Friday News And Views

US Patent Office image of SRAM UBM

SRAM Universal Brake Mount:

SRAM, who promoted the UDH derailleur mount, which is being widely adopted now, has patented a new MTB brake mount called Universal Brake Mount. 

The patent was granted last year, and the idea was discussed a bit in certain circles of the bike industry, but now it is seemingly gaining some traction in mentions of a near future adoption by the industry. 

The mount centers the brake mount from the axle, and everything references off this point instead of being a jig for each frame, or a different set of parameters to be used. This does make the mount dependent on an attachment point on the seat stay. 

Obviously, this idea would be a bit more difficult if we were still in a quick release world. However; since through axles are ubiquitous on MTB, road, and gravel bikes now, this idea makes sense. Obviously, this is a post mount brake standard, but perhaps a flat mount standard could be developed as well. 

I can see how the design would require extra beef on seat stays and how it might limit some full suspension designs, or designs which employ seat stays as flexing members for comfort. So, I do not believe this is a "universal" solution for everyone, but I also see how manufacturing frames would be easier and more streamlined by using this standard. Saving factories and brands more money will be the motivation for adopting this. 

Image courtesy of Zirbel Bike social media

Zirbel Bike Offers "Electronic Grip Shift" Type Shifters

Grip Shift - Remember that? It was largely forgotten after SRAM moved off of doing mechanical flat bar shifters with the introduction of AXS. 

But a company called Zirbel Bike  has adapted a wireless twist ring style shifter reminiscent of Grip Shift to operate a SRAM AXS/Transmission rear derailleur.  

They also make a trigger style ring which has minimal mass and takes up little handlebar space. The trigger can be easily operated by a thumb.  

Some riders preferred a twist style shifter due to hand issues which make using triggers painful or difficult. This Zirbel product could be a solution then for such individuals. 

Prices look to be reasonable and the shifters can be purchased as a unit complete with flat bar and stem for a mountain bike.  

Comments: Now that I've seen this, it seems odd SRAM did not attempt to go in a similar direction with AXS for MTB/flat bars. The product Zirbel offers takes up little space which is a big deal now with MTB cockpits having dropper levers and shock lockouts competing with brake levers and shifters for space on handlebars.  

Image courtesy of Jay Petervary's social media.

IDITAROD Trail Race Sunday:

One of the older ultra-distance bicycle events in North America is set to occur this Sunday. The IDITAROD Trail Invitational will send off its riders on Sunday. 

I grabbed this image of Jay Petervary's fat bike set up from his social media to show just how far things have come in bicycle design for this event. It seems a longer wheel base, slacker front end, and different width rims are the hot set-up in 2026. 

Obviously a credit to materials technology and its application to fat bike components has to be recognized here. Without carbon rims, carbon components, and lighter weight, titanium tubing a machine like this would have weighed a silly amount 20 years ago. 

I would also think recent developments in tire set ups are making machines like this even more capable. I asked Jay about the wheels here. The tires are the same but the rims are different. I find it interesting that Jay is using differing rim sizes. The rear is 105mm wide and the front is a whopping 128mm wide. This gives the tires a truly different shape and, I would imagine, a different type of performance on snowy trails.  I don't know what the thinking he has is on this is, but I would be interested to hear is take on this idea. 

What do you think of Jay's bike set-up? Let me know in the comments. 

Image courtesy of fizik

The Arione Is Back!

Almost 20 years ago fizik introduced a very long, flat, kind of tear-dropped shaped saddle which was so different you could identify the model from a distance easily. It was the fizik Arione, a saddle which pushed the limits of UCI regulations, and which many riders grew to love for its allowance for several comfortable positions across its length. 

Now the Arione is back, and it has some features which are unique. The length has been trimmed back from the original's nearly aircraft carrier deck length to a more modern length. Not surprising there. However; the flat profile remains, as does the "boat-tail" rear extension. 

Of course, there are 3D printed covers, (shown) and there are more traditional covers available as well. The range features  rail choices, from carbon to fizik's "Kium" hollow alloy rails, and the S-Alloy rails. . Top range models get the Adaptive padding while there are EVA and PU foam padded models when you move down the range, which is reflected in the price. 

Image courtesy of fizik

Interestingly, fizik addresses how many racers want there saddles positioned as forward as possible in relation to the bottom bracket by attaching the rear of the rails to the saddle base in a unique way. This allows for a very forward saddle placement which is not available in any other saddle model I am aware of currently. 

Times have certainly changed! I recall a day when we could not get our saddles far enough back on a seat post. So, this is an interesting development in saddles and rider fit. 

Arione R 5 (Image courtesy of fziik)

The Arione is available in available in five models. The top of the range features the Arione R1 Adaptive with carbon rails. The Arione Adaptive R1 Light has EVA padding instead of a 3D printed cover. This model also features an ergonomic cutaway central channel for pressure relief. Next we have the Arione R3 Adaptive which has the same 3D printed cover as the R1 but has Kium alloy hollow rails. 

Then we move to the Arione R3 and R5 models which have the PU foam padding and differ mostly in the rail choice with the R3 having the hollow Kium alloy and the R5 having the S-Alloy rail. 

Prices range from $399.00 for the range topping Arione R1 Adaptive to $99.99 for the Arione R5. All saddles come in two widths - 145mm or a narrower 135mm. 

For more details see fizik's site HERE

Life Time Announces Wildcard Rosters

Last year the Life Time Grand prix announced a "wildcard" category which allowed racers who qualified to enter into the opener for the series, and any man or woman in the top three placings for either category would get on the Wildcard chance at Unbound to possibly race their way into the Grand Prix series. In fact, the Grand Prix Men's overall winner, Cameron Jones, came out of the Wildcard category. 

