Friday News And Views

Image courtesy of Surly Bikes

 Surly Sorceress Trail Bike Debuts:

On Tuesday of this week Surly Bikes dropped a new model into their line called the Sorceress. It is a long. low, slack  steel hardtail 29'er (27.5"er in XS) with the capability to be set up geared or single speed.  

Surly worked with SRAM to develop a new rear drop out which can be set up geared using the SRAM UDH hangar or a chip can be subsituted which allows for a single speed set up. Surly calls this new dropout the "DUH". (Yes, seriously they call it this)  

The geometry is slack with a 65° head tube angle using the suggested 140mm travel fork. The seat tube is minimized for maximum length dropper post use. Chain stay length is 429mm and the bike comes in complete form with Teravail 2.5" Kessel rubber. 

The bike comes in three complete specs and as a frame ($999.00) in Elderberry Tonic or Hot Honey Bling. The single speed is priced at $2,199.00, the Deore 12 speed model is $2,499.00, and the range topping SRAM Eagle 90 is $3,199.00. 

Sorceress drop outs (Image courtesy of Surly Bikes)

Comments: Let's see...... I think it was late 2012 when I reviewed that Diamondback Mason hardtail 29"er. It was about the same bike as this Surly model. So.....nothing new here. 

Yeah, its got that drop out the online sites are all ga-ga over. What is this? Like the 39th variation of a rear drop out Surly has designed over the past 20 years? I don't know......it's all right, I guess. Nothing mind-blowing. 

I'm not sure why Surly decided to make this bike now. Are dealers clamoring for something to sell like this? Are Surly "Humanoids| messaging Surly asking for this? Maybe they are. It just seems like a weird bike for Surly to sell because it hasn't got that "make it your own" thing nor does it really do anything oddball like one used to expect from Surly. Yes....it can be set up and purchased as a single speed. At least they got that part right. 

Image courtesy of Bianchi

Bianchi Releases Limited Edition Infinito Celebrating Paris-Roubaix:

 Paris-Roubaix is this weekend. It might be the most romanticized cycling event in world history. More so than any other "monument" of cycling and perhaps more so than the Tour de France as well. In my opinion, Paris-Roubaix has been more influential in regard to cycling competitions than any other cycling event ever. Just look at gravel events which borrow from either its name, its vibe, or both. 

In light of this, it should come as no surprise then to see a company like Bianchi release a very expensive, very limited edition bicycle to celebrate Paris-Roubaix. 

 The Infinito model was chosen to feature a special paint job with details such as cobbles and a commemorative logo on the seat tube. Only 55 Infinito bikes will feature this livery which points to the 55 kilometers of cobbles in the 2026 edition of Paris-Roubaix. 

See this and all Bianchi's bicycles at www.bianchi.com 

Shimano PD-GR400 flats (Image courtesy of Shimano)

Another Flat Pedal Choice:

I may be a bit behind on discovering these Shimano flat pedals, but the PD-GR400 from Shimano is right up my alley. 

The resin-composite body has nine replaceable grip pins per side and the entire pedal weighs a claimed 394 grams. At a cost of $79.99 direct from Shimano, these pedals seem like a pretty good value. 

I like that they come in different colors as well. Six colors to be exact. I'm showing purple because it is the best color ever, and there is no debate. (Ha!) 

I also like resin composite pedals in the colder times when a metal pedal acts like a heat sink and draws heat out of your foot/shoe combo. Not good! Resin is far less adept at transferring heat, which helps keep those tootsies warm in Winter. 

Anyway, these are not the only choice, but they are another choice I think is worth checking out. Personally I have been a big fan of Fyxation Mesa MP's and I have several sets of them running on different bikes. It looks like Fyxation is on the down and outs though, so I may have to use these Shimano pedals in the future. 

Image courtesy of White Industries

White Industries, Brunk Industries, and Moots Team Up for Titanium Cranks:

An unlikely trio of businesses have teamed up to help produce a made in USA titanium crank set. Brunk Industries does the stamping and forming of the titanium arms. White Industries does the precision machining of the arms and spindles. Moots does the welding of the arms and pedal inserts. 

The cranks will be sold through both White Industries and Moots in several lengths from 165mm, 170mm, and 175mm. Different spindle lengths accommodate MTB, Road, and Gravel drive trains. The cranks us 8 bolt SRAM chain ring mounting standard. Spindles can also be DUB standard or 30mm. Some slight detail differences exist between the Moots and White Industries offerings, mostly in the aesthetic realm. Both brands are selling this crank set for $1350.00 USD.  

Image courtesy of Ergon

Ergon Expands GDH Grip Line Sizing:

Ergon has had the GDH grip in the range for some time now but there was only one diameter/size available. Now there will be three sizes and some new colors as well. 

The news sizes vary 2mm smaller and2mm larger than the original GDH, so if you are a fan of the OG grip, no worries. It is now called Medium sized. 

The grips will all have the "GravityControl" grip compound, progressive damping, and anatomic finger boxes. 

Check out these grips on Ergon\s product page: ergonbike.com/en/lp/gdh-color and US riders can : buy them here. 

Grinduro Returns To PA:

Lockhaven, PA, July 18th, 2026 is the date and place for Grinduro Pennsylvania. Registration is open now. 

Grinduro is timed segment event. This means there are segments where you will be in competition, but there are also segments where you can just cruise and enjoy the ride. 

