Another great video. You cover all the useful info in a succint and easy to follow manner. Interesting you say this bike can do many things, soinds like just the thing im looking for as i outlined in another comment to you. I will have to check it out along with comparative mdels.

@overbikedrandonneuring

Жыл бұрын

It could be a fine choice for your use case Mick. The front-center is quite long, so if you have some spare stems, even a large could fit you and your tall kids. It comes stock with 80mm stems I believe. For luggage, it has some fork mounts but lacks upper rear rack mounts on the seat stays. Kind of a weird choice. 120kg weight limit is more than many mainstream bikes.

Hi! Just a happy owner of Blue Silex 400 that I bought just a month or two ago on season's sale. I wanted something from CUBE Nuroad series at first, but your video and my friend told me, that Silex will be a perfect replacement for my MTB, especially looking at the frame geometry and kinds of routes I do usually (high elevation change aphalt roads / dirt trails mix). As it's my first gravel bike, I couldn't be happy enough. Thanks again for putting this video. Hopefully I can get 10K on this one... And damn that blue is goergous to look at :)

@overbikedrandonneuring

8 ай бұрын

Glad you are enjoying the bike and that the video helped you make a choice you are happy with. It's more than able to withstand a beating, so I hope you get lots of opportunity to smash on it out in the countryside.

I am going to buy one soon, saying Hi to Meida Silex 400

@overbikedrandonneuring

Жыл бұрын

Enjoy it!

Another terrific and extremely informative video. Thanks so much and you’re definitely helping me dial in a bike selection. BTW, do many randonneurs ride 650b tires and bikes? I’ve reviewed many of your videos and am learning a ton. Thanks

@overbikedrandonneuring

9 ай бұрын

Thank you for watching! What bikes are you considering these days? Here in Korea there are basically no 650b bikes that I've noticed. Lots of high end SWorks Tarmacs and Pinarellos, a fair number of custom Ti all road bikes, some standard endurance bikes, and quite a few hybrids, MTB, and a passionate cohort of mini-velo riders. I think the 650b steel rando bike is more of a US-only trend.

@AlanJohnsonSunbird

9 ай бұрын

@@overbikedrandonneuring I’ve looked at several but the road bikes are usually geared to highly and many gravel bikes are 1x. I’ve also looked at the All City Space Horse which is 650b. Have a great one.

@overbikedrandonneuring

9 ай бұрын

Yeah, the stock setups on most bikes leave a lot to be desired for endurance riders who climb a lot. Frameset pricing discourages custom buildups too, especially when the total is targeted under $3000. There really isn't a single model I would point to as a clear winner today for this kind of purpose without significant part swaps. My recent video on changing a road bike to an audax bike shows how I bought a complete bike for the frameset and shifters. It's been a dream since getting dialed in. I like 650b for road a lot in theory, as it is better for small riders frame geometry and lowers gearing. Fast road tire support is weak now, and doesn't seem to be expanding though. 26" would be great too for similar reasons, but seems to be mostly dead. The Space Horse Geometry looks really good. It's quite hefty on paper, but it looks like they equipped the heaviest touring/MTB wheelset they could find, and meaty tires on top of that. A light 700c road wheelset with fast tires would transform it quite nicely into a quiver killer. My close friend was looking for a similar bike last year and after discussing options that were in stock, opted for a Trek Checkpoint ALR 5. Similar tank-like wheelset and slow tires, but a compelling overall package, nice paint, and dealer support. Let me know what you end up with!

@AlanJohnsonSunbird

9 ай бұрын

@@overbikedrandonneuring I’ve looked at the Checkpoint and also the Contend AR 1 which seems like a decent overall platform and has the 105 groupset. As always, thanks so much and have a terrific week. P.S. You are certainly correct on pricing. To get decent and lighter wheels and tires, or to build from the frame up, results in exponential pricing.

Thx for sharing. Now my decision is between this beauty and Cube nuroad race.

