Ned Gravel test: Lauf True Grit with 30mm of leaf suspension

Ned Gravel is a rocky, rowdy gravel race in Nederland, Colorado, elevation 8,246 feet. Although I'm generally averse to gravel suspension forks, I tested the Lauf True Grit bike there with its 30mm leaf suspension fork on the course that featured 7,100 feet of climbing.
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Related links:
Ned Gravel: www.nedgravel....
Lauf True Grit: www.laufcyclin...
Giro Supernatural gloves: www.giro.com/p...
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Who the heck is Ben Delaney?
I spent more than 20 years as a cycling journalist, covering the biggest races, visiting companies, and testing bikes around the world. Now I'm doing my own thing here on KZbin.
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[@kyqx]

I've ridden a Lauf fork for five years now on my primary ride and it sees very little gravel. I use it to "take the edge off" all of the urban challenges (potholes, curbs, construction sites, crumbling asphalt, detours through fields and the like). It earns its keep almost every ride.

[@TheRidewithBenDelaney]

Cool. That is the real-world feedback I love to hear.

[@craigrmeyer]

And the Lauf fork doesn't do anything off-center or funny when you hit the brakes?

[@kyqx]

I've never noticed anything on center-wise. There may be some unusual lateral forces present as the stiffness is less than a rigid fork. I thought I felt a little odd sensation in certain turns when I first rode it but got used it quickly. Also, my fork is getting old now and I think that Lauf has addressed this with the newest versions.@@craigrmeyer

[@SJ-tk4ri]

I believe Lauf has designed their new Seigla in such a way as to address the rear end compliance issues you (and others) have mentioned: dropped chainstays with a thin carbon leaf design and raked back seat post. Nice review, enjoying your new channel 👍🏼

[@TheRidewithBenDelaney]

Thank you for the discussion and the kind words. I appreciate both!

[@oioioioioioioioi-k3w]

I have the Seigla which is even crazier on the front end, slacker and more trail. It handles rough stuff so well. Does feel kind of weird standing and sprinting though.

[@MPPCvd]

Wasn't expecting this from a gravel ride in Nederland. Finding 7100 ft of elevation here would take you through the entire country, finding these kinds of trails would take you to a different altogether😂. Love the content! Keep it up!

[@TheRidewithBenDelaney]

Haha, right? Cheers, Pieter!

[@KwadSkwad]

awesome review! very thorough. I'm in queue to pick up the new siegla myself. I've been riding a hardtail MTB as my gravel bike for the last few thousand miles, so I'm def after something like this which is more subtle on the front end and not super rowdy.

[@TheRidewithBenDelaney]

Thank you. The Siegla looks good. I rode with Ashton Lambie at Wild Horse when he had 2.25s on there: www.velonews.com/gallery/gallery-ashton-lambies-custom-lauf-seigla-with-2-25in-tires/

[@SJ-tk4ri]

@@TheRidewithBenDelaney - Wow! The radius of those wheels with the large 29er 2.25” dwarf the frame, somewhat. Having watched David Arthur’s recent review of the 3T Exploro Ultra, fitted with monster width tyres, but on a 650b wheelset, looks more balanced in that guise. That such a bike can take a 29x2.25 tyre I think will remain the exception, moving forward, even as gravel tech develops.

[@TheRidewithBenDelaney]

@@SJ-tk4ri Right? I mean, Ashton has no shortage of wattage, but for for the rest of us, pushing a pair of 2.25in tires is a bit much, I think. Still, I love the fact that companies like Lauf are pushing the envelope and having fun.

[@pascalo5119]

Thanks again for a great review. As we are getting closer to the end of 2022 would it be possible for you to share with us your bike of the year ? Much appreciated

[@TheRidewithBenDelaney]

Great idea. I'll start working on it.

[@pascalo5119]

@@TheRidewithBenDelaney Not only you ride a fare share of different bikes but you race with them, that really give you in my opinion an edge of understanding the all Gravel industry and there products. Thanks in advance.

[@andreashabeck1155]

Great video 👍

[@davidarthur]

Racing gravel at altitude sounds horrendous!

