Friday News And Views

Sour Bikes Pasta Party 32"er (Image courtesy of Sour Bikes)

The 32" Watch: Sour Bikes, TPU Tube News:

The hype and number of bikes surrounding the 32" wheel continues to grow. This week Sour Bikes, a German based company, released news concerning their Pasta Party 32"er. This is a production frame which you can order now. 

Interesting bits on the bike shown on Sour's site include a Manitou fork modified for 32" wheels having a claimed 120mm of travel, Schwalbe Rick Race XC tires, and Reynolds aluminum rims in 32" size. 

Sour claims this bike has only marginally longer chain stays and stack height over the similar Pasta Party 29"er model. They used a very short tapered head tube and a curved seat tube to achieve this result. I think it is very reminiscent of Gary Fisher's early 29"er prototype which also sported a modified Manitou suspension fork, a very short head tube, and a curved seat tube.

Also, a press release was sent out by Tubolito saying they are going to offer TPU tubes for 32" wheels. Tubolito is a German based concern as well. It would seem the Germans are really pushing 32" wheels then as all the companies represented in today's 32" Watch are German based companies. 

Image courtesy of Teravail.

Teravail Launches Component Range:

Teravail is getting into the components game with a range of handle bars in carbon and aluminum, stems in aluminum, and seat posts, including a dropper post. 

News released on Tuesday of this week revealed a few flared drop bars of interest to gravel riders, some MTB flat bars, and  they also dropped news on some grips and handlebar tape as well. 

Comments: The QBP owned brand seems to have a bit of redundancy now considering QBP's Whisky Parts Co. also has similar products. The drop bars look fine, and carbon is good for gravel, so I suspect the products will be good performers. But why double up on product offerings with two different brand names? Curious move.... 

Image courtesy of Castelli

Castelli Announces Unlimited Pro 2 Jersey:

Gravel racing is pushing apparel design into new territory. This Castelli jersey is evidence of a new trend in gravel racing jersey design which combines the function of a jersey with that of a basic hydration pack. 

The jersey is designed for hot weather. Castelli recommends this piece for anything from 64°F - 95°F temperatures. The jersey has a close fitting, race cut. The design features shoulder fabric treatment which is intended to enhance aerodynamic efficiency. The pocket on the upper back of the jersey will hold a 1.5L bladder, (not included) and there is fabric loop to hold the drink hose down across the shoulder and upper chest area. 

The jersey is available in three colors. Paprika, (shown), Elmwood, (a tan hue), or black. Price ius set at $230.00 USD. You can view more details and images of the Unlimited Pro 2 Jersey HERE. 

There is also a matching bib short called the Pro Aero Race S Kit which you can check out HERE. 

Comments: I was offered a chance to test this jersey but since I am built like a linebacker and not a Pro level cyclist I declined the offer. Sizing runs small, by the way. What is shown as 3XL comes out to an American XL, and I'm being generous there, I think.  Suffice it to say that this is a serious bit of kit for anyone who wants to glean every marginal gain they can in competition at unpaved events. 

The price is a bit dear, but if you are attacking the pointy end of the gravel racing scene, you probably already are caught up in the "arms race" and a 230.00 dollar jersey for race day is maybe no big deal. I have it on good authority that Castelli gear is well made and does the job it is intended for well enough that the price seems justified. I'll leave it at that. 

Berd spoke (Image courtesy of Berd)

Berd Offers Light XC MTB Wheels:

Berd Spokes now offers complete wheels for XC racing which tip the scales at barely over 1000 grams. Featuring a carbon, hookless deign for a rim, and Berd branded hubs, these wheels should be some of the lightest wheels out there for XC MTB.

The inner rim width is listed at 30mm, so these are legit MTB racing width rims. The rims are backed by a Lifetime warranty as well. The Berd wheels are dubbed the Hawk30 Gold. A set of the Hawk30 Gold wheels runs $2,395.00 USD and can be purchased direct from Berd HERE. 

Comments: The Berd spokes are picking up steam with racing teams and people looking for the best, lightest, and most comfortable riding spokes. I've been using a set of wheels since 2020 with Berd Spokes and they have been solid wheels with no issues for me. I would imagine these Hawk30 Golds would be fantastic riding wheels, if mine are anything to go by. 

Guitar Ted Podcast Episode #97:

Another podcast dropped this week since N.Y. Roll has made it back from Mexico where he had a little vacation time. 

On this episode we discuss a wide variety of topics beginning with series events and why we like them and don't like them. We also get into the news which came out yesterday concerning those new Conti racing tires and the new Singular Albatross 32"er.  

We also discuss how some event directors are bowing out now who had been producing events for several years. We discuss this within the context of the Raputitsa event, because it has been garnering a lot of attention on Facebook with their recent posts, but this is just a high profile example from what I have noted as being a small exodus of event directors from the gravel scene of late.  

If you'd like to listen to this latest episode, please click THIS LINK to go to the Spotify home page, or find the Guitar Ted Podcast on your favorite podcast platform. Pleas like, subscribe, and leave a review. It sure helps us out on our end if you do. Thanks!

That's a wrap on this week. Get out and ride those bicycles!
 

Poof! Just Like That!

Current state of the Fargo Gen I

 Since the Ride For Jacob on my Fargo Gen I, I haven't ridden the bike much. I wanted to make a couple of changes first. Now that the two main things I wanted to do have been taken care of, I can share the outcome with you all here. 

The first order of business was to swap out the 180mm XT crank set for the 175mm crank set seen in the image here. I also wanted to swap wheel and tires, but this took a strange turn recently. 

See, I did not have any tires I was jazzed about using. Plus, I thought I really wanted a fancy wheel set for this bicycle. I'd be talking about hundreds of dollars just to satisfy a whim. In other words, I could not really afford to do this just now and I did not have anything by way of tires in mind at all. 

A week ago, on Monday, a dear reader of this blog donated a bunch of items to the Cedar Valley Bicycle Collective. One of those items was a set of tires. 700c X 2.2", to be exact. A size we at the Collective would probably rarely - if ever - use in the next year or two. Instead of having these two tires just sit around taking up space, I purchased them. 

The tires? Ironically they are Rene Herse Fleecer Ridge tires in the Endurance casing. They had been used, for sure, but they were in very good condition otherwise. Now, all I needed was a wheel set. I barely have any quick release wheels anymore these days! 

