WW4M: Twin Six Socks

 This is another "WW4M" post. That means "What Works For Me" and it may not work for you. So, take that with the following words into consideration..... Also, I bought the socks you see in today's post at full retail  Twin Six is not aware of this review and all opinions are my own. 

Socks.... You probably wear them on your bicycle rides, but you maybe do not give much thought to them. Well, good socks can really make a difference. Also: Do you want good looking socks? maybe "looks" don't count in your world? Either way, Twin Six has you covered on all bases. 

I've used a LOT of socks from many various sock companies. So, I feel I have a good handle on what works and what doesn't. Well, I definitely know what works for me, and there are two sock brands I will actually lay my money down for, and one of them is Twin Six. 

Twin Six has made socks for cycling since the beginning of their run in 2005. I think their first product was socks, if I am not mistaken. At any rate, even though things have changed a bit since then, the socks have always been durable, fashionable, and a joy to wear all through the years I've worn T-6 stuff. 

Generally speaking you have two choices at Twin Six: Wool or a synthetic blend for material, and plain or showy as far as styling. I like all their socks, really, so I have a wide selection of both styles and both types of materials. My latest batch in is a good example of this. I bought four pair. Two wool and two synthetic blend socks. I have the Masher from the Standard Race Series, the "Freedom Machine", and two pair of the Standard in wool. One black and one grey. Performance blend socks are $17.00 USD and the wool ones are $19.00 USD (at the time of this post)

Twin Six cycling socks are perfect for all-weather conditions. I like the Performance socks for warmer weather and the Wool ones for cooler weather and even in Winter. However; I've used the Performance socks in cold weather and the wool socks in warm weather too. I guess you'd have to decide what feels best for you, but Twin Six socks are good anytime. 

I like the sock height. Not too high and not so low gravel dings me in the shin or gets past the collar of the sock into my shoes. And talk about durable! I usually end up passing Twin Six socks on to Goodwill before I wear them out, and I wear cycling socks for everyday socks. 

My favorites are the wool socks though. I use those exclusively from Fall to Spring's end. They aren't very thick, which, in my opinion, is a good thing, but they keep your feet warm anyway. They also wear quite well, but are not as everlasting as the Performance ones are. 

My latest batch of Twin Six socks has already been worn once, and as always, they are perfect for either cycling or church, or anywhere in between. My favorites are the Freedom Machine ones with all the stars. but I like all of them, obviously, or I wouldn't have ordered them.  

Conclusions:

I'm happy to support the Twin Six crew up there in Minneapolis, Minnesota, and I appreciate the fact the socks are made in the USA. But more than this, I like T-6 socks because they have a certain style which speaks to me and they work. 

I know, socks are boring, but they also are essential. A good working sock is the difference between a good ride and an irritation you cannot forget about. Plus, this is a small business which is based here in the USA. They don't have any pretentious sponsored athletes nor do they really care if they get on the latest gravel fast folks legs. (Well.....maybe they don't!) But whatever- I've found this company to be authentic and they care about their product and customers. Plus, as I said, their stuff just works. 

And that's my story and I'm sticking to it! 

WW4M: Trek Circuit Helmet

Notice - The Bontrager branding is gone now...

 This is another "WW4M" post. That means "What Works For Me" and it may not work for you. So, take that with the following words into consideration.....

My time in cycling has "required" me to wear a cycling helmet on many occasions. This has brought me no end of trouble, discomforts, and frustrations. Why? Well, there are a few reasons for this, but mainly it all comes down to my ginormous, weirdly shaped head

I don't know who I have in my family's background to thank for this noggin anomaly, but my head is not only large in circumference, (63cm) , but elongated in a way which makes finding a helmet for cycling which fits next to impossible. That is, until I came across the Bontrager Starvos.

Back in 2020, there wasn't much good news, but for me personally, there was one bright spot of news which made my day. This was in the form of a press release from Trek ballyhooing their newest WaveCell helmet technology which was available in a few helmets in their range, including a new model, at the time, which promised to fit people with very large heads. I was ecstatic.

GT in the brand new Starvos in 2020.

A sample was sent out for test and review. Now, I was hopeful this helmet would work, but I was prepared to do things I have always had to do to helmets to make them fit me. Things like removing every shred of padding and Velcro strips. This would often make a helmet barely fit, and if I was fortunate, allow for a bandana to absorb sweat. Most of the time the helmets I used hit my head wrong right at the peak of my forehead and the middle/upper portion of the back of my head while side gaps large enough to stick a finger in between the helmet and my head would exist.

