Thoughts On The 32"er Fargo

Note: The images shared in this article were provided as part of the Teravail tire and rim release.  Commentary is Guitar Ted's.

Titanium Fargo 32'er. Image courtesy of Teravail

 This announcement by Salsa Cycles is perhaps one of the worst kept secrets in the cycling industry, that I am aware of, for quite some time. Rumors and sightings of the 32"er Fargo prototypes have been circulating around the internet for months. 

Now that the bike is out in the open, what can we infer from its release? Technical specs will  be everywhere on the internet, undoubtedly, and will be debated. What I am interested in is what impact this may have regarding 29"ers and 32"ers going forward. 

Image courtesy of Teravail

With the tires this bike is being sold with, and with the option of using a Teravail Camrock or Cannonball, it seems as though QBP/Salsa/Teravail are all in on 32"ers, at least for the short term. 

Salsa Cycles, as reported in a recent "Bicycle Retailer and Industry News" report, is one of the top five brands at the retail level in the USA.With a steel Fargo 32"er and a titanium one, it would be apparent that Salsa is betting on robust sales of 32" wheeled Fargos, at least in the short term. Salsa certainly has the presence at the retail level to support larger numbers of bikes in 32" wheels. 

That same "BRAIN" article showed a big drop off for retail presence for many other brands. Of course, Trek is number one with Specialized right behind. Cannondale ranks up there as well as Giant. These are brands which typically are more conservative with newer ideas in niche areas of cycling. However; I would expect something from one or more of the Big Four brands sooner than later if Salsa sees brisk sales of Fargos with giant wheels. 

Image courtesy of Teravail

The Fargo was the original "Adventure by Bike" product and certainly this new Fargo will be aimed at taller folk for bike packing and gravel uses. The mountain bike DNA the Fargo has always had will make this a decent mild single track bike. I think 32" wheels and the Fargo is a good fit. But what about other bikes? 

Well, we will see. It all depends upon how the marketplace sees 32"ers. Will they be pigeonholed into XC MTB? Will the big wheels find a home in the bikepacking crowd? What about drop bar bikes for gravel? I think all of this will be offered up front, but what catches on is anyone's guess. 

In the end, you still won't be putting many medium sized people on these bikes and smaller folk won't even have the option. (Although Salsa is offering a small in the Fargo, surprisingly) In this scenario I see 29"ers still being the dominant wheel size. Then the question becomes "Will the industry support two different wheel sizes? If history is any indication, the answer has to be "No". For example, the 27.5"er wheels are still around, but they are being shed from the gravel side faster than a speeding bullet and are becoming rarer in MTB all the time. Same situation with the once ballyhooed "Plus-sized" wheels. 

My gut tells me the industry will not suffer two major wheel sizes for long. I could be wrong. But history says I'm probably right.  

UPDATE: Check out this VIDEO from Bikepacking.com where Neil Beltechenko reviews the new Titanium Fargo.  

In the video it is revealed that the Fargo 32 will only be frame/fork/through axles/head set/seat collar at first with the steel bike coming in the Fall of 2026. Standard Boost spacing , which is a bit of a surprise, and a size small!  Whisky Mtn carbon fork, (for now). Prices: $3,499.00 titanium and $1,799.00 steel. 

Press Release: Teravail Introduces 32"er Tires and Rim.

 Note: All information and images were supplied by Teravail to Guitar Ted Productions. Comments in Comment section are Guitar Ted's.

Teravail announces 32" tires and rims today. The buzz around this new tire size caused quite a stir last year and now the choices are expanding. Teravail will now offer the following tire models in 32" size. 

Camrock 32" X 2.4" (Available as of Today)

Cannonball 32" X 2.2" (Coming June 2026)

Plus, Teravail will be offering its 32" version of the Circos Wide carbon fiber rim. (Available this Summer)

Features: 

Both 32" models will feature Teravail's "Superstructure" casing which has extra-strong, fine Nylon fibers which provide a stronger baseline tire. The rubber compound on both tire models will be the new "Fast Pus", Teravail's fastest rolling rubber compound yet. Both tires will come in black or tan sidewalls. 

The Circos Wide rim will have front and rear optimized spoke hole patterns and will be front and rear specific with the rear rim having a 28mm internal width and the front a 29mm internal rim width. 

