Road Bike Revival?!

[@klarkolofsson]

The placebo effect you’re mentioning is very real and to me that’s the most important thing. That’s why a good looking bike is also faster (and you want to use it more). You cycle with your heart after all.

[@TimFitzwater]

To point I agree 100%🤓

[@rvssellcarson]

Very true. Posted a photo yesterday on IG of my new road setup for my Ritchey Swiss+Cross. UD Cava 33’s on a deep Hunt wheel set for when I feel like cosplaying as a roadie. “Looks fast, feel fast” I says. And it is fast, remarkably fast.

[@JohnsonBully]

For my own riding I consider an endurance road bike to be the ultimate bike. Gravel is fun now and then for a change of pace, but nothing's better than going fast down the road on a bike that's comfortable enough to do it all day.

[@gmadruga]

I've just restored a 1974 road bike (a brazilian Caloi 10), with 27in wheels, 32mm tires. Beautiful, agile, graceful. Best bike in more than 30 years of cycling! ❤

[@tommyb2129]

Vintage for me and on a budget. 79 Univega Gran Turismo. I ride slow and nap sometimea. Take streets, rail trail, and old forest roads. 27" x 1 3/8 swift produced tires. 6 speed vintage suntour with triple front, 11/34 suntour freewheel, early center pull diacomp brakes. Albatross bars. One pannier with coffee and snacks, parts, tools, and a small rain fly if I get caught out or need shade. Use the bike to hold up the fly so we are both well covered. Nothing better than a nice cup of coffee during a passing rainstorm. Sometimes soaked riders join me, so I carry a spare clean cup and a fruit bar for them. Just how I roll in my 60s. I used to ride fast bikes.

[@TimFitzwater]

Nice!

[@ronbell7920]

My first time to your channel. As a "roadie" I do appreciate the speed that comes with a "racing style bike". That being said, back in 2006 I purchased a cheap hybrid, it was the new "Raleigh" brand. Cheap, cheap, cheap, did I say cheap? I put new cantilevers on it, a drop bar, and bar end shifters for bullet proof longevity. I put 32mm tires on it for "all road" capability along with a front handlebar mounted bag and a rear rack. This worked great for commuting and I find myself riding it a lot more than I used to. To get to the YMCA for a workout, just cruise around the frame is aluminum and stiff as a brick. The 32's make it comfortable enough and the bike puts me into a "Zone 2" mindset! I need to ride in Zone 2 more so this bike fits the bill. Good job on your presentation on this video. Thanks!

[@TimFitzwater]

Cheers!

[@bobgabel6497]

You really do make good content and I like your narrative style. I've had several bikes in the past, road and off road but I only have one now and that's a Soma Wolverine which was a frame and fork buy and sourced all the parts during covid. When riding roads especially, the wheels and tires make the biggest difference which you mentioned in the video but I will disagree that the lighter sets are not as delicate as you might think. Leading up to the summer I had plans to ride more than I did sadly so I'll be watching more of you in hopes of getting inspired. I will mention that I just turned 73 and after a few crashes ( off and on road ) and that I never used to crash when I was younger makes me less willing to go out. Lastly it doesn't surprise me that you have 20.8 subs. You should be getting a lot more. Your filming is very authentic and you travel with a good group.

[@TimFitzwater]

Thanks so much! (just to be clear - I wasn't comparing weight of wheels at all - just those old box-section rims with skinny tires - I used to bend those up so much - my current wheels are lighter and more durable).

[@greg1083]

I'm 75 thus very vintage. And yes, I have ridden vintage road bikes before they were vintage. 😂I still appreciate their looks. But I absolutely love my Ti Lynskey 250 GR . And the vintage road bikes look great hanging on a wall of the local brew pub or out on an occasional tweed group ride.

[@TimFitzwater]

Ha! Love it.

[@TechTraction]

Definitely still a place for a road bike. Everyone has their personal reason/use-case. Mine is hooked up to my smart trainer where it spends most of its time. For outdoor riding, I'm re-discoverying trail riding on my 29er and loving it. No cars, and much safer for me. All that said, you can NEVER have too many bikes. 😀

[@johnmcshea1160]

Hey Erin, I also have a Surly Pacer and love it.

[@pauldrumwell4922]

For me , this is what youtube was meant for. I have a Kona Sutra and a 1980s Dawes Super Galaxy in glorious condition. I cherish both. Love the channel.

[@TimFitzwater]

Nice! Thanks!

[@TenFalconsMusic]

. *My favourite setup is: Road bike with 460mm flat-bar & inner bar ends, 700/32 to 38c tires, frame/top tube & saddle bags instead of panniers.* *I can comfortably haul a week's worth of shopping or enough gear for a long weekend camp in the mountains.*

[@cicliolmo7152]

for me, I leave my lid on when stopping in coffee shops as a matter of conveniece - one less item to worry about either laying it on the table (taking up table space) or hanging on the bike outside. Also a good place to park your cycling glasses (front of helmet) while indoors.

[@TimFitzwater]

I just leave it on the bike

[@Frostbiker]

Leaving it on the bike is extra work, and introduces the chance of somebody messing with it. Cyclists already look like dorks, who cares what anybody thinks about the helmet? I have better things to do than caring what somebody else may or may not be thinking about my (lack of) sense of fashion. If it's a longer stop, I may take it off for comfort, but it is a slight inconvenience.

[@jeffandersen6233]

I click my helmet to a wheel and frame tube as a detergent.

[@TimFitzwater]

@@jeffandersen6233 same

[@JasonGrace1]

There's a lot of great information in this video. I absolutely love my vintage road bikes, I just wish I could fit something larger than 28mm's on them. They're awesome for agility and being efficient but the lack of chatter absorption and the way I feel the need to "pick my lane" and exercise extreme caution leaves me feeling taxed. I had a hybrid Giant Escape with 35's and it was ideal for 90% of my riding, it got stolen so I picked up a super cheap 90's Scott Summit and its surprisingly super fun. It was built around bullhorn bars and the geometry feels very road bike like with 2+ inch tires. I'm going to pimp this out and make it a primary bike, I think if I bight the bullet and get some high end wheels and tires it could make an awesome ATB and more of what I'm after. I did put 41mm tires on an 82 Trek 620 touring bike but with the compliance the frame already had built in it felt like a 70's 4 door sedan.

[@johnnigri7269]

Surly Pacers are great bikes! They clear good sized tires with the long reach calipers.

