Bearclaw THUNDERHAWK Titanium Review | This ALL ROAD Bike Is FULL Of SURPRISES!

[@TheDustyDutchman]

Check out the Build Video of my Thunderhawk here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/n4rXoWmIes-Se6M Also I made a mistake at 1:50 the Cannondale is NOT CARBON. I sold my carbon road bike to get the Cannondale to put on my trainer where it has been sitting for the last 7-8 years. MY MISTAKE!

[@mikeschiraldi3704]

side note: spotted the warbird flat bar build in the background. I had that same warbird but with drop bar that i built out as my ultimate commuter with a 1x and wide range cassette in the rear. that bike was SO fast and comfortable. wish i'd kept it. BONUS POINTS TO YOU!

[@TheDustyDutchman]

That's my wife's bike, she absolutely loves it 👍

[@mikeschiraldi3704]

@@TheDustyDutchman I have a question, but if you'll indulge me first, some context: Currently waiting on delivery of my very own, updated for 2024 thunderhawk frame. Plan is to cannibalize my current road bike (BMC slr01 with ultegra di2 and zipp 303s) and road/town/kid-hauler bike (surly midnight special with 700c and 650b wheels and a sram rival 1x). With a few new parts and some tinkering with my LBS, the plan is to wind up with ultegra di2 1x11 with a 46T, 11-51, zipp 303s for faster road rides or rail-trail rides towing my kid behind in the Thule chariot, alloy 650b wheels set up with the same spacing and gearing for hot-swapping for more gravel / single track oriented rides, a set of whisky spano bars (progressive flair, ergo tops, and the damping qualities of carbon seem to make these a great mixed use bar choice), my whisky no.9 MCX fork, and some shimano PD-EH500 hybrid pedals so I can ride with or without clipping in. All this to say - my hope is to put together my (almost) dream 1-bike build incorporating all of the best aspects of my favorite bikes over the years. I've realized I'm not always trying to race around, but still enjoy a good brisk ride and participating in supported fondos and other events. I am tired of agonizing over which bike(s) to bring when the family goes camping and I might want to do a brisk solo ride one minute then tow the kid around the camp ground the next. I also have a few injuries (stage 3 AC joint separation, a few previously broken fingers that ache, and wrist issues) and a few more pounds than I did in my twenties, so I prioritize comfort over gram shaving these days. Long way of getting to my question - Curious, with your experience, if you have any other ideas for how to up the versatility and comfort of my build? For example, I'm thinking of trying out suspension stem/seatpost combo from cane creek. Bare in mind, part of the reason for configuring it this way is keeping cost down - as spec'd its about half the price than building it out with a brand new groupset and 2 new sets of wheels but 'high end' in my view.

[@TheDustyDutchman]

@@mikeschiraldi3704 for the versatility and comfort you are looking for I think you are on the right path. I like the idea of a suspension stem or seat post but I have no experience with them yet. Beyond that just getting your body in the right position with bars, stem, and seat height will be the cheapest way to find comfort. In terms of versatility I have the same approach as you, I have 3 sets of wheels to choose from depending on what kind of riding I am going to do.

[@mikeschiraldi3704]

@@TheDustyDutchman Would love a review of something like the cane creak post and eesilk CS stem if you ever have a chance to ride em, so I'll be on the look out :) You're right a good fit is always key, so I'll be working with the fitter at my LBS to dial that in. Always tricky with a new frame when all you can go off of are reference bikes so I always like to get a fresh fit from a pro. Curious what kinds of wheels you run and for what situations?

[@TheDustyDutchman]

@mikeschiraldi3704 i have a wheelset for road - carbon 700 wheels with 38s. Gravel - 700 aluminum wheels with 45s and Trail: 650b with mtb tires.

[@hondas562]

I’ve had one 5 years now and it’s still my favorite. It’s a beaut’ Clark!

