Friday News And Views

Image courtesy of Keith Bontrager's social media.

"First Bontrager bike with a license plate."

  Since the advent of putting electric motors on bicycles, I have posited this idea would evolve into fully electric powered, two-wheeled vehicles. It would appear that Keith Bontrager, now retired, has been tinkering with just such an idea and has published an article on Medium detailing his efforts.

The article is long and essentially takes you from Bontrager's initial thoughts on electrified bicycles through his evolutions in prototyping and finally to a vision for the future which he feels will pull more people out of cars and on to two-wheeled transportation. 

This quote is pretty much the overall philosophy he has regarding pedelecs versus fully motorized two-wheeled vehicles: "An electrically powered bike without the pedals is likely to appeal to a large portion of the population who are not too wild about pedaling a bike around. If pedaling is not important to those folks, why not just remove them. That will reduce cost and complexity, and add useful cargo space."

Comments: I urge you to read Keith's words and caution you that much of it is technical in nature, but will reveal a reality I think is coming. That being the fully-electrified, no-pedaling vehicles with two wheels which will be what people really want. Cyclists will have a hard time with this, yes, but Keith's vision is what will be successful in the end, not restricting electrified two-wheeled vehicles to having to be pedaled.

Image courtesy of Black Mountain cycles

Black Mountain Cycles Reissues Road Frame/Fork:

Five years ago Mike Varley of Black Mountain Cycles discontinued the Road frame and fork from his steel bicycle line.  However; interest in having more made for the Japanese market has sparked a reissuing of the frame and fork in its original colors

The frame and fork can handle 32mm tires with ease, maybe 35's, and has fender mounts. This is a 'true road bike' so only caliper brakes here. The price is tentatively set at $895.00 USD depending on "what the hell" goes on with tariffs. 

You can learn more from the BMC Road page HERE. 

Comments: I usually do not talk much about pure road bicycles here, but I do have two BMC's for gravel and they both have been excellent bicycles. I have seen one of the original BMC Road bikes up close and they look really nice. I've been told they ride even better than they look. For the asking price, this is a killer deal and would be a better bike than whatever aero nonsense bike you can name would be for most riders.

Hmm.... I have an old Colnago which can run wider tires but for the fork I have on it now. This bike would solve my road bike issues and have tires the size I'd actually want to ride.  Very tempting....

Image courtesy of GRVL

GRVL Hydration Packs:

GRVL, a newer name in the market for gravel riding aficionados, has just introduced a new hydration pack for gravel riding. Featuring recycled materials in its construction, the pack is made to allow for ease of use and to provide the usual hydration pack benefit of having a water/hydration fluid available to the rider without reaching down for a water bottle. Many riders say a hydration pack makes them drink more due to the ease of accessibility to their hydration fluids. 

Other benefits and features include:

•  Hydration Bladder Included – Easily removable for convenientfilling and cleaning.

● Tailored Fit – Adjustable shoulder and waist straps with
elasticated sections provide a snug, comfortable fit that
allows for unrestricted movement and breathability.
● Quick-Release Harness – A simple 1-click, 4-point system for
effortless on-and-off functionality.
● Secure Storage – One large zippered compartment for the
hydration bladder and essentials, plus a hanging loop for easy
drying and storage.
● Reflective Detailing – Enhancing visibility for early morning
and late evening rides.

The GRVL Hydration Pack costs approximately $127.00USD depending on tariff situations at the time of ordering.

Comments: Hydration packs have always made a lot of sense for many riders. This version of the idea looks great, is made responsibly, and should work well. One thing - They only offer this to fit "up to" a 44" chest size. Well.....that leaves me out. Also, the I find their lack of vowels.......annoying.

Shimano 100 Works Book:

An incredible gift from a former co-worker and blog reader came on Tuesday of this past week. It is a 'coffee table' book of Shimano's 100 "best" products celebrating 100 years of Shimano's existence back in 2021.

According to my research, which could be wrong, this book was made available by lottery to those who entered to possibly be chosen to purchase one of 100 copies of the book which were published.

In following with the theme of 100, these books originally went for $100.00 dollars each, if you were chosen to buy one. I have seen a few on ebay with higher asking prices, so if you were to want to get one, it is possible, I guess.

I've no idea how my benefactor was able to get a hold of this, but obviously he did and now I have it in my possession. It is pretty humbling to think someone would want to buy this for me.

So, a public "thank you" was necessary and you know who you are who deserves this acknowledgement. Thank you!

Where We Came From:

In case you missed it, another couple of podcasts dropped this week in the "Where We Came From" series which is a podcast and blog post series describing how gravel cycling came to be, who were it's movers and shakers back in the day, and how things were done back then which led to the dominance of gravel cycling we know now in 2025.

On the occasion of Trans Iowa's 20th anniversary, I interviewed Jeff Kerkove, the co-founder of the event and one of the main influencers of how events were done  back then. In this episode you'll get Jeff's remembrances of how the event came together, his background as a cyclist which was important to getting gravel cycling and culture headed in the direction it ultimately went, and his thoughts on Trans Iowa's influence.

That episode can be listened to on Spotify HERE or you can get it on your favorite podcast provider platform. 

Next in the series we were able to corral a local gravel grinding pioneer, Mike Johnson, and get his take on how the early gravel scene worked and what he used to conquer events like Trans Iowa, the DK200, and other events leading up to his successful Tour Divide attempt. 

Mike shared what it was like before there were gravel specific tires, bicycles, and accessories. How nutrition needed to be figured out for ultra-distance events. Things like lighting, mud clearing, and clothing were all unknowns facing these early gravel pioneers and Mike was giving us great examples of these challenges they all faced as gravel grinders.

If you want to give this episode a listen you can check it out on Spotify HERE. 

Both these podcasts also help mark the 20th anniversary of the first Trans Iowa. I could have chosen many others to do this with, but this came together in a hurry and it worked out well for all involved. I suspect others from this era of Trans Iowa and gravel events in general will get their shot at telling their stories as long as we can record them. Stay tuned for more...

That is a wrap on this week! Get out there and ride some bicycles!

Keep It Big, Keep It Straight

I came across an article on Bike Radar recently that was addressing the uptick in use of big chain rings by Pro roadies. The article is fascinating from the standpoint of how Pro cycling has changed in regard to equipment choices, but what I found most interesting was the technical aspects regarding drive train efficiency. 

What I found there in that article hinges on two basic principles of drive train efficiency and informs all of us how we can make the best use of any chain driven drive train. Both of these ideas were expounded upon years ago and that is where I learned these ideas and have implemented them into my thinking about bicycle components and which has informed my choices about drive train components over the years. 

It's been so long ago that I read about these ideas that I forget where it was I learned these ideas specifically. I know that before the Internet's widespread usage, there was an article published in "Dirt Rag" that was written by Keith Bontrager. In it he attempted to explain how to use a typical for those days triple crank set drive train. 

