"Gravel Plus" is a solid description for this bike. As my use case shifted from "trying to race gravel" to "long bikepacking trips and exploration", I traded in my plastic gravel bike for a bubblegum pink Hardtack and have been loving it. Mine's got a dropper with 27.5" wide ID rims and 2.6" mtb tires for shreddier terrain, and 700c carbon hoops with 55mm tires for gravel mode. Capability and long-mile comfort are the name of the game with it.
@@justdude8115 If this isn't too late to confirm... I set my HT up 2x11. The FD wasn't really a hassle at all. It's a Shimano/Microshift mixed setup but it works well for my area and riding. XT M8000 Long cage RD, GRX FD, 11-42 Cassette, 44-28 Chainrings, Microshift barends. Will work with 105 shifters and a TanPan too.
A big thanks for continuing to review interesting bikes that I've never heard of. This seems to have a bit of everything which I'm drawn to. Do it all, comfortable and functional for varied terrain. Awesome.
I got a Hardtack in February and although it took some getting used to, I think it's perfect for me. Comfortable on long days, climbs very well and is well suited for bikepacking in varied surfaces. I got the 27.5 wheelset with 2.4 mtb tires and a 700 wheelset with 50 mm tires. James and Candice have a winner here.
Russ - thanks for your channel. I was looking to transition over to party pace just didn't know it had a name. Have learned a lot and just bought a Hardtack from James. Loving the ride and the way the bike handles our eastern NY/VT roads and trails. I've never ridden, and especially climbed, in the drops so comfortably on all kinds of terrain. And you are right about descending!
If that bike geometry was anymore relaxed it would need an internally geared rear hub, full chain case, fenders and swept back bars, for that modern off-road roadster look!
Russ! I can't stop thinking about the Hardtack. I've watched your review probably a dozen times. I'm pretty sure it's going to be my next ATB. I'd love to get your thoughts on its ideal setup and how the handling changes from 700 to 27.5, drops v. Alt bars, etc. I've been reading through James' thoughts on fit and purpose and it's really resonating with me. Thank you for doing these reviews and exposing these cool brands.
my wife has a hardtack the thing is awesome, similar to my kona sutra ultd but lighter and just as capable. Oh and we ride 60% gravel, 20% singletrack / wood roads and 20% pavement
I can sort of relate when you said the corduroy tape was comforting. An old Trek I owned had the texture of the underside of a mushroom. It didn't increase grip that much but just felt good ...give your fingers something interesting to feel. I would think that corduroy would trap a lot of dirt and bacteria over time though.
I definitely recommend their decision to go with a fork with 63mm of rake! I have a 2021 Fargo that I built up. I replaced the stock carbon fork with a custom TI fork with 64mm rake which I specified. Given the Fargo has the same 69 deg HT angle I suspect the steering will be very similar to the Hardtack. I feel that a lot of production forks in this category simply use the same rake as what suspension forks use without thinking that there may be much better choices.
Great review. Especially the last parts comparing to “similar bikes”. Really want to try out a bike like this to see how different it rides next to my gravel bike. Bet I’d love it for long chill adventure rides.
Good review Russ. Everyone is looking for that do-it-all unicorn bike for all road and all circumstances. I just ordered my stargazer as I am leaning towards more chunky bike packing.
Great review and nice looking bike! that said, these bike manufacturers really need to start and address the now all too common cable brakes and rear brake mount interface. Almost all of them have the upward facing exit to the calliper which is perfect for water ingress. No problem for hydraullics, BIG problem for cables!!!!
I prefer gravel+ over drop-bar mtb, something like the redwood that has similar-ish geo to things like the caynon grail or giant revolt but with some chonkers on it
Mid-watch I'd started typing out a question about whether it was similar to the Ritchey Ascent, and then I thought, "I bet Russ is gonna mention something about that," so I waited, and lo & behold. That said, they do look similar on Bike Insights :D.