This caused pain, soreness, and a helmet which, in all likelihood, would probably not have worked all that great had I needed it too.  I was blessed to not have to put a helmet to the test with the exception of the time a pickup truck driver struck me on a Guitar Ted Death Ride Invitational in 2014.

The surprise was that the Starvos actually not only fit, but at its maximum allowable adjustment, it was too big! You may not think this is a 'big deal', but realize this: I'd never had this option before. So, for myself, the Starvos was an amazing helmet option which I could use like most of you use a helmet. Plus I had a lid which was protecting me better than any helmet I had used previously due to all the modifications I used to have to make, which sometimes included Dremmeling away foam to make the helmet work! 

Trek/Bontrager then came out with the Circuit in the same sizing later on, and I also was able to get a hold of one of these helmets.  I got that helmet at the very end of 2021, but I did not start using it in earnest until Spring 2022. The Circuit fit similarly to the Starvos, and this offering was lighter, more aero, and breathed better. Once again, I was elated to finally have helmets to choose from which had high end features and actually fit me.

So, obviously helmets do not last forever and five years is a long time to hang on to a helmet. The Starvos was ready for retirement. The Circuit was not long for this world either. So, I looked and the Circuit is still out there in the XL size. Now without Bontrager branding, which Trek seems to be phasing out now. (Keith Bontrager recently retired, which probably has something to do with this)

So anyway, I got a new Circuit helmet, paid $160.00 bucks, and I look forward to having great head protection for years to come. If you have a big head, (Mine is size 7 7/8ths), then check out these helmets from Trek. They will fit a head bigger than mine, and they have high-end features, which I cannot say for any other helmet offering, maybe ever!  

Update: A great comment by a blog reader "Nooge" was posted on this article and I did not mention the feature of the Circuit helmet which he kindly pointed out. So, following is his full comment here:

" I really like the Circuit helmet for a different reason: the integration with Bontrager/Trek lights. You’re probably aware, but for anyone else reading this, the black plastic pieces in that first photo are magnetic mounts for their lights that are excellent “be seen” lights that flash really bright in the day.

I love having the helmet mounted lights because they are up high and really grab driver’s attention, plus they aim wherever I look. It’s really useful to prevent cars from hitting me from the side because I can look in their direction and the super bright flash makes them notice me. I believe it also causes them to be a bit more cautious because it’s harder to judge distance to an unsteady flashing rather than steady flashing light."

WW4M: HandUp Gloves

 This is another "WW4M" post. That means "What Works For Me" and it may not work for you. So, take that with the following words into consideration....

Over the years I have tried a LOT of cycling gloves. Many just do not jive with me or my oddball circulatory system which makes a lot of cycling gloves turn my hands numb within minutes of putting the gloves on. This is especially an issue with fingerless styles of cycling gloves, which I have found just do not work at all for my hands. 

So, I gravitate to wearing full-fingered gloves, if I wear gloves at all.  Over the years my favorite brand to use has been HandUp Gloves . These are the gloves you may have seen which have cute little slogans on the palms and can be read when you put your hands together.

While that can be seen as a "fun" feature of this brand's gloves, it doesn't move the needle for me. A glove has to be comfortable to wear first and foremost. Then it has to actually be useful. Thirdly it has to be a pair of gloves I can wear most of the year. Finally, price and durability are definitely concerns.

HandUp gloves come in several styles and in different designs designated as "Standard Most Days", Cold Weather", and "Short Finger", etc. I have used gloves from their "Cold Weather" range and "Standard Most Days" range. The images here are from the latter range. These are the gloves I use as three-season gloves and what I wear most of the time, if I wear gloves at all, for riding.

By the way, I purchased all the HandUp gloves I've used. HandUp does not sponsor me, nor do they know about this review.

Anyway, HandUp "SMD" gloves have the following features:

• - 50+ UPF Sun Protection
• - FullTouch Touch Screen Technology
• - Silicone Palm Graphics
• - Towel Thumb Sweat Cloth

These gloves go for $29.00USD

My Take: These are long-wearing, durable gloves with a couple of key features which I appreciate. I wear these from early "shoulder-season" riding time, say from 50 degrees, on up to Summer weather. By the time it gets above 80 degrees I'm back to bare hands again. But there are days all Summer when I would wear these.

They do stay relatively cool on the hands and they keep the wind off when it is Spring or Fall well enough I can stay warm. I do appreciate the "nose-wipe" section and gloves without this feature are a no-go with me. The touch-screen capabilities are top notch. The best in any glove I have tried. 

