Alley Riding

A Waterloo, Iowa alley.

 A few days ago I received a comment on my last Country Views post concerning the amount of alleys Waterloo, Iowa has. Ironically this has been something I've been curious about for years. In fact, I have bounced the idea off N.Y. Roll for having a century ride on Waterloo's network of alleys. I was guessing there would be enough mileage in alleyways to pull such a feat off.

Well, this comment from last weekend spurred me into motion to actually do some research. And surprisingly it did not take long to dig up the answer. There was a Facebook post from the City of Waterloo speaking to alley maintenance. The question was asked and posted in the comment left by the social media person for the City. The mileage? 80.5 miles.  

So.....now what? This is the question.

Riding alleys is not a novel idea, and organized rides on alleys happen all the time. "Alleycats", fun rides, or other alley based riding is a big deal in some areas. Oddly enough, almost no one rides alleys here.

Our alleys make you feel as though you are kind of in someone's back yard. Almost in a trespassing kind of way. While alleys are public domain throughways, maintained by the City, many people see them as their personal driveways. They seem to consider you kind of like some intruder into their private space when they see you on a bicycle. So, in light of this unspoken feeling, I can see why cyclists avoid alleys.

Alleys are also rife with potholes, and most are not paved. There are dogs, usually on leashes or behind fences, and lots of cross streets to watch out for. Some alleys are paved, but usually these are cracked, full of bumps, and sometimes glass and garbage. Of course, given the choice to ride paved or unpaved surfaces, most people would choose pavement, not alleys. I'm not one of those people. 

In fact, I've made it a mission to understand the alleys and where they go here. I want to interconnect routes using mostly alleys, at any time I can, so I can stay off the streets. Seeing as how Waterloo has copious amounts of choices in alleys, especially in the older parts of the city I live in, this makes my riding a lot more interesting to me.

 So, I think this the ride of alleys is going to happen. I just need to sit down with a City map and decide what would be the best way to put together a ride and make it a metric century. I may do this on my old 29"er single speed, or use the new set up for the  Singular Buzzard bike and make it a test ride as well. But whatever the bike, I think this ride needs to happen this year.

Stay tuned.... 

I've found long stretches of uninterrupted alley routes, and secret sections which are fun to explore at times. I do purposeful alley rides where I try to do as much alleyway as possible.  

Gravel Grinder News: Pinarello Announces New Dogma GR, Grevil F Gravel Bikes

NOTE: All imagery and information in this article were provided by Pinarello.

The new Dogma GR kitted out with accessory items available separately. 

 Pinarello has announced today their two all - new gravel bikes: The race oriented Dogma GR and the long-distance expert, Grevil F. These two new bicycles are solutions to what Pinarello believes are the needs for the "three types of gravel racing" which are prevalent today.

Pinarello's Philosophy on Gravel: The video presentation for these two bicycles included a statement from the presenter which I found striking. He stated this: "Gravel is a bit of a mess." Which is an interesting viewpoint coming from an Italian spokesperson representing this brand. A brand noted for participation in high-level road and MTB racing across Europe and the world. While I'mnot quite sure what to make of this statement, the presenter did go on to detail what Pinarello sees as what is going on in competitive gravel now, which is relevant to why they produced two different bicycles for gravel.

Three Types: The presentation indicated there are three different types of categories for gravel racing. One is what Pinarello calls "Fast Gravel". This would include mostly shorter, UCI type events, but also Unbound as well. (Which shows the two differing views of what a "premier gravel event should look like, which may explain the "mess" comment)  Pinarello developed the new Dogma GR to address this sort of racing.

Then Pinarello feels there is a category of gravel event which is termed "Light Gravel". A more relaxed event, say like an Eroica gravel event, or gravel fondo. Following this, their view of a third category is what Pinarello calls "Trail Gravel". A more mountain bike influenced gravel riding which could include bike packing, longer distances, and very different needs as compared to "Fast Gravel". Pinarello addresses these events with the Grevl F model. 

The Grevil F set up with Pinarello accessories sold separately. 

Looking at gravel events in this manner, Pinarello asls the rider, "How long do you want to ride?" Longer than five hours? The bicycle for you would be the Grevil F. Shorter than five hour rides are the Dogma GR's range.