But I identified a set which came on my Raleigh Tamland Two. They are not real heavy, but they are not lightweight either. Not in terms of what is out there now which one could purchase. So anyway, I set up the Fleecer Ridge tires with a WTB TPU tube in the rear and a standard butyl tube up front. Now it was time for a test ride. 

First thing I noticed was the vibrations these tires produce. I could feel it everywhere- saddle, pedals, handlebar. I set the tires up at 30psi and was riding in 40° temperatures. The Fleecers rode fast on pavement but on my gravel sections it was tough since we had an inch and a third of rain. This made the tires cut into the surface on unpaved, gravelly bits. 

I decided the unpaved areas were too soft to really get a read on the tires, so I bailed and hit the City side streets. About a mile from the house I heard a "pfffft-ssssssshhhhhheeeeeeeah.  

Poof! Just like that. A flat tire!

See anything missing here? (Check area around where the arrow is pointing)

 Okay. Great...... I cannot remember the last time I had a flat tire. Was it the tire? The TPU tube? I didn't know, but the irony of what I have said about Rene Herse tires was not lost on me in the moment. I turned around and took the walk of shame, a mile back to the house. 

Once I was home I took the wheel off, peeled back the tire, and started pulling the TPU tube out. I figured I would make a mental note of the relationship between the valve stem and the hot patch of the tire as I pulled the TPU tube out. Then suddenly I noted something. 

There was no valve stem!

Upon further investigation it was apparent the plastic valve broke off at the very bottom of the base of the TPU/valve instantaneously dumping all the air out of my tube. It was a failure of the TPU tube, not the Fleecer Ridge tires. 

Phew!

So, this was good news. Now I am not too impressed with the WTB TPU tube, I will say that. Note: There was no valve nut to force too much pressure, pulling the valve apart because the plastic valve is not threaded. This wasn't cut by the rim, because it was obvious the plastic was broken down inside that sheath you see still protruding out of the TPU material. It was an irregular, crystalline looking break. 

No, this was a failure of the material. So, a new thing for me. I've never seen anything like this before. It is but another reason I think TPU tubes need mechanically connected, aluminum threaded valve stems. I think TPU tubes are really great, and I will continue to use them, but these early efforts at TPU product are not without some growing pains. 

On the other hand, later on I remembered hearing something, (maybe a stick?) , tinkle through the rear wheel not long before the valve stem failed. Maybe whatever that was knocked the valve stem? It is a possibility, if what I heard was what I thought I heard. I did not stop or verify this, as things like this happen all the time and unless I feel resistance in the drive train I tend to let things like this go uninvestigated or at least they are of little concern. 

N.Y. Roll said to me on the phone when I was telling him this story that he was glad I was taking these chances so he could learn from my misfortunes. 

Hey! Someone has to do the testing! 

Friday News And Views

 Image courtesy of the Rattlesnake Rumble social media:

Rattlesnake Rumble Gravel Race Announced:

On September 4th an announcement went out saying the Mississippi Gravel Cup Series would end after their series of 2025 events were over. This series had been in existence for eight years and had several events in Mississippi. 

But sad news leaving a void is sometimes followed by good news, and this is the case for those in the Southeastern USA now that a new event has been announced. 

This event, dubbed the Rattlesnake Rumble, takes place in the Desoto National Forest where one of the old Mississippi Gravel Cup events was based out of as well. This event features a few distances and costs only $50.00. If you are interested in this early April 2026 event, check out their BikeReg page HERE. 

Image courtesy of AERON/TPU

TPU Tubes Take Hold:

I've been experimenting with TPU tubes for a couple of years now and it seems many riders are taking the new technology and trusting it for their ride.  

Last weekend one of the C.O.G. 40 riders was using TPU tubes in his tires and seemed to be pretty happy with them. However; I also know at least one dissatisfied former TPU tube user. So, not everyone is onboard with TPU tubes. But more and more folks seem to be checking them out.  

Options are becoming available with more features. Last week I mentioned the SILCA TPU tubes, and I may be getting a set of the new AERON TPU tubes to test soon. One other thing I've noted is the recommended width offerings are becoming more wide-ranged. 

So, instead of a TPU tube being recommended for 35mm - 40mm, I'm seeing thing like recommendations from 32mm - 52mm ! I think the stretch-ability of TPU has been found to be more resilient and accommodating than once thought. But unlike butyl rubber tubes, TPU, once stretched, stays stretched. This may not matter, but it is worth noting. 

Look for more on TPU tubes here soon.  

Image courtesy of Bianchi Bicycles

Bianchi Announces New Aluminum Gravel Model:

Bianchi expanded their range of gravel/allroad bicycles by introducing the aluminum version of their Arcadex adventure/gravel bike. Called the Arcadex AL, this bike comes in three colors with a Shimano GRX 610 12 speed mechanical group set. 

Bianchi also states this bike has tire clearance for up to 50mm tires. There are rack and fender mounts, along with accessory mounts on the fork blades making this a good choice for bike packing and adventures.  

Comments: The geometry here is right in the pocket for what I would consider great handling and stability over most surfaces. The seat tube measurements are a tad on the short size for each size, but this is most likely in deference to the dropper post option this frame supports. I couldn't find an updated price, but I would assume this is a reasonably priced, enthusiasts level bike choice. 

Paris - Ancaster 2026 Registration Open:

The classic Canadian event,  Paris - Ancaster, is going to happen on Sunday, April 26th, 2026. Registration for this event is now open (Here) 

This event, which has been held annually since 1994, was on the UCI Gravel World Series calendar for 2025, but there is no indication yet this will be the case for 2026. 

The event is a point-to-point course with three distance options. The "Cento" is 100km, the "Classic" is the original 70km distance, and the "Brevet" is a 45km distance event. Since the event is point-to-point, the starting lines are different for each distance.  

Comments: The event features farm roads, muddy tracks, and difficult sections which have challenged riders for years. This event was one of the first featured on my "Gravel Grinder News" calendar back almost 20 years ago now. Since then I have heard varying takes on the event with some stating it isn't  really a "gravel" event, but it isn't your typical roadie event either, so....

Image courtesy of the Mid-South

2026 Mid-South Registration Opens:

The 2026 Mid-South will be a two-day event this coming year with dates set on  March 12 - 13th. There are several new changes to this event set to take place. 

First and most interesting is the separation of the Pro categories from the amateurs. This coming March the Pro categories will take the start on Friday. Even more interesting is the choice for the Pro's to do the "Double", a 50k run and the 100 mile bicycle event, on the same day.  

