I would absolutely prefer the mountain bike on this trail. On a trek like this, being able to clear my mind and just take in the environment beats going a tiny bit faster uphill (and then having my eyes fixed in the dirt on the downhills and constantly adjusting to keep balance).
It has the potential. Bring is some challenges on trips like this, and this will be a super hit i think. Always loved the challenge, but i'll admit it's way better than what it was before
The landscape 😍 Absolutely stunning. Nothing compares to exploring a country by your own physical strength. Great drone shots 👌 More bikepacking please
I suspect it appears stunning when seen in a relatively short video as a third-person view. Whereas, being ridden in person, this landscape is quite monotonous. (compared to, say, Tuscany, or Garda Lake)
I found it very barren without any trees or vegetation, no wildlife either. I imagine cycling through this type of terrain is rather uninspiring, as you can see where you're going for miles ahead
Folks have done tours of Iceland for decades in 26ers with 2 inch tyres and road bikes with basic cross tyres. Nice bikes but almost an overkill on both parts. A 2x crankset surely on th3 mtb or at least a 36t 1x with 11-45. Neill looked like his chainwheel was tiny.
GNC just tops their production level every fricking video. I think it would have been interesting to have a section where you 2 would have ridden with powermeters and hold i.e. 220 watts or smth and see how muc hthe speed difference overall is.
Don't forget about the weight / body composition penalty. The same person would have to ride both bikes at 220 watts to get close to the difference between the bikes. Their body shapes are also different.
@@peiffer83 yeh its not exactly the point of those videos as Si is obviously a rider with a much higher power treshold than neil. He even finished heaps before Neil in the mountainbike endurance race on his cyclocross bike even though he had like 4 punctures.
Assuming you are refering to LOR filmed in New Zealand and Mordor was actually Nguarahoe volcano then these bikes would never have got close, there are no bike trails or roads, you would need a fat bike.
I was in Iceland in 1970 on a university expedition. The lava flows from the '70 eruption of Hekla were still glowing red hot months after the eruption and the lava still soft just a few centimetres below the surface . Lovely to see it all again after 50 odd years. Not changed a bit.
Thank you guys so much for this. You have finally got my husband interested in cycling again. I ride MTBs, but he fancies a Gravel Bike... THANK YOU!! I have been so lonely on my bike!!!! :D
Great video, the scenery is gorgeous etc., but I can't believe you didn't even talk about... the *fork*. When I switch b/w my hard tail MTB and my cyclocross bike (ok it's not a gravel bike but still) and go offroad, the first difference I feel when the going gets rough is actually the suspension fork ! By far. Whether it is here or not makes a huge difference that completely changes the way you approach say a rocky trail or dirt road with potholes and rocks. I know you guys talked about these overall feelings in length but it just feels weird that you never even mentioned the fork, which is to me the essential difference b/w these bikes. Even the presentation of the MTB did not mention the fork. I'm sure others will follow me on that point. Gravel bikes do tempt me that's for sure. I'd like to get one for off-road adventures but I feel like they're fine or even great on soft dirt roads and trails with volcanic dust, but as soon as you enter quite bumpy terrains with rocks and roots - and it doesn't have to be technical -, you get shaken around like hell and your elbows and shoulders get soar pretty quick. In the end, I see gravel bikes as cool all-arounders for mini-adventures on an hourly / daily basis, but I'm afraid they're not the right mount for the long haul. After days of ride on trails and dirt roads with a gravel bike your arms must be wrecked, aren't they ? Any feedback on that would be great :) Again, thanks for sharing your adventure / bike review. Cheers!
Right on the money! Another point is cost and how far that $ gets you on a gravel vs MTB. You can get a really nice gravel bike like an entry level salsa cutthroat with 29 x 2.2" MTB tires for half of what you would get on a MTB with similar quality groupset. And that comes with tons of space for bags for touring on pavement or soft gravel (front fork paniers and rear rack paniers + trunk bag, massive frame packs and massive handlebar bags due to wider dropbars like the Salsa cowchipper). Just a more versatile bike (and more economical, if you spend wisely), but no gravel bike will ever come close to the level of comfort and handling that you get out of a MTB in super rough dirt
I rode the Glacier 360 ( a three day mtb stage race around the 2nd largest glacier in Iceland) a couple years back. The scenery is spectacular, and extremely remote. Much of it was what you see in this video. Iceland is an amazing place to visit, and ride
This was probably one of my all-time favorite videos by GCN/GMBN. I ride both MTB and CX (Gravel Bike) and I am constantly asked which I prefer and why.