[@TheDustyDutchman]

Nice! It’s such a great bike. Thanks!!! 😎🤘

[@SeventyZombies]

Great review and I expect you'll continue to be happy with the Thunderhawk based on what you're asking from it. I have 9,000km on a frame ordered in 2018 and it has done everything from mtb underbiking to big road rides to heavy-laden bikepack adventures. One aspect of the design I think you might have overlooked: The titanium's light weight allows them to use a yoke on the drive side bottom bracket. You can do this on a steel bike too but it becomes very heavy. Aluminium isn't strong enough for the thinness required, to my understanding. So it's kinda a super power of titanium and allows the Thunderhawk to have clearance for big 27.5x2.4" tires while keeping a 68mm bottom bracket. Nifty trick.

[@TheDustyDutchman]

Thank you! Yeah very good point. I’m super happy with it so far and will be for years to come I bet.

[@jenniferg2488]

Excellent, entertaining review! Love the throw back to Mr. Rogers and totally agree about Ma’s cookin!! 😁

[@TheDustyDutchman]

Thanks! Mom sure can cook!

[@WalterDill-d9j]

Titanium - yup! 👍 Love mine.

[@TheDustyDutchman]

Right? Same here! 🙌

[@laneromel5667]

I ordered a custom Titanium frame from WaltyTitanium should be here by October. I based the fram eon my by far favourite bike my Peugeot PX10, only with disk brakes, and the ability to accommodate wider tires. My plan is to have 1 bike with several wheels to accommodate different riding activities. I am 70 so having every thing just perfect has long since lost its shine. I love the twitchy handling of the PX10, hate the handling of slack geometry bikes. Looks very cool, hope you enjoy it.

[@TheDustyDutchman]

That sounds like an awesome build! I love the idea of one bike with multiple wheel sets for different applications. 👍👍

[@IronHorsey3]

This was a fun journey. Would like to hear more on your experience comparing your new titanium wheels to not only your MTB but steel and carbon bikes overall. Seems like a great all-arounder and the permanent demise of the Niner.

[@TheDustyDutchman]

Haha indeed… the Niner has since been sold to a new happy home 👍 Glad you enjoyed it! I think you’re right, there are certainly some more interesting comparisons that can be made and explored over the season. I’m also interested to see how my thoughts evolve over the next 1,000 miles on the Thunderhawk.

[@kovie9162]

After 20 years of riding my Ti road bike on roads of varying quality, mostly paved, I still can't quite put into words what it feels like compared to my old steel bike, other than it feels really nice, like there were lots of micro-springs and bushings wherever road vibrations were transferred to my saddle, handlebars and cranks (all alloy), dampening the ride but not to the point where they deadened all road feel, rather to the perfect compromise between dampening and deadening, if that makes sense, neither jarring nor lifeless. It's like it has active suspension tuned just right, only it's completely passive.

[@TheDustyDutchman]

Totally agree! It is really hard to put into words the nuance that is titanium. The ride is like nothing else, I absolutely love it. Thanks for watching 🥵

[@adamsteineke4661]

Dang, I'm drooling... seeing your outdoor footage, are you in Madtown??

[@TheDustyDutchman]

Haha thanks bro! You’re close! I’m in Racine 👍

[@ak4good]

Great and entertaining review! Is that a pedal wall mount you use?

[@TheDustyDutchman]

Thank you! Yeah just a basic pedal mount from Amazon.

[@justinjewell11]

Great video! Helpful video on the DIY Carbon hardtail too. I have both the Thunderhawk and Beaux Jaxon. You’re not alone in the wheel install struggle - it’s a pain almost every time on the Thunderhawk and much worse with wider tires. Never had the issue on the Beaux.

[@TheDustyDutchman]

Thanks so much 👍 Thats good to hear it’s not just me with the rear wheel 😆

[@SeventyZombies]

Same! I have a Thunderhawk and it is a massive pain to get the rear wheel in and out. I thought it was something strange with my setup, or me.

[@TheDustyDutchman]

@SeventyZombies sounds like we’re all in this together lol. Thanks for watching 👍

[@RogerSartet007]

Does this frame also allows for a suspension fork, like the Suntour type one finds on 'hybrid bikes'?

[@TheDustyDutchman]

Sure. Any fork with a tapered head tube.

[@RogerSartet007]

@TheDustyDutchman Thank you!

[@mer476]

When are you upgrading your components? I’m building up an All-City Ti Cosmic Stallion with the new SRAM Force group set.