[@dmorgan1307]

I have a few road bikes as I've gotten serious and addicted to "road" cycling this year. First road bike I purchased this spring for $300 is a 1992 Trek 1400 Aluminum with Shimano 105, RX100 hodgepodge groupset. Very skinny tire bike when purchased, I think it had 19mm tires on it. I installed 25's which helped a little but the rims were too narrow to make the tires true 25's. I have since upgraded to new boyd wheels, 10 speed ultegra 6600 groupo and modern cervelo seat...the fastest bike in my collection. Kept quill stem just because i like the look so much. Second road bike is a 2024 Cervelo Soloist 105 Race. Its a full carbon bike minus bars. It is more comfortable to ride than the 92 trek but also slower. I ride both equally, but still prefer the trek over the cervelo. Third road bike is a 70 somethin Cilo bike. I bought the frame on ebay and currently in process of building. Its a skinny columbus tube, lugged frame handmade in switzerland. A classic looking bike with chromed fork and all that. I'm building with another ultegra 6600 groupo, it looks period correct and relatively modern. I can't wait to ride it. Never ridden a steel frame road bike. I also have a 2015 ish Diamondback MTN bike that has been through many iterations. Its currently set up as an all road, gravel bike. 650b. Nothing special about it

[@deletemeforevs]

That is why I love my Gunnar Fastlane. The best all-purpose bike for me! I just change the bits if I want a different ride.

[@bikerjoe8921]

I bought a 1972 Bridgestone about a month ago. I'm not even sure what model it is. I bought it from the original owner who bought it when he was stationed in Japan. It's the only drop bar bike I've ever redden. And the only true roadbike I've ever owned.

[@Triplecenturies]

I've done my PB 24 hours on a Surly Pacer. Officially finished with 415.5 miles at the 2018 National 24-Hour Challange just SE of Grand Rapids, MI. Like the Pacer, the N24HC no longer is around.

[@WheelersAtLarge]

We used the 'Gravel bike with 2 wheelsets' for a long time but in 23 we picked up a couple of Endurance Road bikes because the tyre clearance gave us comfort options. The biggest difference we found wasn't tyres but the jump from Ali to CF. Very efficient, not so much faster but noticeable easier long days. Unfortunately not beautiful, slim tubed steel frames of course.

[@TimFitzwater]

There are better aluminum builds now - but I have a couple that are so harsh! My Aluminum road bike only sits on the trainer.

[@WheelersAtLarge]

@@TimFitzwater yes, in my experience even Ali seems to be improving still, my 2021 Ali frame is more efficient than my 2017 frame was. Comfort has never been an issue on either.

[@catherinewacha]

Thank you so much for your videos! I love riding older bikes. I grew up riding mountain bikes on trails but mostly the road. My all around is an older Trek 3500 that I was given last year. I live in Pittsburgh and was hoping to check out your ride but can't find the discord.

[@TimFitzwater]

For sure - I mostly rode my Trek MTB on the rode until 2015. Discord link is right in the description of every vid!

[@jeffpittman8725]

I think passion and comfort are important. Get some time on your bike and things develop and bloom. Love the content!

[@TimFitzwater]

100% Thanks!

[@joowwwllllll666]

I got a steel Bombtrack Audax with 650b wheels. It’s supposed to be an Allroad bike. It’s fun to ride on and offroad. I put 48mm Ultradynamico Rose on it and now it’s even more fun 😀. Had to put Redshift Top shelf bars on it to make th front end higher, since it was a little too slammed for me before.

[@TimFitzwater]

Nice! Bombtrack makes such rad bikes!

[@tblakemusic]

I love my vintage 650B conversion :) getting a local frame builder to braze on some canti posts this weekend. Braking power is really the only issue, although it’s not really any worse than any other vintage brakes haha

[@TimFitzwater]

Ha! I know the feeling - the brakes on my Trek are pretty bad. I used to ride it with a touring load - it was not going to stop on a downhill!! That being said they did start to make some pretty amazing caliper rim brakes later...

[@bonkCsM]

I ride a '95 r400 cannondale with a 700x25 up front and a 700x23 on the rear (gonna see if i can get something slightly bigger in the rear) with a modernish 2x10 106 groupset. I use it to commute to work, primarily road/bike path with a very small patch of gravel/grass. Why do I ride it even though its an ultra stiff aggressive position, uncomfortable skinny tyre weapon? Like you mentioned, I just love how it looks. It makes me want to ride more when I see it leant up against the wall in my house. I used to ride a supersport motorcycle to commute to work as well, that's not the best tool for the job but it is the tool that gives me the most smiles.

[@davidbee9563]

I traded a Soma Pescadero frame recently. It would run 700x35 and 650x48 with fenders. Comfortable geometry for an all road/ sport touring bike. I have a road frame that originally fit 700x23 which now has different drop outs. I have run it with 650x38 to 40 runs just as fast but way more comfy on bumpy, gravel roads. I have done a 650B conversion with rim brakes on several frames. A 42 tire is about equal diameter as a 700x23. You want to keep within about 10mm of the stock diameter. The long reach Tektro 599 brakes have enough reach for most frames. The BB clearance is reduced which can be a factor when you have 175mm cranks. Usually clearance at the BB is the problem for wider tires, forks can often fit one size wider. I used to have 700x35 on a Raleigh International, even more comfortable than stock 27/tubulars. I am a big fan of Panaracer Gravel Kings, the original treaded tires and the semi slicks for road use.But the lightness comes from thinner treads which may be a problem for flats.

[@TimFitzwater]

Nice - thanks!

[@jcmuellner]

Still love my Rivendell Romulus "Canti-Rom" with 32mm tires and Honjo fenders. Was mainly my randonneuring bike for many years (including Paris-Brest-Paris), but have toured and done group and gravel rides too. Tom Matchak made a lower trail fork for it and Dave Bushnell added some braze-ons and I still take it out for fun spins. Without fenders I can go to 42mm so could be more "all round", but have a Fairlight Faran 2.5 with 650bx48mm that covers that nicely.

[@TimFitzwater]

Awesome! Sounds rad!

[@shawnm3757]

All bikes are rad. I also love the super slammed race bikes and this is one of my favorite channels on KZbin. (I don't wear my helmet indoors, though.)

[@TimFitzwater]

🤠

[@ChrisCapoccia]

I have an Orca road race bike with 32c tires (max for the frame) and a Diverge with 47c (also the max for the frame. Usually I try to find mostly gravel routes on the gravel bike just like I ride my mountain bike on actual trails. So the road bike ends up with the most use because I ride right out of my door instead of having to drive somewhere first. The road bike can handle all the roads around me

[@stevevanness4195]

Bike selection has a lot to do with location, the only bit of unpaved road within a ten-mile radius of my home is .6 miles long!(more like .1,I forgot they paved most of it) One thing New Jersey does well, is maintain roads. So I ride mostly a carbon road bike. Oh, and that short dirt road I do regularly on the road bike and even the dirt is kept pretty smooth. In four years of ridding to work once a week year-round, I only used my mountain bike once or twice when it was icy immediately after snow. By the following day, the road crews usually have things under control. The closest trails are 12-15 miles away, so I drive when mountain biking.

[@fatrobdouble]

what part of NJ are you in? lol

[@stevevanness4195]

@@fatrobdouble​​⁠ North West, Warren county, years ago there were lots of dirt roads, but now its rare in this part of the state

[@fatrobdouble]

@@stevevanness4195 down here in Camden County, we get some fresh tarmac from time to time depending on the zip code, but a lot of this stuff is incredibly rough. Like, plenty of sheep items for punctures and many deep, gnarled potholes that guarantee frequent pinch flats on anything smaller than 32s

[@stevevanness4195]

@@fatrobdouble like I said, location makes a difference. It’s very rural (more suburban now)here, I would expect it to be different in the city.

