Amazing budget gravel bike gets upgraded and ridden!

In this episode my amazing value gravel bike, the Genesis CDA 10 is getting some upgrades to make it a bit lighter and a bit more gravel focused.
#bike #cycling #gravelbike #budgetbikes #mtb
I’m starting by switching my chainset to a lower and more suitable ratio of 44/28t using a simple sun race 4 bolt chainset that cost me around £20.
Next up is a set of cable actuated hydraulic brake calipers found at a clearance sale for £30 a set!
I’m also adding TPU inner tubes at £20 from Amazon and a second hand Wheelset from a cycling charity that cost £30
The aim of all this is to lighten the bike a little and improve gearing and stopping for a small outlay as we are working on a budget machine here - not that you’d notice when riding!
The original bike retails at £799 and was supplied by Pickerings Bikes in Measham, in the East Midlands, who are Genesis dealers.
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[@matthewreeves5843]

A great bike! I have a Genesis flyer single speed - first thing I did was to swap to flat bars and (very easily) fit shimano MT200 hydraulics. What a beast

[@Downhillsmoothtarmac]

Flyer with a flat bar? I’m loving that idea - I did a single speed Peugeot like that!

[@AG-el6vt]

Next time you get TPU tubes, the RideNow (pink) from AE are as cheap as butyl, and quite reliable. I have used them for a bit less than a year, none have failed on me yet (I just jinxed it, didn't I).

[@Downhillsmoothtarmac]

I normally have the ride now ones! Funnily enough they’ve been great until recently I’ve had a bad batch of leaky ones so I thought I’d try these - more expensive but good so far

[@JohnCooper-jl5nt]

I think your hitting the right themes with this video. Enjoyed it.

[@Downhillsmoothtarmac]

Thanks JC, much appreciated mate, love showing folks they don’t have to spend a fortune to have fun on a gravel bike!

[@malcontent_1]

Love these bargain upgrades, they seem to make sense. Well done, sir.

[@Downhillsmoothtarmac]

Thanks! Much appreciated, glad they’re making sense to others and not just me 🤣

[@r.davies2702]

Cracking route 👌.
Next upgrade will be that rear derailleur, the more off road you ride, the more you'll find its limitations.

[@Downhillsmoothtarmac]

Thanks mate 👍👍 hoping to keep the Claris going as long as possible - although an adaption has been made for the next video!!

[@r.davies2702]

@@Downhillsmoothtarmac I used a 9 speed Alivio RD, which worked absolutely fine, until I upgraded again 😏. You've addressed most of the key weak points with the bike so far, it'll be interesting to see what you've got planned 👍

[@Downhillsmoothtarmac]

It’s such a decent frame, why not keep upgrading!

[@sweeneyTodd-de4by]

Love the channel just ordered one today, what tyres have you upgraded to? Also what’s the inner tube you use please?

[@Downhillsmoothtarmac]

Awesome thanks man! You’re gonna love your new bike! I fitted Schwalbe G-One Ultra Bites in 40c, nice and nobbly! I’ve switched to TPU tubes - search on Amazon and you’ll find them!

[@Paganiproductions84]

I like tubeless tires most of the time i offroad with lower tire pressures i let my lbs deal whit the tubeless liquid.

[@Downhillsmoothtarmac]

I’m still running tubeless on a few bikes, but after a disastrous gravel sportive, I’ve drifted towards TPU, not only light, but feel really supple as well.
Not 100% yet, but giving them a good try!!

[@Paganiproductions84]

@@Downhillsmoothtarmac as a xc mtb touring to keep my tires whit the liquid before a really big ride or event and i think for road riding tubeless tires are waste of time

[@Downhillsmoothtarmac]

@Paganiproductions84 totally agree with that - not a fan of tubeless for road, TPU is a no brainer on the road bike!

[@Michael-s5i5j]

Had no luck patching tpus,what’s your procedure?

[@Downhillsmoothtarmac]

I’ve had mixed results too, but using a cleaning wipe before application seems to make all the difference

[@johnnyboy4711]

please elaborate on the TPU repair aspect

[@Downhillsmoothtarmac]

Well I only use the repair kit supplied with the tube, and always make sure to clean the tube with the wipe that comes with it too and make sure the self adhesive patch is sealed with no creases.
In all honesty I get mixed results, and have only repaired the ride now ones so far.

[@johnnyboy4711]

@@Downhillsmoothtarmac 5 gravel spins with ride now tpus,5 punctures

[@Downhillsmoothtarmac]

@johnnyboy4711 wow! Little bit of bad luck perhaps? I’ve been trying the green ones from Amazon lately - seem much better

[@johnnyboy4711]

@@Downhillsmoothtarmac Schwalbe butyl no worries

[@Tarmaccyclocross]

The best gravel bike is a mountain bike

[@Downhillsmoothtarmac]

That’s funny! Like saying “the best apple is an orange” 🤣🤣🤣

[@samcaws7920]

Meaningless. Like saying “the best mountain bike is a gravel bike”.

[@Downhillsmoothtarmac]

Totally agree, different bikes for different jobs!