Bike Fitter RANKS Gravel Bikes Worst to Best

Gravel bikes are a great choice of bike for many cyclists, but they are not all created equal and some of them are quite aggressive racing bikes. Bike Fitter James Thomas Ranks them from worst to best in his opinion.

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[eddolous]

The lights on the cannondale are for riding in the dark.

[DaveCM]

I guess he never rides gravel. The protection on the downtube on the Trek isn't for bashing along rock gardens. It is because rocks are often thrown up from the tires and strike the downtube pretty hard.

[bikesandstufff]

So as a bike fitter, you don't like the Topstone because it has lights built in? And because it has a bit of rear suspension? What about the bike fitting aspect of it... Btw, you can get it without the lights, and the suspension is pretty cool on rough roads.

[RustyBabbitt]

Everytime I see James I lower my seat post 5mm

[davidpage]

Bike shop owner tells viewers what brands he does and doesn't sell.

[RyonBeachner]

Wow! This is the saltiest comment section I’ve ever seen in a Cade Media video. I’m impressed.

[liam_c]

Bike Fitter RANKS Gravel Bikes from a Geometry Chart

[ronadler]

OK. I’m canceling my order to buy the Trek Check point because they come with a removal frame protector against gravel chipping away the paint job. Lucky I watched this review on time.

[photoben]

Guess we’ll wait for part 2, including Colnago, Cinnelli & Giant…

[robertralston]

have followed this channel for years, but find a lot of what made it interesting / distinctive has been replaced with GCN style content that lacks substance and becomes repetitive. It's great that Cade still does road trips and I want all the people involved to do well, but i just don't really get this direction for the channel

[gravelnomad]

More recommendations for short/tall bikes from Germany:
- 8bar Mitte (AL + steel, frameset available)
- Rose Backroad AL (higher and shorter than the carbon version)
- Sour Purple Haze & Clueless (steel, frameset available)

[mobert]

sorry but this list is trash. there is only one entry level options. for a lot of these bikes the aluminium frames are very different and a lot of people ride them. the ugly pinarello stuff or custom carbon frames they are good for 1% of riders. wow.
also blaming a bike for integrated light... jeah it is not the nicest integration for sure. but a lot of people riding when it is getting darker and some nice bike light is such a great value.

EDIT: maybe from the fitters perspective there is not a lot of entry bikes coming for a fit as well when they already try to save money with the purchase?

[Heimdallar]

Minimizing the list to pretty much only stack and reach is a bit short-sighted in my opinion.

[petersouthernboy]

This is an embarrassment for Cade Media. His ignorance of gravel is cringeworthy

[bluedagger]

Topstone was a heaven sent for me. Incredible stack/reach on the XL. Have the alu version without suspension and lights

[festerofest]

I find it kinda weird the Checkpoint is dismissed because of the geometery specs, and the downtube stone guard.

The Checkpoint has an incredibly smooth and controlled ride, yet very responsive when needed. For other than racing purposes how could anyone want a better quality ride than the Checkpoint? If a "bikefitter" rode a Checkpoint as opposed to just looking at specs, THAT is the reaction/feedback/review I would find actual value from.

And that under downtube stone guard...how is that even a negative??

The Checkpoint is a superb ride-quality bike for both gravel trails and some road use, and anyone who has ridden one knows this.

[speedrocker]

So, the best gravel bike is the one with a super short reach and a super tall stack, regardless of rider, use case and preferences… I’m glad to not go to his shop for advice or a bike fit.

[SwazersC]

Come on guys what about the Giant Revolt? this bike is a fantastic gravel machine.This channel doesn't like Giant much. :(

[fallen]

Was really hoping to hear his thoughts on the specialized diverge

I know the stupid head shock thing, and the newer one with the seatpost gimmick, but there is an aluminum one without either of them. I've been riding one for about 2 years now. I'm just seriously curious his thoughts, good or bad.

[JSC]

Just James advertising his bikes he sells more or less I have a Nukeproof digger comp takes 650b a proper gravel bike not even a mention works brilliant around my South Wales forests.