Friday News And Views

Apidura Racing Handlebar Pack Image courtesy of Apidura.

Are Handlebar Packs becoming A Thing For Racing?

Last year I tested a handlebar bag from Craft Cadence which wasn't listed as a product for racing, but I suppose you could use it for that. It was a nice handle bar bag, but it had one issue I did not appreciate. The bag rested on the head tube on its bottom edge causing paint rub-through. 

I didn't think about it again until I came across this idea for a handlebar bag from Apidura which is listed as a product for racing on gravel.

I have no axe to grind with Apidura, and the idea for a bag like this is a valid one which I think is interesting. However; it would appear to my eyes that Apidura made the same mistake that Craft Cadence did with their design and allowed the bottom edge of the bag to contact the head tube of the bicycle. I really have a hard time thinking that this Apidura bag would not provide similar results to the Craft Cadence bag I tried. 

And furthermore, Apidura suggests that this is a good idea for racing? Hmm...... Not from an aerodynamic perspective, it isn't. I think perhaps long, unsupported cycling trips are where something like this shines. Somewhere that aero issues are not such a big deal. Or- Maybe the "racing" part of the name is merely there to make us think we are faster if we use such a bag? Anyway, I don't see this idea catching on with folks that are at the start line of gravel races. Top tube bags and half frame bags make more sense to me if you need storage space off your body. 

And yet there is that paint rub-through thing happening (possibly) with a bag design like this. Hmm.... Fix that and I'm interested. 

Update On Trans Iowa Stories:

As I wind down the telling of the tales behind the final Trans Iowa, I am starting to see where this is heading as far as exactly how I will wrap up the Trans Iowa Stories series. 

Originally I thought I would be done.."by late Spring or June", but that was overly optimistic, as it turns out. I think I'll blast right through June and July will probably be the month when I wrap up things. Maybe this will dip into August.

Then it is going to be a deal where I have to figure out a book, or someone suggested an audio reading of the series. That could easily be done via podcast. We will see when I get there. I have to wrap things up first.

I wanted to give you readers a heads up who have found that series interesting. The end is near! Ha! Anyway, after that series wraps up I am going to do one on the Guitar Ted Death Ride series of events which won't be quite as long, I dare say, but no less interesting. So, don't despair if you like gravel road riding tales. I have more and the GTDRI will have several interesting ones. I may even delve into routes and route finding philosophy. The other feature that many do not know about the GTDRI is that the ride figured into recon for Trans Iowa several times as well. 

So look forward to that later this year.

The Esker Ti Japhy frame.

Esker Goes Ti:

News broke on Tuesday of this week that Esker is releasing titanium versions of their Japhy and Hayduke titanium models. The following is from their press release:

“We focus on building the best riding bikes, continually improving, and tuning our ride quality with the various material and design components. When we decided to bring out our hardtail models in titanium, we concentrated on keeping the qualities that riders and reviewers love but took it a step forward by designing the bikes from scratch and using seamless, butted, and cold-shaped 3/2.5 titanium tubing." Said Esker Founder and CEO Tim Krueger.

The Japhy is the 29"er model and can take tires up to 2.8" wide. The Hayduke can do either 27.5 or 29"ers, but is aimed more at the 27.5" user. Both titanium frames will feature 'versatile braze-ons', a custom titanium chain stay yoke, and will come with a bead blasted finish with rainbow anodized graphics. Frames will ship with a Wolf Toth through axle, rocker style "Portage" drop outs, Wolf Tooth seat collar and head set. Cost for a frame set is $2300.00USD and both bikes can be set up as completes. Learn more at www.eskercycles.com 

News photo image showing container broken into.

Another Theft Of New Bikes:

Authorities reported that on May 12th a 40 foot container filled with new bicycles from Merida was broken into at a trucking facility near Felixstowe, Southampton, UK. Thieves broke the seals on the container and reportedly made off with 133 bicycles. 

Several bicycle industry media companies reported on the theft. It is another in an alarming trend seen since the pandemic-induced demand and supply chain issues have made getting bicycles difficult. Furthermore, those issues and the current inflationary climate make it so that thieves can turn these bicycles over on the black market for a handsome profit. 

Authorities are asking consumers to look out for any suspicious listings of Merida models including Big Trail 400 & 600 models,Scultura 400's, and Speeder 100 bikes.  