The goofy slogans are printed on in a thicker, silicone material which provides copious amounts of grippage for grip tape or mtb grips. It wears fairly well also. I had a pair before these latest pairs I bought came in which lasted a few years or so for me and they still look really good and the grippy bits are all intact.

By the way, if you do not care for the graphic designs HandUp has plain colors as well. So, in the end, I think HandUp has gloves which would work for most riders styles and riding needs. They are fairly priced, and the quality is really good. I recommend them to anyone. 

WW4M: SILCA Pista Plus Floor Pump

 This is another "WW4M" post. That means "What Works For Me" and it may not work for you. So, take that with the following words into consideration..... Also- Standard Disclaimer.

I've waxed on about the SILCA Pista Plus floor pump on RidingGravel.com before, but I like this pump so much I had to add a "WW4M" post on it here as well. I was recently reminded how good this pump is again after using it for bike tune-ups I am performing for an upcoming bicycle rodeo that my church is putting on for under-served kids in Waterloo here. 

What is ironic about my experience with the Pista Plus is that I would be writing about it here even though at first I did not understand 100% what the pump could do. Which, by the way, I admit to my own shame, because I initially reviewed the pump before I knew about some of those features. 

In my defense I did not clearly see any instructions back in 2018 when I first reviewed the pump that would have informed me of this pump's feature set and how to use/access them. Specifically the Schrader valve compatibility. It was my friend in SoCal, Michael, who tipped me off that this pump's chuck worked with both Presta and Schrader valves. Finally, I figured that out and I was off to the races. 

Okay, so let's get something out of the way right now. This pump retails at $200.00. That's a lot of coin, no matter how you slice it. You can pick up what seem to be really good pumps for half the price of the SILCA, or less. (See another of my "WW4M" posts here for a great example) So- why? Why spend what the asking price is for this pump? To answer that, I have to list the things that annoy me about other pumps first. 

The three-footed design of the base, and the excellent gauge, are just what you need and nothing you don't.

So, I have used probably every design for floor pumps over my span of 29 years as a bicycle mechanic. From cheaply made plastic affairs to highly polished, steel and aluminum masterpieces of pump design. So, I think I have a good background to discern what is "good" and what is "not-so-good" in floor pumps. Here are a few things that annoy me about floor pump designs in general:

• Poorly executed pump heads- This has to be the #1 most common flaw of floor pumps.
• Plastic: Sorry, but anything plastic drops the function and feel of any pump to a "less-than-good" experience. Generally speaking, the quality and longevity of high performance output is lessened by use of plastics in pump designs. 
• Hose length: Too long or too short. Add in how the pump head/hose are stowed between uses here. THAT can be a really frustrating detail if it is not done well. 
• Related to the first bullet point, but deserves its own mention: Locking levers for valves. I despise these things. They can get in the way on smaller sized wheels, (think kid's bikes), and they can lead to bent or torn valve stems on tubes or tubeless valve stems. While some designs have levers that are okay, the best pump heads don't need that lever. 
• Sloppy bushings: Ever used a pump that seemed to wobble when the handle was pushed down? Not good.
• A floor pump that is easily tipped over when not in use. Honestly, SILCA has what is probably the worst offender in this way in their previous Pista pump which was produced for decades. But many current designs seem to want to fall over even if you barely touch them. 

Probably the best Schrader valve pump head interface in floor pumps today

Okay- now I want to get into what makes the SILCA Pista Plus a really great floor pump. First off, this pump probably has the very best Schrader valve attachment in floor pumps today. It is not novel- I've seen mini-pumps with this head design from other companies, but I don't see this on many floor pumps and definitely not executed as well as the SILCA's is. 

The head screws on- a very important point- and that bit that screws on can rotate independently of the hose itself, so you are not winding up the hose when you attach the pump head to the valve stem. This allows you to use both hands on the finely crafted ash wood handle, (very nice on the hands!), and you do not have to worry about that valve blowing off the stem during inflation, like you do with a lot of other floor pumps with friction style pump heads. You do not have any annoying locking lever to deal with, so pumping up those 8" kid's bike tires is a breeze. 

To switch to Presta, simply screw the Presta head into the Schrader fitting. That tiny black button is a bleed valve.

On the Presta side of things, this pump uses the tried and true design which SILCA is known for. All parts are replaceable, and the design is renowned for its ability to stay on a valve, even at ridiculously high track bike pressures of 200+psi. I'm not going over 40psi here! So I'm good to go. 