A press release received Thursday here at Guitar Ted Productions lines out the rosters for possible Wildcard entrants. There are 27 women on that side of the roster. Notably in this roster I see Haley Smith, former Canadian Olympian and Grand Prix rider. 

On the Men's side there are 59 individuals listed with several notable names in the running. Russel Finsterwald, Dylan Johnson, and Adam Roberge being but a few of the names listed . 

My reading of the press release may be off, but as I understand this, the rosters listed must race Sea Otter where the top three in Men's and Women's categories from the WildCard rosters can then compete in Unbound and then whomever is the best of the three in each category there will be added to the Grand Prix riders. 

Again- apologies if I have this wrong but the press release wasn't 100% clear to me on these points. 

So, the bigger question is, does any of this matter to you? (I already know what N.Y. Roll will say!)

Image courtesy of Surly Bikes

 

 Disc Trucker Update:

Surly released an updated Disc Trucker complete and frame set available now through your Surly dealer. As before, smaller sizes are available in 26" wheels and 56cm and up is 700c. 

The Disc Trucker is an amalgamation of old touring bikes and new technology/components. You've got that steel frame, a spoke holder, rack mounts galore, fender mounts, and good ol' touring bike geometry. 

Modernization come in the form of tubeless ready tires, disc brakes, and through axles. Honestly, all good things. 

Gotta give a shout out to the externally routed cables and dynamo routed fork. There is a nice, upright seated position here also, which is great for long, all-day riding. 

Touring nerds will probably sniff at the 2X crank set with 46T/30T gearing. Not that it doesn't provide a low enough gear with a 39T low gear in the cassette, but because you don't get that nice "transition" range with, say a 36T middle ring. Ah! ..............But triples are too confusing. Hmm..... Okay. I believe cycling is a skill set. This stuff can be learned. But I digress.... 

And did you notice you could put a set of down tube shifters on this frame? Now that is old school right there! Ha ha! Also of note: 36 spoke wheels. Nice! 

That is going to wrap things up for this week here at Guitar Ted Productions. Thank you for reading here and please, get outside and ride a bicycle this weekend!

Friday News And Views

A render found on Reddit. Supposedly a new Kona model

 Rumored Kona Unit Y Model Seen On Social Media:

Over the past weekend I came across a mention of a new Kona bike packing bike called the Unit Y. Searching the interwebs turned up a thread on Reddit showing the bike and what was purported to be the specs on this new model.  

Interesting details are the obviously bowed downtube and the "mullet" 29"er front/650B X 3" rear wheel with Boost 148 spaced dropouts in the back and Boost spaced front dropouts up front.  

The appears to be a ton of frame accessory mounting points and a front rack, presumably for sleeping bags/tents/luggage.  

Apparently the leaked info was on a dealer's website by mistake and was taken down later. But not before it was seen and spread around on social media.  

Comments: A wild looking bicycle, for sure! I wouldn't be too keen on the different wheel sizes here as it would mean two different sized tubes for "just in case" bail-outs. I suppose you could mitigate this by using TPU tubes. (Yes, there are TPU tubes in the correct sizes for this bike) 

Finally, I am not sure what question this bike is an answer to. Mostly based on the mullet set up. Comfort in riding usually is influenced by frame design, and with the shorter tubing used in the rear end of this bike, and with such a compact geometry for those tubes, it would seem like stiffness would be an issue. As in "too much of it". Especially since you probably are not going to get a lot of deflection from a dropper post to help ease the pain of bumpy trails. Also, panniers will be more difficult with a short rear as this bike has, although it could be argued this bike is a frame bag/seat pack bike. 

Corsa Pévélé - Image courtesy of Eddy Merckx Bikes

Eddy Merckx Bikes Offers Titanium Unpaved Road Bikes:

Today Eddy Merckx Bikes released news of two bikes in their unpaved/gravel range now offered in Columbus Hyperion tubing and featuring UDH drop outs. 

The Corsa Pévélé is the more road-ish of the two and features up to 40mm of tire clearance in a 1X drive train. The bike has top tube accessory mounts and the ability to carry three water bottles. This should prove to be a nice, long-distance road mileage machine. 

The Corsa Pévélé Ti also can be fitted with mudguards. However; there are no rack mounts. 

The Corsa Pévélé is offered in multiple drive train configurations from SRAM and Shimano. The bike can be ordered as a frame/fork combination allowing the buyer to custom build to their own specifications. 

Corsa Strasbourg Ti (Image courtesy of Eddy Merckx Bikes)

The Corsa Strasbourg is the full-on gravel model. This bike has up to 50mm of tire clearance, accessory mounts on the frame and fork, and the capability to be fitted with mudguards. 

The Corsa Strasbourg is meant for 1X drive trains only. Complete bikes can purchased with SRAM or Campagnolo 1X drive trains. This bike is also offered as a frame/fork as well. 

Furthermore; Eddy Merckx Bikes is offering customers an online configuration tool which allows riders to choose different downtube/head tube logos and Wolf Tooth components in five different colors. 

The two new titanium bikes are available from today from Eddy Merckx retailers. More details and images of the Corsa Pevele and Corsa Strasbourg bikes can be seen at www.eddymerckx.com 

Image Courtesy of SRAM

SRAM Offering Shorter Crank Lengths:

In keeping with the move to shorter crank arm lengths for racers, SRAM is now offering crank arms in their Red series from 150mm to 175mm in length. 

DUB spindles and 8 bolt spider standard is here, of course. The main news is the shorter offerings which many will be happy to see offered now from SRAM. 

Comments: The press release came out Tuesday and also featured aero TT levers with a hydraulic mechanism rather than traditional cable actuation. This probably indicates the end of caliper brake offerings across the board for road bikes in the future.  

Aero calipers were also featured in the Red and Rival ranges which feature "Stealth-a-majig" connectors  This might be a good match for those with travel bikes featuring hydraulic brakes. 