If terrain is more the defining parameter, then looking at tire clearances may help. The Dogma GR is relegated to a 45mm front/42mm rear fitment while the Grevil F expands clearance to 50mm front and rear.

Dogma GR:

Now for the finer points of each model. The Dogma GR uses the latest carbon technology for the frame in Pinarello's M40X material. Using this to its optimum, Pinarello has made what they claim to be the lightest gravel racing frame on the market at a claimed 960 grams with a complete bike weight, using SRAM Red, Princeton Grit 45/40 wheels, and 40mmVittoria tires weighing in at a claimed 7.35kg/ 16.20lbs. 

Dogma GR with Gravel TT bars and Bento bag

Aerodynamics are important with this design. Pinarello uses a "nosed" and tapered head tube along with hidden through axle ends on the Onda fork to improve aero efficiencies. The accessory Bento top tube bag mounts with bolts and is optimized to sit without interfering with the rider's pedaling motion and be aero as well. An Aero Load System in-frame storage bag also optimizes space and allows the rider to carry a flat repair system. Both the Bento Bag and in-frame storage bag are included in the claimed frame weight, but must be purchased separately.

Further considerations for aero efficiencies are noted in the handle bar, which Pinarello calls "Talon Ultra-fast GR". It has 7° of flare and inward bend to help optimize rider aero positioning. This can be enhanced by the separately available Gravel TT aero bars which attach via two mounting points molded into the Talon Ultra-fast GR handlebar.

Rider comfort is also a consideration at Pinarello. The Adaptive Seat Post on the Dogma GR has up to 8mm of flex while the Onda fork on the Dogma GR has been optimized for handling and vertical compliance using a 50mm offset and special lay-up of the carbon material.

Dogma GR is available in nine sizes and three colors with a SRAM group (Shimano available only in Europe) at $14,500.00 USD. A frame-only option exists for the Dogma GR at approximately $7,825.00, but it is unclear as to whether this is EU only or available in the USA as well. 

Pinarello Grevil F

Grevil F:

The Grevil F differs in several ways from the Dogma GR. The obvious tire clearances aside, the Grevil F has a sharper focus on rider comfort and handling in rougher terrain.

The Grevil F series is also the most affordable in Pinarello's gravel range with five different spec'ed models available. Starting with the Grevil F3 at  #3,700.00 USD. (Note, The Grevil F1 is not available in the US) The top of the range Grevil F9 is $11,000.00 USD. No frame set option is listed in the press release for the Grevil F series.

The Grevil F frame is optimized for comfort by use of three different types of Toray carbon fiber. Pinarello employs the T-900. T-700, and T-600 series in differing layers and areas of the frame to achieve the best balance of traction, rider comfort, and stiffness with a view toward competition and riding in longer events than five hours, and even for multi-day tours or events. 

The rider comfort is further addressed with the "Twin Arm" chain stays and seat stays along with a claimed 10mm of compliance coming from the Adaptive Seat Post. Furtermore; the redesigned Onda fork, available in two, size-specific offsetys of 50mm and 55mm, is optimized for compliance and vibration reduction. This fork also features three-boss mounting points for water bottles or other accessories on each fork leg.

Grevil F shown with separately available accessories from Pinarello.

 The Grevil F can be accessorized with the same Gravel TT aero bars as the Dogma GR which also attach via two mounting points in the handlebar. The same Bento top tube bag exists for the Grevil F as well as a new., aero 1.5L frame bag. A rear aero bike rack and trunk bag round out the offerings for storage. The Grevil F also features the Aero-load down tube storage cavity, which is also a feature of the Dogma GR.

The Grevil F is also optimized for longer times in the saddle by way of its geometry, which Pinarello says is 1cm longer in the top tube for each size, which requires a slightly shorter stem to be utilized. The bottom bracket area also has been tweaked along with the aforementioned Twin-Arm stays.  

Thanks to Pinarello for the information and images used in this article.  

Friday News And Views

 Note: This edition of the "FN&V" will be a bit of a 'catching up' due to not having a FN&V last week. Some of the 'news' will be a bit older than usual as a result..

