Bike Fitter RANKS Gravel Bikes Worst to Best

[@bikesandstufff]

So as a bike fitter, you don't like the Topstone because it has lights built in? And because it has a bit of rear suspension? What about the bike fitting aspect of it... Btw, you can get it without the lights, and the suspension is pretty cool on rough roads.

[@add28]

He didn't say a single word about the bike with regard to bike fit! Where is the point? It doesn't make sense. That's the worst, most incompetent and senseless video ever!

[@danielbum912]

It doesn't even have lights built in per se, it's like two out of a dozen models that do (currently.) It appears like he just googled Cannondale Topstone images and started rambling on what he saw. Blatantly obvious he has no actual hands-on experience with that bike at all. Pointing out 700c wheels as a feature says it all.

[@DaveCM]

I guess he never rides gravel. The protection on the downtube on the Trek isn't for bashing along rock gardens. It is because rocks are often thrown up from the tires and strike the downtube pretty hard.

[@julesselmes]

His arrogance is of biblical proportions; don’t we realise that he knows everything. He’s the sole reason I avoid all of the videos with him in. Today, I thought I’d try to ignore him but here we are again….not going to be watching any with him in!

[@obfuscurity]

@@julesselmes Agreed with both of you. Gasp, lights on a gravel bike... with braze-ons on the fork too? My gosh, what ever could those be used for?!!

[@bikesandstufff]

I have massacared my downtube with little stones, some protection would definitely come in handy. Gravel destroys bikes more than compact dirt does.

[@irfuel]

@@obfuscurity I spent hours internal cable routing a headlight with an external battery that I hide in a drink bottle, cables through the frame, through the headset and the bars, and it plugs in a very strong light below my Garmin (Gloworm XSV light). Who would ever need a light on their bike, and one with an external battery?! Imagine people riding their bikes after dark, what a disgrace!

[@hugobosswood9002]

🤣🤣🤣 Bike fit James is one of the best guests on Francis channel

[@eddolous]

The lights on the cannondale are for riding in the dark.

[@vpghahat6328]

Yes...lights are for use in the dark... Thanks Sherlock...

[@KJlem]

​@@vpghahat6328well apparently James didn't get that

[@invalice123]

😂😂

[@RyonBeachner]

Wow! This is the saltiest comment section I’ve ever seen in a Cade Media video. I’m impressed.

[@kevinbabbitt]

Everytime I see James I lower my seat post 5mm

[@quarryfield]

Ha ha ha brilliant!

[@ChrisKilzer]

Everytime I see James i change the video.

[@mobert8266]

sorry but this list is trash. there is only one entry level options. for a lot of these bikes the aluminium frames are very different and a lot of people ride them. the ugly pinarello stuff or custom carbon frames they are good for 1% of riders. wow. also blaming a bike for integrated light... jeah it is not the nicest integration for sure. but a lot of people riding when it is getting darker and some nice bike light is such a great value. EDIT: maybe from the fitters perspective there is not a lot of entry bikes coming for a fit as well when they already try to save money with the purchase?

[@davidpage6831]

Bike shop owner tells viewers what brands he does and doesn't sell.

[@jameshancock18]

True, but if he sells it then it’s not junk

[@HeyxArno]

"My highest-rated bike is the one I sell the most.."

[@BostilCensurado]

Imagine buying pre built bikes in 2024

[@user-ep6iw9he7e]

@@BostilCensurado just like 99% of people do.

[@dnch]

@@HeyxArno yeah, and Pinarello and Festka bikes cost as small family car

[@robertralston1702]

have followed this channel for years, but find a lot of what made it interesting / distinctive has been replaced with GCN style content that lacks substance and becomes repetitive. It's great that Cade still does road trips and I want all the people involved to do well, but i just don't really get this direction for the channel

[@KNURKonesur]

Cade Media Extra just dropped another 2.5h long video from a long cycling trip, that's the content I always liked

[@mattleigh4727]

The podcasts should be renamed the Jimmy & Emily show!!