> Such a beautiful place... Not everywhere. Last year I rode around Southern Sweden and through Denmark: Copenhagen -> Gothenburg -> Stockholm -> Copenhagen -> Hamburg (Germany). 3/4 of the Swedish loop was along the coasts and was 1/4 across the land. A large part of the Gothenburg -> Stockholm traverse was basically just woods around me. And that gets a bit boring after a day. But the coasts are really beautiful. And Denmark is a highly developed and rather dense populated western country with great cycling infrastructure. So yeah, Denmark is very nice, but not exotic. Edit: So I guess a large part of that "great ride with a great scenery" is rather "a great camera work and great editor's cut". (See the drone footage and such)
These episode always remind me of the gorgeous cinematography of Top Gear. You guys really nailed the formula, a few good mate, some gorgeous rides, and amazing locations.
I love the scenery - great job with the cinematography! I guess the answer to gravel v. MTB is to ride a MTB because it's more fun, but bring your gravel friend so they can tow you in the wind! :)
Man I really need to clean mine but I don't wanna have to adjust the calipers again. I just rubbed the rotors off instead with a towel. Helped a little.
Lush video! I'd be interested in seeing a making of video or the crew behind you guys how an epsisode/show goes from storyboard to live along with what equipment you use etc?
@@romansteinbrenner Im super slow replying. A crappy old raleigh MTB. Probably and definitely not the best bike. Didn't break though which was good of it.
Some very excellent cinematography! GCN post production really is peaking. I can say without reservation that you two gentlemen are certainly lucky for the experience.
Still probably my favorite video of yours, fairly comprehensive comparisons/explanations but unparalleled scenery and shots. And 2 fantastic personalities too. Love this video
As many have said, the cinematography and production value of this is absolutely breathtaking. Probably not what Si or Neil thought they'd be doing for work at this point, but holy shit what an experience
Would have love to have heard discussion on the difference suspension makes to energy expenditure and to recovery from fatigue. Otherwise, a visually spectacular and well presented video. Well done!
Exactly. I have been riding a gravel bike recently after many years on a mtb and still can't decide whether I like it better for these types of conditions. The lack of suspension is significantly important - but of course this goes both ways since you don't need it on roads/hard-pack
This was great guys. Thanks for making this video. Breathtaking scenery taken in by spectacular bike riding. One of the best videos on TH-cam. Wow. Both Moots you guys were on rock too. Thanks again.
Looks like great fun, but I can't help thinking... Perhaps you each should have been riding the bike chosen by the other? As it is you have a vid where the MTBer wouldn't have chosen a different bike, and the roadie/CXer wouldn't have either. Not surprising.
Exactly this - in fact before even watching the video, I was hoping they would do this; or swap half way through. It's the only 'fair' way to get a better idea of which is better.
personally, I think Si was using the wrong wheel size gravel and disagree (with respect) with his description of a gravel bike, would have been great to see the difference between a 650b gravel bike and the 650b MTB
This is a fine idea. In fact, some kind of gcn vs gmbn challenge ever they ride 'the other' type of bike would be great. You can just imagine then all being torn between not wanting to win on the wrong kind of bike and the fact they are all ridiculously competitive.
Just the horizons shown gives emphasis to why icelanders are so proud of their country. Iceland is so unique, so other worldly that I love returning. Albeit the winds and rains can make bike riding less than fun at times. We passed one fellow peddling near west man island riding against a wind pushing horizontal rain in his front...not fun for him. Great job filming and the ride looked exciting and grand. Love the commentary to bike differences...
Really like the editing to the music and the vibes in this video. Something that has got lost in all the recent travel stories that I've watched, and I watched all of at least last year.
Agree that's some amazing cinematography and editing. Reminds be of the great work done by Top Gear during their heyday. That team really deserves their own video - or at least a mention.
In terms of the most versatile bike out there i would like to make a point for the tour bike. While not having the racing quality of a roadbike it most certainly is comparible or faster in speed than a mountainbike, I took mine out mountainbiking with a couple of mates riding mountainbikes and i did just as well on the mountainbike tracks outside of extreme mud. Furthermore it has an amazing cargo capacity which makes it extremely useful for cycling vacations. And because it has normal flat paddles it doesn't require special (click) shoes which makes it also very useful as a city bike in countries like the Netherlands where you use your bike for almost everything because you need no special clothing making it so that you can just hop on and go for some small errands
This video was especially great not just for the amazing cinematography, but the candid banter between the two was endearing and genuine, this is a great video.
Hi Sam and Suesan, great to watch your posts, you two are so funny together. It's a joy to watch each day. Good you can laugh at all the things that have happened each day on the boat. Keep enjoying life, and time together on your adventure. The weather where you are, is better than in Melbourne .Take care all the best Tim.
Its great isn't it? But did you know the map (and surface information) comes from OpenStreetMap, the map run by people like you and me? If you enjoy Komoot, I highly recommend you join OpenStreetMap and improve the map in your area!
This is an absolutely amazing video. Back in the 80s, I lived in Iceland for a year -- time to head back w/ my gravel bike. (okay, it's a CX bike, but it'll work.) :) Again, breathtaking footage.