The event will be going through Sproul State Forest and will feature stunning views, top-notch aid stations, and live entertainment. The event will also feature the following:

• Four timed race segments with plenty of adventure in between
• Festive aid stations with proper fueling and the treats that will lift you spirits
• A lively post-ride celebration and “hootenanny”
• On-site camping available Friday and Saturday
• Possible “Hellbender” salamander sightings all weekend

Proceeds from Grinduro PA will benefit the Pennsylvania Interscholastic Cycling League #morekidsonbikes 

That's a wrap on this week. Stay in the saddle and ride!  
 

Friday News And Views

Image courtesy of Wilde Bicycle Co. 

Wilde Bicycle Co. Announces Heighliner Titanium Adventure Bike:

Due to a leak of information, Wilde Bicycle Co has decided to release the information and pre-orders on its newest model dubbed the Heighliner. 

Featuring clearance for 29" 2.25" tires, fully internal cable housing, and UDH compatibility, this new model is Wilde Bicycle Co. head Jeffrey Frane's favorite bike currently. In fact, he designed the geometry himself. 

The frame has double-butted titanium tubing with a T-47 bottom bracket. There are two water bottle mounts in the front triangle, one Three-Pack mount under the down tube, and a top tube bag accessory mount on the top tube. 

The frame is made at the ORA factory in Taiwan. Pre-orders for a June 2026 delivery are open now. Price for the frame and fork is $3,300.00. The details can be reviewed on the webpage for the Heighliner HERE. 

Image courtesy of Moots

Moots Announces Scrambler Adventure Bike:

Moots released information yesterday on a new model called the Scrambler. This drop-bar, wide tired bicycle is designed around a 100mm travel suspension fork.  

Available as a frame only or with a Rock Shox SID fork and Shimano GRX/XT build, the bike will only be available for  -according to the press release - "a limited time".  (End of January 2026, to be exact)

Tire clearance is stated at 20" x 2.4" maximum. The frame is a Boost spaced frame. Completes will ship with Chris King MTN30 AL29" wheels. Tires will be the WTB MACRO 29" X 2.4".  

For details see Moots page for this model HERE.  

A Gen 2 Fargo pictured in 2015.

The "OG" Would Like To Have A Word:

This trend to 29"er MTB sized rubber, drop bars, and a penchant for telescopic front forks in the realm of "Gravel™" these days reminds me of something....

I cannot quite put my finger on it now. Was it some bike back in 2008 or 2009 with a marketing tagline which went something like "Adventure by Bike"?

Anyway, you get my point by now, I am sure. It was inevitable we'd see all things garvel eventually reach a point where the lines were blurred and what we were looking at now became what we already have seen for sixteen years now.  

You'll note I did not write any "Comments" for the first two entries. This is the comment section on those two entries. Welcome to "Adventure by Bike" Moots and Wilde. There's plenty of room on the couch here and for the rest of you brands who think they have discovered something here.  

I'm not criticizing here, but unless you remind people of the past, they will make up their own stories. So, check the history and be informed.  

Image courtesy of Vittoria Tire

Vittoria Announces Future Availability Of Eco-Friendly Brown Hued Tires:

On the heels of my recent post concerning these tires (HERE), it has come to light recently that Vittoria Tire is indeed going to sell the eco-friendly, brown gravel tires. Tires which have been claimed to be faster than their carbon black infused siblings. 

The full range of Vittoria's PRO gravel catalog will eventually be available in this compound and casing made with 92% renewable, recyclable materials. 

Vittoria claims this brown-hued compound is 5% faster, has 19% more grip, and has 18% better puncture resistance than its current gravel tire range. 

All this performance and earth-friendliness comes at a price though.  Tires in the range are well over $100.00 each at $112.99. This compares to Vittoria's current range which runs at $81.99 for each tire. 

Comments: Wooo! That's a big jump in performance at a big jump in price. Would you be willing to slap on nearly $225.00 of tires, (before shipping and taxes), and have your bike seen with brown rubber? Yeah..... That's a big ask, but I'm willing to bet a lot of people are going to give this a go on their gravel bike. 

A comment left indicating the Luxy Bar redux is a possibility. 

Do You Really Want It? Then Say So!

Thursday (yesterday) an long ago memory was stirred when I saw "Brant Richards" pop up in my email.  

Brant Richards was heavily involved in UK MTB as a writer and parts designer up until about seven years ago when he and a partner opened up a boutique clothing business called HebTroCo. But before the trousers came into Brant's life, he designed a lot of cool stuff like the On One Inbred, some nice forks, steel frames for trail MTB, and this odd flared drop bar called the Luxy Bar. 

Now Brant seems as though he's back into bicycles, at least for a bit. He hit me up yesterday asking what I thought about a reissue Luxy Bar. So lokk, if you ever wanted one, wanted another one, or are "Luxy-Curious", give a shout. Hit the comments and say something. 

If you don't ask, you won't receive anything.  

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

Sea Otter: Left-Overs

Vittoria's T50 gravel tire (Image courtesy of Vittoria)

Vittoria Simplifies Tire Names, Introduces New T50 Tire:

Vittoria is going to move away from its current naming conventions for its gravel tire line up. Apparently the Mezcal will also be switching to this new way of naming Vittoria's gravel range.