[@robertralston1702]

@@KNURKonesur I follow the channel for this content - still really good and Cade is one of the best at it

[@robertralston1702]

@@mattleigh4727 I think maybe the issues is that content is spread too thin - there's a bunch of videos that are clips from the podcast. I feel bad for criticising, as I know they've spoken about the impact of negative feedback. I do think it's legitimate to point out that the channel has moved away from producing content that I think a lot of 'core' viewers loved

[@liam_c27]

Bike Fitter RANKS Gravel Bikes from a Geometry Chart

[@petersouthernboy6327]

Well stated. 👍

[@bikesandstufff]

And some not even that, but based on some extra features it has.

[@endercrafts9056]

He's a bike fitter after all XD

[@jameshancock18]

Which is 10x more useful than every other review which sells you a bike that you will be uncomfortable on

[@ashleyhouse9690]

I'd say he saved the WORST two for last. That Pinarello looks like it's already been in a bad crash.

[@Heimdallar]

Minimizing the list to pretty much only stack and reach is a bit short-sighted in my opinion.

[@gravelDave]

But he is a bike fitter....

[@hevdread]

I find hard to REACH that conclusion, it just doesn't STACK up.

[@bikesandstufff]

Not just stack and reach, he also mentioned built in lights and a downtube protector!

[@antonskrobanek5291]

More recommendations for short/tall bikes from Germany: - 8bar Mitte (AL + steel, frameset available) - Rose Backroad AL (higher and shorter than the carbon version) - Sour Purple Haze & Clueless (steel, frameset available)

[@geoffersmaher]

just ordered a purple haze frame and fork and im getting very excited

[@timothyc1985]

I bought the Mitte after seeing it on the channel. Ride it everyday and love it.

[@ronadler4442]

OK. I’m canceling my order to buy the Trek Check point because they come with a removal frame protector against gravel chipping away the paint job. Lucky I watched this review on time.

[@photoben]

Guess we’ll wait for part 2, including Colnago, Cinnelli & Giant…

[@Ruanurbanratz]

Gt Grade , underrated bike of them all

[@SwazersC]

Come on guys what about the Giant Revolt? this bike is a fantastic gravel machine.This channel doesn't like Giant much. :(

[@bikesandstufff]

Probably their competitor sells them.

[@whatever4065]

Got the 2021 Advanced Pro, and it made me love gravel riding / racing on a whole new level. And no, I'm not a bike fitter, I just ride the thing...

[@KNURKonesur]

@@bikesandstufff competitor?

[@Chris_Rides_Bikes]

had a Revolt, such a deceivingly long reach on it.. just couldn't get along with it.. great spec for the money though!

[@FelixRichardson]

same

[@speedrocker13]

So, the best gravel bike is the one with a super short reach and a super tall stack, regardless of rider, use case and preferences… I’m glad to not go to his shop for advice or a bike fit.

[@TobiB89]

Well, the title says "Bike fitter ranks", so I guess it's not unusual that he ranks the bikes according to which ones FIT most people best.

[@speedrocker13]

@@TobiB89 sounds more like the ones that allow him to not have to actually perform a fit and will work easily for anyone who can’t or doesn’t want to get into anything more than an upright position.

[@TobiB89]

@@speedrocker13 and isn't that what you'd expect from a video like this? Finding a bike that most likely fits you without paying extra for a bike fit. Most people neither need nor want a low and racy position. And this caters to the majority, not a few people, who like to race. If he only wanted to make money he would advise people to buy the longest, raciest bike available so he can profit from a fit.

[@speedrocker13]

@@TobiB89 No, one end of the fit spectrum does not define best. He also has said in other videos that almost everyone leaves his shop with the same saddle after a fit. It’s very unlikely that everyone is best suited to one fit setup and one saddle. It seems as if nothing about the rider matters and he just has what he likes to sell and that’s what everyone gets pushed to. Everyone certainly doesn’t need to be at the most aggressive end of fit, but nor do they need to be at the most upright. There’s a reason why there are bikes across the range of fits, so riders can get what suits them and not be forced onto a one geo fits all approach. He also can’t grasp how gravel riding might involve bits of “mountain bike” terrain. Seems he believes everything needs to fit in one simple box, without any variation or nuance. Check out some other bike fitters with content on KZbin as you’ll see how much more thoughtful the process can be.