The video is so well done and the shots are so amazing... for me the focus is on the beauty of Iceland and the MTB versus Gravel thing is just a side story.
Great video and as mentioned the cinematography and editing is EPIC! As a Gravel /Cross minded rider. I think the better choose would have been the MTB. You would be able to keep you head up more to see the beauty of the place and not have to be looking at the ground dodging rocks.
Depends on the gravel bike (geometry) & tyre clearance. Most non-racing gravel bikes have relaxed geo & can accept tyres that measure in inches vs just mm.
Great video GCN, I am watching all of the bike packing adventures at the moment and gravel bike references as I am planning a trip for my retirement after 30 years in the fire service with some mates, so this is sooooooo informative and helpful, thanks GCN.
You know what, I keep looking at these gravel bikes and then at my XC designed in the 90's (when bar ends were mandatory) and it's the same damn bike! Only with drop bars and 650B wheels.
Should have switched bikes on the second day. I have a 15yo Moots Rigormootis. It's a 26", can't take wider than 2.1" tires, & I just upgraded it to 1x10, but it's still one of my favorite bikes. I'll never get rid of it. Wish I could afford both those bikes (and a trip to ride them in Iceland), but that will have to stay on my bucket list for a while longer.
Fantastic video guys. I would love your job! Iceland looks so amazing to ride around. You have inspired me to go there now: Mountain bike, gravel bike, unicycle! It wouldn't matter. Thanks
As a cyclist and Geology student I really appreciate this video. Although, I must make a correction. At around 18:40 when you talk about the Geology, you make a mention of the magma that cooled after it was erupted. It's just a technicality but its actually lava. Lava is what you call magma when its on the surface. Its magma when its below the surface. Anyway, i really appreciated the Geo mention. Cheers!
Great comparisons guys but I can't help but think it would have been better (more helpful) if you both did all the different terrains on day 1 then swapped bikes and did the exact same loop again. Then you can both know how and where each bike was better and worse.
OMG - BEST GCN video ever ! ! The ultra-professional video and audio made this an absolute treat to watch.The drone aerial shots were simply amazing. That was some stout cycling across Iceland - - even for pro level riders on pro quality bikes :-)
The arthouse cinematography and ominous music was so Black Mirror I was waiting for the moment when your Strava tried to kill you. And from now on every GCN video should end with two men in an outdoor pool discussing who is going to get the most thumbs up. "That looks like a pretty banging hut."
Best GCN film ever. Seems like they hired a new filming and production crew. It looks so different compare to what they did before. Sound tracks are super cool.
I have a single speed gravel bike with flat bar and 38t font chainring. Great for touring and better maneuverability. Thanks GCN for bike packing advise.
Si is completely right: it's not speed that's fun, it's challenging your abilities. I've been mountain biking since the mid 80s, and I still ride fully rigid bikes that are not unlike a modern gravel bike. The steep head tube of an old school mountain bike makes descending terrifying, and fear is fun. Having that fun at lower speeds works on the trails I ride most often, which are crowded with hikers and have a long history of bitter use conflicts. So why not a gravel bike? I've considered it, and if I had to live with only one bike it'd be a gravel bike. But the upright position that mountain bikes put you in isn't just for comfort, it makes it easier to move around on the bike, for example when you need to hop the bike over an obstacle like a down tree. I'm sure I could get a gravel bike's front wheel up on even a pretty large tree, but given the narrow bars and spread out body position what happens on the other side would be too much of a challenge for me. But if you think you can do it, go for it. Cleaning any obstacle on a gravel bike is bound to be a bigger thrill than doing it on a full sus MTB.
@@berlioz07 icelander here, bike a lot. really depends, most of the time its a sort of "soggy" terrain, gets easily muddy, never experienced much of a sticky terrain but generally the Icelandic paths (biking/hiking) are soft and "bouncy" when dry, absorb a lot of energy and get really difficult in the wet. imagine a fair amount of moss, gravel, ash/fine sand, chunky rocky terrain, and a mixture of those.
I own a gravel, road, and MTB. It think the best combination for that type of riding is a gravel bike frame with flat bars. Having a gravel bike with road bike handle bars sucks because it limits your view and its hard to control when going down hill on loose dirt/gravel.
Flat bars are for sissies and Gravel is a fad bike for trendies. I just use touring bike like people have done for decades now before everyone became a self indulgent infant. Much superior.
They seem pretty lucky, having travelled across Iceland myself for a few weeks, I must say that although I did occasionally enjoy some beautiful (still blustery, lol) weather (Aug/Sep) often it was rather pretty miserable, the good thing is that even during those ghastly days they might still be an hour or two of relatively good sunny periods, it's crazy:) Well done👍
Been an on/off GCN fan for a while, but this is the first time seeing this video. The editing and music selection is wonderful. I still can't believe this is TH-cam video and not a syndicated TV show.
