Two Things

Image courtesy of Salsa Cycles

Make It Make Sense:

The trade paper, "Bicycle Retailer and Industry News", reported recently that Giant, the Taiwanese based bicycle manufacturer, and brand, of course, saw 22% lower revenue for January than it had a year ago. Trade import numbers are down a record amount to levels not seen in decades. 

So, when a new bicycle gets introduced and you see the price tag increase approximately 2K from a similarly spec'ed previous generation model, it doesn't quite compute. 

Maybe you've seen this advertisement from Trek pop up while scrolling social media. It was an ad with the heading "Whoops! We made too many!". In the ad were about five fat bikes and all the rest were electrified bicycles, some with prices slashed by 50%. 

Brands keep pumping out halo-models with high end, 100% human powered designs while some trade papers are saying electrified bicycle imports are higher than normal bicycle imports for the beginning of 2026. I see every electrified "bicycle-shaped-object" you can imagine being motored up and down my local streets and none of these are bike shop brand e-bikes. 

I received a call at the Cedar Valley Bicycle Collective the other day from an e-bike owner. His hydraulic brake needed service. Obviously, this is not within our purview, but this person, a Waterloo citizen, has to go to Cedar Falls (admittedly, not that far, but...) to find a full-service bike shop, and then there are only two independent ones. Additionally, if this customer's e-bike is not "the right brand', those two shops won't touch it. 

Oh, and Waterloo is a city of about 70,000+ people, and it doesn't have a bicycle shop. 

Make it make sense. 

Image courtesy of the Wilder 100

Feedback On The "Numbers Not Adding Up" Post:

First of all, a hearty "Thank You" to all who read the article last week and especially to those who took the time to comment. There were great thoughts shared in there. 

One of the thoughts shared is that perhaps gravel cycling is going through a "correction" in terms of participation. This is also something N.Y. Roll and I discussed in our latest podcast. (Spotify link HERE)

Another thought was the social factor isn't there anymore. Another point we spoke about on the podcast as well. But I think what was even more interesting was the comment I read regarding how many do not feel valued, or even seen, because so much focus is on the Pro field these days at gravel events. 

It is true at the "big" events where infrastructure, investment, and  outside media/industry attention is solely focused on elevating the Pro aspect of their events. The comment I found sad was "...in many cases a feeling like "we" aren't even who the event is for anymore." This Pro-focus of events and media/industry seems to be alienating many folks. 

There was an enlightening view expressed that due to how event directors see racing venue design, many events seem too similar. I never thought about this before, but now I can see this and it makes sense. 

On the positive side it seems series events are seen as a way to attend a smaller event without Pro influences and to be able to connect with many of the same folks at each event throughout the season. This also makes sense to me. 

The longer nature of event in some cases was seen as a detriment to continued support from riders in terms of attendance and a barrier to entry. It just takes so much effort and time to train for a longer event. 

And someone hit on the obvious rise in costs. Saying, in contrast to spending a lot to go to a bucket-list event,  "But at now over $200, plus hotel, food, etc. and roads/scenery pretty similar to what I can find close to home in Iowa for free." And this is kind of a killer when it comes to sustainability for these halo gravel events. Once the cycle of folks has had their crack at it, they likely will not come back if they feel alienated, find little social interaction, and had to spend a gob of money to participate in anonymity. 

Of course, it is not all bad news, and many an event will thrive in today's scene, but I would say there are some things changing which give me pause. 

Thanks again to all who read Guitar Ted Productions. 

Bonus: I have a new article up on my Substack, in case you'd like to take a look. 

The Path To Discovering Gravel Grinding: Part 3

The start of Trans Iowa v2 in 2006

 This is Part 3 of a mini-series of posts telling the story of what it was like to attend events in the early days of the Modern Gravel Era. In today's post I want to take a look at how it was to organize and produce an early gravel event. In this case, Trans Iowa. 

As a rider I had to do a lot of research and figure out what worked best for this new style of racing. But I also was an event director at the same time. There was no shortage of research and lessons learned on that side of things. 

