Paris-Roubaix Challenge: Cobbles, Gravel & Epic Rides

🚴‍♂️ Paris-Roubaix Challenge: Cobbles, Gravel & Epic Rides

I’ve been riding the Paris-Roubaix cobbles since 2013—on everything from carbon race bikes to gravel rigs. This time? I’m rebuilding my trusty 2014 hardtail into a cobble-proof monster for the Paris-Roubaix 2025 Hell of the North Challenge… using budget AliExpress cycling components like Sensah. Will it survive? Will I survive? Will I even build it in time? I have my doubts.

The first three episode of this series covers:

Full strip-down of the old MTB (goodbye, 2014 tech!)
My 5 BIGGEST FEARS about this AliExpress gamble (spoiler: quality, fit, durability…)
Teaser of the first delivered parts—are they any good?

🔧 THE PLAN:

  • Frame: 2015 hardtail (free, because I already own it)
  • Drivetrain: 1×11 AliExpress Sensah HRD (pray for me)
  • Wheels/Tires: 40mm Arisun gravel rubber + existing Mavic CrossRide wheelset
  • Handlebars: Existing road bars for that fake-roadie vibe

My Goal: A durable, fast-ish rig that won’t disintegrate on the Carrefour de l’Arbre!


Final three episodes cover

  • Paris-Roubaix 2025  highlights including frites and more frites
  • Cobbles Challenge – Surviving the Carrefour de l’Arbre and more!
  • Gravel & Suspension Tech – Drop-bar MTB setups & monster gravel rides
  • Roubaix Experience – Behind-the-scenes with Insta360 POV footage

📌 Tags: #ParisRoubaix #CobbledClassic #HellOfTheNorth #GravelBike #DropBarMTB #RoubaixChallenge #Cycling

Pedal through the toughest sectors, relive the Paris-Roubaix live action, and get inspired for your next ride! Watch below

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