The Circos is designed to support high-volume gravel tires from 50mm - 60mm in width. Circos will be available in 28 hole or 32 hole options. The Circos weighs 400 grams for the front and 420 grams for the rear. 

Teravail 32" Cannonball in skin wall and black wall. 

Circos also has hookless sidewalls and the spoke bed is reinforced and optimized for spoke washers. Complete wheels with DT Swiss 350 hubs are also available. (Complete wheel sets weigh approximately 1,700 grams for the set.)The Circos rims have a Lifetime Warranty. 

Comments: Obviously this goes along with the Fargo 32"er as QBP owns both brands. It is interesting to note in the feature list how Teravail states the Circos is designed for "high volume gravel tires". Perhaps other brand's high volume gravel tires? Which means there would be more 32" gravel bikes as well. 

 QBP is pretty ubiquitous across the USA, so anyone with a hankering for 32" rubber and rims should find getting a set easy to do. 

Press Release: LOOK G85 Cezal Bike

 Note: LOOK Cycle provided all information and images in this article. Comments in Comment section are Guitar Ted's

The LOOK G85 Cezal 

Look Cycle  is showing its new gravel bike, the G85 Cezal, today at Sea Otter which will also be raced in the Sea Otter gravel event by Russel Finsterwald. The G85 Cezal features all the latest gravel tech for 2026.

The LOOK carbon frame is manufactured by LOOK in its french facility so all the technical and design details can be controlled carefully. LOOK went with a progressive geometry, featuring a short wheel base and a slack, 70° head tube angle. Tire clearance is 50mm in the rear (1X drive train only), and up to 57mm in the front with up to 60mm suspension fork travel being an option for the G85 Cezal rider. 

Of course, all cables route internally. There is ample storage in the down tube, and this storage space comes with a pouch for easy retrieval. LOOK also designed the stack and reach of the G85 Cezal so that various rider positioning set ups are possible. 

The frame uses a 27.2mm seat post, which is nice from a versatility standpoint. LOOK also utilizes a 3D Wave Flex System for the seat stays where LOOK claims a tube's shape dictates flexability LOOK employs a wavy shape to the seat stay which LOOK claims is 15% more flexible than a straight tube using exactly the same carbon layup schedule. 

Riders can choose one of two handlebar/stem combinations when picking out their G85 Cezal. One option utilizes LOOK's LS3 stem and Deda Superzero gravel bars which is a lean toward the more adventurous side. Serious racers may want to choose the LOOK fully integrated stem/handlebar option which adds about $940.00USD to the price tag. 

Two models exist in the range for the G85 Cezal. One is the Speckled Purple/Neon Orange SRAM 1 X 13 speed which features SRAM Force XPLR and Fulcrum Soniq Carbon 2WF wheels. This bike retails for approximately $7,650.00USD. 

The Shimano equipped model is the Speckled Sand/Black Shimano GRX Di2 2x12 bike. This one also features those wavy Fulcrum wheels and goes for approximately $6,755.00USD. 

There is also an all black Shimano GRX 800 1X12 mechanical shifted bike with Fulcrum Lite GR2WF traditional wheels and comes in at $4,115.00USD. Finally, a frame set with frame, fork, and through axles in black is available. This frame set is priced at $2,940.00USD. 

Comments:

A sleek looker here. I think LOOK has an interesting take on gravel racing with this bike.The slacker head tube angle being notable with the capability to handle a big 29"er XC racing tire. This speaks to how LOOK sees gravel racing world-wide, and not just a North American based sport anymore. World wide, courses are becoming more than just unpaved roads. So, things like up to 60mm travel gravel suspension forks and big rubber in a road bike racer package are probably going to be more commonplace than not, especially from the European brands. 

Press Release: Continental 700 x 50mm Dubnital Announced

Note: All information and images were supplied by Continental Tire to Guitar Ted Productions. Comments in Comment section are Guitar Ted's.

Last year some gravel racing Pros were stuffing Continental Dubnital 29"er tires in the front ends of their gravel racing bikes. Continental took note of this and requests from racers. Now a 700c X 50mm version is available to anyone who desires the fast rolling Dubnital. 

Originally designed as a fast XC MTB racing tire which was to replace the venerable Race King model, the Dubnital found immediate favor with gravel racers as the tire's speed and cornering abilities allowed for faster overall times. The 55mm width of the original Dubnital was limiting, so this 50mm version should find a home on many fast paced gravel rider's bicycles. 