We did a lot of research before we ever even announced Trans Iowa in late 2004. Jeff Kerkove, my co-creator of this crazy ultra-distance gravel road event was well connected to the endurance racing community. So there was a great amount of feedback from event directors and racers at our disposal. We also were able to tap into the experiences of Richard "Deke" Gosen, a bicycle shop owner, but more importantly, an early event promoter of racing on gravel. He also was a person who challenged us and made us better right out of the gate. 

But despite all the fantastic resources at our fingertips we stumbled and made mistakes in those early years.  We didn't have a clue about how to place volunteers, and during the first Trans Iowa, we pretty much did not have anyone to help 90% of the time, and Jeff was racing as well! 

I felt terrible at times for what I saw as failing. But ironically the participants and the tiny gravel community was immensely supportive. By the time v3 rolled around Jeff had said I was ready to take the event on as my own. I did not want this, nor did I believe him. However; despite all odds and despite all the failings, the event evolved and got its feet underneath it. 

Learning things like writing cue sheets, planning a course with refueling options, and plotting roads through interesting and less traveled terrain were all things I worked hard on. I didn't do this right before an event. This work lasted all year long. It consumed me at times. 

There were also the times when event directors would talk to each other. They would share ideas, advice, and just generally encourage each other. This lasted only a few years, but it was a very important facet of getting gravel events into a groove where individual style was fostered. Codification of rules was rejected. Every event had its own set of guidelines on how to do a gravel event. Some had hardly any guidance beyond telling the riders to play nice and not be mean.  

Events grew to have their own flavors due to this. It became fun to attend different events just to see how things might be unique, and therefore worthwhile to travel to and experience. Everyone was cooking up their own homegrown versions of a gravel event. It made going to new places to ride gravel an adventure. 

We've lost a lot of those things, but there are still events out there which hold to a form of how things started out over twenty years ago now. While top-tier racing doesn't resemble "gravel" racing from the late 2000's at all, the formats used today have facets of those old ways of doing things yet. At times this has caused friction and debate, and it still does. 

Event production is a lot different in 2026, that's obvious, but what maybe isn't obvious is how those early gravel events had to write their own scripts to go by. Just as there was an era of discovery for riders, there was one for event production and promotion as well. 

Friday News And Views

Image courtesy of Neuhaus Metalworks

The 32" Watch: Neuhaus Metalworks Nova 32" Rigid MTB:

Another new production 32"er has hit the marketplace in Neuhaus Metalworks Nova 32. The bike is designed as a rigid MTB with a carbon fork. Quad-butted steel alloy is used for the frame tubing. 

The Nova 32 comes in three sizes recommended for Medium/Large to XL folks. The current availability is for frame/fork only, but rolling chassis can be ordered up now as well. Completes are coming soon. 

Comments: We had a nice chat with Sam of Singular Cycles about 32"ers and geometry experimentation is still happening around this wheel size. One thing which isn't completely nailed down is bottom bracket height/drop. 

Sam was of the mind 32"ers should be equivalent in physical height from the ground as a 29"er to help prevent sky-high seating which would inhibit users abilities to ride such bikes to some degree. In his opinion this would result in bottom bracket drops longer than 100mm, and closer to 110mm. I see the Nova 32 is in the 90's for bottom bracket drop. 

Something to consider.... 

New Podcast Episode:

The latest episode of the Guitar Ted Podcast is out now. Our show can be found on most podcast platforms, but here is a link to the latest episode which is on our Spotify home page.  

In this one we yak about some 32"er gearing issues, how road bikes are becoming gravel bikes, and whether or not gravel cycling is in a state of decline. 

There are probably a few other odd bits in there as well. One thing I missed and it relates to the episode's numbering. 

I mistakenly say it is episode number 98 when in reality it was episode #99. This means the next episode is number 100. 

Maybe we should do a special episode with celebration and whatnot. I know we have a special guest coming on, (you'll have to wait and see who it is). There could be some other surprises as well. Or....

Maybe not! We will see. I expect to have this next episode out by the end of next week, so you'd better get on this episode toot-sweet or you'll get behind! (Just kidding) Thanks for checking out the podcast if you do.  

