Friday News And Views

Image courtesy of Surly Bikes

 Okay....we're back with a regular FN&I. Finally! This week I'm kicking things off with some items which happened while I was away and reporting on BRAN. 

Surly Brings Back The Steamroller:

After a 23 year run starting in the year 2000, the Surly Steamroller was allowed to pass into the annals of Surly's archives. However, as of June 23rd, you can order a new Steamroller for a limited time. 

Surly didn't mess with the format too much. You still get track bike geometry and clearance for up to a 700 x 38mm tire, but the legal issues surrounding production of brakeless bikes has forced Surly to put cable stops on the frame for brakes. 

Surly says, "once they're gone, they're gone", so if the Anxious Lavender hue appeals to you and you always wanted a new Steamroller, well ya better get on it! $699.00 USD. (What?! Not $666.00?) 

Image courtesy of Thamus Bikes

The 32" Watch: Not Going Anywhere Soon

If you haven't noticed lately, 32" wheels are popping up everywhere. A 32" wheeled bike recently placed top three at a World Cup XC MTB event. Canyon is showing a radical 32"er at Eurobike with a weird, bi-plane handlebar. Esker Cycles is releasing its Lorax model with 32" wheels. Trek reportedly inadvertently showed a 32"er MTB racing bike in its latest documentary film. 

Meanwhile more small builders are producing 32" wheeled bikes for upcoming shows and for customers. 

As noted on these digital pages, we have seen prototype suspension forks for 32" wheels and as of now not many of those forks have shown up yet. This means more 32"ers are coming. (There may be a good reason for the no-show as of now. See below)

My prediction? Many of you readers will see a 32"er by this time next year near you, and many of you will have tried one.The 32"er isn't going anywhere soon, but this doesn't mean they are here to stay either. Think about how entrenched 26"ers were, or how many companies were jumping on 27.5"ers fifteen years ago. The 27.5"er is still hanging on, but I think it is obvious that it is a dead wheel size in gravel and nearly an obscure choice for MTB. The 32" wheel could find itself in a similar situation as these other wheel sizes five years from now. 

Gary Fisher's response to a BikeRumor post about the possible Trek 32"er in the video.

Or not. Time will tell. But I think it is safe to say 32" is an alternative choice which will soon be readily available to anyone soon. So, pretending it is an upcoming trend or curiosity is disingenuous now. So, no more "The 32" Watch" segments. I'll just report on these bikes as another choice from here on out.  

Image courtesy of Shimano

Shimano Keeps Mechanical Shifting Alive:

Shimano recently released news on their Deore and Deore XT level MTB components in a mechanical shifting format.  

XT now features a long cage or short cage rear derailleur in 12 speed for various sized cassettes or a LinkGlide 11 speed version. 

The rear derailleur is also advanced in its abilities to take on hits from trail debris. Manufactured to be able to be mounted on "modern hangars", the Deore XT rear derailleur can be used on any bike meant for derailleur drive trains. The rear pulleys are of a solid design which eliminates debris from catching in the pulleys and causing damage. 

 The rear derailleur now has a dual sprung design which Shimano says increases tension on the chain by 70% helping prevent chain drops and allowing for good shifts even on a worn cassette and chain. 

Deore features much the same upgrades as the XT version with less cost. 

Brakes were also addressed in this news where Shimano has now produced rotors with a 2.2mm thickness. This should provide more robust braking performance over a longer period of time than with the thinner rotors. This is especially critical with regard to modern e-MTB bikes.  

Comments: While SRAM continues to push proprietary electronic groups at least Shimano is keeping the versatility/mechanical shift crowd somewhat happy. XT stuff is impressive and with a mechanical 12 speed option now it should appeal to those who don't want to have batteries to charge or unfixable failures in the field due to software malfunctions. (Which have been reported on SRAM systems by some on social media). 

Image courtesy of Avinox

Avinox Shows Gearbox/E-Motor:

The days when a bicycle becomes more moto are coming sooner than not. The new Avinox E-Bike motor now showing at Eurobike is another step in the full-moto direction. The new motor/gear box eliminates the need for derailleurs and perhaps even traditional shifters. 

While Avinox would likely not agree with my assessment, one has to wonder is this  a step toward full-moto MTB's or is it not? Answering this question is subjective, perhaps, but elimination of key traditional bicycle components and adding more electronic controls and assists - to my way of thinking - is less "bicycle" and "more moto". 

Yes, you will still have to pedal the bike, however, it is getting easier and easier to do so, and at some point, we have to decide if pedals are just another way to have a throttle without having a throttle. 

At any rate, this new Avinox system eliminates the need for a derailleur and shifting can be programmed by the rider. Lots of MTB brands are jumping on this now, so it will be a thing soon out on the trails. See HERE for a list of manufacturers offering this motor and for more details. 

Cannondale Announces Factory MTB Team To Cease At End Of 2026:

Cannondale's Factory Race Teams have competed in MTB events for over three decades but will cease to be after the 2026 season concludes later this year. This according to a news release sent out to Cannondale dealers and the press on Wednesday. 

In its place, Cannondale will introduce a new "Rogues Program". This program will "... bring together professional racers, content creators, community leaders, and emerging voices - a roster larger and more varied than a traditional factory race team" according to Cannondale's release. 

Cannondale seeks to bring its rider experience to more everyday cyclists and to more events by having Rogue Program riders show up at events, group rides, and shops across the USA. Cannondale is also stating it will make a more concerted effort to bring demo rides and event activations to riders which they hope will put more riders on Cannondale bicycles to try them out, and buy them, of course. 

In the release Cannondale states that it still supports the EF cycling team and the women's St. Michaels program. 

Comments: Racing isn't selling bicycles, or so it would seem from this news release. Cannondale is taking a more direct to consumer approach in marketing using influencers, social media, and demo ride experiences instead.  

This will be embraced by the promoters of events as something like a Cannondale expo/demo adds value to their events. Shops also should benefit likewise. As riders, it is a boon to decision making as being able to actually ride a bike before buying is a big deal and should allay concerns over buying consumer direct where there is always that risk that the bike won't be quite what you expected. 

My take ultimately is that this could be a smart marketing decision if implemented correctly. And if it does pan out for Cannondale, look for other brands to follow suit. This should be interesting, but we will have to wait until 2027 to see if it flies or if it dies.  

