Thursday News And Views

 So much news this week! I had to break it up into two posts because had I stuffed this all into one "FN&V" this would have been a novel-length post. And this sort of thing is not unprecedented for the blog. Older readers might recall that "News and Views" posts used to pop up on random days all the time back when this blog got started. So, with that said, let's dive in.....

The logo for the new "Randy's Ride" event.

Pirate Cycling League Announces "Randy's Ride":

Randy Gibson, a co-promoter for Gravel Worlds for years, was senselessly killed by a drunk driver while he was riding his bicycle in 2017. Since then, PCL members have honored Randy and his legacy in several ways, one of which was a ride on the last gravel route Randy did on the first weekend in October.  

More and more folks have joined in over the years, and so Gravel Worlds/PCL have decided to create an event celebrating Randy Gibson and the gravel cycling community he loved with the announcement of "Randy's Ride" to be held October 2nd, 2022. 

The event will definitely just be a ride. There will be no hoopla or event schwag, prizes, or timing. Basically it will be a group ride for fun and as an aside we can donate to several causes along with the PCL who will match donations up to $2,000.00. Benefactors will be  Randy Gibson Memorial Fund, Adventure for All, and Nebraska NICA.

Five bucks gets you registered for the ride. Registration is here.  https://www.bikereg.com/randys-ride.

Spinergy Wheels Stands With Ukraine:

Generally I don't get political here, but this effort on the part of Spinergy Wheels is commendable, I think. They are giving a portion of every sale of special "Stand With Ukraine" wheel sets to an outfit called World Central Kitchen who are feeding Ukrainian refugees at eight points along the border as well as supporting restaurants within the country to help feed people in the war-torn country. 

You can do this customization of their PBO spokes with one yello and one blue spoke on any Spinergy wheel set on their site that uses those spokes including the GX and GXX wheels, both of which I have and ride on. (Standard Disclaimer)

You can learn more at Spinergy's website.
 

An image I used in my RidingGravel.com review of the Breakaway bottles.

Polar Bottles Breakaway Series:

So, I just got done posting my review of Polar Bottles Breakaway series of bottles for the bike that includes a nifty little one called the Session Muck. It really was developed with full-suspension MTB's in mind, but it also works really well with the under-the-down-tube placement on a gravel or touring bike where clearances might get a little tight with the front wheel.  

Well, they also have a 30 ounce size perfect for my long-distance rides. Bonus- they do not leak goo all over my bike if I use a hydration mix. Nice! So, as many of you know from last year, I was searching for ways to carry high capacity water bottles and I was dealing with under-the-down tube mounting issues as well. These bottles help solve all of that for me.  

So, I got to keep the reviewed bottles, of course, but Polar is sending me a few more, so once again- Standard Disclaimer applies. I'll be having more to say about my bottle/hydration strategies as the season progresses. 

Ergon Announces CLF ALLROAD Carbon Seatposts, Bar Tape, Orthocell Pads:

Sea Otter is coming in a couple weeks or so, and the news is percolating up to the surface from different companies already. Ergon sent a press release out Wednesday covering new ALLROAD offerings. 

Some of you may remember the Ergon ALLROAD saddle I reviewed late last year. Well, the full line of those saddles are on the way and should be out later this Spring. 

The often seen, but seldom used Ergon suspension seat post finally gets released full-scale now under the ALLROAD range. Previously, there really was no market for the post because you could not use it for mountain biking and gravel riding was in its infancy. Earlier than this, I had actually had my hands on one of these seatposts but then Ergon suddenly did an about face and pulled it from the market.  This post, or an early version of it, has been seen since about 2006 off and on.

The post weighs a bit more than 200 grams at 220 claimed. The post will retail at $249.95 USD. There are set back and straight versions. The setback has 25mm of offset. 

I have been asked off and on over the years why Ergon had straight bar grips but there was no option for drop bars. Well, now there is the "BT Gravel" and "BT ALLROAD" bar tapes at 3.5mm and 2.5mm thicknesses respectively. The tapes will be $39.95 and $37.95 USD respectively. The BT tapes will be offered in five colors each, but there was no images or descriptions given as to what those might be. 

Additionally, there was announced an "Orthocell Pad Kit", which is like those four piece gel pad kits you can get for under the bar tape comfort. The difference here is that Ergon is using a high density foam instead of gel.  An Orthocell Pad Kit will set you back $29.95. 

Okay, look for another slew of news tomorrow! Thanks for reading Guitar Ted Productions!

Thursday News And Views

 So much news this week! I had to break it up into two posts because had I stuffed this all into one "FN&V" this would have been a novel-length post. And this sort of thing is not unprecedented for the blog. Older readers might recall that "News and Views" posts used to pop up on random days all the time back when this blog got started. So, with that said, let's dive in.....