In effect, the new naming convention will help riders determine what tire is best for their riding intentions. So, a smoother, faster tire, like the Terreno Zero, will be a T10. Something more aggressive will have a much higher "T" score going all the way to 100. Vittoria will support this with a "tire-finder" on their site which will ask riders questions to help funnel them to tires which fit their riding needs best.

To illustrate this range we have the new Terreno T50, so, a tire right smack-dab in the middle of the new range and as one would expect, is being marketed as an all-arounder.  This tire is punture-protected, has a sidewall protection, and will come in a new "tan" sidewall along with the standard black. Gone are the grey sidewalls of the past. This tire currently is only offered in 700 x 40mm.

Comments: Okay...... I don't know if this new tire-finder way of naming these tires will make all that much difference. Initially, as Vittoria works through changing the range this Summer, my thought would be if someone is looking for a Mezcal and doesn't see any, (because now it is a "T" something tire), they won't buy Vittoria. But maybe the "Mezcal" part lives alongside the "T" bit for awhile, easing the transition. Otherwise, I don't see this "T" thing as a big benefit to the consumer. Most riders are going to listen to their group-think advisors online anyway, since bike shops are fading, and media cannot possibly cover every tire.

Moots Routt in the California Dreamin' ano scheme. (Image courtesy of Moots)

Moots Calfornia Dreamin' Limited Edition Routt:

Look at it. It is anodized titanium, high-end parts, and costs an eye-watering amount of money. Twenty-five will be made available by Moots. It's called "California Dreamin'". Got it....

Moving on.... 

Image courtesy of Maxxis Tires

Maxxis Debuts New Compound Across Gravel Tire Range:

Maxxis Tires announced a new compound for their rubber used across their four tire gravel range. Called "HYPR-X", this new compound is going to be integrated throughout the range during 2025.

The new compound borrows from Maxxis' HYPR road tire compound which is known for low rolling resistance. This is mixed with Maxxis' XC racing tire compound called "MaxxisSpeed". The result will be a tough, low rolling resistance compound for gravel.

Maxxis claims the new gravel oriented HYPR-X will lend riders 19% better cornering traction over the previous compound used and 25% less rolling resistance.  A new, even stronger Nylon will be used for the casings in the 120TPI tires which Maxxis says will "vastly increase tread durability". The EXO sidewall protection will also be applied to the range. All sizes in the gravel range will now be tubeless ready. Note the new tire hot patches, which will replace current branding. All tires will ship in new, recyclable paper packaging as well.

The Reaver and Rambler in 700 x 45mm will be the first to get the new compound  and casing with the other tires and sizes in the range to follow. See more on Maxxis' site. 

Image courtesy of Salsa Cycles

Salsa Revamps Full Sus Range:

Salsa Cycles announced last Thursday they had revamped the entire full suspension range of bikes, including e-bike FS. I'm not going to go into detail on the entire range, but I will speak to the one bike in the whole range which I found interesting: The 'entry level' Spearfish C Eagle Transmission.

 This bike has 120mm front/rear travel via Rock Shox SID range dampers. Decent wheels and tires, a good geometry, and that 'Dusty Rose' hue looks pretty cool.

Comments: I am amused this bike costs 5G. The range-topping Spearfish C DLX XO is over twice as expensive. So....I could buy two C Eagle Transmission models and have money left over compared to the XO model?

Ridiculous. How did we get here?  

Courtesy of Sage Titanium's Instagram

Sage Titanium "Dropinator" Points To MTB Trend In Gravel:

Sage Titanium showed off a new bike at Sea Otter which grafted gravel bike geometry with a 100mm suspension fork. The bike dubbed "The Dropinator" also has  a dropper seat post, 1X SRAM drive train, and Rock Shox Attendant Control electronics for the fork and dropper post. 

Comments: As I have often stated here on these digital pages, 40mm - 50mm of "gravel suspension fork t5ravel" is functionally useless. You can see here 100mm is where the action is going to be, that is if this takes off as a "thing".  

I've also said the Fargo/Cutthroat class of drop bar MTB was already doing this sort of job, but what I see here is a trend toward taking the concept to a racier, lighter chassis than a bikepacking bike has.

But in the end, this all points to what is happening in the upper echelons of Pro XC MTB, just with a drop bar variant thrown in. Keeping in mind this bicycle debuted at an event which had been a XC MTB event up until this year. Does this have any bearing on the reason the bike exists? Possibly, but I think more so this points, once again, to "gravel" being the hot ticket. If we can disguise a hard tail XC rocket ship as a drop bar gravel bike with a suspension fork and call it "monster gravel", or whatever they end up calling this concept, then you have something to get folks excited about.

In the end, I think this concept is fine. I did something similar with a Gen 2 Fargo and an 80mm travel Reba fork once. But it was not a "gravel bike".  It just wasn't the same on actual unpaved roads, which is where a gravel bike really shines. Drop bar MTB is really cool, and I do like it, but again - this Sage model and bikes like this are a drop bar MTB bikes. Let's not kid ourselves here.

Friday News And Views

Exploded view of a Classified rear hub (Image courtesy of Classified.)

 Classified/Ridley Announce New Gravel Team:

The upstart hub/wheel company, Classified, from Belgium, has just announced a new professional five person gravel racing team. Contesting mostly UCI and Gravel Earth Series events, this team is an expansion for Classified who sponsored a one-man team for 2023. Furthermore, Classified has announced new wheels that are lighter with wider internal rim widths. 