Hey, Thanks Folks!

A special "thank you" to all who read through the BRAN coverage recently. I was quite amazed by the amount of readers who checked in during the week of BRAN and the week afterward when I did the ride recap. 

I even received advice on how to get my Wahoo ELEMNT ROAM to behave which made the remainder of the week a lot better. So, I really do appreciate those of you who have read the blog and give your feedback on it. 

You never know how odd things like BRAN are going to be received by the audience out there and I was a bit concerned how that would all go over with you all. Apparently it was a good thing. I don't know if I will ever get another opportunity like that, so I had to take it and I am very happy I did on several fronts. 

Thanks again and now it is time to get out there and ride those bicycles! 

Searching For The "Magic" Alloy: Part 2

Cannondale Topstone 2 CUES (Image courtesy of Cannondale)

Earlier this week I posted about trying to find an aluminum alloy gravel frame which would meet my criteria and not be overly expensive to boot. I asked you dear readers to chime in with suggestions. Many of you did and I was able to check out a lot of great ideas for this post.

One no one mentioned was the alloy Cannondale Topstone models. Maybe because you cannot get a frame, maybe because Cannondale says it limits tires out to 45mm, or maybe because of the price, but if you look at the geometry chart for the Topstone alloy bikes, it shows numbers which fall right into what I'd want for a gravel bike. 

With a head tube angle of 71°, a bottom bracket drop of 75mm, and a seat tube length in my size (large) which isn't too short or too long, it cuts right down the middle of what I'd like in a gravel bike. 

Concerning the tire clearance, I know Cannondale says 45mm, because they have to. Given what I know about regulations, it wouldn't be crazy to assume you could run 47mm tires easily enough, and maybe squeeze in a 50mm tire, depending upon rim width and tire model. 

Concerning the price, I can get a size Large Topstone with 1 x 10 MicroShift Sword on sale for just over 1K. So, for a complete bike, it would be okay, I think at this price.  

The Topstone also comes with all the right accessory mounts for water bottles and bags. A plus from my point of view. The fork is carbon fiber, naturally, and the highly formed frame tubes speak to more current tech in alloy frame building than some of the less expensive choices on the market.. 

I'd be curious to try the CUES 11 speed stuff on the Topstone 2 CUES, just so I had a handle on how it works, (or doesn't), so I can have an informed opinion on the group. The bike lists for $2,200.00, which is pricey, but I really cannot say anything about the CUES stuff, so it could be fine. The other choice in MicroShift Sword is less interesting to me, but would hit my price point more closely. 

Why Do This? Okay, you long-term readers know I have a lot of bikes and I really do not need to get anything for gravel riding. However; I would be retiring one, maybe two bikes I have currently if I get this in. One for sure would be the Raleigh Tamland. It would get stripped down and the frame and fork would go up on the wall, as it represents what it does to me. (IYKYK) The other possible retiree is the Noble GX5. I wouldn't get rid of it right away, but I know I wouldn't leave the Topstone alone for long if I decided to keep it. So, the running gear from the Noble would likely get transferred over to the Topstone. The CUES or MicroShift  stuff would go on the Noble, and I'd sell it that way. 

Just playing around with ideas here, and if something else were to come up which was a frame/fork only, and I could go direct to swapping out parts on the Noble, I would maybe do that instead. So, a lot to think about, and this isn't a slam dunk in any way......yet. 

Stay tuned.

Friday News And Views

Image posted by an account "John_Doe" on X social media.

 Rumored Cannondale CAAD14:

Rumors and images have been swirling across the internet of late showing what is purportedly the next CAAD road bike. Cannondale is notable for perpetuating aluminum frame racing bikes, despite everyone else's fascination with carbon fiber, (which Cannondale also does, admittedly).  

Interesting features being discussed online are the return to traditional seat stays, rumored 32mm tire clearances, and fully integrated cabling.  

Comments: I'm not a roadie, far from it. I don't typically show road bikes in this space. However; I found this interesting as it is an example of some classic design cues being seen as "refreshing" in comparison to what is seen on offer from many other brands.  

Are riders being drawn toward classic looks while also desiring modern touches? Perhaps this is what has been missed by other brands who are chasing aero and showing sloping top tube frame design as being what is "cutting edge". Perhaps people are missing bicycles that look like.....bicycles? The only thing missing here is silver componentry. 

What do you think of this?  

Calvin Jones. Image courtesy of Park Tool

Director of Education At Park Tool, Calvin Jones To Retire:

Perhaps you've seen this man's face before. No wonder, as Calvin Jones has become "the face" of Park Tool over the past couple of decades. 

Jone's videos have become a staple resource for home mechanics, bike shop employees, and others interested in knowing how bicycles work over his 28 year tenure as Park Tools' Director of Education. Known for his clear, concise explanations of typical repairs, his video legacy will live on bearing witness to his valuable contributions. 

Jones will still be involved in some Park Tool videos and educational efforts, but he says in Park Tools announcement he plans of doing more riding and will be a contributor to local cycling efforts. 

Comments: Congratulations, Mr. Jones! What a career and your contributions to cycling will always be treasured. In some ways, Calvin Jones is the video equivalent to Sheldon Brown, who if he had lived long enough, would have surely been a staple of You Tube as well. Between those two icons of bicycle mechanics, you should be able to accomplish most any typical bicycle repair. 

Image courtesy of Sam Alison/Singular Cycles

The 32"er Watch: Singular Cycles Albatross:

 Sam Alison of Singular Cycles dropped a few images of the new 32"er bicycle he is testing and planning on releasing later this year in a limited drop. Dubbed the "Albatross" for now, this bike is a 32 inch wheeled MTB design. 

 In the comments on the post seen on Facebook, Sam had a few interesting things to say about the bike's performance and ideal rider size. 

 "The most obvious and immediately noticeable thing is just how well they roll and carry speed. The momentum over rough ground is really quite incredible. 

Climbing traction is also pretty insane..... The long stays, low BB and long contact patch combine to get up just about anything. 

 Of course, it's a big old bike and they are some huge wheels, so you do definitely notice the gyroscopic effect - turn initiation is definitely slower. Practically speaking I think riders will need to be > 6'/183cm for these to make sense."