A view of the inner workings of an Ochain unit (Image courtesy of Ochain)

Last week SRAM announced the acquisition of MTB component maker, Ochain. The company is well-established in the down hill and enduro circuits. Their claim to fame is a device which decouples the direct interface between a chain ring and chain. The Ochain device allows for a certain degree of rotation of the chain ring without the crank moving, thus allowing full-suspension bikes to achieve a more efficient and 'chain free' operation.

Ochain is a device which solves the age-old problem of suspension 'kick-back' and makes suspension work 'freer' due to the decoupling aspect. SRAM claims the Ochain device results in a 'calmer and quieter' bike.

Comments: SRAM has, in the past, filed various patents on chain ring design to address various aspects of 1X drive trains and suspension use. None of which, to my knowledge, have come to see the light of day....yet. However; it is interesting to note SRAM's history of innovation by acquisition. Ochain being the latest brand to be acquired by SRAM. Many people forget SRAM bought brands like Rock Shox, Sachs, (thus bringing chains into their catalog), and TIME (for pedals), along with Hammerhead for GPS/controller duties.

I doubt SRAM will sit with Ochain only being used for MTB and full-sus e-Bikes. I look for some sort of further development to make this acquisition more versatile. Just what may come of this should be interesting. 

Image courtesy of Wheels MFG.

Wheels MFG Announces New Single Speed Kit For Hyperglide:

Wheels Manufacturing announced last week that their Solo Cog single speed kit will be available for Shimano HG style free hubs on August 22nd, 2025. The SOLO HG Single Speed Kit will be available in various anodized colors. This kit will have several spacers for centering your cog, or Wheels MFG Solo Cogs, which will be sold separately.

Both the kit and the cogs are machined from aluminum. The spacers are from 6061 aluminum and the cogs from 7075 series aluminum. The spacer kit, which comes with a color-matched lock ring, goes for $51.9 USD.

The Solo Cogs come in 16T, 18T, and 20T for now with more sizes promised. These cogs are going for $46.99 each USD. 

Comments: At $99.00 for the full set of spacers, lock ring, and cog, this is not a "cheap" option. (You can get a Surly spacer kit and cog for around $75.00 - $80.00), but it is in line with others I can find in aluminum and anodized hues. 

Image courtesy of Ortlieb

Ortlieb Announces New "Quick Rack" System:

If you have a bike which you'd like to have a rack on, but only occasionally, or a bike that doesn't have rack mounts, you might want to check out Ortlieb's new Quick Rack. 

This rack attaches via a unique collar and axle attachment design, (please click the link for details) and Ortlieb claims this can be installed in fifteen seconds. So, an applicable solution for anyone who may need a rack at a moments notice.

With a load capacity of 44lbs, and ability to accept any of Ortlieb's bags for rear racks, this seems like a pretty cool way to add some versatility to a bike you use for any mission.

The Quick Rack sells for $130.00 USD.

Comments: At first I thought this rack attached with an ordinary alloy type seat post collar, but it is not anything like this. (Again, check Ortlieb's site for details) I'm in a situation where I do not have to rely on one or two bicycles for everything, but, if I were in this sort of situation, the Quick rack might come in pretty handy.

I cannot vouch for the incredible quick change out time, but even if it took three times as long, it would be a pretty easy to consider swap, in my opinion. The only other curious thought I have here is if this would be a steady enough platform to rely upon for commutes, or errands, or even touring.

Rough Stuff MTB Rally:

Wilde Bicycle Company is sponsoring the Rough Stuff Rally August 1 -3, 2025 at Copper Harbor, Michigan. Jeffrey Frane, of Wilde Bicycle Company has this to say about the festival:

 "The Rally is two days of riding, revelry, and community on some of the best trails in the world. Friday we have shuttle runs from 4-8pm accessing legendary trails such as The Flow, Danimal, and Overflow followed by a bluff top sunset Happy Hour. Saturday is the main event, a 22 or 43mile loop of the trail system taking in a highlight reel of singletrack followed by a gourmet dinner at the Campground hosted by Chef Adam Blake with bonfire, music and free refreshments from Fat Tire to follow." 

Interested? Registration is open now and you can join in for $120.00. by checking in HERE. Entry gets you free shuttle service on Friday, an event t-shirt, an stocked aid station on Saturday, the free meal, and free refreshments Friday night and Saturday night. 

