Things Change

Riders approaching the Rocky Ford bridge. (Image by Jeff Kerkove)

Last weekend I saw some news which told of a bridge closing near Emporia, Kansas so a new one could be built to replace it. This typically wouldn't be "newsworthy" to myself, or anyone, for that matter. However; this was the Rocky Ford Bridge, otherwise known as the Bird Bridge, named for a famous murder which had occurred there years ago. 

It also was the bridge where the Gravel Cycling Hall of Fame members would go each year to have their picture made. I had the honor of being there in 2023 when the first two classes were feted at the first GCHoF ride. So, for both historical and personal reasons, this news hit home for me. 

It is odd, isn't it? A rickety old steel bridge built 118 years ago in the Flint Hills of Kansas has some bearing on my feelings today. On one hand, you wish the thing would stand forever, or at least be there every time you wanted it to be there. Then on the other hand, practicality forces its way in. The residents there deserve to be able to have a safe, reliable bridge in order to get around, do farming and ranch work easier, and be rid of a liability. 

The news made me consider a lot of things. Obviously my life has changed tremendously in the last couple of months. There are so many things we take for granted and maybe, when things get blown up, you become sensitive to every change. I get this could be the case with myself. 

But it is a cautionary tale. Things are changing every minute whether or not you want them to. Time marches on. You may not have your situation as you know it today by tomorrow morning. And even if you do, this is an illusion, as decay and small details of life never really ever stop changing your reality. 

It makes me want to savor every ride I get a chance to do these days. My age is advancing, and whether or not I want to admit it, this will affect me as I go on. I'm not guaranteed anything.

I was speaking with N.Y. Roll the other day about the dynamics of local group rides and local group riders here.  There are some really petty things happening which, if we're honest, won't matter one lick next week, but will affect relationships for days, months, and decades. Isn't this stupid? 

Yes. We do not have time for such malarkey. I don't have time for it anymore, I'll tell ya that much! So, maybe we'd be better off not saying negative things. Maybe we should be thinking about supporting others more and thinking about what we want less. That would precipitate change which I think we'd all want to see. But it takes swallowing your pride. Can you? 

Not all change is bad.. We can focus on what we want. I will choose the good things. Old bridges were good in their day. Let's build new, better ones for the future. 

Change Of Pace

Long time readers of the blog here probably will recall my "pilgrimage" to the Green Belt every Fall. The ride I generally do to see Fall colors and celebrate my beginnings in cycling in the Cedar Valley. I wasn't always a "gravel guy"!

Sometimes I do this ride on a fat bike, sometimes on a mountain bike. This year I pulled The OS Bikes Blackbuck off the peg, aired up the tires, and went seeking leaf-peeping opportunities on a Summer-like day in mid-October. 

So, before I get on with the story, I probably should explain this OS Bikes thing. Every time I post a picture of this bike I get questions about it, so please bear with me if you already are aware of the history. 

OS (Of Spirit) Bikes was a side project of WTB's Mark Slate. Around 2007 he designed a single speed 29"er frame and fork, had 500 units made at Maxway in Taiwan, and bought some components to sell completes and some frame sets. These became available late in 2007. I bought mine in January of 2008. 

Unfortunately for Mark, he spec'ed original Rock Shox Rebas on the completes, which by 2008 were superseded by Fox's new 51mm offset 29"er fork. It also coincided with a less favorable view of single speed 29"ers and an uptick in geared offerings. Finally, the Blackbuck was only available in a single size. The OS Bikes Blackbuck subsequently wasn't in high demand. 

Mark made a second version of the Blackbuck, made at a different factory, with three sizes available, in 2010. These are easily identified by their white "darts" paint job, where the original Blackbuck was almost all black save for a silver colored dart on each seat stay and chain stay. I've no idea how many v2 Blackbucks were made. And no....you cannot buy one new. Unless there are some NOS ones around, which I am unaware of. 

So, there ya go..... 

The OS Bikes Blackbuck as it sits now in 2025.

Now on with the ride....

I decided to head out after lunch for a quick look at the meadow where I usually go to see the Fall colors. I started from the house and took the alleys and side streets over to the dog park and then went up and over the dike to enter the Green Belt. N.Y. Roll reported the Green Belt had received its annual Fall mowing, so I knew it would be fairly clean with little debris to deal with. 

The Fall colors are a bit behind this year. Usually by the 17th we are either done, or right at peak Fall color.. With the extension of Summer into early October, I think the colors were put off until around the latter part of last week. Then I noted a big change in the neighborhood, which was the prompt for me to go check the Green Belt. 