Sam stated he would have rolling chassis available "soon" for pre-order with delivery hopefully this Spring. Look for details on Singular Cycles site, or reported here soon. 

Image courtesy of SRAM 

SRAM Files Patents For Gear Box E-Bike Drive Train Sans Derailleurs:

Some patent images have been making the rounds on the internet of late showing a drive train system utilizing a gear box. This has been met with interest and with some saying "derailleurs are dead!" Well......maybe for electrified bikes. Which, when you consider the slow evolution of these toward becoming electric motorcycles, makes all the sense in the world.  

By the way, in another, separate filing by SRAM, they have revealed they are playing around with wireless -sans hoses and cables - type brakes. 

Yeah....no.  

Comments: Of course, you might guess this will be all integrated into SRAM's AXS protocol for electronics with a likely addition of automatic shifting. I'd say that is quite likely. 

With weight being less an issue with this type of bicycle, (ahem!), if we can call this a bicycle anymore, you will also probably see automatically adjustable suspension as well. Simply plug in your weight, riding style, and  the bike will self-adjust. Then, to activate your "ride", simply start pedaling at whatever cadence and power you want, and the bike will self-adjust to this input with gearing and power assist adjustments. All you have to do is hang on, guide the bike down the correct course, and be able to use brakes. 

Or you could just play video games. Your choice. 

Honestly, this development isn't surprising, or even shocking. But it probably will be expensive. Yeah.....I'm pretty sure about it. 

Image courtesy of Brembo

Motorsports Brake Giant, Brembo, To Enter DH Bicycle Competition:

Brembo, a name more familiar to F1 and NASCAR aficionados, has released news concerning their partnership with Specialized Bicycles in their DH racing program. 

Brembo will supply braking systems with prototype designs exclusively for the team for now. There was no indication the company will begin production of OE or aftermarket brake systems, but one might assume this is in the cards for the future. 

Featuring 18mm pistons with thermal insulators for heat management, the calipers and levers are both DH specific. Braided steel lines connect the two components in the system. Interestingly, Brembo runs their rotor spokes in the opposite orientation than every other bicycle rotor for disc brakes. Their claim is this is how motorcycle rotors are oriented and causes the rotors to work under tension instead of compression. 

Comments: Interesting development. My take is this is Brembo's dress rehearsal for entering the electric bicycle market. I could be wrong, but this makes more sense than a general entry onto bicycle disc brake systems, since DH is a very demanding category on par with demands for electrified bikes which are heavier and need more powerful brakes. 

So, while it is not out of the realm of possibilities, I do not foresee gravel bikes getting Brembo brakes anytime soon. Perhaps I will be proven wrong, but at any rate, it is an interesting development.  

Thanks for reading Guitar Ted Productions! Get outside and ride those bicycles!

Two Things

Cannondale Synapse (Image courtesy of Cannondale Bikes)

Is It Road, Endurance-Road, Or Gravel?

Over the last several years there has been some major changes in bicycles which, I would like to think, have been an influence from the so-called "gravel bike" developments over the past decade or so.

While Pro level road racers have an entirely different agenda for what their perceptions of 'necessary features' are, the "everyday" road bike seems to have gone in a different direction. Quietly, what we used to accept as a "road bike" has evolved into what we would have accepted gladly as a gravel bike ten years ago.

Brands make statements and usually do so with their range-topping offerings. Paying attention to what is on offer on those models can often inform us of what is going to be accepted as "the norm" for several years to come. Think about electronic shifting, or disc brakes on road bikes. Both things found originally only on exclusive, top-end offerings, but which are now fairly commonplace throughout ranges for many brand's road bikes. 

It is with this lens which I am looking at bicycles like the Synapse shown here. Once known as an "endurance road" bike, the Synapse now could legitimately be used as a gravel bike, but looking at Cannondale's marketing, you will not find the term "gravel" mentioned at all. However; it is a bike you could ride any road on.

Gravel roads, poor dirt roads, broken up, abandoned roads, and anything paved. The Synapse has clearance for 42mm rear/47mm front tires. This isn't "shoe-horning" in something to get by on either as the marketing text indicates these tire sizes as maximum with 4mm clearance to any part of the frame or fork. So yeah, there is mud clearance, although this isn't touted as an adventure road bike.

The geometry is even 'gravel' with a 71.3° head angle in my size (58cm) with a bottom bracket drop of 70mm, which is a tick higher than I'd like, personally, but it certainly isn't as low as many road bikes these days.

Perhaps brands are coming to terms with how riders want to ride in the 'real world': Away from cars and traffic, which generally means out on gravel, dirt, and forgotten byways. Any road? All-Road? Which leads me to.... 

The Guitar Ted Podcast Episode #80:

In the newest episode of the podcast (HERE), we talk a bit about this new trend in road bikes and this brings us to an old article I wrote in 2013 called "The Open Source Naming Project".  I think the whole nomenclature surrounding "gravel cycling" is up for discussion again. Especially now with the whole road biking scene starting to evolve into gravel bike territory. The old name just isn't a great name and I think it causes perceptions to be off and not true to the spirit of what these bicycles and style of cycling was meant to be originally.

 We also get to an explainer on the gearing question I brought up in the last FN&V. In between we get into some gardening nonsense. It's weird...... I promise, we weren't drinking alcohol!

I'm hoping to hop back into some "Where We Came From" stuff in the near future for the podcast. I have a few folks in mind, I just need to do some reaching out. Stay tuned on this if it is something you enjoy to listen to on the podcast.

And as always, thanks for checking the podcast out! 

Friday News And Views

Twenty Years Celebration:

If you've been reading here recently you are most likely aware that this weekend marks the 20th year anniversary of this blog. The actual date is May 11th, which is Sunday.

I've been celebrating each weekend with stories culled from this blog's past. I have been using headers from the past ten years to celebrate as well since earlier this year.

Tomorrow and Sunday will be special anniversary themed posts which will attempt to convey my feelings regarding this auspicious occasion! Ha! So, look for those posts to go up and then the look back will be concluded. I'm not sure what series will replace this, or even if there will be a series! One thing of note about this blog is that many times I have no idea which direction the blog will take until it rounds a corner.