Similar vibes but very different bikes. The Ritchey will have toe overlap in all but the largest sizes. It has a much lower bottom bracket, which is fine for road but sub optimal for gnar. Less stack height, so the Ritchey has lower bars given the same amount of headset spacers. Steeper head angle, so if you want that road bike feel, really the ritchey is your jam. If you want to shred off road, gravel or mtb, you want slacker, but not crazy slack, and that's the hardtack.
I’ve been really intrigued about this “category” of bike lately. Have you considered trying to review the Hudski Doggler? Really interested in adding that or something similar to the stable.
I took a 70000 yen Giant aluminum hybrid with 27.5s and linear brakes, shortened the stem, slapped some Ibera and Minoura racks on and put Kenda moped tires on the feet. Thing handles offroad and tarmac like a champ loaded or slick. Way too many specialized bikes for me to keep up with, but I like this setup. I'll need to offload a few of my other rides if I want to check this out. Appreciate the review on this one. It might be time to purchase an actual gravel bike.
NICE! I have been dreaming of a bike like this.... Looks kind of like the "Amigo bikes bugout" or "Blue Collar bikes nigel 650g".... A road-going MTB basically. I would shred this bike.
I am really digging those handlebars and the tire clearance. The steel frame concerns me because if I was to purchase the bike it would be primarily for winter riding and I tend to ride in all weather conditions. But, I have gotten better at cleaning my bikes. I’ve ridden the Topstone through two winters and I’m not experiencing any major issues with the bike.
Vermont has effectively 6 months of winter. Steel bikes do fine here unless you strip off the paint, the ED coating on the inside, spray them with salt, and then rub off the rust and let them rust again. There’s a reason there are millions of 25-50 year old steel bikes still on the road. Steel is resilient. Rust is a scab, not a thing to be scared off. We have a bridge in town from 1913. Pre WWI. There is no one alive that old. It’s steel. Every year it gets salt dumped on it. The driving surface is steel. In 2021 they closed it to cars. Why? The concrete pillars holding it up crumbled. Not because the steel rusted out.
@@analogcycles8608 when I was growing up I’ve seen how water and road salt can completely destroy the undercarriage of a car. I’m aware that surface rust is nothing to be concerned about but when the steel starts to rot, that is my concern but you might be right.
@@chadmyles-theclevelandcyclist Underside of a car isn't painted, nor is it sealed. It's also made with very different steel than a bike frame. Most of today's bikes are ED coated inside and out AND painted. Then, with proper use of grease on all threads, you have an additional seal against water incursion. I've been a bike mechanic for 25 years, and the only frames I've seen water in are frames that either were literally dunked in a lake or river, OR had a hose / pressure washer used on them, which speaks to the effectiveness of the grease seal.
I find myself gravitating to these style bikes as well… I sold my carbon stuff and now have 3 steely versions of something slightly different. That stem reminds me of the original dirt drops of the 80’s…super cool stuff :) how about showing the folks a la cabra 😉
Great review Russ! Was always interested in Tanglefoot, and very curious about the upcoming Sour Mash (more nimble?) My question: How does it compare to the VO Piolet? Seems to me there are some similarities ...
Basically any bike can handle gravel with wide enough tires and gear range. Rivendell figured that out 25 yrs ago, Surly took their idea and mass merchandised it; aka, “ been eating Rivendell’s lunch” ever since; and now everyone is on the “gravel/ through hole/hydraulic disc brake/dropper bar/ one crank fixation. Want great value: buy a 3 yr old bike rarely used; same scenario for cars & trucks. $$$ you save will amaze you.
Great review, Russ! I am curious -- how would you compare it to the new Kona Sutra 2x? In 2022 they've made a small step towards their ULTD with a slight geometry change and running a GRX400 instead of the 3x they still have on the touring model (now SE). Making a kinda touringish-gravel-not-quite-a-mountain bike. I guess, in general I am interested in your take on the 2x Sutra, 46/30 w a 11-36t cassette modifiable to 11-40. Thank you for the content!