[@wagonmoundno.2396]

@@speedrocker13 This guys advice seems to centre around putting old office workers on bikes who have limited hip and back flexibility and core strength. He draws the bike into the reach of the rider without them having to over extend themselves. I think its a good approach and gets people cycling without pain who otherwise would not, however, I also think cycling more, enduring discomfort and building flexibility also makes sense for many people. Personally I find lower stack to be better as it allows me to rotate my hips to bend over to reach the bars rather than hunching my back but has the disadvantage of greater wrist pressure.

[@bluedagger46]

Topstone was a heaven sent for me. Incredible stack/reach on the XL. Have the alu version without suspension and lights

[@GordonChaffin]

Seconding the Topstone recommendation. I have a mid-range Alu Topstone 1 and like it a lot. The top-end that James was looking at does have some random proprietary accessories.

[@nicolasmcmillan1210]

Totally agree, alloy medium never felt more comfortable on a bike

[@Pseudynom]

r/Topstowners

[@jamesday2441]

Completely agree; also not sure why he says it’s a boring brand? I bought it on geometry alone and have been nothing but happy

[@stevevarga8621]

Oh boy that was something. When you question why anybody would mtb on a gravel bike you show your complete lack of understanding of modern gravel riding. While gravel riding is many things to many people, at the competitive level it is the fusion of road and mtbing. Please review the 2 most popular events in Europe and N. America, any Grindero or Belgian Waffle rides and see how everyone has to ride road, gravel and single track. You have to have a bike that can do it all. That’s not a problem because there are hundreds of these bikes available but few are mentioned here. PS: the Open Wide you like so much has been out for many years and it’s designed to take 60mm. I wonder why, could it be designed to take mtb tires?

[@daveanolik8837]

@@Chunky246😂😂 if KZbin is the gauge, pro filmmaking’s been dead for years.

[@petersouthernboy6327]

This is an embarrassment for Cade Media. His ignorance of gravel is cringeworthy

[@edscoble]

And stopped providing closed captioning too.

[@JSC131]

Just James advertising his bikes he sells more or less I have a Nukeproof digger comp takes 650b a proper gravel bike not even a mention works brilliant around my South Wales forests.

[@zmuzzy101]

Except one of the bikes he was most complementary of was the decathlon bike.

[@geoffersmaher]

@@zmuzzy101 a channel sponsor so guessing it kinda had to be mentioned, but to be fair ive had the riverside 920 and the triban rc520 as i worked for them and got good prices, and good value propositions. only wish this video had more than one obligatory one.

[@zmuzzy101]

@@geoffersmaher I forgot they're a sponsor because they've been hyping them for free for so long!

[@JSC131]

​@zmuzzy101 I think Francis has been riding the triban on his travels so that had to be in the mix, good bike it gets plenty of praise I rode one in France for a year it was ok fair play.

[@festerofest4374]

I find it kinda weird the Checkpoint is dismissed because of the geometery specs, and the downtube stone guard. The Checkpoint has an incredibly smooth and controlled ride, yet very responsive when needed. For other than racing purposes how could anyone want a better quality ride than the Checkpoint? If a "bikefitter" rode a Checkpoint as opposed to just looking at specs, THAT is the reaction/feedback/review I would find actual value from. And that under downtube stone guard...how is that even a negative?? The Checkpoint is a superb ride-quality bike for both gravel trails and some road use, and anyone who has ridden one knows this.

[@martinhudobivnik5895]

Addict Gravel rated worst due to it's reach, low front end and 700C wheels, when those are bare necessities when racing on gravel with a race gravel bike.

[@cybertonto72]

That was his point tho, it's a race bike for racers not average Joes

[@irfuel]

@@cybertonto72 I'm a 45 y/o average Joe, not a racer, and I do 3+ hour rides on my Addict Gravel without issues. And who cares about 650B wheels on a gravel bike???

[@punter11235]

@@cybertonto72 They are not though. Racers downsize because those "racing" gravel bikes are still too high.