The Latest On The Guitar Ted Podcast:

Last week N.Y. Roll and I recorded a conversation regarding a few different subjects. We really nerded out over geometry for gravel bikes. N.Y. Roll brought the geometry chart in for a 1989 Specialized Rock Combo, a drop bar 26"er MTB many regard as an example of the first "gravel bike". (By the way, and for the record, I do not regard the Rock Combo as anything but a 26"er MTB with drop bars.)

We comped this bike against a current Specialized gravel bike and found some interesting points to discuss. Then we moved on to discussing the tariffs and their impacts on the cycling scene.  There is more to listen to, so I won't spoil it all here. Listen to Episode 74 HERE.  

Episode #75 is recorded but I won't have it out until later this weekend. It's a great chat with Mike Marchand, former DK200 and Gravel Worlds champion. Mike was also a part of the first industry backed gravel racing team. We talked about early events on gravel which inspired events you made have heard of before. All that plus more in Episode #75 coming soon!

Is this a Sensah (Sentyeh) 14 speed rear derailleur? Image nicked off  the web

Moar Gears!

Long ago now, back when DynaSys 10 speed Shimano MTB drive train bits were introduced, I was able to go to Minneapolis, Minnesota for a super-rare Shimano tour/marketing event. At this event were several Shimano "Skunk" riders - Riders Shimano had retained as test riders for the product development.

I was told a LOT of eye-opening stuff while I was there. One Skunk rider told me Shimano had working prototype group sets in every gear range from 11 speed to 14 speed! At the time, I thought 14 speed was probably something I'd never see in my lifetime, but here we are.

While it isn't Shimano, (yet), this Chinese brand known as "Sensah" in the West has shown a 1 X 14 speed group, which is electronic, (natch!), at the recent Shanghai Bicycle Show. Images I've seen, shown on a You Tuber's channel I sometimes view, made the group set look pretty finished and consumer ready. In that same video it was mentioned that SRAM will likely be dropping a 2X13 road group set this Summer. (Didn't they just drop 12's?) 

Gear Wars? I guess... But it seems the march toward more cassette cogs is inevitable. Heck, I haven't moved off 11 speed yet!

Fiber Spokes:

Another 'trend' which seems to have legs now coming out of the Shanghai Bicycle Show are Aramid/polymer fiber spokes, like the BERD spokes I have mentioned here on the blog. Another alternative company making these now from China, called Goosyn, is pushing the idea big time at the show. Used mostly to absorb vibrations from gravel and rougher roads, these spokes are not seen as a road biking alternative, but are used on mountain bikes.

Traditionally BERD spokes have been something of a luxury item since they cost about $8.00 each. That's going to set your wheel price at a pretty premium level, even if you don't consider the carbon fiber rim. 

Now with this sort of push, it will be interesting to see if the competitive market between BERD and Goosyn might start to drive the prices down a bit. Obviously, with the chaos induced tariff situation, things might be a bit murky for the near future, but hopefully more affordable options will be presented because this idea really does work.

Image courtesy of Cannondale

New Cannondale Synapse: Road, All Roads, Or Gravel?

Maybe this bike is everything, eh? Check this thing out. Cannondale's new Synapse, which traditionally has been their "endurance road bike" for over a decade or more, is now a new design with a claimed 20% better ride quality than the outgoing model.

Most of the range is carbon, and eye-watering expensive. But there are reasonably priced models in the range like the one pictured here which is mechanical 105, 2X, with 50/34 gears up front and a 11 - 36T cassette. Pretty decent gearing for most places, and definitely gravel friendly. Oh, and all this for a very decent price of $3,999.00 USD.

But what about tire clearance, and what about the geometry? Well, Cannondale says you can stick a 43mm tire in the back and a 48mm wide tire up front and still have 4mm of clearance around the tires. Yep. That'll play on gravel. They also have pretty decent geometry, with my only nit being the bottom bracket drop is a bit conservative on the two largest sizes. With a hair steeper than 71° at the headtube, I'd say this will work just fine on gravel.

So, here's the deal: Why are we fooling around with anything else?  I mean, this is the all -around bike which most people should buy. Maybe add some utilitarian features to make it more practical, but this is more in the world I think we all wanted when "gravel" bikes were first talked about, at least on this blog. 

The Synapse is not trying to be the next "bro MTB thing", it isn't trying to be super-aero at the expense of versatility. Yes- it could be more practical. (Internally routed cables through the head tube? Yuck!), However; this bike speaks to me as where the whole gravel thing should be headed, especially in how Cannondale is marketing it. Good job here, C'dale! Now let's improve upon this ideal going forward.  

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

Friday News And Views

As seen on Trek's "X" account Tuesday

 Welcome To The First FN&V of 2025 Spring!

 Data Acquisition:

Trek entered the data acquisition game with a new app they call "Trek Ride Club" . Promising many of the same benefits which are embedded into most ride apps, Trek Ride Club also features a roadside/trailside repair assistance feature. A rider can call in, for instance, for assistance on how to repair a flat tire on the roadside or on the trail.

Trek Ride Club can also be the one-stop source for all your ride data as it will pull in data from Strava accounts and other apps for you.

Comments: Cannondale has been trying to get riders hooked on their data acquisition model for well over five years now, so Trek's efforts are not the first in this field. It stands to reason though to assume most big brands will likely roll out some sort of ride/data programs in the future because of the perceived benefits to the rider, but more importantly, for what that data can tell the brands.

Cannondale's app is modeled after a safety/maintenance theme while Trek's looks like any other ride app from a GPS computer company.  In fact, this begs the question: Is Trek going to get into the GPS computer game? It would make total sense since they already have the app and a GPS unit, say a Bontrager branded one, would further integrate users into the Trek ecosystem.

While that may or may not happen in the future, in my opinion, this is all about Trek gathering data on its customers and not so much about a "club".  

Cannondale Habit 26 (Image courtesy of Cannondale Bicycles)

 Cannondale Habit 26 - Wait...What?!

So, I cruise the internet for bicycle news for this post weekly and sometimes I discover an oddball thing or two. This happened this week as I decided to bite on a social media post by Cannondale concerning their Habit full suspension Limited 29"er model.

As I perused the range a bike caught my eye, in particular, the name: Habit 26.