The logo for the new "Randy's Ride" event.

Pirate Cycling League Announces "Randy's Ride":

Randy Gibson, a co-promoter for Gravel Worlds for years, was senselessly killed by a drunk driver while he was riding his bicycle in 2017. Since then, PCL members have honored Randy and his legacy in several ways, one of which was a ride on the last gravel route Randy did on the first weekend in October.  

More and more folks have joined in over the years, and so Gravel Worlds/PCL have decided to create an event celebrating Randy Gibson and the gravel cycling community he loved with the announcement of "Randy's Ride" to be held October 2nd, 2022. 

The event will definitely just be a ride. There will be no hoopla or event schwag, prizes, or timing. Basically it will be a group ride for fun and as an aside we can donate to several causes along with the PCL who will match donations up to $2,000.00. Benefactors will be  Randy Gibson Memorial Fund, Adventure for All, and Nebraska NICA.

Five bucks gets you registered for the ride. Registration is here.  https://www.bikereg.com/randys-ride.

Spinergy Wheels Stands With Ukraine:

Generally I don't get political here, but this effort on the part of Spinergy Wheels is commendable, I think. They are giving a portion of every sale of special "Stand With Ukraine" wheel sets to an outfit called World Central Kitchen who are feeding Ukrainian refugees at eight points along the border as well as supporting restaurants within the country to help feed people in the war-torn country. 

You can do this customization of their PBO spokes with one yello and one blue spoke on any Spinergy wheel set on their site that uses those spokes including the GX and GXX wheels, both of which I have and ride on. (Standard Disclaimer)

You can learn more at Spinergy's website.
 

An image I used in my RidingGravel.com review of the Breakaway bottles.

Polar Bottles Breakaway Series:

So, I just got done posting my review of Polar Bottles Breakaway series of bottles for the bike that includes a nifty little one called the Session Muck. It really was developed with full-suspension MTB's in mind, but it also works really well with the under-the-down-tube placement on a gravel or touring bike where clearances might get a little tight with the front wheel.  

Well, they also have a 30 ounce size perfect for my long-distance rides. Bonus- they do not leak goo all over my bike if I use a hydration mix. Nice! So, as many of you know from last year, I was searching for ways to carry high capacity water bottles and I was dealing with under-the-down tube mounting issues as well. These bottles help solve all of that for me.  

So, I got to keep the reviewed bottles, of course, but Polar is sending me a few more, so once again- Standard Disclaimer applies. I'll be having more to say about my bottle/hydration strategies as the season progresses. 

Ergon Announces CLF ALLROAD Carbon Seatposts, Bar Tape, Orthocell Pads:

Sea Otter is coming in a couple weeks or so, and the news is percolating up to the surface from different companies already. Ergon sent a press release out Wednesday covering new ALLROAD offerings. 

Some of you may remember the Ergon ALLROAD saddle I reviewed late last year. Well, the full line of those saddles are on the way and should be out later this Spring. 

The often seen, but seldom used Ergon suspension seat post finally gets released full-scale now under the ALLROAD range. Previously, there really was no market for the post because you could not use it for mountain biking and gravel riding was in its infancy. Earlier than this, I had actually had my hands on one of these seatposts but then Ergon suddenly did an about face and pulled it from the market.  This post, or an early version of it, has been seen since about 2006 off and on.

The post weighs a bit more than 200 grams at 220 claimed. The post will retail at $249.95 USD. There are set back and straight versions. The setback has 25mm of offset. 

I have been asked off and on over the years why Ergon had straight bar grips but there was no option for drop bars. Well, now there is the "BT Gravel" and "BT ALLROAD" bar tapes at 3.5mm and 2.5mm thicknesses respectively. The tapes will be $39.95 and $37.95 USD respectively. The BT tapes will be offered in five colors each, but there was no images or descriptions given as to what those might be. 

Additionally, there was announced an "Orthocell Pad Kit", which is like those four piece gel pad kits you can get for under the bar tape comfort. The difference here is that Ergon is using a high density foam instead of gel.  An Orthocell Pad Kit will set you back $29.95. 

Okay, look for another slew of news tomorrow! Thanks for reading Guitar Ted Productions!

Friday News And Views

New Spinergy GXX gravel wheels

Spinergy Launches New Carbon GXX Gravel Wheels:

Last year I got to test out a set of Spinergy GX gravel wheels with the company's famous PBO fiber spokes. The wheels presented a different take on spokes which, in my view, do have a positive effect on ride quality for the gravel rider.

The one knock on the Spinergy offerings, in my view, was that their carbon rimmed model featured a now-too-skinny inner rim width. Well, now Spinergy has introduced a wheel set which addresses this shortcoming and more with the Carbon GXX wheels.