A schedule of events for the Rally can be found HERE. 

Image courtesy of Surly Bikes.

Surly Shows Updated Ogre:

Surly Bikes showed on Thursday an update to their Ogre 29" inch wheeled commuter/bike packing bike. With tire clearance for 29" X 2.5" tires, or 27.5" X 2.8" tires (with fenders!!), this bike could be a very versatile bike in a person's bike stable. Or it easily could be your only bike.

As one might expect from Surly, the Ogre has a plethora of mounts, is Rohloff compatible, and has a mount for Surly's own Bill or Ted trailer. This version of the Ogre is in a hue Surly calls "Orlock's Shadow". Se mor about the Ogre and other surly products by clicking the link HERE. 

Comments: The Ogre has, in my opinion, "old school" 29"er geometry. If it looks like the front end has been pushed in, this is because the Ogre has a 72° head tube angle, which most 29"er's haven't used for well over a decade now. Not that this is "bad", but it is unique now in 2025. 

This Ogre reminds me a lot of what a modernized version of my 2003 Karate Monkey would maybe look like. It even is close to the same color, which is Campstove Green. So, the comparison is easier for me to make, I suppose. 
 

Thanks for reading Guitar Ted Productions! NOTE: A press release from Pinarello will be featured at 7;30am CST today here. Stay tuned...

Lost In The Transaction

The reasons we rode gravel are now ghosts of the past.

 I was in line at the Post Office the other day waiting to drop off a package to be shipped. A couple of people were ahead of me. One man. a tall, thin, athletic looking older gentleman, had on a t-shirt with a small logo on the back. I recognized it as the Life Time logo and just underneath it was the Unbound logo.

I smiled, thinking about how I was a part of what made the Unbound event what it is today. Then I started thinking about how that seminal, top-tier gravel event no longer represents what it did 20 years ago. 

Of course, I know why this is, and I just enjoyed the memories I have of what it was which motivated us back then.. Things this man ahead of me at the Post Office that morning likely does not know about, or care to know about.  And why should he? Gravel is big business now in cycling. It is a UCI recognized sport, and there is a UCI "World Champion" in gravel racing now with events spread across the entire globe. The gentleman probably thinks this is normal. It is how it is. Right? Why should he, or anyone who attends a UCI gravel event, or who reads the cycling internet sites, or attends Unbound, think otherwise.

It is dangerous for me to write about things concerning gravel riding and racing in 2025 because most folks coming across these thoughts probably have a completely different viewpoint than I do. And my viewpoint is unique in that I am looking at gravel events and modern day gravel cycling from "the beginning', so to speak. In other words, I have two decades of perspective on this sport. If you've been riding gravel for five years, or ten, your perspective is going to be quite a bit different. I understand this: Many people reading my perspectives may think I'm crazy.

I've recounted this story a few times here before, but I will risk one more retelling, since it has relevance to this subject. Many years ago, Joel Dyke, one of the co-founders of the event which became Unbound and a Gravel Cycling Hall of Fame member, emailed me after he had stepped away from the event. He was encouraging me to stick to my way of doing Trans Iowa, the gravel event I used to promote and produce. Trans Iowa was free to enter, self-supported, and ultra-distance with hard time cut-offs. We had no "podium" awards ceremonies, no prize money to 'winners', and no finish line furnishings or hoopla. The entire reason Trans Iowa existed was to be an alternative to what racing had become. An alternative to just focusing on "the Winner" and disregarding all other competitors. At Trans Iowa, if you even lined up to start, you won.

Joel knew this, and his event he started with Jim Cummings, (again - why isn't Jim in the Gravel Cycling Hall of Fame?), was like Trans Iowa in the beginning, but it "grew" and changed, and well, Joel finally had had enough of that. Joel messaged me, as I said, and stated that "...when the money comes into it, it will ruin gravel."

UCI Gravel Worlds (Image courtesy of the UCI)

Ruin? Well......c'mon! I mean, look what we have now. Gravel tires, bicycles, gear, and even gravel specific bibs, for cryin' out loud! How would we have any of this without gravel cycling becoming a money-making machine? Who would invest their time doing anything for gravel cycling unless they could make a living out of it?