@overbikedrandonneuring

5 ай бұрын

Cheers, I would lean towards to Cube if you want a quiver killer road/gravel bike. The updated Silex is much more offroad gravel focused. I wish we had better access to Cube bikes here, the Nuroad looks like a winner.

@Vienna21MCG

5 ай бұрын

Well, seems like u just decided for me. As 99% is road it will be the Cube. Cheers from Austria. 🫡

Thanks for the video, your comments are really helpful. What size is that bike? I`m 6.4 (192cm) and still not sure if L size fits for me (Anyway I have no choice as there is no XL size at shops here in Korea).

@overbikedrandonneuring

Жыл бұрын

Hi Aim High, this was a medium size. Due to the particular design, the stack (625mm) and reach (400mm) were like a L/XL endurance bike, so I was able to just swapped the 80mm stem for a 100 or 110mm stem to get a decent fit. I'm 6'1, 185 for reference, but due to my short legs, the stack was too high. ODvelo.com has the Silex 700 in L (stack 644, reach 415), and the Polygon Helios A7 and A8X in XL (S:580, R:395) at the moment. Webike.co.kr has the BH Gravel X (S:604 R:402) and RSI 3.0 (S: 597, R:393) in XL and the Polygon Strattos S8D in XXL (S:612, R:403). Do you know the coordinates you are targeting? A few of these bikes should be able to get you fit well with a stem swap and other adjustments.

I own one just have 1000km now on it. Without any flat tires. Although made a mistake by not inflating the tire enough on my last trip and my front inside tire is completely deflated. There is a tiny hole. Do you recommend buying a completely new inside tire or just fix it with a tire fix set?

@overbikedrandonneuring

Жыл бұрын

Hi Michielio, you can definitely repair the tube. I carry quick patches like Park Tool GP-2 since the traditional repair kit glue tubes can dry up over time. Usually, I'll check the tire for sharp objects, put in a new tube, and repair the damaged tube at home if the ride is not too long. On long rides I'll repair the damaged tube roadside. It's a good idea to practice tire and tube removal and replacement at home so you can do it quickly and confidently roadside. Also, check air pressure and inspect the exterior of your tires for sharp objects often to prevent some flats in the first place. Glad to hear you are enjoying your bike!

Hello and how’s it going? Please more info on the cranks. Power meter. Spindle connection to the arms issues? Any alloy threaded pedal connection issues Thanks heaps

@overbikedrandonneuring

Жыл бұрын

Hi Mark, the cranks are Easton EC90 SL with the power meter spindle. No issues experienced. Great battery life too. Despite all of my bikes being BSA 68 or a pf41, I bought these second hand 3 years ago due to the really good price. I figured replacing BBs more often (small bearing size) isn't a big deal. So far, the PF and BSA BBs are holding up fine, but neither set have reached 10,000km. I've heard of others experiencing pedal connection problems and spindle interface issues. I am gentle on the pedal installation and use lots of white grease everywhere with good luck so far. While I have had a good experience, I would steer others towards 24mm steel axles for most use cases.

please advise me on what to buy between these two bikes for the exact same price(2570 USD): - new Merida Scultura Endurance 5000 (probably 8.8kg, ultegra mechanic, minus the cranks) - second hand Canyon Endurace CF SL 8 2018 (around 7.6kg, full ultegra mechanic, non-DI2, already equipped with GP5000 and full service)

@overbikedrandonneuring

Жыл бұрын

Does the Canyon come with carbon wheels at that price? That's roughly the same price it was new, but now has been used for 4+ years and has no warranty. The seller seems to have overpriced it IMO. A new Canyon or Merida in full 105 or full Ultegra would be better. I would go Merida if upgrading to carbon wheels, and Canyon if sticking with the stock wheels. The SE5000 would be a fine choice if also moving to gravel cranks like I've done, but the non-series crank makes no sense on the bike otherwise.

@comedyman112

Жыл бұрын

@@overbikedrandonneuring the wheels on the canyon are the stock alu DT Swiss E 1800.

@overbikedrandonneuring

Жыл бұрын

@@comedyman112 Ah yeah, the seller is overcharging then.

