Zack you rode all around my area of Rancho Mirage. Right when you dropped the video I was picking up my first gravel bike. Spec Crux.. Different shop than one on San Pablo... Yep riding sidewalks/cart paths are a must here. Keep up the great work!!
I was on a golf trip (my last) and couldn't really run anymore, so I decided to rent a bike to give it a go. Ran out of water & money, but somehow made it back.
My biggest irrational fear are those wind turbines 😅. I lived in Phoenix for a few years as a kid and my mom would drive to LA a few times a year and every time we drive by those wind turbines I imagined the blades coming loose and rolling on to the freeway. Seeing you ride through then made my anxiety hit an all time high 😂.
I love these California Gravel Bike videos so much that I just bought a new gravel bike of my own. This rookie is looking forward to heading out to one of these epic rides in the near future.
Do you work for a transit company/organization as your day job? I've never heard anyone outside of somewhere like Caltrans talk about 'alignments' haha. Great video! What a year to see San Jacinto so covered in snow.
My budget is around $1500- 2000 I want to purchase a gravel bike can you give some advise I looked online but I dont wont something cheap per say and I never heard of the brands I'm new to gravel bikes so your would be much thanks appreciated
Canyon (like they were riding in the video) are probably best bang for your buck. Pay attention to their size guides though as they are tricky. There's also Poseidon on the budget side. If you'd rather go into a shop to try some out, Specialized Diverge E5 fits your budget although it will have lower tier components to the better deals like the from Canyon. Salsa Journeyer is also a really good option, esp for beginners, as the geometry is really neutral. I have a Stormchaser and so I'm biased. But I think Salsa just makes nice frames and they've been in gravel since the beginning. Kona Rove fits your budget. Marin makes multiple gravel bikes in your price range. There's Surly Straggler but I'd try to ride one before you buy it as they tend to ride bigger than the chart makes you think. Giant Revolt 2 is also in your budget and quite good value for the cost. And all sizes are in stock online (in the US, not sure where you are).
