YMMV here, but this is my current set up: [image: 7F63B197-E2BE-4697-A177-253ACDF159D0.jpeg]
I have mtb bars (bullmoose) with comfy grips (Oury) and easy-to-access shifters along with levers set up for two-finger braking. Admittedly, my Riv is more mtb than gravel what with 2.3” downhill 29” tires, but I like a plush ride. Tire pressure will matter more than tread most times except for in mud. I’ve run fenders on gravel and don’t mind the pinging of rocks, however I truly *suck* with setting up fenders and so rubbing always occurs. I run Conti Mountain Kings now (I switched from the Minions in this photo shortly after taking it), but I would rec Schwalbe G-One Allrounds over most anything, especially those in the Evolution compound. I ride a lot of road to my rides and love how fast they feel. Lastly, I run tubes mostly cause tires this wide don’t pinch flat and the tires I run trend tougher rather than more supple. I also need worry less about those sidewall lacerations I was so plagued by with RH rubber. I run 35-40psi with 2.3” tires since I weigh 190lbs. and my bike loaded as you see above is about 50lbs. Again, this is my personal fave set up and how I do things having also ridden cx bikes with 38mm knobbies set up tubeless with drop bars all over gnarly stuff in Marin. On Saturday, June 3, 2023 at 3:43:09 PM UTC-5 [email protected] wrote: > I used to ride the Almanzo 100 annually and introduced many people to > gravel over the past decade or so. > > The Clem should be a great bike so long as you are committed to being > upright. For big rides drops are nice to get down and out of the wind, but > not a need just to enjoy being on roads less travelled. Long wheelbase and > stability of the Clem is great. > > I have not ridden gravel much with fenders but based on your tires > comments, the fender size seems suitable. > > I like small knobs and fast tires. Rene Herse or Schwalbe Racing Ralphs > as examples of what I am running etc. > > If you are new to gravel or off road and 42 is not feeling confident, 48 > seems like a great spot for you and still in your fender range. > > I still ride tubes for road and gravel. I only ride tubeless for mountain > biking. No wrong answer really IMHO. > > Enjoy the ride and shiny side up... > > On Saturday, June 3, 2023 at 3:15:22 PM UTC-5 Bicycle Belle Ding Ding! > wrote: > >> I love pavement. But I’ve been on two gravel rides in the last month and >> I rode a Platy either time and it wasn’t my favorite for that bike. But, I >> have my old 2019 52 cm Clem L, and it doesn’t have a dedicated purpose >> right now and shouldn’t that be the bike for rough and tough stuff like >> gravel? Also, my Platys are prisses. >> >> BUT. I’m not good at gravel. I have no idea what the kids are doing these >> days. I have questions, and you have answers. >> >> 1. Can I keep my VO wavy fenders on a gravel bike? Here’s what I have, >> and they say up to 50 mm tire will fit:[image: IMG_5029.jpeg] >> 2. Slick or knobby? I can’t even get a straight answer on this. Which is >> better? If it matters about the rider, this will be for a rider with a >> healthy fear of crashing. >> >> 3. How wide? I have 42s on my bikes now and I don’t feel like they are >> wide enough. >> >> 4. Tubeless or no? These wheels are tubeless-compatible but I put a tube >> in them because I wasn’t riding enough to keep the sealant circulating. But >> that can be changed right quick. >> >> Here is my Clem in its current configuration, and yes, I know the >> Backabikes gotta go. >> >> [image: IMG_1812.jpeg] >> Thanks for your help! >> Leah >> > -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "RBW Owners Bunch" group. To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to [email protected]. To view this discussion on the web visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/rbw-owners-bunch/785670d3-5662-45ee-a25f-c5c1d3345b82n%40googlegroups.com.