I had tears in my eyes, when i saw this landscape plus this emotional music. I dont know why :D Great Video! Very powerful and emotional....for me! Best Greetings from Germany ;)
I think that was possibly one of the most beautifully shot films you have ever made. The scenery was fab and with the addition of the music I though simba from the lion king at one point! But seriously everyone now wants to ride there bike in Iceland
As an Icelander it gives me great pride to see foreigners make such fantastically scenic videos about and from Iceland, thanks guys
I feel I could pray to some of the mountains in this video, to be honest with you.
Iceland is like heaven for every MTB rider 😍
Looks like a tiny Alaska!
I would absolutely prefer the mountain bike on this trail. On a trek like this, being able to clear my mind and just take in the environment beats going a tiny bit faster uphill (and then having my eyes fixed in the dirt on the downhills and constantly adjusting to keep balance).
That is the best cinematography of any of your videos. Was an absolute joy to watch
I've just realised that GCN is Top Gear, but for bikes
It has the potential. Bring is some challenges on trips like this, and this will be a super hit i think. Always loved the challenge, but i'll admit it's way better than what it was before
used to be more like top gear back in the time when Matt was a presenter.
That's how I've always explained GCN.
No, GCN is better than Top Gear(after the holy trinity left to the Grand Tour).
No，GCN dosen't have an old lady and two cocks
I love the GCN/GMBN mashup's. Please do more of these.
Who watched this and didn't want to ride their bike in Iceland? Thought so, no one!!! awesome adventure!
Yep, just texted a buddy to see if he has an interest in doing a trip.
actually, I'd love to. Could be a proper eccentric honeymoon destination.
it's amazing!
Was in Iceland summer of 2018 and all I want to do is go back and do this. I wouldn’t live in Iceland but I didn’t want to leave it’s so cool.
no way visit Iceland it's an awesome place with greta folk....beer's a bit pricey though
The landscape 😍 Absolutely stunning. Nothing compares to exploring a country by your own physical strength. Great drone shots 👌
More bikepacking please
very true, plus the bike can take you basically anywhere and fast
+1 for more bikepacking
I suspect it appears stunning when seen in a relatively short video as a third-person view. Whereas, being ridden in person, this landscape is quite monotonous. (compared to, say, Tuscany, or Garda Lake)
I found it very barren without any trees or vegetation, no wildlife either. I imagine cycling through this type of terrain is rather uninspiring, as you can see where you're going for miles ahead
I'm hearing this a lot about similar places. However, I really didn't like the scenery. To me it seems like a lifeless desolate land.
Beautiful video but must have been difficult to travel with the orchestra and choir.
Travel sized, luckily.
Folks have done tours of Iceland for decades in 26ers with 2 inch tyres and road bikes with basic cross tyres. Nice bikes but almost an overkill on both parts. A 2x crankset surely on th3 mtb or at least a 36t 1x with 11-45. Neill looked like his chainwheel was tiny.
@@glennoc8585 700c touring bike with 1 inch tires and 3x groupset ftw.
@@KandiKlover tried and tested the 3x
Dramatic orchestral music is a natural soundscape in iceland... it just comes out of the rocks somehow... scientists are still trying to explain it...
I hope people appreciate the amount of effort put into these videos. It's phenomenal.
I've never been more jealous of two dudes in my entire life.
*_So good- it was nauseating._*
you like cozying neked in a hot bath with another dude, I get it, nothing wrong with that :D
@@mannyechaluce3814 what 😂
GNC just tops their production level every fricking video. I think it would have been interesting to have a section where you 2 would have ridden with powermeters and hold i.e. 220 watts or smth and see how muc hthe speed difference overall is.
The friction is lower on ice, but how much difference with lubes.
@@CCenerelli easier to hold wattage than speed though.
gñç is one of my favorite channels
Don't forget about the weight / body composition penalty. The same person would have to ride both bikes at 220 watts to get close to the difference between the bikes. Their body shapes are also different.
@@peiffer83 yeh its not exactly the point of those videos as Si is obviously a rider with a much higher power treshold than neil. He even finished heaps before Neil in the mountainbike endurance race on his cyclocross bike even though he had like 4 punctures.
Apart from being an exceptionally amazing adventure, this is some very remarkable cinematography! 👍
One does not simply walk into Mordor... one cycles.
Ill drive the short bus....
This is exactly what I was thinking LOL. So who is carrying the ring, Simon or Neil? I'm thinking Simon kind of looks like Frodo ha.
Imagine how short the movie would've been if they all just shredded through on CycloCross bikes.
God bless you lol
Assuming you are refering to LOR filmed in New Zealand and Mordor was actually Nguarahoe volcano then these bikes would never have got close, there are no bike trails or roads, you would need a fat bike.