You can read in the "Bike Radar" piece I linked to about these same ideas, so this is knowledge that has been around for decades, but it is criminally either missing in most rider's knowledge base or completely misunderstood. At any rate, you can break it down into two basic things.

Keep It Big: Chain articulation around cogs is a source of loss of power as the smaller the arc of the cog is the more the chain has to articulate to conform to the cog shape and this causes a loss of energy. Efficient use of a derailleur drive train would be to use the largest cog/chain ring combination that is reasonable and that provides a ratio that allows the rider to do whatever it is that rider is attempting to do, be that climbing, descending, etc. 

There is another reason a rider would consider doing this and that is for the longevity of the drive train parts. Smaller cogs on a cassette contact chain links more often as they spin than larger cogs will. Also, that chain articulation under tension is supported by fewer teeth on a smaller cog, so the combination of frequency of load bearing and the focused wear on fewer teeth means that smaller cogs, when used often, will wear out more quickly than would the same/similar ratio using bigger cogs and chain rings. 

Both reasons are why I try to use bigger chain rings and cogs on my single speed bikes. As an example, I could run a typical 32T x 16T on a 29"er for a gear inch of 58, or I could get the same 58 gear inch by running a more efficient, longer wearing 40T X 20T set up. Of course, the weight conscious amongst us would cry foul, and yeah, some big chain rings will not fit on some bicycles. But the point remains valid. 

Image courtesy of Campagnolo

Keep It Straight: The other thing Keith Bontrager said in that old "Dirt Rag" article was that the straighter you kept the chain the more efficient the drive train would be. This principle of derailleur drive train usage is also expounded upon in the "Bike Radar" piece. 

This idea helps riders understand when to shift, and why. It helps explain why certain combinations, while usable, should be avoided if possible. The commonly heard term, "cross-chain" came out of discussions about how to use triple and double crank set drive trains. The more misunderstood "duplicate gearing" concept is also part of this discussion. Similarly to how one would want to always defer to a larger combination of cog and chain ring, one also would (or should) want to choose  to use a straighter chain line whenever possible over a cross-chained set up. 

Efficiency increases with a straighter chain over that of a cross-chained choice of gear, but again, wear is accelerated with cross-chained choices. And where do we see a lot of severe chain angles now? That's right. In 1X systems. 

Front derailleurs were eliminated in MTB for several design choice reasons not based on drive train efficiency. Gravel bikes ended up adopting 1X to a degree due to the MTB influences, and rarely will you see 1X in Pro level road racing, because efficiency is king there. I would also put forth the argument that consumers see 1X as being "easier" since they don't have to think about how to use a front derailleur. Compounding this is that shifting a front chain ring is harder to do than shifting at the rear and you can see why 1X is so popular now. 

It may be popular, but 1X has shown that it is not as efficient as a multiple front ring crankset by wearing out chains laterally as well as in the traditional way. In fact, many mechanics have posted online that they change 1X chains now based more on lateral wear than based on the traditional way that chains are measured for wear. That's an indication of less efficient operation.

Conclusions: Of course, you don't have to consider any of this and you can have fun riding a bicycle without any knowledge of the above. That said, if you care about efficiency and wear issues, these ideas might help you out.

Friday News And Views

The new Maxxis Reaver. (Image courtesy of Maxxis)

Maxxis Introduces New Reaver Gravel Tire:

Earlier this week Maxxis revealed a new gravel tire called the Reaver. It is a semi-slick, low center tread affair meant for "racing", as Maxxis puts it. 

It is available in two sizes: 700 X 40mm and 700 X 45mm. All can be had in either black wall or tan wall versions. 

• 120 TPI tubeless ready casing
• Dual compound
• EXO sidewall protection

Reaver tires are $70.00 each and can be purchased directly from Maxxis HERE. 

Comments: I like the looks of this tire a lot. I wouldn't peg it as just a racing tire though. Low tread in the center is fine. Think about it. Your are riding on crushed rock, (that is - IF you actually are riding on gravel), and tread is generally useless there, with one minor exception. That being outer tread blocks. If they are designed correctly they can act as a bit of a stabilizing element to the tire, and they can aid in cornering, of course. Additionally they can also have the effect of making the tire present as more of a flatter surface in cross section to the gravel, aiding in flotation, instead of cutting into the gravel. 

It could be a winner on Iowa gravel, but not because it is a "racing tire". 

Garbaruk Road/Gravel crankset (Image courtesy of Garbaruk)

So That's What It Is! -

Back in June, when I was at the Unbound week and attending the Gravel Cycling Hall of Fame ceremonies, I was asked by Jason Strobehn if I would be willing to be interviewed for the "Gravel Family Podcast". I agreed and when I was there that morning to get interviewed I noted this young man on a single speed zipping around the area. He had several anodized bits on the bike, none more striking than this purple chain ring on some crank that was unfamiliar to me. I couldn't take my eyes off it, but the identity of the crankset was a mystery to me, until this week.

Social media to the rescue! On "X", or whatever that is now, (formerly Twitter), I saw a story on Garbaruk's aluminum crankset and when I saw the star-like, minimalist chain ring, I knew I'd seen that before. It is the crank and chain ring I saw in Emporia last June. 

Garbaruk claims that this aluminum chain ring and crank are as light as carbon without the downfalls of carbon. They claim that there Road/Gravel crank with a 42T ring weighs in at an astonishing 480.5 grams. You might be thinking it is prohibitively expensive. Not really, I think anyway. The rings are sold separately, but if you bought a 42t ring and the crank arms you'd be in for $505.00USD with free shipping. Not too bad. 

Oh, and you can get these in several anodized colors, so that explains the blindingly purple chain ring I saw in Emporia! Mystery solved.

Bontrager's OCLV NEXT rim (Image courtesy of Trek bikes)

Thermoplastic Carbon Rims: The Future Of Carbon Rim Manufacturing?

 Yesterday the newswire for cycling was ballyhooing these new OCLV NEXT carbon Aeolus wheels from Bontrager. I searched the web and found the source information on Trek's website and many of the claims and features being made started to sound familiar.

Where had I seen this before?

Well, as it turns out, a very similar idea was released early this year by Chris King. I talk about it here in a February "FN&V". The new technology is made by a company called "CSS Composites" and this is the company making the rims for Chris King. But are they the same company making the Bontrager rim? I thought maybe Trek developed their own thermoplastic manufacturing process, but maybe not. Here is a line buried way down the page on the wheels from Trek's site:

"Aeolus Pro 37V and 49V wheels are assembled in Waterloo, WI, with rims manufactured in the United States and global components like DT-Swiss Aerolite spokes and DT-Swiss Pro Lock nipples.". 

Note: emphasis is mine. So.......if they actually were making the rims, wouldn't you think they would say exactly that? The wheels "are assembled in Waterloo, WI" indicating that Trek does not actually manufacture the rims. So, are they CSS Composites made rims? I'm guessing, "Yes" on that one. 