Well, I don't know.......ask me. I can tell you how that works. But I'm not like most people, so I understand.

But was Joel correct in his prophecy? Can we look around and see how "gravel is ruined", or is it at the pinnacle of cycling in terms of popularity? I would say it is a pretty big deal now, and thanks to gravel being big business for this. So, "ruin" in terms of the overall impacts of gravel, yeah.... This sport has put a LOT of people on bicycles, so just from this standpoint, I think the prophecy is not correct. But this is not the only way to look at what gravel has become.

There has always been something about what Joel emailed me which stuck with me though. In the context of what gravel cycling once was, and where it is now? Maybe there is something to this "prophecy" which is true.

I always felt what he meant, and in my heart, I knew something was right about what Joel, and to be honest, many others, were saying back then. Gravel cycling was done for many reasons, but there was an element of gravel cycling which was unique, had nothing to do with who crossed a line first, and was something which any person could experience, whether they were blessed with a top-tier athletic ability or not at all. 

Recently, a press release and an old public television episode helped me make sense of these feelings.

The press release came from a European cycling brand. They sent out a press release about their athlete's experiences at the 2025 Unbound event. I got eight seconds in before I stopped and sat aghast at what I had heard. I assumed this was from their male athlete in the event. His quote was this: "I don't think there is any reason to come here (Unbound) unless you have a chance to win the race".

Spoiler alert, this athlete did not win. (At least his name did not pop up in results for winners of Unbound) So......I guess he shouldn't come back again and this year was a waste? Admittedly, there could be something worthwhile about this person's experiences which came out through the video, but I couldn't get past those first eight seconds. I had heard enough. And this is why it is dangerous for me to write about this sort of thing. 

Here is another quote. This time from a person who had ultra-distance cycling experience and knew competitive cycling norms from before 2010. His name, Jeff Frings. He filmed and produced the award winning documentary, "300 Miles of Gravel", which Iowa Public Television picked up on when they ran a portion of this film and interviewed Jeff about it. 

Image courtesy of Mondraker Bicycles.

Jeff was struck by Gravel Cycling Hall of Famer, Cory, "Cornbread" Godfrey's efforts in Trans Iowa v7, the version of Trans Iowa Jeff filmed. In describing this effort, Jeff asked some questions which summed up the very reasons all of us engaged in gravel cycling events in the early days of gravel. He said, "Can I finish this? Can I push myself beyond what I thought I could do?"

Looking at gravel cycling in this way, if you simply engaged in the activity, you were "winning". It did not matter who crossed a line, as long as it was a line you didn't think was possible for you to cross. This made gravel events inclusive of everyone. All bodies, all levels of fitness and talents. It did not matter a whit what bicycle you had as long as it was what made you happy and successful in reaching goals for yourself, or going beyond those to reach points you never dreamed of before.

So, was Joel right in this view of things? I think we have lost something here in 2025. We've exchanged a personal growth aspect to attain a business growth aspect. We've left the focus on "everyone" and focused on the riders so talented we could never hope to be like them. Where does this leave us who cannot attain to such heights?

Well, maybe you have no reason to come "here" (grave cycling) anymore. This wasn't how things used to be though.

pfft! I probably should watch the end of that video.....but I probably won't. 

A Pictorial Review Idea

During the Tree In The Road Ride a discussion of an idea from Jason Boucher came up which I thought might make for a good event, and maybe more. The idea would be to present a photographic review of Trans Iowa's history. 

Now, before we get too excited here, let's consider a few things. First off, there are several image takers which would have to be consulted and to get permissions from before any sort of show or more could be considered. Just to give you an idea, there are nine major contributors to Trans Iowa's imagery and several minor contributors. That's a LOT of permissions and editing to cull the best shots for any sort of showing.

I have well over 1,000 images alone which I have collected from those nine individuals, including my own, and from other minor contributors. To say that there is a wealth of images is not an understatement. Plus, I know there are thousands  of images no one has seen but the image takers themselves.

Wally Kilburg accounts for a vast amount of iconic T.I. Images. 

One snag is the fact that Wally Kilburg is no longer with us, and getting permissions for using his imagery, or even accessing it, is a big hurdle to overcome as of now.