I was in Iceland in 1970 on a university expedition. The lava flows from the '70 eruption of Hekla were still glowing red hot months after the eruption and the lava still soft just a few centimetres below the surface . Lovely to see it all again after 50 odd years. Not changed a bit.
Thank you guys so much for this. You have finally got my husband interested in cycling again. I ride MTBs, but he fancies a Gravel Bike... THANK YOU!! I have been so lonely on my bike!!!! :D
That seems like the opposite of what normally happens. I like it lol.
That bit of film at 23:34, superb.
This is one of the best cycle tour videos I have ever seen. 👍🏻 to the film crew.
Great video, the scenery is gorgeous etc., but I can't believe you didn't even talk about... the *fork*. When I switch b/w my hard tail MTB and my cyclocross bike (ok it's not a gravel bike but still) and go offroad, the first difference I feel when the going gets rough is actually the suspension fork ! By far. Whether it is here or not makes a huge difference that completely changes the way you approach say a rocky trail or dirt road with potholes and rocks. I know you guys talked about these overall feelings in length but it just feels weird that you never even mentioned the fork, which is to me the essential difference b/w these bikes. Even the presentation of the MTB did not mention the fork. I'm sure others will follow me on that point.
Gravel bikes do tempt me that's for sure. I'd like to get one for off-road adventures but I feel like they're fine or even great on soft dirt roads and trails with volcanic dust, but as soon as you enter quite bumpy terrains with rocks and roots - and it doesn't have to be technical -, you get shaken around like hell and your elbows and shoulders get soar pretty quick. In the end, I see gravel bikes as cool all-arounders for mini-adventures on an hourly / daily basis, but I'm afraid they're not the right mount for the long haul. After days of ride on trails and dirt roads with a gravel bike your arms must be wrecked, aren't they ? Any feedback on that would be great :)
Again, thanks for sharing your adventure / bike review. Cheers!
This is the comment I needed! Thank you!
It's right, You have reason. Excellent comment, dude.
Right on the money!
Another point is cost and how far that $ gets you on a gravel vs MTB. You can get a really nice gravel bike like an entry level salsa cutthroat with 29 x 2.2" MTB tires for half of what you would get on a MTB with similar quality groupset. And that comes with tons of space for bags for touring on pavement or soft gravel (front fork paniers and rear rack paniers + trunk bag, massive frame packs and massive handlebar bags due to wider dropbars like the Salsa cowchipper). Just a more versatile bike (and more economical, if you spend wisely), but no gravel bike will ever come close to the level of comfort and handling that you get out of a MTB in super rough dirt
Love this film. This is the best of cycling: passion, gentlemanly controversy, scenery and speed
It felt like a movie.
Great job, very creative. The part starting at 15:08 is really something.
I rode the Glacier 360 ( a three day mtb stage race around the 2nd largest glacier in Iceland) a couple years back. The scenery is spectacular, and extremely remote. Much of it was what you see in this video. Iceland is an amazing place to visit, and ride
Switching bike would've been a good idea then you could seen the difference between them
Yeh l thought that's too
Good point!
they really should've traded half way...
They are specialists, wouldn't make sense
@@adamopinheiro Si is an ex pro in MTB as well
The starkness of the terrain is almost other wordly. Thanks for taking us along.
WOW! Old TopGear level of filming and photography with bikes. Amazing!
Hammond would have loved this challenge. Clarkson would be absolutely miserable 😂
‘Old’ top gear. This is sad 😞
This was probably one of my all-time favorite videos by GCN/GMBN. I ride both MTB and CX (Gravel Bike) and I am constantly asked which I prefer and why.
And what answer do you give?
@@loc9588 gravel probably
@@roald577 Probably depends on the terrain, otherwise he wouldn't need both bikes, would he?
@@loc9588 it depends how hard the terrain is, MTB is the clear winner in rough or technical sections
I swear, when the pandemic has gone, Scandinavian countries are high on my bucketlist of places to visit. Such a beautiful place...
> Such a beautiful place...
Not everywhere. Last year I rode around Southern Sweden and through Denmark: Copenhagen -> Gothenburg -> Stockholm -> Copenhagen -> Hamburg (Germany). 3/4 of the Swedish loop was along the coasts and was 1/4 across the land. A large part of the Gothenburg -> Stockholm traverse was basically just woods around me. And that gets a bit boring after a day. But the coasts are really beautiful. And Denmark is a highly developed and rather dense populated western country with great cycling infrastructure. So yeah, Denmark is very nice, but not exotic.
Edit: So I guess a large part of that "great ride with a great scenery" is rather "a great camera work and great editor's cut". (See the drone footage and such)
@@rostislavsvoboda7013 Agreed, but you should give western Norway a shot.
I can’t believe how far GCN has come. This is honestly Top Gear production quality. Amazing work
These episode always remind me of the gorgeous cinematography of Top Gear. You guys really nailed the formula, a few good mate, some gorgeous rides, and amazing locations.
