I just finished a custom build of a 2021 GM frameset in root beer and stubbled upon your video while looking for reviews. I wanted to take a moment and compliment you on your review, analysis and production
I'm a GM owner as well, and definitely can echo the wheel, brake, and gearing complaints. But I do love the overall geometry and tire clearance. I would recommend to anyone who is considering a GM to buy the frame and spec different wheels, hydro brakes, with a wider gear range. The versatility of this bike is amazing, consider two wheelset a 650b and a 700c for different riding styles, add or remove racks as needed, and you have a very versatile bike.
Hey, cool! I'm from Kansas too, mate! Although, I actually live in the Northwestern region of Kansas, not Eastern! In fact, I currently live in Ellis County near Hays!
Would you still recommend this bike in 2024? Or what would you go with instead? I currently have an all city space horse grx I’m about to put a little better gravel tires on it. But I think I want two bikes. One dedicated for gravel, camping, and exploring.
I think this may have been on the Flint Hills nature trail, before it was a state park. But both the FHNT or Prairie Spirit trail in eastern Kansas are very similar conditions to this.
Honestly sounds like you might enjoy the cosmic stallion more for how you ride. Also, you ride enough that a frame up build will usually be the best choice from a QBP brand
would you mind telling me which frame size you have? is it a 58cm? and: how tall are you? I'm just curious as I'm thinking of purchasing one for myself but have no chance to try out all citys due to a lack of retailers in my area... CHEERS!!!
Yep for sure. It was a 58 frame. I am 6'4", and in the end I decided it was just a bit too small for me so I sold this frame and am looking for the same bike in a bigger frame. I'm finding those pretty hard to come by though.
@@backofthegravelpackAh thanks. I shot one (58) pretty cheap as this would be the perfect size for in "surly terms". However, I'm a bit worried since I'm only 6'...We'll see. However, thanks for the great review and your quick response! Greetings from Germany
Dude, that's a great bike, I almost bought one, but I went for the Crust Bombora instead. Is that the largest size? Because, it's way too small for you.
Nice choice on the Bombora. I'd like to get my hands on one someday As far as size, this is a 58 frame. Their frames always fit big though, so probably more like a standard 60. When I bought it, that was the largest frame size available for that year (according to what All City told me anyway). There have been 61's in other years, including currently I believe. it was a bit small for me. I do prefer bikes that are a bit small, but I have it up for sale now to try and replace with something bigger.
@@backofthegravelpack My buddy is tall he just got a 62cm Black mountain not long ago and it fits him well. As tall as you are 650B/27.5 is probably not the best. 700/29er will get you closer to where you need to go!
Hi @Edwin Espinosa. That bike was set up 27.5 for that video. I know they can also be set up 700c/29 pretty easily. Unfortunately, I don't know if All City recommends 26" for it as well or not.
I just finished a custom build of a 2021 GM frameset in root beer and stubbled upon your video while looking for reviews. I wanted to take a moment and compliment you on your review, analysis and production
Thanks Mark, that root beer frame color had me wishing I waited another year. Sharp bike for sure, hope you enjoy it.
I'm a GM owner as well, and definitely can echo the wheel, brake, and gearing complaints. But I do love the overall geometry and tire clearance. I would recommend to anyone who is considering a GM to buy the frame and spec different wheels, hydro brakes, with a wider gear range.
The versatility of this bike is amazing, consider two wheelset a 650b and a 700c for different riding styles, add or remove racks as needed, and you have a very versatile bike.
Yep I definitely agree, buying the frame and building up with what you want is the way to go with this bike.
I have the same bike and exactly the same complaints with it. Phew, thanks for this. You’ve helped convince me to keep it and do some upgrades.
Awesome, glad this helped!
Nice quiet road there, peaceful video! My LBS has a Gorilla Monsoon 2018, new frame. Might go for it, thanks for review.
Thanks Mike, glad you enjoyed it. If I had to do it again, I would probably go with just the frame, and build it up with what I want.
Hey, cool! I'm from Kansas too, mate! Although, I actually live in the Northwestern region of Kansas, not Eastern! In fact, I currently live in Ellis County near Hays!
Awesome, some nice places to ride over that direction for sure.
Great review. I have the same year, similar loves and dislikes with my 55cm.
Thanks Matt. You end up doing many upgrades to your gorilla monsoon?
wow those some hefty upgrades. enjoy
Thanks Arvin!
Would you still recommend this bike in 2024? Or what would you go with instead? I currently have an all city space horse grx I’m about to put a little better gravel tires on it. But I think I want two bikes. One dedicated for gravel, camping, and exploring.
Yea I think it is a great option for that use. Its pretty heavy for some, but a really great bikepacking option.
Hey, thank you for the review.
Wanted to ask which size is this one?
I’m guessing you’re in the 55-58 range?
I’m trying to decide between those sizes.
This is a 58. It fits closer to what a 60 or so frame would usually be.
Hey, curious which bike trail this is? Would love to take my GM out for a ride on it some time!
I think this may have been on the Flint Hills nature trail, before it was a state park. But both the FHNT or Prairie Spirit trail in eastern Kansas are very similar conditions to this.
Honestly sounds like you might enjoy the cosmic stallion more for how you ride. Also, you ride enough that a frame up build will usually be the best choice from a QBP brand
Yep for most of my riding, I think the cosmic is probably a better choice.
would you mind telling me which frame size you have? is it a 58cm? and: how tall are you? I'm just curious as I'm thinking of purchasing one for myself but have no chance to try out all citys due to a lack of retailers in my area...
CHEERS!!!
Yep for sure. It was a 58 frame. I am 6'4", and in the end I decided it was just a bit too small for me so I sold this frame and am looking for the same bike in a bigger frame. I'm finding those pretty hard to come by though.
@@backofthegravelpackAh thanks. I shot one (58) pretty cheap as this would be the perfect size for in "surly terms". However, I'm a bit worried since I'm only 6'...We'll see. However, thanks for the great review and your quick response! Greetings from Germany
I might be just a little "in between" sizes...
@@robertc.hansen6666 Yea they are for sure a larger than a typical 58.
it is possible to put 700x40c tires on this frame?
Yes for sure.
@@backofthegravelpackthank you fam
Dude, that's a great bike, I almost bought one, but I went for the Crust Bombora instead.
Is that the largest size? Because, it's way too small for you.
Nice choice on the Bombora. I'd like to get my hands on one someday As far as size, this is a 58 frame. Their frames always fit big though, so probably more like a standard 60. When I bought it, that was the largest frame size available for that year (according to what All City told me anyway). There have been 61's in other years, including currently I believe. it was a bit small for me. I do prefer bikes that are a bit small, but I have it up for sale now to try and replace with something bigger.
@@backofthegravelpack My buddy is tall he just got a 62cm Black mountain not long ago and it fits him well. As tall as you are 650B/27.5 is probably not the best. 700/29er will get you closer to where you need to go!
For sizing reference, how tall are you?
6'4"
thoughts on this around town on concrete? is it gonna feel too slow and bulky?
Yea wouldnt be my first choice for all pavement riding, feels a bit sluggish to me. Great with a load on it though.
Hi, its bike 26"?
Hi @Edwin Espinosa. That bike was set up 27.5 for that video. I know they can also be set up 700c/29 pretty easily. Unfortunately, I don't know if All City recommends 26" for it as well or not.
@@backofthegravelpack thank you !!no speak english,voy a traducir grasias 🤝👍🤜🤛💪💪