Friday News And Views

Surly ECR in "Blacktacular"

Okay, So I Have This Idea....

The Problem: Old MTB I hardly ride anymore, put up for sale, no interest seen. Solution: Re-purpose most of the parts into a new bike. Side Effect: New bike takes place of another in the stable and I have a prospective owner for that bike already. Result: One new bike I'll use and two bikes eliminated from taking up valuable space in The Lab.

Are you with me so far? Now for the details.

The old Singular Buzzard is sitting in the Lab unloved and unridden. It's been this way for several years. Last year I put it on my Garage Sale Page, with zero interest. So, I had a 'light bulb' moment Wednesday. How about a 29+ bike? See, the idea came up when I was speaking with the Teravail guy about possibly reviewing some of their tires. He suggested the Coronado. and when I checked on sizes, well, the only tire in that range I could have possibly tried was a fat bike version of the Coronado, but I noticed that they had "plus bike" versions as well. Trouble is, I don't have a good plus bike to try a Coronado on. (Note- More about Teravail Tires coming later in the post)

Then Wednesday I saw a review of the Coronado with those tires mounted to a Krampus. I liked what I saw, but a Krampus? Nah! I pretty much have that bike now and never use it. But what about a Surly ECR? Those are plus bike tire compatible! Off to the Surly Bikes site to investigate. I look at the current ECR offerings, and I see the "Blacktacular" frame set. I could go with one of those, and my current Velocity Dually rimmed wheel set with the big Coronado tires. Hmm...... Maybe single speed too. Hmm...... Then I see the ECR takes an 1 1/8th head set. I have one of those. Hmm....... The head set in the Buzzard could be the same one I need for the T-6 Standard Rando build..... This is getting interesting. 

So, what bike does an ECR replace? Well, it would essentially be a better, more versatile replacement for my ill-fitting and limited 1X1. AND- I have a person to pass that bike on to that has already indicated interest. I then only have to sell a Buzzard frame and the fork with it, and hopefully that would be enticing enough to someone to get it out of my Lab. See? New bike, minus two bikes = a happier Guitar Ted.

I'm liking this plan.

Hutchinson Touareg tires.

New Shoes In For Testing: 

 The Hutchinson Touareg tires showed up earlier this week and I have mounted one set so far and tried them out. Here's a very, very initial impression on the 700c X 45 tires.

Initially I didn't think these were going to be 45mm wide, but right after mounting them, they were very nearly 45mm wide on Shimano GRX wheels, (not the widest internal measurement wheels by any stretch), and so I am comfortable in saying they are probably going to stretch out to be what they say. That's important to note, because many bikes will not be a good fit for these tires since they are that wide in reality. Note- There is a 40mm version of this tire as well.

The profile is very rounded- a definite "C" shape. The tread reminds me of a cross between a Donnelly MSO and a Michelin Power Gravel tread pattern. Lots of tightly packed, arrow-ish shaped, low center blocks (MSO) and then stepped rows of higher, tiny , tightly packed side tread (Power Gravel). Yes- they fling small stones a bit.

Feels fast on my super deteriorated gravel, smooth dirt, asphalt test track. Gotta get out on gravel on these soon, but I don't know for sure with this being a holiday weekend when that might be. AND it is supposed to be rainy most of the weekend. Ya know......Memorial Day Weekend? (I think that means "Rainy Weekend" in some foreign language)

More soon.........

 More New Shoes For Testing:

Yep! I'm going to be pretty busy in the coming weeks. Teravail, who saw my recent Rutland review on Riding Gravel, contacted me and asked me why I had issues with their original models. Thus started a conversation and that resulted in their informing me that they changed their tires since I had last tried them, (previous to the Rutland review).

We decided that I should give the fully armored versions of the Cannonball a whirl again. And I am also taking a look at the Rutland in the "Light and Supple" casing for contrast. Then I am going to get on their Ehline tire and put those to test on the Fargo as a gravel/bike packing option.

The 700 X 47mm size is intriguing. Of course, there are a few 700 X 45mm options out there. The WTB Riddler and the above mentioned Hutchinson Touaregs are examples that come to mind. But a 700 X 47mm tire is odd. I haven't heard of that size until I ran across this with Teravail. I find it interesting because, as of now, there are not many gravel bikes that can handle a tire that wide and voluminous. But it also tells me there will be more. Tire manufacturers don't make a tire size on spec that someone might like it. No, they make tires for perceived needs now and in the near future, or even better- for production bikes, otherwise known as "OE spec". (Original Equipment spec)

A company that scores an OE contract to make components for a bicycle has guaranteed sales. Making tires for the aftermarket means what? Maybe. You might sell a bunch, or you might not. This is why when you see an online forum ranting for, say, White side wall 650B X 55mm studded tires that weigh 700 grams each, well you probably will never see them getting made. No matter how much sense that might make to you, or 100 people online.