Image courtesy of Teravail

Teravail Offers Gen 2 Gravel Tires:

Teravail has updated versions of their popular gravel tire range available now. Models included are the Cannonball, Rampart, Rutland, and Washburn tread designs. 

These four models are now all built on 120TPI casings. The size ranges have been streamlined as well. 

Rampart - 700c x 35, 40, and 45mm

Washburn - 700c x 40, 45, and 50mm

Cannonball - 700c x 40, 45, 50, and 55mm

Rutland - 700c x 40, 45, and 50mm

 The previous size range was 38mm, 42mm, and 47mm. There is also now a special limited edition Mid-South Updraft tire available as well. Finally, some of the MTB tires are also part of the Gen 2 updates. See all the gravel tires on offer from Teravail HERE. 

Image courtesy of Wolf Tooth Components

Aero Headsets Avaialble From Wolf Tooth:

A new aero headset offering is now available from Wolf Tooth Components. 

Featuring Wolf Tooth's triple seal system and Enduro stainless steel bearings, the aero headset also comes in an array of anodized colors. 

The Semi-internal head set (official name) goes for $179.95 and you can check out the details on them HERE. 

Comments: Internal routing is a curse. I mean, it complicates things, makes changes in your cockpit of your bicycle more expensive, and the head set here is not cheap either. The whole ruse just to gain a watt or two and look "cleaner" is bonkers when it really just doesn't matter in terms of how fast the average person will ride. 

And when you stop to think about this, what is being routed internally anymore? The rear brake. That's all. Everything else runs by wireless or through the front fork. Can we just stop with this sort of internal routing of a rear brake cable? It's just dumb. It is an example of how racing affects the average person negatively. 

Mid-South Weekend:

This weekend is the Mid-South events in Stillwater, Oklahoma. In fact, there are things going on as you read this on Friday, March 13th. 

The expo was yesterday and today there are running events, music, and more. Tomorrow is the big day for the ride for amateurs. There is a free feed to see the Pro field. (Which is happening today) Just check out the Mid-South's website for more on this. 

I attended and rode the 50 mile course in 2024 and it was a lot of fun. The weather looks like it will hold up for this year, so I suspect it will be one good time again for everyone in attendance. Here's a tailwind wish and safe travels to all who are gathered in Stillwater for Mid-South this weekend. 

That should do it for this week here on Guitar Ted Productions. As always, thank you for reading. Now, get out there and ride your bicycles before Winter comes back!

Gravel Grinder News: Salsa Announces Flway Gravel Racing Bike

Flyway DLX Red XPLR

 Note: All images and information in this article were provided by Salsa Cycles. Comments are Guitar Ted's and are his own.

Today Salsa Cycles has released information and images for the replacement model for the Warbird called Flyway. It is an evolution of the previous Warbird models using an updated version of the Class 5 VRS vibration reduction as in the past, but with an updated feature set for 2026 and beyond. 

Here are the main talking points for the Flyway.

• 5th Generation Design
• Six Sizes: XS, S, Med, ML, L, XL  
• 70.5° Head tube angle
• 425mm Chain Stays
• 76mm Bottom Bracket Drop
• Two Levels of carbon fiber layup. With the DLX frame you save 150 grams over the other models in the range. The separate frame set on offer is the DLX layup, by the way. 
• Class 5 VRS now 20% more compliant than before.
• Tire Clearance - Up to 50mm tires.
• Geometry accommodates 40mm suspension forks only.
• IS52 head tube accommodates internally routed cabling.
• UDH compatible, no mechanical 2X set ups. 2X can be used if electronic. 
• T-47 Bottom Bracket
• Fork: 420mm Axle to Crown, accommodates up to a 700 x 57mm tire.

Flyway DLX Force XPLR

Cargo Capacity: 

It's a Salsa, so you know cargo carrying capacity has been addressed. The Flyway features several ways to carry your stuff. 

