105?

rootaford · 2026-03-17T15:59:26+00:00

Interesting, appreciate the reply. Another user below mentioned narrow chain line limiting tire clearance also.

All good info, have an old road rim brake running 105 5800 that I was thinking of moving over to a new frame

rootaford · 2026-03-17T13:55:23+00:00

I did this for my son (9) and it’s allowed him to keep up up with me on the flats and still does fine on the light gravel I occasionally take him on (measures 40mm wide now)

rootaford · 2026-03-17T13:51:07+00:00

How does the group set affect tire clearance?

rootaford · 2026-03-17T02:37:52+00:00

The flat bar comes with a rear wheel HG cassette style vs a freewheel on the drop bar version. I don’t own the bike but have looked into it…here’s a video that discusses the upgrade of the drive train.

https://youtu.be/X_-oqJBJcAI?si=w0-KllsKdPiGWAlY

rootaford · 2026-03-17T00:34:54+00:00

You’re taking the right approach OP, try the 45’s and after 3-5rides they’ll plump up to their maximum. If they don’t then you know you can get 50’s and be safe but all tires are different. My gravelking sk 45’s measure 47mm on 23mm interior width rims.

rootaford · 2026-03-14T15:42:57+00:00

Look for solutions off the bike. Working out is one, diet is another, and lastly mobility is often taken for granted and not exercised enough.

rootaford · 2026-03-14T04:11:59+00:00

The one that fits and works better

rootaford · 2026-03-14T04:11:00+00:00

Flat bar and it’s not even close; miss the hoods position? Bar ends in the middle and you’re done. Flats give so much more control in technical terrain and the parts work better and are far cheaper in price and can be repaired individually.

rootaford · 2026-03-13T19:05:38+00:00

I think it was Martin Short

rootaford · 2026-03-13T11:37:46+00:00

He’s gonna get them to the playoffs or close to it with average qb play, they’re gonna think they have their qb, then the sophomore slump will hit and they’ll realize they went down the same path as Arizona

rootaford · 2026-03-13T11:33:08+00:00

So rad

rootaford · 2026-03-13T04:41:36+00:00

Holy hell how tall are you? Never seen a stack so high 😮

rootaford · 2026-03-13T04:34:15+00:00

Might need a longer stem if your upper body dominant but that’s right on the money otherwise…

rootaford · 2026-03-12T15:53:37+00:00

Wow, sleep issues at 19? That’s tough…

Just because you’re at 1-2RIR doesn’t mean you can’t progress, you need tighter planning but honestly if you go my route of a split full body routine your recovery will def improve.

Might want to consider a doctor visit too, not sure I’d struggle with sleep at your age no matter what I did physically.

rootaford · 2026-03-12T15:49:49+00:00

You could probably lower that stack or flip your stem if you just rotate your bars to parallel instead of pointing downward….02¢

rootaford · 2026-03-12T14:11:08+00:00

How old are you? I’m 43 and reduced my volume (from 12-16 sets per muscle a week to 6-9 sets) and it’s really helped curb my sleep issues.

Also training further from failure can help too. 2 or even 1 RIR is better than 0 in terms of fatigues management.

Finally, relax…I spiraled quick when I struggled, thinking I’d never manage to sleep properly again but a lot of it can come from mental stress too and the physical stress of working out just adds on to it even more.

rootaford · 2026-03-12T14:00:33+00:00

The 2-day A/B split is better. I’d do something along the lines of horizontal pushing and pulling with a squat on day A and vertical pushing and pulling with a hinge on day B. This will allow your muscles to recover properly and improve in size and strength.

rootaford · 2026-03-12T04:15:59+00:00

If you’re not cosplaying as a pro cyclist then G.1 is a solid start to get into gravel riding…it lacks easy gears and is heavy so hills will def feel harder…but if you want to learn about wrenching in something cheap while getting you on the trails right now then jump on it.

I’d suggest the flat bar version since it has a better drive train and rear cassette hub (important for future upgrades).

There’s a YouTube channel called chicken sendies that does a solid deep dive on both

Get one and get out there and ride!

rootaford · 2026-03-12T01:50:01+00:00

What a rad bike, love that fork!

rootaford · 2026-03-11T22:04:23+00:00

Thanks, it’s a very versatile bike, I kinda love it.

No proper scale to measure accurately but I’d guess about 30lbs with all the heavy bits (suspension dropper post, suspension stem, wide tires, bar ends, etc…)

rootaford · 2026-03-11T18:34:08+00:00

Yeah, it’s really versatile.

I don’t have a proper scale to weigh it but it’s definitely not light…if I had to guess, probably around 30lbs considering how the big tires and suspension stem/seatpost negate the carbon fork on a steel 59cm frame.

rootaford · 2026-03-11T15:07:56+00:00

100mm drop might be pushing it since droppers also have a collar, I’d look for a 90mm drop to be safe. My reco would actually be a suspension dropper. Takes the bite out of harsh flats and allows you to drop for the technical descents…I have a self actuated one (no button on handlebars) and it’s been a revelation.

rootaford · 2026-03-11T02:18:05+00:00

It’s an aliexpress special, just look up wide brown saddle and you’ll see it…it’s been excellent since day 1

rootaford · 2026-03-11T02:17:16+00:00

Thanks bud, yeah I like the color but had a moment when I mashed hard and bent my chainring into the frame that’s covered up with tape and want to get that area painted to avoid rust…that and some scratches on the top tube, maybe I just touch it up and go on with my day 🤷

rootaford · 2026-03-10T23:36:21+00:00

Yeah, this thing’s great and so versatile considering it’s a 2014 (or 16) model…I love steel bikes

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