Speaking of pressure, that gauge is accurate to within 2%, which is pretty darn good. I've checked it against my two different digital gauges here and the Pista Plus is always spot on with those gauges. Many floor pumps have really inaccurate gauges. It's pretty rare to see a gauge so consistently accurate with my digital measuring devices that I have. In fact, I'm so convinced that the Pista Plus gauge is good that I quit double checking it. 

The hose stows away in a perfect position every time.

SILCA says that this pump is designed to "...outlast the rest of your cycling equipment." Hmm... Big claim there! Now, I can tell you that this pump has been in regular usage here since the Fall of 2018, so how has it held up for three plus years? 

Really, it works just like the day I unboxed it. I've noted no degradation of performance. I've seen lesser floor pumps get pretty ratty and almost unusable within a year of steady usage. Pumps that cost $50.00 or more. So, I may have gone through three, maybe four of those by this point, had I relied on a "cheaper option". 

You can do the math there. But that doesn't even begin to touch upon the ease of use for this pump, and the simplicity of its design, which is very satisfying to use. Other pumps may have small, frustrating quirks about them which you may be just passing over. But that stuff weighs and adds up over time. You don't have this at all with the SILCA pump. In fact, I look forward to using it. It works that well. 

So, is it worth 200 bucks? Well, in a world filled with immediate satisfaction and low priced options the initial, knee-jerk reaction is to say "No!". Two-hundred is 'crazy money' for a floor pump. But when you stop to think that - perhaps- this just might be the last floor pump you'll ever have to buy, then things maybe become a different story for you. 

Sure- If you never use floor pumps, are the type of cyclist that rides only on really nice days, and only has one, maybe two bicycle- Okay. This is overkill for you. If, however, you ride more often than not, all year long, and own several bicycles? This should be on your radar. Did you spend thousands on your bike? This pump should be considered for that bike. Use your head. I think after careful consideration that a floor pump that is serviceable, has durable, long-lasting performance, an accurate gauge, and is easy to use for decades, that you might begin to see that yes- this pump is worth 200 bucks. Because SILCA is only ever going to sell you one of these. It's truly all you'll ever need. 

Those other pumps.....? 

WW4M: SILCA Pista Plus Floor Pump

 This is another "WW4M" post. That means "What Works For Me" and it may not work for you. So, take that with the following words into consideration..... Also- Standard Disclaimer.

I've waxed on about the SILCA Pista Plus floor pump on RidingGravel.com before, but I like this pump so much I had to add a "WW4M" post on it here as well. I was recently reminded how good this pump is again after using it for bike tune-ups I am performing for an upcoming bicycle rodeo that my church is putting on for under-served kids in Waterloo here. 

What is ironic about my experience with the Pista Plus is that I would be writing about it here even though at first I did not understand 100% what the pump could do. Which, by the way, I admit to my own shame, because I initially reviewed the pump before I knew about some of those features. 

In my defense I did not clearly see any instructions back in 2018 when I first reviewed the pump that would have informed me of this pump's feature set and how to use/access them. Specifically the Schrader valve compatibility. It was my friend in SoCal, Michael, who tipped me off that this pump's chuck worked with both Presta and Schrader valves. Finally, I figured that out and I was off to the races. 

Okay, so let's get something out of the way right now. This pump retails at $200.00. That's a lot of coin, no matter how you slice it. You can pick up what seem to be really good pumps for half the price of the SILCA, or less. (See another of my "WW4M" posts here for a great example) So- why? Why spend what the asking price is for this pump? To answer that, I have to list the things that annoy me about other pumps first. 

The three-footed design of the base, and the excellent gauge, are just what you need and nothing you don't.

So, I have used probably every design for floor pumps over my span of 29 years as a bicycle mechanic. From cheaply made plastic affairs to highly polished, steel and aluminum masterpieces of pump design. So, I think I have a good background to discern what is "good" and what is "not-so-good" in floor pumps. Here are a few things that annoy me about floor pump designs in general:

• Poorly executed pump heads- This has to be the #1 most common flaw of floor pumps.
• Plastic: Sorry, but anything plastic drops the function and feel of any pump to a "less-than-good" experience. Generally speaking, the quality and longevity of high performance output is lessened by use of plastics in pump designs. 
• Hose length: Too long or too short. Add in how the pump head/hose are stowed between uses here. THAT can be a really frustrating detail if it is not done well. 
• Related to the first bullet point, but deserves its own mention: Locking levers for valves. I despise these things. They can get in the way on smaller sized wheels, (think kid's bikes), and they can lead to bent or torn valve stems on tubes or tubeless valve stems. While some designs have levers that are okay, the best pump heads don't need that lever. 
• Sloppy bushings: Ever used a pump that seemed to wobble when the handle was pushed down? Not good.
• A floor pump that is easily tipped over when not in use. Honestly, SILCA has what is probably the worst offender in this way in their previous Pista pump which was produced for decades. But many current designs seem to want to fall over even if you barely touch them. 