• Main Triangle Bottle Mounts: 2 on XS, and Small. Three on everything else. 
• Two sets of Three-Pack Mounts on the fork
• Direct Mount compatible with custom frame bags.
• Top Tube Mounts
• Rack Compatible with Salsa Rack-Lock or Post-Lock
• Low-rider Front Rack Mounts

Model Range:

The top two models in the Flyway range have the DLX, lighter carbon frame. They both are SRAM equipped 1X drive trains with XPLR. Then the new suspension fork equipped model comes in with a SRAM Rival drive train matched up with a Rock Shox Rudy fork and a dropper post. Next up we have the Flyway Apex Eagle AXS with the last model in the line having the lone Shimano drive train offered in the Flway GRX 610. 

Prices:

•  Flyway DLX RED: $11,999 USD, $16,999 CAD
• Flyway DLX Force: $7,999 USD, $11,299 CAD
• Flyway Rival Sus: $5,499 USD, $6,999 CAD
• Flyway Apex: $4,499 USD, $5,499 CAD
• Flyway GRX 610: $3,499 USD, $4,299 CAD
• Flyway DLX Frameset: $2,799 USD, $3,999 CAD

 

Flyway Rival Sus

Flyway Apex

Flyway GRX 610

Comments:

The Warbird was long overdue for a refresh and the name change isn't a big surprise given how QBP has been sanitizing its brand's nomenclature over the past several years. The good news here is that what the Warbird was has been evolved into a better bike in most ways. (Still not a fan over internally routed everything) 

This bike works in several ways in my opinion. It has race bike capabilities without foregoing adventure/fun based riding. Too may times we are seeing racing gravel bikes coming out with nothing more than a few bottle mounts. Kudos to Salsa for sticking to their heritage formed in adventure based cycling.  

Some may bemoan the lack of big tire clearance in the rear. However; it should be noted that Salsa has an updated Cutthroat coming out (announced today as well) and that bike handles up to a 700 x 2.4" rear tire with the capability of mounting road/MTB hybrid drive trains. Technically speaking, any bicycle with a road based design,(read most gravel bikes) shouldn't have wider than 50mm tires because comprising drive train efficiency to squeeze in MTB rubber with a road bike drive train is going a bit too far, in my opinion.  

Finally, there is no other way to say this, but prices for the new generation of Salsa gravel racing bikes has ballooned. Previous models with similar drive trains were much less expensive.  Are we blaming tariffs, higher shipping costs, or just a general uptick in inflation? Whatever it is, you'll have to lean on that electronic transfer of funds a little harder to be able to obtain a new Flyway. 

Note: Apologies for the image quality in this post but these images are from the resources Salsa sent me to use. Also, a new Cutthroat was also dropped today but I decided to focus on the new Flyway here. No news on a Fargo today, but I've been told by a trusted source that the new Fargo is due late Summer/early Fall. See Salsa Cycles website for the latest details. 

Two Things

PSA: Gravel Grinder News Today At 9:00am:

Just a short note for you early morning blog readers. There is an embargoed announcement being released at 9:00am CST this morning, so please check back for this. (Hint: Salsa Cycles related)

Embargoed information is a sore topic with some folks involved in cycling. Dealers get information with "Respect the Embargo" stamped all over it. They can face some stiff reprimands for showing stuff to the wrong people. Meanwhile internet sleuths dig up images all the time and post them on social sites like Reddit with source material sometimes alongside which may have been shown to someone in confidence. No one ever gets their hand slapped for it, and dealers get shafted by the process sometimes when it devalues current inventory. 

I used to see issues with this all the time when I worked retail. You had customers you could sell the new thing to on the side, but "embargo", so .....? Meanwhile they see it on some subversive's post and wonder why you didn't say anything to help them out and now you are the "bad guy". 

And, of course, you can immediately be blackballed out of sharing PR if you slip up and post something before the embargo, or get greedy to be "first" on a story. 

My stance is that - if the press release is relevant to my focus here - I will post the information when the marketers want me to post it. I'm here to help. I don't care about being first or whatever, and I make zero bucks either way. So.... I'm here to help. But some brands don't see it that way and so I do not hear from them, or I get "second tier" treatment. Whatever.... It doesn't do anything to me. It only hurts them.  