The facility where the theft occurred has security cameras and everything was done according to protocols concerning the container handling. Thieves still made off with most of the 210 bicycles in the container. 

DeMarchi Dues Ex Machina Portals jersey. Image courtesy of DeMarchi

Is This The "New Rapha"?

My opinions and impressions of Rapha in the beginning of their run as a cycling clothing provider were that they had a penchant for romanticizing  the 'classic' road cycling past. Their clothing was a reflection of that, being a stylized interpretation of classically inspired clothing, but with a modern take. 

Let me know if you think I got that wrong, but that is my impression of what Rapha was all about. 

Now days I feel like that feeling of romanticized classicism of mostly European road racing has been muted, if not lost, in Rapha's presentations of recent times. They still have a premium price, that hasn't changed. To be fair, Rapha has its own look and feel. They sponsor current semi-Pro and Pro road teams. And they offer fully modernized looks alongside their very simple signature looks. Good stuff, I am sure, but it is different than it was in their beginnings. 

So, I bring this up because DeMarchi, and Italian manufacturer of high-end cycling wear, just launched a US portal for their merchandise. Ironically their Heritage Collection is kind of what Rapha was hearkening back to with their original range, but Demarchi isn't taking an inspiration, and trying to interpret that. DeMarchi is just presenting their past, which is, perhaps, a bit more authentic. 

They are expensive as well, but I think the historical look is interesting and a fun way to enjoy the history of cycling. Of course, DeMarchi has a full line of cycling clothing to choose from, including stuff listed under the ubiquitous "Gravel" category. So, if you aren't into the historical deal, then you have other choices.  

But come on now- You gotta admit wearing a jersey that says "Dues Ex Machina" is pretty cool. 

That's a wrap for this week. I hope you all get in a ride or two and stay safe! Thank you for reading Guitar Ted Productions! 

Friday News And Views

Apidura Racing Handlebar Pack Image courtesy of Apidura.

Are Handlebar Packs becoming A Thing For Racing?

Last year I tested a handlebar bag from Craft Cadence which wasn't listed as a product for racing, but I suppose you could use it for that. It was a nice handle bar bag, but it had one issue I did not appreciate. The bag rested on the head tube on its bottom edge causing paint rub-through. 

I didn't think about it again until I came across this idea for a handlebar bag from Apidura which is listed as a product for racing on gravel.

I have no axe to grind with Apidura, and the idea for a bag like this is a valid one which I think is interesting. However; it would appear to my eyes that Apidura made the same mistake that Craft Cadence did with their design and allowed the bottom edge of the bag to contact the head tube of the bicycle. I really have a hard time thinking that this Apidura bag would not provide similar results to the Craft Cadence bag I tried. 

And furthermore, Apidura suggests that this is a good idea for racing? Hmm...... Not from an aerodynamic perspective, it isn't. I think perhaps long, unsupported cycling trips are where something like this shines. Somewhere that aero issues are not such a big deal. Or- Maybe the "racing" part of the name is merely there to make us think we are faster if we use such a bag? Anyway, I don't see this idea catching on with folks that are at the start line of gravel races. Top tube bags and half frame bags make more sense to me if you need storage space off your body. 

And yet there is that paint rub-through thing happening (possibly) with a bag design like this. Hmm.... Fix that and I'm interested. 

Update On Trans Iowa Stories:

As I wind down the telling of the tales behind the final Trans Iowa, I am starting to see where this is heading as far as exactly how I will wrap up the Trans Iowa Stories series. 

Originally I thought I would be done.."by late Spring or June", but that was overly optimistic, as it turns out. I think I'll blast right through June and July will probably be the month when I wrap up things. Maybe this will dip into August.

Then it is going to be a deal where I have to figure out a book, or someone suggested an audio reading of the series. That could easily be done via podcast. We will see when I get there. I have to wrap things up first.

I wanted to give you readers a heads up who have found that series interesting. The end is near! Ha! Anyway, after that series wraps up I am going to do one on the Guitar Ted Death Ride series of events which won't be quite as long, I dare say, but no less interesting. So, don't despair if you like gravel road riding tales. I have more and the GTDRI will have several interesting ones. I may even delve into routes and route finding philosophy. The other feature that many do not know about the GTDRI is that the ride figured into recon for Trans Iowa several times as well. 