All other categories for cyclists will be contested on Saturday as this event has done since its inception. Amateur runners will compete on Friday as well. 

A new finish line area has been designated which will be set up near the new Stillwater Park and Amphitheater. 

The Mega-Mid-South, a 300 mile ultra-distance event, will take place tomorrow out of District Bicycles where the Mid-South registration party will also be happening. Participants can come down and send off the Mega Mid-South riders and stick around for fun and refreshments. Registration will be held online at the Mid-South's online site.  

Image courtesy of Campagnolo

New Super Record X 13 For Campy Brings Gravel An Italian Option:

Campagnolo has dabbled in the gravel category for several years with its groundbreaking, if not popular, Ekar 13 speed group. Now Campagnolo is putting forth an effort to compete at the highest levels of the gravel racing scene with a new 13 speed group called Super Record X. 

A 1X group, this new choice features two choices in cassettes with a 9 - 42T set or a 10 - 48T set. The jumps between gears are relatively small, and in fact, both cassettes are really similar with the only difference being at the extremes. One having a start at 9T and ending at 42T while the other cassette has the same gears minus the 9T and adding the 48T. 

The other important piece here is the crank set. The new Super Record X gets a power meter crank or a non-power metered crank with chain ring sizes ranging from 38T - 48T and the capability to upgrade to a 52T ring. The arms and ring are matched for best aero characteristics.  Lengths range from 165mm to 175mm. The cranks utilize Campy's longstanding Ultra Torque bottom bracket design. 

The rear derailleur is wireless and electronic, of course, with a removable battery which charges in 60 minutes or less. Campy also has made the cage out of carbon fiber with different sized pulleys. The Universal Mount will work with frames set up with the UDH standard or traditional mounts for derailleurs. Maximum tooth range is 48T. 

The levers are borrowed from the current Super record 13 group with the left lever being the only "new" piece seeing as it has only to activate the front brake. Otherwise the shifting is accomplished with a separate lever behind the brake lever on the right side with the return of the famous Campy "thumb lever" on the inside of the upper lever body. 

See more details at Campy's Super record X site HERE. 

That is a wrap for this week! get out and ride those bicycles!

Friday News And Views

Image courtesy of Mavic

Mavic Introduces New AllRoad Wheelset In Carbon

The news about a carbon rimmed Mavic wheel set for gravel was released last Monday. Called the ALLROAD SL Carbon, this wheel set has a 25mm internal rim width and a 42mm deep rim profile. Featuring 24 aero, double butted spokes with a 2X lacing pattern on aluminum Mavic hubs, this wheel set weighs a claimed 1,550 grams. 

The rims feature a hookless design. They are built to Mavic's UST dimensions. Mavic claims these rims are compatible with tire widths from 30mm - 64mm in width. (64mm is approximately equivalent to a 2.5" wide tire)

The hubs are 100mm/142mm through axle front/rear.. The wheels can be ordered with a SRAM XDR or Shimano HG freehub. The wheel set retails for $1,889.00USD. 

Comments: This is a difficult wheel set to make sense out of for myself. I've no issues with much of the specifications, and Mavic makes a fine product. However; hookless design - as stated here before - seems like an unnecessary feature which has shown risks in usage. Then you have the price. It seems a bit dear when you can pick up similar wheels for less or spend about the same and get lighter wheels. (Based upon research done on offerings by Specialized/Roval and Trek/Bontrager)

Original image courtesy of Gary Fisher

So, What About This 32"er Nonsense?

I've been curious about all the 32" wheel news coming out and I've not seen any real, rational takes on this wheel size until recently. And I was not surprised to find the source for this clear-minded take. It was from Mike Curiak, of course. 

Mike is perhaps the quintessential "thinkerer" when it comes to bicycle tech and especially design and tech outside of current thinking. 32 inch wheels certainly qualifies as such a thing.  Mike, unsurprisingly, has been testing 32" wheels on a Lenz full suspension bike.   

If you have any curiosity for this subject, you might want to head on over to Mike's blog and check it out HERE.  

In other 32"er news, Zinn Cycles is showing a 32" full suspension mountain bike designed for taller folks. Zinn has been in the business of making bicycles and components for taller folks for quite some time, so this comes as no surprise. Many would probably guess that 32"ers would most likely work best for people over 6 foot in height. 

However; it is also interesting to note Mike Curiak is right around six feet, and he rides a Medium sized bike. So, reading what he had to say maybe will change your mind if you are one to think this 32 inch nonsense is only for taller riders. I know I am rethinking this a bit.  

Image courtesy of SILCA

SILCA Offers TPU Tubes:

News came out on Tuesday from SILCA on their newest product. They now offer TPU tubes which feature mechanically connected, threaded aluminum valve stems with a traditional Presta Valve nut to affix the stem to a rim more securely. (Or you can leave the nut off, it is an option.)

SILCA is sourcing these TPU tubes from Germany and they are made from dye-free TPU material. The site for the tubes on SILCA's page does not indicate whether or not the valve core is removable. 

SILCA offers two sizes in these TPU tubes with ranges of 24mm - 43mm. or 44mm - 64mm for tire width. The narrower tubes come in either a 50mm or 70mm length valve stem. The wider TPU tube only comes in a 50mm long valve. Each tube comes with an alcohol wipe and TPU patch. Tubes sell for $39.00 each USD. 

Comments: I like the valve stem design except for the core. SILCA doesn't say if it is removable or no, but looking at their image on the TPU page, I'd guess it is not removable. This isn't a deal-breaker, but as long as you are doing an aluminum valve there seems to be no reason not to offer a removable core. 

These are still kind of pricey, but as a reliable back-up for a tubeless set up, carrying around a tube which weighs far less than 100 grams seems pretty appealing. If you have bought into TPU tubes, this offering seems better than much of what the competition is offering mainly based upon the valve stem design. 

 Image courtesy of Wolf Tooth Components

Wolf Tooth Components Pedals:

Last week this news came out, but it was too late to make the FN&V.  But we did talk about these on the latest "Guitar Ted Podcast". Wolf Tooth has a three pedal range called "CTRL", "ALT", and "DEL", which represent computer keyboard keys. In Wolf Tooth's pedal line, "CTRL" is their trail pedal. "ALT" is their take on a standard SPD pedal. Finally, "DEL" is a stripped back clipless pedal with one side entry and the lightest weight of the range at just a bit over 200 grams a pair. 

