Done it in 2017. It was awesome! I did it on a sonder broken road aswell, Not a pinion one tho. With all alpkit bags. No dramas with my bike or the kit. Had a tyre change halfway. An a couple of punctures. But other then that there was no big issues with the bike. Amazing experience. Good luck 👍
I have the Broken Road with a derailleur and 29er wheels since 2019. They fitted it with a rear rack and Jones bars - they are so flexible in their builds. Highly recommended.
Enjoyed the honesty and the real adventure of your plan. I have subscribed and I hope to see some of the adventure or the whole thing if you decide to ride it all. I guess that will all play out in the near future. thanks
Just ordered the broken road pinion 🎉... would love a vid about the pinion/ changing and tightening belt ect ? Only if you have time Mat, as your probably out on an adventure 🙂 Keep giving great content mate and thanks for all the past tips ( wife says you've cost her a fortune with my new bike ) 😁 All the very best Andy & Laura
Hi. Sorry Laura! I'll look into a belt video when I get back. Bear in mind I was adjusting it wrongly on the Divide which caused it to pop off a couple of times. I may not be the best guide. Cheers.
100% get a sit-bone fitting! Best thing I did for a fitting I think. Saddles are very personal, but you can't really go wrong with a Brooks C17 Cambium.
@@matryderadventures Just found your channel, I've had the broken road pinion since last June, I've done about 4k miles on it so far. I also use the Brooks C17
Or the B17 which I prefer as it breathes and moulds to your shape better. It seems to be the no 1 choice for long-distance riders. Just make sure it doesn't get soaked or at least if it does wait until it dries before riding it.
Perfect bike for the GDMBR. I watched a video of Ryan Van Duzer riding his designed Priority 600X in which the carbon belt broke. Perhaps carrying a spare on such an epic journey might be a good idea. Cheers 👍
Thanks. I think I've made the right choice. I have a 'small gear items for the GDMBR' video coming out this week and you'll see I that I have a spare belt. I saw Ryan Van Duzers video too and came to the same conclusion. I'd definitely appreciate your input on the new video once it's out 👍
And watch to the end I did..... all I can say about saddles is my thong covers more than your saddle does! 🤣🤣. Awesome bike, you obviously you like a simple easy life including the quick trip to Costa on route home no doubt. I know more about bikes now than I ever imagined I would in 18 mins. My childhood included many hours on a pink tricycle, no titanium frames, carbon weave thingys or Good Year tyres! They are better than the ones on my car. Good luck on your travels.🍀
I picked up my Priority 600X about a year or so ago. The biggest change I made to the bike was putting on the Moloko handlebars and the 29x3.0 tubeless tires. I'm amazed with this drivetrain. I wasn't aware of the rig you bought or I may have given that one a look. That looks like one awesome bikepacking rig. Thank you for sharing.
Cheers. The Priority 600x looks like a really nice bike. I came across the Pinion gearbox watching Ryan Van Duzer. I definitely would have bought one but the vat and duty charges to get it to the UK were crazy. I would love to put 3.0" tyres on mine. I imagine yours has a really smooth ride with those and the front suspension. I'll definitely go tubeless.
No way?? You can fit 29x3.0 on the 600X?? I knew the fork would take a 3.0 all day long, but I never would've guessed the rear triangle would take it. How much clearing do you have on each side of the chainstays and seatstays?
Not much clearance ( I didn't measure ) but it works for me with the 29x3 WTB Ranger tires. I had it fully weighed down this summer and it didn't rub that I could tell.@@asbjrnkristiansen429
Just found your channel. New subscriber here. Great video. I was going to buy the Priority 600x but I don't really care for an aluminum frame. Ti is probably the best material for a frame. So cool I found your video's. I never heard of Sonders. But I've already checked them out. Right now I have my Surly Ogre and Bridge Club.
I would have looked at an Ogre if I lived in the US. Great bike. I am very pleased with my Sonder. I'd recommend it. I've had no problems so far and am.about 6 or 700 miles into the GDMBR.