Comments: The press release states that this is the 'first professional factory team in the gravel scene' and
the company boasts former professional road racer Tom Boonen as an investor and team spokesperson. 

It's obvious that racing on the Professional, UCI, sponsored level is seeing a shift to gravel with the UCI Gravel World Series and now with the rival Gravel Earth Series seeing some attention as well. How successful these sorts of ventures are will determine Pro racing's future. Can a gravel based series and a pavement based series coexist on the highest levels of UCI/Pro cycling? Perhaps we are seeing the beginnings of that question being asked. 

And as far as the hub goes, if you are not familiar, I have covered Classified here on these pages before. But essentially it is a two-speed, electronically shifted rear hub that supports a cassette (proprietary) that does what a 2X system on a normal bike would do without a front derailleur or multiple front chain rings.

From "Cyclingnews.com's social media on 1/22/24

SRAM Red AXS Images Leaked:

If you were on social media over the past weekend cruising bicycle related content you may have run across images of a supposed new SRAM Red Axs group.  

Images appeared from a Chinese source showing the claimed new 12 speed SRAM follow up to its top of the range electronic Red group. 

Comments: While little is known at the moment it is entirely feasible that this is, indeed, the new group set. It is a group overdue for a refresh and with the big glut of inventory from last year it would make sense that SRAM are holding back until retailers and bicycle brands can push some of that excess inventory out into the marketplace. 

The obvious thing here is that it appears that SRAM is making a play to dump more grams in an attempt to become the lightest group for road racing. Also notable is the lack of any leaked imagery showing a crank set or a front derailleur, if there actually is a front derailleur. It is possible that this was intended to be a 1X group but Pro teams insisted on a 2X option and SRAM had to wait until it could make that happen. (Just spitballing there, but it is a possibility)

This group is interesting, if indeed the images here are a real look at things to come. Personally? I think what I see isn't all that attractive, but that SRAM aesthetic and design language never really has appealed to me either. Not to mention how it works, which while clever in some ways is kind of a turn-off in others for myself. 

The FOCO Fondo Scratch Lottery (Image courtesy of FOCO Fondo YouTube)

FOCO Fondo #fakelottery Promotion:

Throughout "gravel history" there have been swipes taken at Pro road, the UCI, and even other gravel events. When other gravel based events decide to poke some fun at another gravel event, it usually is directed at one event in particular now that takes place in Emporia, Kansas every early June. That being, of course,  the Unbound events. And previously to Unbound it was directed at the DK200. (Note: I hold the two events as being separate. Your mileage may vary)

Early on, when it was the DK200, there were events like "Kantdu Kanza" or "Sterile Iowan". Now it seems that the FOCO Fondo is taking its turn at poking fun at the Unbound's loterry process in its offering of scratch-type lottery tickets to all its registrants for its June 21'st running of its event this year. 

Comments: Clever. I'll give them that much. That said, this event isn't necessarily all that much different in terms of what it costs than Unbound. In fact, it costs exactly the same amount of money per mile ($1.48/mile)for the 118 mile course to enter the FOCO Fondo as it does to get a ticket to ride the 200 at Unbound. Obviously they are different events, but this hits different than the previous instances of smaller, more grassroots swipes at bigger events. You can watch the You Tue video on the lottery tickets here. 

The new Vamoots 33 (Image courtesy of Moots Cycles)

All-Road Bikes: A New Trend?

Recently I have noted how many companies are starting to make their road bike offerings more 'terrain-friendly' in that they are not bicycles that cannot ride down certain roads. 

It used to be that any road bike was a pretty limited machine due to geometry and tire clearance limitations. Riding a gravel road on 23mm-25mm tires was something you could do, but if you are honest, would you want to? Probably not. Not worth the potential issues and rattling of bones. 

Then "gravel bikes" came along, (Hey! Just ride a cross bike or a touring bike!), and many saw an opportunity to escape the dangerous paved roads filled with distracted drivers who are speeding. The category went nuts compared to what was happening in MTB and traditional road bikes. So, you should not be surprised that those who want to offer a road bike would start to make those road bikes "all-roads" bikes instead of pavement-bound racers. 

The newest Moots road bike, the Vamoots 33, is such a beast. With the capability to accept a 38mm tire, this is truly an "all-roads" capable machine. Reminiscent of road bikes of the mid-20th Century and before which could tackle anything that a vehicle could be driven on. Gravel, bituminous, cement, dirt, or any "road" surface. 

The designers of these bikes often market these bikes by saying that they are versatile, capable bikes that "still can keep up with a club ride", because, you know, we cannot have anyone thinking these are slow bikes. As if going slow or fast depends solely on a bicycle type or design. Pfft! As if going fast as all get out is really all that matters. 

So these bicycles typically stick to skinny-tired, go-fast bike geometry, missing the boat and causing these to not be as stable and, dare I say it- fast - as a bike designed for all-roads. Jumping tire clearances is one piece of the puzzle, but a true "all-roads" bike isn't a racing bike. Racing bike geometry is for pavement racing. 

Thank You!

I just wanted to make sure I thanked all of you readers and friends for the comments on the blog, Facebook posts, messages, and texts regarding my birthday on Tuesday of this week. 

I have been extremely blessed to find myself in the position in Life that I have found myself in. I don't forget that, and I am humbled to have the shout-outs and well wishes. 