The 50mm Dubnital features a tread pattern optimized for dry to damp conditions across rocky, hard packed, and medium loose roads. The tire is built with Continental's latest tubeless technologies and is safe to use on hookless rims. Continental believes the Dubnital is the perfect combination of speed, reliability, and control which gravel racers crave from their tires. 

Key Features of the Dubnital 50mm 

• 50mm width extending the Dubnital range for aggressive gravel riding
• Fast-rolling tread optimized for hardpack terrain and mixed off-road surfaces
• Designed for dry to damp conditions
• Available in Race casing with Rapid compound for maximum speed and efficiency
• Available in Trail casing with Rapid compound for increased durability and control
• Tubeless Ready and hookless compatible for modern wheel systems
  

Pricing and Availability

The Continental Dubnital 50mm will be available worldwide through select retail partners and Continental distribution channels.
RRP: 74.95€ / £66.99 / $86.95

Comments: This tire makes sense with many new gravel bikes coming out now with 50mm or wider tire clearances. However; it seems a little redundant when Continental also has the Terra Adventure tire in a 700c X 50mm size also. The tread patterns are not all that different. Maybe the Dubnital's knobs stand a little bit more proudly off the casing.  

I would expect to see this tire making its debut at the Sea Otter gravel race this weekend.  

Press Release: Hot Bars Heated Handlebar

Note: All images and information was provided by Hotbars.com. Comments in Comment section are Guitar Teds.

Keeping hands warm in Fall, Winter, and Spring can be a challenge. Clayton Wambichler of Hotbars saw this and helped create a solution called Hotbars, of course. 

Hotbars is a battery pack and handle bar combination which has heating elements in the handlebar which can be adjusted for intensity. The heat radiates through your grips, and in many cases, this can eliminate the need for pogies. However; when it is really cold, Hotbars can be paired with your favorite pogies and increase the ability for the rider to keep the hands warm in extremely cold conditions. 

Heat is selectable in three levels. Run time is around 2-3 hours depending upon level selected and the ambient air temperature. When the Hotbars need recharging you can plug them in via USB and the fast charge system will replenish the battery in less than 3 hours, even if the battery is fully depleted. 

Hotbars are available in 35mm or 31.8mm stem clamp diameters and also feature 8° of backsweep and 5° of upsweep. The 35mm bar has a rise of 35mm and a stack of 60mm. the 31.8mm bar has a rise of 25mm and a stack of 50mm. 

Hotbars' battery pack can be removed for Summertime riding, or whenever you don't need the warmth. There are two plugs included with Hotbars to cover the ports for the wires running to the heating elements. 

Since the bars cannot be cut down due to the heating elements, Hotbars offers the bars in lengths from 700mm, 740mm, and 750mm in 31.8mm. The 35mm bars come in lengths from 750mm, 760mm, 770mm, 780mm, and 800mm.  

Hotbars are made with unidirectional carbon fiber and glass fibers made in such a way as to reduce vibrations. Hotbars are tested for impacts and pass for use in Enduro settings.  Of course, they can be used on gravel bikes and for commuting. Preorders are being taken now for a Fall 2026 delivery. Hotbars are priced at $395.00 USD and will be available to US customers only for now. See www.hotbars.com for more information.

Comments: I tested some heated grips back a decade or longer ago once. The idea has legs and Hotbars would be a great idea for anyone with cold-sensitive hands. Of course, you'd have to be all-in on the shape. The rise, the backsweep, etc. But if flat bars are your jam, these would be pretty cool.  

Wheels For Gen I: Update

Post 'mud-year' DK200 overhaul

Monday I posted about wanting to find some hubs to lace up a nice wheel set for the Gen I Fargo. If you've looked at what is out there for quick release hubs it won't be a surprise to you that prices are astronomical for new, high-end hub sets. And there are not many of them available either! 

Well, an odd set of circumstances has led me to a hub set I already owned once before. The timeline for this is crazy. 

In 2007 I received a set of wheels for a build up of a custom bike I was having brazed up for me. I was a member of the Twin Six Racing Team, (Really!) at the time and it was a perk I had gotten for being a Twin Six team member. This wheel set had a set of Chris King hubs. Being it was 2007 they were quick release and six bolt rotor interface models. 