I wish there’s an aluminium bike with 105 or it’s GRX equivalent.

@overbikedrandonneuring

Жыл бұрын

Yeah, the Silex 600 is 1x GRX 600, and the Silex 700 uses 2x GRX 800, which is supposedly Ultegra level. I was incredibly happy with 10 speed GRX though. My new bike is 105 and the difference is minor. Check out Giant Contend AR 1 and Canyon Grail 7 for aluminum bikes with 105 or 2x GRX 600. Depending on where you live, local brands may offer some competing bikes too.

What length is the stem and seatpost? I want to order the same for my Silex.

@overbikedrandonneuring

7 ай бұрын

The stem is 100mm to match my fit needs. The seatpost is 280mm length, however the 350mm version would have been more appropriate since the Silex has a really short seat tube length. The Redshift Shockstop Pro seatpost only comes in 27.2mm diameter and requires a shim. The regular Shockstop Seatpost with extra travel (and weight) comes in many lengths and 30.9mm diameter to fit the Silex without a shim. Hope this helps!

Did you change your tires to 700x28c?

@overbikedrandonneuring

11 ай бұрын

I did. It's a good blend of comfort and performance on the road. Keeping the stock wheels with gravel tires made for a decent quiver killer bike.

I would gladly buy it, but I'm afraid we are little too far 😉. How much are you planning to sell it for?

@danielesavi1969

Жыл бұрын

PS. I remember your (not enthusiastic) first review (a hybrid reimmagined?): glad to hear the bike performed better than your expectations

@overbikedrandonneuring

Жыл бұрын

Thanks! I hope to get about $1000 USD for it now that it is back to stock form, but will probably get a bit less. It has been a really good bike, but one that needs a rider's personal touch to shine. With space, I would keep it as a general purpose bike. The new road bike and a recumbent project are occupying my little apartment, neither of which are good for that kind of riding, so the Brompton has been getting more attention lately.

@danielesavi1969

Жыл бұрын

I finally got it. 1100 euros for a used one with less than 500 km. Not a bad deal I would say.

Hey mate, do you have any recomendation if suitable XL frame for tall rider like 199 cm?

@overbikedrandonneuring

Жыл бұрын

What kind of riding will you do? Looking to be more upright or more aggressive?

@michalknapek5697

Жыл бұрын

@@overbikedrandonneuring i am more comfy like but sometimes i go offroad so IT require to be laying.

@overbikedrandonneuring

Жыл бұрын

@@michalknapek5697 Sounds like a mainstream gravel bike or all road bike is good for you if you don't want an MTB. Fit should be top priority. A bike fit can tell you more than I can about what frame is good for you. At your height, I would guess you will probably want a frame reach of about 410-430mm and stack of about 610-640 with a stem between 90-110mm. You will want to avoid very sloping top tubes like the Silex if you have long legs since the seatpost might be too short. Testing different stem lengths and stem spacer arrangements should help you get a suitable fit from there. Trek and Canyon historically do well with size offerings. Size 61 Trek Checkpoint and XL or 2XL Canyon Grail or Grizl come to mind as bikes that might suit you.

Which bike are you looking at getting to make your over biked bike?

@overbikedrandonneuring

Жыл бұрын

Hi Chris, I had originally planned on a Quintana Roo PR Disc 4 or 5. It supports my fit and has steering geometry that would be suitable for long rides. It uses standard cockpit components too so could swap between the Redshift Stem and Profile Aeria bottle. The tailbox would be great for aero storage, and it fits 28mm tires, so my 28's ballooning to 30c would fit in a tight squeeze. All was looking good until isolated testing on the Redshift seatpost more. For me, it was valuable enough reducing fatigue on long rides to sacrifice some aero. Merida Scultura shot to the top of the list for most aero 27.2mm seatpost compatible bikes. It's forever out of stock here, so I picked up a near clone of it, the Polygon Strattos S7D. Lower build quality, but still offers some small advantages over the Scultura at an amazing price. After the move finishes up later this month, I'll be getting some more content out. Cheers!