Finally a UDH hangar with a silver bolt and washer (ooo!), and a new Quick charger for batteries with a promised 60 minute recharge time were news from the press release.  

Comments: Short cranks are all the fashion now and SRAM now can offer bike fitters and those with short crank acquisition syndrome something from their ecosystem. Cool. It is quite a commitment since with this many options you never know what will be popular as a manufacturer and what you may need to focus on as far as supply goes. Hoping here that SRAM can keep supplies dialed in for those looking for an option for short crank sets from them.  

Image courtesy of SILCA

SILCA  Debuts Rim Tape, Hi-Flow Tubeless Valves:

SILCA just released some tubeless products for riders. First we have their Ultimate Rim tape, a tubeless tape offered in two widths for most applications. Claiming a residue free removal, tear-free performance, (important when changing tires), and a trilaminate construction with "just the right amount of stretch". 

The tape costs USD $24.00 a roll. 

Ultimate Tubeless Valves come in two lengths. 50mm or 70mm. SILCA claims the Ultimate Tubeless Valve stem is compatible with tire inserts and has a higher flow rate than standard valve stems. A pair of the valve stems can be had for USD $28.00 for the 50mm and USD $29.00 for the longer 70mm stems.  

Comments: The rim tape is what I'd be interested in most. The thing is, I found Tessa tape from Uline for a lot less money and it works as well or better than most branded bicycle tapes. If SILCA somehow has a tape with much better properties, than I would be all in on trying it, but for the price, it would have to be darn near miraculously better for me to switch.  

The 32" Watch: Berd Spokes Launch 32"er Lengths For Wheel Building:

Berd, the manufacturer of advanced polymer spokes in textile form have announced lengths to build 32" wheels are now available. New was reported by "Bike Rumor" on Thursday. 

Comments: High-end lightweight spokes for the 32" wheels is another indication this wheel size is legit. With tires, rims, and bicycles trickling in as news and rumors already, this trend is picking up steam quickly. 

I've said it earlier here, but look to Sea Otter to be the place this year where a lot of 32" news will break. In fact, I would not be surprised to see 32"ers being used by at least one racer in the Life Time Grand Prix kick-off event there for the 2026 season. 
 

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

Gravel Grinder News: SRAM Introduces Rudy XL Ultimate, Rudy XL Forks

The new 60mm travel Rudy XL Ultimate

 New Longer Travel Forks For Gravel Riders Feature More Tire Clearance:

NOTE: Information and images were provided by SRAM. All opinions and statements in the "Comments" section are Guitar Ted's. 

SRAM announces their latest in front suspension forks for gravel today by showing the new Rudy XL Ultimate and Rudy XL forks. These forks will feature longer travel with 50mm or 60mm of travel paired with tire clearance to match gravel riding's new wider tire trends. 

The Ultimate will be SRAM's flagship model and will have the Charger 2 damper with Solo Air spring. This model will be quite noticeable in its Electric Red color. 

Riders will be able to enjoy the 50mm or 60mm of travel  with lock out and the 29"x 2.25" of clearance will assure riders that they have every option for gravel tires available to fit in the fork. Additionally, a separately available front fender can be attached via two bolts to help cut down on the mud and water getting to the rider during extreme conditions riding. 

SRAM claims the Charger 2 damper is tuned to "stay firm" on faster sections and smooth out the rougher stuff. The 45mm of offset should allow for more stability as well. The fork will be available aftermarket with tapered steer tube and at a sub 1K price of $929.00 USD (  € 1,010, £ 900)

The Rudy XL will be OEM only

The Rudy XL will be the fork you see on stock bikes coming from your favorite brands. This version of the new Rudy will also feature 50 or 60mm of travel. The difference is the Rudy XL will not have the Charger 2 damper but a "cartridge rebound damper with a broad range of Rebound adjust". 

This fork will have the same tire clearance of 29" x 2.25" and the aftermarket fender option. There also will be gloss black and flat black versions of the Rudy XL.

Comments: In my opinion, the original gravel suspension forks featuring 40mm of travel were just not worth the money and lacked performance which we've all become accustomed to having in MTB forks with 80mm of travel and up.  

Moving to 60mm of travel is, in my opinion, a better option, but it still is not going to be quite enough. However; unless we are willing to move to - what basically will amount to - full-on 29"er XC racing bike fare, this will be maximum in gravel and will barely keep these bikes looking anything akin to a road bike. The kind of bicycles from which gravel bikes were originally born from. (If we are talking from a brand/marketing standpoint)  

Yes, cue all the chatter on social media deriding the new Rudy XL as "just another marketing ploy" and "why don't we just call this drop bar MTB already!" However; the evolution of "what is gravel" is being pushed forward into this territory by gravel racing. This fuels marketing and informs new product. The cycle only continues to live on because people buy the ideas. 

Is this going to move the needle? It is probably already being used by gravel Pros, we just did not know it. (SRAM claims this has been in development for two years already) So, yeah... It will be adopted by many riders. Like it or not, gravel is becoming the defacto XC cycling of the 21st Century. These forks are only a precursor to more changes which are, no doubt, coming to make "gravel" more uniform in terms of events and appeal for media coverage. At least at the semi-Pro and Pro levels. 

But those are discussions for the future. Will the fork work for today's gravel events? Well, in theory, 60mm of travel has got to be better than 40mm of travel. We're getting closer to "what actually works", but for roads which are unpaved? This is probably overkill.  

With any gravel telescoping suspension fork you still have high maintenance costs, the risk of buying something which will be obsolete in a few years, and you'll be adding more weight. Does this all pale in comparison to the benefits? Only you, the riders, can decide this.  

SRAM Announces Limited Edition 1987 Eagle Transmission Group

 Note: Information and images i9n this post were provided to Guitar Ted Productions by SRAM.

