Is a CUSTOM Bike Worth it?

After 5 months, Laura reviews her custom Breadwinner G-Road and answers the tough question of whether it was worth it or not.
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[@gamby16a]

OK--more Laura content on the channel, please! She did a phenomenal job with this video. A totally proper bike geek.

[@l2-4upphysicaltrainingover40]

More Laura!!! Yes!!!

[@UnliAhon]

“Laura content” should be a regular series 😁 even just once a week. This video is well-laid out, well-presented, and well-edited. 🤙

[@Vam1500]

Well articulated review! Russ, you've got some competition! She's good.

[@jellyfishsalad5926]

They make a good team!

[@trailladymtb7700]

I really enjoyed this video. So positive and informative .Glad you really like your ride. I learned a lot. I remember way back in the day being on a journey with my friend Rich, as he was having a custom steal Curtlo made for him. It was so cool to see how excited he was and it took a long while to create as he made trips to the builders. Also, how it was being done and how truly happy he was to have a one-off custom ride. It truly made Rich happy. Sadly... Rich got cancer and lost his eyesight before passing. But we really enjoyed riding together and talking about the ride qualities of the bike. Good memory.

[@MiguelGutierrez-yl1qs]

Well said Laura. I felt like you took every word right out of my mouth. Nothing feels like a custom bike, especially a Breadwinner. Ira and Tony built my B-Road which I absolutely love. Enjoy your new ride!

[@BikeShopGirl]

I’ve missed Laura!!! 👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽

[@radbikeadventure]

Awwwesome. Great review Laura! A custom build has always been in the backs of our minds. Thanks for nudging us that little bit closer! Someday for sure. Having something so specifically specced sounds magical 🦄

[@jasonthelee]

I'm midway through the process with those guys (frame should be painted soon) and your review really stepped up my stoke even further. Glad it worked out so well for you!

[@johnkordyback7878]

“Sorry to the other bikes sitting at home.” Made me laugh. Terrific review. The best parts were your decision making process and how you ride it now.

[@mikesecrest2887]

Wow. Just wow. I like Russ, but please, more Laura. More everything, in fact.

[@roguedog98]

So good to be seeing more of Laura again. Great review. Love the honesty and the "real world-ness" of it. Not cycling magazine stuff but real review from just a normal everyday rider.

[@benjaminkaretnick3731]

Fantastic points, across the board: I especially like the concept of not just going out and getting a custom bike as your first, but rather have an informed decision when you do decide to go custom, since all of your riding experience will feed into that particular bike. Cheers!

[@juliapoelstra3624]

Fabulous review. Honest, articulate, informative. Answers to questions that a newbie like me wouldn't have thought of. I'm so glad you love your breadwinner, and kudos to the builder. (P.S. you're my fav cycling gal on the KZbins)

[@jimmyzbike]

Well it looks fantastic! And your body position and ergonomics in the footage that Rus takes is perfect! It has made me look at some of my own fit and finish. Thanks!

[@astro61362]

Great review Laura. Its a great looking bike! I'm happy that it "checked all the boxes." Congratulations!

[@monty2078]

Thanks Laura, excellent review. The point about "experience" I's definitely a critical point in defining what you want.

[@orci77]

I just came back here because I don’t remember if I commented. So to be sure: awesome presentation by Laura. For sure she can do more stuff. Russ better sleep with an eye open 😉

[@LindyLooo99]

My husband and I have been waiting breathlessly for this review for a while now. So glad to see it’s finally up!!

[@pikachu.922]

I'm 6'8", I have a 68cm waterford rs-22 I found on craigslist. it actually fits me, which is amazing, but there are definitely changes I would make, like adding disc brake mounts, more tire clearance, rack brazeons, and some geometry tweaks. I defiantly can recommend weaterford/gunnar as another good choice for custom frames.

[@kellrockets101]

Yea, I have a custom Gunnar Hyper XF, and it rides and handles like a dream

[@jellyfishsalad5926]

Great review Laura thanks. Hopefully one day I can get a custom bike too. Only problem is what I like has changed a lot over time! Nervous to commit to a 'forever bike' in case my preferences change further !