The day wasn't anything to write home about, but it was good. We had some light rain and drizzle until around 3:00pm and so I did not go out for a ride in mid-30's temps and wet conditions. But I did get to spend time with my family which is great and more important than a bike ride. Plus Mrs. Guitar Ted got me a turntable to play records on which hasn't happened for me in about 35 years.

That's it for this week! Thank you for reading Guitar Ted Productions!

Friday News And Views

From Domahidy Designs Facebook page

 Viral Bikes Wanderer Features Pinion Drive, TRP Shifting:

Steve Domahidy may not be a name you are familiar with, but he has been a big influence on cycling since around 2004 when he and then partner, Chris Sugai, started Niner Bikes, a 29"er only bicycle company back when 29"ers were still in their infancy. 

After leaving Niner in 2011, Steve went on to design bicycles for Factor bikes, his own Domahidy Designs, and now with Viral Bikes. He has also been a part of working on several other products behind the scenes that you might be familiar with. In other words, he's had his hands in many products and ground-breaking designs over the last 20 years. 

His latest creation is an adventure bike running a Pinion gearbox which is electronically shifted using TRP's Hywire shifting. One of the perceived drawbacks to gearbox and internal geared hub shifting is that you could not shift while applying pedal pressure. But now you can with this system, making it much more easily adapted to by any rider. 

Beyond the image and the few details shared in the Facebook post, I don't have any more information on this bike. Stay tuned for more, hopefully soon....

Image courtesy of Ritchey Design

An Unusual Fork:

The first generation Fargo had a very unusual design and a lot of that had to do with the front end geometry. One of the details that concerned me was that the fork was a very unusual beast. It was short, for a 29"er fork, and it had a LOT of offset. 

Early on, this was no big deal as long as Salsa Cycles had replacements in case of a crash, but those forks have been out of production for years now. If I ever had a bad boo-boo with my Gen I Fargo and managed to screw up the fork, I figured I'd have to score a custom replacement to preserve the geometry.

Well, I came across this Ritchey Design fork the other day and taking a closer look, it would do pretty well as a Fargo Gen I replacement fork, the only thing being it is a Boost spaced fork. (110mm) Otherwise it is very close in specifications having a 435mm axle to crown height and a 52mm offset. 

Yeah, you'd have to lace up a new front wheel, or buy one that is compatible with a through axle and Boost spacing, but at least THAT isn't like looking for a needle in a haystack, like the fork would be. Something to think about if you are a Fargo Gen I owner.

Esker's Hayduke in Saguaro/Desert Fade (Courtesy of Esker)

New Colors And Finishes:

In these times of high inventory and low sales it sometimes takes a little "kick" in the pants to motivate a sale. This takes the form of "refreshes"for many brands. In the bicycle business, this can be as simple as changing the color or finish of a frame. 

Let's face it, how your bicycle looks maters, and if you get jazzed by a new color or finish, you just might decide to dig out that plastic key to your bank account and part with some hard earned credit, or go a bit more into debt, depending on your circumstances. 

Esker has spiffed up both of their hardtail models, the Japhy and the Hayduke, with three new hues for each. The Saguaro/Desert Fade is particularly stunning but the sparkly Unicorn might just be my personal favorite here.

Moots new "Groundswell" anodized finish (Image courtesy of Moots)

Moots has also done up their range with a new option called "Groundswell" which is actually an anodized finish. This new scheme can be had as an option on any of Moots' bikes. 

Titanium has the ability to be anodized or painted, so you can get a lot of different effects on titanium that are not choices for a steel or carbon frame. Plus, you get the durability of titanium. And of course, you can run with no finish at all which is the most utilitarian, and probably most popular, way to go with titanium. 

Anodized titanium has been around, but as an option for a frame, it is more rare. remember those Union anodized titanium spokes/ I think those may have been my first notice of anything anodized in titanium which would have been in the mid-90's. These days I kind of gravitate to what Chumba Bikes is doing in the realm of anodized titanium frames myself, but maybe that's just me. 

Orange Bikes Enters Administration:

Iconic British brand Orange has asked to enter into "administration". That may be a foreign term for a lot of us outside the U.K. What it means is that Orange is asking for protection from creditors and to possibly be saved from going out of business. Kind of like "bankruptcy protection" here, but different... Anyway. 

My blogging comrades from across the pond, "Muddymoles", have a great explainer story that you can read HERE. It's a sad tale because Orange Bikes has such a deep and intertwined history in mountain biking in the U.K. We really don't have anything analogous to Orange here anymore. You might say the absorption of the Fisher brand into Trek, or the buying of the Salsa Cycles brand by QBP back in the 1990's is similar. I gather that it is as if a part of mountain biking would die in the U.K. if Orange Bikes cannot see things through.

From my viewpoint it is a cautionary tale because we could be seeing mid-tier brands falling prey to a similar  fate here. 2024 will mark the end of some things, I think, unless sales and the economy take a big upswing, in which case I would be wrong. But we're in an election year here, and typically that doesn't bode well for a return of a robust economy. So, we'll see. 

Best of luck to Orange in the future!

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

Friday News And Views

Image courtesy of Matt Gersib

Shimano 12spd GRX On Test:

Recently Shimano announced the 12 speed GRX groups. Well, back in August my good friend MG went to Bend, Oregon to get a preview of the group, and then Shimano set him up with a 12 speed GRX group with wheels as well. 