The new GXX features a trendy 24mm inner rim dimension and a foam-filled carbon rim construction, which Spinergy claims is more adept at absorbing gravel road induced vibrations than a typical carbon gravel rim would. Claimed weight is around 1500gms and the MSRP on the GXX wheel set is marked at $999.00USD.

The aluminum version which I tested actually weighs slightly less, so I suppose the benefit here would be that foam-filled carbon rim damping claim. Same PBO spokes, so no change there. The hubs are now Center Lock, but otherwise the same. It would be interesting to compare and contrast the new GXX with the GX wheels. I happen to still have those GX wheels around as long-term test mules, so it could be a possibility.

No- It isn't 2000 calling. These are making a come-back in 2020!

Shimano Announces Retro-RAGBRAI Footwear Comeback:

If you could suddenly transport yourself back about 20 years to late July in Iowa and find yourself on RAGBRAI, you would have noticed a bunch of the folks you were riding with were using a new cycling specific sandal from Shimano.

Back in the day, I remember a Shimano shoe representative telling us that Shimano almost killed off the sandal because the only place it ever really sold was in the Mid-West. Outside of RAGBRAI, it was dead to the world, for the most part, according to this man, and I've heard similar tales since. Eventually, Shimano did discontinue these and introduced another model in its place which featured three straps and that was immediately panned by the folks who had purchased the originals.

Many went as far as patching up their old Shimano sandals with shoe-goo and pieces of glued on rubber on the soles until they were rotting away. I recall several cyclists locally that swore by the things and were heartbroken when they finally had to give them up. But, as they say, "That was That", and time marched on. I figured these things were simply a footnote of the past. But oh no! I was sooooo wrong!

Apparently, according to the Shimano press release, a pair surfaced recently in Vietnam, of all places, and they were in supposed "mint" condition. (Odd word that- "mint"- to describe an object in pristine condition) Anyway, supposedly these odd sandals fetched the princely sum of $900.00 at auction, prompting Shimano to take a closer look. Apparently, Shimano feels it is worthwhile to issue a reproduction of the sandal for sale coming available in late October of this year. Available in sizes 38-48, the retro-tastic sandals are to retail for $130.00, but will be available only once in a limited run.

The Tweet sent out by Sea Otter announcing the cancellation of the 2020 event.

 Sea Otter Cancels for 2020:

Sea Otter, which had been postponed until September of 2020 from its original April date, has now completely called off any event for 2020. Well.....at least in the real world. 

They did announce a "Sea Otter Play" digital based event where virtual trade show booths will be shared and event challenges folks can do on their own where they live are going to be issued. Part of the ride challenges will be a fundraiser for COVID-19 relief efforts.

The "Sea Otter Play" event will happen virtually online in September.

Comments: Not at all surprised by this what with the uptick in cases this Summer. But what I take away from this announcement is two things. First- Does holding virtual trade shows work? Let's say there is some measure of success to be tangibly felt in terms of impact and dollars from holding a virtual show. If that turns out to be the case, what becomes of having live events like trade shows in the future? There is a lot of upside, in terms of cost savings, to the industry to have a show be virtual and not 'in-person' where travel expenses, shipping, and booth production costs could possibly be eliminated. Of course, there is the intangible, personal face-to-face thing, which is hard to deny, but.....

It's an intriguing idea, and considering how this pandemic is radicalizing our world, I don't think this idea is all that far fetched.

Secondly- If Sea Otter, a big social gathering and racing scene, is cancelling, what do you do if you are one of those bigger gravel events, like the soon-to-be renamed DK200? My take is- and especially for the DK200- is to just call it all off. I see no reason at all to risk having COVID-19 shared amongst unwitting riders who then take it home to who knows who. Small, locally generated gatherings? Maybe. I'd say under 100, have no pre-event gatherings or post-event gatherings and provide staggered start time options. But you know, do what ya gotta do folks. I'm just a guy in Iowa......

I've cancelled anything for 2020. I'm almost of the mind that someone on Twitter said they were considering. That being to never again go to any gravel event that decides to go ahead with a 2020 event. In cases like the old DK200, it is unconscionable to think you can have upwards of 2000 plus folks (if they would come anyway) in Emporia, Kansas and expose those citizens to whatever possibilities of COVID-19 all these folks bring with them. I think that is reckless thinking to feel that any event on that scale, or even a tenth of that scale, could get away with that idea without causing some issues.

That's all for this week. Have a safe and happy 4th of July weekend- if you are coming here from the US. otherwise, keep the rubber side down and get in a ride or three!

Friday News And Views

New Spinergy GXX gravel wheels

Spinergy Launches New Carbon GXX Gravel Wheels:

Last year I got to test out a set of Spinergy GX gravel wheels with the company's famous PBO fiber spokes. The wheels presented a different take on spokes which, in my view, do have a positive effect on ride quality for the gravel rider.