[@TheDustyDutchman]

That’s gonna be a rad bike! I’m probably gonna upgrade before spring rolls around. Got my eye on either force or rival XPLR group set.

[@mattjns]

Great review! So I’m pretty sure these are Waltly frames. Did you ever consider going to them direct to get exactly what you want? Ie; top tube bolts, custom chains stays etc? I’m halfway through the process myself.

[@TheDustyDutchman]

Thank you! I didn’t know they were the same. Full disclosure I didn’t do a ton of research on the frame itself. I saw it in person and fell in love, when the time finally came to buy it my only question was what size to buy.

[@BIIIKES]

JT, that bike is absolutely gorgeous. I was waiting for the ride video after that build! Any races, etc you plan on doing with it?

[@TheDustyDutchman]

Thank you! I’m just happy it rides as good as it looks! Good question, I’m signed up for a few MTB races this year but have not yet for any gravel or cross races. I will most likely end up doing a few cross races this fall tho.

[@welfaremothers]

Congratulations. I'm currently considering buying the same frame. I would probably buy a 57 frame as well. The only thing you said about the bike that would bother me is the heel hitting the chainstay. To help me with my choice, can you please tell me what crank arm length and shoe size you have? Thanks.

[@TheDustyDutchman]

Thanks so much! I’m really enjoying it so far. I’m running a 175mm crank and size 45 shoes. I’ve noticed that I get a slight heel rub on almost all of my bikes so it makes me think I unconsciously turn my heels inboard when I pedal 🤷‍♂️

[@welfaremothers]

@@TheDustyDutchman Thanks. Your answer really helps.👍 I use a 43,5 or 44. I also use shimano pedals with the tension quite high so it should be a bit less float than on the pedals you use. Unless you have the 6 degree version. The gravel bike I used this winter is the only one I have ever hit my heel on the frame and that was only when going uphill. I noticed that I have a tendency to pedal more with the heel down as apposed to toe a litt bit down (wich is normal for me) when struggling uphill. When consciously trying trying to use my normal ankle angle, I was able to avoid it. I was also using a size 46 Lake winter shoe that is quite bulky, to fit thoose warm socks😅

[@TheDustyDutchman]

That’s really interesting and makes total sense. Now that you say that about pedaling uphill I’m going to try to pay close attention to see if that’s what I might be doing also. Thanks for the info as well 👍

[@antkiem]

Hi. Thanks for a nice YT channel. I have a request: could you comment on the Priority Apollo bar bike; is it a good company, etc.? because I want to buy one. Thank you very much.

[@TheDustyDutchman]

I checked out their website. They seem like decent bikes at decent prices but I have no experience with the company and I’ve never seen one in person.

[@antkiem]

@@TheDustyDutchman OK. Thank U...

[@daniels6554]

Very enjoyable video. I have a Thunderhawk and you describe it well. I also have a heck of a time removing and installing the rear wheel. I think a mix of mid cassette and clutch off ( or on, I forget every time) helps a bit. I thought maybe it was a GRX compatibility thing. What derailleur are you using? If you ever figure out the best way to make this easier, I’d love to know. It’s the only problem I have with the bike. It’s super fun though and great with bags on it, too.

[@TheDustyDutchman]

Thanks so much for watching AND confirming I’m not entirely crazy for struggling with the rear wheel. I’m running a Rival 1 derailleur and my best method for helping the wheel on so far is to pull on the seat stay outward to increase the hub clearance just slightly while I instal it. Seems to help a bit 🤷‍♂️

[@twowheeler1662]

Once you realize titanium frames ride like nothing else you've owned, you'll wonder why you waited so long. In the past, the cost and availability was the barrier. But with today's several $k bikes, titanium is no longer the "dentist" bike. Enjoy your new found joy.

[@TheDustyDutchman]

You’re absolutely right. I’m already wondering the same thing lol. Thanks so much 👍🙌

[@GlobalTrailGuide]

Suddenly I’m in the market for a ti bike 🙈 also, yours is lacking one thing in comparison to your skinny tire lineup… singlespeed - yolo

[@TheDustyDutchman]

Haha man I used to love the single speed life… now, not so much lol

[@techstryker]

❤❤ বাংলাদেশ ❤❤

[@TheDustyDutchman]

🙌🙌