I saw in another comment that you like the Ritchey Outback. Another Ritchey worth considering in that true ATB profile is the new gen Ascent with boost spacing. I've got drop bars on mine, and it's been a really fun all-terrain ride. I've got 2.2" Sims Super Yummies on mine, but it's got boost spacing and claims it'll take up to 27.5 x 2.6". I almost bought the same orange Gorilla Monsoon when it was new, but opted for the Macho Man instead - funnily b/c the GS seemed too much like a mountain bike to me. Ironically, the bike I ride most these days is a Bridgestone MB-2 with extra-wide drop bars on it. Go figure :D
Ouu really cool, thanks for sharing! Also how do you like the super yummies? I was just looking at those in a shop today actually. I’ll have a better look at the Ascent! I don’t know why I haven’t looked further into Ritchey all these years.
@@bike.breath The Super Yummy is a great tire. Pretty tough, but still fairly supple, and it feels nice on pavement as well as very capable on the dirt.
I replaced my Surly Straggler with a Hog's Back for increased ATB capability, and because the cross geo was uncomfortable. The Hog's back is longer, more upright, and a just wee bit heavier. Its setup with a short stem and drop bars, and 2.22in x 650b wheels. It rips east coast chunk, and is fast enough for me on road with 36x11-46 gearing. I tried out fast boi 40x700c wheels and promptly switched back to chunky 650b - I felt like I was riding a horse, too high up for comfort. If I were in your position, I would go back to chunk mode and get the bars up a bit higher. Maybe even experiment with some alt bars. Handle bar experimentation can be expensive though, and if the problem is that you find the frame too short, then i'd look at frames. I spent a lot of time and money trying to make the surly fit me, lol.
@@wertywerty999 you and I might be the same person! Haha. I had a purple Straggler (Glitter Dreams) back in 2018 ish. I couldn’t believe how long the top tube was. I sold the frame and bought a size down. Even that one was long! That bike kind of started my longstanding obsession with geometry! lol. We just made a video about the Hog’s Back! We got one in our line up (although if you check out the video you’ll see that it belongs to my wife and is way too small for me). Lastly, I did exactly what you mentioned! I just got some new alt bars and I’m putting the steel fork back on next week, I’m just waiting on two more parts in the mail. A “version 3” Gorilla Monsoon video will be coming after a little bit of testing, maybe in a month or so. Thanks for tuning in!
@@bike.breath Sick! Looking forward to seeing the new build. And yeah trying to dial in the straggler got me on the geo train too haha. I saw the Hog's back vid! I'm not 100% sure, but I think the Gorilla Monsoon and Hog's back have the same fork crown. Love seeing more ATB content! Cheers from the maritimes
Glad to see everyone is healed up. That bar tape is super sharp, nice choice! Right on with the new full face helmet and getting back on the saddle to shred the gnar once again. Dude I love those cranks they are sharp on your gravely build. And I feel ya on adventure biking. The non competitive just enjoying the ride without a performance focused machine is one of the best parts of MTB and you just want to keep those vibes going on all the other trails. It's okay for your bikes to evolve with your preferences. Take care out there buds! Ottawa is such a beauty. I need to visit again and tour by bike next time.
Thanks for the kind words! Im super glad Emma is back out on the trails too, it was a big one to come back from. “Bikes evolving with preferences” is a great way to put it. Years ago when I thought this was my forever do it at all bike wouldn’t imagine switching it up but, live and learn! Hope you have a great summer! Cheers
Agree completely on the performance bike or the bike that can do everything but not one thing well. Love my Crust Bombora (except for the BB hight) but some days I really want to clip off some miles with efficiency and speed. I’m always toying with the same concept on a new ride.
@@jaybutler9550 good to know I’m not alone on that! I guess swapping between two wheelsets can sort of achieve this but, I find a different feeling wheelset makes me instantly want to pair it with bars, etc. Forever tinkering haha. Also I love Bomboras! Thanks for watching the video!