Thanks for the info. I just got their Ti Camino on bike to work scheme. Unfortunately this would be too expensive to get on bike to work scheme I think, unless there is a way to buy the frame separately and build it up. I'm 53 and going to early retire at 55 and start doing similar stuff round the world. Good luck. Graham, Sheffield
I'm not exactly sure how bike to work works to be honest. I would like a Camino Ti for road riding but have to be sensible. It looks like a really nice bike. Sadly, another bike would be a bit excessive at the moment. Thanks for following! 👍
@@matryderadventures bike to work scheme is just paying for a bike over 12 monthly installments but the decuctions are made prior to tax and NI being taken. So possibly works out 30% ish cheaper (depending on your tax bracket). But there's a max limit of £2500. It's a no brainer if you fancy a bike under £2500. Yours Looks a lovely bike. Good luck with your travels.
Thanks! 30% is a decent saving. I'll look into it once I'm back. Maybe I will end up with a Camino. Hope you have some interesting rides planned. I'm sure you've seen Keep Smiling Adventures channel. He seems to really like his Camino.
Hi Matt, thanks for all the info and humour your channels brings. Love the gear feedback. Im waiting to demo a beoken road, hope you dont mind a coupe of questions. Did Sonder supply and fit the rigid forks and velo orange bars? Other question is around the Pinion, what speed do you reckon the tòp gear would spin out at on the flat, not loaded up? Cause i will do a mix of road/Off road riding. Keep up the fun adventures. Cheers Pete
Thanks for watching. Sonder we're out of stock of their carbon forks so I had the forks sent directly to Sonder but bought them myself from another supplier. They fitted them for me. I would have gone with their forks if they had them. It would have been a lot cheaper. I fitted the Velo bars myself. As for the top speed question, I'm not 100% sure but will check next time I'm out and let you know. Cheers 👍
Hello again Mat, glad to see your adventure is going well, got another quick question about your bike build again, did you just buy the frame from sonder and add your forks or did they add those with the whole bike? only ask because the broken road only comes with 2 types of suspension options when customising online their site. Cheers and loving the latest vids! good luck, dont forget to come out to Iceland at some point!
Hi. Good to hear from you again. I bought the entire bike from Sonder. I emailed them directly and requested a quotation based on the rigid fork. They are very helpful and will quote you for any configuration. I've called them a few times too and they're very responsive. Ill definitely get out to Iceland at some point in the near future 👍👍
It is the 1.5 litre. It's big but I don't find it to be too big. They all flop around a bit. I wouldn't go smaller. I think the new Tailfin one looks good but is obviously expensive.
I measured from the ground to the top of the top tube at approximately half way along the top tube. If you email me at matryder2@gmail.com I can send you a picture if it helps.
did you order a standard size from Sonder or did you get it fully fitted a customized to your liking? If so how was that process? I'm currently deciding between this and the 600x. Great video good luck with the trip. Will follow your progress. Cheers
Thanks for following. I ordered a standard size. It just so happened that a large frame was perfect. Additionally, I'm not technically savvy so I don't think I could have suggested any meaningful changes. I can say that they gave me the opportunity to speak with the bike designer to discuss customising the frame but can't comment on the process. The whole team there were really good. Even though there were a couple of delays they kept me up to date and couldn't have been more helpful. I'd recommend them. The 600x is a really nice bike though!!! Tough choice.
@@matryderadventuresHi again Mat, spoken to Sonder and they expect medium large pinion models in around July again. Im somewhere at the end of medium / beginning of large for a stock frame. Could I ask how tall you are and inseam for your Large frame choice? Know its a bit of a weird one haha.
@@teddylott 🤣 no problem. I'm 5 foot 10". I have a 32" in seam. I'm very happy with the large frame. All of the advice I found suggested I size up and I'm glad I did. If you live anywhere close to Ipswich let me know. I'd be happy to meet up and you can give mine a try. Any more questions just ask 👍
@@matryderadventures ah fantastic well maybe I too will go for the large frame. Always good to get feedback from people who have actually ridden and not go straight from the size chart. I’m actually a long way from the Norfolk area these days, very kind of you to offer though. living in Iceland at the moment so need a solid bike for some extended trips into the middle of nowhere. If you ever find yourself out this way for a bike trip let me know! Cheers and look forward to watching more on your channel.
Sorry. I forgot 🙄. I just measured it and I get 82cm. Any higher and I'd have a problem and I'm 5'10"ish. Hope that helps. If you want any more measurements just let me know.