[@irfuel]

@@punter11235 Indeed. They will go 1 size down and install a super long stem.

[@pingpongballz5998]

I have a Trek Checkpoint. He's right. It does have a very looooooong reach. I'm probably gonna swap out the 80mm stem to a 70 or 60mm.

[@ShafinRehman]

As an owner of a 2022 Scott Addict Gravel 30, not sure I agree with your assessment of the bike. Yes, it is racier than other gravel bikes but it's still decently comfortable and versatile. I'm probably a bit shorter than average height but no issues in terms of comfort with mine over 3000 kms. Helps that it's just generally pretty fast, on paavement or gravel.

[@paulastin944]

No Kinesis, no Cube, no Cinelli... also the Topstone lefty is such a well balanced geometry, with of without lights (which is a crap reason to include in your reasons not to like it) night gravel riding is fun! As a footnote, Giant and Vitus also make great gravel bikes that fit really well,

[@sherab2078]

I'm not sure 'high-and-short' geometry is really universally optimal. Even among 'normal' customers are people of relatively good flexibility who are capable of rotating their pelvis forward quite well. And let's not forget about short people. There is a good chance we can better adapt to a somewhat longer bike than the one that is simply too high (I'm talking about size options and things like the lowest-most position of the saddle and the standover height).

[@danielbum912]

A bike fitter would be my last guess for someone to think that one geo is universally best.

[@fallen1102]

Was really hoping to hear his thoughts on the specialized diverge I know the stupid head shock thing, and the newer one with the seatpost gimmick, but there is an aluminum one without either of them. I've been riding one for about 2 years now. I'm just seriously curious his thoughts, good or bad.

[@irfuel]

Who cares about his thoughts? If you've been riding it for 2 years it must be good for you, no? Who cares if some geometry chart says it's "not optimal".

[@fallen1102]

@@irfuel what's wrong with wanting to know somebody's thoughts? It's not like if you put out a video and said something to the effect of " oh that's a garbage bike" I'm just going to go out and buy a brand new bike that he approves of. I'm just genuinely curious of his thoughts that's all.

[@ashurany]

Don't want to sound defensive but cannondale's smartsense is terrific. Had the topstone without it but now have a synapse that I'll take on fire roads and gravel paths once in awhile. I get why some don't like the integration, but it has been a big plus for me; I usually have to ride miles on paved roads and often in darker light even if on a gravel ride.

[@mister_ray]

Another useless list.

[@jduarte1506]

Hello, good video, I wanted your opinion on which one of these bikes you think is better, Canyon Grizl CF SLX 8 Di2, FOCUS ATLAS 8.8 23, Salsa CUTTHROAT C GRX 810 2X

[@hellkitty6663]

I ride a Focus Atlas. It's super long, kind of ponderous and in general feels like driving on rails. You would hate it probably. BUT I absolutely fell in love with this bike when I took it on my first bikepacking tour and the trail got really bumpy. It felt so stable despite all the bags and stuff. I would never trade it for anything else. By the way: I rented a Pinarello Granger for a couple of days. It was fun but man was this bike short...

[@JonathanLau-r4u]

100% agree.... Not that I'm biased at all just because I have a Focus Atlas too! 😆🤪 I have lower back & knee issues, the Atlas feels like "home" for me, love riding it; whether it be for bikepacking, commuting, general fun & fitness 😁🚲🏕️

[@barrowsworm1226]

Wow! This is crazy stupid to call fantastic bikes bad. Personally, I prefer a longer reach, with a shorter stem, as this provides also a longer wheelbase, which gives a more stable ride and more bump compliance. Long reach is good! I wish more bikes had longer reach.