So look forward to that later this year.

The Esker Ti Japhy frame.

Esker Goes Ti:

News broke on Tuesday of this week that Esker is releasing titanium versions of their Japhy and Hayduke titanium models. The following is from their press release:

“We focus on building the best riding bikes, continually improving, and tuning our ride quality with the various material and design components. When we decided to bring out our hardtail models in titanium, we concentrated on keeping the qualities that riders and reviewers love but took it a step forward by designing the bikes from scratch and using seamless, butted, and cold-shaped 3/2.5 titanium tubing." Said Esker Founder and CEO Tim Krueger.

The Japhy is the 29"er model and can take tires up to 2.8" wide. The Hayduke can do either 27.5 or 29"ers, but is aimed more at the 27.5" user. Both titanium frames will feature 'versatile braze-ons', a custom titanium chain stay yoke, and will come with a bead blasted finish with rainbow anodized graphics. Frames will ship with a Wolf Toth through axle, rocker style "Portage" drop outs, Wolf Tooth seat collar and head set. Cost for a frame set is $2300.00USD and both bikes can be set up as completes. Learn more at www.eskercycles.com 

News photo image showing container broken into.

Another Theft Of New Bikes:

Authorities reported that on May 12th a 40 foot container filled with new bicycles from Merida was broken into at a trucking facility near Felixstowe, Southampton, UK. Thieves broke the seals on the container and reportedly made off with 133 bicycles. 

Several bicycle industry media companies reported on the theft. It is another in an alarming trend seen since the pandemic-induced demand and supply chain issues have made getting bicycles difficult. Furthermore, those issues and the current inflationary climate make it so that thieves can turn these bicycles over on the black market for a handsome profit. 

Authorities are asking consumers to look out for any suspicious listings of Merida models including Big Trail 400 & 600 models,Scultura 400's, and Speeder 100 bikes.  

The facility where the theft occurred has security cameras and everything was done according to protocols concerning the container handling. Thieves still made off with most of the 210 bicycles in the container. 

DeMarchi Dues Ex Machina Portals jersey. Image courtesy of DeMarchi

Is This The "New Rapha"?

My opinions and impressions of Rapha in the beginning of their run as a cycling clothing provider were that they had a penchant for romanticizing  the 'classic' road cycling past. Their clothing was a reflection of that, being a stylized interpretation of classically inspired clothing, but with a modern take. 

Let me know if you think I got that wrong, but that is my impression of what Rapha was all about. 

Now days I feel like that feeling of romanticized classicism of mostly European road racing has been muted, if not lost, in Rapha's presentations of recent times. They still have a premium price, that hasn't changed. To be fair, Rapha has its own look and feel. They sponsor current semi-Pro and Pro road teams. And they offer fully modernized looks alongside their very simple signature looks. Good stuff, I am sure, but it is different than it was in their beginnings. 

So, I bring this up because DeMarchi, and Italian manufacturer of high-end cycling wear, just launched a US portal for their merchandise. Ironically their Heritage Collection is kind of what Rapha was hearkening back to with their original range, but Demarchi isn't taking an inspiration, and trying to interpret that. DeMarchi is just presenting their past, which is, perhaps, a bit more authentic. 

They are expensive as well, but I think the historical look is interesting and a fun way to enjoy the history of cycling. Of course, DeMarchi has a full line of cycling clothing to choose from, including stuff listed under the ubiquitous "Gravel" category. So, if you aren't into the historical deal, then you have other choices.  

But come on now- You gotta admit wearing a jersey that says "Dues Ex Machina" is pretty cool. 

That's a wrap for this week. I hope you all get in a ride or two and stay safe! Thank you for reading Guitar Ted Productions! 

Friday News And Views

Wolf Tooth "Supple Bar Tape"

Wolf Tooth Debuts "Supple Bar Tape":

Handle bar tape isn't a very sexy topic when it comes to cycling. You know.....it's just bar tape, right? Well.....no. Bar tape can make or break a ride, and cheapo bar tape is about as bad as having no bar tape. You may as well wrap your bars with duct tape. Wait! Don't do that! I know from experience that is a horrible idea.