The one knock on the Spinergy offerings, in my view, was that their carbon rimmed model featured a now-too-skinny inner rim width. Well, now Spinergy has introduced a wheel set which addresses this shortcoming and more with the Carbon GXX wheels.

The new GXX features a trendy 24mm inner rim dimension and a foam-filled carbon rim construction, which Spinergy claims is more adept at absorbing gravel road induced vibrations than a typical carbon gravel rim would. Claimed weight is around 1500gms and the MSRP on the GXX wheel set is marked at $999.00USD.

The aluminum version which I tested actually weighs slightly less, so I suppose the benefit here would be that foam-filled carbon rim damping claim. Same PBO spokes, so no change there. The hubs are now Center Lock, but otherwise the same. It would be interesting to compare and contrast the new GXX with the GX wheels. I happen to still have those GX wheels around as long-term test mules, so it could be a possibility.

No- It isn't 2000 calling. These are making a come-back in 2020!

Shimano Announces Retro-RAGBRAI Footwear Comeback:

If you could suddenly transport yourself back about 20 years to late July in Iowa and find yourself on RAGBRAI, you would have noticed a bunch of the folks you were riding with were using a new cycling specific sandal from Shimano.

Back in the day, I remember a Shimano shoe representative telling us that Shimano almost killed off the sandal because the only place it ever really sold was in the Mid-West. Outside of RAGBRAI, it was dead to the world, for the most part, according to this man, and I've heard similar tales since. Eventually, Shimano did discontinue these and introduced another model in its place which featured three straps and that was immediately panned by the folks who had purchased the originals.

Many went as far as patching up their old Shimano sandals with shoe-goo and pieces of glued on rubber on the soles until they were rotting away. I recall several cyclists locally that swore by the things and were heartbroken when they finally had to give them up. But, as they say, "That was That", and time marched on. I figured these things were simply a footnote of the past. But oh no! I was sooooo wrong!

Apparently, according to the Shimano press release, a pair surfaced recently in Vietnam, of all places, and they were in supposed "mint" condition. (Odd word that- "mint"- to describe an object in pristine condition) Anyway, supposedly these odd sandals fetched the princely sum of $900.00 at auction, prompting Shimano to take a closer look. Apparently, Shimano feels it is worthwhile to issue a reproduction of the sandal for sale coming available in late October of this year. Available in sizes 38-48, the retro-tastic sandals are to retail for $130.00, but will be available only once in a limited run.

The Tweet sent out by Sea Otter announcing the cancellation of the 2020 event.

 Sea Otter Cancels for 2020:

Sea Otter, which had been postponed until September of 2020 from its original April date, has now completely called off any event for 2020. Well.....at least in the real world. 

They did announce a "Sea Otter Play" digital based event where virtual trade show booths will be shared and event challenges folks can do on their own where they live are going to be issued. Part of the ride challenges will be a fundraiser for COVID-19 relief efforts.

The "Sea Otter Play" event will happen virtually online in September.

Comments: Not at all surprised by this what with the uptick in cases this Summer. But what I take away from this announcement is two things. First- Does holding virtual trade shows work? Let's say there is some measure of success to be tangibly felt in terms of impact and dollars from holding a virtual show. If that turns out to be the case, what becomes of having live events like trade shows in the future? There is a lot of upside, in terms of cost savings, to the industry to have a show be virtual and not 'in-person' where travel expenses, shipping, and booth production costs could possibly be eliminated. Of course, there is the intangible, personal face-to-face thing, which is hard to deny, but.....

It's an intriguing idea, and considering how this pandemic is radicalizing our world, I don't think this idea is all that far fetched.

Secondly- If Sea Otter, a big social gathering and racing scene, is cancelling, what do you do if you are one of those bigger gravel events, like the soon-to-be renamed DK200? My take is- and especially for the DK200- is to just call it all off. I see no reason at all to risk having COVID-19 shared amongst unwitting riders who then take it home to who knows who. Small, locally generated gatherings? Maybe. I'd say under 100, have no pre-event gatherings or post-event gatherings and provide staggered start time options. But you know, do what ya gotta do folks. I'm just a guy in Iowa......

I've cancelled anything for 2020. I'm almost of the mind that someone on Twitter said they were considering. That being to never again go to any gravel event that decides to go ahead with a 2020 event. In cases like the old DK200, it is unconscionable to think you can have upwards of 2000 plus folks (if they would come anyway) in Emporia, Kansas and expose those citizens to whatever possibilities of COVID-19 all these folks bring with them. I think that is reckless thinking to feel that any event on that scale, or even a tenth of that scale, could get away with that idea without causing some issues.

That's all for this week. Have a safe and happy 4th of July weekend- if you are coming here from the US. otherwise, keep the rubber side down and get in a ride or three!