All three are machined and assembled in Wolf Tooth's facility in Minnesota. The range also all cost the same at $219.00 USD each. The pedals all can be ordered in black or purple.  Wolf Tooth claims the range provides the rider with a better pedaling platform and a closer shoe-to-pedal interface than the competition.  Finally, the "Q" factor of these pedals is adjustable. 

Comments: N.Y. Roll ordered the ALT (Actually it is the DEL he ordered) model for his girlfriend, Morgan. Hopefully I can get a ride report once she has used them a bit. Of all the various SPD-clone type pedals in existence, the Wolf Tooth offerings do promise a little something different. Now it will all hinge upon whether or not these can have a reasonable lifespan in comparison to Shimano SPD pedals which are nearly bombproof.  

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

Following The Numbers...

 The other day I was cruising my stats looking to see what was being read most ehre on "Guitar Ted Productions". The end of the year stats start to take shape around the first part of the second half of the year and I was just curious. I noted an very interesting trend.

First of all, the numbers are crazy. I know.....I say this every year and I would forgive you if you think this is becoming cliche' here, but the post counter doesn't lie. I'm seeing numbers on posts I rarely have ever seen at the end of a year, not to mention seven months in. So, first thing I want to say is "Thank You". It is because of people like you who read this blog who make the numbers what they are.

So, what are you folks reading? It is interesting to note that the biggest numbers all have something to do with inflation. TPU tubes and Clik Valves, to be specific. These posts are dwarfing anything I've ever posted and some of these posts have not been up foe seven months, some only a few months. Yet the numbers right now look like end of year numbers. I cannot fully explain this other than to point to one possibility. 

How we inflate tires on our bicycles and what we use to retain this air is radically changing before our very eyes. Between TPU tubes and the innovative Clik Valve, it is my opinion that people are intrigued by the benefits to the point which excitement over these two components is, dare I say - at fever pitch.

There has always been somewhat of a backlash over tubeless. The tubeless tire set up, the maintenance, the tubeless goo - All of this seems to have an undercurrent of dissatisfaction out there. Tubes just work, but they are prone to failures and they are heavy. In comes the TPU tube promising more robust puncture protection at a fantastic light weight. I don't know for certain, but I think tubeless solutions can be put into some newer TPU tubes now. If not, I am sure that is coming.

Then there is inflation. I know some folks will roll their eyes concerning Clik Valves, but they are soooooooo easy to use it makes Presta valves and Schrader valves look silly. Especially for casual cyclists, I see no reason for anything else but Clik Valves. I would gladly switch over to them, personally, and if the groundswell around Clik Valves continues to grow, I probably will switch.

I'm not going to recount here every advantage Clik Valves have over the other two major valve standards in the US, but I know people are really curious about them judging from my stats. If some of those folks decide to make the switch, and their friends see Clik Valves, and this momentum gets going, we are in for quite the sea change. I'm all for it. 

So, at any rate, I know there is a ton of interest in both of these products and it just feels like this points to big changes on the horizon for tubes and how we fill them.  Apparently Schwalbe is combining Clik Valve with TPU tubes, so when this becomes more commonplace I'm probably going to start switching over more bikes to both standards. What do you think? 

Are Clik Valves, TPU tubes, or both in your future? 

Rene Herse TPU Tubes: Review Part 1

Note: The Rene Herse TPU tubes were purchased for use by Guitar Ted. Rene Herse is not aware of this review, nor do they sponsor this blog or Guitar Ted in any way. All opinions are Guitar Ted's.

The TPU tube buzz is getting louder and for good reason. Or reasons? Yes, reasons. Of course, the main selling point is their light weight, which rivals tubeless set ups and in many cases, is actually lighter than tubeless. 

However: there is more to it than just being light. TPU also lowers rolling resistance versus traditional butyl rubber tubes. Nearly analogous to the levels tubeless tires provide, and that is a really important point. 

Speaking of tubeless, TPU won't require maintenance of sealant, it won't build up on your tire's carcass, and you will not have to deal with clogged valve stems and messy sealant.

Finally, TPU has the ability to hold air over time better than both butyl rubber tubes and tubeless set ups. So, there is a lot to like with TPU. 

Negatives Of TPU Tubes: Now, of course, there are drawbacks. One of those is the fact that many TPU tube offerings have plastic/TPU valve stems which are flimsy, cannot be affixed to a rim with a nut, and can be bent and damaged easily when trying to put a pump head on for inflation. 

This is why I was keenly interested in these Rene Herse TPU tube offerings as they feature an aluminum valve stem with a removable valve core. Now I don't have to worry so much about inflating the tubes when necessary or if a rock might ping up and take out a valve stem. 

TPU tubes are still tubes, of course, and as such, one could pinch flat them. So, there is this to consider. Also, TPU is not rated for use with current sealants, and while this may change at some point, this may put you off from considering TPU as an option for your tires. 

The last negative for TPU is their expense. I spent $72.00 on two tubes. That seems pretty over the top, but if these last long enough they will pay for themselves in sealant refreshes that I won't have to do. Let's see if that works out, shall we.....

The Rene Herse TPU tube has an aluminum valve stem

What It Is...

The Rene Herse TPU tubes are available in 700c sizes for gravel tires and two valve stem lengths of 50mm or 70mm in black anodized or silver anodized. There are three size ranges to choose from, all in 700c. 20mm - 32mm, 30mm - 48mm, (on test), and 45mm - 60mm. 

Prices range from $29.00 each to $33.00 each. The Rene Herse TPU tubes are made in Germany (Schwalbe? I would guess so.) NOTE: C02 inflation delivery systems are NOT recommended due to their ability to split open TPU tubes by way of their sudden volume introduction and cold temperature while delivering the gas. 

Handling Tips: Careful handling of a TPU tube is also wise. They are somewhat fragile if handled roughly and will split open if inflated too abruptly, so no air compressors either! It is best to use a hand/floor pump and take it easy which allows the TPU material to stretch evenly and consistently to conform to the inner casing of the tire and inner rim cavity. I would recommend inspecting tires and rims for any sharp or potentially damaging irregularities which could also damage the TPU material. Finally, I always use a dash of talcum powder to help the TPU tube not get hung up on the tire or rim while inflating and to reduce rolling resistance. 