If this stuff is the bee's knees in rim manufacturing, at some point we're going to see them coming from the Far East, and much cheaper. Time will tell.

Single Speed Nerd-Out On The Podcast:

We had a request to do a single speed specific episode of the Guitar Ted Podcast so the latest episode is just that. 

Check that out at that link or wherever you get your podcast feed from. Tell a friend, leave a rating, and like and subscribe and all that. I and N.Y, Roll would really appreciate it. 

In the episode I give my take on the ultimate single speed (for me) gravel bike. I chose a Twin Six Standard Rando Titanium frame to base my build off of. But if I had to pick the single speed gravel bike that was my favorite that I had ever ridden? Well, that would be the bike in the thumbnail there, the original copper-colored Stormchaser. 

That bike would fit 29" X 2.0 tires and it rode fantastically well with those bigger tires. Plus, that copper color was stunning. Butit wasn't all roses. That fork? WOW! Was that fork a jackhammer or what? I definitely would rock a Redshift ShockStop stem there. OR- Find a better fork! 

Anyway, give that episode a listen and let me know what ya think there.

That's a wrap for this week! Have a fantastic weekend and thank you for reading Guitar Ted Productions!!

Bontrager Circuit WaveCel Helmet Review

  NOTE: Please read the Standard Disclaimer Page for reference in terms of review product and my relationship with the product. Thank you! 

Earlier this year my friend and contributor to RidingGravel.com, Grannygear, received a helmet to review from Bontrager. It didn't fit him. Too big, he said, and he wanted to know if I wanted to try it out. Well, as fate would have it, I was riding in a Bontrager Starvos Wavecel helmet which I was fortunate enough to have reviewed already and so I knew the Circuit helmet Grannygear had would fit,. So, here is a review of that Circuit helmet. Oh, and if you think you've heard a bit about this already,you would be correct. I just mentioned this a while back in an "FN&V" post.

The Bontrager Circuit Wavecel helmet.

So, WaveCel..... It's a kind of application to avert shearing loads on the head when you crash. "Normal" helmets will absorb energy when you strike your head, but researchers are saying that loads observed in tests show that crashing causes more dynamic forces which can cause damage like concussions, or worse, to the brain. Does WaveCel help? Research seems to point to a "yes" on that. I'm not going to sit here and tell you that it does or that it does not. And, more importantly, I do not aim to find out either. 

No, what I really wanted to point out here in this review is the fit of the Circuit helmet (and by way of that- the Starvos as well) See, I have a big head. No.....not like that! A large sized 'melon'. That's what I mean. Size 7 7/8ths, (63cm) if you really want to know. Just big enough, and egg shaped enough, that I have never, yes- never- had a properly fitting helmet until, that is, the Starvos and now this Circuit helmet came along. 

The Circuit has built in magnetic mounts which fit certain Bontrager lights.

Normally I would have to pull all the padding out of a size XL helmet, and sometimes even Dremel off a bit of the foam liner, just to get a helmet to sit close to right on my head. Typically Bell helmets were best for me, but they also never really fit right. 

So, I would suffer headaches, ill fitting spots which would get sore, and all sorts of sweat in the eyes when I rode with a helmet. Honestly, if y'all didn't care I would have not worn a helmet at all if it was left up to me. I don't think I'm alone here in that. That's where this new line of Bontrager helmets has really made a difference. The Starvos and the Circuit actually fit- with all the padding -which I have never been able to use before with any other helmet. In fact, I can actually dial in the adjuster some, whereas most helmets I had to open the adjustment up as far as it could go. Now I can comfortably wear cycling caps, Buffs, or thicker wool caps, whereas before I was really struggling with those things. 

I just never complained before because, well, that's the way things were. I "had" to wear a helmet, so...... Suffering was part of the game plan. Now I am elated that I have a helmet like most of y'all have- one that actually fits. It may seem like no big deal to you, but for me, this is a game-changer. In fact, it is so revolutionary for me that I could give a rip about the WaveCel part. I'm just happy I don't have discomfort due to an ill-fitting helmet anymore. 

A little closer look at the magnetic mount which comes with the Circuit.

But it does have that WaveCel thing and while there may be some debate as to its effectiveness, it is cutting edge tech for helmets, so this isn't like those old Bell King Head helmets which were monster sized entry level helmets, (and too big for me, by the way), so I don't have to accept a cheesy helmet just to get one that fits right. 

In fact, with the Starvos, you get a helmet that doesn't cost an arm and a leg, but works on bigger noggins. But if you want a lighter, more performance oriented helmet, you can get this Circuit helmet, which only weighs 389 grams. 

I haven't had the Circuit very long, but I have had the Starvos over a year, and it has been a fabulous helmet. The Circuit is a bit sleeker, smaller in profile, and lighter, so I have no doubt that I will get on with it just fine. 

You might wonder about that WaveCel material. Is it something that inhibits airflow? Are these helmets hotter because of this? Do bees find WaveCel attractive because it resembles a honeycomb? (I'm kidding about the third question!) Well, I have found these are no hotter than typical helmets I have tried. So, I have no issues there. 

In Closing: Yes, I really like the Bontrager Starvos and Circuit helmets. They are good helmets with some nice features. I am biased a bit because these actually really fit my big head, and so I write this for those out there who, like me, have struggled to find a decent bicycle helmet that fits because you find yourself just outside the normal range of helmet fit. (The Bontragers go up to 65cm, by the way) 

I also have learned an important lesson from this experience, and it really doesn't have anything to do with this particular helmet, and it has everything to do with it. What is that? Well, that athletic equipment has been sized for fit, slim, athletes and has left most other body types to 'suffer' the consequences of those decisions by brands and companies. This is why it is important for companies to not only make clothing and accessories for non-traditional body types in a sporting context, but to also include those people in imagery and in their employ. You don't have to get all crazy about it, just be aware that- like me and helmets- some people are waiting to join in that cannot due to certain limiting decisions made by those who control what gets made and what gets shown. 

I mean, you all would not have let me ride with you, and you event directors would not have let me ride in events without a helmet, right? Had I had a head just a tiny bit bigger? Yeah.....you probably wouldn't know about me. Why? Because I wouldn't have been able to have been included. 

Something to think about......

Bontrager Circuit WaveCel Helmet Review

  NOTE: Please read the Standard Disclaimer Page for reference in terms of review product and my relationship with the product. Thank you! 

Earlier this year my friend and contributor to RidingGravel.com, Grannygear, received a helmet to review from Bontrager. It didn't fit him. Too big, he said, and he wanted to know if I wanted to try it out. Well, as fate would have it, I was riding in a Bontrager Starvos Wavecel helmet which I was fortunate enough to have reviewed already and so I knew the Circuit helmet Grannygear had would fit,. So, here is a review of that Circuit helmet. Oh, and if you think you've heard a bit about this already,you would be correct. I just mentioned this a while back in an "FN&V" post.