[@punter11235]

I don't understand why he always says bikes are too low. Imo they can only be too high and a lot of them are for people with short legs. It's very easy to make a low front end higher. Just buy 17 degree stem and keep the spacers. On the other hand I have problems getting bar even slightly below saddle on all those "comfortable gravel" bikes. I am not even that short, most women are shorter than me. Crux and Canyon grail are two fantastic bikes with reasonable geometry (but even with Crux I would be tempted to downsize and buy longer stem). Those high stack bikes just limit your options. Maybe in large sizes they are reasonable for but for people about 170cm or shorter (that is most women and significant percentage of men) they are terrible. I agree bikes are too long though. It's very easy to fit a long stem. The bikes rides great with those. It's very tough to make bikes shorter though. Making bikes long is completely stupid. It's not for racing as racers buy 1-2 sizes smaller frames anyway. It's not for average people either. It's for absolutely nobody. Canyon is not too long though. They have size table on their website. M in Canyon is usually L in other brands. Both Grizl and Grail have good geometry which means short and low. Short and low is universally good because it's very easy to make it longer or higher if you so desire.

[@jameshancock18]

A low bike with spacers and a positive degree stem will handle awfully. You want to be running as little spacers as possible ideally so you’d want a frame that fits you perfectly without adding spacers

[@Zloab2742]

Love that Scott gets hammered now it’s not a sponsor

[@nielsperdijk1175]

Hijacking this video for a question to James and the community for a fit question: Has anyone experienced Sesamoiditis or pain around that area under the foot? Could cleat postion or cleat type be a reason? Or not enough arch support?

[@brettdalpozzo8363]

‘Perfect because short reach and tall front end’..really?!

[@jameshancock18]

For most people that suits them best

[@PedaleDouce]

Seeing all thepeople in the comments that are losing it, you should have titled the video "bikefitter is not allowed to have personal opinion on bikes" 😂

[@DarrenBates]

Feel like I just watched an advert for Festka 😂

[@angelicoluigi3735]

What is the brand/model is he describing after canyon?

[@SoManyMiles]

Reasonable selection of gravel bikes. Would love to see more real world bikes with taller stack and shorter reach values. The extremely aggressive bikes look awesome and are great for racing but not for your regular rides. Especially offroad it‘s not fun to be that smashed onto the top tube.

[@grahamriley8124]

I don’t think they exist. When I look at the geometry of gravel bikes my size none of them are more comfortable (reach and stack) than my Giant Defy road bike. I would have thought they would be more relaxed but they are not.

[@kaepsele0711]

I'm new to gravel but my topstone 1 alloy frame&carbon fork with 3k on it works great so far. 🤷

[@geoffersmaher]

had the brown topstone 1 and loved it

[@GordonChaffin]

@@geoffersmaher I also have that Topstone 1. Very nice with a proper fit.

[@MackBXIII]

It's insane to me that both you and Francis are 5'10. Cameras really do add a couple of inches cause I would have thought 6 feet at least.

[@jameshancock18]

Can’t really tell the difference between 5’10 and 6ft unless two people are stood next to each other

[@josephjohns2959]

I can get a killer deal on the Scott Addict Gravel 20, question is do I go with a small or medium? 176cmtall with about a 84/84.5 inseam

[@irfuel]

I'm 1m75.5cm tall and I ride an S. The M requires me to install a shorter stem and the saddle is very low wrt the top tube (only 8cm extension). I would go for the S in your case.

[@00100Matt]

reach being too low is rare in my experience. I see many more drop bar bike riders being uncomfortable because they're too high (now, they often think their reach is too far and too low, but distance isn't the problem, it's that neck and shoulder fatiguing effect of reaching high. Drop the stem a spacer or two and now they're able to reach down comfortably, as opposed to "reaching up" uncomfortably)

[@Filewalkr]

I don't get this hate on race spec geometry... The Canyon size guide is absoluetly FINE if you're fit. We're just not bike fitting customers so you never see us :)

[@blueskyofmancos6278]

no mention of Specialized Diverge?

[@helmetculture]

So you don't see james in person anymore:(

[@Mr_Zzzeee]

beef

[@roypennock8046]

I humbly submit that the Marin Gestalt X10/XR is worth a look...

[@geoffersmaher]

great value option

[@fenderbenderspecial]

I have the 2022 version (before it got super slack) and it's so much fun!