SRAM's 1987 Eagle Transmission Group (Inage courtesy of SRAM)

 

 
In 1987 the USA and the world experienced many things. The "Black Monday" stock market crash, Ronald Reagan's "Tear down this wall" speech, and Whitney Houston's emergence on the music scene. But did you know this was the year SRAM designed its first cycling product?

Yep! It was the Grip Shift shifter which mounted on drop bars, triathlete bars, and flat bars. It was, to be kind, a dismal failure as a shifter, but SRAM quickly redesigned the shifter, and by the mid-1990's it was a serious competitor to Shimano and others in the flat bar shifting market. Also, SRAM introduced the cycling world to 2.5mm hex keys, which I still haven't quite gotten over yet, but this is another story for another time. 

But this is about a celebration of an anniversary, not my grudge against 2.5mm hex keys! SRAM decided to mark this year, their 38th, with a sort of throw-back to a silver finish on the components which was common for cycling componentry in 1987. 

AXS shifters (L) and the special logo SRAM Flat-Top chain from the 1987 group (Image courtesy of SRAM)

 

Special Features & Accessories: 

SRAM has done a few nice tweaks to this Transmission group to make it special besides the silver finishes. They managed to carve out another 25 grams from the 10 - 52T cassette to make this the lightest Transmission cassette of all. SRAM also notes this cassette is NOT compatible with eMTB's. 

Each of the group sets will come with a special Flat-Top chain which has "SRAM" in founder Stan Day's handwriting  emblazoned on every other outer link along with an individual serial number for each group from 1 to 1,987, which is all SRAM is making of this special group set. 

Each group set will be boxed with 32 and 34 tooth chain rings and a special tool to install the threaded chain ring lock nut. Each crank set will be offered only in a 170mm length and has built-in power meters for left and right power measuring. Each group set will ship with a 4-battery charger and two extra AXS batteries. 

As mentioned, this group set is limited to 1,987 units world-wide. So, hit up your local SRAM retailer or online outlet to see if you can get your hands on one of these new silver groups. 

(Note: At the time of this writing SRAM had not provided any pricing for the 1987 Transmission AXS group. Also, please check for the regular post which proceeded this post to learn more about the Schwalbe G-One Overland tires which are being reviewed here.) 

Friday News And Views

 Note: This edition of the "FN&V" will be a bit of a 'catching up' due to not having a FN&V last week. Some of the 'news' will be a bit older than usual as a result..

A view of the inner workings of an Ochain unit (Image courtesy of Ochain)

Last week SRAM announced the acquisition of MTB component maker, Ochain. The company is well-established in the down hill and enduro circuits. Their claim to fame is a device which decouples the direct interface between a chain ring and chain. The Ochain device allows for a certain degree of rotation of the chain ring without the crank moving, thus allowing full-suspension bikes to achieve a more efficient and 'chain free' operation.

Ochain is a device which solves the age-old problem of suspension 'kick-back' and makes suspension work 'freer' due to the decoupling aspect. SRAM claims the Ochain device results in a 'calmer and quieter' bike.

Comments: SRAM has, in the past, filed various patents on chain ring design to address various aspects of 1X drive trains and suspension use. None of which, to my knowledge, have come to see the light of day....yet. However; it is interesting to note SRAM's history of innovation by acquisition. Ochain being the latest brand to be acquired by SRAM. Many people forget SRAM bought brands like Rock Shox, Sachs, (thus bringing chains into their catalog), and TIME (for pedals), along with Hammerhead for GPS/controller duties.

I doubt SRAM will sit with Ochain only being used for MTB and full-sus e-Bikes. I look for some sort of further development to make this acquisition more versatile. Just what may come of this should be interesting. 

Image courtesy of Wheels MFG.

Wheels MFG Announces New Single Speed Kit For Hyperglide:

Wheels Manufacturing announced last week that their Solo Cog single speed kit will be available for Shimano HG style free hubs on August 22nd, 2025. The SOLO HG Single Speed Kit will be available in various anodized colors. This kit will have several spacers for centering your cog, or Wheels MFG Solo Cogs, which will be sold separately.

Both the kit and the cogs are machined from aluminum. The spacers are from 6061 aluminum and the cogs from 7075 series aluminum. The spacer kit, which comes with a color-matched lock ring, goes for $51.9 USD.

The Solo Cogs come in 16T, 18T, and 20T for now with more sizes promised. These cogs are going for $46.99 each USD. 

Comments: At $99.00 for the full set of spacers, lock ring, and cog, this is not a "cheap" option. (You can get a Surly spacer kit and cog for around $75.00 - $80.00), but it is in line with others I can find in aluminum and anodized hues. 

Image courtesy of Ortlieb

Ortlieb Announces New "Quick Rack" System:

If you have a bike which you'd like to have a rack on, but only occasionally, or a bike that doesn't have rack mounts, you might want to check out Ortlieb's new Quick Rack. 

This rack attaches via a unique collar and axle attachment design, (please click the link for details) and Ortlieb claims this can be installed in fifteen seconds. So, an applicable solution for anyone who may need a rack at a moments notice.

With a load capacity of 44lbs, and ability to accept any of Ortlieb's bags for rear racks, this seems like a pretty cool way to add some versatility to a bike you use for any mission.

The Quick Rack sells for $130.00 USD.

Comments: At first I thought this rack attached with an ordinary alloy type seat post collar, but it is not anything like this. (Again, check Ortlieb's site for details) I'm in a situation where I do not have to rely on one or two bicycles for everything, but, if I were in this sort of situation, the Quick rack might come in pretty handy.

I cannot vouch for the incredible quick change out time, but even if it took three times as long, it would be a pretty easy to consider swap, in my opinion. The only other curious thought I have here is if this would be a steady enough platform to rely upon for commutes, or errands, or even touring.