Probably the best Schrader valve pump head interface in floor pumps today

Okay- now I want to get into what makes the SILCA Pista Plus a really great floor pump. First off, this pump probably has the very best Schrader valve attachment in floor pumps today. It is not novel- I've seen mini-pumps with this head design from other companies, but I don't see this on many floor pumps and definitely not executed as well as the SILCA's is. 

The head screws on- a very important point- and that bit that screws on can rotate independently of the hose itself, so you are not winding up the hose when you attach the pump head to the valve stem. This allows you to use both hands on the finely crafted ash wood handle, (very nice on the hands!), and you do not have to worry about that valve blowing off the stem during inflation, like you do with a lot of other floor pumps with friction style pump heads. You do not have any annoying locking lever to deal with, so pumping up those 8" kid's bike tires is a breeze. 

To switch to Presta, simply screw the Presta head into the Schrader fitting. That tiny black button is a bleed valve.

On the Presta side of things, this pump uses the tried and true design which SILCA is known for. All parts are replaceable, and the design is renowned for its ability to stay on a valve, even at ridiculously high track bike pressures of 200+psi. I'm not going over 40psi here! So I'm good to go. 

Speaking of pressure, that gauge is accurate to within 2%, which is pretty darn good. I've checked it against my two different digital gauges here and the Pista Plus is always spot on with those gauges. Many floor pumps have really inaccurate gauges. It's pretty rare to see a gauge so consistently accurate with my digital measuring devices that I have. In fact, I'm so convinced that the Pista Plus gauge is good that I quit double checking it. 

The hose stows away in a perfect position every time.

SILCA says that this pump is designed to "...outlast the rest of your cycling equipment." Hmm... Big claim there! Now, I can tell you that this pump has been in regular usage here since the Fall of 2018, so how has it held up for three plus years? 

Really, it works just like the day I unboxed it. I've noted no degradation of performance. I've seen lesser floor pumps get pretty ratty and almost unusable within a year of steady usage. Pumps that cost $50.00 or more. So, I may have gone through three, maybe four of those by this point, had I relied on a "cheaper option". 

You can do the math there. But that doesn't even begin to touch upon the ease of use for this pump, and the simplicity of its design, which is very satisfying to use. Other pumps may have small, frustrating quirks about them which you may be just passing over. But that stuff weighs and adds up over time. You don't have this at all with the SILCA pump. In fact, I look forward to using it. It works that well. 

So, is it worth 200 bucks? Well, in a world filled with immediate satisfaction and low priced options the initial, knee-jerk reaction is to say "No!". Two-hundred is 'crazy money' for a floor pump. But when you stop to think that - perhaps- this just might be the last floor pump you'll ever have to buy, then things maybe become a different story for you. 

Sure- If you never use floor pumps, are the type of cyclist that rides only on really nice days, and only has one, maybe two bicycle- Okay. This is overkill for you. If, however, you ride more often than not, all year long, and own several bicycles? This should be on your radar. Did you spend thousands on your bike? This pump should be considered for that bike. Use your head. I think after careful consideration that a floor pump that is serviceable, has durable, long-lasting performance, an accurate gauge, and is easy to use for decades, that you might begin to see that yes- this pump is worth 200 bucks. Because SILCA is only ever going to sell you one of these. It's truly all you'll ever need. 

Those other pumps.....? 

WW4M: Fyxation Mesa MP Pedals

 Note: What Works For Me, or "WW4M", is an occasional post here and there where I share what I have been using for a long time and that just, you know.......works! Also, the Standard Disclaimer applies here. Again- this works for me. Your mileage may vary.....

Fyxation Mesa MP pedals

Back in 2012, a decade ago now, I received two sets of pedals from Fyxation to review on my old site, "Twenty Nine Inches". Thus began my love for these flat, metal pinned pedals. 