[@bonbonflippers4298]

Yup it really depends where you live. Here in Southern California we don't have that many gravel dirt roads unless you want to try mtb trails which are brutal here. I ride road bikes year round and only a few times do I take my gravel bike for dirt and the dirt trails are just so far away and very short so not worth the traveling distance.

[@mustacherides420]

I built up a Mash all-road as a road bike after I tried using it as a gravel bike for a year. The geo is just too aggressive and leaned forward for real sketchy offroad, but it makes a great big tire road bike.

[@stephensaines7100]

On classic frames being shod with wider tires: I have a UK classic Reynolds DB 531 frame (British racing green) renovated by Argos Racing in Bristol. (Original builder unknown, Argos resprayed and decaled it when renovated). I bought it used some 25 years ago in southern England for...wait for it...125 Pounds, with Mavic cranks, BB, derailleurs (rear the early Huret pre-parallelogram style, increbily fast, precise friction shift) oh yeah, Simplex shifters, etc. Mavic crankset and BB was a Record clone, double, unable to triple, so replaced with TA Pro V triples, since replaced with Stronglight 99 triples (best crankset ever for me!). Whatever, two years ago, I had an accident, and snapped left side chain stay. I asked frame-builder to dimple the stays to accept a 32c tire. Previous max was a 28c. Remember, with a 68mm BB shell, there's only so much real-estate to allow much in the way of width unless the stays are kinked. 32c it is now on the rear, and it makes a huge difference. I'm still using a 28c on the front, but have a new 32c one to replace it as my spare, carry it with me, for front or rear. I use Conti 4 Seasons, super happy with them, but the downside is they're so tough, they seem to last forever. I'm frugal, and haven't the inkling to replace something working so well until it fails. 28c on the front is more efficient and more nimble, but prone to getting 'rutted' on trails and broken pavement. Eventually it will also be 32c. I also use a Brooks saddle, albeit a Swallow. If you're not comfortable, you're not going to do the miles.

[@TimFitzwater]

That sounds so rad! Lucky you know someone to do that kind of work too! I hear you on not wanting to spend money to replace something that is working - that being said my comfort is important to me these days - so it is why I ride the much faster wearing but far more supple tires. I try to justify it a bit with how much I save on gas but I doubt that math checks out with al my bike stuff....

[@mushroomhill]

Sup Tim and Erin! Tim my car got rear ended today with my bike on the rack. Car is ok but bike is mashed. The bike shop felt bad for me and let me take out a high end dual suspension mountain e-bike for the day. First time I ever ride one. I rode that thing for about 5 hours through single track, back roads, and carriage roads. This thing was an absolute unit. Unreal. I need one now!

[@rogerhart612]

Your love for old steel bikes is just one of many reasons I love your channel . I own a few vintage steel road bikes though I don't ride them much as used to. As far as descriptive names for bikes such as Mountain bike , I'm cool with it. People drive pickup trucks and never pick up or haul anything. Awesome video. 👏 👏

[@TimFitzwater]

Ha! Thanks!

[@davidsnow5811]

I built myself a 'monstercross' in framebuilding school back in 2011, and I specified room for 42c tires. (Very forward-looking in hindsight.) I used to ride it everywhere. Now it's just my 'road bike' with 38c gravelking slicks, and I have a true 'all-road' bike that fits 700x47c with disk brakes that I take on the dirt.

[@TimFitzwater]

So cool you made that in 2011!

[@colinkagel3397]

I have a few 90s road bikes; a Masi prestige and a Merlin Cyrene. I use 700x28 on both

[@jazzman99000]

My 1997 Lemond Zurich is the best bike I own. Still total confidence (in the bike) going 60mph down mountain roads. Great steel road bike. 28c is the widest tire I can get on it. Lots of races and perfect roadie position fit. Nowadays I prefer to ride bikes with a more upright position and brooks saddle. Back in the day we raced on 23s or 25s. No more. Never a snappy sprint bike but comfortable for the long haul and fast group rides. Now I have the Surley Straggler. Keepin it steel. I think pros keep their helmets on a lot for sponsorship commitments. I keep mine on because if I take it off, I might forget it someplace and not notice it till I start riding and feel the wind in my hair.

[@TimFitzwater]

Nice! RE: helmets - I'll always think it is weird when you are actually sitting down somewhere to have a helmet on.

[@arvinl]

Congratulations. I have a 25 yr old Marin bobcat trail, I purchased road bike recently to ride faster & further. Gravel bikes weren’t available during Covid but I want an all city. Love your channel & technique of filming. 👍🏾

[@TimFitzwater]

Thanks!!

[@TheLankyCyclist]

Modern endurance road bikes are underrated. The relaxed geometry and pretty generous clearance on the newer endurance road bikes are a great option for a lot of folks who will never ride their gravel bikes off-road. As for your question... have you tried walking around coffee shop floors in road cycling shoes. It's dangerous. Gotta keep your helmet on. lol.

[@TimFitzwater]

Ha! That is by far the best answer yet. Also - you gave the best answer on the reason for endurance road bikes too. I guess we are friends for a reason. 😉

[@BrandonADVdad]

Yes! Be a pioneer and put it on the stand, walk us through the conversion. Make it interesting and try to do it while having a bottle of wine or something 😆

[@Lughnerson]

This 62-y-o biker agrees with you on Gravel/ATB style bike with 2 sets of rim/tire combinations. One set for all-around-everywhere and the other more for keeping up with speedier riders. I had another set for mountain bike terrain, but sold it due to lack of use. I would still like to have a bike with IGH and belt drive.

[@TimFitzwater]

The channel got sent an e-bike with a belt drive and it is so cool. I now know why people dig the IGH/belt set up! (the ebike is single speed but I use the pedal assist as the gears basically)

[@scorchedearthdj]

i have a gravel bike and a touring bike. both are steel. none are vintage but they're both comfortable and take me where i want to go. in the years i've had these bikes, i've ridden my share of quick road bikes with carbon frames and 23c tires. those bikes were fun, however it wasn't enough to convince me to get one. i'm happy with my two fat tire drop bar bikes.

[@bike.breath]

I’m with you on “not road race” but road bikes 👍. Ritchey’s new bike got me kind of excited and I’m not mad at some road love re-entering the steel bike niche! Also, nice pacer!

[@TimFitzwater]

Needed to make that more clear to a couple of "Lances" that jumped in here.😂 I also wish I would have made clear how beautiful I think some of the newish "alt-cycling" brand's road bikes are. ...the Ritchey included. Your latest video did play into my thinking about this topic too - especially the off-road part. Coincidentally I ran into the guy she bought the Pacer from on my evening ride! Cheers!

[@bike.breath]

@@TimFitzwater that’s neat to hear! Nothing like a good bike throwback from time to time. I think you were very clear! Great video :)

[@songofyesterday]

I don’t take off my helmet unless it’s a long break. The shades go over the helmet. So that has to come off first. It has straps to keep them from slipping off. Less effort to just keep it on if I’m going to grab a rice krispy treat and coffee.