This is why when I see something out of the ordinary getting made, my ears prick up. There is something going on I need to pay attention to. And 700 X 47mm is one of those things.

That's it for this week. I hope all you US readers have a safe, happy, and adventurous Memorial Day Weekend.

Friday News And Views

Surly ECR in "Blacktacular"

Okay, So I Have This Idea....

The Problem: Old MTB I hardly ride anymore, put up for sale, no interest seen. Solution: Re-purpose most of the parts into a new bike. Side Effect: New bike takes place of another in the stable and I have a prospective owner for that bike already. Result: One new bike I'll use and two bikes eliminated from taking up valuable space in The Lab.

Are you with me so far? Now for the details.

The old Singular Buzzard is sitting in the Lab unloved and unridden. It's been this way for several years. Last year I put it on my Garage Sale Page, with zero interest. So, I had a 'light bulb' moment Wednesday. How about a 29+ bike? See, the idea came up when I was speaking with the Teravail guy about possibly reviewing some of their tires. He suggested the Coronado. and when I checked on sizes, well, the only tire in that range I could have possibly tried was a fat bike version of the Coronado, but I noticed that they had "plus bike" versions as well. Trouble is, I don't have a good plus bike to try a Coronado on. (Note- More about Teravail Tires coming later in the post)

Then Wednesday I saw a review of the Coronado with those tires mounted to a Krampus. I liked what I saw, but a Krampus? Nah! I pretty much have that bike now and never use it. But what about a Surly ECR? Those are plus bike tire compatible! Off to the Surly Bikes site to investigate. I look at the current ECR offerings, and I see the "Blacktacular" frame set. I could go with one of those, and my current Velocity Dually rimmed wheel set with the big Coronado tires. Hmm...... Maybe single speed too. Hmm...... Then I see the ECR takes an 1 1/8th head set. I have one of those. Hmm....... The head set in the Buzzard could be the same one I need for the T-6 Standard Rando build..... This is getting interesting. 

So, what bike does an ECR replace? Well, it would essentially be a better, more versatile replacement for my ill-fitting and limited 1X1. AND- I have a person to pass that bike on to that has already indicated interest. I then only have to sell a Buzzard frame and the fork with it, and hopefully that would be enticing enough to someone to get it out of my Lab. See? New bike, minus two bikes = a happier Guitar Ted.

I'm liking this plan.

Hutchinson Touareg tires.

New Shoes In For Testing: 

 The Hutchinson Touareg tires showed up earlier this week and I have mounted one set so far and tried them out. Here's a very, very initial impression on the 700c X 45 tires.

Initially I didn't think these were going to be 45mm wide, but right after mounting them, they were very nearly 45mm wide on Shimano GRX wheels, (not the widest internal measurement wheels by any stretch), and so I am comfortable in saying they are probably going to stretch out to be what they say. That's important to note, because many bikes will not be a good fit for these tires since they are that wide in reality. Note- There is a 40mm version of this tire as well.

The profile is very rounded- a definite "C" shape. The tread reminds me of a cross between a Donnelly MSO and a Michelin Power Gravel tread pattern. Lots of tightly packed, arrow-ish shaped, low center blocks (MSO) and then stepped rows of higher, tiny , tightly packed side tread (Power Gravel). Yes- they fling small stones a bit.

Feels fast on my super deteriorated gravel, smooth dirt, asphalt test track. Gotta get out on gravel on these soon, but I don't know for sure with this being a holiday weekend when that might be. AND it is supposed to be rainy most of the weekend. Ya know......Memorial Day Weekend? (I think that means "Rainy Weekend" in some foreign language)

More soon.........

 More New Shoes For Testing:

Yep! I'm going to be pretty busy in the coming weeks. Teravail, who saw my recent Rutland review on Riding Gravel, contacted me and asked me why I had issues with their original models. Thus started a conversation and that resulted in their informing me that they changed their tires since I had last tried them, (previous to the Rutland review).

We decided that I should give the fully armored versions of the Cannonball a whirl again. And I am also taking a look at the Rutland in the "Light and Supple" casing for contrast. Then I am going to get on their Ehline tire and put those to test on the Fargo as a gravel/bike packing option.

