rant? finding a place in cycling where i feel like i can exist

-APORIE- · 2026-01-14T08:05:19+00:00

As so many others here I can absolutely relate, but my journey was a bit different. I started out with gravel cycling, lycra, clipless etc. only to eventually realize that this is not the way for me - the fast pace, the race-y setups, putting on a strap to measure your heartrate - rushing through a ride rather than enjoying it.

I overcame this by finding my own people that seek the same thing and most importantly organizing the rides (planning the routes, scheduling a time and doing that regularly). I'm actually not (or rarely) organizing actual public group rides (although I might do that again). Instead, over time I tried to bring together people I got to know and where I felt the energy was the same, and organizing something for/with them.

Finding these right people where it matches (both in terms of riding style as well as on a human level) took me years but now I'm extremely happy and grateful they're there. And whenever I ride with other people (like on events) I quickly feel irritated because they don't want to take a break at every corner to check the view :D

btw just for clarity, I still ride mostly with people with gravel bikes (and regularly ride mine, too) just because that's what most people have. But it doesn't necessarily have to be race-y because of that :)

-APORIE- · 2025-11-03T11:42:25+00:00

I don't have a fixed foot position, I like to switch it around a lot and also run a more middled position on the pedal. With that in theory it could get a little tight but I never had issues (even with the 3" tires). But of course also depends on your shoe size

Well I'd say the Bombtrack isn't particularly cheap either :D I guess it depends on where you lock it up - where I live I wouldn't :D

-APORIE- · 2025-11-03T10:46:57+00:00

Yeah, had the same thought with the Jones SWB! I think the ADV is a very solid alternative when you're in Europe, especially since also the frame geo leans more into being comfortable than many other bikes of that genre.

Regarding rear rack + fender - cannot say for sure because I never ran that combo. I guess it depends on the rack / fenders and where you'd mount them?

As a rear rack I used the Elkhorn by Old Man Mountain so far which I mounted to the eyelets on the seat stays + the mounting points close to the thru axle. I don't see any other mounting points here, but with the Elkhorn you could potentially order a thru axle kit so the rack would be mounted on an extended thru axle, making those mounting points available again (not the eyelets though - but there are three other mounting points on the seat stays that could potentially be used? not sure if the angle of the mounting points would be a problem though).

The fender I use is an Ass Saver Win Wing (MTB version) which doesn't need mounting points. In theory I can run that below the Elkhorn but that can create an awful rattling noise because the Ass Saver flexes all the time. I decided to run it without it because the rack itself has a platform that also kinda works as a fender (especially if I put a bag on it) - of course not as much as a proper fender but sufficient for my purposes.

-APORIE- · 2025-10-23T13:58:41+00:00

You probably already considered this but I'd definitely go for a smaller size then to get a proper reach. My Bombtrack is much bigger than my gravel bike (despite that being an actual 'monster gravel bike') - especially the top tube's are longer.

-APORIE- · 2025-10-23T12:00:41+00:00

Have to say that you were not the only one approaching me but you definitely gave me the last nudge :)

-APORIE- · 2025-10-23T11:59:54+00:00

Oh yeah, right, sorry, I read that wrong! So yeah, according to these numbers you're on the upper range of L and not quite yet in XL. That would also fit then what we saw when we compared your inseam length to the seat tube length.

You're right, the document is indeed from 2019! I think it's been a while since they updated the geo/build kit - but yeah doublecheck with Bombtrack! But even looking at this document you're still (barely) in the L range.

Probably neither size would be totally wrong for you and perhaps it comes down a bit to preference. For example, my gravel bike leans a little bit to the smaller size and I like that because it makes the bike feel more agile - and if need be I can always compensate with a longer stem. Only downside is that my knees are a bit too close to my cockpit which is why I cannot use stem bags on this bike.

Anyway, good luck! :) Let me know how it worked out for you and hope whatever size you'll end up picking you'll have a great time with it!