I suppose that when I think about these pedals I think about two things. "Longevity" and "Value". See those black Mesa MP's there? That image is from 2012. Those pedals are still kicking ten years later after several Winters of abuse, dirt rides, gravel rides, and single tracking. 

So, durable and long-lasting equipment for cycling is a good thing. But add in the fact that the Mesa MP's have stayed below $100.00 a pair for a decade and that makes them even that much more impressive. And when I say "under $100.00 a pair", I don't mean 'just under'. No- I mean that these pedals are currently listed at $62.95 a pair on the Fyxation site right now. 

The Mesa MP's have removable and replaceable pins, which makes them even that much more of a deal. Now, I will tell you that these are not the massive 'daggers of death' pins, the like of which many MTB pedals have out there now. No, they do not stick out that far and there are maybe not as many pins as some have, but there is enough to get me by in Winter with boots, so, yeah.... Like I say- this works for me. 

I also like the impact grade nylon body with its sealed bearings. It's NOT a metal bodied pedal, and this is very important to me. Metal pedals suck the heat from your feet when it is really cold out. I can feel the difference and this is why my fat bikes all have Mesa MP pedals. (It's also why I use carbon handle bars on my fat bikes, but that's another story)  The only nit I have about these is that the metal pins can rust. But if that bums you out get the Subzero Mesa MP's which have stainless steel metal pins. I have those as well.

So, inexpensive, great grippy pins, long lasting bearings, and a durable, warm-in-Winter nylon body. That's what works for me. This set of pedals has been so good I bought a couple more, and Fyxation sent me a couple more as well a few years back here now. I have these on several bikes and I don't plan on riding my fat bikes without them. 

WW4M: Fyxation Mesa MP Pedals

 Note: What Works For Me, or "WW4M", is an occasional post here and there where I share what I have been using for a long time and that just, you know.......works! Also, the Standard Disclaimer applies here. Again- this works for me. Your mileage may vary.....

Fyxation Mesa MP pedals

Back in 2012, a decade ago now, I received two sets of pedals from Fyxation to review on my old site, "Twenty Nine Inches". Thus began my love for these flat, metal pinned pedals. 

I suppose that when I think about these pedals I think about two things. "Longevity" and "Value". See those black Mesa MP's there? That image is from 2012. Those pedals are still kicking ten years later after several Winters of abuse, dirt rides, gravel rides, and single tracking. 

So, durable and long-lasting equipment for cycling is a good thing. But add in the fact that the Mesa MP's have stayed below $100.00 a pair for a decade and that makes them even that much more impressive. And when I say "under $100.00 a pair", I don't mean 'just under'. No- I mean that these pedals are currently listed at $62.95 a pair on the Fyxation site right now. 

The Mesa MP's have removable and replaceable pins, which makes them even that much more of a deal. Now, I will tell you that these are not the massive 'daggers of death' pins, the like of which many MTB pedals have out there now. No, they do not stick out that far and there are maybe not as many pins as some have, but there is enough to get me by in Winter with boots, so, yeah.... Like I say- this works for me. 

I also like the impact grade nylon body with its sealed bearings. It's NOT a metal bodied pedal, and this is very important to me. Metal pedals suck the heat from your feet when it is really cold out. I can feel the difference and this is why my fat bikes all have Mesa MP pedals. (It's also why I use carbon handle bars on my fat bikes, but that's another story)  The only nit I have about these is that the metal pins can rust. But if that bums you out get the Subzero Mesa MP's which have stainless steel metal pins. I have those as well.

So, inexpensive, great grippy pins, long lasting bearings, and a durable, warm-in-Winter nylon body. That's what works for me. This set of pedals has been so good I bought a couple more, and Fyxation sent me a couple more as well a few years back here now. I have these on several bikes and I don't plan on riding my fat bikes without them. 

WW4M: HandUp Gloves

 This is another "WW4M" post. That means "What Works For Me" and it may not work for you. So, take that with the following words into consideration.....

HandUp Gloves "Sunrise Fade" ColdER model gloves.

Today I'm going to review a pair of Winter gloves from Handup. Now, as with anything winter related, you really need to understand who is giving the advice/review because we all are very different people with very different expectations, needs, and limitations. I hesitate to even write this stuff down because someone will inevitably say that they plunked down their cash on these gloves and 'they suck', so 'don't listen to Guitar Ted'. 

So, "Spoiler Alert"- These gloves will absolutely suck, be worthless, and really will not be any good at all for one or more of you reading this. Okay? 

Now for the rest of you, I shall continue.....