The Bontrager Circuit Wavecel helmet.

So, WaveCel..... It's a kind of application to avert shearing loads on the head when you crash. "Normal" helmets will absorb energy when you strike your head, but researchers are saying that loads observed in tests show that crashing causes more dynamic forces which can cause damage like concussions, or worse, to the brain. Does WaveCel help? Research seems to point to a "yes" on that. I'm not going to sit here and tell you that it does or that it does not. And, more importantly, I do not aim to find out either. 

No, what I really wanted to point out here in this review is the fit of the Circuit helmet (and by way of that- the Starvos as well) See, I have a big head. No.....not like that! A large sized 'melon'. That's what I mean. Size 7 7/8ths, (63cm) if you really want to know. Just big enough, and egg shaped enough, that I have never, yes- never- had a properly fitting helmet until, that is, the Starvos and now this Circuit helmet came along. 

The Circuit has built in magnetic mounts which fit certain Bontrager lights.

Normally I would have to pull all the padding out of a size XL helmet, and sometimes even Dremel off a bit of the foam liner, just to get a helmet to sit close to right on my head. Typically Bell helmets were best for me, but they also never really fit right. 

So, I would suffer headaches, ill fitting spots which would get sore, and all sorts of sweat in the eyes when I rode with a helmet. Honestly, if y'all didn't care I would have not worn a helmet at all if it was left up to me. I don't think I'm alone here in that. That's where this new line of Bontrager helmets has really made a difference. The Starvos and the Circuit actually fit- with all the padding -which I have never been able to use before with any other helmet. In fact, I can actually dial in the adjuster some, whereas most helmets I had to open the adjustment up as far as it could go. Now I can comfortably wear cycling caps, Buffs, or thicker wool caps, whereas before I was really struggling with those things. 

I just never complained before because, well, that's the way things were. I "had" to wear a helmet, so...... Suffering was part of the game plan. Now I am elated that I have a helmet like most of y'all have- one that actually fits. It may seem like no big deal to you, but for me, this is a game-changer. In fact, it is so revolutionary for me that I could give a rip about the WaveCel part. I'm just happy I don't have discomfort due to an ill-fitting helmet anymore. 

A little closer look at the magnetic mount which comes with the Circuit.

But it does have that WaveCel thing and while there may be some debate as to its effectiveness, it is cutting edge tech for helmets, so this isn't like those old Bell King Head helmets which were monster sized entry level helmets, (and too big for me, by the way), so I don't have to accept a cheesy helmet just to get one that fits right. 

In fact, with the Starvos, you get a helmet that doesn't cost an arm and a leg, but works on bigger noggins. But if you want a lighter, more performance oriented helmet, you can get this Circuit helmet, which only weighs 389 grams. 

I haven't had the Circuit very long, but I have had the Starvos over a year, and it has been a fabulous helmet. The Circuit is a bit sleeker, smaller in profile, and lighter, so I have no doubt that I will get on with it just fine. 

You might wonder about that WaveCel material. Is it something that inhibits airflow? Are these helmets hotter because of this? Do bees find WaveCel attractive because it resembles a honeycomb? (I'm kidding about the third question!) Well, I have found these are no hotter than typical helmets I have tried. So, I have no issues there. 

In Closing: Yes, I really like the Bontrager Starvos and Circuit helmets. They are good helmets with some nice features. I am biased a bit because these actually really fit my big head, and so I write this for those out there who, like me, have struggled to find a decent bicycle helmet that fits because you find yourself just outside the normal range of helmet fit. (The Bontragers go up to 65cm, by the way) 

I also have learned an important lesson from this experience, and it really doesn't have anything to do with this particular helmet, and it has everything to do with it. What is that? Well, that athletic equipment has been sized for fit, slim, athletes and has left most other body types to 'suffer' the consequences of those decisions by brands and companies. This is why it is important for companies to not only make clothing and accessories for non-traditional body types in a sporting context, but to also include those people in imagery and in their employ. You don't have to get all crazy about it, just be aware that- like me and helmets- some people are waiting to join in that cannot due to certain limiting decisions made by those who control what gets made and what gets shown. 

I mean, you all would not have let me ride with you, and you event directors would not have let me ride in events without a helmet, right? Had I had a head just a tiny bit bigger? Yeah.....you probably wouldn't know about me. Why? Because I wouldn't have been able to have been included. 

Something to think about......

Friday News And Views

My quote Tweet from Tuesday on the "Bike-Europe" story.

 Cannondale To Assemble Bikes Again Stateside:

Tuesday news broke that Cannondale, who were recently in the news for being purchased by PON Holdings, is currently building a new assembly facility in the USA. 

The story, published by "Bike Europe", a site for news of the trade, states that the new facility is being constructed in Rincon, Georgia. This city is located just North of Savanna, Georgia and not far from the major East coast port of Charleston, South Carolina, which makes sense from an import of parts and frames/forks standpoint for the brand.

Comments: It should be understood that while the assembly of bikes will be back on U.S. soil, the manufacturing of frames and forks will still occur in the Far East. However; it might prove to make Cannondale more efficient for its US/North American based dealer network to have this assembly factory based here since it may allow Cannondale to react more quickly to supply changes and demands for the market here. 

What may be of more importance for the future is that Cannondale is trying to make it so that their bicycles can be assembled and ready to ride in fifteen minutes or less by dealer technicians. Presumably this would be so easy that consumers might also be able to accomplish assembly of a bicycle. New box designs and major assembly of bicycles in the Rincon facility could portend a move to a consumer direct retail model, which many in the industry are thinking will be where the major bicycle brands are going to focus sales on in the coming years. 

But for the near-term, the "Bike Europe" article only quotes a Cannondale official as saying  that this will have .... a quick impact on the market but (the new US and European facilities) are also set up to evolve and grow with demand and innovation opportunity...” Innovation opportunity? That's an interesting term. Could mean anything, but with onsite storage capabilities of assembled bikes, it would make sense that a future "innovation opportunity" might include consumer direct sales. 

Mid-South- SBT GRVL Events Partner Up To Encourage Junior Participation:

The Mid-South gravel event has partnered up with the SBT-GRVL event in Colorado to encourage more participation by under 18 riders by offering reduced prices for entry to their respective events. The announcement was made on their respective social media accounts Tuesday of this past week and a post on the SBT-GRVL site gives more details. 

A quote from the story linked above: " This initiative isn’t just aimed at elite juniors,” said Amy Charity, owners of SBT GRVL. “We want to welcome and raise up the next generation of back-of-the-packers, the kids who simply want to have a good time out on a bike and see where two wheels can take them. This is about fun and experiencing gravel. ”

Comments: A great idea and I think this will be well received. Interestingly this marks the second partnership with another event for the Mid-South. Once again, this makes me feel like a door is opened for more in the way of partnering and perhaps even a series format for these three events is in the future. All three events and their directors have staunchly resisted any associations with USAC/UCI and are representative of the biggest non-corporatized gravel events happening currently. 