Moving ahead several years I took those hubs out of the original 700c wheel set and relaced them to 650B Velocity rims. (or were they WTB rims? Oh well....) These were shod with the then new WTB Trailblazer 27.5" x 2.8" tires. I ran those on the Fargo Gen 2 I used to own and those were ridden in the 2015 DK200. The infamous "Mud Year" of that event. Then the wheels were moved over to a Trek Sawyer I used to own until I sold the bike with the CK hub/27.5"er wheels to a fellow named Ben. 

Well, Ben read my post on Monday, hit me up to ask if I wanted to buy the hub set from him, which he was not using, and I said "Yes!" So, in a little while I should have those old Chris King hubs back again. Like a bad penny.... Ha! 

They should be good to go. Ben said he barely rode them before he decided to go a different direction with wheels. I had overhauled those wheels post-mud year, and later that same Summer used them for the GTDRI and Odin's Revenge, plus all the rides on the Sawyer and they were great for me. 

So, hubs have been sourced. I'll give them the once over after they arrive. Now it is time to do a bit of rim shopping. Since I saved on the hubs, (Ben shot me a very fair price), I can look at maybe getting some carbon rims. Stay tuned.... 

PSA: Tomorrow there will be a slew of Press Releases connected to what is being shown at Sea Otter. Keep scrolling the page for all the news! 

Aeron TPU Tubes: Update

That's a looooong valve stem!

 Note: Guitar Ted received Aeron TPU tubes and a patch kit at no charge for test and review from Aeron. Guitar Ted is not being paid, nor bribed for this review and all opinions are Guitar Ted's. 

Last week I introduced the Aeron TPU tubes I have on test and review here. That introduction can be read by clicking THIS LINK. 

In this update I am going to cover the installation process and my first impressions of these tubes so far. So, let's dive right in!

Installation Process:

Aeron advises the user to put in about 3-4psi of air pressure in the tube before installing it. This is to give the tube shape, and to prevent the installer from folding or pinching the tube during the install. It is a basic technique for installing any tube. What you do not want to do is over inflate the TPU tube!

Another thing to note here is that Aeron made this tube to work with 650B/27.5" AND 700c wheels. This means that the tube is slightly too small in diameter for 700c upon installation. You have to stretch the tube over the rim to mount it, which might be tricky if you haven't dealt with this sort of situation before. We 29"er guys from way back know the drill as we had to use 26" tubes as spares at one point. 

While Aeron does not advise putting talc powder in the tire, it does not recommend against it, and this is something I do with any tube. It helps the tube move against the inner casing of the tire and helps prevent chafing. It could possibly lower rolling resistance a bit as well, but I have no solid evidence of this being the case. 

I installed the tubes using different sized tires. Aeron recommends these tubes for anything from 32mm to 52mm in width. I have a 47mm wide Teravail Cannonball and a 700 x 2.25" (claimed) WTB Nineline tire in use with the Aeron tubes now. The WTB Nineline is actually 51mm in width, so just within the recommendation from Aeron. 

I found that the Aeron tubes in my tires were a bit of a chore to get set into place properly. One would like to see the bead chafer strip peeking out above the rim's edge, (as seen in the image here) all the way around the wheel. But I had a devil of a time getting my tires, especially the Nineline, to set where they belong.

This is a common occurrence with butyl tube installs as well. A little lube on the tire beads can help with this issue. Older tires are also more prone to doing this, and so my old Nineline was probably more to blame than the tube was in this instance. 

Ride Impressions:

I have to play around with air pressures yet. Initial test rides are going fine though. Nothing really unusual to report and so far, this is a good thing. 

Overall Impressions: 

The installation was what I expected, and besides the issues with getting the tires to sit just right, I was fine with how the installation went. I should note here I used no levers or other tools to mount the TPU tubes. I would strongly recommend a no-tool installation since this eliminates damage which can be incurred by using levers.  

My SILCA pump head worked great with the threaded top portion of the valve stem. This feature is a little noticed thing until you run across a tube with a smooth, non-threaded valve stem and find your pump head blowing off as you inflate the tire.  

There was a comment made in the previous post on these Aeron tubes concerning the length of the valve stems. This longer stem length and the smaller diameter issue are connected, in my opinion. Aeron is trying to make a TPU tube which will work across a wide range of use cases. This way they do not have to make several variants to cover specific use cases. This includes valve stem length. If the Aeron valve stem clears a deep dish rim, it will clear a lot of other, less deep profile rims. 