Gravell Plus? and still no mention of the Fargo? I love your channel and you cover so many bikes in the "party pace space", that the poor Fargo feels excluded.
Nice bike and nice review, BUT 2 things got my ATTENTION pedal/ground (so short ,at least on video) Brake shifters/handlebar(short hands guy or a woman will be capable to hold the brakes? Thanks
The Hardtack has one of the highest bottom brackets out there for a rigid ATB bike, over 12" with 2.6" tires, higher still with 2.8's. Pedal strikes are pretty much non-existent. With SRAM levers and Ritchey bars, you can really dial the levers back close to the bar for all but the smallest hands.
How does it compare to the Tumbleweed Stargazer? Has the "longer" front, leading to less toe overlap, any negatives? I feel that many bikes are too long for their riders, as you showed in you bike fitting video. I feel that Gravel Plus, or anything above 50mm, has the problem of tire choice. Then again, rarely are such wide tires optimal, they just look cool. :) I am hesitant to put 2.2" tires on my Stargazer. 😅 PS I've been wondering why this kind of bike is not the most common and relatively cheap offroad bike sold and I am glad that there are at least a couple of models of this type now.
1) lighter and more nimble than the stargazer 2) front center refers to where the front axle lands and not necessarily increase in reach. It fits like your regular bike the wheel is just further out.
@@PathLessPedaledTV thanks and to be more clear about my tire width comment: I meant that I like my 2.5 semislicks, and I compared wide tires to actual suspension, which was just a bad comparison, I do like my simple rigid setup.
Sounds a bit like a dropbar surly bridge club - road, gravel, and a bit of chonk....or even, sounds a bit like a nineties mountain bike with drop bars and bigger wheels/tires......
I'll jump in. It depends on whether you want to compare the Hardtack to a Jones LWB or a Jones SWB. With the LWB, the 71 degree seat tube angles are the same, the front center is close, but the chainstay length is much shorter on the Hardtack. Lots of other variables, like the LWB having an extremely low BB, and the Hardtack having a very high BB.
How do you buy these bikes from non-mainstream manufacturers? Can you just wander into your LBS and order one, or so you need to buy direct online? I feel like a missing part of some of these reviews is how to actually get your hands on one.
For cyclists who don't want to be seen riding a mountain bike but want to ride a bike that performs as close to a rigid XC bike 🙄 Drop bars were supposed to be aero. I don't see the reason why drop bars should be on off road bikes unless these bikes run at 30+kmh on average.
Drop bars have been on touring bikes and mountain bikes for decades so they’ve got benefits beyond aerodynamics. And since rigid xc bikes haven’t been built since the early 90’s and we’re a blast to ride - ya, duh.
"Gravel Plus" is a solid description for this bike. As my use case shifted from "trying to race gravel" to "long bikepacking trips and exploration", I traded in my plastic gravel bike for a bubblegum pink Hardtack and have been loving it. Mine's got a dropper with 27.5" wide ID rims and 2.6" mtb tires for shreddier terrain, and 700c carbon hoops with 55mm tires for gravel mode. Capability and long-mile comfort are the name of the game with it.
Love mine with 27.5 2.8. I'm curious what it feels like with a 29er wheelset and a lighter tire tho also.
is it possible to put front derailleur on your bike? I like both Hardtack and Ghost Grappler but do need FD
@@justdude8115 yes believe it is. contact James at analog he'll give you more info on that.
@@justdude8115 If this isn't too late to confirm... I set my HT up 2x11. The FD wasn't really a hassle at all. It's a Shimano/Microshift mixed setup but it works well for my area and riding. XT M8000 Long cage RD, GRX FD, 11-42 Cassette, 44-28 Chainrings, Microshift barends. Will work with 105 shifters and a TanPan too.