[@alantaylor6691]

My father's having a titanium custom bike built for him by an Australian company called Baum. It's called an Orbis + and costs $20,000 ($13,000 USD)! He ordered it in December 2019 and it will be ready September 2020. It will be very interesting to see how a $20,000 bike rides! Dad is nearly 70 and so while he will be doing most pavement riding he's gone with the gravel geometry of the Orbis+, which has clearance for 40mm tyres. He will be rocking between 32 and 40mm road tyres depending on the requirement. He's got a high-end carbon wheelset going on it too and the only thing he's trying to figure out now is whether to go latex tubes or tubeless. At 32 - 40mm would tubeless still be a much better ride than latex tubes? The reason he's getting this custom bike is he went on a 10-day assisted tour and after it felt really motivated to continue with cycling into the long-term. I thought that perhaps because 32 - 40mm tyres are not that wide, that there might not be a difference in ride quality between latex tubes and tubeless, but it's just a guess as we don't have experience in this.

[@PathLessPedaledTV]

Would go 40mm or as big as you can fit and tubeless.

[@alantaylor6691]

@@PathLessPedaledTV Thank you.

[@philbroxton5240]

Chapeau, I hope that I can get a custom bike before I'm 70, and will still be riding at 70 :0)

[@hemirobinson-kingi5928]

The bolt on frame bag looks soooo clean. Awesome bike and awesome video.

[@decentdiversions]

Laura’s Cave of Good Ideas! Bravo! 👏

[@thomasagillespie]

Dang! I wish all bike reviews were this articulate and well thought out. I wish I could say we should also apply Laura's advice of riding many bikes before choosing one to reading bike reviews, but I can't. It's refreshing to see honesty uncontaminated by corporate fealty.

[@dec60fan98]

And the winner is Lura. Please keep this type of content coming!

[@conan7496]

Congratulations! You look really comfortable on that Breadwinner! Thanks for sharing!

[@georgs.6554]

What a great review, thank you Laura! Got me dreaming about a custom bike now.... And thanks for this great channel Russ and Laura! Lots of inspiration for me over here in Germany (actually worth a ride by the way)!

[@chunkylover54]

love the build. huge fan of the the white industries cranks. really want to try out the klampers but my bb7's wont break haha

[@mousepotatop9767]

"Worth it?" is such a loaded question. I custom built a Seven Sola (back then it was called the "Sun") frame very early on (numbered in the low 200s) at a time when AAPL was $8. That would be worth $400,000+ now. My Sola fits like a glove, I can ride longer on it than any other bike, and I'm rarely sore anywhere afterwards. Because we are bike gear nuts, there is no way I would have only 1 bike, but the fact that your Breadwinner is a gravel/touring bike makes it much more versatile. All that being said, I'm still just as excited in the process of converting a flat bar cross bike into a drop bar gravel bike.

[@michaelmann6482]

I’m curious, now that you have some miles and steep descents under your saddle, how do you like the Klampers? Maybe a PLP review of various mechanical disc brakes would be useful? Also, what BB did you pair with the White crankset?

[@donnervetter]

This! Klampers review and comparison to other mechanical / hydraulic disc brakes would be super useful. I was considering getting klampers multiple times but lack of reviews and the fact that they cost just as much as decent hydraulics stopped me from doing so.

[@davidcavazos6894]

I have to agree with everything she said. About 15 years ago I had a custom (road) bike built for me, no compromise was made. Here I am 15 years later, still riding that bike and still not wanting anything else. If you know what you want and need and that is a big if, nothing beats custom. It was worth every penny.

[@j2thezla]

i own a Breadwinner JB Racer and will second Laura that dealing with Ira was terrific. Mine also took a few weeks more than anticipated, but it was worth it.

[@chrisfyb]

You built a damn fine bike! Always loved these Breadwinners.

[@barriewylde5915]

hi Laura I Have a custom steel bike made to just fit me.it was the well worth the money.The only thing with a custom you never would want sell it Just enjoy your bike.

[@sagehiker]

Really important point about have some experience in the riding that you are going to do and some depth on different production bikes. I want a custom bike for gravel touring in a few years but I want to know more about the bikes out there, the road miles and me. Excellent transparent review :)

[@VV-om8vv]

Great content and change of pace. Thanks

[@watertankhikes]

Looking forward to a Laura "This is what I do at Adventure Cycling" video, complete with a tour of the headquarters....

[@theepicridecom]

Love both of my Breadwinners! Awesome people. Awesome machines for riding every day!

[@andrewbesold3872]

Russ is fired! 🤣 Excellent, articulate review Laura!

[@l2-4upphysicaltrainingover40]

Great Review!!! Never heard of this one! Can you reveal the full drive train, please? Does it have the geometry for touring for rear Pannier’s? Would your consider this a true “all-a rounder”? Thanks in advance!