Love my Standert Erdgeschoss in Moss Def green. Dont know whether availible in Canada. Supernice ride on stainless steel, versatile.. I put Ultradynamico tires on, so happy with it..
There’s a shop in Toronto that has Standert! I’ve checked them out (drooled over them) but never had a chance to try one. Nice to hear about your experience! I’m thinking spring 2025 I’ll look for another drop bar steel gravel bike that’s capable of being quick. I might need to re-consider Standert!
Ritchey Outback? I had the gen 1, monster cross variant and sold it for the gen 2 touring/atb/gravel variant for similar reasons . It’s as close as you’ll get to the “one bike to rule them all” dynamic. I have 2 wheelsets- 650b with 2.3s for long touring, off-road and chunk, and 700c for light gravel n road . That super long chainstay has made all the difference. It’s worked out well!
I love the outbacks! I like how their top tubes are lower than my all-city too. I think I wrote them off because they claim to only fit 650b x 2.0 but that’s interesting to hear that you’ve got 2.3’s in there! I’ve run 2.4’s on my All-City and I’d like to still have that capability with my next bike, if anything even bigger could be fun.
Thanks for watching! These are the Dajia Cycleworks Far Bar and they’re 48cm wide. Incase the video doesn’t do them justice, they’re very flared out in the drops.
@@casual4069 that’s not really the direction I want to take this bike in. I actually just finished switching a bunch of components up on it and plan to do an updated bike check soon! :)
Love your videos! Thanks for sharing all that. I'm in the Ottawa area and I'm finding out that I love trail riding (carrying a camera with me!). Also loved Emma bar tape, so much I'm thinking about buying that! Do you know if it is a soft tape? Thanks!
Its pretty soft yep! I was worried it wouldn’t be very cushy since it looks like straight up cloth, but it has a little cushion to it as well. I like it so far!
So I just picked up a GM as a fast bike because can't help but dive into single track if I come across it.. Also have 2 other mountain bikes and a 29+ that for me is kinda atb. But it's too sluggish for the longer on road rides the gm is better at. I've thought I should have gotten something lighter or more road focused but I like that it's fairly burly. Some jones bars on the gm might work nicely..
Nice! I’m glad I’m not alone on this one haha. 29+ sounds really nice! I’ve looked at the Wilde Supertramp a lot for that same reason. I actually just bought some alt bars and a dropper for my GM. I’m going back to the steel fork and keeping it in ATB mode for the rest of our season 🤘
Loving your channel and how you showcase in and around the Ottawa Valley. The VO's are the icing on the cake, bahd ;) Question - which MTB trail were you guys on in this one?
@@bike.breath Thanks. I've ridden up that trail on Brazilian in the winter but have only gone down it clockwise in the summer. Also, if Emma has 650B wheels I have some newish Rene Herse 650B tires if interested.
You seem pretty tall. As a fellow tall person I’m not the biggest fan of the 26+ wheels on my ATB. I’ve tried 29x2.1 on it and it rides much better. I guess I’ve grown accustomed to having a bigger wheel out front, especially when on dirt.
Good point! I’m 6”2 and I haven’t tried 26. I’ve had my All-City set up with 27.5 by 2.4 for a while and didn’t mind it but it still felt a bit squirrelly. I always attributed that to the short wheelbase.
For me it’s the small wheel, upright riding position, steep head tube angle (by modern standards, mine is 69°). When I ride it off-road, it feels prone to endoing. I’m 6’6” so a bit higher center of gravity. I have to ride it differently than I would a more “modern” bike.
Absolutely, that’s an Apidura and Canyon collaboration. They’re made specifically for Canyon bikes but I’ve had other apidura bags and they’re great as well.