MG just posted his thoughts on the test of the group so far which you can check out HERE. 

Comments: It's interesting to note that MG mentions a few times that he likes just being able to hop on the bike and ride without any concerns or worries about battery life or having to carry spares "just in case". We both come from an era "pre-device" when things like "charging cords" meant you had to jump start your truck or trickle charge your 12 volt battery from your car. Everything else you just used, if it wasn't required to plug it into the wall.

Yeah.....cordless, rechargeable stuff is cool too. But when it comes to "the Freedom Machine", as Twin Six would call the bicycle, "freedom" is less free when you are tethered to electronics. I get that, MG gets that, but younger folks who have never known anything but USB cords? I wonder if they even understand the freeing feeling of being "device-free" these days. 

Maybe some do. 

Anyway, the point being here that some younger folks probably think mechanical group sets like the current GRX 12 speed stuff is from the dinosaur age. Maybe not, but if they do, I'd rather ride with the dinosaurs myself. Your mileage may vary.......

The Moots Express eBike (Image courtesy of Moots)

Moots Goes Carbon & Electric With The Express:

Speaking of devices.....

Moots just did two things maybe no one thought they would do. First, they made a bicycle out of something other than titanium. (To be fair, older, original Moots were steel, but most folks don't know that.) Secondly, and maybe a little less shocking, they made an electrified bike. 

Dubbed the "Express", the new Hybrid Powered Cycle (HPC - my term) is powered by an integrated battery and Shimano gear from the motor to the drive train. The battery life is said to be so good that riders can expect to squeeze out around 100 miles, maybe more, depending upon rider weight, wind, terrain, and amount of power assist selected. 

The controls are a bit unique in that the 1X drive train is operated by the right shift lever while the left lever controls the level of power assist. Total vehicle weight is listed at 33lbs for a medium sized Express model. Cost? If you have to ask what a Moots cost, well...... Okay, it's a penny less than 10K.

Comments: Surprising? Yes, coming from Moots. Not surprising? Yes also. Moots has to cater to its customer base, which are mostly well-heeled, older people that fit the assisted pedaling profile. Making a titanium bike look sleek with a battery pack? Probably not all that possible, and it would be heavy. Carbon was the correct choice here, despite the total dissonance with its brand identity.  

I'm not saying younger folks don't buy a Moots nor that younger folks don't want pedal assist bikes. But I also don't see a lot of Moots underneath the folks I ride with at events. So.... It is my opinion. Change my mind if you care to....

The Otso Voytek 2 (Image courtesy of Otso Bikes)

Otso Announces Voytek 2 - Highly Adjustable Geometry:

Otso Cycles features their patented "Tuning Chip" rear drop out which can allow a rider to adjust the wheel base and affect bottom bracket height and head tube angle a bit as well. They've taken that concept a bit further by offering a similar idea which they are implementing at the head tube. 

Called "GeoChip", it is a combination of aluminum inserts which are fitted at the positions you might normally associate with a top and bottom cup set for a head set. There three sets of "flip chips" which can be used to alter the head angle, reach for the cockpit, or both. 

The Voytek features multiple wheel size capabilities and still has that narrow "Q" factor bottom bracket. N.Y. Roll has an original V1 Voytek and seems pretty happy with it. This new version promises more to the owner with a true "one bike" off-road cycling solution for year-round riding. 

Comments: My my! What a versatile frame set. But, typically most folks are going to "set it and forget it" when it comes to this feature. But for those who like to tinker, well....there ya go! 

My only concern would be that here you are introducing two aluminum bits which sit in a carbon pocket in the frame at a high-stress area. Those bits are going to move ever so slightly while riding, and this may induce noise at some point. Maybe not, but it would not surprise me if that is something that crops up with this design. 

Also, at well over 3K for a frame and fork, I kind of cringe a bit. I'd maybe opt for something in metal at that point and forgo the versatility options available with the Voytek 2. But if you think of this as a mountain bike hard tail and a fat bike all in one? Then it makes a lot more sense. If that's you, then you can read more about the Voytek 2 HERE.

This image is from an old "Geezer Ride", by the way.

New Podcast Is Up:

N.Y. Roll went up and did the Colesburg event over the Labor Day weekend recently and his partner, Morgan, a new-to-gravel rider, was kind-of-sort-of talked into doing the 25 mile route.

Well, "things" happened and I thought it would be great if we could get Morgan's perspectives on, not only her event, but on gravel riding and gravel events in general. Coming from someone very fresh to the scene, I figured that I might get some new insights and learn from Morgan through he experiences. 

And I was rewarded with much to consider.

I know that enthusiasts from any genre of sport, recreation, or vocation tend to "gate keep" and be ignorant and insensitive to new folks coming in. That said, hearing it from a new rider to gravel is a bit more impactful and, I think, important to heed the message we hear from Morgan. 

Give it a listen HERE, or wherever you get you podcasts from. 

With that I will sign off for now. Thank you for reading Guitar Ted Productions and have a fantastic weekend!

Friday News And Views

Moots new Routt CRD model. (Image courtesy of Moots)

 Moots Announces New Routt Version in the CRD:

Moots, who are best known for their US made titanium creations, has announced a new gravel bike called the Routt CRD. The bike has a lighter tube set and all internally routed cables with a tire size recommendation for 40-42mm tires, although it appears there is clearance for something bigger as well. 