[@Ey_up]

During covid the A Homer Hilsen 650b ticked all my boxes. For road and light gravel 38c Gravelkings with mudguards (they're for mud in the UK, not fending! 😂). Shout-out to 42c WTB Nanos, shooperb on a ride called the Badger Divide which features rideable chonk in the Scottish mountains and currently 47c Ventures. Love this bike. Take it almost anywhere. Congrats on the subscribers, you deserve it.

[@TimFitzwater]

Awesome - and thanks!

[@davidwebb2337]

Love it. I’m an older racer of almost all styles and bikes. What you love is the bike you’re on. I appreciate your style and attitude. Just ride…. No answer to your helmet question😂. I take mine off and I was close to the Olympics in 1988. Rubber side down.

[@TimFitzwater]

In 1988 did you even were a helmet if it wasn't a mountain stage?!?!😂 Thanks!!!

[@davidwebb2337]

Well that’s a good point! We never wore helmets training. Just racing. The old leather net thing. But starting shortly thereafter we did. I did pursuit on the velodrome and individual time trial. Now I just love to ride to ride. Especially “gravel”. But you’re right, it’s definitional.

[@robbchastain3036]

As I've thought about it, I think my childhood years on my Sting-Ray, '67 to '75, taught me to be content with pretty much anything for everyday riding and by the end of my years on that bike, it was pretty much like a Brompton, the high-rise bars and banana seat raised all the way up kept it rideable as I got taller. It was the perfect bike for kids for years and I like paying homage to it with my thumbnail, back when we were under the influence of Evel Knievel. 😀

[@TimFitzwater]

Heck yeah. I wish I knew what the banana seat bike I learned on was. I bet my parents have slides somewhere. Whatever it was I went form that to a little red Huffy dirt bike with a foot brake.

[@robbchastain3036]

@@TimFitzwater Haha, Tim, we need to see those slides, banana-seat bikes forever! In '74 a friend and his father were preparing his bike for BMX races in San Jose as BMX was reaching the SF Bay Area from California. And I remember seeing wide MX bars and a 10-speed seat on his Sting-Ray and I thought, no way, no way would I ever remove the banana seat, lol, it enabled me to get low behind the bars on high-speed descents to the coastline from Skyline Boulevard in Pacifica. And the origin story of the banana-seat bike is so cool. Kids in Southern California in the early '60s were modifying their standard 20" bikes with high-rise bars and long Troxel bike polo saddles and pretending they were riding motorcycle choppers. Schwinn in Chicago was tipped off to that and sent out a rep who returned with the vision for the Sting-Ray, which promptly went into production and launched kids into years of rides and wheelies and races and skids and jumps and friendships with other kids on their bikes, when we could all ride for hours as long as we were back home by dark.

[@camt1818]

I currently only own vintage bikes that I modify to suit my needs. 90s mtb converted for loaded bikepacking and gravel. 80s road race bike (1984 Trek 760) that I'm trying to make fairly lightweight but comfortable at the same time (28mm gp5000 tires, tpu tubes, light wheels, and comfy-ish handlebar position). If I were to buy a new bike, it would definitely be an all-road or gravel bike. I would enjoy having a do-all bike that I could use for long endurance rides, light touring, light gravel. Probably get a couple wheelsets for it. Been eyeing up the Cosmic Stallion lately.

[@TimFitzwater]

Nice! I'll be honest with you - if you buy that Cosmic Stallion it won't be long before it is the only thing you ride.🤠

[@dtshifter]

When riding older bicycles, replace the handlebars every few years. Last summer i was nearly home after a casual 50 mile ride when the original handlebars on by 2001 Klein Quantum Race that I have owned since new . I ended up in an ambulance, a week in the hospital, a titanium rod in my ride femur along with medical bills that I will be making payments on for years. Any, replace old handlebars as failure happens in a nanosecond and could kill people.

[@hope2someday691]

I’ve heard of this happening before with a similar warning. I’ve also heard that the fork is an early point of failure on older bikes.

[@richeeg3271]

What do you consider *older bicycle"? Should I be worried riding my second hand specialized allez from 2015?

[@OriginalTrev]

@@richeeg3271 bar tape is a sponge for sweat and salty sweat is extremely corrosive to metal so your handlebar is probably overdue for a corrosion inspection

[@dtshifter]

@@richeeg3271 replace the handlebars on any used bike, any bike over ten years old or if it crashed and the handlebars hit the ground. A hospital stay and an ambulance ride will cost tens of thousands of dollars even with great insurance. You can get a new handlebar for as little as $20.

[@HabaneroTi]

I don't replace mine unless there appears to be an issue, but I do check them every time I replace the tape. I also regularly check my carbon fork and other parts that if they failed during a ride could be catastrophic. So sorry about your accident. Thankfully you survived.

[@robertadams-v1i]

Tim, i will say i am not the most sophisticated rider in that my knowledge though limited, is gaining. i've rode my Kona Dew for 10 years now since my hip replacement surgery limited my running. that being said, i'll ride 2-3,000 miles per year and find my hybrid is a nice middle-of-the road bike. Towpath rider forever and ALL trails in/around the area. I just subscribed as i stumbled upon your channel a couple weeks ago. Keep up the good work and maybe i'll bump into you and Erin on the trail.👌

[@TimFitzwater]

Awesome - thanks! See you out there!

[@tlister67]

I converted an early 80s Univega Viva Sport (entry level road bike) from 27” to 700c. I can fit 38 mm tires with plenty to spare. I also converted the stem and added some gravel bars. Oh and runs a 3 x 7 drivetrain now. Love it!

[@TimFitzwater]

Very nice!

[@Lomochrome]

I ride a marin lombard from I belive 2016. It seems to be marketed as an all rounder/commuter and it really is a great bike for my needs.

[@phillipcowan1444]

You should definitly do the 650B conversion. A friend gifted me an '86 Nishiki Olympic 12. I rode it for a while with 28's (max size) but it was hard to work up any enthusiasm for it. It felt like just what it was; a nervous twitchy disposable crit bike from the 80's. So I built up a set of 650B wheels. Nothing exotic, Velocity A23's, DT spokes and Velo Orange hubs. I went with Tektro 559's because they make these conversions easy. I kept the 6 spd freewheel and Shimano Light Action friction shifters to preserve some of the old skool flavor.The bike was totally transformed. Now it feels smooth and planted. The change felt so natural it seems like the frame was originally designed for 650B. I was so delighted with the bike I had it powdercoated a nice metallic black cherry. No luck finding repro Nishiki decals so maybe I'll put some of your "Generalized" decals on it.🙂

[@TimFitzwater]

Awesome! Sounds rad. Someone reached out with a wheelset so I think it is a go!

[@thomasmcroy1756]

So many lines have been blurred in recent years. Rando and touring seems like the same thing. More upright, lots of connection points. Now new endurance bikes are following suit. Can take slightly wide tires and lots of connection points too. Bikes like the Salsa Marrakesh seem like true touring bikes now. Burly construction, super wide tires, relaxed geo.