First Impressions: Okay, so these clear TPU tubes are a bit of a trip to look at. Ironically these remind me a lot of something similar which was around in the late 1990's. Were those TPU tubes? I don't remember, but they were thicker and they did not stretch, really. At any rate, these clear TPU tubes reminded me of those older tubes which were not butyl rubber. 

Notice how you can see bits of talc right through the tube!

How about those aluminum valves, eh? Well, they are not threaded, which I hope is not an issue. They look nice and won't bend when I put a pump head on them, so there is that. It appears to my eyes that the aluminum stem is held on mechanically to the TPU tube, but I cannot verify if this is a kind of "O" ring-pinched TPU against the stem thing or what. It doesn't look like it is glued or "welded" together there. 

Each tube weighed in at a crazy light 48 grams. That's just insane given that a 700c X 40mm butyl tube weighs three times that or more. I decided to mount some SOMA Cazadero tires which are listed as being 700 X 50mm. However; they really are not quite that wide.

Mounting The Tubes: Rene Herse gives detailed and specific steps for mounting these tubes up which I would highly recommend be followed. Additionally, the fact that TPU doesn't stretch at the same rate as butyl will become quite apparent when mounting these tubes. In fact, they fit into a rim's inner well like a tube that is slightly too small in diameter. Stretching them over a rim should be done gently, but it is really no problem once you have done one tube. Subsequent installations will be rewarded by the learned experience of the first install. 

I always put a little talc powder in the tire as well, although it is not something which is mentioned by Rene Herse. My feeling is that the talc will help with lowering rolling resistance and help the tube stretch into the casing of the tire without hanging up. 

The Black Mountain Cycles MCD with 700 X 50mm SOMA Cazaderos using the Rene Herse   TPU tubes.

 Once aired up to about 50 psi to set the tires correctly on the HED Eroica wheels with their 25mm inner rim width I measured the Cazaderos at 47.8mm wide. So, right within the upper width range limit for these tubes.  

Since I have gotten these TPU tubes from Rene Herse I have had two friends tell me they have been running them and that they really like them so far. I plan on running these all season for a long-term look at how they will hold up and how they will ride.

Besides the quirks with TPU, it was really no problem to install the tubes. Next up will be a few rides to ascertain how these TPU tubes feel compared to what I am used to. Look for an update in a few weeks.

Friday News And Views

 Rene Herse TPU Tubes On Test:

I went ahead and took shiggy's suggestion in the comments last week and ordered a set of Rene Herse TPU tubes for testing here. These will be going into a set of wheels with tires which will remain constant throughout this riding season to see how TPU tubes hold up. 

The Rene Herse TPU tubes, besides being clear, have the distinction of having aluminum valve stems with removable cores. So no flimsy plastic/TPU stems here! Hooray! 

However: I am going to ding Rene Herse's shipping department. They threw these two boxes into a bubble interior paper envelope and shipped them USPS. This flimsy envelope allowed the boxes with the tubes inside to get crushed. The boxes looked a bit beaten up coming out of the envelope. I actually adjusted this one seen here for the image to make it look not so sad. 

Hopefully the tubes are none the worse for wear! I'll be finding out soon enough. I'll have a full opening review on these soon. I expect these will work out well. I've been having pretty good experiences so far with TPU tubes and I am considering swapping over a few more bikes to these tubes. They are radically light, ride like tubeless, but do not need topping up with sealant after six months and these hold air even better than a tubeless tire typically does. 

So, I expect "great things" with these tubes. Stay tuned... 

Image courtesy of J. Zuniga

Running Back The R.A.G.?

N.Y. Roll and I are thinking about running back this t-shirt design I call "R.A.G." It was inspired during the last recon for the last gravel event I ever did.  We saw a lone Bald Eagle in a field alongside the road during the Spring time when everything was brown and dead. 

I was inspired and spouted out something about "Real American Gravel" which ended up on this t-shirt design because N.Y. Roll wanted to have the event we were putting on be for, and inspired by, veterans of the military. 

I had a few left overs of this shirt and since the event in question never happened and that was four years ago, I decided to donate the remainder to the Collective and sell them there. One of our board members, Joe Zuniga, a veteran himself, picked one up and gave it to his friend in Texas who wears it proudly. (The image is of Joe's friend) 

This inspired N.Y. Roll to ask me if we should run this back again, and to be honest, I've been thinking about this as well. So, what do you think? Let us know in the comments. 

Image courtesy of SRAM

Gravel Bike Tech Infiltrates Classics Bike Set Up:

The Spring Classics are beginning now over in Europe and all the cobble-specific tricks are being trotted out for those Pro riders to gain whatever advantage they can with them.

One of the more recent developments comes from the world of gravel bikes. Recent online purveyors of Pro race bike set up articles are ballyhooing the usage by some teams of 1X "mullet" set ups which have pie-plate sized rear cogs for the lower gearing necessary toi climb some of those steep Belgian hills.  

That is neat. However, the cobbled classics are their own beast and if we are honest, these races have always demanded unique and sometimes unusual solutions to provide the riders with their best possible outcomes. Drive train solutions for these races have always been a bit different due to their mostly flat profiles, with a few notable exceptions. 

I'm not going to get too excited about Pros using gravel gearing. It is not a big deal, really. But it is ironic, in a way, because roadies used to make snide remarks about gravel riding and racing back in the day, and here they are using stuff which grew out of the discipline. Nice. 

Welcome To Iowa Weather:

Wednesday we had a blizzard, Today it snowed, and this coming Monday it might be a record warm day here in Waterloo, Iowa. 

That's Spring in this area for you! It makes it rough to plan for rides and sometimes it can be downright disgusting.  Furthermore; it can really play havoc with the gravel roads. 

Fortunately - or maybe unfortunately - we are pretty dry and need the moisture, so the roads won't be too awful with frost heaves and big muddy patches, at least I don't think so. But yeah....roller coaster weather is always a treat. 

Things should smooth out soon enough, but when you are itching to get out, setbacks like we had this week are no fun. On the flip side, Iowa's cycling season should kick into high gear next week. Bike shops beware!

Where We Came From: The Lincoln Scene -

I had the honor and privilege of having two genuine gravel cycling pioneers as guests on the "Guitar Ted Podcast" Thursday. N.Y. Roll listened as Matt Gersib and Matt Wills unfolded the tale of their cycling journeys. Their stories intertwine since the two are friends and have been for decades. 