[@jeffkatzer]

What a nicely delivered review. Thanks!

[@sheilastallard]

Best review yet!!!!........You will have to work hard Rus!!!. Keep em coming your pair!!!

[@814Taylor]

That's an awesome looking bike and I love the color scheme with the red.

[@gusnuk68]

after watching Laura, i no need Russ anymore LOL superb presentation, glad that you love the bike

[@agelaonsoikea]

I chose to buy a custom bike frame because I had an idea of having a bike that is kind of a missing link between a hard core trail bike and a gravel bike. My new bike has a long and slack geometry with 66 degree head angle and 75 degree seat tube angle with a lots of reach. I had it made at Project12 cycleworks in the Netherlands.

[@EZK4ME93]

Such a legit review! Love the video quality!

[@PatrickArchibald]

Great review! Glad your custom ride is everything you wanted and more. ☮

[@jackfavaloro5941]

Excellent review 🙏

[@VeloObscura]

I have a Wald basket and a basket bag in the mail, but I'm going to need to get a new rack to put it on soon. Which rack is that? Any recommendations?

[@charlesfosterkane8034]

The 650b wheels allow the builder more play with setting the seat tube angle allowing you a better position of the relation of your butt to the pedals causing a better push great for climbing.

[@kimrice394]

But is it Supple???😜 Happy for you! Breadwinner is Awesome!

[@l2-4upphysicaltrainingover40]

At some point, I thought that I heard that Laura had some medical issues. I hope everything is all well and good. Happy new year.

[@DaisyChain189]

Hi Laura! Great review! Can you tell me which front basket that is? I'm struggling to find one I love.

[@smoore5540]

Nice piece to camera, well done👍🏻🚴🏽🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

[@jasoncollins9640]

Good on you laura it looks great and good on you :-)

[@marvinkamei7007]

good video and words of wisdom[bike]!!

[@SteveLoweMedia]

Great review of the process of ordering a custom bike.

[@dragonskunkstudio7582]

I created my own ebike, a front and rear suspension 6 gear beach cruiser with 20 inch wheels. But did it without welding since I'm a living room mechanic. One day I'll find a place that will make one for me.

[@chainsawenthusiast]

this is what all bike reviews should be like

[@Shanecoffeyoutdoors]

Very well said.

[@jthepickle7]

First bike; off the shelf. Last and current bike; CUSTOM...to the last part! An International bike, it represents 6 countries. It hangs on the wall in my living room! - like the work of art that it is.

[@themoodyteam]

I wish that there were more bikes out there designed around a front basket. Very underrated. The next step in ‘gravel bike’ evolution?

[@hardmtnbiker]

You touched on a very, very important point, actually several great points. The more experience “you have” as a rider and the more experience the builder has,is critical. I have 2 custom bikes and the most important and best fitted bike I own is my gravel bike. Mainly it’s because the gravel bike gets the longest rides and needs the most unique fit to handle on-road and off-road conditions. I completely agree that custom is worth it, especially for gravel and other trekking types of bikes available now.

[@fasanojp]

Russ has very favorably reviewed the Yokozuna Ultimo Disc Brake and installed them on his Bombora. Given Russ' strong endorsement for the Ultimo brake, why did Laura instead select Paul Klamper brakes?

[@santiagobenites]

It's always worth it if you love cycling, and you just know that you're going to ride the hell out of that bike! 😃

[@disturbed4ever2]

What is the model of the basket you are using?

[@philbroxton5240]

I'm guessing a WALD 137, which I;, looking to purchase. I was trying to work out, which front rack it was.... Just looking to see if there's a kit list somewhere?

[@stevemcqueen7]

@@philbroxton5240 Pretty sure it's a Rawland Demiporteur.

[@JeffreyWilliams-dr7qe]

Morning so what mode of Steel Frame quasi bike would you wish for?

[@mbiraside]

Great review. You should do more on the channel

[@bryanwall6284]

What do you think of the Paul brakes? Worth the cost?

[@kurtbargar1618]

Consider durability. I have been riding my 1973 Holdsworth for 47 years. Reynolds 531. Many rebuilds but the frame has stayed true throughout. Heavy load touring, crashes, and everything else along the way. May you enjoy you bicycle for many years to come.

[@CAPRAQUEENRC]

Absolutely worth every penny! ❤️❤️❤️

[@srflan]

Great review Laura... curious the final cost as configured?

[@PathLessPedaledTV]

North of 5k.