[@jeffandersen6233]

0:00 I just found your video today after pumping up the 28c Continentals on my 1993 Specialized Allez this afternoon, Direct Drive steel frame and alloy fork. I was amazed how it took pavement imperfections. Ive been testing gravel bikes with aluminum frames. Steel {quality thin tubed) still feels better,and a lugged frame looks great to me. Its still my lightest bike compared to my Trek 710 and Gary Fischer Paragon. But i think bigger tires would be nicer for going everywhere and probably safer at 74 yers old. I recently ent done when my front tire caught a raised edge between sidewalk and grass. I love the bikes you described with mixed components that just work and with rim brakes too. Comfort and fit is my quest now. I noticed your stems are short and upright as mine are now. I just added your channel to PLP and the Bike Sauce. Makes a nice variety.

[@TimFitzwater]

A little more comfortable, a little safer and in many cases not even slower... The Tour de France was just won on 32mm! I do love the mixed builds - and 9 speed is my fave because it still looks good! Thanks - cheers!

[@michaeld7550]

Grats on 20k, Tim! I was never quite sure whether I wanted a road bike or not but after seeing Russ's video on the Ritchey Montebello I definitely wanted that to be my next bike (N+1 FTW!). Unfortunately though, I missed the window for an XXL frame, which I need. Hopefully they'll be in stock again at some point, preferably with Guac and Crema as a color option.

[@TimFitzwater]

Thanks! Those do look super cool. I also dig the high stack - Bike Sauce said he actually lowered the bars!

[@peppermintpig974]

Most of my miles this year are on a 1961 Raleigh Trent Tourist that I saved from being scrapped at the dump. It runs 26x1-3/8 using Schwalbe Delta Cruiser tires. Sturmey Archer 3 speed. Slightly larger sprocket for the hills of Vermont. Love it. Treated it to the Carradice rack with the extra strut supports and a Carradice Nelson (regular version, not longflap) this Spring. A friend gave me a Raleigh USA messenger bag which now sits in the Nelson as a spare for when I reach overflow and just wear it. It's been on some rough unpaved roads and is taking it like a champ. It's a feel-good bike. Looking forward to riding with a new friend soon and was thinking what to bring with me. I do not have a ton of miles on 700c this year. Probably pull my DBR Prevail TT out: 1x10, Araya 730 rims, waxed drivetrain, bullhorns and aero brake levers. Titanium, black and purple accents. Ostrich rando bag on a Nitto bag mount. It's a time trial titanium bike turned into a zippy fast rando. Have had a handful of chain drops despite running Wolf Tooth narrow wide so that needs to be remedied before it goes out again. I purchased a Surly Troll well before they were discontinued and that sat for a few years as I tried to save and purchase parts for it. During the interim I migrated the 3x10 drivetrain it came with to a 21" Diamond Back Ascent running Geax Saguaro tires. Eventually I had disc brake tabs brazed to the frame and swapped the fork for a Surly Troll fork which tilts the entire frame angle back a few degrees which is actually not bad for front loaded riding. It is running 3x10 and it's pretty terrible. The disc brakes are nice though and an acceptable upgrade from the original cantilevers. It previously ran the original Deore 3x7 which was just lovely and now I'll probably switch it over to 2x8 wide next. It needs to just work and for whatever reason 3x10 has irreconcilable issues with chain rub in non-extreme gear combos and I have to throw the lever more to get the shift to go off. Just not acceptable. This Diamond Back has a century ride to its credit back when it ran 3x7 and has been a superb commuter. Surly Nice rack originally on the Diamond Back fork with the pipe clamp kit, but that was a bit hard wearing on the fork. Now it's on the Troll fork and while it's heavier overall I don't mind it. Bike has a plush setup with butterfly handlebars and has served me well over the last 8 or so years. The Surly Troll is a Trollhoff now with VO Wavy fenders in 650b (clearance for 26+), custom powder coat, Molokos, Simworks Rhonda, front dynamo, Cinq Plug 5 Plus, and dynamo lights, Cranktank, and some nice Tubus and Surly racks. Cable routing is super clean and wonderful. Waiting on the next free sunny day to take it out and photograph glamour shots for the posting and getting that up on Reddit as people have been asking me about that build. This is the bike build that inspired the custom 22.5mm Surly Spacer project (some of you might have purchased a pair of those from me for your Ogre's, ECRs, Trolls, Pugsley's). I have an LL Bean Cannondale touring bike (80s). It needs a 126mm or similar Ultegra 8 speed hub for my build. I need help sourcing the hub or a wheelset so I can achieve my goal of a 1x8 wide setup as a Sunday driver day tripper bike. You should see all the matching vintage red LL Bean bags on this thing and the cherry on top is the red Brooks B17. It's gorgeous but needs the proper wheelset to complete it.

[@TimFitzwater]

Sounds like some really cool builds(builds in progress) - nice!

[@peppermintpig974]

@@TimFitzwater Thanks. Happy riding to you! I was just donated a Univega SportTour. Cloth bar tape looks like mummy wrap (LOL) and I can't for the life of me source replacement navy blue cable housing for the restoration. It's the next fixer upper after I finish this utility trailer conversion. I found an Audi car badge on the side of the road, which tends to happen when I'm building trailers. Last one was a Hemi badge, and I glued that to the back of my first trailer that has a bike towing hitch. Me when I'm talking about my bicycle trailer: kzbin.info/www/bejne/Y5i5aJmOfZlofKM

[@CobwobblersBikes]

Congrats on hitting 20k subs. I've moved over my bike videos to a bike specific channel so my subs are back down to 2 😔 When I was in my 30's I had my only real road bike, 19mm tires and all. It was fast and I could cover a great distance, ( 20 mile daily commute each way) but now I'm 60 and 265lbs I find the idea of skinny tires..... Painful. I've got an Ali road frame I might build up with skinnys just to see how it feels.

[@fittonbikes]

I am in my 50’s a little overweight and mostly an alt-bike rider or gravel. I do have an older Lynskey bike which I put the new 2x GRX 12speed on plus some newer carbon forks and I love it. I do rando type rides with it with bags on and I really notice an improvement by about 2-3mph average over the course of a 130miles vs my gravel steel frame bike, so the lighter weight and setup does let me get get around a long route faster. But for social rides, bikepacking etc it’s not my ride of choice but for those early morning 1hr, pre work coffee rides I also love it for being easier up hills etc. But I do have a suspension seat post and some comfort features like 30 sized tyres with tubeless that adds a lot to comfort for me. So I guess it’s not pure road carbon performance. I love the drops though and riding on hoods is comfy for my build over the distance.