Their stories are informative and will show how several facets of cycling, technology, and the times had to come into focus at the right time to foster a community of gravel cyclists. Cyclists who influenced gravel cycling in a significant way to the point - in my opinion - that gravel cycling would have not been what it has become without this scene. 

If you care about gravel cycling, and if you want to know a bit of the story regarding how it all got started, I cannot recommend this episode enough. Check it out HERE or wherever you get your podcast feed from.
 

That's a wrap for this week! It's a slow news week, but with Mid-South next weekend, you can expect more newsy stuff. Get out and ride those bikes!

Two Things

Long before the days of cycling oriented "multi-tools" there were tool rolls, tool pouches, and individual wrenches. An example of this came through,my place of employment, the Cedar Valley Bicycle Collective, recently. 

An individual called about dropping off an old bike and when they came by to donate this bike it turned out to be an old Puegot road bike. It was kitted out with all its original equipment. The "carrot stick" Simplex shifters were still there intact, (IYKYK), and even the funky Simplex front derailleur still worked. It had its original, slightly dried out, Ideal leather saddle, (similar to a Brooks), and the infamous MAFAC Racer brakes.

 It was quite the time piece, as it looked completely unmolested since its sale in, probably the early 1970's, I would guess. Upon closer inspection I saw a black object which looked like a small bag just stuffed in between the saddle's rails and the leather top. I carefully removed it to find that this object was a tool bag. As you may have guessed from the image here. 

It was in remarkable condition and the tools were as well. I'm not sure the combination wrench was an original part of the kit, it looks different and may have been added years ago. However; the four other stamped steel wrenches with the "MAFAC"logo do match the bag with its embossed "MAFAC" logo. Even the hang straps are all intact, which look like easy casualties to wear and time. 

You've got to question the usefulness of stamped steel wrenches. I'm sure they might get you by, and certainly they are light, but obviously they were not precision instruments! I cannot say the combination wrench is a whole lot better, and it is a standard SAE wrench anyway. Not much use on a bicycle. 

It is a cool oddity though, and I will certainly keep it all together as a bit of a conversation starter for the shop and for clinics in the future as a show piece.  

Clik Valve products - Image by A Andonopoulous

Now as I sit and contemplate the soon to be here riding season, I wonder about dedicating a bike to using those TPU tubes to see what I think of this new thing. As I was thinking about what I like about TPU tubes, I was reminded of the number one downfall to these things, in my opinion, and that is the valve stem. 

Those plastic, flexible stems are probably not very sturdy. Although I haven't broken one yet, I know that is a distinct possibility. And furthermore, I do not want to find out. 

There is something I think would help fix this. That would be going to the Clik Valve design. I think it would work in plastic, but even just a steel or brass end, as the TPU tubes have anyway, in the format of a Clik Valve, would be really good. That is because Clik Valve is really easy to engage and disengage. It would likely pose much less of an issue when it comes to the possibility of breaking or damaging a TPU tube. 

Now there is another solution coming out very soon. I'll have more on that in this week's "FN&V", but that solution will be quite pricey. We will see.

BIKETUBES 26 X 4.0"-4.5" TPU Tubes: Final Review

 Note: Guitar Ted purchased three BIKETUBES 26" X 4.0"-4.5" TPU tubes for test/review. BIKETUBES has no knowledge of this review previous to this post and all opinions are Guitar Ted's.

This is the final review of the new fat bike sized TPU tubes from BIKETUBES. My mid-term report and a link back to the introduction can be found HERE. 

Please go back to find out the technical details, first impressions, and what I found that I did and did not like about these tubes at that point. This post will focus on my latest impressions and final word on these TPU fat bikes tubes. 

To start out, I wanted to address the air retention of these TPU fat bike tubes. I had reported that I had found there to be some leak-down which wasn't consistent with other TPU tubes I've tried. 

Fortunately since that time I haven't noted any big air pressure losses and these tubes are acting much more in line with my expectations for a TPU tube. I don't know why I was seeing the drop in pressure from the one check I reported on, but it may have been due to "operator error", so I think I will just run with that. 

Also, since the last update we had a run of really cold weather here. This was a chance to see how these tubes would adapt to sub-freezing temperatures. I got a ride in with the air temperature down in the teens (F) and saw no ill effect. I cannot speak to what might happen at sub-zero temperatures.

Our lack of snow meant that a little bushwhacking was in order.

I was able to get into some fat bike style rambling through a freshly cut ravine with a sand base. The surface was severely pockmarked by deer hooves and there were several embedded branches. This tested out the TPU tubes ability to conform to oddly shaped trail surfaces to see if the tires and tubes would work. 

I had a good ride and the tires were working well over the debris and deer tracks. I think it was better than with butyl tubes, but I would have guessed that seeing as how these old Larry tires are transformed by using TPU tubes. So, I think TPU is an upgrade over butyl rubber for tire performance. Especially in a fat bike application. 

Conclusions: TPU tubes seem flimsy, weird, and are expensive. However; they have come a long way in a short time, proving themselves in many situations, and saving weight, and more importantly, lowering rolling resistance. All without having the hassles of a tubeless set up. 

These fat bike tubes made a huge difference in the way this fat bike I've had for over a decade rides. In fact, it has made the bike lighter, more fun to ride, and has transformed the tires which weren't all that great to begin with. Now? They feel like more modern day, high performance fat bike tires. It makes me wonder how these TPU tubes would do in nicer tires. 

I'm not a big fan of the valve stems on these tubes. They are TPU material, or some other plastic, bendy, and not threaded so they cannot be fixed against the rim. This makes inflation a fiddly chore because you have to be very careful not to damage the stem. 

Air retention is, despite my early surprise, rock solid. TPU tubes have a reputation for holding air better than butyl tubes can. Some might fear that TPU tubes will puncture easier, but in most testing I have seen, this isn't true. TPU has a claim of being more resistant to punctures. I did not have any troubles, so I cannot speak to that facet of using a TPU tube. I do know that it is imperative that you use talc powder or baby powder with these TPU tubes or scuffing the TPU material inside the tire during usage may cause premature failures. It isn't any different with other tube materials, however butyl rubber does resist this issue far better without talc/baby powder.

TPU tubes have a much smaller size when rolled up compared to a butyl tube. This and the much lighter weight of TPU makes a TPU tube a great option for a bail-out solution even if you do run tubeless. They take up far less room in a bag and cut off a lot of dead weight.