I love the scenery - great job with the cinematography! I guess the answer to gravel v. MTB is to ride a MTB because it's more fun, but bring your gravel friend so they can tow you in the wind! :)
The humour between these two during the intro is flawless!
When they set out I thought the music intro was their brakes squealing
It wasn't? o.O
Man I really need to clean mine but I don't wanna have to adjust the calipers again. I just rubbed the rotors off instead with a towel. Helped a little.
its sais brakes
@@KandiKlover All it takes is a little bit of water and they squeal even if your brakes are clean
Lush video! I'd be interested in seeing a making of video or the crew behind you guys how an epsisode/show goes from storyboard to live along with what equipment you use etc?
Good call.
I cycled around Iceland in 2002 - it's windy as **** but like cycling on the moon. Amazing to see it again:-)
brindlebot wit which bike?
People will really underestimate the wind Iceland offers until they get there. Been blown over many a time
@@romansteinbrenner Im super slow replying. A crappy old raleigh MTB. Probably and definitely not the best bike. Didn't break though which was good of it.
Some very excellent cinematography! GCN post production really is peaking. I can say without reservation that you two gentlemen are certainly lucky for the experience.
Still probably my favorite video of yours, fairly comprehensive comparisons/explanations but unparalleled scenery and shots. And 2 fantastic personalities too. Love this video
Iceland, where the floor is actually Lava.
Its not the floor, its the ground 🙄
@@tomwilson7452 shut
BEAUTIFUL! Thank you so much GCN for letting us see the gorgeous places you have been. Hard to beat this one.
Glad you enjoyed it!
As many have said, the cinematography and production value of this is absolutely breathtaking. Probably not what Si or Neil thought they'd be doing for work at this point, but holy shit what an experience
Would have love to have heard discussion on the difference suspension makes to energy expenditure and to recovery from fatigue. Otherwise, a visually spectacular and well presented video. Well done!
Exactly. I have been riding a gravel bike recently after many years on a mtb and still can't decide whether I like it better for these types of conditions. The lack of suspension is significantly important - but of course this goes both ways since you don't need it on roads/hard-pack
This was great guys. Thanks for making this video. Breathtaking scenery taken in by spectacular bike riding. One of the best videos on TH-cam. Wow. Both Moots you guys were on rock too. Thanks again.
Respect for first disc brake symphony at 3:41 :D
Looks like great fun, but I can't help thinking... Perhaps you each should have been riding the bike chosen by the other? As it is you have a vid where the MTBer wouldn't have chosen a different bike, and the roadie/CXer wouldn't have either. Not surprising.
Exactly this - in fact before even watching the video, I was hoping they would do this; or swap half way through. It's the only 'fair' way to get a better idea of which is better.
The power meter is a good suggestion.
@Brendon Noble It looks like they had a support truck at the midpoint stop though, so that could have had the swap bikes I think
personally, I think Si was using the wrong wheel size gravel and disagree (with respect) with his description of a gravel bike, would have been great to see the difference between a 650b gravel bike and the 650b MTB
This is a fine idea. In fact, some kind of gcn vs gmbn challenge ever they ride 'the other' type of bike would be great. You can just imagine then all being torn between not wanting to win on the wrong kind of bike and the fact they are all ridiculously competitive.
Just the horizons shown gives emphasis to why icelanders are so proud of their country. Iceland is so unique, so other worldly that I love returning. Albeit the winds and rains can make bike riding less than fun at times. We passed one fellow peddling near west man island riding against a wind pushing horizontal rain in his front...not fun for him. Great job filming and the ride looked exciting and grand. Love the commentary to bike differences...
I put the video on my very top3 GCN video, absolutely brilliant, cinematography is awesome
Really like the editing to the music and the vibes in this video. Something that has got lost in all the recent travel stories that I've watched, and I watched all of at least last year.
Gorgeous scenery, absolutely gorgeous.
Agree that's some amazing cinematography and editing. Reminds be of the great work done by Top Gear during their heyday. That team really deserves their own video - or at least a mention.
8.15 to 9.02 is some of the most epic footage ever....the music the scenery is incredible....nice job gcn....keep it up
In terms of the most versatile bike out there i would like to make a point for the tour bike. While not having the racing quality of a roadbike it most certainly is comparible or faster in speed than a mountainbike, I took mine out mountainbiking with a couple of mates riding mountainbikes and i did just as well on the mountainbike tracks outside of extreme mud. Furthermore it has an amazing cargo capacity which makes it extremely useful for cycling vacations. And because it has normal flat paddles it doesn't require special (click) shoes which makes it also very useful as a city bike in countries like the Netherlands where you use your bike for almost everything because you need no special clothing making it so that you can just hop on and go for some small errands
This video was especially great not just for the amazing cinematography, but the candid banter between the two was endearing and genuine, this is a great video.