[@cosinus_square]

I don't really find narrow tyred steel vintage bikes uncomfortable at all. I have vintage steel bikes with 700x25c and 700x32c. Also have modern gravel and road bikes with bigger tyre clearances. From my experience, the narrow tyred road bikes only became uncomfortable once they went overboard with the stiffness and everything was wide profile aluminium or carbon fibre. However, I absolutely love vintage rando bikes, wide tyres, full mudguards, polished mechanical groupsets and the most creative and minimal front racks carrying massive front bags. The minimalist aestethic is absolutely gorgeous, especially on japanese vintage rando bikes.

[@Ramenscooter]

Totally agree. Old steel Zeus with 25c sew ups. So smooth and buttery!!

[@jered2177]

I ride a 1979 schwinn le tour for my work commute, love the bike but would enjoy triple chain rings on it.Rides like a 26.5lbs Cadillac

[@genestanbrough7766]

I have picked up a Cannondale XR800 from 2003. I treat this bike as my roadie.

[@Astronomater]

my only bike is a fuji touring bike from '74. The main issue i've sound so far is that it requires 27 and a half inch tires instead of 700c. It is quite comfy with a brooks and with the cockpit not totally slammed.

[@TimFitzwater]

If you ever wanted to convert it to 700c it wouldn't be that hard and would open up lots of tire options(slightly wider ones too). It could even be really cheap - look at how far you brakes are down in the calipers - if there is room to go farther the wheels would be the only thing you need to change.

[@hernehill6282]

I love riding road bikes off-road. It requires more mental focus, full-body coordination, and finesse, but induces a state of flow where every moment is rewarding. Big tires and suspension can make things too easy, even boring. When things get too rough or sandy, I just do the hikeabike thing, which is a nice variation.

[@TimFitzwater]

Definitely depends - I under-bike often - gravel bikes on MTB trails, full rigid on real rough stuff. …but I’ve also broken many road bike components doing it and tend to keep the road bikes on road or smooth gravel these days.

[@vaquerosupreme3189]

The road bike I have is the Soma Grand Randonneur. Very low trail at 37mm so that you can do serious front loading. I suppose what makes it a randonneur is the low trail geometry. Tires are the Ultradynamico Rose (47mm) in Robusto casing and Growtac Equal brakes. As with my other bikes, I end up rolling it more on the trails than on the road.

[@timothy7768]

Poseidon x gravel bike here and love it. Had it now for about 2 yrs.

[@williamlebron9873]

GREAT video & topic. 🎉🥳CONGRATS on reaching 20,000 subscribers.🥳🎉

[@TimFitzwater]

Thanks so much William!!!

[@etr9650]

Interesting video. To answer your question about what I ride most, it's my 3 gravel-ish bike(s). I'm an ex-racer and in my 60s. Comfort matters. So, less seat to bar drop, flat-ish top drop bars, gravel-size tires, 25-35-ish psi. I built two of my gravel bikes from cyclocross frames because they fit me better. One is 15 years old and one i built in 2023. I also have a foundling 90's Trek SingleTrack on which I've upgrade the seat, bars and drivetrain to 9-speed and all-road tires. on smooth pavement, the 'cross bikes are 1-1.5 mph slower than my road bike. The single track another half mile slower. My XC bike is another .5 mph slower. (could be more an aero issue than rolling resistance) I've raced the 'cross frame bikes in CA Sierra gravel races where there were descents on jeep trails with baby-head sized rocks. IMO, attention to line choice plus tire inserts were a faster alternative than riding 2.2 inch MTB tires and just smashing down the hills.

[@TimFitzwater]

Very cool. ...and yes - most likely position on the bike over rolling resistance.

[@ptm5001]

Have actually been thinking of this question a bit lately. Bought my first bike in 20 yrs last year; I had been riding a retro-fitted Schwinn Voyager with 700 wheels with smooth 38mm RH tires. Got a Ritchey Outback on which I have slick 44mm RH tires. I was looking for a bike I could ride everywhere; I was inspired by Bicycle Quarterly and wanted wider tires as well. I no longer ride much on the road because few drivers here in NE Iowa look up from their phones when driving. So mostly bike paths and gravel roads. Not huge into gravel, but there is a lot of it around me and it is very lightly travelled. Love the bike. I do struggle to keep up with faster friends, but that is just me. But my ears did perk up when I saw the Montebello. I have wanted to try a brevet, so a bit of increased speed could be useful. Most long rides I have done are in the high summer, so a longer ride means more time in the sun, which makes me yet slower.I might have gotten that, had it been available last year. But I also think, if I want a quicker ride, I could buy some fancy wheels for the Outback and ride on 38 or 35 mm. Have been enjoying your channel. Came across it a month or so ago when I saw your Ann Arbor ride-I grew up in Flint, now in NE Iowa, but love your urban gravel rides.

[@TimFitzwater]

To be honest I don't think you would even being going that much faster on a Montebello - and I wouldn't even go with narrower tiers on the Outback - I'd just get the slicks. Wide-slicks are the way and light for road speed. That is exactly what Bicycle Quarterly's research shows. Way more come down to aero-dynamics (and mostly not of the bike but of the position you will be riding on the bike). Cheers!

[@ptm5001]

@@TimFitzwater But it is red. thanks. delighted with the bike I have. Different idea--an Urban Gravel series of rides through Mi, OH, and PA. Rust-belt Randoneuring.

[@paulcihak4948]

my old road bike is a Schwinn Paramount with Paris-Roubaix 28s. I have upgraded to 10speed Force drivetrain. Still have the Shimano 600 brakes. I still ride it for fun rides that never make it to strava

[@Ramenscooter]

Paramount as in 531 tubing? Now that’s a great ride. + sew-ups!

[@paulcihak4948]

@Ramenscooter I believe it is but any stickers are long gone

[@toddmcdonough]

I've done both 650b and 26" conversions for vintage steel road bikes. My favorite is a Viner Nemo race bike with 26" wheels and Conti Contact Speed 42mm tires. It also has a mountain bike fork with canti brakes in the front that I put on for a laugh but holy cow does it handle and stop fantastically. I think it lifted the front end slightly so it was not as twitchy as a normal race bike plus it has tire clearance for days. Drive train is a one-by 9 speed single down tube shifter for super reliability with TRP RRL brake levers and a Ritchey flared drop bar.

[@TimFitzwater]

Super cool! I never even thought about going all the way down to 26. How did you deal with the brake calipers in the rear?

[@toddmcdonough]

@@TimFitzwater I used a Tektro 559 caliper. You might also need a lever with an additional quick release like a TRP RRL to clear the tire when removing the wheel. It kind of depends on the difference between the width of the rim vs tire.

[@samtatge8299]

Old roadie and vintage collector here. As I come across old bikes to tinker with the more the 80’s & 90’s Japan made Schwinns emerge as a great buy for very solid quality steel frames. They get no love because, well, Schwinn. But they are loaded up with the last of Suntour parts on these great frames. Easy to update with brifters and dual pivot brakes. I see them for as low as $20 to $30. Fun and easy to work on.

[@TimFitzwater]

I grabbed a lot of my vintage bikes for almost nothing too. They are fun to tinker with - the French ones can be a bit of a pain though!