A big thanks for continuing to review interesting bikes that I've never heard of. This seems to have a bit of everything which I'm drawn to. Do it all, comfortable and functional for varied terrain. Awesome.
I got a Hardtack in February and although it took some getting used to, I think it's perfect for me. Comfortable on long days, climbs very well and is well suited for bikepacking in varied surfaces. I got the 27.5 wheelset with 2.4 mtb tires and a 700 wheelset with 50 mm tires. James and Candice have a winner here.
Did you get it as a complete or frame?
@@cattalkbmx I got it complete. I love this thing.
So glad to see analog getting some love! Such great folks to deal with and their design sensibility is par excellence in all regards.
Russ - thanks for your channel. I was looking to transition over to party pace just didn't know it had a name. Have learned a lot and just bought a Hardtack from James. Loving the ride and the way the bike handles our eastern NY/VT roads and trails. I've never ridden, and especially climbed, in the drops so comfortably on all kinds of terrain. And you are right about descending!
If that bike geometry was anymore relaxed it would need an internally geared rear hub, full chain case, fenders and swept back bars, for that modern off-road roadster look!
Generative design is honestly such an amazing innovation. A friend of mine actually worked on developing it at Autodesk a few years back
Ah, I worked at Autodesk for 10 years. Left in 2007.
Russ! I can't stop thinking about the Hardtack. I've watched your review probably a dozen times. I'm pretty sure it's going to be my next ATB. I'd love to get your thoughts on its ideal setup and how the handling changes from 700 to 27.5, drops v. Alt bars, etc. I've been reading through James' thoughts on fit and purpose and it's really resonating with me. Thank you for doing these reviews and exposing these cool brands.
My moonshiner was such a surprise when I built it up, really am digging the stable and planted feel it has, James I think nailed these bikes well
my wife has a hardtack the thing is awesome, similar to my kona sutra ultd but lighter and just as capable. Oh and we ride 60% gravel, 20% singletrack / wood roads and 20% pavement
I can sort of relate when you said the corduroy tape was comforting. An old Trek I owned had the texture of the underside of a mushroom. It didn't increase grip that much but just felt good ...give your fingers something interesting to feel.
I would think that corduroy would trap a lot of dirt and bacteria over time though.
How does it compare with a Salsa Fargo?
Sweet bike! I’ll def keep running my 1985 Ascent 💕
I definitely recommend their decision to go with a fork with 63mm of rake! I have a 2021 Fargo that I built up. I replaced the stock carbon fork with a custom TI fork with 64mm rake which I specified. Given the Fargo has the same 69 deg HT angle I suspect the steering will be very similar to the Hardtack. I feel that a lot of production forks in this category simply use the same rake as what suspension forks use without thinking that there may be much better choices.
Who made your titanium fork?
@@davidross8233 Oh yes, I had a custom TI front rack made as well - a mini-rack of sorts.
@@watertankhikes I have the design for the fork FYI if you are interested in checking it out.
@@herbertharris6406 I just bought a new Hardtack frame, so I won't be needing a new Ti fork now, thanks.
Great review. Especially the last parts comparing to “similar bikes”. Really want to try out a bike like this to see how different it rides next to my gravel bike. Bet I’d love it for long chill adventure rides.
Good review Russ. Everyone is looking for that do-it-all unicorn bike for all road and all circumstances. I just ordered my stargazer as I am leaning towards more chunky bike packing.
Great review and nice looking bike! that said, these bike manufacturers really need to start and address the now all too common cable brakes and rear brake mount interface. Almost all of them have the upward facing exit to the calliper which is perfect for water ingress. No problem for hydraullics, BIG problem for cables!!!!
Looks and sounds a lot like my Surly Straggler. Which is an awesome ride!!