So, despite the higher initial cost of a TPU tube, I think the benefits of using them in a fat bike far outweigh the costs. Just in ride feel alone a TPU tube is convincing. I highly recommend trying these out if you run 3.8" to 4.6" tires. Keep in mind that TPU stretches but does not return to its original state when deflated. So, if you use one in a larger tire, you are stuck with it in that wheel. More sizes would be welcomed. As of this writing there were no 27.5" sized fat bike tubes, and there were no sizes for 4.6" + sized 26"er tires either. Hopefully that will change soon in the future for fat bikers.

BIKETUBES 26 X 4.0"-4.5" TPU Tubes: Review Part 2

 Note: Guitar Ted purchased three BIKETUBES 26" X 4.0"-4.5" TPU tubes for test/review. BIKETUBES has no knowledge of this review previous to this post and all opinions are Guitar Ted's.

Image courtesy of BIKETUBES.

The TPU tubes for fat bikes which I am using were introduced a while back. That post can be read HERE in case you missed it. 

In this post I will be relating my first impressions and observations so far on how these tubes are doing with my riding so far here. 

Air Pressure:

I noted right away that the TPU fat bike tubes did not support the tires as well as the thicker, bulkier butyl tubes. These TPU tubes allow for a lot more tire flex and this can be seen two ways. 

One: It isn't maybe so great for some fat bike set ups and for using really low pressures for maximum flotation and traction. With a butyl tube the pressures can be run as low as almost zero and the tires tend to stay on and you can get maximum grip and flotation that way. However; I have to wonder if the TPU tubes either won't go to that extreme at even slightly higher pressures, or perhaps this is really all that needs to be done here. My instincts here are to say that I could do a similar thing as I could with a butyl tube, I just would not have to go so low in air pressure settings. 

Which leads me to number two: I needed to use a higher pressure to get a similar feel to what I was used to. Example: I would have never considered using anything higher than 10psi with a butyl tube. However; I not only am now using up to 10psi, I still don't see a similar feel to butyl tubes at this pressure compared to the 6psi - 8psi I used to use.And that is not a bad thing. The tires with TPU tubes feel amazingly smoother than with butyl rubber tubes in them.

Obviously (see image above) we just haven't had optimal conditions for snow/flotation. So, that low pressure thing will have to wait. I am pretty convinced that these tubes will be best if you shift your pressure ranges you are used to slightly higher. 

Finally, while other TPU tubes I've tried hold air quite well, these fat bike TPU tubes are not quite as good as what I expected in this regard. I noted that it only took about 3-4 days for my pressure to go from just under 10psi to about seven. That doesn't seem like much. Not even 3psi, right? But with a fat bike, 3psi is a huge difference. I plan on keeping a closer eye on this trait going forward. 

So, there might be a pressure holding issue and I don't like the valve stem design. That stem is just not robust enough and with no threaded/nut system to hold it against the rim, you have to be very careful with the stem as it is delicate. In fact, I have to wonder if using really low pressures might not cause a sheared valve stem problem. 

I'll be back with more in about a month or so. Stay tuned....

Friday News And Views

 Job Anniversary: 

This past week I observed my third anniversary of starting work at the Cedar Valley Bicycle Collective. In case you are unfamiliar with this organization, they are a non-profit organization which benefits the community by recycling used bicycles either back into service or by being responsibly recycled via a local recycling/scrap company. 

We benefit local veterans who need transportation by providing free bicycles and accessories, as well as providing bicycles for other individuals in need. We support various area children's bicycling programs such as bicycle rodeos, Summer programs, and childrens benefit organizations. We also provide safety checks and educational opportunities as well as supporting local events via our Bike Valet program. 

There is more to it than that, but as you might be able to see by now, this is no "bike shop" gig. I get to turn wrenches, do mechanical repairs, and solve problems like I always have done for years, but added into the mix is a genuinely rewarding experience in helping others and making a difference in the community. Things I did not really get out of being a bike shop rat. 

So, I remember this week with gratitude and I don't take this opportunity lightly. It has been an amazing three years, and I cannot believe it has been three years already. But it has and I hope to add more years to that total going forward. If you have a bicycle cooperative/collective/non-profit in your community, I urge you to support that organization in some way this year. Either by volunteering or by donation. These organizations really impact the environment and the people who need bicycles for transportation and recreation.

A Light & Motion bike light on a handlebar (Image courtesy of Grannygear)

Light & Motion Ceases Business Activities:

On January 14th news hit the web concerning the bicycle, scuba, video, and photography lighting company, Light & Motion, who published an announcement that they were ceasing operations immediately. 

A story from "Bikemag" with some comments from the CEO of Light & Motion can be seen by clicking HERE. 

Comments: While many brands have ceased operations after the exit from COVID, this is one of the more well-known brands to close its doors. While Rocky Mountain and GT Bikes have "paused operations", which might leave the door open for some sort of "unpausing", I would assume, this announcement has a bit more of an air of finality to it. 

Citing "political winds" as one of the reasons for the closure, Light & Motion ends with an over 35 year run of manufacturing its products in the USA. It is no secret that the LED lighting segment for cycling is a super-competitive market and that many companies offer excellent lights for very competitive price points. So, by sticking to its guns with regard to doing things stateside, and by having product that was priced at a more premium level, it is not hard to understand how that and the downturn in sales for cycling overall has perhaps forced this action by Light & Motion. 

Snow Dog Update:

Since I rolled out the old Snow Dog again to test those BIKETUBES TPU fat bike tubes, I had to do some updating. I was using an old Archer electronic shifting box deal which could shift incompatible parts, and well, that was no longer an option here. Archer is done as a company and I didn't want to try using the app anymore to set up the thing since it isn't being supported as far as I could tell. 

So I fished out a roll of 4mm derailleur housing in silver and an old SRAM 9 speed shifter. I already had a SRAM rear derailleur mounted, so I figured that would work.

Except this was a SRAM shifter compatible with Shimano. Doh! Okay..... Back to the bins. I fished around and found an 11 speed Ultegra long cage derailleur. Probably the one that came on my Tamland Two? Maybe.... Well, that went on there and with a few adjustments, bingo! I had a working rear derailleur and shifter. 

You may be thinking, "Wait! That's an 11 speed rear derailleur running with a 9 speed chain and shifter? Isn't that forbidden?" And I say, "Don't try this at home, folks!" It's another instance of a mechanic doing what "they say" cannot be done. That's all. I would never tell anyone else this would work. Why? Because, well.....for you it probably wouldn't, and then it would be my fault for saying it does work. That's why. So, I'm saying "this doesn't work", but I'm going with it anyway. 