However; once I got out there, it was pretty obvious we are not quite at the zenith of Fall colors. I'd guess it will be next weekend when we reach the peak of leaf peeping here. Barring any stupidly windy days which may strip the trees before the colors come in.

Hopefully this will coincide with the C.O.G. 40. That would be awesome to have a bit of that Fall color happening for the ride, but it would be quite late in the season for the peak. Maybe.... We'll see.

I was scheduled to meet with N.Y. Roll around 3:30pm, so I didn't have a ton of time to explore the Green Belt for more color, but the meadow did not disappoint, despite it being on the early side for colors. I stayed a while in the meadow and contemplated a few things before I set off to come back home again. 

I've had these old Kenda XC tires on this bike for ages now. They are big, voluminous, and have fast tread. They don't work great in anything other than hardpack, which is what I generally encounter if and when I ride off-road. However, with recent rains the Green Belt had some greasy spots and standing water which made the bike a bit tail happy. I could definitely feel the tires slipping a bit in some corners! 

 It was a short, but good Fall ride. It wasn't peak color, but it was a great balance of the greens of Summer with splashes of Fall color. The trails had some leaves, but it wasn't swimming in them. All in all, it was a great change of pace from the gravel I normally am out on. 

Creatures Of Gravel 40: Update

NOTE: Make sure to familiarize yourself with the announcement post which you can read HERE. 

The route file indicates three and 3/4's miles of Level B road which all occur within the first quarter of the course. With weather being the proverbial "wild card", N.Y. Roll was concerned there may be trouble. Trouble if it rains, that is. 

Looking at the State DOT maps, we have a "wet weather" option which will eliminate the dirt roads. This wiill add no extra miles, but it would take us through the village of Lincoln, Iowa, and it would add a bit of extra pavement. 

This route would only go into effect if we get any significant rain the day before or during the ride. This will be only on my written cues, and it will not be on the "official route gps file", so please note this and be aware you will have to rely on my cues for navigation. That is, IF we have to use the wet weather route. 

Right now, this doesn't look like it will be a worry, but we are far enough out the forecasts could change. Please keep an eye on the weather and monitor the blog here for updates. 

One never knows how many folks might show up to this sort of a ride. If the weather cooperates, there will be more people showing up. If it looks, or if it is, sketchy, hardly anyone will show up. With this in mind, I have a few things to share. 

One: Parking on Broad Street - If we get a ton of interest we will start to ask people to move their cars to a park located on the Southwest corner of Reinbeck just off  Park Street near the Reinbeck Aquatic Center. There are baseball diamonds adjacent to this parking lot as well. We do not want to overtake downtown Reinbeck. I do not expect this will be an issue, but......just in case. Bonus: This park is adjacent to where the gps file starts and stops the route. 

Two: N.Y. Roll is facilitating the rest stop pierogies feed. He wouldn't mind a companion/helper. So, if you are coming along, but decide last minute not to ride, or if you weren't going to ride, but are coming with someone who is, please let me know. I can hook you up and get you with N.Y. Roll to help out with things and hang with him. Not necessary for our success, but this is an idea for anyone who may not be in it for the riding part.

Three: I have no idea how many folks will be there. I have heard from a couple of folks about their intentions, but as with anything like this, last minute decisions typically are what determines attendance. (Based on weather, for one thing, no doubt!) But if you would be so kind, it would be nice for Mr. Roll if we had a rough idea of who is coming. Leave a comment here or email me at g.ted.productions@gtmail.com. Thanks! 

Four: Geared bikes are welcome! Yes, the theme of the ride is single speed, but we do not want this to be a barrier to participation. Please come if you want to with your geared bike. Just make sure it is in good condition, capable on gravel, and have repair items along with you in case of a flat tire. That is all you need.  

Five: THIS IS NOT A RACE!!  A local rider here approached N.Y. Roll with a comment to the effect saying he was glad we were putting on the race again. Despite my very clearly saying in the announcement IT IS NOT A RACE, I guess we have to be very vigilant and say it loud and clear that THIS IS NOT A RACE. 

Did you catch that this time? I hope so....  

Stay tuned and don't e shy about asking questions or leaving comments!(And don't be a smarty and ask if this is a race. Okay?) 
 