Again, any series ideas are completely speculation on my part, but with the energy and enthusiasm that Bobby Wintle brings and with the influence he has with his Mid-South event, I could totally see this happening. Especially so with the leadership shift at Gravel Worlds. I'm feeling this could be in the cards. Convince me otherwise.....

45NRTH Debuts New Boots:

The long running boot models, Ragnarok and Wolfgar, from 45NRTH have received updates for the '21/'22 season. The Wolfgar is more about fat biking in ultra-cold conditions. I won't cover that one here. That boot has been redesigned, but the features are more about small tweaks. Not so with the completely new Ragnarok Tall, a boot which has a taller cuff now than the normal Ragnarok. 

The cuff is made of Neoprene and is a claimed 5.75" high, a full 3.5" taller than the Ragnarok. The cuff is closed with hook and loop material but the main boot is a BOA closure system. The normal Ragnarok remains in the line up if you don't want the taller cuff. However; it would seem that the 'bumble-bee' color scheme is inescapable. 

Ragnarok Tall will cost $245.00 and should be available starting in November from any 45NRTH dealer.

Comments: I think this new Ragnarok Tall is interesting. I like all the tweaks, the taller cuff, and the boot looks much like something I'd want in a mild-weather Winter boot. That said, whenever you compromise on ease of entry/exit for the foot, you introduce more places for air/water leakage. I had a boot with a very similar overlapping Neoprene cuff and I did not really like it. The area where the hook and loop closure is causes a doubling up on materials, which I found a bit less comfortable than a single 'sock' style Neoprene layer, as with my Northwave Winter boot. Plus, those hook and loop panels often snag on wool socks and on Lycra tights, which is a bit fussy. Some folks with more abrupt ankle to calf transitions probably won't go with this anyway and opt for the regular Ragnarok boot. Finally, the "yellow and black attack" color scheme is perhaps a bit polarizing. 

I'll probably pass on the Ragnarok Tall this time, mostly because I still am rocking the OG Ragnarok and I still have those Northwave boots which are really good. But when it comes time to move on from those, I'll likely look at these as a top choice for a Winter boot when the temperatures are above 20°F.

Bontrager Circuit WaveCel Helmet.

Bontrager Announces New Circuit WaveCel Helmet: 

Yesterday Bontrager announced a new WaveCel helmet called the Circuit. I have a WaveCel Starvos helmet and it is the only helmet I have ever had that fit me 'right'. Typically I have to modify a helmet to get it to be comfortable for my head. But Bontrager announced last year that they were going to make their "XL" size a true XL and I was pleasantly surprised when I got the thing. It really is an XL! 

For reference, my hat size is 7 7/8ths or 63cm, (approx), so pretty large. Most "XL" helmet sizes in the past went up to 60cm, maybe 62cm, and I am forced to find that extra space for my noggin when I used those other helmets in the past. Things like removing all the padding, and in some cases the Velcro patches that held the padding in as well. (Note- Now I see other companies doing bigger XL sizes as well, so Bontrager seems to not be alone in this) 

Anyway, I loved that I was able to slap the Starvos on my head, with all the padding intact, and have extra space in case I wore a cap, or buff. Wow! That was a first for me. Now I have - through a snafu with Grannygear getting the wrong size to review - another WaveCel helmet. It fits great as well. Plus, it is a racier, lighter helmet with fancy-pants magnetic light mounts. Woo! 

So, I'll be pitching in my two cents on the Circuit WaveCel soon and adding it to my Starvos as the only other helmet - ever - to fit me out of the box unmodified. (Standard Disclaimer in effect)

And A Thank You To: All who commented on Tuesday's post, thank you! I appreciate the support and thoughts expressed concerning my mother's death and I found those comments comforting and thought provoking. I am doing well and remain thankful for the good times, memories, and lessons passed on to me by my mother. 

I just thought I should take a space here to mention how much I appreciated all the support and the time some of you took to comment, or reach out via messenger/email, or to leave a note on Facebook. 

That is a wrap for this week! Stay tuned for more and thanks for reading Guitar Ted Productions.

Friday News And Views

My quote Tweet from Tuesday on the "Bike-Europe" story.

 Cannondale To Assemble Bikes Again Stateside:

Tuesday news broke that Cannondale, who were recently in the news for being purchased by PON Holdings, is currently building a new assembly facility in the USA. 

The story, published by "Bike Europe", a site for news of the trade, states that the new facility is being constructed in Rincon, Georgia. This city is located just North of Savanna, Georgia and not far from the major East coast port of Charleston, South Carolina, which makes sense from an import of parts and frames/forks standpoint for the brand.

Comments: It should be understood that while the assembly of bikes will be back on U.S. soil, the manufacturing of frames and forks will still occur in the Far East. However; it might prove to make Cannondale more efficient for its US/North American based dealer network to have this assembly factory based here since it may allow Cannondale to react more quickly to supply changes and demands for the market here. 

What may be of more importance for the future is that Cannondale is trying to make it so that their bicycles can be assembled and ready to ride in fifteen minutes or less by dealer technicians. Presumably this would be so easy that consumers might also be able to accomplish assembly of a bicycle. New box designs and major assembly of bicycles in the Rincon facility could portend a move to a consumer direct retail model, which many in the industry are thinking will be where the major bicycle brands are going to focus sales on in the coming years. 

But for the near-term, the "Bike Europe" article only quotes a Cannondale official as saying  that this will have .... a quick impact on the market but (the new US and European facilities) are also set up to evolve and grow with demand and innovation opportunity...” Innovation opportunity? That's an interesting term. Could mean anything, but with onsite storage capabilities of assembled bikes, it would make sense that a future "innovation opportunity" might include consumer direct sales. 

Mid-South- SBT GRVL Events Partner Up To Encourage Junior Participation:

The Mid-South gravel event has partnered up with the SBT-GRVL event in Colorado to encourage more participation by under 18 riders by offering reduced prices for entry to their respective events. The announcement was made on their respective social media accounts Tuesday of this past week and a post on the SBT-GRVL site gives more details. 

A quote from the story linked above: " This initiative isn’t just aimed at elite juniors,” said Amy Charity, owners of SBT GRVL. “We want to welcome and raise up the next generation of back-of-the-packers, the kids who simply want to have a good time out on a bike and see where two wheels can take them. This is about fun and experiencing gravel. ”

Comments: A great idea and I think this will be well received. Interestingly this marks the second partnership with another event for the Mid-South. Once again, this makes me feel like a door is opened for more in the way of partnering and perhaps even a series format for these three events is in the future. All three events and their directors have staunchly resisted any associations with USAC/UCI and are representative of the biggest non-corporatized gravel events happening currently. 

Again, any series ideas are completely speculation on my part, but with the energy and enthusiasm that Bobby Wintle brings and with the influence he has with his Mid-South event, I could totally see this happening. Especially so with the leadership shift at Gravel Worlds. I'm feeling this could be in the cards. Convince me otherwise.....