[@TESTA-CC]

I'm the same Vintage Road bike for the win 🤙 🤙 DownTube Shifters & Rim Brakes. Peugeot Perthus Pro Reynolds 753r

[@walthaim]

Rocking an early 80's Bianchi, which just barley squeezes in 700x28's, but with SRAM 1x. Got the Nitto Technomic for a more relaxed fit. Love the look and the feel of the bike, but I know using it as an everything bike, rim brakes are eating through the rims slowly, and then sometimes wonder if something slightly more supple would be nice.

[@TimFitzwater]

Once you go supple you won't go back!

[@tpawlicki]

I would check out the Fairlight Secan! Just bought one and will be building it up soon. It was sold as a fast road bike that can fit 38mm tires. Plenty of mounts and modern standards.

[@TimFitzwater]

Nice! I did have a list to mention then felt it was unimportant for the gist of the video.

[@jjn232]

Putting 40mm on an all city cosmic stallion for a empire state trail multi day ride. Usually run 28mm so looking forward to the extra comfort

[@TimFitzwater]

Extra comfort and speed! I bet you won't go back!

[@Zeppelinfaktor]

I have two vintage road bikes that are functional both with wider tires. The trek 420 has 700c x 32mm hybrid bike tires (the max width you can go). The Fuji Del Ray has 27 x 1 1/2 tires on it. Gravel roads are definitely a challenge on both of them. It’s still doable but a lot of effort. They work great for packed limestone though. Even on rough pavement the bikes are pretty capable (steel frame helps a lot though). I don’t think I’d buy a modern road bike. I’d probably just buy a gravel bike and buy additional wheel sets for different purposes.

[@donnydread7631]

29x3” The sweet spot!

[@bayricker]

Started binging on your channel to learn more about gravel bikes since I only have a road bike. And no, I don't wear my helmet into coffee shops. Bet they are concerned with theft of the $400 helmets that make them so fast. Anyway, it's getting boring to ride the same asphalt several times a week so want to take advantage of trails like the C&O which is nearby. Plan to purchase by Thanksgiving. Channel has been super helpful and entertaining. Congratulations on breaking 20K.

[@TimFitzwater]

Do you know what you are leaning towards? Thanks so much!

[@bayricker]

The All City Space Horse is one though finding a local (within 20 miles) dealer is a challenge. Also looking at Canyon's bikes which are direct sale. Now if I had your gumption, I'd take my old steel frame bike and do a conversion. Thanks for asking.

[@hennrysmustache]

My first bike I bought after the one in college was stolen was a Specialized diverge due to living in West TX and having gravel lit right outside my house but didn't feel slow on the road. I built up my first bike (92 Cannondale r900 2.8) as a neo retro road bike as here in SATX I have to drive to get to gravel. It was better suited for the environment and a good learning platform for bike maintenance.

[@TimFitzwater]

Nice.

[@solarheat9016]

I just picked up a Univega VIva Sport. It is fully lugged chromoly steel made in Japan. I bought it with the rear wheel missing. It got stolen from the previous owner. I will be building a custom wheel set with a vintage Shimano HG 20 rear hub and a dynamo front hub. I will be putting brifters on wider handlebars with a shorter, taller stem for maximum comfort. I plan to add a rear rack so that I can carry panniers. I am changing the drivetrain to lower gearing for the West Coast: a touring triple with a 7 speed mountain bike rear cassette. Most parts are used and from the bargain bin except the new wheels, pedals, and handlebar tape.

[@TimFitzwater]

Awesome! Sounds rad!

[@Samyouel5]

I ride a Soma Fog Cutter that serves as my road bike. It’s a good mix of twitchier road feeling bike but also comfortable to ride all day.

[@TimFitzwater]

I need to look that one up. Not a ton of Soma's around here - I've seen a few Wolverines....

[@you43584036]

What great videos. I have/had so many bikes. I get the vintage thing but I must say the dream rides happen on modern high end rides. At my age endurance and gravel. One day to be balanced you should borrow a super spec bike and do a vid - just try to hide your smile. :)

[@TimFitzwater]

I'm not against them I just don't think the price justifies them. As mentioned I rode the carbon WarRoad and even my Gunnar had electronic SRAM on it when I first tested it. My Raleigh is running 11 speed 105 - hardly cutting edge but I'm not hung up on everything being vintage. I honestly do not like the feel of the carbon bikes - they are fun to climb on but that is all I like about them. They just feel cheap to me and they are way too rough on chunky grav grav. Cheers!

[@henryhuber1050]

I think endurance road bikes still have a purpose. The geometry of tucked rears and moderately twitchy front ends is way different than a lot of gravel bikes which go for stability especially descending. I think it’s interesting that modern Rando and Audax riders. Folks doing 400k 600k rides or PBP aren’t riding anything wider than 40mm typically. Their bikes look a lot like road bikes with 32-35mm tires, trunk bags and sometimes aero bars too. I think when your riding exclusively pavement you don’t really need wider than 40 slicks as it just feels draggy especially at lower pressures. But I still love my all road bikes! Thanks for the video Tim!

[@TimFitzwater]

For sure on the geo and the way it feels - which is just a preference. I really used to prefer the road bike feel but now I prefer the slacker gravel bike feel. I agree that PBP riders are still using a lot of 32s - but that doesn't mean they are right in what is faster - and a lot of it is just that is what their bikes clear. Jan Hene of Rene Herse tires has some great articles on PBP - in one he describes why he choose 44mm - 650b even though the 50mm would have been faster by their own testing... Cheers!

[@herminio001]

I started out with a mountain bike, was looking for a road bike during the COVID19 Pandemic but couldn't find one so I got a gravel bike. Got me a set of wheels and put road tires on and discovered I liked riding fast on the road and built a dedicated road bike using that same set of wheels. I consider myself a cyclist who enjoys all types of bike and use bikes according to the terrain I plan to ride in. As far as helmet goes I don't take mine off when I'm shopping simply because it keeps my hands free to grab a hold stuff and not worry about carrying my helmet in one hand and the stuff I buy with the other.

[@TimFitzwater]

Nice. A few people mentioned carrying a helmet - I don't carry a helmet - I leave it with the bike. I have never heard of a single person having a helmet stolen. In fact I use it as a second lock on my bike - around the downtube and through the wheel.

[@Trailrider1964]

I recently got a Kona Essato. 2016ish..? Side pull brakes....I put kitchen sink handlebars on it....a few other mods. Tires are 700c x 35....I was a Mt bike rider...then a modded Specialized hard rock, with drop bars.....mainly on the GAP trail south of Pittsburgh. I hit the woods less and less after some people I know got Lyme disease...anyhow; that Kona Essato road bike with the 35's is perfect for the GAP. I'm cruising a few mph faster, and longer (maybe I'm fitter too) definitely more aware of surface imperfections. But it's fine for gravel trails, pavement, and some light dirt and dry grasss....nice KZbin channel! Thanks and cheers

[@TimFitzwater]

Tick checks are definitely a thing with the places we ride(this vid being the exception). Thanks for sharing - I just got back from a mix of the GAP and cuts. Vid soon - cheers!