March False Spring > March Snow > March Winter > March Spring:

And the weather! Wow, what a roller coaster we've been on here in Iowa. One minute it's nearly 70°F and then a couple days later it is snowing. 

This makes it hard on me and my schedule is not lining up with the "good days" either. Riding has been limited. 

I know sooner or later this will straighten out, and to be honest, generally speaking we'd still normally be melting off Winter snow pack yet at around this time. So, the teasing of this warmer weather is what has gotten me all turned around. 

And then on a short test ride around the neighborhood the other day I came home and discovered an unpleasant surprise. I picked my Honeman Flyer up and reoriented it for entry into the portal for Guitar Ted Headquarters. I heard a strange noise, looked down and saw a rear spoke dangling in the breeze. 

Great!

Now I have to remove the tubeless tire, tubeless tape, and fish out a nipple banging around inside the rim. Fun times! Maybe I'll do this when it is forecast to be only 24°F this coming Monday. Hmm..... I wonder if the tulips will survive a day of that? 

Welcome to another Spring in Iowa.......

The Numbers Are Not Adding Up

From CIRREM's social media post

The numbers are down. This is the common report being quietly communicated across several disciplines of participatory sporting events. Gravel cycling is not immune to this. 

Despite a robust growth in numbers from around 2015 until just after the pandemic, it now seems we are experiencing a downward trend developing in participation across gravel events. 

Events which once had to turn away would-be riders are now posting messages trying to entice registration. One may not care about this, but I wondered why this might be occurring at this time. As with most issues involving humanity, this is not an easily answerable issue. It's complex. 

I did a little - admittedly light - research into possibilities for why gravel events, and events in general, seem to be having more trouble getting people to commit to participating. This is not an exhaustive list of reasons, by no means, but it is interesting to consider where we are in terms of the gravel scene. 

Well, at least I find it interesting! Your mileage may vary on that. 

Is it fun to pay to do the same course year over year?

Been There - Done That:

First of all, I think there is a bit of fatigue relating to gravel events which may be a factor here. I think this is especially true if an event uses the same course year after year. 

You see the same things and it is not like the first time you saw those things. The discovery phase is exciting. The "here that hill comes again" phase is.....boring. 

Same with event venues, formats, and overall experiences. There are 'discovery" elements to any event which may keep things fresh for a time, but after a while, things get stale and then you have......

Rising Costs:

Probably the number one factor I saw in comments on this issue. Rising entry fees, housing costs, travel, etc. It all adds up to a larger obstacle to attending events. Unless there is an overarching reason to go to an event beyond the high cost of entry fee, lodging, and travel, I would have a hard time making a decision to attend. Of course, having friends there makes it a bit more enticing which leads me to.....

Events have gotten so big we've lost the ability to have intimacy.

The Social Facet Of Gravel Is Becoming Rare:

Finding any social benefits to attending gravel events is becoming harder to find these days. It's no wonder when events have grown to having thousands of participants. 

I hear a bit of complaining about how people finish events and then pack up and head home with no time for relaxing and connecting afterward. This is harder to do when you are simply part of a crowd which is there, really, to support the career choices of a few individuals. 

It was not always like this, and in my opinion, the social side of gravel events was one of the big attractions to attend events like CIRREM, The Gent's Race, and even Gravel Worlds back in the early 2010's. Odin's Revenge had possibly one of the best, intimate social facets to an event that I can point to. But now days? Yeah......why would you stick around? Everything is geared toward being a big time production with a big crowd of people around and things just get too hectic and crazy. 

We went to gravel races for the calm atmosphere, the bucolic scenery, and to connect with a few others doing something we loved. Not to be a cog in a wheel for some LLC that needs to turn a profit. 

Changing Culture:

Much of my research turned up the way younger generations see events and what they like in their entertainment choices. It seems anything with a start to finish time of three hours or less is okay, but anything beyond this time period seems to lose younger audiences. This also goes for participation in events. 