Various packages with SRAM components are offered along with a frame/fork option. Moots also now is offering a line of MOD carbon fiber products which include a fork, handle bar, stem , but no seat post at this time. These MOD components are only available on Moots bikes for the time being.

Comments: I'll preface the following statements by saying that Moots has never been known to bring "bang for your buck" type value. In fact, it is fair to say that Moots demands a premium price for anything they put their name on. They are expensive bikes. Period. 

But when I saw the price for just a Routt CRD frame and fork at $8,888.00........ Okay, you get a carbon handle bar, stem, and a Chris King T-47 bottom bracket, but....WHAT?!! 

Recently N.Y. Roll and I recorded a podcast entitled "Cycling Is Too Expensive". This is what we were talking about there. Expensive brands have their place. I get that, but this seems ridiculously high priced, in my opinion. But again - Moots has never been a value oriented brand. I shouldn't be shocked. 

Speaking Of The Podcast.....

N.Y. Roll got back from RAGBRAI and shared a bit of his experiences with that in our most recent recording, which you can listen to  HERE or wherever you get your podcasts from. We'd appreciate it if you listened in.

Obviously, there is a bit of talk on this episode concerning hot weather riding. Might come in handy yet as Summer winds down. I also give you an "insider's look" at press releases which I get often and how one was messed up recently. In fact, I'll mention that in my next item below. But do listen in to the podcast for some details on that story. 

Oh, and the podcast has an Instagram page now as well, if you care to follow it. The account is under the name @GTD_podcast. Check that out if you want information on upcoming episodes and more.

 

Salsa Cycles Heyday! model (Image courtesy of Salsa Cycles)

Salsa Cycles Announces Fat Bikes For 2023/2024:

As previously mentioned, Salsa sent over a press release concerning what they were bringing out for this season's fat bike offerings. The line up will consist of the Beargrease and the renamed Mukluk model, the Heyday!. 

There are a few levels available for the Beargrease model and only two for the Heyday!. There is also a frame set for the Beargrease which you can order via a Salsa dealer. Otherwise the models are pretty much what you've come to know over the past eight years now. Just different colors and spec. 

Comments: After the social upheavals in 2020, Salsa's parent company, QBP, committed to a very comprehensive, third party investigation of their business practices and brand/model naming conventions as those things apply to diversity, equity, and inclusiveness. (DEI) Subsequently what you notice on the consumer side is that many names of QBP brand bikes have changed. 

Without getting into the weeds on the "why" of these decisions, (which QBP doesn't fully indulge us with anyway), the Beargrease name passed through the process but the Mukluk name did not, so the change was made to that model and it will be known as the Heyday! from now on. And because this change was made so late, some Heyday! bikes won't have a model name at all on them.

Otherwise, the only notable thing here is that a Heyday! model will be offered in 11 speed Shimano CUES. The first spec for that new group that I've seen.

New Additions;

There have been some new additions to the garage sale page on the blog here this past week. I will be adding even more as time goes on and clearing out more space in the Lab.

One of the things I have found over the last several years is that I rarely, if ever, go "mountain biking" here in this area anymore. There are several reasons for that, but suffice it to say that I have no reason at all to be hanging on to some of the stuff I have that maybe someone else could get some use out of. 

Besides, I also have found that my fat bikes can do single track around here just fine, and of course, I have that rare OS Bikes Blackbuck that I can ride if I truly want the MTB experience around here. Anyway, check out that page for some stuff and stay tuned for more coming soon. It won't all be MTB related either, just so you know. I actually don't have a whole lot of that anymore here.. 

That's a wrap for this week. Thank you for reading Guitar ted Productions.

Friday News And Views

Moots new Routt CRD model. (Image courtesy of Moots)

 Moots Announces New Routt Version in the CRD:

Moots, who are best known for their US made titanium creations, has announced a new gravel bike called the Routt CRD. The bike has a lighter tube set and all internally routed cables with a tire size recommendation for 40-42mm tires, although it appears there is clearance for something bigger as well. 

Various packages with SRAM components are offered along with a frame/fork option. Moots also now is offering a line of MOD carbon fiber products which include a fork, handle bar, stem , but no seat post at this time. These MOD components are only available on Moots bikes for the time being.

Comments: I'll preface the following statements by saying that Moots has never been known to bring "bang for your buck" type value. In fact, it is fair to say that Moots demands a premium price for anything they put their name on. They are expensive bikes. Period. 

But when I saw the price for just a Routt CRD frame and fork at $8,888.00........ Okay, you get a carbon handle bar, stem, and a Chris King T-47 bottom bracket, but....WHAT?!! 

Recently N.Y. Roll and I recorded a podcast entitled "Cycling Is Too Expensive". This is what we were talking about there. Expensive brands have their place. I get that, but this seems ridiculously high priced, in my opinion. But again - Moots has never been a value oriented brand. I shouldn't be shocked. 

Speaking Of The Podcast.....

N.Y. Roll got back from RAGBRAI and shared a bit of his experiences with that in our most recent recording, which you can listen to  HERE or wherever you get your podcasts from. We'd appreciate it if you listened in.

Obviously, there is a bit of talk on this episode concerning hot weather riding. Might come in handy yet as Summer winds down. I also give you an "insider's look" at press releases which I get often and how one was messed up recently. In fact, I'll mention that in my next item below. But do listen in to the podcast for some details on that story. 