I've been going back and forth on my Gorilla Monsoon ever since i've had it. It's a really weird bike. I do find it to be a perfectly capable ATB though. And the fact that it's got agressive geometry really helps with getting through the long flat portions of your ride. But yeah idk. It leaves me wishing i either had a mountain bike or a gravel bike sometimes. It's just kinda niche. Or its for someone who only has one bike. If i only had one bike or two i think the gorilla monsoon would be a good one to have. Its also so damn heavy. My 90s mtb feels like a featherweight in comparison. Obviously the component spec is part of it but still. I think the surly cross check does a better job at what the gm wants to do. I could go on forever about the gorilla monsoon. I never stop thinking about it
Did we just become best friends? I can also talk about this bike all day and have felt everything you said since the day I bought it in 2018 haha. I especially hear you on how it’s speedy on flat stuff. I’ve had it set up with 27.5 x 55 tires recently and I felt like it was no problem keeping up with other people on their carbon frames and 700c bikes. I think I may try a flat bar setup before making any decisions to sell. Have you run flats on yours?
I haven't run flat bars yet. Im cool with the drops. Actually thats one of the things about it that i do feel is really right for me - the reach. I feel like its best case scenario for me for drop bars. I absolutely love it some days but just last week i posted esentially "does this thing make sense. Should i sell it?" On r/xbiking. They talked me down from the ledge and im currently in another rosey period with it but i may sell it if i cant settle. Just the torture of thinking about this bike makes me want to get rid of it sometimes. Its so beautiful, it was expensive, its a bike from a now dead brand with a cult following making it collectible, but its not really that great at very much. Ive thought about making a youtube vid about it because i feel like its not just the gorilla monsoon. A lot of these atb type bikes sell this idea of do-it- all or "quiver killer" or whatever. But honestly having all these wheel size and tire options that these bikes come with actually just leaves me feeling like i have the wrong setup. Have you looked the Ritchey Outback or the Breezer Doppler Team? If i was going to get a gravel bike to replace my gorilla it would likely be one of those
Interesting! Funny you say that about the reach, when I initially bought mine it was the reach that sold me too. This was before I knew about bikeinsights.com and I had a spreadsheet of my own. I came from a Surly Straggler which had a brutally long top tube and never wanted to make that mistake again. Im glad you found another rosey period with yours! Good call on it being somewhat collectible now too. It is sort of in a league of its own and if I sell it it’s likely gone for good. I’ve looked a bit at the ritchey outback but I worry it doesn’t have enough tire clearance for me also I like running a front rack and the carbon fork might not be good for that. The Ascent might be an option though.
![เปิด อาณาจักร หมื่นล้าน "สาระตั้ม" l [Nickynachat]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/3XE0nPF4YkQ/mqdefault.jpg)
![กี่หมื่นฟ้า | Your Sky Series EP.1 [2/4]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/qJbQs_nhjD4/mqdefault.jpg)
Hockey guy's got moves! 🤯
A real Gretzky of the streets! 🤘
I saw in another comment that you like the Ritchey Outback. Another Ritchey worth considering in that true ATB profile is the new gen Ascent with boost spacing. I've got drop bars on mine, and it's been a really fun all-terrain ride. I've got 2.2" Sims Super Yummies on mine, but it's got boost spacing and claims it'll take up to 27.5 x 2.6". I almost bought the same orange Gorilla Monsoon when it was new, but opted for the Macho Man instead - funnily b/c the GS seemed too much like a mountain bike to me. Ironically, the bike I ride most these days is a Bridgestone MB-2 with extra-wide drop bars on it. Go figure :D
Ouu really cool, thanks for sharing! Also how do you like the super yummies? I was just looking at those in a shop today actually.
I’ll have a better look at the Ascent! I don’t know why I haven’t looked further into Ritchey all these years.
@@bike.breath The Super Yummy is a great tire. Pretty tough, but still fairly supple, and it feels nice on pavement as well as very capable on the dirt.
You sold me! I might need a set next.
I replaced my Surly Straggler with a Hog's Back for increased ATB capability, and because the cross geo was uncomfortable. The Hog's back is longer, more upright, and a just wee bit heavier. Its setup with a short stem and drop bars, and 2.22in x 650b wheels. It rips east coast chunk, and is fast enough for me on road with 36x11-46 gearing.
I tried out fast boi 40x700c wheels and promptly switched back to chunky 650b - I felt like I was riding a horse, too high up for comfort.