Rough Stuff MTB Rally:

Wilde Bicycle Company is sponsoring the Rough Stuff Rally August 1 -3, 2025 at Copper Harbor, Michigan. Jeffrey Frane, of Wilde Bicycle Company has this to say about the festival:

 "The Rally is two days of riding, revelry, and community on some of the best trails in the world. Friday we have shuttle runs from 4-8pm accessing legendary trails such as The Flow, Danimal, and Overflow followed by a bluff top sunset Happy Hour. Saturday is the main event, a 22 or 43mile loop of the trail system taking in a highlight reel of singletrack followed by a gourmet dinner at the Campground hosted by Chef Adam Blake with bonfire, music and free refreshments from Fat Tire to follow." 

Interested? Registration is open now and you can join in for $120.00. by checking in HERE. Entry gets you free shuttle service on Friday, an event t-shirt, an stocked aid station on Saturday, the free meal, and free refreshments Friday night and Saturday night. 

A schedule of events for the Rally can be found HERE. 

Image courtesy of Surly Bikes.

Surly Shows Updated Ogre:

Surly Bikes showed on Thursday an update to their Ogre 29" inch wheeled commuter/bike packing bike. With tire clearance for 29" X 2.5" tires, or 27.5" X 2.8" tires (with fenders!!), this bike could be a very versatile bike in a person's bike stable. Or it easily could be your only bike.

As one might expect from Surly, the Ogre has a plethora of mounts, is Rohloff compatible, and has a mount for Surly's own Bill or Ted trailer. This version of the Ogre is in a hue Surly calls "Orlock's Shadow". Se mor about the Ogre and other surly products by clicking the link HERE. 

Comments: The Ogre has, in my opinion, "old school" 29"er geometry. If it looks like the front end has been pushed in, this is because the Ogre has a 72° head tube angle, which most 29"er's haven't used for well over a decade now. Not that this is "bad", but it is unique now in 2025. 

This Ogre reminds me a lot of what a modernized version of my 2003 Karate Monkey would maybe look like. It even is close to the same color, which is Campstove Green. So, the comparison is easier for me to make, I suppose. 
 

Thanks for reading Guitar Ted Productions! NOTE: A press release from Pinarello will be featured at 7;30am CST today here. Stay tuned...

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! 

Just In Case...

Shimano XT 11-40 11 speed cassette

All this talk of tariffs on stuff like steel and aluminum made me think about getting a head of things, you know....just in case.

I mean, what if steel prices go bananas? That would make maintaining my "fleet" of bicycles kind of a painful thing. The good news is I essentially had all the bikes on new chains last year, so drive train reliability should be excellent for some time. I even had to put a new crank set on the Tamland. I should be fine for quite awhile now.

But I had itchy fingers so I hopped online late last week and ordered three new chains and two cassettes. My cassettes last and last because I am always flipping wheels in and out of the bikes I own. To wear out a cassette takes some doing then. Chains do not get swapped around nor do they get to sit idle for weeks at a crack, so those I wear out much more quickly. Fortunately, those chains are not all that expensive...yet!

Actually the chains I use are still on sale due to over-inventories of them. I generally like to go with Shimano chains and I have been using 11 speed Ultegra chains, for the most part, with the brief exception of using Wipperman chain during the COVID times. That was due to Shimano chains being unavailable due to high demand at the time.

I do not have a bike with 12 speed. So, I have the liberty to use some lesser expensive 11 speed parts which are usually pretty good quality bits. Like the 11 - 36T SRAM PG 1130, and the XT cassette shown here. Both work on all my gravel bikes. Yes....even on the GRX rear derailleur. Shifts in and out of that 40T cog just fine, thank you!

Anyway, the parts will be here soon. I'll squirrel them away for future usage. How about you? Are you making any preemptive purchases, ya know....just in case?

Gravel Grinder News: SRAM Announces 13 Speed Red AXS XPLR

The new 13spd Red AXS XPLR

 NOTE: Information and all images in this post were provided to Guitar Ted Productions by SRAM.

SRAM debuts its newest group,Red AXS XPLR, today and with it have raised the bar for gravel oriented componentry. This post will start out with an overview of the group and afterward I will give my comments and opinions on what SRAM has offered today to gravel riders. 

What It Is: This is a 1 X 13 speed group that features closer ratio jumps in the 10-46T cassette and is electronic using SRAM's longstanding AXS design, which uses the same batteries as all AXS components. 

SRAM offers several chain ring options, a couple crank set options with many lengths available, and a new brake lever and caliper which are claiming some pretty impressive gains on older SRAM road based brake designs. In conjunction with the SRAM drive train offerings there is a new Zipp wheel set designed in conjunction with Goodyear tire, a new Zipp handle bar, and the Karoo GPS by Hammerhead is now integrated with SRAM AXS controls. This post will focus on the Red AXS XPLR only. 

Full Mount: First let's look at the all new rear derailleur ($700.00USD). SRAM states that this 13 speed specific derailleur is not compatible with other SRAM AXS parts and is mated specifically to the new 13 speed cassette. By the way, there is one cassette choice, and because of these limitations SRAM can match the derailleur to the cassette and eliminate adjustment screws. More on the cassette in a minute. 

SRAM have now allowed for this derailleur to be supported with replacement parts. Most of the derailleur components can now be swapped in case of damage in a crash including the cage and outer plate of the parallelogram. It is notable that only the jockey wheels and one other small part are compatible with any other current SRAM rear mech. 

The new Full Mount, Transmission style rear derailleur is compatible only with UDH compatible frames or a UDH hangar. Older bikes probably will not be compatible with this newest group unless some aftermarket company comes up with a work-a-round. The SRAM "Magic Wheel" pulleys are one of the only Transmission features pulled over to Red AXS XPLR for the rear mech. That and UDH compatibility, and the battery seem to be the only common features here. 

