Two Things

Pinarello Grevil MX (Image courtesy of Pinarello)

Look! It's Another Adventure Bike! (Not Really)

Friday past, Pinarello introduced a bike which they claim combines the "best of both worlds" from Road and MTB into one bike - The Grevil MX. 

"Optimized for 50mm gravel  tires", according to the press release, the Grevil MX incorporates aero elements and the asymmetric frame design Pinarello utilizes on some of their other models separately, but here are brought together.

The suspension specific, drop bar specific design uses a 100mm travel fork. Pinarello President, Fausto Pinarello is quoted in the press release for this bike as follows:  

"The GREVIL MX is designed for riders who push gravel beyond its typical boundaries. It’s a very versatile bike, perfectly suited for races or adventures where you’re riding into the unknown. It can handle long climbs and rocky descents with ease and combines the feeling of a MTB with the ergonomics of a road bike. It’s a unique addition to our gravel range."

Comments: So........a skinny tire Fargo/Cutthroat? At least the design is using a "real suspension device" instead of the inadequate "gravel" suspension devices with limited travel. This part Pinarello got right. And as you can see, it does "something" to the front geometry. You may or may not agree with this "something", but physics are not going to be denied. You either go with a "real" suspension fork, or go rigid. This 40mm - 50mm suspension fork nonsense is ineffective, high maintenance for little benefit, and weighs more for little benefit. 

On the other hand, what this idea does to this bike is undeniable as well. It is a skinny tire MTB with drop bars. Calling this a "gravel bike" diffuses the term "gravel bike" to become almost meaningless. (And don't forget, I never thought the term "gravel bike" was a good idea in the first place.)

But names aside, keeping the tires in a "gravel realm" in terms of width makes this a "gravel bike"? I guess. But to me it is just a miss. Had Pinarello made the Grevil MX capable of handling 2.4" 29"er tires this would have made a lot more sense to me. Then it becomes the bike it looks like it is - an adventure bike in the mold of the Fargo/Cutthroat. 

New Podcast Episode:

Remember the "wish-list" posts from a week or so ago? (One HERE, the other HERE) Well, N.Y. Roll and I were thinking we'd riff on those for the latest Guitar Ted Podcast episode. 

There were some strong opinions voiced in this episode. Especially regarding how much there could be done to lessen the impacts on the Earth from the way the cycling industry is conducted. 

I did manage to stay away from at least one subject I could have "gone off" on. We will be seeing shortly if I will be provoked into writing about it soon. Until then, I will be keeping my peace regarding the thoughts and opinions I have. 

Anyway, if you care to listen to this newest episode, here is the link to the Spotify hosted episode. 

Of course, you can find the Guitar Ted Podcast on other podcast platforms as well. N.Y. Roll has a "vacation" planned for early February, so we should have another episode coming out soon. Man....February! Things are going by quickly. Hopefully we will have a few episodes in February which will get you stoked for the upcoming riding season. 

It will be here before we know it!

Gravel Grinder News: Pinarello Announces New Dogma GR, Grevil F Gravel Bikes

NOTE: All imagery and information in this article were provided by Pinarello.

The new Dogma GR kitted out with accessory items available separately. 

 Pinarello has announced today their two all - new gravel bikes: The race oriented Dogma GR and the long-distance expert, Grevil F. These two new bicycles are solutions to what Pinarello believes are the needs for the "three types of gravel racing" which are prevalent today.

Pinarello's Philosophy on Gravel: The video presentation for these two bicycles included a statement from the presenter which I found striking. He stated this: "Gravel is a bit of a mess." Which is an interesting viewpoint coming from an Italian spokesperson representing this brand. A brand noted for participation in high-level road and MTB racing across Europe and the world. While I'mnot quite sure what to make of this statement, the presenter did go on to detail what Pinarello sees as what is going on in competitive gravel now, which is relevant to why they produced two different bicycles for gravel.

Three Types: The presentation indicated there are three different types of categories for gravel racing. One is what Pinarello calls "Fast Gravel". This would include mostly shorter, UCI type events, but also Unbound as well. (Which shows the two differing views of what a "premier gravel event should look like, which may explain the "mess" comment)  Pinarello developed the new Dogma GR to address this sort of racing.

Then Pinarello feels there is a category of gravel event which is termed "Light Gravel". A more relaxed event, say like an Eroica gravel event, or gravel fondo. Following this, their view of a third category is what Pinarello calls "Trail Gravel". A more mountain bike influenced gravel riding which could include bike packing, longer distances, and very different needs as compared to "Fast Gravel". Pinarello addresses these events with the Grevl F model. 

The Grevil F set up with Pinarello accessories sold separately. 

Looking at gravel events in this manner, Pinarello asls the rider, "How long do you want to ride?" Longer than five hours? The bicycle for you would be the Grevil F. Shorter than five hour rides are the Dogma GR's range.