Thanks for taking the time to share your feedback!
Hi Sam and Suesan, great to watch your posts, you two are so funny together. It's a joy to watch each day. Good you can laugh at all the things that have happened each day on the boat. Keep enjoying life, and time together on your adventure. The weather where you are, is better than in Melbourne .Take care all the best Tim.
I also plan all my (travel) rides on komoot. The information about pavement/surface is like gold!
Its great isn't it? But did you know the map (and surface information) comes from OpenStreetMap, the map run by people like you and me? If you enjoy Komoot, I highly recommend you join OpenStreetMap and improve the map in your area!
@@JBMPPS Thanks for the info! Will have a look on how to collaborate.
Dudes great job with this. Had no real opinion on Iceland prior to this. And now I really want to go on a bike tour there. EPIC.
This is an absolutely amazing video. Back in the 80s, I lived in Iceland for a year -- time to head back w/ my gravel bike. (okay, it's a CX bike, but it'll work.) :) Again, breathtaking footage.
I lived there in the 90’s and can’t wait to take my bike there. Why it did it occur to me then, I’ll never know.
From the scenery, to the soundtrack Absolutely 100% stunning video lads!! One for the Bucket list now. Apreeeeesh!
Thanks! You'll have a great time!
Love both GCN and GMBN,put them both together makes it even better.
More please.
Chapeau!!! Amazing quality work in every respect. Loved it, and makes me want to go back to Iceland again.
The video is so well done and the shots are so amazing... for me the focus is on the beauty of Iceland and the MTB versus Gravel thing is just a side story.
Great video and as mentioned the cinematography and editing is EPIC! As a Gravel /Cross minded rider. I think the better choose would have been the MTB. You would be able to keep you head up more to see the beauty of the place and not have to be looking at the ground dodging rocks.
Depends on the gravel bike (geometry) & tyre clearance.
Most non-racing gravel bikes have relaxed geo & can accept tyres that measure in inches vs just mm.
Bucket list...bike in iceland.... So beautiful.
Great video GCN, I am watching all of the bike packing adventures at the moment and gravel bike references as I am planning a trip for my retirement after 30 years in the fire service with some mates, so this is sooooooo informative and helpful, thanks GCN.
Sounds cool .am planning to quite the job and ride from kenya to southafrica
3:51 "deep base high octane music"
Igor Warzocha The other English caption option--which I assume was done by a human--said "deep based high octane music". So...yeah.
Upped your music game for this video. Me likes!
Love seeing you guys on Moots. A nearer comparison would have been an XC bike with 2.0 tires, if that was offered by the bike supplier.
On a 2by system, just to match gear capabilities
You know what, I keep looking at these gravel bikes and then at my XC designed in the 90's (when bar ends were mandatory) and it's the same damn bike! Only with drop bars and 650B wheels.
Simply the best bike channel worldwide! Congrats, GCN, wonderful videos!
The scenery...OMG...places like this really exist on this planet?? Great video GCN! The best by far!
The best cycling video on youtube!! Iceland is definetly on my bucket list!!
Should have switched bikes on the second day.
I have a 15yo Moots Rigormootis. It's a 26", can't take wider than 2.1" tires, & I just upgraded it to 1x10, but it's still one of my favorite bikes. I'll never get rid of it. Wish I could afford both those bikes (and a trip to ride them in Iceland), but that will have to stay on my bucket list for a while longer.
Such a delight having Neil and Si on a ride together. We need another one.
so glad to see you together... two of my favorite guys of gcn and gmbn channel
breath taking views, great music, and I am enjoying this every bit..wow..
Fantastic video guys. I would love your job! Iceland looks so amazing to ride around. You have inspired me to go there now: Mountain bike, gravel bike, unicycle! It wouldn't matter. Thanks
As a cyclist and Geology student I really appreciate this video. Although, I must make a correction. At around 18:40 when you talk about the Geology, you make a mention of the magma that cooled after it was erupted. It's just a technicality but its actually lava. Lava is what you call magma when its on the surface. Its magma when its below the surface. Anyway, i really appreciated the Geo mention. Cheers!
Private Joker opfer
Great comparisons guys but I can't help but think it would have been better (more helpful) if you both did all the different terrains on day 1 then swapped bikes and did the exact same loop again. Then you can both know how and where each bike was better and worse.
OMG - BEST GCN video ever ! ! The ultra-professional video and audio made this an absolute treat to watch.The drone aerial shots were simply amazing. That was some stout cycling across Iceland - - even for pro level riders on pro quality bikes :-)
What a beautiful video, thoughtful words as ever from Si , and Neil's downhill riding, just a truly great job GCN ............
The arthouse cinematography and ominous music was so Black Mirror I was waiting for the moment when your Strava tried to kill you.
And from now on every GCN video should end with two men in an outdoor pool discussing who is going to get the most thumbs up.