Hi. I decided to do the GDMBR around July 2022. I was definitely inspired by Ryan Van Duzer. I was planning on hiking the PCT but knew I wouldn't have the time so decided on going for a long ride instead. I'm glad it worked out.
@@matryderadventures Thank you, Mat 🙏 Yes indeed it worked out 🙂 Okay, I discovered Ryans channel just 5 or 6 weeks prior to your decision. He was the first to open my eyes to bike packing. Later I discovered Darren Alff (The Bike Touring Pro), who has now retired from bike touring. Next up was Matthew Tolley , founder of the YT-channel MatthewNorway and the now 6 months old Cycle Norway website. If you wanna bike pack Norway, his web is THE source to everything you would wanna know. Then I found your channel 3 months ago and I'm a huge fan. I've watched your GDMBR series 3 times already 😋 That's crazy 🤣 But it's that good 👌👌 Thank you so much to you and Ross for putting up such great content. Keep going strong, love it.
Thanks. This will be a first for me. I'm planning on packing it in a cardboard bike box and checking it in as oversize luggage. It seems pretty straightforward. I may buy a proper hard case once I've finished the route for the return journey.
I'm seriously thinking about getting this set up ,but it's mainly based on its weight compared to my Surly Ogre with a Rohloff , Sonder can't tel me ? So would you know what the weight is just for a rough idea .Sonder only do one picture of this bike & considering the cost isn't helping .
Hi. I'm planning on filming a video about packing the bike up for flying tomorrow so will strip the bags off and weigh it. I'll let you know the weight once that's done.
Hi. I've weighed the bike. Without the seatpost, seat, pedals or wheels. it's 8kg. That includes handlebars (Velo Orange Crazy bars) and forks (Whisky number 9 boost). Hope that helps. My wheels aren't here at the moment. If you want me to weigh them let me know. I'll have them on Thursday.
Are those Sonder wheels? If so you should buy a nice wheelset before your trip, maybe a carbon set. I’ve changed my Sonder wheels as they appear cheap for a reason. They did not last long I would also consider changing the dynamo hub to a SON 28 one, as these are super reliable, I’ve had the cheaper versions and it failed and the bearings failed.
They are Sonder wheels. They're the Sonder Alpha. I'll look into carbon wheels but I might have to get through this trip first. I've sort of maxed out my budget. I've heard good things about the SON dynamo hubs. Again, I'll switch it out if I can get the cash together. Thanks for the advice.
@@matryderadventures I rode the Bcepic1000 last year as a warm up for the Tour divide this year but last November broke my collar bone and 5 broken ribs, and did my ligament as well so it's 2024 have fun. Rubber side down.
Mat, I love your kind of humor. Enjoy watching your experience on this tour!
Thanks. That's always nice to hear. Thanks for watching 👍
I found your channel through the full GDMBR full video and I've been hooked since. You have great humour! Keep them coming!
Thanks. That's nice to hear. I'll keep the videos coming. I'll be out on the TransAm soon. Thanks for the support 👍
Done it in 2017. It was awesome! I did it on a sonder broken road aswell, Not a pinion one tho. With all alpkit bags. No dramas with my bike or the kit. Had a tyre change halfway. An a couple of punctures. But other then that there was no big issues with the bike. Amazing experience. Good luck 👍
I can't wait to get out there.
I have the Broken Road with a derailleur and 29er wheels since 2019. They fitted it with a rear rack and Jones bars - they are so flexible in their builds. Highly recommended.
I'm very happy with mine. I bet it rolls really well on 29" wheels. I have the 27.5" so I can go wider but I would.like a set of 29's too.
Enjoyed the honesty and the real adventure of your plan. I have subscribed and I hope to see some of the adventure or the whole thing if you decide to ride it all. I guess that will all play out in the near future. thanks
Thanks Ali. Thanks for subscribing. I'm planning on riding the whole thing. I love the idea of people following along 👍
Just ordered the broken road pinion 🎉... would love a vid about the pinion/ changing and tightening belt ect ? Only if you have time Mat, as your probably out on an adventure 🙂
Keep giving great content mate and thanks for all the past tips ( wife says you've cost her a fortune with my new bike ) 😁
All the very best Andy & Laura
Hi. Sorry Laura! I'll look into a belt video when I get back. Bear in mind I was adjusting it wrongly on the Divide which caused it to pop off a couple of times. I may not be the best guide. Cheers.