If terrain is more the defining parameter, then looking at tire clearances may help. The Dogma GR is relegated to a 45mm front/42mm rear fitment while the Grevil F expands clearance to 50mm front and rear.

Dogma GR:

Now for the finer points of each model. The Dogma GR uses the latest carbon technology for the frame in Pinarello's M40X material. Using this to its optimum, Pinarello has made what they claim to be the lightest gravel racing frame on the market at a claimed 960 grams with a complete bike weight, using SRAM Red, Princeton Grit 45/40 wheels, and 40mmVittoria tires weighing in at a claimed 7.35kg/ 16.20lbs. 

Dogma GR with Gravel TT bars and Bento bag

Aerodynamics are important with this design. Pinarello uses a "nosed" and tapered head tube along with hidden through axle ends on the Onda fork to improve aero efficiencies. The accessory Bento top tube bag mounts with bolts and is optimized to sit without interfering with the rider's pedaling motion and be aero as well. An Aero Load System in-frame storage bag also optimizes space and allows the rider to carry a flat repair system. Both the Bento Bag and in-frame storage bag are included in the claimed frame weight, but must be purchased separately.

Further considerations for aero efficiencies are noted in the handle bar, which Pinarello calls "Talon Ultra-fast GR". It has 7° of flare and inward bend to help optimize rider aero positioning. This can be enhanced by the separately available Gravel TT aero bars which attach via two mounting points molded into the Talon Ultra-fast GR handlebar.

Rider comfort is also a consideration at Pinarello. The Adaptive Seat Post on the Dogma GR has up to 8mm of flex while the Onda fork on the Dogma GR has been optimized for handling and vertical compliance using a 50mm offset and special lay-up of the carbon material.

Dogma GR is available in nine sizes and three colors with a SRAM group (Shimano available only in Europe) at $14,500.00 USD. A frame-only option exists for the Dogma GR at approximately $7,825.00, but it is unclear as to whether this is EU only or available in the USA as well. 

Pinarello Grevil F

Grevil F:

The Grevil F differs in several ways from the Dogma GR. The obvious tire clearances aside, the Grevil F has a sharper focus on rider comfort and handling in rougher terrain.

The Grevil F series is also the most affordable in Pinarello's gravel range with five different spec'ed models available. Starting with the Grevil F3 at  #3,700.00 USD. (Note, The Grevil F1 is not available in the US) The top of the range Grevil F9 is $11,000.00 USD. No frame set option is listed in the press release for the Grevil F series.

The Grevil F frame is optimized for comfort by use of three different types of Toray carbon fiber. Pinarello employs the T-900. T-700, and T-600 series in differing layers and areas of the frame to achieve the best balance of traction, rider comfort, and stiffness with a view toward competition and riding in longer events than five hours, and even for multi-day tours or events. 

The rider comfort is further addressed with the "Twin Arm" chain stays and seat stays along with a claimed 10mm of compliance coming from the Adaptive Seat Post. Furtermore; the redesigned Onda fork, available in two, size-specific offsetys of 50mm and 55mm, is optimized for compliance and vibration reduction. This fork also features three-boss mounting points for water bottles or other accessories on each fork leg.

Grevil F shown with separately available accessories from Pinarello.

 The Grevil F can be accessorized with the same Gravel TT aero bars as the Dogma GR which also attach via two mounting points in the handlebar. The same Bento top tube bag exists for the Grevil F as well as a new., aero 1.5L frame bag. A rear aero bike rack and trunk bag round out the offerings for storage. The Grevil F also features the Aero-load down tube storage cavity, which is also a feature of the Dogma GR.

The Grevil F is also optimized for longer times in the saddle by way of its geometry, which Pinarello says is 1cm longer in the top tube for each size, which requires a slightly shorter stem to be utilized. The bottom bracket area also has been tweaked along with the aforementioned Twin-Arm stays.  

Thanks to Pinarello for the information and images used in this article.  

Friday News And Views

 Today's "News And Views" is going to feature a lot of press release material. There has been an uptick in activity here since the Taipei Cycle show is coming up soon. Okay, on with the FN&V!

Shimano announced new eyewear. (Image courtesy of Shimano)

Shimano Releases New Technium and Twinspark Eyewear:

Shimano announced three new pairs of Sunglasses for all disciplines of cycling on Wednesday. Included in this announcement were the Technium half-framed models, the Technium and lighter weight Technium L, and the full-framed Twinspark. These are in addition to the SPhyre models released last year.

Featuring Shimano's Ridescape lens tech, the glasses come with three lens options and each of those is paired with a clear alternate lens which can be swapped in for low-light or night riding conditions. The glasses have reversible nose pads for a customized fit and also feature "Arkema Rilsan® clear G850 Rnew® 45% bio-based materials that help reduce carbon emissions during the manufacturing process.", according to the press release. 

Prices are $100.00 USD for the Technium models and $65.00 for the Twinspark model. 