I know Wally would be 100% all-in on this idea, but we cannot ask him anymore, so without those images, I'd be rather reticent to pursue the idea at all. Wally would have to be represented in anything like this idea.

Then you have a venue, a space to hold an event like this in, and what does this entail? Yeah, not totally insurmountable, but you all know if we picked a site there would be cries of it being unfair to those far away. Plus, any date chosen would be a big snag with several folks as well. Personally, I don't care about those two issues, because there is an inevitability about any of those two things. It will happen no matter what we do, so whatever.... 

It's a nice idea, but it wouldn't be easy to pull off. Maybe we would have to do some kind of a book to make it worthwhile, and this would complicate things further, but I know making money off this would be something some of the contributors would want to see happen to make it worth their time and efforts. Plus, you have to recognize the talent and product realized by these artists. Would this idea work if it could result in a coffee table type book? Maybe.

Look, I have no clear idea for this, and it is just an idea now. If enough folks wanted to see it happen, maybe the effort would be worth the time. I really do not know. It would have to be a collaborative effort, because I just do not see myself pulling this off alone. So, this really is not up to my decision. Plus, the whole thing with getting nine entities/people to enter into a collaborative agreement. That's a big ask.

But....I thought I'd throw it out there. You never know unless you try, even if it is just throwing something out to see what sticks. And maybe nothing will come of this. I'm good either way. 

Crazy Idea: Update

Back in mid-June I showed you dear readers this "sketch" I had for the old Singular Buzzard. If you missed the introduction to my nutty thoughts, you can go back and read them HERE. 

The short story, in case you don't go back to read the first post on this, is that I wanted to rebuild the Buzzard, but not as a trail bike. I am going with a "bikepacking/Pugsley" idea, where the rear and front wheels will be interchangeable.

The first order of business was to rebuild the single speed rear hub I have, which was laced to a 26" Marge Lite rim, as seen in the image above/left here. (depending on which platform you are viewing the blog on)

Then, since I wanted to reuse the On One Chunky Monkey 29" x 2.4" tires, I had to clean out all the old sealant. Let me tell you, there was a lot of 'skin to peel' off! But it came out swell, and the tire looked great, even if it is about a dozen years old! By the way, I will have to do the same with the rear, but I haven't gotten around to it quite yet.

With the tire cleaned up, and the 29" Dually rim rebuilt onto the single speed hub, I had to re-tape the rim, and I decided that for now I would insert a tube. This will press the tape down nice and evenly onto the rim's inner walls, and suffice for the time being to test out the idea. If things pan out, I will set up the bike tubeless, or maybe I'll go TPU. We will see when, and if, I get to this point what I decide.
 

The second mock-up looks more promising. I think I am warming up to this idea!

So there is what I have so far. I like what I am seeing now much better. A few points to note here:

• The seat height is correct, so I am happy with the saddle-to-bar drop I am seeing without adding more spacers. The fact that this fork was made for a first generation titanium Mukluk helps in that the steer tube was extra long.
• Speaking of that Enabler fork, this is the key to the entire idea being worthwhile, in my opinion. The context here is that Salsa, for better or worse, based the first iterations of their fat bike on the Surly Pugsley, which had as one of its central ideas the interchangeable front and rear wheel feature. This was done to allow for a "bail-out" option where a failed derailleur or frozen up free hub could be swapped out as an entire wheel assembly for your front wheel which would have a single speed free wheel mounted, or a fixed cog. (Or if you went with only a rear brake, both fixed and free wheel single speed options!)  This meant that the Enabler fork was designed with a 135mm, rear brake specific, quick release drop out spacing. The same as the rear of the Singular Buzzard. 
• The Velo Orange Utility Bar and Utility Rack will be utilized for water bottle mounts as well as cargo-carrying duties. The original set up on the Buzzard was predicated on a MTB usage which was based upon the assumption a rider would be using a hydration pack. This one-bottle set up was not going to cut it as a bikepacking rig, so the additional capacity for the Utility Bar and Rack to handle water bottles is a boon here. Obviously the Enabler Fork also adds two water bottle mounts. So water carrying needs are all covered here.
• I will make use of a Topeak rear seat bag/dry bag carrier for more cargo capacity when necessary. I will also be looking to add a "gas tank" style top tube bag.
• The drive train will be a 2X 11 speed set up utilizing an XTR shifter and  rear derailleur which I was gifted by N.Y. Roll. (The current STX rear mech will be replaced). 