Friday News And Views

Image courtesy of Mavic

Mavic Introduces New AllRoad Wheelset In Carbon

The news about a carbon rimmed Mavic wheel set for gravel was released last Monday. Called the ALLROAD SL Carbon, this wheel set has a 25mm internal rim width and a 42mm deep rim profile. Featuring 24 aero, double butted spokes with a 2X lacing pattern on aluminum Mavic hubs, this wheel set weighs a claimed 1,550 grams. 

The rims feature a hookless design. They are built to Mavic's UST dimensions. Mavic claims these rims are compatible with tire widths from 30mm - 64mm in width. (64mm is approximately equivalent to a 2.5" wide tire)

The hubs are 100mm/142mm through axle front/rear.. The wheels can be ordered with a SRAM XDR or Shimano HG freehub. The wheel set retails for $1,889.00USD. 

Comments: This is a difficult wheel set to make sense out of for myself. I've no issues with much of the specifications, and Mavic makes a fine product. However; hookless design - as stated here before - seems like an unnecessary feature which has shown risks in usage. Then you have the price. It seems a bit dear when you can pick up similar wheels for less or spend about the same and get lighter wheels. (Based upon research done on offerings by Specialized/Roval and Trek/Bontrager)

Original image courtesy of Gary Fisher

So, What About This 32"er Nonsense?

I've been curious about all the 32" wheel news coming out and I've not seen any real, rational takes on this wheel size until recently. And I was not surprised to find the source for this clear-minded take. It was from Mike Curiak, of course. 

Mike is perhaps the quintessential "thinkerer" when it comes to bicycle tech and especially design and tech outside of current thinking. 32 inch wheels certainly qualifies as such a thing.  Mike, unsurprisingly, has been testing 32" wheels on a Lenz full suspension bike.   

If you have any curiosity for this subject, you might want to head on over to Mike's blog and check it out HERE.  

In other 32"er news, Zinn Cycles is showing a 32" full suspension mountain bike designed for taller folks. Zinn has been in the business of making bicycles and components for taller folks for quite some time, so this comes as no surprise. Many would probably guess that 32"ers would most likely work best for people over 6 foot in height. 

However; it is also interesting to note Mike Curiak is right around six feet, and he rides a Medium sized bike. So, reading what he had to say maybe will change your mind if you are one to think this 32 inch nonsense is only for taller riders. I know I am rethinking this a bit.  

Image courtesy of SILCA

SILCA Offers TPU Tubes:

News came out on Tuesday from SILCA on their newest product. They now offer TPU tubes which feature mechanically connected, threaded aluminum valve stems with a traditional Presta Valve nut to affix the stem to a rim more securely. (Or you can leave the nut off, it is an option.)

SILCA is sourcing these TPU tubes from Germany and they are made from dye-free TPU material. The site for the tubes on SILCA's page does not indicate whether or not the valve core is removable. 

SILCA offers two sizes in these TPU tubes with ranges of 24mm - 43mm. or 44mm - 64mm for tire width. The narrower tubes come in either a 50mm or 70mm length valve stem. The wider TPU tube only comes in a 50mm long valve. Each tube comes with an alcohol wipe and TPU patch. Tubes sell for $39.00 each USD. 

Comments: I like the valve stem design except for the core. SILCA doesn't say if it is removable or no, but looking at their image on the TPU page, I'd guess it is not removable. This isn't a deal-breaker, but as long as you are doing an aluminum valve there seems to be no reason not to offer a removable core. 

These are still kind of pricey, but as a reliable back-up for a tubeless set up, carrying around a tube which weighs far less than 100 grams seems pretty appealing. If you have bought into TPU tubes, this offering seems better than much of what the competition is offering mainly based upon the valve stem design. 

 Image courtesy of Wolf Tooth Components

Wolf Tooth Components Pedals:

Last week this news came out, but it was too late to make the FN&V.  But we did talk about these on the latest "Guitar Ted Podcast". Wolf Tooth has a three pedal range called "CTRL", "ALT", and "DEL", which represent computer keyboard keys. In Wolf Tooth's pedal line, "CTRL" is their trail pedal. "ALT" is their take on a standard SPD pedal. Finally, "DEL" is a stripped back clipless pedal with one side entry and the lightest weight of the range at just a bit over 200 grams a pair. 

All three are machined and assembled in Wolf Tooth's facility in Minnesota. The range also all cost the same at $219.00 USD each. The pedals all can be ordered in black or purple.  Wolf Tooth claims the range provides the rider with a better pedaling platform and a closer shoe-to-pedal interface than the competition.  Finally, the "Q" factor of these pedals is adjustable. 

