Gravel / Gravé / Gnarmac / Groad / ATB

gravelly bits close to Chelmsford

I've ridden these routes in winter/spring, some good UKgravel bits there

https://ridewithgps.com/routes/35315049

https://ridewithgps.com/routes/34621648

Handlebar bags have been discussed in the bikepacking thread I think. The Rapha one is good value for money compared to other cycling brands.

Surprisingly so, they improved some of the fault from the first batch (cam lock), and the weight is decent.

I got a plain black bar bag and matching saddle tool roll from a guy on here and I’m very happy with them. Very reasonably priced too

https://www.lfgss.com/conversations/331860/

Agreed. The quality was far better than I was expecting. I was willing to take a punt and support someone on the forum, but ended up with something that was just lovely.

I run 11-46t on my GRX 812, works pretty well. As usually Shimano are very conservative with their specs

Cycle to the in-laws . Drew a route to avoid as many roads as possible. Some particularly idyllic bridleways to be found in north Weald area. I’ll have to look out for that one!

1 or 2x chainset?

Only 1x.

I'm not sure in 2x mode you would have enough capacity... and isn't the main advantage of 2x to have smaller jumps between sprockets? The jumps on the low gears on my setup (42 x 11-46) do feel pretty big, definitely a downside

I run 10-51. Off road you don't really notice jumps in sprockets like road

I'm keen to try a 10-46 cassette with my Shimano group at some point. I think it will work since the sprocket spacing is the same across SRAM and Shimano, and it would allow me to run a smaller front chainring without losing the highest gear.

Maybe not in the proper mountains that you ride but I hate wide gaps on UK terrain (and CX races)

Makes no difference to me.

begins walk up next hill

Friend of the thread Jan Heine says walking up hills is good for stretching your calves. No shame in it.

11-40 defintely work, 11-42 possibly, 11-46 may need hanger extension

On your singlespeed right?

right?

If I keep my MTB in the 30x51 it's basically a singlespeed.

I'm already running 11-46 without any extension :)

Sorry I should have clarify; with a double.

You were running a single?

Yeah thats fair. But no idea what CX is, is that a type of gravel terrain?

So the fizik x4 (which i actually really like the look of - probably the sleeker more road shape) and x5 are sold out everywhere.

Ended up with the giro sector.

It's a drinking game for Belgians. Very popular during winter months.

I run 2x11 GRX 48/32 - 11-40 no extenders.

The 46t cassette have something like a 37t to 46t jump. It's very noticeable.

That's less than the jump from 10t-11t with a 40t chainring.

About the same as 11t-12t.