Brands supporting the new Red AXS Xplr at launch.

The chart here shows current brands supporting this standard for gravel bikes. It is assumed that several others will be onboard in the coming months. 

By the way, the new group does not support a front derailleur.

AXS XPLR 13 Speed Cassette:

The new cassette ($600.00USD) features closer ratios for better "gear ratio progression", as SRAM puts it.  Again, there is but one choice in cassette. Ratio range can be changed by swapping to different chain rings. 

Cassette cogs from 10T to 46 teeth are spaced a bit more closely, so you could say that the reason for the 13th cog is not to increase range, but to better accommodate riders so they won't have such big cadence jumps between gears. (Something Shimano has hung their hat on for years, and something racers have wanted as well.) 

Jumps between gears are pretty evenly spaced out until you get to shifting into that low 46T cog. here are the cogs and their tooth counts: 10T, 11T, 12T, 13T, 15T, 17T, 19T, 21T, 24T, 28T, 32T, 38T, 46T. 

The cassette mounts on the SRAM XDR freehub body only. It requires use of the special road specific flat top chain as well. It is not compatible with the Eagle flat top chains. ($89.99 - $99.00USD)

Crank & Chain Ring Options:

SRAM has several crank set options and chain ring options. Crank sets can be had with ($1,100.00USD) or without ($650.00USD) power meters and all use the DUB spindle, of course. 

Chain rings ($150.00USD) come in 38T, 40T, 42T, 44T, or 46T sizes. Crank arms ($400.00USD for the set w/o chain ring) can be had in lengths including 160mm, 165mm, 167.5mm, 170mm, 172.5mm, and 175mm. 

Brakes & Levers:

The brakes have been redesigned starting at the levers. ($675.00USD each side w/hoses and calipers. Rotors are $70.00USD each extra) Traditional master cylinder placement within a SRAM hydraulic lever has been more or less vertical. Now with the new Red AXS XPLR it is more horizontally placed which allows SRAM to move the lever pivot to a place where the rider has more leverage from the hoods position. 

This cutaway shows SRAM's previous brake lever architecture (L) compared to the new Red AXS XPLR (R)

The calipers also were redesigned by moving the piston placement slightly outboard which allowed SRAM to give the pad to rotor clearances a boost, aiding in brake set up and allowing for better debris clearance. All these changes have resulted in a lever that SRAM claims needs 80%less effort to activate from the hoods and 33% less effort to activate from the drops. 

In the shifting department all Red AXS XPLR levers come set up with extra buttons - one on each lever - that are pre-programmed to activate the rear derailleur. The right side gives you a higher gear while the left side gives you a lower gear. These "Bonus Buttons" are located in the upper hood area. They can easily be reassigned to other functions via SRAMS AXS app. One could use them for any ANT+ compatible device, such as a dropper post, GPS, etc. 

SRAM estimates that the batteries will last up to 2 years at a riding rate of 15hrs/week. The batteries, as mentioned, are all the same as those the previously released SRAM electronic groups used. Of course, SRAM's Blips can be added to further customize the rider's experience.

Comments:

At some point it is bound to happen that the bicycle industry will grow and morph "standards" to something new. We went decades with a 135mm rear/100mm front spacing for MTB. Now it is Boost, Boost+, or DH standard. Add fat bikes in there, disc brake road, and well, you get the picture. 

So I see UDH/"Direct Mount" type rear derailleurs as being that "next" evolutionary change. SRAM has led the charge here, but at some point Shimano will have to come alongside and make the world right in this regard. It is a better way to mount a rear mech, and we've had hangars now for how long? Okay, it isn't the length of time thing I am concerned about, "Direct Mount" is a structurally better idea that needs to replace an old, weaker standard. Kudos to SRAM for bringing this to gravel riders. 

SRAM doesn't offer 2X for several reasons, but the thought that 1X is better than 2X is not one of those reasons. That said, at least SRAM used the opportunity to add an extra cog to tighten up ratio jumps instead of adding another 8 tooth gap to have a super-low gear rear cog. Yeah....yeah....I know. Certain folks will have YouTube vids and posts on social media decrying SRAM for not giving folks lower gears but more cogs and at more expensive prices. 

Closer gaps between gears is something racers appreciate but also something the average rider can benefit from as well. I've often thought Shimano was on a better trajectory with their drive train designs in this regard. That SRAM has also now followed suit, to a degree, shows me that this is the way a bicycle drive train gear set up should be done. Closer gaps between gears is a better reason for more cogs than the "extending gear ratio range". The one benefits how the rider can perform. The other is pretty much just grandstanding and really isn't rider focused, as far as making the bike more integrated with the rider's performance attributes. 

It seems all I've seen from SRAM in the last few years is more proprietary componentry. There is less compatibility between groups and no backward compatibility in some cases. SRAM seems more bent upon getting riders to buy into their eco-system which - in my opinion - locks the rider into SRAM parts with no options. This is ironic to me as that was the reason for the "Shimano Rebellion" that small companies engaged in back in the mid-1990's when we had several companies trying to make their own drive train components which were cross-compatible with each other, for the most part. Interestingly, SRAM was a part of that back in those days. Now one could accuse SRAM of being worse than Shimano ever was in this regard. 

Just how this new stuff holds up to gravel abuse, how long it works well before needing replacement, and if it gains spec on new bikes is yet to be seen. Obviously it will be expensive and likely only on top-of-the-range bikes costing around the 10K mark. That's my guess, and if that is true, this won't affect most gravel riders now at all. But what about the future?

Is 13 speed going to overtake the market? Will all top-range drive train options be electronic only? What about Far East competition from companies like Ltwoo that sell complete 12 speed gravel group-sets for less money than the 13 speed Red AXS XPLR derailleur cost? These questions and more will continue to plague newer, top-end introductions to gravel componentry. 