No, you should use a quality bar tape and then - most definitely- HAVE SOMEONE WHO KNOWS HOW TO WRAP TAPE DO THE INSTALLATION!!

The #1 fail of most bar tape is poor installation. Many shop rats don't know how to do it either. Wrapping bar tape is a skill that not many have, and so, find a professional who has a good reputation for wrapping tape, because no matter if you spend 10 bucks or fifty, if you fail on the wrap job, it won't matter.

Anyway.....off the soap box now! 

Back to this Wolf Tooth stuff. It is a silicone foam tape that is FIVE millimeters thick. FIVE! That's crazy thick, plus the tape width is 40mm. So, this is pretty thick stuff and it will require a REALLY knowledgeable, experienced wrapper to install it well. If you get that far, you'll have what amounts to double wrapped bars so the vibration damping effects should be really good. Wolf Tooth claims this stuff is washable, works in extreme heat and cold, and will give you the best comfort over rough terrain.

It is available only in black for now, but they expect to have other colors in the future. MSRP is $39.99. Note: I do not have this tape, nor any connection to Wolf Tooth Components. I just thought this was a cool product and wanted to pass along the info.

Apidura's Expedition Downtube Pack

 Interesting Product Alert: Apidura Downtube Pack:

I came across an interesting product for storage so I thought I'd share here. Some of you have bikes that don't have those nice, under-the-downtube mounts for a water bottle cage. Well, this pack from Apidura might be the ticket for you.

It is capable of holding a water bottle, or you could pack in a tool caddy, or other gear which is heavy so you could get your weight lower. That tends to make a bike handle a bit better.

Apidura does not recommend this for tubing under 30mm in diameter, so some skinny tubed steel bikes won't be a good match here. Similarly, many rigid forks also will not be a recommended application for this product. But I bet you could mount this to a suspension fork lower.

Anyway, the thing is waterproof, features a single, wide Velcro attachment, and retails for $67.00. The top has a compression closure, and should keep the grit and moisture out. It might also be a great option for those riders smaller in stature that cannot run a top tube bag, like a Tangle Bag, and water bottles. You can check out the Apidura Expedition Downtube Pack here. Note: I do not have this bag, nor any connection to Apidura. I just thought this was a cool product and wanted to pass along the info. 

Mass start events still not a good idea? Things maybe will go solo? Who knows?

 Evidence Mounts Against Any Mass Start Events For 2020:

As Fall approaches and we get into September, there are a lot of postponed gravel events which were rescheduled from when the onset of the pandemic and social distancing measures started. While we have recently seen many states in the US relax restrictions, we also have noted a spike in Coronavirus cases over the past week or so.

Adding to this are the many events which are cancelling for 2020 altogether. Events like the Boston Marathon, the New York Marathon, various triathlon events, and more. Yes, some major league sporting events still think they will be getting on the field, but the jury is still out on that front. As teams gather for pre-season practices and work-outs, the coronavirus cases have piled up. Any reasonable person would conclude that when the games start, there will be a further uptick in cases amongst players and then what?

I understand that sports are a 'big deal' to us culturally, but more importantly- these sports on major league levels are losing their shirts monetarily if players do not take the fields and courts. It is not a good barometer of how cycling events can take place to compare themselves to Major League Baseball, or the NFL, for instance. Those entities are dealing with economies that outrank many countries entire economic worth in the world. Cycling does not have that sort of need for sacrificial human performances.

It is my humble opinion then that no mass start cycling events take place during the remainder of 2020. If you can figure out how to keep your smaller field separated, then I see no issues running an event of, say 100 folks or less. But even better yet, promoting individual challenges, as many gravel events have done, is more preferable.

You can call me alarmist if you want, or say I've got my head stuck in the sand, but the numbers and case information doesn't lie. The COVID-19 virus has no cure and no vaccine. It is highly dangerous, highly contagious, and can cause permanent damage and death. Those are hard facts. Take your risks accordingly.....

Sorry to end on such a bummer note this week, but this is serious business and there is no "going back to the way things were". Stay healthy! Have a great weekend.

Friday News And Views

Wolf Tooth "Supple Bar Tape"

Wolf Tooth Debuts "Supple Bar Tape":

Handle bar tape isn't a very sexy topic when it comes to cycling. You know.....it's just bar tape, right? Well.....no. Bar tape can make or break a ride, and cheapo bar tape is about as bad as having no bar tape. You may as well wrap your bars with duct tape. Wait! Don't do that! I know from experience that is a horrible idea.