Comments: N.Y. Roll ordered the ALT (Actually it is the DEL he ordered) model for his girlfriend, Morgan. Hopefully I can get a ride report once she has used them a bit. Of all the various SPD-clone type pedals in existence, the Wolf Tooth offerings do promise a little something different. Now it will all hinge upon whether or not these can have a reasonable lifespan in comparison to Shimano SPD pedals which are nearly bombproof.  

That is a wrap for this week! Thanks for reading Guitar Ted Productions and get out there and ride those bicycles! 

We Need More Stories About Fun On Bicycles

From the Victory Ride in 2024

 I'm going to go out on a limb and say most cycling media outlets are anti-fun. I say this because these outlets keep pushing racing coverage and articles with titles like "The Key to Riding Faster Is Lactate Threshold Training....", or "4 tips to make your indoor training more realistic ".

None of which sound like "fun". Racing is fine, but one site I follow only posts about racing, and almost always about the most niche races no one knows about. Then another site I follow is always posting about techniques to get faster or whatever, and it points out how "you aren't good enough yet, but do this...." I mean, this is their messaging, as I see it. 

Then you have the ever-present tech articles which appeal to the bike-nerds like myself, but to the average cyclist? All this super-spendy tech seems to only force folks into feeling the cycling industry is a rip-off. 

Again, none of this sounds like fun. Maybe this is why most US citizens are looking online and getting their cycling stuff off Amazon or from big-box online and brick and mortar retailers. They don't have to clear gate-keepers, understand technology they've likely never heard of in their daily lives, or deal with uninformed or snooty clerks at bicycle shops. 

Bicycles were supposed to be fun. Freedom, fitness, and adventures were the main reasons to purchase a two-wheeled contraption when I was young. Heck, I never even heard about a racing bike until the Summer of my junior year in high school. I managed to fall in love with cycling despite my ignorance of FTP, carbon fiber, and carbon monoxide rebreathing. 

You mean you can have fun on a bicycle?

Fun needs to be focused on again. Especially if we are to actually grow cycling. We "nerds" in here all understand this bit about fun. We get the health benefits of mind and body which cycling can bring a person. But does any of this get translated by cycling media? 

The barriers to getting into gravel races was a big deal starting with post-COVID gravel events. Socially conscientious event directors began to push for inclusion of minorities and for gender equality. It's sad the cycling industry itself doesn't think in terms of removing barriers. It is painfully obvious this doesn't matter.

Raising the ceiling on prices, posting on the latest tech which costs an arm and a leg, focusing on racing which only pertains to a infinitesimally small portion of cyclists-  All of this alienates the common person who might just want something else. Something like escape from this mad world, a good time, and ease of getting involved. 

Can all the latest Winter cycling garb tests, the banter about aero helmets, and wireless transmissions on 10K+ bicycles. It creates barriers to entry. Maybe focus efforts on cycling infrastructure, how you can enjoy cycling while wearing Chuck Taylors, or make yourself calmer and more healthy by spinning wheels around the blocks in your neighborhood. 

Or, maybe just say cycling is a hoot, and you are missing out on it if you didn't partake in the sport. Put people in ads who look like they are enjoying a ride, and not squinting through pain while sprinting for a finish line. Make cycling fun again. 

Or....just continue to churn out the same tired messaging the industry has trotted out for the past 40+ years. 

I know how that  works. Ha! 

Clik Valves, Cores, and Pump Head: Final Review

 Note: Guitar Ted received a suite of products from Clik Valve for test and review at no charge. Guitar Ted is not being bribed nor paid for this review. All opinions are Guitar Ted's.

Clik Valve, a new valve type for bicycles, was introduced last year. Earlier this year I received a set of valves, valve cores, and accessories to test out. My last update on Clik Valve product in April was quite a while ago, so you may want to go back and click the hyperlink to catch up on things. 

If you are a long-time, regular reader of this blog, you probably have already seen my mentions about the Clik Valve over the course of this year. You might have a good guess as to what I think about the Click Valve overall already. But if you are new to this blog and the review of Clik Valve products, read on. 

Another New "Standard"

Yeah....I know it is wearisome and it seems "The Industry" is out to get you to buy something The "Marketing Machine" cooked up. I see your commentary about other so-called innovations and I know how many of you feel. Why do we need another valve standard? Presta is "good enough", and "I'm not changing everything over just because it is a new thing". 