Wait! A twenty six inch wheeled full suspension bike? Yep! It is aimed at the youth market, and I see a lot of wisdom in having a model like this. Get the kid on a serious FS MTB, the kid gets the bug for MTB, and hopefully continues into adulthood as a mountain biker. Makes sense.

But what made me smile was the idea of a 26 inch wheeled full suspension bike design being derived from a 29 inch wheeled design. Maybe this has happened before, but if it has, I am not aware of it. Ten years ago this would have been unthinkable. Certainly 15 years ago it was not considered possible.

And getting back to this idea from a practical standpoint, I like that it costs well under 2G. But why Cannondale did not spec a dropper post is beyond me. If there ever were a perfect application for a dropper post, this qualifies, in my opinion.

Image courtesy of Kogel Bearings

It's Huge, It's Kolossos:

Kogel Bearings just announced a less expensive derailleur cage/pulley product in their Kolossos ST. It uses the same cage material and pulleys as the normal Kolossos but trades in the ceramic ball bearings for stainless steel ones.

The new Kolossos ST sells for $324.99 and you can find it at www.kogel.cc

Of course, that thing is for roadies. If you are a gravel person, Kogel has you covered as well. Here is a link to their GRX compatible 11 speed cage. There is a 12 speed one as available also.

Comments: I get the idea. Less chain articulation equals less losses to efficiency. But man....those are expensive gizmos! I've only ever seen a few at gravel events, but then again, I am not riding with the "fast guys and gals" either.

Have you used one of these things? I'd love to hear about it in the comments.

Image courtesy of Ritchey Design

New Colors, New Size For Ritchey Outback:

Ritchey Design sent out news on Thursday concerning a few tweaks to their classic Outback gravel/adventure frame set. 

Now available in an XXL size, the Outback has six sizes available now in two new colorways: Aurora and Winter Sage.

There is also now internal dropper post routing and the frameset comes with the carbon, straight 1 1/8th steer tube, Adventure Fork which has a drilling on the fork crown and internal routing for a dynamo hub. 

Pricing is set at $1,599.00 USD,  €1599 (inc. VAT), and £1392 (inc. VAT) See your Ritchey dealer or check out this frameset at ritcheylogic.com    

Comments: I wanted to like the Outback when it came out several years ago. However, it was another of those offerings which tried to be a 700c and 650B compatible design. The compromise there is the bottom bracket has to have less drop, in case the end user wants to go with 650B wheels.

This made sense then. Also, tire clearances are- for 700c, 48mm maximum, and for 650B it is 2.0". That was great several years ago, but now? Well, first of all, 650B is, for all intents and purposes, dead to me, at any rate. So, any design making a compromise to fit something I'd never consider using is a waste. Secondly, with the move toward wider tires across the gravel-sphere, this frame set loses a bit of its appeal for me in this regard as well.

Keep in mind that my 2014 Raleigh Tamland has about the same exact clearances for both wheel sizes, so I feel this illustrates how the Outback is a bit dated in this regard.

That's it for this week! Look for some gravel related releases next week on these digital pages. Until then, get out and "spring" forth on those bicycles!

Friday News And Views

Image courtesy of Cannondale

Cannondale Super X Gravel Bike Unveiled:

Well....that didn't take long! Cannondale released its new Super X the day after I posted about it this week. As it turned out, my guesses were correct. It's a gravel bike, primarily, but will also serve as C'dales CX bike. 

The range-topping Lab 71 version will go for 15K!! The next lower option is about half as much. Crazy!

Comments: I think it is very interesting to note that cyclo cross has taken a back seat to gravel - at least in Cannondale's range. But then again, there are very few CX bikes offered by any mainstream brand in North America anymore. This points to the current climate of what is really popular with regard to competitive events these days. 

Ritchey SuperLogic Streem Drop Bar:

Ritchey Design has just given their aero Streem bar the Carbon SuperLogic treatment and a few refinements as well. 

Much like the SuperLogic Carbon Venturemax bar I reviewed (HERE) the Streem gets a flat tops section, a slight flare to the drops (4°), and internal cable routing options.  Since it is fashionable to go narrower on bar widths now for racing, these come in widths of 36/40, 38/42, and 40/44. (Centimeters with the first numeral giving the widths at the hoods and the second at the drops.)

Price is set at $299.95 and are available now. See more on Ritchey's website HERE.  

Salsa Cycles Issues New Colors/Builds For Warbird:

Salsa Cycles has four new colors of Warbird gravel bikes with four new builds. First up we have the Warbird C-Force AXS Wide, then there is the C Rival GX AXS, (Shown here), then we have the  C 820 GRX 2X , and finally there is the C GRX 610 1X. 

See all the Warbirds HERE. 

Comments: I'm just showing one of the Warbirds here only because it is a shade of purple. That happens to be my favorite color- purple. Anyway, other than this, it is the same ol' Warbird you've known for years. Sure..... they put on the Waxwing Deluxe v2 carbon fork. Woo. 

Look, I like the Warbird, but if we're being real here, this is no longer the cutting edge "gravel racing bike" on courses that are used today in the format that most races are run with. Once upon a time, when things were quite different, this bike made more sense. I'm not saying one thing is better than the other, but today's reality doesn't point to a Warbird as being a cutting edge racing bike for gravel. 

And in the rumor mill, I am hearing some big changes might be in store for the QBP brands. Stay tuned....

Image courtesy of Classified

Classified Files Patents For Self-Charging Shifting/Brakes:

 Classified, the company which is known for their proprietary two-speed rear hub system, has filed patents for a self-charging system on a bicycle which theoretically could keep the batteries of an electronic shifting and braking (!!) bike alive infinitely. 

The system essentially turns your brake rotor  into part of a generator along with a stator based in the through axle. Essentially this would be a more powerful system similar to your old wired computer. A wheel magnet passing a coil of wire on your fork which generates an electrical charge. The principle isn't anything new, but the application is something a bit different. 

I found, via a quick Google search, another expired patent for a self-charging, regenerative braking system using batteries to assist pedaling via a DC electric motor for a vehicle or bicycle from the early 1990's. So, the novelty of the overall idea isn't anything new, and the technology that is employed has been around for decades. 