No, you should use a quality bar tape and then - most definitely- HAVE SOMEONE WHO KNOWS HOW TO WRAP TAPE DO THE INSTALLATION!!

The #1 fail of most bar tape is poor installation. Many shop rats don't know how to do it either. Wrapping bar tape is a skill that not many have, and so, find a professional who has a good reputation for wrapping tape, because no matter if you spend 10 bucks or fifty, if you fail on the wrap job, it won't matter.

Anyway.....off the soap box now! 

Back to this Wolf Tooth stuff. It is a silicone foam tape that is FIVE millimeters thick. FIVE! That's crazy thick, plus the tape width is 40mm. So, this is pretty thick stuff and it will require a REALLY knowledgeable, experienced wrapper to install it well. If you get that far, you'll have what amounts to double wrapped bars so the vibration damping effects should be really good. Wolf Tooth claims this stuff is washable, works in extreme heat and cold, and will give you the best comfort over rough terrain.

It is available only in black for now, but they expect to have other colors in the future. MSRP is $39.99. Note: I do not have this tape, nor any connection to Wolf Tooth Components. I just thought this was a cool product and wanted to pass along the info.

Apidura's Expedition Downtube Pack

 Interesting Product Alert: Apidura Downtube Pack:

I came across an interesting product for storage so I thought I'd share here. Some of you have bikes that don't have those nice, under-the-downtube mounts for a water bottle cage. Well, this pack from Apidura might be the ticket for you.

It is capable of holding a water bottle, or you could pack in a tool caddy, or other gear which is heavy so you could get your weight lower. That tends to make a bike handle a bit better.

Apidura does not recommend this for tubing under 30mm in diameter, so some skinny tubed steel bikes won't be a good match here. Similarly, many rigid forks also will not be a recommended application for this product. But I bet you could mount this to a suspension fork lower.

Anyway, the thing is waterproof, features a single, wide Velcro attachment, and retails for $67.00. The top has a compression closure, and should keep the grit and moisture out. It might also be a great option for those riders smaller in stature that cannot run a top tube bag, like a Tangle Bag, and water bottles. You can check out the Apidura Expedition Downtube Pack here. Note: I do not have this bag, nor any connection to Apidura. I just thought this was a cool product and wanted to pass along the info. 

Mass start events still not a good idea? Things maybe will go solo? Who knows?

 Evidence Mounts Against Any Mass Start Events For 2020:

As Fall approaches and we get into September, there are a lot of postponed gravel events which were rescheduled from when the onset of the pandemic and social distancing measures started. While we have recently seen many states in the US relax restrictions, we also have noted a spike in Coronavirus cases over the past week or so.

Adding to this are the many events which are cancelling for 2020 altogether. Events like the Boston Marathon, the New York Marathon, various triathlon events, and more. Yes, some major league sporting events still think they will be getting on the field, but the jury is still out on that front. As teams gather for pre-season practices and work-outs, the coronavirus cases have piled up. Any reasonable person would conclude that when the games start, there will be a further uptick in cases amongst players and then what?

I understand that sports are a 'big deal' to us culturally, but more importantly- these sports on major league levels are losing their shirts monetarily if players do not take the fields and courts. It is not a good barometer of how cycling events can take place to compare themselves to Major League Baseball, or the NFL, for instance. Those entities are dealing with economies that outrank many countries entire economic worth in the world. Cycling does not have that sort of need for sacrificial human performances.

It is my humble opinion then that no mass start cycling events take place during the remainder of 2020. If you can figure out how to keep your smaller field separated, then I see no issues running an event of, say 100 folks or less. But even better yet, promoting individual challenges, as many gravel events have done, is more preferable.

You can call me alarmist if you want, or say I've got my head stuck in the sand, but the numbers and case information doesn't lie. The COVID-19 virus has no cure and no vaccine. It is highly dangerous, highly contagious, and can cause permanent damage and death. Those are hard facts. Take your risks accordingly.....

Sorry to end on such a bummer note this week, but this is serious business and there is no "going back to the way things were". Stay healthy! Have a great weekend.