Yep! I get it. However; believe it or not, this valve system is better. Not by just a little bit either. It exceeds the functionality of previous Presta and Schrader valves and it is exceedingly easier to use. This mostly due to how Clik Valve interfaces with inflation devices equipped with compatible Clik Valve pump heads. 

Long-Term Performance:

I've used this new Clik Valve exclusively on one of my gravel bikes while keeping everything else I own the same. Day-in, day-out, Clik Valve is just so much easier to live with, it is simply no contest. On this basis alone I would swap everything over to Clik Valves. 

Kind of Presta, kind of Schrader, uniquely Clik

But in terms of riding, air retention, and maintenance, this valve system is as good or better than Presta in every way. No wonder, since it really is kind of an evolution of the Presta valve when you get a look at how Clik Valve works. 

Downside:

Like anything new which requires specialized accessories, Clik Valve is still a bit of a drag. You cannot just go buy a Clik Valve pump anywhere, although more brands are offering a Clik Valve compatible option. Gauges are available, but again, you just cannot pick one up anywhere. 

The same goes for parts. Valve cores can be purchased for Presta and Schrader vales almost anywhere. Heck, you can scavenge valve cores from old tubes. Clik Valve is still so new and not as ubiquitous as the other two entrenched valve standards.  

However; if Clik Valve continues the momentum it has garnered since its introduction, I see no reason why Clik Valve wouldn't be the preferred inflation valve for cycling within the next decade. Time will tell if brands will support Clik Valve and if consumers demand it. 

Brands like Wolf Tooth (shown) and Lezyne have started offering Clik Valve

Final Verdict:

Clik Valve is a superior system for the inflation of bicycle inner tubes and tubeless systems. Period. There just is no way anyone can convince me otherwise. I wish all bicycles had Clik Valves and were this easy to maintain air pressure. 

Yes, it will be an uphill grind to displace the current entrenched valve standards. But it would be well worth doing so, especially for new and casual cyclists who are often frustrated by Presta valves.  

If you want to give Clik Valve a go, you can get cores which replace your current Presta valve cores and a pump head from Clik Valve. It probably is the least expensive way to check this system out if you have a pump you can dedicate to the system. Or you could purchase a Lezyne, Wolf Tooth, or SKS pump. Some have said a normal Presta valve pump will also work, but those will not "click" easily on the valve and you may as well just be using a Presta Valve at that point. Half the benefit of Clik Valve is the design itself which makes inflation so much easier. But it is nice to know that in a pinch, a Presta valve pump might bail you out. 

As for myself, I will likely start to transition my fleet to Clik Valve. Especially my Surly Big Dummy, which has a rear tire that is frustrating to inflate with the current Presta valve tubes. I'm betting if you give Clik Valve an honest try, you'll be as impressed as I am.  

Youth In Bicycle Retail Positions Needed

The latest Guitar Ted Podcast show is out and you can find it anywhere you get your podcast feed from. You can also listen to it from our host Spotify page HERE. 

In the latest episode we do not talk about the dearth of youthful owners and workers in bicycle retail, but this was a topic suggested to me by a listener and friend of mine. 

I ran the idea by my friend Ari Andonopoulos who is a bicycle mechanic in a Chicago area suburb. He felt this was a topic worthy of discussion, so we are going to bring Ari in on our next recording to chat about this topic. 

From my viewpoint. I have seen many older owners retire, sell their shops, and in some cases they close up, never to return. In others, a person buys the business. However; there seems to be a lack of young folks being trained up as mechanics by these outgoing folks. This is somewhat concerning as there is a wealth of knowledge which is going to disappear in the coming decade and it won't be passed on to younger mechanics. 

My question to you dear readers is this: Do you see this as being an issue where you reside? Are there examples you can point to where young owners and mechanics are taking over and thriving? I'd be very interested in any thoughts any of you might like to share on this subject. 

Maybe we won't need to have mechanics with "old school knowledge" if the 'device-a-fication' of bicycles gets to a point where bicycles become  expendable objects when they fail. I mean, we already kind of do this on the low end bicycles which are so poorly made with such awful materials they are not worth fixing. 

But there probably will be things which are decades old still getting ridden for decades to come, as long as the parts are available. So, who will know all the little tricks and bits of arcane knowledge which can extend the life cycle of those old bicycles w=once the oldies are gone and the youth haven't been around to learn those things? Maybe make them memorize Sutherland's manuals and read a chapter of St. Sheldon's gospel of bicycles every week? 

Those are my quick thoughts on the matter. Stay tuned for the podcast.....