[@TheRidewithBenDelaney]

It is humbling. Especially if you like breathing.

[@antonioCsilveira]

I have a Lauf True Grit and love it. I have an AXS Eagle 10-50 on the back as you eluded, Ben. I also agree with you that for a Roady the undamped suspension feels inefficient with the bobbing when out of the saddle.

[@TheRidewithBenDelaney]

Feels good when in the saddle over rough road though, right?

[@antonioCsilveira]

@@TheRidewithBenDelaney yes, it is great on rough roads. I also replaced the seatpost with an Ergon CF3 (the split seatpost used on the Canyon Grail) that makes it way more compliant and comfortable on rough terrain.

[@TheRidewithBenDelaney]

@@antonioCsilveira Nice. I love that post.

[@VladJack78]

how you managed to add 10-50 on back? Have you changed rear derailleur to MTB one?

[@antonioCsilveira]

@@VladJack78 Yes, that is a common setup for SRAM Gravel bikes. Force shifters and Crankset (1x) and Eagle rear Derailleur.

[@andrewhood849]

Top stuff! Keep on rockin’

[@TheRidewithBenDelaney]

Hoody! Thanks, brother.

[@conalodonoghue7147]

Hi Ben, any plans to ride the Lauf Seigla with Grit front fork? Keen to hear a review if possible. Thanks from Australia.

[@matigati8]

New to the channel and want to congratulate you for awesome content! A Lefty Oliver fork would met your requirements for the possibility to lock it out, i think. Have one myself. Greetings from Sweden 🇸🇪

[@TheRidewithBenDelaney]

Cheers, Mattias. I appreciate the suggestion. And hello from Colorado!

[@tmayberry7559]

They should televise these events to create a new fan base

[@DestroyTheSuRF]

I know its an older bike now but I wonder what your thoughts would be on the Cannondale Slate with the lefty suspension fork.

[@grvl307]

Haha cool. "Nederland" is the Dutch spelling for "The Netherlands" cool video!

[@TheRidewithBenDelaney]

Yep! Just a bit higher… 😁 Thank you.

[@williammorris4419]

Hey Ben, what size chainring would you have used if you were riding Ned gravel on a FS MTB with 10-51 cassette? Thanks!

[@ianbarber4495]

Is that a medium or large frame? Thx for review

[@marklenarc]

Where did you friend get that bottle opener? I need something to mount where my front derailleur used to be.

[@TheRidewithBenDelaney]

Came with the bike, I believe. Definitely a Lauf thing.

[@davidf1288]

Hey Ben, did you at least use the bottle opener to have a refreshing, cold beer after the race? 😁

[@TheRidewithBenDelaney]

That is a fun feature, eh?

[@snorttroll4379]

is it possible to make something like this with much longer travel?

[@TheRidewithBenDelaney]

You could, but it would be a lousy ride because the leaf springs are undamped.

[@totalglitch]

So would this be fine for heavy gravel as well or should I go with the new model?

[@TheRidewithBenDelaney]

I would go with the newer one myself.

[@totalglitch]

@@TheRidewithBenDelaney I am not sure how big I'd be riding on but with 50c plus tires would that not slow you down and add weight?

[@TheRidewithBenDelaney]

@@totalglitch 50mm tires are definitely heavier and slower on normal/milder gravel! But some folks like having that option.

[@totalglitch]

@@TheRidewithBenDelaney since this is my first year doing gravel and racing I'm torn between the 2. Thank you for responding great videos.

[@kbd13-n9c]

@@TheRidewithBenDelaney I’ll take feeling great after a ride vs feeling like I’ve been shaken to death any day. Lots of washboards out where I ride.

[@s182924]

Evrbdy says bout front susp - but doesnt show how it works and principles...

[@erikpeterson-6p1ce89]

I've ridden the Swiss trail lots. No place for any kind of gravel bike. More rock than dirt

[@TheRidewithBenDelaney]

Yep!

[@craigrmeyer]

And that Lauf leaf spring fork doesn't do anything... weird... when you hit the brakes?

[@ellerybice3787]

All ATV's should be trashed. 👎🏾👎🏾👎🏾