I'm not necessarily a fan of this approach, but I understand it from a business/manufacturing viewpoint.  As long as the stem doesn't get knocked around, (and based upon my experiences on gravel, it shouldn't) I'm fine with this decision by Aeron functionally. Aesthetically it looks goofy. 

While this is not directly related to the tubes I have decided to swap test bikes based upon the minimal tire clearance in the rear of the Noble GX5. It was only rated for 40mm tires, so a 47mm is really pushing things!  

So, I think we are on the road to getting some real riding done with these tubes soon. That is, if it would quit raining buckets and the lightning would cease! 

Stay tuned....  

PSA: Wednesday will kick off the press releases embargo lifts for Sea Otter news. Look for several articles to go live at oddball times Wednesday and Thursday. Much of this week's FN&V will be Sea Otter news as well.  

Wheels For Gen I

The Gen I Fargo is a lifer here at Guitar Ted Productions. This will likely be a bicycle I keep until I cannot ride anymore. It's been configured in many ways since I brought it home late in 2008, but there has only been one time I really ever had a nice wheel set on it. 

That was when I ran the Edge (now Enve) carbon rimmed, DT Swiss hubbed wheel set I built up back in 2008. I ran those wheels on the bikes for a while but they ended up on the Fargo a time or three. 

But now I don't have anything great to run on this bike, and that is mostly due to the fact that the Fargo is 135MM/100mm rear/front quick release standard. A standard barely supported by the cycling industry these days. 

So, anyway, the search is on for some hubs that won't cost an arm and a leg which I can base a wheel set off of which will be the (hopefully) last wheel set I ever put on the Fargo. These wheels do not have to be carbon rims, but they also could be. 

I hope to get something put together, (either by myself or ???), soon and be able to use this bike later this Summer with a really nice set of wheels on there. So, stay tuned. And by the way, if you have any suggestions for nice QR wheels, let me know. 

Gravel History With Guitar Ted: Changing Times

About this time ten years ago...

A story I told in the latest episode of the Guitar Ted Podcast had to do with this image. The image is of myself out North and East of Waterloo at about this time of year in 2016. It is a trading card, one of a set, which was handed out at the tenth anniversary of the Dirty Kanza 200 event in Emporia, Kansas. You know.....the event known as Unbound now? Yeah, that gravel race. 

I remember when the DK folks reached out to me and asked me to send them an image. They wanted something of me recent on a bike. Well.......there are not a lot of images of myself riding a bicycle, so this was a bit of an issue for myself. 

I thought it was a bit of an odd request anyway. I mean....who cares about Guitar Ted riding bikes? Especially racers. I never amounted to much when it comes to bicycle racing. As far as my event went, Trans Iowa was weird and being eclipsed by several other events by that time in gravel. Essentially, the gravel world had grown and passed myself and Trans Iowa by. 

Sure, there was the influence, the history, which Trans Iowa and myself represented. But even by 2016 most gravel folk had no idea concerning any of that. None. Zero. 

This is why I find it ironic when today I see stories written on major online cycling media sites stating how gravel didn't really see growth until 2018, or 2019, and some punters place the "explosion of gravel" after the pandemic. 

They don't know what they are talking about.

I used to compile a calendar of gravel events every year from 2008 until 2020. Gravel events increased in number from 2010 to 2019 by a factor of over six times. Talk about "an explosion of gravel events" But no one cares to research anything in their stories, I guess. That's why I write this stuff down. 

Anyway, back to the trading cards. I eventually settled on taking a quick selfie out on a ride and I sent it off for the DK200 folks to look at. I promptly forgot all about the promotion as I was deep in the throes of organizing the next Trans Iowa event. 

Then it came time for the DK200. I went down with Tony, a friend of mine, and I was there mostly as support for Tony. But I also was there to attend this goofy, (my opinion) autograph session for people who wanted autographed trading cards. The rest of that story is on the podcast, so I'll save you from reading it here. 

The whole deal was pretty much a flop, as I recall. I did get a complete set of cards for being there.  I went home, and probably like most everyone else, I tossed these cards in a "junk drawer" to eventually get thrown out at some point in the future. 

Then one day, well over a year later, I received an odd little package in the mail. It was a playing card box full of my trading cards. I think I have around 30+ of my card in that box yet. I have no idea why I got them afterward or what I will ever do with them in the future. 