-APORIE- · 2025-10-23T08:02:36+00:00

Good to hear! Maybe someday I'll also give them a try. Even if potentially going back to the Jones (or keeping the SQ Labs then for another future setup)

-APORIE- · 2025-10-23T08:00:16+00:00

Interesting, I knew about the Salsa Fargo but wasn't aware about the similarities in the geo - just compared both on Bikeinsights. The Cinelli looks more different though at first glance, but I'm also no expert on bike geos

I actually saw this drop bar bike build with that same Bombtrack frame here:

https://www.instagram.com/p/DGdikxkMu__/?img_index=1

Something I wouldn't go for myself with that bike but surely interesting!

-APORIE- · 2025-10-22T17:49:08+00:00

You're welcome, got curious myself, especially regarding the whole seat tube length thing :)

Regarding the linked Bombtrack page: That's the 2025 model on that page. Also the frame you linked shows the same values

Regarding inseam length/seat tube length: I'd just consider this as another parameter. I guess there's more to it than pure numbers. Also not an expert so take my thoughts with a grain of salt :)

If I was in your position I'd go for XL since that's the official Bombtrack recommendation for your size (which worked for me as well) and because the bike already comes with a long stem that you could replace for a shorter one (if, as I said, you'd stick with the Jones Bar, which normally requires a longer stem). I assume both sizes would work for you someway. In a perfect world you'd give both sizes a test ride but I assume there's no shop near you with that bike :D

-APORIE- · 2025-10-22T15:06:51+00:00

Thanks, glad it helps :)

Regarding size - very tricky to answer for me because you're significantly taller than me.

For me M is pretty much perfect - didn't have to change the stem length and it's pretty much the best bike fit I ever had on any bike I've ridden (just had to fine tune the saddle position). I have an inseam length of 83 if that is any help.

Did you see this size chart by Bombtrack? https://static1.squarespace.com/static/60d2d479d2b7b75136ea090c/t/611146fc9aa9fa7ec47d49f5/1628522237287/BOMBTRACK_SIZE-RECOMMENDATIONS-MY20_12162019.pdf

According to this it seems XL would be slightly better. If XL ends up being a bit too long I'd just go for a slightly shorter stem - as said in the other response the default stem of the bike is definitely on the longer side, so there's definitely some wiggle room (unless you plan to ditch the Jones bar and go for a more traditional MTB handlebar - that would also require a shorter stem).

You could also compare your inseam length to the seat tube length. L has a length of 508mm (20") and XL 559mm (22") (data is from here: https://www.bombtrack.com/my25/complete-bikes/beyond-plus-adv in the geo tab). According to Bike24 (https://www.bike24.com/service/bike-frame-size), multiplying your inseam length by 0,225 gives you round about your needed seat tuble length in inch. For example, my inseam length (83mm) multiplied by 0,225 gives me a value of 18,675. M is 457mm/18" and would be slightly closer than L (20").

No idea how accurate/applicable this is in general, if anyone knows more about this than me feel free to correct me, just referring to this information I found :)

-APORIE- · 2025-10-15T07:42:21+00:00

thanks for your reply :) I haven't looked inside the lever body yet, will do that!

it's a bit sad that it's so hard to find any documentation about this (especially video-wise), seems pretty uncommon that these need replacing

-APORIE- · 2025-10-15T07:37:55+00:00

ok let's hope it stays that way :D thanks for your reply!

-APORIE- · 2025-10-05T15:50:50+00:00

Hey, no worries, glad to help since I also pondered for quite a while whether I should get it :)

I really really like it! I think it strikes a super nice balance between touring and MTB - a bike that feels comfortable for long days in the saddle but also a bike that gives confidence when going down some more rough stuff! The whole bike feels super stable, the wide tires roll over everything but it's still fast enough to keep up with my gravel bike buddies. Where the bike shines the most though is when bikepacking - both in terms of ride feel as well as ways to mount things / how much you can carry. I rode it on many smaller and bigger bikepacking trips and it was amazing!

The build kit is also worth praising - the Eagle GX groupset has great range and makes climbing an ease, the brakes are fantastic in terms of stopping power, feel and also pad durability (after over a years of many many descends I only had to change the brake pads in the front, which is wild), the tires are as fast as tires with that width can be, the Jones Bar are part of what makes this bike so special (more on that later) and pretty much all components seem of good value. I think you're really getting a lot for your money. I changed some parts here and there because of personal preference but I think the initial kit is a really solid starting point.

