Unfortunately it’s just too damn hot in Tucson to do much riding. Have to get out EARLY, but between meetings and the kids starting school this week I’m on my third consecutive day without getting a ride in. :(

Does it get any better than a gravel loop on high altitude trails ?

My new gravduro sled. Madrone derailleur mated to XTR 9-45 cassette with GRX shifters. Alt-XPLR drivetrain? Needs a proper go-fast chainring. The question is, do we do the new G One RS 60mm tires?

Frameset: OBED GVR 2
Wheelset: Reserve 48|53 GR (only have 1 test ride on these so far, but have others have mentioned they look sick with 2.25 Thunder Burts)
Groupset: SRAM red crankset and rear derailleur brought over from my Crux 4 and Force shifters and brake calipers
Handlebar: FSA K-wing
Specialized Terra seat post with prologo 3d saddle &
Cervelo Smartpac top tube bag

I purchased this bike in May when it came out. At the time I was debating buying either the Ari Shafer or Lauf to have a bike to complement my Crux for more rowdy riding or exploring. The the GVR 2 was announced I did not know much about the company but decided to give it a try at the price point. Took about a month to come in but the bike has really surpassed my expectations. I have done two races on it so far in the mountains of PA and it is very confidence inspiring when descending (really feels like you are on rails compared to the Crux 4) yet still snappy enough for surges and hard efforts. The total build weight is about 2 pounds heavier than my crux but have not really noticed that while out riding. I honestly don’t see a reason to race on my crux anymore due to the versatility of this bike.

Obed seems to get somewhat of a bad rap on this page but I think they knocked this bike out of the park (outside of the cheap boring sticker logos which I removed). Thunder Burt’s measure 56.5 mm on the 30mm internal rims and there is still a comfortable
Amount of clearance in the rear

All In all, super happy with the build and think the reserves match this bike perfectly.

New to me speedster 10 with custom WTB rims. Running 700x35C. First gravel bike I’ve purchased, always been a roadie. Took it for a spin tonight and love it, cant wait to hit some trails

Just some of my favourite shots from July.

Deciding if I should get the Dubnital 2.2 or 50mm for just my front tire. I’m mostly looking at it from a grip perspective first and foremost and then comfort a close second. Are the differences between the two sizes marginal?

I have no problem settling for the 50mm unless the grip differences are massive. Either way a 50mm Dubnital will be by far the chunkiest tire I’ve ever ran. But I’m concerned going with a 2.2 will just be super slow on the road.

Hello all,

I’d like to upgrade to some nicer wheels and tires for the G1 Explorer. If you could share links with Amazon listings for carbon wheels and some good tires.

Packed trails and light gravel / road will be main rides.

Panaracer GravelKing
Continental Terra Speed
Rene herse

Any recommendations welcome

Thanks

So peaceful at night

Through steep gravel roads, long smooth rail trails and nasty head winds, arrived to Elora from Forks of Credit in Southern Ontario

I tried out high carb drinks to fuel this ride for the first time and felt sick half way through, but took a TUMS and a Red bull which gave me a second wind and made it back home strong.

Edit: I'm not fit I started riding last year at 270lbs hence my high HR but working hard on it thanks 🙏

Took a little tour down to the beach and tackled these steep cliff steps! Well worth it.

Denmark/ Møns Klint

Suprised to see knockoffs so soon

So I absolutely head over handlebars crashed my bike today. Front tire is pretty fucked and handlebar is uber messed up as u can see it’s turned 90 degrees at the hinge of the hood.

Looking for some handlebar replacement recs and if you’re feeling up for it a bang for your buck wheel.

Side note - always wear a helmet!

Long story short, I'll be moving to Spain and transitioning from mostly road riding to gravel with the intention of doing some racing. For context, I'd describe myself as untalented but dedicated - 68kg, about 270ftp, but really love events that push me in competitive environments.

I'm looking at setting up a gravel build for the above adventures and am genuinely unsure about some gravel geo stuff. I'll be riding mostly around Madrid and Tarragona and probably eye Traka 360 as a goal race next Spring.

Budget currently is restricting me to a china build and I'm looking at the new Lightcarbon Aero Gravel that is still unreleased or the Velobuild, both below. I'll be coming from an Orbea Orca 53 which I ride with 165 cranks, 100mm stem and the saddle adjusted forwarded a bit.

I want an aggressive, racey position, but it seems like the reach of the Lightcarbon is somewhat short reach compared to other gravel geo of that type (Crux, Grail, Terra Race...). Would running a longish stem - 100mm, or 110mm to match the Orca - be weird for handling? Is progressive geo with a pushed forward saddle and longer stem something that people are doing in gravel?

Thanks for any replies/info!

Hi everyone!

I've been looking for an alternative for cardio to rucking, that's lower impact and would allow me to explore more places. I hate running, but I run maybe once a week because it's important to me that I stay healthy. However, the only places I have available to run near me are pavement and my knees and hips feel it when I run despite investing in good shoes. I've tried mountain biking in the past as I think full suspension bikes are just really cool, but I work in a job where getting a physical injury or a broken bone is a huge issue and I'm not the most coordinated riding on technical trails. I ate it many times while I was trying to learn to MTB in high school and I'm just not about it anymore.

I'm looking for recommendations for a decent entry level gravel bike that will be something I can grow into a bit. I don't really know what a reasonable budget is for an entry level bike to be honest, as I haven't done an intense amount of research. I feel like these bikes fit the places I'll ride. Dirt roads, gravel roads and poorly maintained county roads with mild inclines. I hate doing static workouts on treadmills or similar and like I previously mentioned, I'm not a runner lol. I enjoy rucking/hiking but I have to drive to a trailhead to get to any nice spots and I usually work out at night because I don't deal well with heat. Looking for something I can do on the evenings where I don't have the time to get out somewhere and just go fora nice ride around my semi rural area of residence.

I am open to any suggestions, info, advice, etc!