The 700 X 47mm size is intriguing. Of course, there are a few 700 X 45mm options out there. The WTB Riddler and the above mentioned Hutchinson Touaregs are examples that come to mind. But a 700 X 47mm tire is odd. I haven't heard of that size until I ran across this with Teravail. I find it interesting because, as of now, there are not many gravel bikes that can handle a tire that wide and voluminous. But it also tells me there will be more. Tire manufacturers don't make a tire size on spec that someone might like it. No, they make tires for perceived needs now and in the near future, or even better- for production bikes, otherwise known as "OE spec". (Original Equipment spec)

A company that scores an OE contract to make components for a bicycle has guaranteed sales. Making tires for the aftermarket means what? Maybe. You might sell a bunch, or you might not. This is why when you see an online forum ranting for, say, White side wall 650B X 55mm studded tires that weigh 700 grams each, well you probably will never see them getting made. No matter how much sense that might make to you, or 100 people online.

This is why when I see something out of the ordinary getting made, my ears prick up. There is something going on I need to pay attention to. And 700 X 47mm is one of those things.

That's it for this week. I hope all you US readers have a safe, happy, and adventurous Memorial Day Weekend.

Friday News And Views

One Hub To Rule Them All....

Velocity USA Introduces New "Lightweight Convertible Disc Hub":

Here's a good idea. One hub. (As long as it is for a disc brake wheel) Done. All axle standards, (that matter), and all free hub styles. XX-1? Yes. Campy? Same hub, just swap freehub bodies.

Cool! Now if I could only telescope the hub shell to accommodate 170mm and 190mm rear hubs on fat bikes, and we'd really only need one hub!  Pipe dreamin', I know.... Well, here are some particulars straight from the Velocity horse:

• 265g weight
• SRAM, Shimano and Campagnolo 11-speed ready
• 135mm quick-release or 142x12mm thru-axle options
• 6-bolt ISO disc compatible 
• high-quality double-sealed Japanese sealed cartridge bearings
• 6 pawl engagement

Velocity will sell you a single set up, and additional pieces would be sold separately. See Velocity for the deets.

I like this kind of talk from hub providers. With wheels getting really expensive, and frame/fork standards changing and drive train innovations happening, this can make a new wheel purchase les of a head ache and give you options.

Surly's new "ECR" 29+ machsheen

 In The "Whadda Ya Think Of That Department?": Surly's New ECR

I've been asked about what I think of Surly's new ECR a few times lately to the point that I wonder "Hmm.....what's going on here with this?" Well, here's my opinion on it....

This is the bike that will make or break the 29+ thing. The Krampus is kind of a one trick pony. A play bike, and only so many will ever really want one. Now the ECR is a totally different animal, and to my mind, it fits the Surly "MO" in a much better way.

Surly, if nothing else, is a company that makes bikes that are a "blank canvass" sort of deal. What I mean by that is folks buy a Surly, then they personalize it, and bend it to their will, which Surly accommodates with their forward thinking designs which feature versatility.  Take the Cross Check, as an example. How many ways have those been built up, and does anybody ever really cross race them? Think about that.... Or how folks dress up the Ogre, or how folks use the Pugsley, or, well.........you get the idea. 

I see the ECR as one of those "blank canvass" type of bikes that folks will be doing all sorts of different takes on. If I am right, and they take off that way, I bet Surly will unleash another tire or two, and if that happens....... Well, it could take off elsewhere. We'll see. 

Personally, I saw the Krampus and thought "bike packing bike" immediately. Well, the ECR is "that bike" more so than the Krampus, but it could be a lot of things, really. The basis here is the 29+ deal, and if it catches on with riders, lookout. If not........ sayonara 29+.

Gravel Mutt V2

Some Details On The Gravel Mutt V2:

As mentioned in my previous post on this bike, the V2 Mutt has a couple of significant differences from the V1 Mutt. First off, I was wrong about the year on this one. According to my research, the serial number for the bike decodes to an October of 1977 build date. while Trek did not put model designations on bikes until the early 80's, the brochures scanned online I checked out indicate this as a TX502 complete bike, (judging from the spec list and what I recall taking off this rig), so not the top-o-the line bike, but a nice mid-range sport touring rig. It sold for the ridiculous price of $250.00 back then! The frame is Ishiwata 022 double butted Chrome Molybdenum that is silver brazed to investment cast lugs and has a Chrome Molybdenum forged fork crown.

The geometry  has road bike leanings, but that only makes sense. A 73° head tube angle is listed, (although I measured multiple times and got 72°), while the bottom bracket drop is listed as 60mm, which is right in line with my BMC, and definitely lower than the V1 Mutt. The fork offset was listed at 55mm! The chainstays are longer, but this was a good thing for gravel on this particular bike, since it offset the nervous front end a bit. So, better than V1? Yes. The lower bottom bracket is a big deal. The front end is a bit "chattery" on rougher gravel, but the bike is flexible enough that at moderate speeds it isn't a handful. Really fast down hills would be a bit hairy on gravel with this one. Overall, it is a really smooth rig, and on pavement, it is an absolute dreamy ride.

