shlomitzhk]

@@thebikepackingadventurer the bike im thinking to buy

[@thebikepackingadventurer]

@@shlomitzhk it’s a great bike. I bought this bike for some really long rides next year. 200+ mile rides and I am confident it will be great. I have done about 1000 miles or more so far and very comfy. If you look at my most recent videos, it was a 5 day bikepacking trip in France and felt great. Comfy, but not too relaxed and slow. With the right wheels/tyres could easily be as good as a road bike

[@danyboyno1]

I've done chase the sun - 205 miles in a day on a road wheelset, and the south downs way in a day using 650b 45mm chunky off road tyres, it really is a do it all bike

[@thebikepackingadventurer]

@danyboyno1 if I could only have one bike this would be it. Like you said, 700c road wheels and a 650b set to switch to for off road rides. Perfect all rounder I think