Probably throw them out in some fit of cleaning someday.....

Two Things

What Is "Success"?

Another podcast dropped this week and we got to chat with perennial guest, Dave Pryor. He was quoted in a recent article in "Velo" concerning East Coast gravel events.  (Paywalled, but if you work Google you can find a workaround)

In the article the question is asked "Why haven't East Coast gravel promoters hosted something like Unbound, Belgium Waffle Ride Series, or a Mid-South type event?" The author was taking a stance on a definition for success which, in my opinion, is the default definition used by mainstream cycling media. However; it is not the only definition for success. 

You can listen in to the podcast HERE or find it on your favorite podcast platform. 

In the episode, Dave Pryor makes a point about how "Velo" has always been about racing and racing results, so to have a big Pro-level gravel event to report on benefits them. Dave mentioned not all outlets are like this. And, of course, he is right. But what I wanted to make clear is that when you have the majority of online reporting focused on "athletic exceptionalism" then people hear the narrative that this is all that matters, because let's be honest, this is what happens. When you don't get the reporting on the individual accomplishments, stories of adventure, and self-stretching efforts, (individual exceptionalism/spiritual exceptionalism) then this is seen and felt as less than important. Sure, some outlets will post a story in this realm, but it isn't deemed "the thing that moves the needle" financially. This is because the media doesn't trust the readers to find this exciting and worthwhile reading. So, you get the same ol', same ol'. 

And the circle never ends. 

Tom Claver, foreground. (Image by C. David Ashton II)

A Rider Leaves:

Recently I learned that Tom Claver, a local rider here, is moving away to the Twin Cities area. I met Tom via bicycles, of course, and I used to do some work for him from time to time when I was a retail bicycle mechanic. 

Tom isn't one to seek out the spotlight. In fact, he probably won't be comfortable with this being here on the blog. However; when a rider of this caliber leaves the area, I think it is noteworthy.  

I cannot say I know Tom well. I know him well enough to hold casual conversation with him. I typically don't ride with anyone, so Tom and I don't see a lot of each other these days. That said, I see evidence of Tom's rides all the time. 

It is not a rare thing to see tire tracks in the dust, fairly fresh ones, going South, East, and West of Waterloo. 99% of those tracks are evidence of Tom's passing through. He rides thousands of miles, alone as I do, every year. Many of his miles being on gravel. He's tough as nails, but kind, and soft-spoken. Most locals have no idea of his accomplishments on the bikes. 

But I have somewhat of an idea. 

Tom, if you read this, know that some of us noticed you. We cared about how you were doing. And know you'll be missed.  I'll certainly miss seeing your tracks out on the gravel roads. 

Ride on.  

Friday News And Views

Image courtesy of Surly Bikes

 Surly Sorceress Trail Bike Debuts:

On Tuesday of this week Surly Bikes dropped a new model into their line called the Sorceress. It is a long. low, slack  steel hardtail 29'er (27.5"er in XS) with the capability to be set up geared or single speed.  

Surly worked with SRAM to develop a new rear drop out which can be set up geared using the SRAM UDH hangar or a chip can be subsituted which allows for a single speed set up. Surly calls this new dropout the "DUH". (Yes, seriously they call it this)  

The geometry is slack with a 65° head tube angle using the suggested 140mm travel fork. The seat tube is minimized for maximum length dropper post use. Chain stay length is 429mm and the bike comes in complete form with Teravail 2.5" Kessel rubber. 

The bike comes in three complete specs and as a frame ($999.00) in Elderberry Tonic or Hot Honey Bling. The single speed is priced at $2,199.00, the Deore 12 speed model is $2,499.00, and the range topping SRAM Eagle 90 is $3,199.00. 

Sorceress drop outs (Image courtesy of Surly Bikes)

Comments: Let's see...... I think it was late 2012 when I reviewed that Diamondback Mason hardtail 29"er. It was about the same bike as this Surly model. So.....nothing new here. 

Yeah, its got that drop out the online sites are all ga-ga over. What is this? Like the 39th variation of a rear drop out Surly has designed over the past 20 years? I don't know......it's all right, I guess. Nothing mind-blowing. 