First off, the main attraction to any HandUp glove is that they are available in short runs in wild to mild graphics and each one has a fun term or saying which can be seen when you put you hands together. I get it, that's cute and all, but if the glove doesn't function, well, then.........who cares about The Cute? I certainly don't. I'll tell you what I think about how these worked in a moment, but first, "The Disclaimer"

I decided to purchase these from Andy's Bike Shop since I needed a good cold weather glove and Andy's carries HandUp Gloves, plus I work there, so I get a discount. Okay, with that out of the way, I will note that in a HandUp Glove I wear an "XL" for size. Sometimes I find that a Large works in other brand's sizing, so I am guessing I am on the borderline with Large/XL gloves from most companies, if that helps you out with sizing at all. I would advise to go a size larger than you think if you are on the fence with sizing like I am. Better to have that 'dead-air' space than to have a glove be too tight in Winter. 

HandUp makes no claims as to the use of any fancy, oddly named, acronym-ed fabrics or any high-tech amaze-a-matic functionality. You get an 'extra fleece layer' and that's it. At least, that's all you're going to find on their webpage for these. So, I had no real big expectations here, since there weren't any expectations set. But I did find a few things to be true as I wore these. By the way, I've used these on rides from the mid-30's to down around the teens Fahrenheit. (From around 0°C - well below freezing Centigrade) 

"Chill" is spelled out when you put your palms together.

First, they don't totally block wind, but they do a really great job there. These are not GORE-Tex-like, in that regard, but these are half the price of a GORE-Tex Winter glove too. HandUp did get the critical 'nose wiper section'down correctly. A Winter glove without a 'nose-wiper section' is a worthless Winter glove, in my opinion. No.....no palm padding. I like that. But if you think you gotta have that, these are not for you. Also- no touch-screen sensitivity. So, if you have to do the 'swipey-swipe' thing during rides, these also may not work for you. 

Something to note: I follow a guy on Instagram who is a cyclist and he was complaining about having ice-cold hands when his new Pearl Izumi gloves got sweat-soaked. Okay, so here is some basic knowledge, in case you don't understand how cold weather riding works. It comes down to a few basic rules. 

1. Sweat-out your gear = Freezing body parts.
2. Vapor barrier use is key
3. Layers are key (Natural fabrics are best)

So, if you have sweaty hands, (and many of us do), you are going to freeze your paws off once you sweat out in these gloves, most likely. So- what to do? Well, you can do a natural fiber layer, like a thin wool liner glove, or you could do a silicone glove, then put on the HandUp glove (vapor barrier), or you could use a pogie, like Bike Iowa Pogie-Lites, or a BarMitt pogie. (Basically layers again) Oh, and let's not forget that carbon handle bars are WAY warmer than metal ones in Winter, and anything metal, (even brake levers), will suck heat right out of your hands. (Yes- this works for pedals as well)

Your personal 'temperature range' will also dictate your set up. That's why I posted the stuff above about folks saying I don't know what I am talking about, because they are generally not thinking through the process you have to go through to find what works and what doesn't. The "Easy Button" approach is a highway to failures, and then negative comments. So, HandUp Gloves may not be "The Answer" for you, but they could be part of the answer for you. I - nor anyone else- can tell you that. You need to do you. 

And Finally: I like these gloves. They work for me, and they do okay at keeping wind at bay. This keeps my hands warmer. I will sometimes use a pogie with these for really cold weather, but keep in mind that I have been known to end up riding with no gloves at all, even without pogies, in Winter. My hands stay pretty warm once the blood starts flowing. By the way, these HandUp Gloves have stayed together well, the stitching is robust, and they go through the wash well, as long as you don't use a dryer and let them hang-dry. So, these should work well enough for me for several seasons of use. 

Note: I purchased the HandUp Sunrise Fade gloves with my own damn money and was not paid, nor bribed for this review.

WW4M: HandUp Gloves

 This is another "WW4M" post. That means "What Works For Me" and it may not work for you. So, take that with the following words into consideration.....

HandUp Gloves "Sunrise Fade" ColdER model gloves.

Today I'm going to review a pair of Winter gloves from Handup. Now, as with anything winter related, you really need to understand who is giving the advice/review because we all are very different people with very different expectations, needs, and limitations. I hesitate to even write this stuff down because someone will inevitably say that they plunked down their cash on these gloves and 'they suck', so 'don't listen to Guitar Ted'. 