Remember, it is all fun and games until it breaks. Then if that describes you, and you end up with a failure, or worse, it is because you tried this. It will be your fault. I said it does not work. So there. 

And I will have an update on the tubes soon. 

Image from the Jan. 15th social media post.

Robidoux Roubaix Is Back:

Last August the race director of the Robidoux Roubaix, a gravel race in Western Nebraska, announced that the event was on "indefinite pause" status. 

Specifying a lack of concern by riders for safety and other safety related concerns for race directors of gravel events, the event was taken off the calendar. Now in an Instagram post dated January 15th, the event posted the following quote pulled from a longer statement. 

"It turns out that a little four month break, escaping an unfulfilling 9 to 5, and starting to ride bikes again was enough of a mental boost to remember why I’ve always loved hosting Robidoux!"

Comments: The statement directed readers to register now and that more details would be released about the new routes and more soon.

No mention of the concern about rider safety and conduct at gravel races. This, on one hand, seems odd, but it all may get addressed in future communications, so as of this time, I cannot really comment on this point other than to say the question is there to be answered. What about the previous safety concerns? 

I like that this event came back, however, if just for selfish reasons. I think the area would be a spectacular place to ride, and so I've always had a soft spot in my heart for doing the event. Not that it will ever happen. Especially now with a carless Guitar Ted! 

That's it for this time. Have a great weekend and ride those bicycles!

BIKETUBES 26 X 4.0"-4.5" TPU Tubes: Review

The BIKETUBES TPU fat bike tube.

Note: Guitar Ted purchased three BIKETUBES 26" X 4.0"-4.5" TPU tubes for test/review. BIKETUBES has no knowledge of this review previous to this post and all opinions are Guitar Ted's

The TPU innertube has caused quite a stir since it came aroiund several years ago. Limited sizes, stories of fragility, and the price kept a lot of folks away. However; more sizes, stronger designs, and lower prices have conspired to create something of a buzz around TPU tubes. 

I recently discovered that TPU tubes are now available in fat bike tire sizes with both 26" and 27.5" diameters being covered. There are no really wide sizes yet, but many riders could benefit from the 4.0 - 4.5" width that is being offered at this time. 

I ordered three of these tubes. Two to go in my 2011 Salsa Cycles Mukluk and one as a spare for my Ti Mukluk. This use as a spare or bail-out tube is one of the benefits of TPU tubes. TPU tubes have less mass and take up a lot less space in your kit. I'll get to a comparison between butyl rubber fat bike tubes and these in a bit, but I will give you a spoiler - There is a massive difference! 

These tubes are available on BIKETUBES website and cost me about 68 bucks for three with free shipping. 

What It Is: TPU stands for "Thermoplastic Polyurethane". The material is made into tube shaped "hoses", cut to length, bonded at the ends, and fitted with a valve stem. TPU can be colored, it can be clear, and it is 100% recyclable. TPU tubes can be patched in case of a puncture, (and these tubes come with two patches each) but as of now, no sealant is recommended to be used in a TPU tube. The good news is that TPU tubes are better at resisting punctures than butyl rubber tubes. 

TPU tubes also feature the benefit of very low rolling resistance when used inside a bicycle tire. Research done by a competing TPU tube brand has shown that TPU tubes are almost as low, in terms of rolling resistance, as tubeless, and slightly better than a latex tube would be. This is a very big deal when it comes to fat bikes due to the increased surface area that the TPU tube contacts when inside a tire.

It doesn't take much convincing when it comes to pack size as to which tube I want.

Rolling resistance differences aside, what will really strike you at first is just how crazy light these fat bike TPU tubes are in comparison to a normal fat bike tube. Each TPU tube I purchased weighed in at around 143 -148 grams each with the TPU band and plastic Presta Valve cap. The total weight of butyl rubber tubes I removed was 965gms/2.13lbs. The total weight of the TPU tubes installed in the wheels of my Mukluk is 287 grams/.63lbs. The missing one and a half pounds makes a HUGE difference in rolling weight, not to mention the lowered rolling resistance. 

Installation: TPU tubes are not that much different than butyl tubes when it comes to installation with the exception that TPU can be a little fussy when it comes to giving the tube some shape to get it installed. It is also recommended by many TPU tube brands to lightly talc the insides of the tire. I already had this done so I was good to go. 

TPU is a little less friendly to abuses than butyl rubber during the installation process, so take care to not pinch the tube between the tire and rim, and by no means should you ever use a tool to install the tire. (That goes for butyl rubber tubes also) Proper installation technique will make this very possible. Being a bit gentle with TPU goes a long way toward success. 

My 2011 Mukluk. You cannot see the TPU tubes but they are in there.

My Mukluk still runs the old Larry 3.8 and Big Fat Larry, which is more like a 4.5"- 4.6" tire. The TPU tubes are rated for this range of sizes, and I had no issues getting the tires mounted. I used a SILCA Terra pump which is designed to measure more accurately at low pressures. I went with 8psi front and rear for the initial set up. 

The only negative I see is that the valve stem, which in this case is also made of plastic and could be easy to bend. Care needs to be taken when applying a pump head so as not to damage this stem material, whatever it is. 

The Ride: I took the Mukluk out on some local gravel, dirt, grassy fields, and alleys. The lack of weight was immediately noted, obviously, but what I did not see coming was how these more flexible tubes allow the fat tires to work better. Tubes made of butyl rubber give these tires a stiffer ride by far. I thought I had some fancy, high-TPI fat bike tires on the bike, not these old, stiff Larrys! 

I'm sure the lower rolling resistance is awesome and the weight is better, but I'm telling you that it is the tires and the way they feel 100% different, in a good way, than before is what I am most excited about. The ride was dead smooth and even riding over a small, two to three inch diameter branch was like riding over nothing but smooth pavement. I wouldn't even have known I rode over that but for seeing it coming and hearing it snap when I rode over it. (Note: I've pulled the Redshift ShockStop post since the image was taken and still feel the same about the tires.)

Too bad we don't have any snow to try this out on. I'm very curious to see if this newfound flexibility and smoothness would increase flotation and traction. But maybe later, eh? We've missed out on all the big storms so far this Winter. 

I'll be riding these in the coming weeks and be back with an update. So far, I am very impressed despite the possible fragile valve stems and the steep price.