Gravel / Gravé / Gnarmac / Groad / ATB

And I also commute in birkenstocks. I feel attacked.

I’ll protect you

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We need to talk frames still...

I used to wear Birks with socks in the office when I worked at said brand and was mocked for it.

Then they made slides>>>>>>>>>>

Anyone tried 32mm gp5000 as a sort of all round but mostly road kind of tyre? I’ve got a set of knobblies if I’m mostly doing gravel or trails but want something quicker for tarmac.

spexcel?

I've got one on my rear wheel to replace a G one speed that had worn through.

Only ridden it once so far, but seemed pretty good. Was the easiest tubeless set up I've ever done, too - popped on no problem and sealed without any sealant in.

Please. RCC socks. I’m no longer a member however nobody at work even knows what that is. (They just think I’m an idiot)

Too early to see how they handle a bit of gravel or loose surfaces

Oh, I'm literally posting my own setup.
Birks are pretty perfect for summer riding. Even if your feet get wet they dry out pretty quickly.

Good call!

Shimano SPD sandals?? Had a chat to a guy riding a cargo bike in crouch end a few weeks back who said he loved them

I have a set of 32 5000 tubeless that can go. near mint but just too tight for me i prefare g ones.

I love my Spd sandals. Amazing on multi day tours and wet commutes

Do it

Yaaaas dadgrav is real
Teva or? Maybe a bit soft soled

Seems to be endless discussions on IGH vs 1x/derailleurs, but anyone got any thoughts specifically for gravel? I use my CdF from everything from audax to gravel to bike packing. Groupset is wearing out and due an upgrade - looking at SRAM 1x or Shimano Alfine 8. Cheers

@recycled I ran an Alfine for a good couple of years on a hybrid city bike I had. Perfectly functional but bloody heavy, the gaps in the gearing were pretty enormous. I would have throught with 1x you could tailor your gearing to the type of riding your doing just by changing the cassette and chain? With alfine, no such adaptability. Also you’ve still got to clean your drivetrain so only maintenance free up to a point.

I've got 1x on a commuter road bike running 46x11-36. I do like it but load up panniers and the gearing is a bit steep. It'd work quite well if you are happy to run 2x cranks and 2 chains (or 2x chainring/spider) and swap for specific events. There is also the 11-42 cassette but didn't fancy the gaps.

I used Alfine 8 a fair bit, a Genesis Day One Alfine. I liked it for the reliability and it has a lot of fans, the drawback for me was the less direct feel and the weight over the rear wheel making the bike feel a bit different on anything faster + rougher. Nothing major though - as a winter commuter or tourer (reduced gear range aside) it's great, for short summer rides I preferred the SS version - that kind of difference.
For the use you describe, same as me, I'd have 2x with a clutch mech. 30-42 or similar, 11-34 rear, covers all but a really fast club run. GRX looks ideal, 10s MTB kit with a pull adapter or bar-end shifters, etc. The clutch mech is the useful bit and there's no need to go 1x to get that now.

42x11-32 here. Perfect for London commuting

Have you considered a getting a mtb double. I run a 40-28 crankset with an 11-36 at the back on my Pelago and the low bailout gear is great for going up hills if you're thinking about bikepacking.

Alfine is heavier and draggy compared to normal 1x.

That said never having to clean the thing is great

People clean cassettes?!

Just add more olive oil

It's all about coconut oil these days, great for you skin as well.