45NRTH Debuts New Boots:

The long running boot models, Ragnarok and Wolfgar, from 45NRTH have received updates for the '21/'22 season. The Wolfgar is more about fat biking in ultra-cold conditions. I won't cover that one here. That boot has been redesigned, but the features are more about small tweaks. Not so with the completely new Ragnarok Tall, a boot which has a taller cuff now than the normal Ragnarok. 

The cuff is made of Neoprene and is a claimed 5.75" high, a full 3.5" taller than the Ragnarok. The cuff is closed with hook and loop material but the main boot is a BOA closure system. The normal Ragnarok remains in the line up if you don't want the taller cuff. However; it would seem that the 'bumble-bee' color scheme is inescapable. 

Ragnarok Tall will cost $245.00 and should be available starting in November from any 45NRTH dealer.

Comments: I think this new Ragnarok Tall is interesting. I like all the tweaks, the taller cuff, and the boot looks much like something I'd want in a mild-weather Winter boot. That said, whenever you compromise on ease of entry/exit for the foot, you introduce more places for air/water leakage. I had a boot with a very similar overlapping Neoprene cuff and I did not really like it. The area where the hook and loop closure is causes a doubling up on materials, which I found a bit less comfortable than a single 'sock' style Neoprene layer, as with my Northwave Winter boot. Plus, those hook and loop panels often snag on wool socks and on Lycra tights, which is a bit fussy. Some folks with more abrupt ankle to calf transitions probably won't go with this anyway and opt for the regular Ragnarok boot. Finally, the "yellow and black attack" color scheme is perhaps a bit polarizing. 

I'll probably pass on the Ragnarok Tall this time, mostly because I still am rocking the OG Ragnarok and I still have those Northwave boots which are really good. But when it comes time to move on from those, I'll likely look at these as a top choice for a Winter boot when the temperatures are above 20°F.

Bontrager Circuit WaveCel Helmet.

Bontrager Announces New Circuit WaveCel Helmet: 

Yesterday Bontrager announced a new WaveCel helmet called the Circuit. I have a WaveCel Starvos helmet and it is the only helmet I have ever had that fit me 'right'. Typically I have to modify a helmet to get it to be comfortable for my head. But Bontrager announced last year that they were going to make their "XL" size a true XL and I was pleasantly surprised when I got the thing. It really is an XL! 

For reference, my hat size is 7 7/8ths or 63cm, (approx), so pretty large. Most "XL" helmet sizes in the past went up to 60cm, maybe 62cm, and I am forced to find that extra space for my noggin when I used those other helmets in the past. Things like removing all the padding, and in some cases the Velcro patches that held the padding in as well. (Note- Now I see other companies doing bigger XL sizes as well, so Bontrager seems to not be alone in this) 

Anyway, I loved that I was able to slap the Starvos on my head, with all the padding intact, and have extra space in case I wore a cap, or buff. Wow! That was a first for me. Now I have - through a snafu with Grannygear getting the wrong size to review - another WaveCel helmet. It fits great as well. Plus, it is a racier, lighter helmet with fancy-pants magnetic light mounts. Woo! 

So, I'll be pitching in my two cents on the Circuit WaveCel soon and adding it to my Starvos as the only other helmet - ever - to fit me out of the box unmodified. (Standard Disclaimer in effect)

And A Thank You To: All who commented on Tuesday's post, thank you! I appreciate the support and thoughts expressed concerning my mother's death and I found those comments comforting and thought provoking. I am doing well and remain thankful for the good times, memories, and lessons passed on to me by my mother. 

I just thought I should take a space here to mention how much I appreciated all the support and the time some of you took to comment, or reach out via messenger/email, or to leave a note on Facebook. 

That is a wrap for this week! Stay tuned for more and thanks for reading Guitar Ted Productions.

Friday News And Views

More Shipping Woes Spark Fears Of Prolonged Shortages: 

The news isn't good concerning shipping, and COVID in the world, for that matter, which is affecting shipping. We heard last week from an industry contact that China's largest shipping port is closed due to the pandemic. Manufacturers are still sitting on huge quantities of finished products in the Far East with no means of getting them to Europe or North America. Furthermore, this has caused some factories to cut down production, since they cannot get raw materials to produce products, or get finished goods off the docks. 

I would assume that unless product is 'on the water', which is shipping parlance for 'already on the way', that many things we need here will be delayed until late in 2021 or early 2022 at the soonest. It would appear that, by reading through things I have heard and seen, that 2022 will be a 'lost season' for bicycles for several companies. The so-called "Big Four", (Cannondale, Specialized, Trek, and Giant) may have some bikes showing up, but several smaller brands are shut out due to the scarcity of parts and the raw materials to make them. Some of these brands will, no doubt, have to wait until 2023 to have new bikes to sell. 

Thursday, Shimano sent out a communication to dealers and LBS' to say that the Malaysian factory shutdown is indefinite, (it was to be reviewed on 6/28/21) and that this will affect all groups BELOW 105 and SLX, wheels, hubs, and some cassettes and free wheels. This means that the severe aftermarket shortage will be extended, but more than this- the 'meat of the bicycle market', will be adversely affected as well.

As the Delta variant of COVID rages throughout the globe and a Winter of uncertainty looms in terms of flu and further COVID outbreaks, this situation remains fluid. One bright spot- The Evergiven, the ship that plugged the Suez canal back in March for about a week, has finally been released and is sailing to Europe with its cargo. A small pittance, but at least something to cheer about here. 

Lachlan Morton- Image from Twitter

Lachlan Morton Does Something Similar To Others- Gets Cred Anyway:

You've probably heard about Lachlan Morton, the Pro road rider that is raising funds to help get bikes for World Bicycle Relief. His attempt to run the entire 2021 Tour de France stages solo, self-supported and ride all transfers, has raised a lot of kudos and awareness amongst the roadie cognoscenti. Many are ballyhooing all this as being quite remarkable and noteworthy, and while I would agree to some extent, I have a question. "Where were you when Stamstad, Curiak, Matthew Lee, Mike Hall, and literally thousands of others were doing exactly this?" 

I don't take anything away from Morton's efforts, but the way the Pro roadie press would have you believe things, this is an oddity and 'new'. That's my observation and my only nit against this story. It isn't anything new, excepting the specific format, which, in a way, is kind of ironic in that Morton is beating the peloton to Paris as we speak. 

These sorts of efforts often are held to be a throwback to what some think of as 'more pure forms of competitive cycling'. You know, like the Tour was supposed to be way back when. But I disagree. This is one way to ride a bicycle competitively, and others have their ideas. As a fan of cycling, and as a sometimes participant in competitive events, I neither have to participate, nor pay any attention at all to any of it, no matter what some say about 'purity' or what have you. I only wish that reporting on this particular feat would have a bit longer perspective and not be so shallow historically speaking.