If I were in your position, I would go back to chunk mode and get the bars up a bit higher. Maybe even experiment with some alt bars. Handle bar experimentation can be expensive though, and if the problem is that you find the frame too short, then i'd look at frames. I spent a lot of time and money trying to make the surly fit me, lol.
@@wertywerty999 you and I might be the same person! Haha. I had a purple Straggler (Glitter Dreams) back in 2018 ish. I couldn’t believe how long the top tube was. I sold the frame and bought a size down. Even that one was long! That bike kind of started my longstanding obsession with geometry! lol.
We just made a video about the Hog’s Back! We got one in our line up (although if you check out the video you’ll see that it belongs to my wife and is way too small for me).
Lastly, I did exactly what you mentioned! I just got some new alt bars and I’m putting the steel fork back on next week, I’m just waiting on two more parts in the mail.
A “version 3” Gorilla Monsoon video will be coming after a little bit of testing, maybe in a month or so.
Thanks for tuning in!
@@bike.breath Sick! Looking forward to seeing the new build. And yeah trying to dial in the straggler got me on the geo train too haha.
I saw the Hog's back vid! I'm not 100% sure, but I think the Gorilla Monsoon and Hog's back have the same fork crown.
Love seeing more ATB content! Cheers from the maritimes
Yeah I believe they do! Monsoon fork is a touch wider though.
Glad to see everyone is healed up. That bar tape is super sharp, nice choice! Right on with the new full face helmet and getting back on the saddle to shred the gnar once again.
Dude I love those cranks they are sharp on your gravely build. And I feel ya on adventure biking. The non competitive just enjoying the ride without a performance focused machine is one of the best parts of MTB and you just want to keep those vibes going on all the other trails. It's okay for your bikes to evolve with your preferences.
Take care out there buds! Ottawa is such a beauty. I need to visit again and tour by bike next time.
Thanks for the kind words! Im super glad Emma is back out on the trails too, it was a big one to come back from.
“Bikes evolving with preferences” is a great way to put it. Years ago when I thought this was my forever do it at all bike wouldn’t imagine switching it up but, live and learn!
Hope you have a great summer! Cheers
Chill vibes, very nice video and cool channel!
Thanks so much! I appreciate you checking it out :)
Agree completely on the performance bike or the bike that can do everything but not one thing well. Love my Crust Bombora (except for the BB hight) but some days I really want to clip off some miles with efficiency and speed. I’m always toying with the same concept on a new ride.
@@jaybutler9550 good to know I’m not alone on that! I guess swapping between two wheelsets can sort of achieve this but, I find a different feeling wheelset makes me instantly want to pair it with bars, etc. Forever tinkering haha. Also I love Bomboras!
Thanks for watching the video!
Nice job getting back on the mountain bike! Not easy after a hard fall!
Thank you! Feels good to not let too much time pass 🙂
@@bike.breath definitely!!! Ride on!🚴
Love my Standert Erdgeschoss in Moss Def green. Dont know whether availible in Canada. Supernice ride on stainless steel, versatile.. I put Ultradynamico tires on, so happy with it..
There’s a shop in Toronto that has Standert! I’ve checked them out (drooled over them) but never had a chance to try one. Nice to hear about your experience! I’m thinking spring 2025 I’ll look for another drop bar steel gravel bike that’s capable of being quick. I might need to re-consider Standert!
@@bike.breath❤
Jens bike is awesome. Headset routing is not.
Agreed it’s a dreamy bike. I’m curious what don’t you like about headset routing?
Such a fun weekend!!
Short but sweet! We need to do Vorlage next. I need redemption for that rainy day, lol
Love the dog content. Wish there were more places we could ride with them.
Thanks! Same, my guy isn’t a year old yet but I’d like to teach him to stay with me during rides eventually.
Ritchey Outback? I had the gen 1, monster cross variant and sold it for the gen 2 touring/atb/gravel variant for similar reasons . It’s as close as you’ll get to the “one bike to rule them all” dynamic. I have 2 wheelsets- 650b with 2.3s for long touring, off-road and chunk, and 700c for light gravel n road . That super long chainstay has made all the difference. It’s worked out well!