Comments: Shimano debuted the Ridescape lens eyewear last year and....I hate to say this, but I was not impressed. (You can read my take on them HERE) I looked to see if Shimano had said anything concerning an update to the lens but I did not see that. (Confirmed by my Shimano contact) I liked everything else about the glasses, but the clarity was....off. Hopefully my pair were an outlier and not representative of the main output of these glasses. 

ABUS Wall Anchor bike storage/security idea. (Image courtesy of ABUS)

ABUS Wall Anchor Secures Bikes In Storage:

A new and interesting idea from ABUS allows you to store a bicycle in a garage or elsewhere that there is a wall and secure it with your cable lock. 

Using a steel angled plate which is held in place by two lag bolts, the Wall Anchor is meant to hold your bicycle in an upright position against a wall by the pedal. A steel loop then allows you to lock the bike to the anchor which has two ball bearings that fit into the fastener heads which are there to prevent anyone from removing the wall anchor. There also is an angled plate which can be placed under the rear wheel to keep the bike from wanting to pivot from the Wall Anchor's pedal grabbing hook. 

In this snip from ABUS' YouTube video, you can see how the bike is supported.

This could be a great solution for those with garage storage of bicycles, an apartment dweller, or for those who have Summer cottages, etc. You can watch a You Tube video explainer HERE. 

The Wall Anchor costs $79.99 and is made in Germany.

Ama Nsek (Image courtesy of Scuderia Pinarello)

Ama Nsek Joins Scuderia Pinarello Team:

USA Cat 1 Elite road race champion Ama Nsek announced he was joining the Scuderia Pinarello Team as an "athlete ambassador" for the 2024 season. Pinarello sent the announcement on Tuesday of this week. 

Nsek will join Scuderia Pinarello's other athletes in a three-tiered team setting consisting of Competitor, Community Leader, and Adventurer categories. 

In all, there are eight riders on the Scuderia Pinarello Team who will be doing competitive events on road and gravel courses while organizing group rides, coaching, and creating a "more inclusive cycling community" while off the bike. 

Other Scuderia Pinarello athletes on the team are Cicily Decker and Ethan Overson (Competitive), Mari Holden and Anthony Carter (Community Leader), and Hillary Allen, Jamie Bestwick, and Johnny Collinson. (Adventurer)

Comments; It is notable that now several brands are skirting the traditional means of athlete/team sponsorships and going into gravel and unsanctioned "adventure/ultra-endurance" cycling events. Specialized pulling sponsorship from athletes notwithstanding, this newer means of aligning a brand with cycling's current hot segments of gravel, social awareness/inclusiveness, and adventure cycling seems to be gaining traction. 

On the athlete side it is interesting that now riders seem to have to piece together a patchwork of sponsors and endorsement deals to make a living at riding a bicycle competitively or on the coattails of gravel and adventure cycling. For some it seems to be working, but I've noted it seems that some are struggling to make ends meet, if social media posts are anything to go by there. 

Courtesy of Panaracer's social media

Let's Speculate!

On Wednesday Panaracer posted a social media short indicating that they will have a new tire, (presumably it is a tire), coming on March 1st. 

Assuming it is another addition to the Gravel King range, what can we draw from the images Panaracer showed in their post? Well, to do that you have to understand what was shown. 

First off they showed a paved road. Then most of the rest of the content was a fast overview of what you see here, which to my eye looks like dirt, or sand. Maybe a desert? Whatever they are showing, it is NOT crushed rock, or as we all know it, "gravel". And maybe it isn't even a "gravel" king tire. Maybe it is "Sand King" or something. So maybe this is not really a gravel tire at all. Still, it may seem odd to many to call it a 'gravel king' if that is what Panaracer is doing here.

But that never stopped Panaracer before. Some of you may remember Panaracer's first "Gravel King" tires which were not anything I'd ever want to ride on "gravel", if we are talking crushed rock roads. Those were 23mm, 25mm, and 28mm tires back in 2013. Crazy, right? Then in 2014 Panaracer came out with a (gasp!) 32mm Gravel King! The brand may have been first to market with a "gravel" tire, but others beat them to producing a "real", 38mm+ width tire for crushed rock roads. So, if this is something on the fringe of what you would consider "gravel", don't be surprised. This brand is known for that. 

Not a criticism of Panaracer at all. Just an observance of what they have done used to speculate about what the brand might be doing. We will see March 1st!

New Podcast Episode:

In the latest "Guitar Ted Podcast" sponsored by CORE4, we attempt to answer the question inspired by Dave Pryor of unPAved of the Susquehanna River Valley fame, which is: "Did gravel cycling save racing?"

We also get into how to grow cycling effectively, plus we gab about nuclear testing, bazaars in Iraq, and tour cycling through Hokah, Minnesota.  Yes. Really. 

You can find the latest episode at your favorite podcast provider or you can listen by clicking THIS LINK. 

The "Guitar Ted Podcast" is sponsored by CORE4. Thanks for listening!


 Thanks for reading Guitar Ted Productions!