Now, the hint of electronic brakes is something, at least for bicycles, that is fairly new. I'm not sure why engineers are so fascinated by trying to get mainstream approval for that sort of technology. I'm sure when it does become a reality we'll hear about how much "better" it is. But I feel this is more about consumer's electric bikes, how they are very heavy, and taking some sort of electronic control over the braking system to make those riders "safer". Anti-lock brakes for bicycles, if you will. Probably a bit of "power assist" as a feature as well. That's my guess. But we'll see... 

That's it for this week. Get out and ride some bicycles!

Gravel Grinder News: Leaks From Shimano, Tease From Cannondale

Enhanced image. (Courtesy of Cannondale social media)

New Aero Cannondale Gravel Bike?.

Over the weekend a Cannondale post on Bluesky social media (and other channels) showed a shadowy image of what looks like a gravel bike with a decided lean to aero. 

In the image you can see a few details that would perhaps lead to this being a new gravel bike. There is the definite lack of a front derailleur, for one thing, and that sculpted, thin section seat tube near the bottom bracket points to a way to allow for more comfort over rougher roads like gravel. 

Also notable is the "three-pack" bosses on the down tube, something you probably would not put on a road racing bike. The tires seem to be skin wall and while it is hard to tell, there is a hint of knobs there, again indicating a gravel bike/cyclo cross bike vs a road racing bike. 

Finally, Cannondale indicated in their teaser that this was going to be an "X-rated release". Cannondale has traditionally used the "X" designation for its cyclo - cross bikes. However; Cannondale has also used the same frame for both CX and gravel so this may also be an instance where this is a new aero gravel bike AND a new CX bike. 

Stay tuned....

As seen on various websites recently

Shimano XTR Leaked?.

Over the past week or so many online sources have been showing what is believed by many to be the next Shimano XTR derailleur. 

Featuring what appears to be a fully wireless design, the rear derailleur has a battery in the parallelogram, and the front derailleur battery appears to be of a different size in images I have seen. 

While this may point to a new update coming soon to Shimano's flagship MTB group, many believe that GRX stands to gain similar design cues soon as well. Could we see a new GRX 13 Di2 with a completely wireless derailleur and shifter design? 

Time will tell. Traditionally these leaks happen in the months leading up to Sea Otter, where Shimano has released its MTB and Road updates in the past. If any news on GRX is coming, it most likely would be released or teased at Unbound, and then fully released in the Summer.  

Comments: While aero road design and techy, fully electronic "gizmo" drive trains are seemingly what the racers want, and what the big component brands are willing to give us, this always begs the question: "What about us Regular Folks?" 

Many people do not care for, or want a fully aero gravel/road bike or a technological wonder for a drive train. Simple, easy to maintain, and FUN bicycles with long-lasting, low-cost maintenance drive trains have a place. I know that many might point to CUES as being an example of the drive train I am thinking of, but that is not quite it really. 

Once upon a time, way back during the Interbike days, Gary Fisher opined to me that what the regular folks want/need is a drive train made with the eye to quality and function that the first XTR group had in 1992. 100% mechanical, but the very highest precision, beautifully anodized parts that had great durability and service life. 

He wasn't wrong then, and he isn't wrong for us in 2025. I'd like to see a complete group with a "better than" CUES level of execution that was 100% mechanical. But that is probably a pipe dream....

Friday News And Views

 Welcome to an "electrifying" version of the FN&V!

Congress debating New E-Bike Battery Regs:

A news story this week concerning the dangers of lithium-ion battery fires and laws for regulation of those batteries was noted in several social media posts this week. A link to an excellent story on this comes from thecity.nyc which you can read HERE.

Apparently there has been an over 1000% increase in battery related fires in New York City since 2019. That and the rate of deaths due to these fires has prompted New York City and the State of New York to take some rather dramatic actions in the form of laws limiting e-bikes and battery refurbishing, a main source of concern in New York City.

But this is gaining nationwide notice as fires related to e-bike batteries becomes more prevalent across the nation. The fact that Congress is getting involved shows that this has become a serious issue for people outside of NYC as well.

Comments: With a flood of cheap e-bikes and electrified scooters available at cheap prices from China, many of which have known quality and safety issues, it seems that it is about time for some regulation. Combined with lawsuits regarding the safety of e-bikes and their construction and design which are ongoing, I would expect that the reins will be tightened on these more budget, entry-level items in the future. 

What the ultimately looks like is anyone's guess now. But if the Feds get the low-end electrified market regulated that will probably drive up prices and make these bicycles even more expensive, maybe even in line with mainstream brand offerings. And that will pretty much make electrified bikes the province of fewer and fewer people due to the high prices.   

Image courtesy of Cannondale

Cannondale Debuts New Moterra SL Electric MTB:

Boasting the most power, longer battery life, and all wrapped up in the lightest weight package than any other current electrified MTB, Cannondale showed off its latest effort on Tuesday of this week. 

Dubbed "Moterra SL", the bike comes in three versions with a range-topping LAB71 series Moterra SL checking in at $14,00.00. The Moterra SL 2, shown here in read, is half the price and the entry into the Moterra range. There is also a Moterra SL 1 at $8700.00. 

Comments: So.....what exactly is "lightweight" for a bike like this? Apparently 43lbs is "light". Okay then.... Let's hope that battery lasts for the entire ride because pedaling 43lbs of MTB without assist would be no fun. Again with the super-expensive pricing. I really have a hard time with electric MTB's at this price when one could buy a brand new Honda 125 MX'er for $3500.00. Anyway....

Image courtesy of Wolf Tooth

Wolf Tooth Offers Aero GRX Rings: 

Tuesday also saw the announcement from Wolf Tooth that they now have "aero" GRX chain rings. These rings come in 46T-52T sizes in oval or round styles to fit 4-bolt GRX crank sets in the 1X configuration only. 

Prices range from $81.95 for the oval rings to $84.95 for the round rings. You can see these and learn more at Wolf Tooth's page for the rings HERE. 

Comments: Aero chain rings for gravel? Going all-out roadie on us here! Anyway, I would think that these would be - at best - only very slightly "aero", if at all. I do think they look kinda cool. But other than that? Well, you can get big rings, for gravel time trialing, I suppose, but yeah.... Not my bag, but maybe it would work for you? There ya go..... 

From Jason Boucher's social media.