@matryderadventures yes ! All your experiences make for a more interesting guide. Good look out there Mat. Stay safe
100% get a sit-bone fitting! Best thing I did for a fitting I think. Saddles are very personal, but you can't really go wrong with a Brooks C17 Cambium.
Thanks Ryk. I'll go and get a fitting. I'll take a look at the Brooks C17 too. Cheers.
@@matryderadventures Just found your channel, I've had the broken road pinion since last June, I've done about 4k miles on it so far. I also use the Brooks C17
4k miles. You must have been on some good trips. I ordered the C17 earlier today. I'm looking forward to trying it out. Thanks for watching 👍
Or the B17 which I prefer as it breathes and moulds to your shape better. It seems to be the no 1 choice for long-distance riders. Just make sure it doesn't get soaked or at least if it does wait until it dries before riding it.
Perfect bike for the GDMBR. I watched a video of Ryan Van Duzer riding his designed Priority 600X in which the carbon belt broke. Perhaps carrying a spare on such an epic journey might be a good idea. Cheers 👍
Thanks. I think I've made the right choice. I have a 'small gear items for the GDMBR' video coming out this week and you'll see I that I have a spare belt. I saw Ryan Van Duzers video too and came to the same conclusion. I'd definitely appreciate your input on the new video once it's out 👍
And watch to the end I did..... all I can say about saddles is my thong covers more than your saddle does! 🤣🤣.
Awesome bike, you obviously you like a simple easy life including the quick trip to Costa on route home no doubt.
I know more about bikes now than I ever imagined I would in 18 mins. My childhood included many hours on a pink tricycle, no titanium frames, carbon weave thingys or Good Year tyres! They are better than the ones on my car.
Good luck on your travels.🍀
🤣 Get another tricycle!!!!
Love the bike , on my wish list . All the best with your adventure. Subscribed !
Excellent. Thanks!!
I picked up my Priority 600X about a year or so ago. The biggest change I made to the bike was putting on the Moloko handlebars and the 29x3.0 tubeless tires. I'm amazed with this drivetrain. I wasn't aware of the rig you bought or I may have given that one a look. That looks like one awesome bikepacking rig. Thank you for sharing.
Cheers. The Priority 600x looks like a really nice bike. I came across the Pinion gearbox watching Ryan Van Duzer. I definitely would have bought one but the vat and duty charges to get it to the UK were crazy. I would love to put 3.0" tyres on mine. I imagine yours has a really smooth ride with those and the front suspension. I'll definitely go tubeless.
No way?? You can fit 29x3.0 on the 600X?? I knew the fork would take a 3.0 all day long, but I never would've guessed the rear triangle would take it. How much clearing do you have on each side of the chainstays and seatstays?
Not much clearance ( I didn't measure ) but it works for me with the 29x3 WTB Ranger tires. I had it fully weighed down this summer and it didn't rub that I could tell.@@asbjrnkristiansen429
I didn't know that either. I thought you could fit 27.5" x 3" but not 29. I'm surprised.
Just found your channel. New subscriber here. Great video. I was going to buy the Priority 600x but I don't really care for an aluminum frame. Ti is probably the best material for a frame. So cool I found your video's. I never heard of Sonders. But I've already checked them out. Right now I have my Surly Ogre and Bridge Club.
I would have looked at an Ogre if I lived in the US. Great bike. I am very pleased with my Sonder. I'd recommend it. I've had no problems so far and am.about 6 or 700 miles into the GDMBR.
@@matryderadventures Cool on your adventure and videos. I'll go back and watch them all. Thank you for sharing them with all of us. 🚵♂️👍
Thanks for the info. I just got their Ti Camino on bike to work scheme. Unfortunately this would be too expensive to get on bike to work scheme I think, unless there is a way to buy the frame separately and build it up. I'm 53 and going to early retire at 55 and start doing similar stuff round the world. Good luck. Graham, Sheffield
I'm not exactly sure how bike to work works to be honest. I would like a Camino Ti for road riding but have to be sensible. It looks like a really nice bike. Sadly, another bike would be a bit excessive at the moment. Thanks for following! 👍
@@matryderadventures bike to work scheme is just paying for a bike over 12 monthly installments but the decuctions are made prior to tax and NI being taken. So possibly works out 30% ish cheaper (depending on your tax bracket). But there's a max limit of £2500. It's a no brainer if you fancy a bike under £2500. Yours Looks a lovely bike. Good luck with your travels.