I prefer gravel+ over drop-bar mtb, something like the redwood that has similar-ish geo to things like the caynon grail or giant revolt but with some chonkers on it
Tanglefoot had one of the more interesting displays at the Philly Bike Expo this past year. Also, tan sidewalls always look killer..
Mid-watch I'd started typing out a question about whether it was similar to the Ritchey Ascent, and then I thought, "I bet Russ is gonna mention something about that," so I waited, and lo & behold. That said, they do look similar on Bike Insights :D.
Hardtack versus Ritchey Ascent - both are giving off similar vibes but the front end of the hardtack is kind of wild!
Similar vibes but very different bikes. The Ritchey will have toe overlap in all but the largest sizes. It has a much lower bottom bracket, which is fine for road but sub optimal for gnar. Less stack height, so the Ritchey has lower bars given the same amount of headset spacers. Steeper head angle, so if you want that road bike feel, really the ritchey is your jam. If you want to shred off road, gravel or mtb, you want slacker, but not crazy slack, and that's the hardtack.
This genre sounds the same as Monster Cross, which has been around for a while. Setup my Surly Ogre similar to this, drops with old fsa cx chainset.
I’ve been really intrigued about this “category” of bike lately. Have you considered trying to review the Hudski Doggler? Really interested in adding that or something similar to the stable.
Only problem for some newer MTB frames is the inability to mount bigger front chainrings
Good review. Looks comfy.
I took a 70000 yen Giant aluminum hybrid with 27.5s and linear brakes, shortened the stem, slapped some Ibera and Minoura racks on and put Kenda moped tires on the feet. Thing handles offroad and tarmac like a champ loaded or slick. Way too many specialized bikes for me to keep up with, but I like this setup. I'll need to offload a few of my other rides if I want to check this out. Appreciate the review on this one. It might be time to purchase an actual gravel bike.
NICE! I have been dreaming of a bike like this.... Looks kind of like the "Amigo bikes bugout" or "Blue Collar bikes nigel 650g".... A road-going MTB basically. I would shred this bike.
Excellent review. Thanks for bringing this to our attention. Very interesting in many ways.
I am really digging those handlebars and the tire clearance. The steel frame concerns me because if I was to purchase the bike it would be primarily for winter riding and I tend to ride in all weather conditions. But, I have gotten better at cleaning my bikes. I’ve ridden the Topstone through two winters and I’m not experiencing any major issues with the bike.
Vermont has effectively 6 months of winter. Steel bikes do fine here unless you strip off the paint, the ED coating on the inside, spray them with salt, and then rub off the rust and let them rust again. There’s a reason there are millions of 25-50 year old steel bikes still on the road. Steel is resilient. Rust is a scab, not a thing to be scared off. We have a bridge in town from 1913. Pre WWI. There is no one alive that old. It’s steel. Every year it gets salt dumped on it. The driving surface is steel. In 2021 they closed it to cars. Why? The concrete pillars holding it up crumbled. Not because the steel rusted out.
@@analogcycles8608 when I was growing up I’ve seen how water and road salt can completely destroy the undercarriage of a car. I’m aware that surface rust is nothing to be concerned about but when the steel starts to rot, that is my concern but you might be right.
@@chadmyles-theclevelandcyclist Underside of a car isn't painted, nor is it sealed. It's also made with very different steel than a bike frame. Most of today's bikes are ED coated inside and out AND painted. Then, with proper use of grease on all threads, you have an additional seal against water incursion. I've been a bike mechanic for 25 years, and the only frames I've seen water in are frames that either were literally dunked in a lake or river, OR had a hose / pressure washer used on them, which speaks to the effectiveness of the grease seal.
I find myself gravitating to these style bikes as well… I sold my carbon stuff and now have 3 steely versions of something slightly different. That stem reminds me of the original dirt drops of the 80’s…super cool stuff :) how about showing the folks a la cabra 😉
I’ve emailed Mike once a year for the last three years to test a bike but no luck.