I'm not sure why Surly decided to make this bike now. Are dealers clamoring for something to sell like this? Are Surly "Humanoids| messaging Surly asking for this? Maybe they are. It just seems like a weird bike for Surly to sell because it hasn't got that "make it your own" thing nor does it really do anything oddball like one used to expect from Surly. Yes....it can be set up and purchased as a single speed. At least they got that part right. 

Image courtesy of Bianchi

Bianchi Releases Limited Edition Infinito Celebrating Paris-Roubaix:

 Paris-Roubaix is this weekend. It might be the most romanticized cycling event in world history. More so than any other "monument" of cycling and perhaps more so than the Tour de France as well. In my opinion, Paris-Roubaix has been more influential in regard to cycling competitions than any other cycling event ever. Just look at gravel events which borrow from either its name, its vibe, or both. 

In light of this, it should come as no surprise then to see a company like Bianchi release a very expensive, very limited edition bicycle to celebrate Paris-Roubaix. 

 The Infinito model was chosen to feature a special paint job with details such as cobbles and a commemorative logo on the seat tube. Only 55 Infinito bikes will feature this livery which points to the 55 kilometers of cobbles in the 2026 edition of Paris-Roubaix. 

See this and all Bianchi's bicycles at www.bianchi.com 

Shimano PD-GR400 flats (Image courtesy of Shimano)

Another Flat Pedal Choice:

I may be a bit behind on discovering these Shimano flat pedals, but the PD-GR400 from Shimano is right up my alley. 

The resin-composite body has nine replaceable grip pins per side and the entire pedal weighs a claimed 394 grams. At a cost of $79.99 direct from Shimano, these pedals seem like a pretty good value. 

I like that they come in different colors as well. Six colors to be exact. I'm showing purple because it is the best color ever, and there is no debate. (Ha!) 

I also like resin composite pedals in the colder times when a metal pedal acts like a heat sink and draws heat out of your foot/shoe combo. Not good! Resin is far less adept at transferring heat, which helps keep those tootsies warm in Winter. 

Anyway, these are not the only choice, but they are another choice I think is worth checking out. Personally I have been a big fan of Fyxation Mesa MP's and I have several sets of them running on different bikes. It looks like Fyxation is on the down and outs though, so I may have to use these Shimano pedals in the future. 

Image courtesy of White Industries

White Industries, Brunk Industries, and Moots Team Up for Titanium Cranks:

An unlikely trio of businesses have teamed up to help produce a made in USA titanium crank set. Brunk Industries does the stamping and forming of the titanium arms. White Industries does the precision machining of the arms and spindles. Moots does the welding of the arms and pedal inserts. 

The cranks will be sold through both White Industries and Moots in several lengths from 165mm, 170mm, and 175mm. Different spindle lengths accommodate MTB, Road, and Gravel drive trains. The cranks us 8 bolt SRAM chain ring mounting standard. Spindles can also be DUB standard or 30mm. Some slight detail differences exist between the Moots and White Industries offerings, mostly in the aesthetic realm. Both brands are selling this crank set for $1350.00 USD.  

Image courtesy of Ergon

Ergon Expands GDH Grip Line Sizing:

Ergon has had the GDH grip in the range for some time now but there was only one diameter/size available. Now there will be three sizes and some new colors as well. 

The news sizes vary 2mm smaller and2mm larger than the original GDH, so if you are a fan of the OG grip, no worries. It is now called Medium sized. 

The grips will all have the "GravityControl" grip compound, progressive damping, and anatomic finger boxes. 

Check out these grips on Ergon\s product page: ergonbike.com/en/lp/gdh-color and US riders can : buy them here. 

Grinduro Returns To PA:

Lockhaven, PA, July 18th, 2026 is the date and place for Grinduro Pennsylvania. Registration is open now. 

Grinduro is timed segment event. This means there are segments where you will be in competition, but there are also segments where you can just cruise and enjoy the ride. 

The event will be going through Sproul State Forest and will feature stunning views, top-notch aid stations, and live entertainment. The event will also feature the following:

• Four timed race segments with plenty of adventure in between
• Festive aid stations with proper fueling and the treats that will lift you spirits
• A lively post-ride celebration and “hootenanny”
• On-site camping available Friday and Saturday
• Possible “Hellbender” salamander sightings all weekend

Proceeds from Grinduro PA will benefit the Pennsylvania Interscholastic Cycling League #morekidsonbikes 

That's a wrap on this week. Stay in the saddle and ride!