[@RicardoRocha-lg1xo]

I always find it interesting that James, being so honest and critical, has such great comments about Open. I mostly hear complains about their QC and such

[@AvaValesToledano]

Check out the bergamont grandurance range folks. Geometry is great, mine is extremely capable and confortable for days upon days of bikepacking. Plus considering the equipment, mine was actually very cheap

[@Adroit1911]

4:25 - so happy to jear a bike fitter say hes 5' 10' and would probably ride a small gravel bike. Im 5' 10' i used to ride medium, but it always felt to big for me. I recently got myself a small and i absolutely love riding it now. No more of the aches and pains i used to get after mines of riding!

[@irfuel]

Sizing based on seat tube height is completely outdated. 52cm seat tube is not a "S" by any means. Yeah it was in 1985, but bikes have become much longer. Always check reach figures to determine sizing. I'm the same size, and in MTB I have an M, road/gravel S.

[@michaelmechex]

Do most people really need bikes that short and tall? I have quite short legs, long torso and very long arms. Even most race bikes aren't long and low enough for me, I still need to run 130mm+ stem. I just had to design my own gravel frame, because I needed stack of an XS and reach of an XL. Am I a freak?

[@Marti-234]

Not really, no. There is the myth that all pro cyclists somehow have way above average flexibility, but that is simply not true. They are mostly selected for their extraordinary aerobic capacity and then figure out an aggressive position that works for them. But a dedicated amateur who trains a decent amount of time will probably be able to sustain a reasonably aggressive racing position too if they want to. There is also the fact that the customers of £400 bike fits aren't a representative sample of the cycling population. They will be on average much older and way more likely to have pre-existing issues (otherwise they wouldn't want to spend so much on a bike fit), which gets him to the conclusion that almost all bikes are terrible and that everyone needs to be on £10000 Pinarellos that have the geometry of a garden fence. Also with the latest tendencies on bike fit for racers, we could argue that most modern aero racing bikes aren't aggressive enough, because narrow handlebars require longer reach, and rotating the whole position forwards requires longer and lower handlebar positions as well for the same hip angle. Brands like Cervelo have to make "pro only" stems with lower stack for their sponsored teams (which isn't really UCI legal, but that's a discussion for another day). These bikes are already designed to be reasonably accessible to the general public, and are far from being only suitable for pros.

[@irfuel]

@@Marti-234 Also don't underestimate how pro cyclists are wanting to suffer while riding the bike if that would mean getting a 0.5% advantage compared to their competitors. No amateur would want to do this.

[@geoffersmaher]

come on, just one reasonably priced bike! and that wasnt even that cheap. seems like a bit of a departure from the entry level bike series that did so well for you guys. I mean really the pinarello is 6k and the feskta creeping up to 10k, and conveniently they are both sold by james. completly detached from normal buying, thought you guys wanted to do cyckling for the normal everyman.

[@thmusic7214]

I have the earlier triban grvl, its overall great but I find it lacking in compliance. Only fits 42mm tyres at 650b vs 50 on the newer frame

[@grahamriley8124]

Don’t think any of these have the stack and reach to compare with the comfort of the Giant Anyroad I have. Best geometry of an off road road bike. Not easy on the eye but who cares when you feel great riding it.

[@valentynskliarov9010]

Special thanks to James for recommending the best saddle that I ever have, so far - SLR BOOST TI316 SUPERFLOW 130mm. It was quite a challange get it to Ukraine, but now I fill relieved after my Specialized ROMIN EVO 143mm.

[@k.o.David1]

Can someone explain as I do not get it. Cannondale for example has almost similar reach and stack as Pinarelli. Cannondale (Sm model): Reach 377, Stack 561. Pinarelli: 374, 578. And Canyon S model, that is well praised here has reach almost 392 reach, Stack 610. Can someone explain why Cannondale is less ok then Pinarelli? I understand the Trek numbers as reach is really huge, but other number I don't get it..

[@raphindahouse]

the canyon is hard to compare. it is designed around a short stem and a bar that drops low. so comparing to a bike that is designed around a normal stem and handlebar is tricky.

[@k.o.David1]

@@raphindahouse Thank you for reply. Can you please clarify, is there any advantage with this Canyon setup (short stem, low drop) over Pinarelli/Cannondale? If I would now ride both of them what would be the difference?