Many younger folks also are tied to digital means of entertainment which they find more engaging. Opinions on this may vary, but it is a factor in why younger folks don't gravitate to outdoor activities or physical exertion. Obviously, it takes an effort to do a gravel event and usually these events are longer than three hours. 

Trend Cycles:

Finally, trends and movements have cycles. The typical long-term cycle for a sport, or fashion, or cultural trend is said to be around 20 years. Gravel cycling, in its Modern Era, has reached the 20 year threshold already. Could it be we are experiencing the natural ebbing of a once growing sport? 

In my opinion, I could see this coming in 2019. The pandemic threw a wrench in the cycle, I think, and extended things for a few years afterward. But I feel as though we are back to a descending  part of the wave of gravel cycling. Of course, I could be all wrong about this, but everything I see is indicating to me we are on the downward slope now. 

Those are my thoughts and what I found in my limited research. What is your opinion? Is gravel suffering from a long list of ills or are we still on the upswing? Maybe things have plateaued a bit? Let me know in the comments.  

Review: Ergon SR Allroad Pro Saddle & BT Orthocell Road Tape: First Impressions

 Note: Ergon sent the SR Allroad saddle and the BT OrthoCell Road handle bar tape to Guitar Ted Productions at no cost for test and review. Ergon 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 Ergon SR Allroad Pro saddle and BT Orthocell Road Tape have been installed on my single speed gravel bike, the Honeman Flyer. In this post I will give you my experience regarding the installation of the bar tape and some initial first impressions after a few test rides. 

For the introduction to these products, please see my article HERE. There you will get all the tech information and pricing for these two items.

Installing The BT OrthoCell Tape:

In the past, the Ergon handlebar tapes I have used from the Gravel range have been some of the nicest, longest lasting handlebar tapes I've ever used. Those tapes have also been some of the most difficult tapes to install as well. I've installed handlebar tape as a retail repair mechanic for around thirty years, so I have a lot of experience with many different types of handlebar tapes. Ergon is easily in my top three hardest tapes to install. 

So, it came as a very nice surprise to me when I cracked open the BT OrthoCell Road tape and started working with it and I found it to be......normal. It installs very nicely and quickly, at least from my perspective. It is far easier to install than the previously mentioned Ergon tapes.  So far so good!

The saddle I will mention briefly in terms of installation. It went like any other saddle. Issues regarding the installations of saddles are more predicated upon seat post designs than they are saddle designs. So, no issues at all with the Ergon saddle here. The Whisky Parts Co. seat post? That's another story..... At least the saddle is mounted. 

Initial Ride Impressions:

The subject of any touch-point on a bicycle is fraught with frustrations and multitudinous theories and opinions. You've heard how the reviews of such items are subjective and how "this worked/did not work for me and your mileage may vary. So, what is the point of even trying to review such items, especially saddles? 

First of all, a saddle choice is going to require on-the-bike research and it will be costly.  This is not what you want to hear, and you may balk at this, but I have seen no "easy button" to push to instantly find your perfect saddle. Yes, there are certain things you can do to narrow down your choices. However; the bottom line here is that you will have to ride a saddle for multiple rides (most likely) and for longer rides (over three hours is my baseline) to know a saddle works or does not work. Here are a few points to get you started if you are on a saddle search: 

• Get A Professional Bike Fitting Done: This is paramount if you are serious about cycling and want to be as comfortable, or fast, or both - as possible. This will take a lot of the guess-work out of saddle choice. 
• Find A Sit-Bone Calculator/Guide: If a professional fitting is out of the question, getting to know your sit-bone width is the next thing I'd recommend. You can use various calculators online from most major brand saddle sellers, or you might get this done at certain full-service bike shops. I've used the WTB Fit-Right System to great success in the past. Ergon offers their Saddle Selector as well. 
• Buy Used Saddles: There are a lot of people dissatisfied with their saddle choice selling saddles on the used marketplace. I find these a lot on Facebook Marketplace. I am sure other forums which focus on cycling have classifieds as well which may be mined for saddle research. This will cut down on costs and provide a way to get rid of unsatisfactory saddles as well.  