Tumbleweed Announces Hire Of Jason Boucher:

Tumbleweed Bicycle Company announced on Tuesday that they have hired Jason Boucher, former brand manage of Salsa Cycles, as an employee who will be tasked with internal affairs, product development, and coordinating Tumbleweed's dealer network. 

Comments: I have to divulge here that Jason is a good friend of mine, although we don't see each other often, and so I am a bit biased when it comes to this news.

I feel that Jason is custom-made for this role and my feeling is that he will thrive in this role. Tumbleweed and Jason are both about the "adventure by bike" ethos that Jason forged into his previous role at Salsa. I'm excited for Jason and where this might take him going forward. 

I also want to say that I had no idea whatsoever that this was in the cards while I was doing my Big Dipper handle bar review, so there was no influence on what I had to say in that review from this decision, since I was out of that loop.

Image courtesy of GT Bicycles

GT Bicycles Announces Changes In Brand Direction:

GT Bicycles, the brand once part of the Dorel Group, is now owned by The Pon Group and recently has announced that they have made a change in brand direction.

Now headed up by Jason Schiers, who was one of the  founders of Enve Composites, (Then know as Edge), GT Bicycles has been removed from Disck's Sporting Goods stores and will focus exclusively on the independent bicycle dealer network going forward. 

First up on their agenda for products is to get into the full suspension MTB market with a range of bicycles at the upper end of the market. Schiers mentioned in a recent "Bicycle Retailer and Industry News" article on this story that he feels all FS MTB's will be electric in the near future. 

Comments: I think repositioning GT as a brand with a more upscale appeal is probably a good thing, but I don't look for this to be a huge mover in the bicycle landscape at this point. I'm sure GT's team has a good plan, but I would imagine it is modest and has smaller goals in mind in the short term. Dealers are reticent to buy any inventory at this point so getting GT bikes in front of consumers may be a difficult task until this glut of inventory clears itself out of the pipeline. 

That's a wrap for this week! Thanks for reading Guitar Ted Productions.

Friday News And Views

The new alloy version of Cannondale's Topstone (Image courtesy of Cannondale)

Cannondale Debuts New Alloy Topstone Range:

Just last week I mentioned in this space that I don't report on every new gravel bike that hits the scene anymore unless that bike is unique in some way. Well, Cannondale met that criteria with me as it made news last Monday with its new alloy Topstone range. 

The main things I noted right away were the slacker head angle (71°) paired with a longer offset (55mm) which isn't typical "gravel bike" fare. However; Cannondale didn't stop there and went with a deep bottom bracket drop of 75mm and chain stays in at 435mm which I think is a sweet spot for good handling on looser gravel. 

Comments: Yes- I like this geometry. This is pretty much smack-dab in the range of numbers I'd call out for a good riding bike. But is the Topstone in alloy form going to be that? Well, there are still a lot of ways to fail in terms of bicycle design and spec, so I cannot say for certain. 

Keeping in mind that the top of the range Topstone 2 that Cannondale lists now sits under 2G, you are not going to get the cutting edge componentry here. Still, Shimano GRX 10 speed is pretty solid fare and should be easy on the wallet when it comes time for maintenance. The wheels are pretty average, but not terrible. You get a fully carbon fork. Light? Probably. Nice riding? Ahh.... Not going to hold my breath there. Could be though.

Overall, I find this bike intriguing enough that I would cautiously recommend it as a great starter gravel bike that should be easy on the wallet and potentially ride really well. Cannondale has all that "connectivity" trickery installed and ready to go here on this bike, which I find gimmicky, and not up my alley. Dropper post ready, yeah..... Take it or leave it. But it does have a lot of versatility with mounting points and it is fender capable, so I like it at this point. 

Feedback Sports New Pro Mechanic HD Stand:

Wednesday Feedback Sports introduced a new version of their popular and versatile repair stand. A beefed up version they call the "Pro Mechanic Stand HD". Featuring bigger legs, main tube, and completely new jaws and clutch mecanisms, the Pro Mechanic HD stand should be able to tackle any heavy two wheeled project in the bicycle or HPC range. 

The stand still folds up and is easily transported. Total weight is said to be 18lbs, so it is light! Max load capacity is 120lbs. The stand also has an available carrying bag, like the original stand does. Jaws have a soft, non-marring rubber insert which is replaceable and shouldn't be an issue with paint jobs. That clamp opens up to 2.6" so it can grab a pretty large diameter tube when necessary. 

Comments: I own and use a stand from when this company was called Ultimate Repair Stands. It has been really pretty reliable and only recently have I had any issues with the clutch mechanism not working 100%. Keep in mind- I have owned this stand for over 20 years! So, whenever folks ask about portable repair stands, I always recommend Feedback Sports' stuff. 

It is expensive, but I'd pay the money again for one considering how long this one I have has lasted. This new HD version is just a tic under five hundred bucks, but if you want the best and want a repair stand you can rely on for years, then I'd not hesitate to go with a Feedback Sports stand.

The new Rondo MYLC Steel (Image courtesy of Rondo)

Rondo Announces New MYLC Range:

Okay, another odd-ball gravel bike. This time it's from Rondo, the brand that seems to be coming at the whole "allroad" bicycle thing from an 'under-biking', mountain biking viewpoint. 

This model I am highlighting is the Rondo MYLC ST, a steel version of this MYLC range which also includes a rather severe looking, angular carbon frame and an aluminum counterpart no less angular. I like the steel version which looks less severely 'artistic' and weird. Maybe that's just me....

The thing here is that this bike goes a long way toward MTB geometry in the front end. Depending on where you set the front fork geometry altering axle chip, you get about a 68-ish degree head tube angle, and a correspondingly steep seat tube angle around the 74 degree mark. The bottom bracket drop changes also, but I think their geo chart is off. In the "Low" setting the drop is listed as 70mm and in the "High" setting it is listed as 75mm. Hmm.......methinks that is backwards. If it were "Bottom Bracket Height", that would be correct, but it is not that. Anyway....

Interesting geometry. I'm not sure how all that matches up if your largest tire you can fit is a 47mm tire. Again, the whole "under-biking" thing is weird to me. Just get a MTB hard tail already. Or, if you really want to "under-bike", find a rigid fork 1992 Klein Attitude with 26" X 1.75 XC tires and try that out. That was true 'under-biking'!