[@raphindahouse]

@@k.o.David1 the new Canyon Cockpit for the Grail is designed like that, because it provides relaxed and aggressive positions with one handlebar. aggressive in the hoods and the drops, releaxed in the tops. Designing a bike around a short stem provides the posibility for a longer wheelbase and slacker head angle and therefore more stability. Bike geometry does not concern only the fit, but also the behaviour of a bike.

[@PuhutaanPyöräilystä]

I'm admittably biased when it comes to Canyon as I ride for them but I think the Grail Gen 2 was a game-changer for me in my price bracket. It's such a smooth ride on gravel and tarmac. I don't want to use my other bikes at all after si got it. And it makes me rida A LOT.

[@LuisGomes.]

Do you have any discount code form garmin one of your sponsor ? Regards

[@dcltdw]

Huzzah for mentioning lower price points. Totes cool if someone wants to pay $5K or more for a bike (it's your money, not mine), but it's nice to hear discussion about

[@LOZUPONEJ]

How many times do you have to clap your hands

[@tenfourproductionsllc]

It's been interesting over the years to see the bike trends on the internet....... fixies, then the 33inch over sized tire craze, then it was fat tire bikes, and now gravel bikes....

[@brianpurcell9058]

Not a cinnelli in sight !! 🤬🤬

[@brianpurcell9058]

@@KJlem spell checker 🙄

[@edscoble]

How about adding closed captioning instead of relying on the dreaded ancient auto captioining from KZbin to make your content accessible?

[@kkiwirocks]

read the comment section and now I don't even want to watch the video anymore lol

[@neilburrows6670]

James is like the Barry Norman (film reviewer) of bike reviews. You may disagree with him vehemently but he gives you enough non-sugar coated information to help make up your own mind, Gold!

[@geoffersmaher]

mark kermode?

[@JanKowalski-ux6nt]

Merida silex 2023 XL - it would be great to know your opinion 🙈

[@Chris_Rides_Bikes]

would love to get James or Francis's take on the Argon 18 Dark Matter or Krypton (gravel lite?) bikes.. seems like James would like them very much with the adjustable stack height... plus, friend of the channel, Chris Hall, seems to like them.. of course, he is sponsored.. ;) @Cade_Media

[@Ryan.T89]

5:10 and would ride a small in the Canyon? My wife has the Canyon in a small and as a 5:10 bloke it’s like a kids bike when I sit on it.

[@larryt.atcycleitalia5786]

So super-short and super-tall is the dogs bollocks? Based on how many people one can put on 'em and end up with something that kinda/sorta works? I have to admit modern gravel bike sizing makes zero sense to me and trying to figure out the geo/spec sheets is as frustrating as getting advice from the makers or so-called experts, who one would think might actually know what they're talking about? I'm convinced now the ONLY way is to visit shops that actually have the bike you want in various sizes so you can try 'em on for-size. The rest is just a "scientific-wild-assed-guess" as they say!

[@Dov-ux8gk]

A low point of a channel that usually stands out in a crowded field.

[@JordysWheels]

No comment on Merida or Giant? I believe their Reach firgures are also too long

[@josephb7128]

It is so funny to see that there are so many negative comments. Oh my gosh! James didn't mention your favorite bike! 😡 Or Oh my gosh! James didn't consider this bike because it's designed for racing even though he always states he talking about average consumers! 😭 Friends, it's an opinion and James is pretty transparent about what he is considering. You can disagree with him without feeling insulted. I love James even if he can be snobby about things (like a built in light is very useful and perfect for non-race focused riders concerned about weight). Anyway, James should be on the podcast more. Probably a good fill-in for when Francis is off somehwere. I would be curious to see how him and Jimmy could find ways to bicker about stuff.

[@jesmondo5785]

Outside of geometry, his opinions were actually just wrong. Integrated lights, suspension, frame protection are all great ideas. The vast majority would benefit massively from all three of these.

[@jooohan-i9o]

Yeah, Festka. The “I wouldn’t even if I could” category.

[@Zegadan]

Thanks Francis and James for the list, now and then I love to watch how in Cade media the subjective opinion (and they made it clear, always about it) and their perspective are take it by the comments, to be offended and be salty AF, is a video to broad your view and benchmark with you own experience, sheeeeesh but 2024 and people still go into the internet to be offended and be butthurt.