Oh, and the podcast has an Instagram page now as well, if you care to follow it. The account is under the name @GTD_podcast. Check that out if you want information on upcoming episodes and more.

 

Salsa Cycles Heyday! model (Image courtesy of Salsa Cycles)

Salsa Cycles Announces Fat Bikes For 2023/2024:

As previously mentioned, Salsa sent over a press release concerning what they were bringing out for this season's fat bike offerings. The line up will consist of the Beargrease and the renamed Mukluk model, the Heyday!. 

There are a few levels available for the Beargrease model and only two for the Heyday!. There is also a frame set for the Beargrease which you can order via a Salsa dealer. Otherwise the models are pretty much what you've come to know over the past eight years now. Just different colors and spec. 

Comments: After the social upheavals in 2020, Salsa's parent company, QBP, committed to a very comprehensive, third party investigation of their business practices and brand/model naming conventions as those things apply to diversity, equity, and inclusiveness. (DEI) Subsequently what you notice on the consumer side is that many names of QBP brand bikes have changed. 

Without getting into the weeds on the "why" of these decisions, (which QBP doesn't fully indulge us with anyway), the Beargrease name passed through the process but the Mukluk name did not, so the change was made to that model and it will be known as the Heyday! from now on. And because this change was made so late, some Heyday! bikes won't have a model name at all on them.

Otherwise, the only notable thing here is that a Heyday! model will be offered in 11 speed Shimano CUES. The first spec for that new group that I've seen.

New Additions;

There have been some new additions to the garage sale page on the blog here this past week. I will be adding even more as time goes on and clearing out more space in the Lab.

One of the things I have found over the last several years is that I rarely, if ever, go "mountain biking" here in this area anymore. There are several reasons for that, but suffice it to say that I have no reason at all to be hanging on to some of the stuff I have that maybe someone else could get some use out of. 

Besides, I also have found that my fat bikes can do single track around here just fine, and of course, I have that rare OS Bikes Blackbuck that I can ride if I truly want the MTB experience around here. Anyway, check out that page for some stuff and stay tuned for more coming soon. It won't all be MTB related either, just so you know. I actually don't have a whole lot of that anymore here.. 

That's a wrap for this week. Thank you for reading Guitar ted Productions.

Soft-Tail Design And Gravel: A Match Made In Heaven?

From Ritchey's Twitter feed last Wednesday.

I came across a Tweet from Ritchey-Official last Wednesday. Apparently some Italian folks got a hold of an old Ritchey soft-tail MTB and turned it into a gravel bike. 

The soft-tail design, where chain stays are relied upon for some flex and a small, very short travel damper is placed between the seat stays and the seat tube, is nothing new. The idea has been banging around on mountain bikes since the 1980's, and earlier design patents show that the idea was at least around in the late 19th Century. However; you do not see many of these bikesout and about.

Perhaps that is because the modern soft-tail was always aimed at being a solution for XC mountain biking. The trouble was that typically the travel/damping was not very effective and the design introduced other problems like flex, stress breakage to the chain stays, and difficulties making the design work for smaller sized riders. 

That said, Moots has been making their "YBB" soft tail design for years, and Ritchey and Salsa Cycles made some well known versions of this design over the years as well. That said, it just hasn't really ever been a great mountain bike solution for most riders. This kept sales low, and in some cases, the bikes went away due to design faults and low sales numbers.

My Salsa Cycles Dos Niner at the 2010 DK200

I've tried a soft tail design before in "real" mountain biking situations and for gravel riding. In my experience, the idea seemed to be far more at home on gravel versus the mountains. That said, the soft-tail generally is not designed to mitigate vibrations as much as it is designed to "take the edge off" trail obstacles when the rear tire hits them. 

There is a big difference there. I feel as though the soft-tail design has merit for gravel travel, it is just that no one has really hit the nail on the head with regard to using the idea to mitigate vibrations and not be a "suspension" platform. 

Sure, Moots, as mentioned, does a Routt YBB gravel bike, and BMC has their URS 1. Trek integrated their ISO Speed rear damping design into their Checkpoint bikes. So, there are examples of the idea out there for gravel. It's just that there aren't many choices that don't cost an arm and a leg, so many riders would never benefit from this idea.

And as well, one could counter with the idea of a suspension seat post, which could go into any frame, and is transferable, bike-to-bike. Obviously, such devices cost a lot less as well and have similar, if not the same results in ride feel for the rider. 

One could argue that a suspension seat post turns any bike into a soft-tail.

And if the idea is to protect the rider from vibrations, a suspension seat post is perhaps the better solution here. It doesn't matter if the rider stands up or not, because we only are concerned about vibration reductions at the saddle if the rider is seated. We are not looking for better wheel traction. Plus the design doesn't require expensive frames, and it doesn't over-stress chain stays, which are often the weak point in soft-tail design.

So, is a soft-tail design not a good idea? I wouldn't dismiss this design idea out of hand. If done elegantly and with rider vibration reduction in mind, it makes sense for gravel riding. I don't think "travel" at the rear wheel is what gravel riders necessarily need here, so over-stressing chain stays needn't happen either. 

But yes- Obviously a suspension seat post, or even a rigid post designed to mitigate vibrations, is a much more elegant, less expensive, and non-proprietary way to go. Either way, I think riders could benefit from the designs. 

Maybe I should build up that Dos Niner again and test out my theories.....