Image courtesy of Trek

Bontrager RSL MTB Handlebar/Stem Introduced:

Every few years or so we see a company, this time it is Bontrager (again), that tries a one piece bar/stem combo in carbon for road or MTB. Bontrager has just dropped the RSL level MTB handlebar/stem for $349.99. The bar/stem is made in OCLV carbon, has a 0° or -13° stem angle options, and comes in a few different lengths of stem reach and two bar widths, the longest being 820mm. the bars can be customized for length by cutting them down at prescribed trim lines at 40mm from the ends. 

Comments: Impressive weight savings, (214-250 grams, depending on model) carbon feel, and a sleek look with the addition of integrated Bontrager "Blender" mounts make this a sweet choice if..... If you like the angles and the specific choices available. Want to rotate the bar a tad to meet your preferences? Too bad, you cannot do that. 

And that, ultimately, has always been one of the biggest downfalls to one piece bar/stem combinations. That and any damage to the bar means you have to get a stem as well. Or if you want a 10mm longer stem, or a 5mm shorter one, well...... You know. It seems like a great idea until these things come along. But for those who can get around all that? Here you go..... They are available now online or from a Trek dealer near you. 

Image courtesy of Wolf Tooth

B-Rad Everywhere Base Introduced:

Just when I go spouting off on alternative bottles and cage mounts, here comes a product in the same vein from Wolf Tooth, the B-Rad Everywhere Base. 

Obviously, not a new idea here, but the B-Rad Everywhere Base does do it a bit differently by utilizing the tried and true B-Rad aluminum base and silicone backed straps. There are two hole and three hole styles to accommodate traditional water bottle cages or those triple boss, cargo style cages. 

The aluminum base can also be used as a traditional B-Rad cage mount to offset a cage 'by up to 22mm', which in my case would have been great. However; I am using a different B-Rad mount I already have. Had I known this was coming out? I may have opted for it as it is a really versatile product from the looks of it. 

The B-Rad Everywhere Base kit is available now from Wolf Tooth at $24.95

And that's a wrap folks! Have a great weekend and get some riding in! Thanks again for reading Guitar Ted Productions.

Friday News And Views

More Shipping Woes Spark Fears Of Prolonged Shortages: 

The news isn't good concerning shipping, and COVID in the world, for that matter, which is affecting shipping. We heard last week from an industry contact that China's largest shipping port is closed due to the pandemic. Manufacturers are still sitting on huge quantities of finished products in the Far East with no means of getting them to Europe or North America. Furthermore, this has caused some factories to cut down production, since they cannot get raw materials to produce products, or get finished goods off the docks. 

I would assume that unless product is 'on the water', which is shipping parlance for 'already on the way', that many things we need here will be delayed until late in 2021 or early 2022 at the soonest. It would appear that, by reading through things I have heard and seen, that 2022 will be a 'lost season' for bicycles for several companies. The so-called "Big Four", (Cannondale, Specialized, Trek, and Giant) may have some bikes showing up, but several smaller brands are shut out due to the scarcity of parts and the raw materials to make them. Some of these brands will, no doubt, have to wait until 2023 to have new bikes to sell. 

Thursday, Shimano sent out a communication to dealers and LBS' to say that the Malaysian factory shutdown is indefinite, (it was to be reviewed on 6/28/21) and that this will affect all groups BELOW 105 and SLX, wheels, hubs, and some cassettes and free wheels. This means that the severe aftermarket shortage will be extended, but more than this- the 'meat of the bicycle market', will be adversely affected as well.

As the Delta variant of COVID rages throughout the globe and a Winter of uncertainty looms in terms of flu and further COVID outbreaks, this situation remains fluid. One bright spot- The Evergiven, the ship that plugged the Suez canal back in March for about a week, has finally been released and is sailing to Europe with its cargo. A small pittance, but at least something to cheer about here. 

Lachlan Morton- Image from Twitter

Lachlan Morton Does Something Similar To Others- Gets Cred Anyway:

You've probably heard about Lachlan Morton, the Pro road rider that is raising funds to help get bikes for World Bicycle Relief. His attempt to run the entire 2021 Tour de France stages solo, self-supported and ride all transfers, has raised a lot of kudos and awareness amongst the roadie cognoscenti. Many are ballyhooing all this as being quite remarkable and noteworthy, and while I would agree to some extent, I have a question. "Where were you when Stamstad, Curiak, Matthew Lee, Mike Hall, and literally thousands of others were doing exactly this?" 

I don't take anything away from Morton's efforts, but the way the Pro roadie press would have you believe things, this is an oddity and 'new'. That's my observation and my only nit against this story. It isn't anything new, excepting the specific format, which, in a way, is kind of ironic in that Morton is beating the peloton to Paris as we speak. 

These sorts of efforts often are held to be a throwback to what some think of as 'more pure forms of competitive cycling'. You know, like the Tour was supposed to be way back when. But I disagree. This is one way to ride a bicycle competitively, and others have their ideas. As a fan of cycling, and as a sometimes participant in competitive events, I neither have to participate, nor pay any attention at all to any of it, no matter what some say about 'purity' or what have you. I only wish that reporting on this particular feat would have a bit longer perspective and not be so shallow historically speaking.

Image courtesy of Trek

Bontrager RSL MTB Handlebar/Stem Introduced:

Every few years or so we see a company, this time it is Bontrager (again), that tries a one piece bar/stem combo in carbon for road or MTB. Bontrager has just dropped the RSL level MTB handlebar/stem for $349.99. The bar/stem is made in OCLV carbon, has a 0° or -13° stem angle options, and comes in a few different lengths of stem reach and two bar widths, the longest being 820mm. the bars can be customized for length by cutting them down at prescribed trim lines at 40mm from the ends. 

Comments: Impressive weight savings, (214-250 grams, depending on model) carbon feel, and a sleek look with the addition of integrated Bontrager "Blender" mounts make this a sweet choice if..... If you like the angles and the specific choices available. Want to rotate the bar a tad to meet your preferences? Too bad, you cannot do that. 

And that, ultimately, has always been one of the biggest downfalls to one piece bar/stem combinations. That and any damage to the bar means you have to get a stem as well. Or if you want a 10mm longer stem, or a 5mm shorter one, well...... You know. It seems like a great idea until these things come along. But for those who can get around all that? Here you go..... They are available now online or from a Trek dealer near you. 

Image courtesy of Wolf Tooth

B-Rad Everywhere Base Introduced:

Just when I go spouting off on alternative bottles and cage mounts, here comes a product in the same vein from Wolf Tooth, the B-Rad Everywhere Base. 

Obviously, not a new idea here, but the B-Rad Everywhere Base does do it a bit differently by utilizing the tried and true B-Rad aluminum base and silicone backed straps. There are two hole and three hole styles to accommodate traditional water bottle cages or those triple boss, cargo style cages. 