[@martinandre9096]

Love my fuji jari 1.1 with its quadratic geometry. Seatstay = toptube length

[@sacristar]

I'm new to this and just watching videos and reading comments. Lots of hating on this one, but not a lot of counterpoints delivered. So all in all really not helpful.

[@michaellane1316]

Niner out of Colorado. Love mine, 29ner, aluminum.

[@amrel-wardani1129]

thoughts on giant revolts? @Cademedia

[@alberthiczkok6793]

Came here for that aswell

[@songjoseph3314]

got that revolt X(suspension fork edition) pro 0 which is the high end edition. pretty much a XC bike with drop bar. probably good if you doing some really hard gravel but thats the only pro. cons are, heavy, slow, horrible build quality and im not enjoying that mtb RD at all. dropper post seems pointless for me really. i just simply tell you not to get that bike, spend a while to sell that bike and the buyer seems not enjoying it as well. i just felt that giant havent really ready to make a gravel bike yet.

[@Lenser]

@@songjoseph3314 Slow? lol

[@SwazersC]

Here here & exactly my point as well. The Revolt is en epic machine. :)

[@SwazersC]

@@songjoseph3314 You are trolling. I have never such utter bollox in years. I own a few Revolts & what you wrote makes no sense & it utter tosh. The Revolts are kings of Gravel.

[@Biggsy76]

You say how great the triban is because it has mounting points galore, then all the top end bike shave zero mounting points but you don't mark them down. Makes no sense. This list is pointless.

[@jonpoon3896]

I’m a fan of James and this channel with regards to bike fitting. But I don’t think James knows enough about riding gravel This video is definitely a dud

[@belgianguitarist7503]

He should do this along with Nic Vieri, to get a mechanic's view on the bikes as well!

[@Whitehawkvisionfilms]

Thank you for the Grevil info! Sold!

[@mrvwbug4423]

Maybe break this down by price range. There were some crazy expensive bikes on that list.

[@friendbubble8415]

Whats about the topstones geo??? Headline is wrong?!

[@user-ep6iw9he7e]

Bianchi Arcadex has even higher stack than Pinarello at similar effective length given, one of the highest stack/reach ratio out there.

[@raybraydh2956]

This has to be the worst Cade Media review vlog i have seen by far sorry

[@Ebonheart_20]

I think people have to bear in mind that he is rating bikes based on his opinion of how they tend to fit the majority of riders. Of course he has bias here, he probably sells brands he specifically finds work and he can sell so the ones he carries are probably going to be ones he recommends. That being said, there's a lot of bikes missing that are great. Lynskey for example.

[@thequickorangefoxjumped]

No mention of Sonder either 👎🏻

[@herbyco]

No Cervelo Aspero?

[@tyneill]

How can the Fairlight Secan not even make the list?!

[@wizkidcyclist9968]

No mention of Merida Silex….?

[@mcspikesky]

Instructions unclear, bought a unicycle

[@krzysztofkolodziejczyk4335]

Pinarello looks trippy

[@bnzboy]

James is back!!

[@jesmondo5785]

I don't see the issue with integrated lights? Bike lights do not look good and often try and find space for them. I also don't see the issue with frame protection? I feel road bikes would benefit from this?? I might start avoiding videos with this guy in.

[@ariffau]

But I like long and low position. I even enjoy doing S&C every day

[@cb6866]

Thanks James , and .."The tiny man "?? I'm guessing , Francis . Be well , eh ?

[@nathandecaro1027]

Love my Jamis S2, but I’m no pro.

[@boladgwsgs4024]

Wanna see his opinion on focus atlas series

[@feliksisaksen]

Cannondale carbon is weird - I have an alloy topstone 2, which I love.

[@bikesandstufff]

It's comfortable though.

[@geoffersmaher]

had the topstone 1 under the bike plan and was comfy, sold it and an old bike to fund a sour frame and forks

[@mrodgersmedia]

I have the same, with a carbon fork of course, really best of both worlds