Thanks! 30% is a decent saving. I'll look into it once I'm back. Maybe I will end up with a Camino. Hope you have some interesting rides planned. I'm sure you've seen Keep Smiling Adventures channel. He seems to really like his Camino.
Hi Matt, thanks for all the info and humour your channels brings. Love the gear feedback. Im waiting to demo a beoken road, hope you dont mind a coupe of questions. Did Sonder supply and fit the rigid forks and velo orange bars? Other question is around the Pinion, what speed do you reckon the tòp gear would spin out at on the flat, not loaded up? Cause i will do a mix of road/Off road riding. Keep up the fun adventures. Cheers Pete
Thanks for watching. Sonder we're out of stock of their carbon forks so I had the forks sent directly to Sonder but bought them myself from another supplier. They fitted them for me. I would have gone with their forks if they had them. It would have been a lot cheaper. I fitted the Velo bars myself. As for the top speed question, I'm not 100% sure but will check next time I'm out and let you know. Cheers 👍
@@matryderadventures thanks Mat
Hello again Mat, glad to see your adventure is going well, got another quick question about your bike build again, did you just buy the frame from sonder and add your forks or did they add those with the whole bike? only ask because the broken road only comes with 2 types of suspension options when customising online their site. Cheers and loving the latest vids! good luck, dont forget to come out to Iceland at some point!
Hi. Good to hear from you again. I bought the entire bike from Sonder. I emailed them directly and requested a quotation based on the rigid fork. They are very helpful and will quote you for any configuration. I've called them a few times too and they're very responsive. Ill definitely get out to Iceland at some point in the near future 👍👍
@@matryderadventures ok fantastic thanks Mat!
Hi, how are finding the Alpkit top tube bag. Is it the 1.5 l? Looks massive. Would you go smaller next time or same size again?
It is the 1.5 litre. It's big but I don't find it to be too big. They all flop around a bit. I wouldn't go smaller. I think the new Tailfin one looks good but is obviously expensive.
Hi Mat, much appreciated Where did you measure from and to? I just want to do as close a comparison to my current bike
I measured from the ground to the top of the top tube at approximately half way along the top tube. If you email me at matryder2@gmail.com I can send you a picture if it helps.
@@matryderadventures email sent Mat cheers
did you order a standard size from Sonder or did you get it fully fitted a customized to your liking? If so how was that process? I'm currently deciding between this and the 600x. Great video good luck with the trip. Will follow your progress. Cheers
Thanks for following. I ordered a standard size. It just so happened that a large frame was perfect. Additionally, I'm not technically savvy so I don't think I could have suggested any meaningful changes. I can say that they gave me the opportunity to speak with the bike designer to discuss customising the frame but can't comment on the process. The whole team there were really good. Even though there were a couple of delays they kept me up to date and couldn't have been more helpful. I'd recommend them. The 600x is a really nice bike though!!! Tough choice.
@@matryderadventures ah great to know thank you. Very tough indeed.
@@matryderadventuresHi again Mat, spoken to Sonder and they expect medium large pinion models in around July again. Im somewhere at the end of medium / beginning of large for a stock frame. Could I ask how tall you are and inseam for your Large frame choice? Know its a bit of a weird one haha.
@@teddylott 🤣 no problem. I'm 5 foot 10". I have a 32" in seam. I'm very happy with the large frame. All of the advice I found suggested I size up and I'm glad I did. If you live anywhere close to Ipswich let me know. I'd be happy to meet up and you can give mine a try. Any more questions just ask 👍
@@matryderadventures ah fantastic well maybe I too will go for the large frame. Always good to get feedback from people who have actually ridden and not go straight from the size chart. I’m actually a long way from the Norfolk area these days, very kind of you to offer though. living in Iceland at the moment so need a solid bike for some extended trips into the middle of nowhere. If you ever find yourself out this way for a bike trip let me know! Cheers and look forward to watching more on your channel.
Hi Mat, what’s the stand over height on the L broken road.