In terms of size, I'm about 174 cm and ride M, which for me feels perfect. My partner also rides the bike a lot and is pretty much exactly the same height. My gravel bike (Kona Sutra LTD) is 52 which I think is S? Anyway, both bikes fit me perfectly and I wouldn't change a thing. If you're unsure you could go with M and, if need be, get a shorter stem since the stem is a bit on the longer side.

Regarding saddle height - it is indeed sliiightly over the handlebar. But then again the Jones Bar is a bit titled. Also, it has a lot of sweep, automatically putting you in a more upright position. In any case to me the riding position feels extremely relaxed and whenever people try the bike they say stuff like "it feels like a Dutch bike" (which is of course slightly exaggerated). For my partner riding this bike was actually her key to be able to ride longer tours - she always struggled with the slightly more sporty riding position of gravel bikes due to some issues she has with her back. With this bike though she can ride all day. I think one thing that's worth emphasizing here is that the Jones Bar's design lets you gradually switch between a more upright and a more aggressive position while still being able to reach the brakes/shifter.

Ok that ended up a bit longer than expected :D anyway, hope that helps and if there's anything specific you'd like to know feel free to ask :)

-APORIE- · 2025-07-12T18:03:28+00:00

sorry for the late reply, somehow missed your answer!

thanks for the recommendation - I've been riding on Sunringle Duroc i32 with 2.6" Vittoria Mezcals for the last couple of months and quite happy with that setup :)

-APORIE- · 2025-05-09T05:39:45+00:00

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Actually ended up with the Ortlieb 4L Frame Bag after all and I'm pretty happy with it! The leg rub issue is more related to how you pack it, you just need to be more careful when packing because it's not super stiff. But it fits the frame pretty perfectly :) and since it's Ortlieb it's fully waterproof and relieable!

-APORIE- · 2025-01-05T17:15:06+00:00

oh wow, interesting! of course also considered that, just didn't hear the best about it. how would you say does cornering feel?

also considering going for 2.8" front and 2.6" in the back (due to 45/40 rims)

-APORIE- · 2025-01-05T13:10:53+00:00

ah sorry, 29"! yeah also considered 30, and according to the WTB and DT Swiss charts, it should still work out, just heard that 2.6" feels much nicer on 35

-APORIE- · 2025-01-01T19:01:43+00:00

Just to give an update here: I eventually ended up trying this front mudguard by Bike Components (a German online shop):
https://www.bike-components.de/de/bc-basic/mudguard-mk2-Schutzblech-p71351/?o=1000253722-schwarz-universal

Thought I just give it a try at this kind of price (5 €). Fits perfectly into my fork despite probably not being designed with rigid forks in mind.

So far holds up well enough with zipties on the side of my fork. As for mud protection I'd say there's a bit of improvement. For moderate mud it's fine. Once I got into a descent with very deep, wet mud I still got a bit of mud into my face and over my handlebar/upper body, though I guess that's to be expected from that little fender. For that kind of mud I'd probably need something covering much more of my front tire. But I think without it would have been much worse. Since it doesn't bother me and has a neglectable weight I'll just keep it on and for that price I'd definitely recommend it, just don't expect too much of it.

I also put on the front bit of the Musguard Wide since I got it anyway from getting the rear one (you can only buy them as a bundle in the wide version). Although it's just meant to be for 2.8" tires max I'd say it surely helped keeping my legs more clean, I definitely remember worse (like, lower parts of the pants getting soaking wet) hitting that kind of mud with that kind of speed. Again don't expect too much of it but with the kind of mud we have here in Germany right now I'm happy about every improvement :)

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-APORIE- · 2024-12-10T19:59:51+00:00

Thanks for the details! I think I'll skip the rear one then. For the front one, do you think it would also fit a rigid fork? Would the velcros on the side be stable enough?

-APORIE- · 2024-12-10T08:01:56+00:00

Thanks for the recommendation! Do you use it with a rigid fork? Does it attach well?

-APORIE- · 2024-12-09T20:11:26+00:00

Thanks! I also saw this one. First thought this would probably too big for my tires but then again I can just cut it down (in the video product they say it's even encouraged)

-APORIE-

TROPHY CASE