"That looks like a pretty banging hut."
Been cycling around Iceland and its amazing winter or summer.
Excellent production value
Best GCN film ever. Seems like they hired a new filming and production crew. It looks so different compare to what they did before. Sound tracks are super cool.
I have a single speed gravel bike with flat bar and 38t font chainring. Great for touring and better maneuverability.
Thanks GCN for bike packing advise.
Si is completely right: it's not speed that's fun, it's challenging your abilities. I've been mountain biking since the mid 80s, and I still ride fully rigid bikes that are not unlike a modern gravel bike. The steep head tube of an old school mountain bike makes descending terrifying, and fear is fun. Having that fun at lower speeds works on the trails I ride most often, which are crowded with hikers and have a long history of bitter use conflicts.
So why not a gravel bike? I've considered it, and if I had to live with only one bike it'd be a gravel bike. But the upright position that mountain bikes put you in isn't just for comfort, it makes it easier to move around on the bike, for example when you need to hop the bike over an obstacle like a down tree. I'm sure I could get a gravel bike's front wheel up on even a pretty large tree, but given the narrow bars and spread out body position what happens on the other side would be too much of a challenge for me. But if you think you can do it, go for it. Cleaning any obstacle on a gravel bike is bound to be a bigger thrill than doing it on a full sus MTB.
Matthew Leo good luck doing mountain bike trials near me on a fully rigid bike
Love it! My home country ❤️ You were soooo lucky with the weather
Is Iceland singing up UN migration pact to destroy it's people?
Hi MrUbersven, how is the terrain under rain, is it sticky?
@@berlioz07 icelander here, bike a lot. really depends, most of the time its a sort of "soggy" terrain, gets easily muddy, never experienced much of a sticky terrain but generally the Icelandic paths (biking/hiking) are soft and "bouncy" when dry, absorb a lot of energy and get really difficult in the wet. imagine a fair amount of moss, gravel, ash/fine sand, chunky rocky terrain, and a mixture of those.
thanks for the info @@Old-Mango
I love the drone footage. Great addition!
Man....Iceland looks AWESOME!!! Great production! Very Polished! Cheers!
Absolutely jaw dropping scenery and a brilliant short film.
I own a gravel, road, and MTB. It think the best combination for that type of riding is a gravel bike frame with flat bars. Having a gravel bike with road bike handle bars sucks because it limits your view and its hard to control when going down hill on loose dirt/gravel.
Flat bars are for sissies and Gravel is a fad bike for trendies. I just use touring bike like people have done for decades now before everyone became a self indulgent infant. Much superior.
Kandi Klover whats part of the flat bar makes it for sissies?
They seem pretty lucky, having travelled across Iceland myself for a few weeks, I must say that although I did occasionally enjoy some beautiful (still blustery, lol) weather (Aug/Sep) often it was rather pretty miserable, the good thing is that even during those ghastly days they might still be an hour or two of relatively good sunny periods, it's crazy:) Well done👍
Again amazing editing!! You guys do such an amazing job making the videos interesting and fun to watch keep it up please!
Been an on/off GCN fan for a while, but this is the first time seeing this video. The editing and music selection is wonderful. I still can't believe this is TH-cam video and not a syndicated TV show.
This is not just about cycle but scene just wonderful view thank you great thanks to GCN team lots of ❤❤ .
I sold my road bike and my mountain bike and got a gravel bike........I absolutely love it. Watching this video, I MUST go and ride Iceland.
Am considering buying a mtb or gravel bike. What do you enjoy about gravel bikes?
@@normadicn5700 I think its the fact that you can go fast on road and have fun off road as well, mtb is not really efficient on road
I did the same thing, and yes after seeing this video I definitely would love to ride Iceland
Great Video
Would love you guys to come to Australia some time. :)
I thought for a moment I was watching a fantasy epic -- but I blink and heck, real life! Yum. 😋😋😋
Great cinema shots of a lovely country. Nice to see you Simon getting back to doing more of what you clearly enjoy so much!
It would take a one big cry to get aquainted to such a beautiful place.
Great compilation GCN. 🙏🙏
the music and scenery felt like it came straight out of national geographic
timtimzi ni your profile pic is driving me nuts lol
I thought i had a hair on my screen.. is this the desired effect?
best profile pic. fooled me for like 10 sec
This is not your mama's Nat Geo.
I'm a little amused how the gravel bike is basically a 90s mtb/early 00s XC bike.
I had tears in my eyes, when i saw this landscape plus this emotional music. I dont know why :D
Great Video! Very powerful and emotional....for me!
Best Greetings from Germany ;)
They got a little help from Peter Jackson. :D
I like the spectacular scenery and photography work.
I think that was possibly one of the most beautifully shot films you have ever made. The scenery was fab and with the addition of the music I though simba from the lion king at one point! But seriously everyone now wants to ride there bike in Iceland