The aluminum base can also be used as a traditional B-Rad cage mount to offset a cage 'by up to 22mm', which in my case would have been great. However; I am using a different B-Rad mount I already have. Had I known this was coming out? I may have opted for it as it is a really versatile product from the looks of it. 

The B-Rad Everywhere Base kit is available now from Wolf Tooth at $24.95

And that's a wrap folks! Have a great weekend and get some riding in! Thanks again for reading Guitar Ted Productions.

Friday News And Views

The Juiced Cross Current electrified bike. Image courtesy of Juiced

 A Recent Experience With An HPC:

 So since I work at Andy's Bike Shop, I get to see some of these electrified HPC's (Hybrid Powered Cycles) and really get to see how they are made and this time, how a particular model rode. Let me tell you- there is a big disconnect between what endemic cycling brands say and what reality is. 

So, the mainstream story on so-called 'e-bikes' is that there are three classes regulated so that anything outrageous, too fast, or anything you do not have to pedal is relegated to licensing and insurance, like a motorcycle. They call the rider-assisted type HPC's "pedelecs". Okay? So, the prevailing thought is that this whole segment is regulated and safe and orderly now. 

No, no, no! This segment is anything but well regulated. In fact, it is the wild, wild West, if it is anything. And- there is zero policing of rules anyway- so they are meaningless. Case in point- the Juiced brand model I worked on the other day. While it does have a 'pedelec' factor in that there is assist when you pedal, it has a throttle, and you don't have to pedal it. So, a hybrid of a hybrid. Anyway, this 56lb beast, (yes, that's what Juice claims, but it actually may be heavier), goes 28mph and gets to that speed in a very unnatural time. The pedal assist, while adjustable, is also very unnatural feeling- to me. 

Now, I get it- "It allows my________ (fill in the blank) to ride where otherwise....." Yes. Fine, I am onboard with all of that. Does it get 'more people out riding more often'? Maybe. I'm not convinced numbers are up around here because of HPC's, but maybe..... These people are getting the same 'work-out' as people riding 100% human powered rigs? That's a very dubious claim. After riding one of these and seeing how little effort is required? I am extremely doubtful of those statements. 

Also- This rig goes for $1600-$1700 depending upon options. That's a lot less than most 'bike shop brand' HPC's and- in my opinion- still too expensive for the general non-cycling or casual cycling public. The very people that HPC advocates are saying these cycles will appeal to. Plus- they are heavy, not very well spec'ed, and aren't serviced by many shops. Now we at Andy's do work on them, but I know most shops in the area will not touch these things. Of course, that's extremely helpful to the cause of the HPC (sarcasm alert). But this is the future. Sooner or later all shops will have to figure out how to work on these things. May as well start now.....

And that's my take on things HPC at this point.....

The HED Wheels Emporia GC3 carbon rimmed wheels. Image courtesy of HED

HED Wheels Amps Up Inner Rim Widths For Gravel:

I've opined on rim widths for gravel/back road wheels before, so I am not going to bang on about that a lot here, but HED Wheels' newest offering is another example of the 'wider is better' philosophy with its 26mm inner rim width. 

The 'other trend' this wheel set represents is that of lowering costs for carbon rimmed wheels. The mainstream brands are finally recognizing that many consumers are looking at and buying carbon rims from places like Nextie and other Far East firms which sell rims for not a lot more than what aluminum rims sell for. So, complete wheel set prices, for carbon rims, used to all be 2G+ and now we're seeing those prices float down to 1500 and in some cases, around a thousand bucks. The Spinergy GX wheels being a great example of that. 

Now, of course, you have some compromises when you spend less from the major brands. That HED wheel set is 1500+ grams, so it isn't going to wow you with incredibly easy to spin up feelings like, say a sub-1300 gram, super-expensive wheel set would. But at 1600-ish bucks? That's not bad. But you can even find less expensive wheels than that at about the same weight, like these from Bontrager, which are about 300 bucks less than the HED wheels are.  

In a time when everything is hard to get and when you do- it cost a lot more- this trend in carbon fiber rimmed wheels is nice to see. Will it last? Hard to say. My guess is that we will see things stabilize and maybe creep upwards in price, especially if places like Nextie start to move up on prices from where they are now. But if not, this competition is good for the buyer, and with all the quality options out there now, there are certainly more reasons than ever to check out a carbon wheel set for a gravel bike. 

The new Cannondale "Dave" jump bike. Image courtesy of Cannondale

Cannondale Debuts New Dirt Jump Bike:

You know that the shortages are real when a dirt jump bike with a single speed drive train and 26" wheels is 'big news' for a major brand. Usually this sort of introduction would get very little notice, but with not much else to talk about, the marketing 'paint brush' was all in on painting the picture for us in regard to the Dave and what it is for. 

But let's be honest here- Do we really need anyone to tell us about this bike? It is a 'big-person's BMX bike' and that's about all you need to go on. You know, tricks, jumping, hopping, general hooliganism. That's what Dave is all about. 

Have you heard those pundits that say "All Bikes Are Gravel Bikes"? Let's see them do a metric century on a Dave and ask them about that afterward. Ha! But the point is, this bike telegraphs its intended use quite well without any further explanations. Marketing just doesn't have a whole lot to do of late, so- you know- they have to justify their salaries and come up with something. (Again- sarcasm alert) 

I've seen bikes like these before come through my work stand. Frankly, they are nothing to get worked up about. They are tools to be used up, and most of the time, that's how they appear when I've seen such bicycles. Used up, ridden hard- put away wet. A hammer for those inclined to pound the bike park or urban landscapes with. If it is your cuppa tea, then this might be interesting. 

Oh, and by the way, Andy's Bike Shop is now a Cannondale dealer too. Full disclosure here...... 

Reminder On The Trans Iowa T-Shirt/Book Fund:

Last week I floated an idea by you all. It had to do with the series "Trans Iowa Stories" being put into a book format at some point and a way that you, the readers, could help that along a bit by buying a Trans Iowa v14 logo shirt. 

Click that link to learn more. What I wanted to do today was twofold- remind you of that opportunity to get in on the t-shirt and help out, (done), and there is one other thing I wanted to run by everybody here.

I was thinking the other day. "I'm writing this book, but I am a part of the story too. (Big part? Small part? Am I dreaming I ever was a part of it? You decide.....) I was thinking that what this project needs is a voice with no real horse in the race that could maybe ask some Trans Iowa riders and related folks what their take is on me, my part in things, and Trans Iowa in general. I do not have the proper perspective to undertake such a task. Plus, this book, if it happens, needs that angle to be interesting and complete. 

So, if you are interested in taking that on, or if you know anyone that might be interested in such a thankless task as looking into my contributions to Trans Iowa and the event itself, then comment,or contact me at g.ted.productions@gmail.com and I will discuss the idea with said individual. I cannot promise the efforts will result in anything but an experience to learn from, but you never know.... 

Okay, that's a wrap for another week. Get out and ride! Thanks for reading!