There is a growing consensus amongst many riders that this sort of electronic, high-end hardware is unnecessary and prohibitively expensive to buy and own.  SRAM and Shimano are starting to see the effects of the competition that brings similar high-tech stuff and groups with less gears for a lot cheaper than this new SRAM AXS XPLR or the new Di2 GRX. Sales are reportedly soft at both companies. Maybe it is a sign? 

The future in gravel componentry will definitely be dynamic and interesting to witness as time goes on.

Two Things

Image from SRAM promo video

SRAM's New Maven Brakes:

Checked the calendar and yes - it is not April 1st! SRAM really did just make a new brake with mineral oil as the fluid instead of DOT brake fluid. (To be fair, they had an obscure brake ahead of this that was also mineral oil based)

Maven, the new design from SRAM for their DH, Enduro, and Trail categories, is a four piston brake with a huge, chunky looking caliper and a claim of a 50% increase in power over their previous Code R brakes. 

Obviously the main talking point will undoubtedly be that SRAM has used a Maxima made mineral oil for this brake and have forsaken DOT fluid. (Older models are still offered in DOT fluid, by the way) This fluid is very Jello green in color and is claimed to be the only mineral oil that will work with these brakes due to a special proprietary piston seal material SRAM is using on the Maven brakes. 

SRAM's promotions for this brake seems to poke a finger at Shimano with verbiage to the effect that "heat isn't a bad thing" for brakes. (Shimano has for years used "Ice Tech" and other cold-type nomenclature for their brake systems) Maybe I'm wrong, but I don't know that Shimano ever said "heat was bad for brakes". They wanted to reduce heat and control it, but they were never trying to get rid of all heat. That is silly. Maybe SRAM was poking fun at another brand's messaging. I don't know. 

SRAM is saying that they have an optimal temperature range for this brake. They kind of dance around how cold weather affects these brakes, and they infer that you'll need to get these brakes hot, or they won't be what they are supposed to be. How that translates to rides that have longer intervals off the brakes is a question unanswered as of now. 

The Maven comes in an Ultimate, Silver, and Bronze level. The Ultimate and Silver brakes are fully-featured, the difference is that the Ultimate has titanium hardware in the caliper body.  The Bronze level drops the bite adjustment feature, but otherwise is similar. Prices are Ultimate - $300.00/brake, Silver - $265.00/brake, and Bronze - $185.00/brake. 

Comments: Ever since SRAM has made hydraulic brakes, mechanics have groused about their bleeding procedures and laughed at their various brake fails in terms of designs. But above all, mechanics hated working with DOT fluid. The move to mineral oil will be welcomed in that sense. However; as anyone with any kind of bike shop experience would tell you, it is no surprise that the mineral oil is proprietary and that the equipment to service these brakes will all have to be purchased by shops for their mechanics. That's been the same since SRAM has made brakes, pretty much. Always with something else you HAD to buy to work on their latest brake. 

But one thing that has not changed, apparently, is how difficult it is to bleed these and set them up initially. That's been a SRAM hallmark for their hydraulic brakes since forever. 

But consumers will likely dig these brakes and they will be spec'ed on TONS of new mountain bikes, (as long as SRAM doesn't get a recall ding with this new brake). Oh! And E-MTB's will definitely see this brake spec often as well. Hope SRAM has a hit on their hands here because I would love to see them ditch DOT fluid for their entire hydraulic brake line up. 

Honeman Flyer Update:

My front wheel to match my rear wheel has landed at G-Ted Headquarters for the new single speed gravel bike build. This might just be the oddest wheel set I have as it was built by two different people nearly two years apart from each other.

See, back in 2020, parts were hard to come by as the pandemic made cycling ultra-popular. I had one Velocity USA Blunt SS, and that was all we could get. I wanted to score a new Paul Components WORD Disc hub with a 12mm through axle though, but they weren't available. So I put one on back order. Then, finally, in January of 2022, I got an email asking if I still wanted the hub, and I did, so by March of 2022, two years ago,  I built a rear wheel for my Twin Six Standard Rando v2. 

I kludged a front wheel out of the original front wheel that came with my Nobel GX5 bike. It looked similar enough that it was hard to notice the difference, and I probably would have kept things that way for a long, long time, but then....

I got that GRX Limited Edition group set and used it on the Standard Rando v2. That sent the single speed, mismatched wheel set off in the corner of the G-Ted Lab. When the chance to get the Honeman Flyer bike became a reality, that old rear was pegged for the project, but now I felt I may as well finally get the front wheel to match.

Signed by the builder.

I contacted my friend and wheel-building professional, Ben Witt of Heath Creek Cycles, to consult him on a possible front wheel build to match the older Paul rear. Ben mentioned that he could order me the parts and I could build it, but he also offered me the option of having him build it up. 

The thought of having my friend build up my front wheel was appealing to me. It will allow me to have a bit of Ben along with me on every ride of that bike. But it is odd to think that the complete, matched wheel set has taken this long to accomplish and was done by two different wheel builders. 

And we even managed to get the "Guitar Ted Special" spoke pattern down tight. Alternating sides with black and silver spokes with each color spoke featuring an opposite colored nipple in brass. I was stoked that Ben would accommodate me in that way. 

 So, another piece of the puzzle has landed. I think I have a crankset I can use, at least two options would look okay here. I have a head set. I have brakes. I have the levers. I have seat posts and stems. I probably will go with a Luxy Bar. I have one in silver. So, yeah.... I have a bunch of what I need to build the bike up once the frame and fork arrive. 

The waiting game begins......

Friday News And Views

Image courtesy of State Bicycle Co.

State Bicycle Co. Launches Gravel Sus Fork:

Further expanding into the gravel bicycle category, State Bicycle Co. originally a fixture of the fixie scene of the 2000's, has just released a gravel suspension fork. 