I love the outbacks! I like how their top tubes are lower than my all-city too. I think I wrote them off because they claim to only fit 650b x 2.0 but that’s interesting to hear that you’ve got 2.3’s in there! I’ve run 2.4’s on my All-City and I’d like to still have that capability with my next bike, if anything even bigger could be fun.
Love the vids! Located in Ottawa as well, so very cool to see.
@@TheRileyable thanks for watching!
love the vid! was wondering what handlebars are those and how wide are they?
Thanks for watching! These are the Dajia Cycleworks Far Bar and they’re 48cm wide. Incase the video doesn’t do them justice, they’re very flared out in the drops.
have u considered a bafang mid drive conversion kit on your bike?
@@casual4069 that’s not really the direction I want to take this bike in. I actually just finished switching a bunch of components up on it and plan to do an updated bike check soon! :)
Love your videos! Thanks for sharing all that. I'm in the Ottawa area and I'm finding out that I love trail riding (carrying a camera with me!). Also loved Emma bar tape, so much I'm thinking about buying that! Do you know if it is a soft tape? Thanks!
Its pretty soft yep! I was worried it wouldn’t be very cushy since it looks like straight up cloth, but it has a little cushion to it as well. I like it so far!
@@emmakent5183 Yes, it looks like straight up cloth, that's why I was worried. Nice, it's great to know it is cushty! Thank you for replying 😊
Stridsland Beachcombers 🤤
Stridsland for sure 👍
They look so fun to bounce around on!
I would also consider the Alumalith by Crust+Ron’s for an aluminum ATB alternative
Ouu good call, I’m not sure why I didn’t even think of that, I love the Alum + steel fork design
That Commencal is DIALLED
It’s perfect for our area!
a road hockey game on Sparks st mall would be fantastic
Agreed! Perfect spot for it
So I just picked up a GM as a fast bike because can't help but dive into single track if I come across it.. Also have 2 other mountain bikes and a 29+ that for me is kinda atb. But it's too sluggish for the longer on road rides the gm is better at. I've thought I should have gotten something lighter or more road focused but I like that it's fairly burly. Some jones bars on the gm might work nicely..
Nice! I’m glad I’m not alone on this one haha. 29+ sounds really nice! I’ve looked at the Wilde Supertramp a lot for that same reason.
I actually just bought some alt bars and a dropper for my GM. I’m going back to the steel fork and keeping it in ATB mode for the rest of our season 🤘
13/10 , killer video 🙌🏻
Thanks, bud!
Loving your channel and how you showcase in and around the Ottawa Valley. The VO's are the icing on the cake, bahd ;) Question - which MTB trail were you guys on in this one?
Oh thanks bahd ❤️ (I’m originally from Timmins Ontario so Im embracing saying bahd lately). This was trail 79 (Brazillian) in Chelsea.
@@bike.breath right on, thanks! I haven't riden that one yet. Looks like I'll give it a rip this weekend ✊
@@doghousexpeditions it’s a great little loop, I hope you enjoy it!
Just keep that gorgeous bike!
Might have to for the rest of this year at least, definitely time for flat bars though!
Fantastic video! Is your heart ok these days? Also, what climb is that trail on?
Thanks, and so far it’s alright! I’m still learning what triggers it and how to best manage. The climb is on trail 79 (Brazillian) in Chelsea!
@@bike.breath Thanks. I've ridden up that trail on Brazilian in the winter but have only gone down it clockwise in the summer. Also, if Emma has 650B wheels I have some newish Rene Herse 650B tires if interested.
@@GeneVilleneuveoh nice, she actually just bought some RH tires for her canyon grizl.
Love it!
Thanks for watching!
You seem pretty tall. As a fellow tall person I’m not the biggest fan of the 26+ wheels on my ATB. I’ve tried 29x2.1 on it and it rides much better. I guess I’ve grown accustomed to having a bigger wheel out front, especially when on dirt.