@user-wx7fz6hu4g

Жыл бұрын

@@overbikedrandonneuring I have a Scultura 400, my first bike that I've had for nearly a year. It's a really good bike and I can fit 32c just barely. I'm thinking about getting a silex so I can more comfortably ride around on bush tracks (Aus). Can't hurt to have more than one bike.

@overbikedrandonneuring

Жыл бұрын

@@user-wx7fz6hu4g Nice. It would be a fine N+1 for having fun in the bush.

Hello, is it worth to buy Silex 700? Or 400 is enough for travelling and ultra maratons?

@overbikedrandonneuring

Жыл бұрын

Between those models, the upgraded gearing on the 700 will hardly be noticeable. The carbon seatpost will be more comfy though. I would say it depends on local pricing and planned upgrades. Both models have underwhelming wheels and saddles most folks won't get along with. If the cheaper price of the 400 is needed to afford those upgrades, it would be the better choice. If you plan to ride it mostly unchanged, the rims on the 700 are wider, which is good.

@checkthis1469

Жыл бұрын

@@overbikedrandonneuring I am planning to buy new wheels anyway. The biggest problem with model 700 is availability.. I cant find any shop in Poland which is selling this model. I can buy only Model 600 or 400…

@overbikedrandonneuring

Жыл бұрын

@@checkthis1469 That is frustrating. Luckily you can still be quite happy with the 400, especially with a wheel swap.

How is it compare with the topstone 1 ? I’m going to buy one but i don’t know what to chose

@overbikedrandonneuring

Жыл бұрын

They are very, very similar bikes. The Topstone 1 has a few more bolt mounts including for a rack, BSA 68 BB, a 27.2 mm seatpost, and a more attractive silhouette compared to the Silex 700. The only sacrifice is an FSA crank instead of GRX, but that is not a big deal at all. Geometry is almost identical if you measure by stack/reach instead of size names. On paper, the Topstone would be the bike I would choose, or the Trek Checkpoint ALR5 (in Teal), over the Silex. But check local prices and availability. If they are all in stock, you will probably find the Cannondale or Trek as being significantly more expensive than equivalently specced Merida Silex. I would typically give Merida and Trek the edge in reputation for production quality over Cannondale. If availability is limited, don't worry. You won't go wrong with any of these choices if the correct size is available to you.

@CristobalRuz

Жыл бұрын

@@overbikedrandonneuring Thanks a lot right now the local store has the silex 1,721.38 vs 2,893.92 of the topstone 1 i have to order it

@overbikedrandonneuring

Жыл бұрын

@@CristobalRuz Is that the Silex 400 or Silex 700? Huge price difference! If price shopping, you would want to compare the Silex 700 to the Topstone 1 (both GRX 11 speed), and the Silex 400 to the Topstone 2 (both GRX 10 speed) for fairness. GRX 10 speed is pretty great and equipped bikes often come with an 11-36 cassette, so I happily recommend it for price conscious shoppers. 11 speed upgrades offer more to road cyclists, but very little to a 2x gravel bike.

@CristobalRuz

Жыл бұрын

@@overbikedrandonneuring the price is for the silex 400 vs topstone 1 , but I just ordered the topstone 1 that has 11 speed :) They discount 15 % of the price

@overbikedrandonneuring

Жыл бұрын

@@CristobalRuz Nice deal! Enjoy the bike

I am trying to decide between this and the Speeder 900. Anyone who knows anything about bikes, I would really appreciate your thoughts! I want a bike for long distance that can also ride on dirt roads in the Australian outback.

@overbikedrandonneuring

Жыл бұрын

Between just those two, the Silex is a far superior choice. For long distance, the extra hand positions of drop bars are great. The gearing on the Silex is lower, which is more suitable to both long distance riding and newer riders. The tire clearance on the Silex is also wider, so you can have more tire options when the original tires wear out. The Silex also uses thru-axles which pair better than quick release with disc brakes. The Speeder has a higher component spec, but that is not a terribly important difference for your overall experience. Hope that helps James!