Great review Russ! Was always interested in Tanglefoot, and very curious about the upcoming Sour Mash (more nimble?)
My question: How does it compare to the VO Piolet?
Seems to me there are some similarities ...
Great review and insights as always Russ.
Dang Russ. Now I have bike want. Really dig the Analog cycles groove.
great content, wish you two all the best!
How does it compare to Marin 4 Corners. It has a similar frame profile, but even more lax angles.
Such a strange bike. Cool! I've never heard of this brand until now.
I’m not really a fan of drops but I’m drawn to this beast.
Basically any bike can handle gravel with wide enough tires and gear range. Rivendell figured that out 25 yrs ago, Surly took their idea and mass merchandised it; aka, “ been eating Rivendell’s lunch” ever since; and now everyone is on the “gravel/ through hole/hydraulic disc brake/dropper bar/ one crank fixation.
Want great value: buy a 3 yr old bike rarely used; same scenario for cars & trucks. $$$ you save will amaze you.
Side stance: Straight-up reminded me of a Stooge frameset.
A Salsa Fargo 1st gen. came to my mind.
Hi, what was the bar tape? it looked cool..
Great review, Russ! I am curious -- how would you compare it to the new Kona Sutra 2x?
In 2022 they've made a small step towards their ULTD with a slight geometry change and running a GRX400 instead of the 3x they still have on the touring model (now SE). Making a kinda touringish-gravel-not-quite-a-mountain bike.
I guess, in general I am interested in your take on the 2x Sutra, 46/30 w a 11-36t cassette modifiable to 11-40.
Thank you for the content!
Lighter and more nimble than the ULTD.
The shop is still there! The couple still have their yurt and they use the sugar shack to host rides and after parties
Do you have any info on who makes those bar wraps? Corded pants texture…
Gravell Plus? and still no mention of the Fargo? I love your channel and you cover so many bikes in the "party pace space", that the poor Fargo feels excluded.
I’ve asked to review it. They never send it 🤷🏽♂️
Whats the bar tape model/brand?
Thanks!
Nice bike and nice review, BUT 2 things got my ATTENTION
pedal/ground (so short ,at least on video)
Brake shifters/handlebar(short hands guy or a woman will be capable to hold the brakes?
Thanks
The Hardtack has one of the highest bottom brackets out there for a rigid ATB bike, over 12" with 2.6" tires, higher still with 2.8's. Pedal strikes are pretty much non-existent. With SRAM levers and Ritchey bars, you can really dial the levers back close to the bar for all but the smallest hands.
Funniest thing is I couldn't wait to upgrade my rigid bike 25 years ago.
Think we have enough sub-genres thanks very much.
Reminds me a lot of my Cinelli Hobootleg Geo
What if I just put that stem and a Ridgid fork on my trek Marlin 29er? Geo matches up pretty close
The geo is not very close.
@@PathLessPedaledTV thank you
I know Analog Cycles is all about 1X shifting - my question - has anyone setup a Tanglefoot 2X?
yes, they have.
I did. I used an XTR side swing FD. It looks weird, but it shifts great.
This bike has an almost identical geometry to a BMC Hardtail cross-country bike.
New subscriber enjoy all your videos hope Laura is doing well.
How does it compare to the Tumbleweed Stargazer? Has the "longer" front, leading to less toe overlap, any negatives? I feel that many bikes are too long for their riders, as you showed in you bike fitting video. I feel that Gravel Plus, or anything above 50mm, has the problem of tire choice. Then again, rarely are such wide tires optimal, they just look cool. :) I am hesitant to put 2.2" tires on my Stargazer. 😅
PS I've been wondering why this kind of bike is not the most common and relatively cheap offroad bike sold and I am glad that there are at least a couple of models of this type now.
1) lighter and more nimble than the stargazer 2) front center refers to where the front axle lands and not necessarily increase in reach. It fits like your regular bike the wheel is just further out.