[@haemstah]

At times I'll trawl through EU/UK eBay and come across an old high-end tubing mid-trail 700c steel rando frame with horizontal top tube and lugs. Slapped on some GP5k 28mm on the old SBDU I built up, but for some reason they measure closer to 26mm. Plenty of room for a measured 30mm, so the hunt is on!

[@TimFitzwater]

Tire sizing is a joke - just like the stated clearance - just have to try things. Cheers!

[@clivegower-collins9012]

I love pretty much anything on two wheels and love riding them. That said, it's a different question when it comes to living with a bike. For the last however many years since lockdown, I've owned a carbon gravel bike (Specialized Diverge) and an ebike/road-bike a Focus Paralane. What they have taught me is even at 62, I'm not ready for the ebike, it's too much tech, and the gravel bike has spelled the end of my road only interest. Next bike? Midnight Special tweaked for touring. Love your channel

[@TimFitzwater]

When the channel got sent the ebike it made me appreciate them - but same - I just don't ride it(yet). The Midnight Special is a great bike! Would definitely dig it for touring and gravel(and road to be honest). Thanks and cheers!

[@Fatbutnotflat]

I have a gravel bike with a 650bx47 and a crosscheck set with gp5000 28c tyre. i regularly switch between both up a local climb. I think both are just as fast! I might get a tad boost on the gp5000 when the tyre is fresh. but now that the gp5000 is quite old, the gravelking SK 650b x 47 felt just as fast. I think you can 'roadify' any 700c bike because, just put fast tyres there. Add a lighter wheel and you're basically 99% of the way there. Assuming the bike fits you to get a good and comfy position. So, if Ritchey says all bike is a gravel bike. Then all bike is road bike also.

[@ericjones7398]

Between my 38c singlespeed steel bike and 50c aluminum gravel bike, I tend to grab my gravel bike 85% of the time. Its just so much more comfortable and less tiring to ride long distances.

[@TimFitzwater]

Same - my "road" bikes just hang on the wall more and more.

[@peterbedford2610]

I run 38 mm gravel kings on a gravel bike that I built the frame for being a type of all around bike. Works pretty well as I ride a similar combo of terrain as you.

[@TimFitzwater]

My first "gravel" build had 38s - which was a converted road bike. I don't mind it on decent gravel. These days I do ride enough rough stuff that 38s are to skinny for certain rides.

[@lonsouder4699]

I have a few vintage road / touring frames that I swapped from 27 to 700c. I usually run 35s on all of them, seems to be a good middle ground and has always fit in all my old frames.

[@TimFitzwater]

For sure - I've even got some 38s in one!

[@mitmon_8538]

I've been eyeballing a couple frames that I'd love to build up as sort of a classic themed fat tired road bike - Crust Malocchio, Soma Pescadero, Ritchey Montebello and Velo-Orange Rando (like you mentioned). But I don't really need the a fat tired road bike and I should try to, instead, resurrect one of my gravel bikes that's in pieces. Like you mentioned, I'm guessing the road like geometry isn't going to do me any favors when riding rougher stuff and I already have some gravel frames I can put skinnier tires on to make them lighter and zippier. I need to go back and watch your bike overviews. I've been enjoying your channel for about half a year, so I have a lot to catch up on! Oh, and congrats on the 20K! Much deserved!

[@TimFitzwater]

Aesthetics-wise I absolutely love the Crust and the Velo Orange. But I'm in the same place - why not just go gravel for the wider tire bikes..... Thank you so much - I truly appreciate the support!

[@alexanderrigda7002]

Road bikes are def fast and fun! I too started on vintage bikes so maybe I’m bias. Not to say that gravel or big tires aren’t fast. I also ride 48c - 2” tires regularly. Road bikes are darts and very fun but can be somewhat specialized. However - the All city mr pink is a perfect example of the sweet spot. 32c tires - Columbus tubing. I currently ride the steel fork version but also owned a carbon fork version. The mr pink won the 2013 Gravel World race!

[@TimFitzwater]

Albert, my buddy who owns Akron Coffee Roasters, has the splatter paint anniversary Mr Pink - such a rad bike. He’s crushed Road Apple on it. When I get on my road bikes I do remember why I loved them / but I still grab my gravel bike for almost every ride now. Even Woody’s Sheetz ride. 🤷🏻‍♂️

[@robertbrooks7936]

I just purchased a Puch bike. Never Hurd do it before. My neighbor sold it to me along with an e-bike that he no longer wanted. The bike is tall and very light. Not sure of the year but everything is there. I road it the other day and it seems ok.

[@TimFitzwater]

I had a beautiful Puch Astro-Daimler that I fixed up. I just wasn't riding it as I already have other vintage. bikes I don't ride much - so I sold it to a friend. Cool bikes!

[@galenanderson6006]

My first decent road bike in 1979 was a Puch Royal X made from Reynolds 531DB. I still have it, converted to single speed with 700c x 32 Gravel King tires.

[@cheeng1]

I ride a modern road/endurance bike ultegra-level (2019). Love it, however the gravel bike with fat tires is very interesting to me b/c as I'm getting older I am placing alot more focus on comfort.

[@TimFitzwater]

I bet if you picked one up with a good fit your road bike would end up sitting a lot!

[@seikoDVR]

NIce vid....When i show my wife she will say she'll stick with her Surly Ogre tires on that part of the Towpath, but she will appreciate Erin's kit and want to know which shoes she's running..

[@TimFitzwater]

They are Chrome Industries but I believe she buys used ones on ebay because the model is discontinued.

[@marcianosanchez517]

From a former roadie, unless I am sitting down I will leave it on so I don't have to deal with holding it in my hands or moving it around. Love your channel btw.

[@TimFitzwater]

Thanks! In all honesty I get leaving it on for quick stops(granted I just hang mine on my bike - I don’t hold it). But I stand by the fact it’s weird to sit at a table with a helmet on. 🤠

[@PapaBuffalo-716]

I don’t buy new and am no bike builder so I bought a used Trek 520 Grando. A great steel modern bike. They stopped making it in 2022. Up to 50 mm wide tires. Great touring /gravel bike.

[@TimFitzwater]

Those are very cool bikes. I've haven't bought a new bike since 2001!

[@Cycling_Brian]

I love the looks of the VO Rando. Since it’s really designed around 32s, it’s probably not the bike for me. It would be great for riding around on asphalt if you won’t run into anything sketchy.

[@TimFitzwater]

It is beautiful. Without fenders I think it can fit 38s I believe? But yeah - there are better road options if you want wider tires.

[@davidfroehlich4598]

I have a modern carbon endurance bike with disc brakes that I run 32mm tires on, the largest I can fit. I would probably run wider if I could. It's my summer bike, and it sees the majority of my yearly miles. My steel gravel bike is my winter bike and it gets the rest of the miles, about a 1/4-1/3 of my yearly total. My modern carbon bike weighs 8-10 lbs less than my gravel bike does, but I'm only marginally quicker on it.

[@TimFitzwater]

Very cool. Yeah - you can only buy so much speed...