@JamesWillis-yy5px

Жыл бұрын

​@@overbikedrandonneuring Thank you. The Silex looks better too. I would get the Silex 4000 if you could put a rear rack on it, but I don't think you can. I was just thinking the Speeder would be better for long distance road rides. I will be riding 90km on road, then another 80km on road day two. After that, Most the roads will be dirt roads. Once every two months I take the 160km ride back to Townsville to resupply. I'm moving out into the bush on my native Tital lands.

@overbikedrandonneuring

Жыл бұрын

@@JamesWillis-yy5px You may be better served with a proper touring bike rather than a gravel or hybrid bike. Resupply sounds like it could get heavy and bulky. Most gravel bikes and hybrids, even for more off-road purposes, are built around lighter loads.

@JamesWillis-yy5px

Жыл бұрын

@@overbikedrandonneuring Thank you for all the information. I will be considering either getting family to take all my heavy gear for me, which i will always leave in the bush. ill only carry about 5kg-10kg of food back to the bush on home visits. Then ill get the carbon Silex 4000. or ill get a touring bike or steel bike with strong wheels.

Can I use the stock wheels that come with the bike?

@TheSpiritof76

3 ай бұрын

I just bought this bike and I'll be getting it in a week or two so I wanted your advice on this :3

@overbikedrandonneuring

3 ай бұрын

For sure, they are functional wheels. If you feel the need to upgrade anything, the saddle should probably be swapped first. Depending on your priorities, you might be happy with the wheels for their entire useful life. For my riding goals, the weight reduction, wider rim to support wide tires, and tubeless of a new wheelset added a lot of value. It can be hard to justify though since even quality wheels direct from China are quite expensive.

@overbikedrandonneuring

3 ай бұрын

@@TheSpiritof76Congratulations on new bike day! I hope you enjoy the Silex. I think fondly of my time with it and rank it very highly on the list of bikes I've owned.

@barneyklingenberg4078

2 ай бұрын

I have 7 of them in my rental fleet. The Stock wheels are fairly good from a durability standpoint. They have good industrial bearings and the freehub is more then fine as well. Now the downside. They are heavy and narrow. Also the Silex 400 2020-2023 is limited to 40-42mm with 700C wheels. If you'd put a 650B set in you can go up to 47mm wide. I just assembled an 2024 version Silex 400. Honestly difference is big. Wheels are noticeably lighter. It comes with 45c tyres straight from Taiwan. Also the cables and Hydrolic lines are done better. It no longer has the connector below the steering which can cause hydro leaks and loss of brake pressure. It still has the GRX400 handles. And these can be hit and miss in reliability.

@overbikedrandonneuring

2 ай бұрын

@@barneyklingenberg4078 Great feedback, thank you for sharing. The new Silex is quite tempting.

Long wheelbase and slack steering? Mines feels short and steep. I guess i'm so used to being a mountain biker that this feels mega steep 🤣

@overbikedrandonneuring

3 ай бұрын

MTBs have gotten so slack in the past 10 years, that's no surprise. From the road side of things it's a bit dull, but stable. There are times where I miss that dullness.

@ElectronicPleasure

3 ай бұрын

@@overbikedrandonneuring being a MTBer I swapped Silex drops out to carbon flatbars, switched flat to post mounts adapter and ran Avid BB7s. Trying to turn it into a bikepacking bike. Fork cages for tent one side and sleeping bag on the other side. Large frame makes for double bke bottles and a good size frame bag. Under down tube mount fits sealed tool bottle. Defo a bit of a swiss army knife frame and fork. Running 700x38's tubeless.

@overbikedrandonneuring

3 ай бұрын

@@ElectronicPleasureRight on! Nice rig. Flat bar levers and BB7s are an underrated combo for pure utility. The Silex is a great frame for tinkering. My first impression video poked around at the idea that it is a hybrid bike for modern tastes. I like that you have reverse engineered it to better meet those demands.