@@PathLessPedaledTV thanks and to be more clear about my tire width comment: I meant that I like my 2.5 semislicks, and I compared wide tires to actual suspension, which was just a bad comparison, I do like my simple rigid setup.
Sounds a bit like a dropbar surly bridge club - road, gravel, and a bit of chonk....or even, sounds a bit like a nineties mountain bike with drop bars and bigger wheels/tires......
A true Vermont ATB, call it a class 4 road bike
Are those rever brakes dual piston? I read somewhere they are made by the same company as Jagwire.
Yes they are. Rever makes rotors for Jagwire, amongst others. They're basically a beefed up TRP brake, in a good way.
In my opinion it looks closest to the Sutra LTD
What handlebar bag was on the bike during your review?
Jammer Bag by Roadrunner.
What's the point of such tall drop bars? For this posture i think flat bars with inner bar ends would be a lot more comfortable, pratical and safer.
I don’t know how flat bars with inner bar ends is safer?
Rus how did you feel like this compares to a Jones bike?
I'll jump in. It depends on whether you want to compare the Hardtack to a Jones LWB or a Jones SWB. With the LWB, the 71 degree seat tube angles are the same, the front center is close, but the chainstay length is much shorter on the Hardtack. Lots of other variables, like the LWB having an extremely low BB, and the Hardtack having a very high BB.
I think this is my new touring bike
We're coming full circle to old school mtbs :D
Yes. But less crappy.
Good review Russ. What a handlebar?
Ritchey Venture Max
@@analogcycles8608 thnks
I think that this bike is begging for a set of alt bars.
Do you have any experience with the Surly Bridge Club? Seems similar….
I was gonna say the new Ghost Grappler, but this sounds a lot lighter.
I described my bridge club as gravel plus when I ran the stock 2.4 inch tyres
I thought the same, kind of a drop bar bridge club
60mm difference in the front center, 2 degree STA difference, 15 mm chainstay length difference. Not similar at all.
How do you buy these bikes from non-mainstream manufacturers? Can you just wander into your LBS and order one, or so you need to buy direct online? I feel like a missing part of some of these reviews is how to actually get your hands on one.
Go to website and buy it?
How much does a build like this cost?
Frameset is 880. This build is prob 3k.
@@PathLessPedaledTV Thanks!
Gravel Plus - YES
So dope 🔥
Cro-Mo ... er no? (Couldn't find it on the website, maybe I'm blind.)
butted chromoly.
I thought you said no more 1x ?????????
It’s not my personal bike. I don’t have control of what people send in to review. 🤷🏽♂️
How did you like the tires?
Gravel Plus it is a old thing Fargo
I just checked their website, didn't see a price. I guess, if I have to ask, I can't afford it. LoL
$880 frameset.
@@PathLessPedaledTV WOW, thanks!
Not far from Ritchey 's Ascent...
Except for a 40+ mm difference in the front center, different HTA, STA, and other design criteria.
Yesssssssssah
are bikes weird or the people who ride them??
No. They're all adventure bikes, just for bigger or smaller adventures.
😃👍
For cyclists who don't want to be seen riding a mountain bike but want to ride a bike that performs as close to a rigid XC bike 🙄
Drop bars were supposed to be aero. I don't see the reason why drop bars should be on off road bikes unless these bikes run at 30+kmh on average.
Drop bars have more advantages than just being aero.
Drop bars have been on touring bikes and mountain bikes for decades so they’ve got benefits beyond aerodynamics. And since rigid xc bikes haven’t been built since the early 90’s and we’re a blast to ride - ya, duh.
how can this be better than a mtb?
It doesn’t have that overly slack mountain bike handling in the front.
so basically a roadbike with mtb tires.... nuf said...
@@berealistic sure. If road bikes had long front centers, long chain stays and built around short stems. All of which they are not.
@@PathLessPedaledTV man you got a lot to deal wit in these comments Rus. hahaa