Good point! I’m 6”2 and I haven’t tried 26. I’ve had my All-City set up with 27.5 by 2.4 for a while and didn’t mind it but it still felt a bit squirrelly. I always attributed that to the short wheelbase.
For me it’s the small wheel, upright riding position, steep head tube angle (by modern standards, mine is 69°). When I ride it off-road, it feels prone to endoing. I’m 6’6” so a bit higher center of gravity. I have to ride it differently than I would a more “modern” bike.
That make sense, I don’t see 69 degree head tube angles often lately. I think my all city is 71.5 .
Hi! Could you share the name of the top tube bag seen at 0:53 please?
Absolutely, that’s an Apidura and Canyon collaboration. They’re made specifically for Canyon bikes but I’ve had other apidura bags and they’re great as well.
I've been going back and forth on my Gorilla Monsoon ever since i've had it. It's a really weird bike. I do find it to be a perfectly capable ATB though. And the fact that it's got agressive geometry really helps with getting through the long flat portions of your ride. But yeah idk. It leaves me wishing i either had a mountain bike or a gravel bike sometimes. It's just kinda niche. Or its for someone who only has one bike. If i only had one bike or two i think the gorilla monsoon would be a good one to have. Its also so damn heavy. My 90s mtb feels like a featherweight in comparison. Obviously the component spec is part of it but still. I think the surly cross check does a better job at what the gm wants to do. I could go on forever about the gorilla monsoon. I never stop thinking about it
Did we just become best friends? I can also talk about this bike all day and have felt everything you said since the day I bought it in 2018 haha. I especially hear you on how it’s speedy on flat stuff. I’ve had it set up with 27.5 x 55 tires recently and I felt like it was no problem keeping up with other people on their carbon frames and 700c bikes.
I think I may try a flat bar setup before making any decisions to sell. Have you run flats on yours?
I haven't run flat bars yet. Im cool with the drops. Actually thats one of the things about it that i do feel is really right for me - the reach. I feel like its best case scenario for me for drop bars. I absolutely love it some days but just last week i posted esentially "does this thing make sense. Should i sell it?" On r/xbiking. They talked me down from the ledge and im currently in another rosey period with it but i may sell it if i cant settle. Just the torture of thinking about this bike makes me want to get rid of it sometimes. Its so beautiful, it was expensive, its a bike from a now dead brand with a cult following making it collectible, but its not really that great at very much. Ive thought about making a youtube vid about it because i feel like its not just the gorilla monsoon. A lot of these atb type bikes sell this idea of do-it- all or "quiver killer" or whatever. But honestly having all these wheel size and tire options that these bikes come with actually just leaves me feeling like i have the wrong setup.
Have you looked the Ritchey Outback or the Breezer Doppler Team? If i was going to get a gravel bike to replace my gorilla it would likely be one of those
Interesting! Funny you say that about the reach, when I initially bought mine it was the reach that sold me too. This was before I knew about bikeinsights.com and I had a spreadsheet of my own. I came from a Surly Straggler which had a brutally long top tube and never wanted to make that mistake again.
Im glad you found another rosey period with yours! Good call on it being somewhat collectible now too. It is sort of in a league of its own and if I sell it it’s likely gone for good.
I’ve looked a bit at the ritchey outback but I worry it doesn’t have enough tire clearance for me also I like running a front rack and the carbon fork might not be good for that. The Ascent might be an option though.
What bar tape are you using ?
It’s from Campandgoslow, I think it’s called their Western Raddler tape.
Hi there, what are those pedals?
Hey! They’re Bontrager clipless (SPD) pedals.
Is hockey guy a normal staple? Never seen this guy on sparks before 😂
I usually see him on Bank actually! But I’ve seen him for a few years now.
@@bike.breath damn too cool! I hope to see him one day like i see that car with all the lights
@@zwicker5585 haha that car is amazing, I need to capture that sometime soon.
ATB will be much slower, especially climbing. Stick w your current rig👍
@@troyboone4893 I’m thinking that’s the move (at least for this year). Going to switch to flat bars and go back to my steel fork though :)