[@dougfromsoanierana]

Wow.

[@pauldc779]

Great review.

[@MrRuvimovich]

Please, reveal... why mechanical (cables) brakes were chosen? And, if possible, what was the cost of the built? Thanks.

[@edwardweiszbeck1649]

Very wise words

[@thakoharris]

Haha, just asked this on the custom bike purchase video. But I suppose now, 6 years later there may be some new things that have come to light?

[@PathLessPedaledTV]

She still loves it and it’s her primary bike but she’s way more of a minimalist than I am 😁

[@rimtism123]

How is Laura liking her Paul Klampers? I'm interested in buying a set but I can't find an actual in-depth review about them outside of "They're pretty and expensive." So I'd like to know whether or not if they'd be a significant upgrade from my TRP Spyres.

[@BoogieNN]

The best thing about a custom bike is that you know exactly what you have!

[@BoxCarBoy12]

Better step up your game Russ! Laura is a natural in front of the camera and is just as good as you at reviewing bike stuff.

[@tacticalceo685]

Looks like a very nice bike and if you would what was the price of the bike ? and what is the weight of the bike ? very nice video by the way great job .

[@Chicagoschwinn]

About the front basket capability - is the fork and head tube less slack / rake compared to vaya or other bikes like that? I am struggling with that and trying to build a gravel/touring bike from a 90’s mtn bike and it’s been challenging haha Front load does make the steering sloppy/heavy...your bike looks super duper!! 👍🍻😍

[@cccorlew]

Laura-Friendly Package™ could be the next big marketing slogan.

[@thodpa]

Would you guys mind sharing the front end geometry? Curious given Laura’s description of its handling with a load. Thanks.

[@AJMacDonaldJr]

Awesome! 😃

[@mikeflanigan4896]

Breadwinner does great work and 13 weeks is really fast for this kind of job....and Ira and Tony are real cyclist!

[@RCrowe]

Having tried titanium and steel, which material feels better over the rough stuff to you? I'm on the fence about my first gravel/allroad bike.

[@PathLessPedaledTV]

Hard to answer. Not all steel and ti are the same. Both can either be stiff or noodly depending on wall thickness. Generally speaking, Ti feels a bit smoother/softer over rough stuff. But a nice steel bike can feel just as smooth.

[@thodpa]

What is rake and head tube angle of the GRoad?

[@inkjob12]

Love the bike and I would LOVE to have one...just cant afford a custom bike. My loss for sure.

[@Lramirez194]

Laura needs more camera time. I know she’s busy, but it would be great to see a review from her every now and then. Women specific stuff would be interesting, but any honest review like this would be great.

[@JustClaude13]

"Is a CUSTOM Bike Worth it?" Answer: it depends. If the bike fits your needs better than an off-the-rack bike, then absolutely. I would have attached the front basket to the frame instead of the forks, but few people think in those terms.

[@bikerob1231]

Did you share the cost? Do you mind sharing that?

[@SzalonyKucharz]

As per Breadwinner's website, you'd be looking at a region of roundabout USD 3000 for frame and fork.

[@jarude87]

Awesome :)

[@nickporter3531]

Are the Paul Klampers worth the cost?

[@littlegoobie]

I see so many people on YT biking with big bags mounted on the bars...or a hipster style rack. Am i in the minority in saying that i don't want any extra weight on the front wheel? I find it makes a bike more difficult to maneuver on tricky terrain, it's less stable because of weight shifting, and it's much more difficult to hop the front wheel over unexpected obstacles.

[@PathLessPedaledTV]

Yes you are. Where would you put it then? On your back?

[@bikepackinglight1829]

Purchasing in Oregon saves 💸 on sales tax I'm hoping 😋👍 What is the ballpark dollar amount for this build?

[@tyhughs2215]

I enjoyed your passion for biking. Ever make it to Wilmington NC and want to ride look me up on f book. Ty Hughs

[@fringelunatic]

Yes, yes and yes.

[@jansunda8155]

so is worth it how much is it in money. I m curious how much I must save to buy a custom bike with quality similar to your bike?

[@BadRongo]

I took a shot every time I heard 'Transparent'. Definitely gonna feel it in the morning. kidding. Awesome review! I want to see more on that Bearclaw though!

[@ks-pg5sh]

Makes sense. We used to do that when, "supple" was mentioned...but going to work got difficult.

[@mramazingtroy]

Getting another front fork shouldn't a big hassle. You could order a second and swap depending on the application of the bike.