The 40mm travel air sprung fork with a lock-out feature is said to weigh in at 1600 grams. (Compare to most steel forks this is about 300+ grams heavier. About 2X or more heavier than typical carbon forks) The fork features flat mount disc brake standard, a tapered steer tube (1 1/8th" - 1 1/4") and has a 12mm through axle. Tire clearance is a generous 2.3". Fork offset is 52mm. Axle to crown is 440mm. Price is set at $450.00 USD. 

Details on the fork can be seen at State Bicycle Co's website HERE. 

Comments: Readers of this blog already know that I am very skeptical of the advantages of adding a suspension fork to a "gravel" bike. In fact, it would be fair to say that I remain unconvinced of the necessity of such a device for gravel. I lean more to the vibration reduction side of things and am an advocate for devices like Cane Creek's eeSilk stem or Redshift Sport's ShockStop Stem. Stems are swappable from bike to bike, and with suspension stem options weighing in at less than 300 grams and costing less than $300.00, (more like closer to 200 hundred bucks in some cases), it is easy to see why a gravel suspension fork seems like a not-so-great an idea. 

In my experience, riding a Fox gravel suspension fork, if you set it up for absorbing vibrations (what you'll see most of on gravel) then the fork blows through its travel on pot holes and washboard. Set it up for handling washboard and potholes makes it unusable for the rest of the ride. Essentially you end up carting around an expensive, heavy fork that requires maintenance every 50 to 100 hours of use. 

Yeah..... In my opinion, this is a non-starter. But you do you. If it suits your needs, then the State Bicycle Co fork is a much more budget friendly choice than the big names in gravel suspension. 

Single Speed Gravel - Part Two:

As you well know if you have been reading here this week, I wrote a short series on single speed in general, but this was a response to our first Single Speed Gravel podcast. 

If you want to listen to us discuss a few of the highlights of the series, then you can check out Part 2 of the Single Speed Gravel podcast episode HERE. 

We also feature a bit of gab about another Pennsylvania gravel event and a bit about the next item in the "FN&V" today. 

Just a reminder that we do have some listener engagement opportunities on the GTP site (found at the link) and that we were sponsored once again by CORE4 who have announced there 2024 date, opened registration (HERE) and have made a couple of tweaks to the offerings which you can learn about from listening to the episode. 

Thanks for supporting the podcast and our sponsor, if you do that. 

Image courtesy of Specialized

Gravel eBike For The Well-Heeled Gravelist:

 Every so often I am aghast at the level of entry into cycling's high-end products. I was once again found in this state when reading about Specialized's newest Turbo Creo model, the Turbo Creo 2.  

Base price is 10.5K. That's nuts. 

But advance up to the ladder and climb to the S-Works edition and you'll spend almost twice that!

I read a review of the bike that was conducted at some posh location where the journos were flown in to taste the offerings. The resulting review, while glossy and favorable, as one would expect it to be, showed up some rather interesting results.

I know that battery technology is getting better all the time, so when I saw that a rider can maybe expect about 43 miles on a charge in eco mode, I was left scratching my head. That's not real impressive. Then the tester went out on a ride with a bit more than 2k elevation gain, the rider weighed less than 180lbs, and the battery drained down to 38% level. Mileage? Less than 24 miles. 

For 10K plus some I'd want to see a bit more impressive mileage and battery life numbers. 

It's also interesting to note that the Creo was strictly a road bike in its previous incarnation. Now? Gravel all the way baby! Specialized is telling us that "gravel" is worth something to consumers, and this redesign tells us that in spades. It takes big, 2"+ tires, and it has slacker geometry than the previous iteration. Huh! Quite the change from the days when everyone outside the gravel niche were telling us to just ride a cyclo cross bike!

Image courtesy of SRAM

SRAM Debuts A New HPC Drivetrain:

SRAM announced this week that they have a new electric assist MTB drivetrain out called Eagle Powertrain. 

The motor was designed in conjunction with German manufacturer, Brose and features two new benefits that are unique. Auto Shift and Coast Shift.

Auto Shift is what it sounds like. This can be overridden by the rider if the rider chooses to and then the function will return automatically without the rider having to switch back and forth. The interesting feature here is Coast Shift which allows the crank set to remain stationary while the motor turns the drive train to allow the rear derailleur to shift to another gear. Essentially, the crank set "freewheels", but only when the Coast Shift is activated. 

Comments: While Auto Shift is not all that surprising, (I rode an electric auto shifting bike which was being tested by Gary Fisher in 2007) the Coast Shift is probably the most interesting feature here. I have to chuckle a bit because "coast shifting" has been around for years with internal gear hubs. So, I have to wonder if this SRAM thing is really more about traditionalists doing a novelty exercise in technology. Don't get me wrong, Coast Shift is impressive, but at this point, why are we still dinking around with the external, rear derailleur shifted drive train at all?

It isn't as though most every person that buys these SRAM Powertrain equipped bikes are ever going to purposely ride them unassisted. That's probably not ever going to happen. So, as long as we are doing motor/human hybrid power, why not eliminate the derailleur altogether? Just put a gearbox on these bikes and be done with it already. 

Why pretend that these are "like traditional mountain bikes" when they clearly are not. Efficiency benefits to 100% human powered bicycles will almost always lean towards the external derailleur drive train being most efficient, but if we are adding motors, who cares about human efficiency anymore? Certainly the buying public doesn't, because their efficiency is being assisted. Why have dangly bits that can be sheared off when that reason for the dangly bit has been erased by electric motors and batteries?  

So, nice job, SRAM. very impressive and all, but this is kind of silly. Convince me otherwise.... 

With that, I will sign off for today and hope that you all have a wonderful weekend of riding (hopefully). Thanks for reading Guitar Ted Productions!!