Friday, April 10, 2026

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!  
 

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