Cheers 👍
Hi. I'm away until Saturday but will measure it and let you know when I get back. Cheers
Hi Mat,
Just wondering about the stand over height, did you get chance to measure it 👍
Sorry. I forgot 🙄. I just measured it and I get 82cm. Any higher and I'd have a problem and I'm 5'10"ish. Hope that helps. If you want any more measurements just let me know.
Hi Mat. when did you first decide to do the GDMBR and what and/or who inspired you?
Hi. I decided to do the GDMBR around July 2022. I was definitely inspired by Ryan Van Duzer. I was planning on hiking the PCT but knew I wouldn't have the time so decided on going for a long ride instead. I'm glad it worked out.
@@matryderadventures Thank you, Mat 🙏 Yes indeed it worked out 🙂 Okay, I discovered Ryans channel just 5 or 6 weeks prior to your decision. He was the first to open my eyes to bike packing. Later I discovered Darren Alff (The Bike Touring Pro), who has now retired from bike touring. Next up was Matthew Tolley , founder of the YT-channel MatthewNorway and the now 6 months old Cycle Norway website. If you wanna bike pack Norway, his web is THE source to everything you would wanna know. Then I found your channel 3 months ago and I'm a huge fan. I've watched your GDMBR series 3 times already 😋 That's crazy 🤣 But it's that good 👌👌 Thank you so much to you and Ross for putting up such great content. Keep going strong, love it.
Three times!!! Thanks 👍👍. I'm really happy that you've enjoyed these videos. I'll take a look at the other channels you've mentioned. Cheers 👍.
Add a flexible stem (vecnum) and you beat them all. No need for suspesionfork.
I just looked at their website. It looks amazing. I had no idea these existed. Thanks for letting me know 👍
Enjoying your videos. I was thinking while watching this one, is it an easy process to transport the bike across with you when you fly out?
Thanks. This will be a first for me. I'm planning on packing it in a cardboard bike box and checking it in as oversize luggage. It seems pretty straightforward. I may buy a proper hard case once I've finished the route for the return journey.
I'm seriously thinking about getting this set up ,but it's mainly based on its weight compared to my Surly Ogre with a Rohloff , Sonder can't tel me ? So would you know what the weight is just for a rough idea .Sonder only do one picture of this bike & considering the cost isn't helping .
Hi. I'm planning on filming a video about packing the bike up for flying tomorrow so will strip the bags off and weigh it. I'll let you know the weight once that's done.
@@matryderadventures Thank you ,& enjoy your trip .
Hi. I've weighed the bike. Without the seatpost, seat, pedals or wheels. it's 8kg. That includes handlebars (Velo Orange Crazy bars) and forks (Whisky number 9 boost). Hope that helps. My wheels aren't here at the moment. If you want me to weigh them let me know. I'll have them on Thursday.
@@matryderadventures Thank you .
Are those Sonder wheels? If so you should buy a nice wheelset before your trip, maybe a carbon set.
I’ve changed my Sonder wheels as they appear cheap for a reason. They did not last long
I would also consider changing the dynamo hub to a SON 28 one, as these are super reliable, I’ve had the cheaper versions and it failed and the bearings failed.
They are Sonder wheels. They're the Sonder Alpha. I'll look into carbon wheels but I might have to get through this trip first. I've sort of maxed out my budget. I've heard good things about the SON dynamo hubs. Again, I'll switch it out if I can get the cash together. Thanks for the advice.
I few out from lgw with westjet 45 kg max bike box weight happy days
Thanks. I'll look them up 👍👍
I just booked with WestJet. Thanks for the tip.
@@matryderadventures I rode the Bcepic1000 last year as a warm up for the Tour divide this year but last November broke my collar bone and 5 broken ribs, and did my ligament as well so it's 2024 have fun. Rubber side down.
@@arcoulant87 That's rough. Hope you heal up soon. Hopefully you'll get out to do it soon.
Where do you put your cash ?
Good question. I'm not sure but I won't carry much. I'll keep cash with my passport so it'll most likely be in a zip pocket on my person.
The bike is nice, but that pile of logs... Phwoooar..!!
You should start a wood burner channel.Bro.
@@matryderadventures I would if I was an attention seeking egomaniac too. :)
I am now a single child.