Tweet from highly regarded cycling journo, James Huang

More Supply Chain Madness:

Remember last Friday in the "FN&V" where I pontificated on the current supply chain issues? 

Well, a brief update. I stated last week that "The bicycle business has always suffered most when demand is low, inflation high, and supply is abundant. That's exactly the scenario it seems we are headed for. So, by this Fall don't be surprised to see some sales and lots of inventory in stock everywhere."

And I guess industry analyst, Rick Vosper, was on the same page, since he just got published in "Bicycle Retailer and Industry News" saying pretty much the same thing. Only he did it with more words and with some backing in terms of stats and historical data. 

Again- things may seem in short supply in a few areas yet, but look out for Fall and Winter. I am betting that the supply chain glut is coming and that we're going to see a lot of disruption, business failures, and more coming soon.  

That's it for today. I'll have some more thoughts on some newsy stuff from this week tomorrow, so check that out. But really- You should just get out and ride! Thanks for Reading Guitar Ted Productions!

Friday News And Views

The new alloy version of Cannondale's Topstone (Image courtesy of Cannondale)

Cannondale Debuts New Alloy Topstone Range:

Just last week I mentioned in this space that I don't report on every new gravel bike that hits the scene anymore unless that bike is unique in some way. Well, Cannondale met that criteria with me as it made news last Monday with its new alloy Topstone range. 

The main things I noted right away were the slacker head angle (71°) paired with a longer offset (55mm) which isn't typical "gravel bike" fare. However; Cannondale didn't stop there and went with a deep bottom bracket drop of 75mm and chain stays in at 435mm which I think is a sweet spot for good handling on looser gravel. 

Comments: Yes- I like this geometry. This is pretty much smack-dab in the range of numbers I'd call out for a good riding bike. But is the Topstone in alloy form going to be that? Well, there are still a lot of ways to fail in terms of bicycle design and spec, so I cannot say for certain. 

Keeping in mind that the top of the range Topstone 2 that Cannondale lists now sits under 2G, you are not going to get the cutting edge componentry here. Still, Shimano GRX 10 speed is pretty solid fare and should be easy on the wallet when it comes time for maintenance. The wheels are pretty average, but not terrible. You get a fully carbon fork. Light? Probably. Nice riding? Ahh.... Not going to hold my breath there. Could be though.

Overall, I find this bike intriguing enough that I would cautiously recommend it as a great starter gravel bike that should be easy on the wallet and potentially ride really well. Cannondale has all that "connectivity" trickery installed and ready to go here on this bike, which I find gimmicky, and not up my alley. Dropper post ready, yeah..... Take it or leave it. But it does have a lot of versatility with mounting points and it is fender capable, so I like it at this point. 

Feedback Sports New Pro Mechanic HD Stand:

Wednesday Feedback Sports introduced a new version of their popular and versatile repair stand. A beefed up version they call the "Pro Mechanic Stand HD". Featuring bigger legs, main tube, and completely new jaws and clutch mecanisms, the Pro Mechanic HD stand should be able to tackle any heavy two wheeled project in the bicycle or HPC range. 

The stand still folds up and is easily transported. Total weight is said to be 18lbs, so it is light! Max load capacity is 120lbs. The stand also has an available carrying bag, like the original stand does. Jaws have a soft, non-marring rubber insert which is replaceable and shouldn't be an issue with paint jobs. That clamp opens up to 2.6" so it can grab a pretty large diameter tube when necessary. 

Comments: I own and use a stand from when this company was called Ultimate Repair Stands. It has been really pretty reliable and only recently have I had any issues with the clutch mechanism not working 100%. Keep in mind- I have owned this stand for over 20 years! So, whenever folks ask about portable repair stands, I always recommend Feedback Sports' stuff. 

It is expensive, but I'd pay the money again for one considering how long this one I have has lasted. This new HD version is just a tic under five hundred bucks, but if you want the best and want a repair stand you can rely on for years, then I'd not hesitate to go with a Feedback Sports stand.

The new Rondo MYLC Steel (Image courtesy of Rondo)

Rondo Announces New MYLC Range:

Okay, another odd-ball gravel bike. This time it's from Rondo, the brand that seems to be coming at the whole "allroad" bicycle thing from an 'under-biking', mountain biking viewpoint. 

This model I am highlighting is the Rondo MYLC ST, a steel version of this MYLC range which also includes a rather severe looking, angular carbon frame and an aluminum counterpart no less angular. I like the steel version which looks less severely 'artistic' and weird. Maybe that's just me....

The thing here is that this bike goes a long way toward MTB geometry in the front end. Depending on where you set the front fork geometry altering axle chip, you get about a 68-ish degree head tube angle, and a correspondingly steep seat tube angle around the 74 degree mark. The bottom bracket drop changes also, but I think their geo chart is off. In the "Low" setting the drop is listed as 70mm and in the "High" setting it is listed as 75mm. Hmm.......methinks that is backwards. If it were "Bottom Bracket Height", that would be correct, but it is not that. Anyway....

Interesting geometry. I'm not sure how all that matches up if your largest tire you can fit is a 47mm tire. Again, the whole "under-biking" thing is weird to me. Just get a MTB hard tail already. Or, if you really want to "under-bike", find a rigid fork 1992 Klein Attitude with 26" X 1.75 XC tires and try that out. That was true 'under-biking'!

Tweet from highly regarded cycling journo, James Huang

More Supply Chain Madness:

Remember last Friday in the "FN&V" where I pontificated on the current supply chain issues? 

Well, a brief update. I stated last week that "The bicycle business has always suffered most when demand is low, inflation high, and supply is abundant. That's exactly the scenario it seems we are headed for. So, by this Fall don't be surprised to see some sales and lots of inventory in stock everywhere."

And I guess industry analyst, Rick Vosper, was on the same page, since he just got published in "Bicycle Retailer and Industry News" saying pretty much the same thing. Only he did it with more words and with some backing in terms of stats and historical data. 

Again- things may seem in short supply in a few areas yet, but look out for Fall and Winter. I am betting that the supply chain glut is coming and that we're going to see a lot of disruption, business failures, and more coming soon.  

That's it for today. I'll have some more thoughts on some newsy stuff from this week tomorrow, so check that out. But really- You should just get out and ride! Thanks for Reading Guitar Ted Productions!