Whew..... Okay! Now what did I think of this SR Allroad Pro? Well, so far it seems just fine. I've been on several shorter rides and I've noted no glaring faults. I am fine tuning the positioning yet, but hopefully I can speak to how it feels on longer rides when I post a final review on the saddle in a month or so. 

I will say the SR Allroad is probably going to work out for me as long as the longer, three hour plus test comes out well. 

Again, with regard to the BT OrthoCell Tape, I need to put in longer rides on it, but so far I am impressed with how this thinner tape is working. Typically my better experiences have been on tape in the 2mm - 3mm thickness range. This tape is right at 2mm thick, but feels cushier than this thickness would imply. 

The grip is good to very good. I would like to see if it gets slimy-slippery when wet. But my impressions are it will be fine. The BT OrthoCell Tape has a bit of an open pore look and feel to it, so I think it will deal with moisture from water or sweat well. 

Until Next Time:

I will be doing those longer rides and hopefully sussing out what these two products can do for me on gravel and pavement. I would expect a final word in about a month or so. I may post separate reviews, as mentioned in the previous introduction. If I decide to do so, I will link back to each final review here and from each final review for easier reference. 

Thanks for reading Guitar Ted Productions!

The Honeman Flyer: Two Years With A Weirdo

The Honemann Flyer March 2026

 This marks the beginning of Year 3 with the bike I dubbed "The Honeman Flyer", a single speed bicycle built by King Fabrications in California. 

Regular blog readers will know this bike well. I thought I would give my impressions of the bike again in view of my previous comments. If this bike is new to you, I have an AI overview of the bike, which is pretty spot-on, concise, and will serve as a way to bring you up to date:

 "The Honeman Flyer is a custom, single-speed gravel bike built by King Fabrications for Guitar Ted Productions, designed based on the 1930s-era track bike geometry of national champion Willie Honeman. It is a unique, super-smooth riding, -framed bike featuring a slack seat tube and modern components, intended to test the relevance of classic geometry for modern gravel riding."

I'll only add that the geometry and the frame and fork Willie rode to three national championships on the track was built by John "Pop" Brennan.  

My last look at this bike was last December in my "Bikes of 2025" post.  You can check that one out if you'd like to. 

Ben Petty (L) and Guitar Ted riding the Honeman Flyer last October

 I have written a ton about this bike so I won't try to rewrite again things I've covered before. I will say this bike seems to be tied to seat post changes. I went with a carbon Whisky Parts Co. post on this, switching out the old post in early March. About a week ago, to be exact. Early returns are good with the original look being present once again, which I happen to like better. 

I re-wrapped the bars with Ergon AllRoad tape. I also installed the Ergon saddle I recently recieved in for review. Both parts were introduced HERE. The black handlebar tape really looks different. I'm so used to running pink hues for handlebar tape on this bicycle. With all the black additions I think it brings out the black crackle overcoat on the paint job. 

I'll be doing a lot of riding on this bike in 2026. Again, it is one of my better riding bicycles. Li King did a great job choosing tubing and fabricating the design. It's kind of funny, but Li hasn't ever shown or mentioned this bicycle since. I would imagine because it seems too weird for many folks to even contemplate. 

It is not in the latest geometry trends or feature trends for a gravel bike. It won't take anything wider than a 44mm tire. It really should be a 40mm tire. It is steel. It doesn't have gears. No down tube storage box. And that radical rear end of this bike. 

I mean, how does anyone ride a bike like this in 2026? 

Easy - One pedal stroke at a time!

And what about this experiment's relevance to modern day gravel geometry? I'd say everything from the bottom bracket forward is spot on. The back end? Weird. Not relevant at all.  

Anyway, the bike is surprisingly fun to ride, it handles very well for myself, and in the end, this is all that really matters. It suits me very well. I would not expect anyone else to like such a weird bike. To ride, at any rate. It does also look cool, which is good, but yeah - 1980's crackle finish paint is not everyone's cup of tea. 

Weird bike, weird paint job, weirdo rider. Seems like a match made in heaven.