There will be a lot of details to take care of before I get this thing up and running, so I am far from the finish line with this project. However; I am encouraged by the outcome so far. If you have any comments or suggestions, I would welcome them.

Stay tuned.... 

WTB Solano Saddle Review: Final Verdict

 Note: WTB sent two Solano saddles to Guitar Ted Productions at no cost for test and review. WTB has not paid for, nor bribed Guitar Ted for these reviews. All opinions and images, unless noted, belong to Guitar Ted/Guitar Ted Productions.

The time has arrived to render a final verdict on the WTB Solano saddles I was sent to review. The opening review with all the technical data and first impressions was posted HERE and the first follow-up after this can be seen HERE. 

In this final post in this reveiw I will give my final thoughts on the Solano and also I will pass along what I have heard from N.Y. Roll who is using the Solano SL, which was sent to me in a wider size than I typically use.

A Bit Of A Surprise:

On my final 3.5 hr ride I did before this final review I stopped about seven miles in to rest and have a "nature break" when I realized I was numb in the groin area. I had not ever experienced this with the Solano, and it alarmed me. Just to be clear, there had been no change in the seat position at all.

What may be even more surprising is that for the remainder of the ride I was fine. No numbness at all once I had walked it off at my first stop. I can only point to the bibs I was wearing as a possibility for the initial numbness as I had not used those Summer-weight GORE bibs with this saddle until that last ride. 

This experience was baffling, so I am not quite sure what to make of it other than perhaps it was an anomaly. Yet I thought it was worth mentioning. I can say the first miles were all done grinding into a stiff 20mph wind, and completely seated with no relief from standing. Again, it wasn't as though I hadn't ridden this saddle that way before, so it was a mystery to me as to what happened there.

N.Y. Roll, on the other hand, had nothing but praise for the Solano SL he is using. I would probably not ever get it back unless I pried it from his hands.. So, I think it is safe to say the wider Solano SL fits him quite well.

Final Verdict: The Solano SL seems to (mostly) be a fine gravel saddle on my rides. I never had any kind of irritations or hot-spot issues at all. There was the odd situation detailed above. Other than this, I do like the saddle quite a bit.

It is better than the WTB Gravelier, at least in how it fits my anatomy. The Gravelier was always a saddle which I never quite felt 100% great on. It was a saddle I waffled on as far as being one I would stick with or take off. So far, it has stayed on the bike. The Solano will likely stay on also, unless I have more issues with numbness, which I do not anticipate.  

Weekly Top Five

 Welcome to the weekly Top Five" showing links to five of the week's most read articles on the blog.
Sometimes those will be current posts, but sometimes not. I will also post commentary with perspective on some of the older posts, and try to give some context as to why I wrote what I wrote then, which may not reflect what I'd say in 2025. With all of the above said, here is this week's list.

Riders L-R: Guitar Ted, Matt Will, Matt Gersib Image by Jason Boucher

 The Tree In The Road Ride Report: Technical Snafus & Heat - Tuesday July 1st, 2025 - The meat of the report from the Tree In The Road Ride saw a lot of interest. I was a bit surprised by this, to be honest. 

Gear Review From The TITRR & Final Thoughts - Wednesday, July 2nd, 2025 -  I almost didn't write this post because I thought there would be little interest in what I used and what I thought about those things and the ride. I guessed wrong. I am happy I posted it now!

Tips On Dealing With The Mighty Red Winged Blackbird: Thursday July 9th, 2020 - I was thinking about this post on my July 4th ride this year. I was remarking to myself how the Red Winged Blackbirds are not so aggressive this year. Have I jinxed myself? 

The Open Source Naming Project: Tuesday September 24th, 2013 - Here's a sometimes top-fiver which pops up now and again. It is about what we should have called "gravel bikes" instead of "gravel bikes".  

Some Thoughts On 2025 Eurobike Trends: Thursday July 3rd, 2025 -  My opinions about things which will affect cyclists going forward which were shown at Eurobike recently. 

That's it for this week. Thanks for reading Guitar Ted Productions!