This is going to end up doing city duty and I am getting fenders and some nicer bits for it at some point. I'll have to touch it up some, but that will be an ongoing project. In the mean time, it's a keeper. Just not ideal for gravel, but not bad either. If it was my only bike, it would do.

3GR: Yes. Gates Park Swimming Pool lot. 8:30 am. I'll be planning on being there riding the BMC.

Friday News And Views

One Hub To Rule Them All....

Velocity USA Introduces New "Lightweight Convertible Disc Hub":

Here's a good idea. One hub. (As long as it is for a disc brake wheel) Done. All axle standards, (that matter), and all free hub styles. XX-1? Yes. Campy? Same hub, just swap freehub bodies.

Cool! Now if I could only telescope the hub shell to accommodate 170mm and 190mm rear hubs on fat bikes, and we'd really only need one hub!  Pipe dreamin', I know.... Well, here are some particulars straight from the Velocity horse:

• 265g weight
• SRAM, Shimano and Campagnolo 11-speed ready
• 135mm quick-release or 142x12mm thru-axle options
• 6-bolt ISO disc compatible 
• high-quality double-sealed Japanese sealed cartridge bearings
• 6 pawl engagement

Velocity will sell you a single set up, and additional pieces would be sold separately. See Velocity for the deets.

I like this kind of talk from hub providers. With wheels getting really expensive, and frame/fork standards changing and drive train innovations happening, this can make a new wheel purchase les of a head ache and give you options.

Surly's new "ECR" 29+ machsheen

 In The "Whadda Ya Think Of That Department?": Surly's New ECR

I've been asked about what I think of Surly's new ECR a few times lately to the point that I wonder "Hmm.....what's going on here with this?" Well, here's my opinion on it....

This is the bike that will make or break the 29+ thing. The Krampus is kind of a one trick pony. A play bike, and only so many will ever really want one. Now the ECR is a totally different animal, and to my mind, it fits the Surly "MO" in a much better way.

Surly, if nothing else, is a company that makes bikes that are a "blank canvass" sort of deal. What I mean by that is folks buy a Surly, then they personalize it, and bend it to their will, which Surly accommodates with their forward thinking designs which feature versatility.  Take the Cross Check, as an example. How many ways have those been built up, and does anybody ever really cross race them? Think about that.... Or how folks dress up the Ogre, or how folks use the Pugsley, or, well.........you get the idea. 

I see the ECR as one of those "blank canvass" type of bikes that folks will be doing all sorts of different takes on. If I am right, and they take off that way, I bet Surly will unleash another tire or two, and if that happens....... Well, it could take off elsewhere. We'll see. 

Personally, I saw the Krampus and thought "bike packing bike" immediately. Well, the ECR is "that bike" more so than the Krampus, but it could be a lot of things, really. The basis here is the 29+ deal, and if it catches on with riders, lookout. If not........ sayonara 29+.

Gravel Mutt V2

Some Details On The Gravel Mutt V2:

As mentioned in my previous post on this bike, the V2 Mutt has a couple of significant differences from the V1 Mutt. First off, I was wrong about the year on this one. According to my research, the serial number for the bike decodes to an October of 1977 build date. while Trek did not put model designations on bikes until the early 80's, the brochures scanned online I checked out indicate this as a TX502 complete bike, (judging from the spec list and what I recall taking off this rig), so not the top-o-the line bike, but a nice mid-range sport touring rig. It sold for the ridiculous price of $250.00 back then! The frame is Ishiwata 022 double butted Chrome Molybdenum that is silver brazed to investment cast lugs and has a Chrome Molybdenum forged fork crown.

The geometry  has road bike leanings, but that only makes sense. A 73° head tube angle is listed, (although I measured multiple times and got 72°), while the bottom bracket drop is listed as 60mm, which is right in line with my BMC, and definitely lower than the V1 Mutt. The fork offset was listed at 55mm! The chainstays are longer, but this was a good thing for gravel on this particular bike, since it offset the nervous front end a bit. So, better than V1? Yes. The lower bottom bracket is a big deal. The front end is a bit "chattery" on rougher gravel, but the bike is flexible enough that at moderate speeds it isn't a handful. Really fast down hills would be a bit hairy on gravel with this one. Overall, it is a really smooth rig, and on pavement, it is an absolute dreamy ride.

This is going to end up doing city duty and I am getting fenders and some nicer bits for it at some point. I'll have to touch it up some, but that will be an ongoing project. In the mean time, it's a keeper. Just not ideal for gravel, but not bad either. If it was my only bike, it would do.

3GR: Yes. Gates Park Swimming Pool lot. 8:30 am. I'll be planning on being there riding the BMC.