So, "Spoiler Alert"- These gloves will absolutely suck, be worthless, and really will not be any good at all for one or more of you reading this. Okay? 

Now for the rest of you, I shall continue.....

First off, the main attraction to any HandUp glove is that they are available in short runs in wild to mild graphics and each one has a fun term or saying which can be seen when you put you hands together. I get it, that's cute and all, but if the glove doesn't function, well, then.........who cares about The Cute? I certainly don't. I'll tell you what I think about how these worked in a moment, but first, "The Disclaimer"

I decided to purchase these from Andy's Bike Shop since I needed a good cold weather glove and Andy's carries HandUp Gloves, plus I work there, so I get a discount. Okay, with that out of the way, I will note that in a HandUp Glove I wear an "XL" for size. Sometimes I find that a Large works in other brand's sizing, so I am guessing I am on the borderline with Large/XL gloves from most companies, if that helps you out with sizing at all. I would advise to go a size larger than you think if you are on the fence with sizing like I am. Better to have that 'dead-air' space than to have a glove be too tight in Winter. 

HandUp makes no claims as to the use of any fancy, oddly named, acronym-ed fabrics or any high-tech amaze-a-matic functionality. You get an 'extra fleece layer' and that's it. At least, that's all you're going to find on their webpage for these. So, I had no real big expectations here, since there weren't any expectations set. But I did find a few things to be true as I wore these. By the way, I've used these on rides from the mid-30's to down around the teens Fahrenheit. (From around 0°C - well below freezing Centigrade) 

"Chill" is spelled out when you put your palms together.

First, they don't totally block wind, but they do a really great job there. These are not GORE-Tex-like, in that regard, but these are half the price of a GORE-Tex Winter glove too. HandUp did get the critical 'nose wiper section'down correctly. A Winter glove without a 'nose-wiper section' is a worthless Winter glove, in my opinion. No.....no palm padding. I like that. But if you think you gotta have that, these are not for you. Also- no touch-screen sensitivity. So, if you have to do the 'swipey-swipe' thing during rides, these also may not work for you. 

Something to note: I follow a guy on Instagram who is a cyclist and he was complaining about having ice-cold hands when his new Pearl Izumi gloves got sweat-soaked. Okay, so here is some basic knowledge, in case you don't understand how cold weather riding works. It comes down to a few basic rules. 

1. Sweat-out your gear = Freezing body parts.
2. Vapor barrier use is key
3. Layers are key (Natural fabrics are best)

So, if you have sweaty hands, (and many of us do), you are going to freeze your paws off once you sweat out in these gloves, most likely. So- what to do? Well, you can do a natural fiber layer, like a thin wool liner glove, or you could do a silicone glove, then put on the HandUp glove (vapor barrier), or you could use a pogie, like Bike Iowa Pogie-Lites, or a BarMitt pogie. (Basically layers again) Oh, and let's not forget that carbon handle bars are WAY warmer than metal ones in Winter, and anything metal, (even brake levers), will suck heat right out of your hands. (Yes- this works for pedals as well)

Your personal 'temperature range' will also dictate your set up. That's why I posted the stuff above about folks saying I don't know what I am talking about, because they are generally not thinking through the process you have to go through to find what works and what doesn't. The "Easy Button" approach is a highway to failures, and then negative comments. So, HandUp Gloves may not be "The Answer" for you, but they could be part of the answer for you. I - nor anyone else- can tell you that. You need to do you. 

And Finally: I like these gloves. They work for me, and they do okay at keeping wind at bay. This keeps my hands warmer. I will sometimes use a pogie with these for really cold weather, but keep in mind that I have been known to end up riding with no gloves at all, even without pogies, in Winter. My hands stay pretty warm once the blood starts flowing. By the way, these HandUp Gloves have stayed together well, the stitching is robust, and they go through the wash well, as long as you don't use a dryer and let them hang-dry. So, these should work well enough for me for several seasons of use. 

Note: I purchased the HandUp Sunrise Fade gloves with my own damn money and was not paid, nor bribed for this review.

WW4M: Donnelly USH 700 X 40mm Tires

 

The Gravel Bus with the Donnelly USH 700 X 40mm tires.

This is another "WW4M" post. That means "What Works For Me" and it may not work for you. So, take that with the following words into consideration.....

So, we have a tire review here of a tire that, frankly, I was prepared not to like very much. See, I had tried a USH from (then Clement) Donnelly Tires back when it first came out. that tire was a 'skinny' 35mm or so wide and just wasn't very impressive. Oh yeah, this was back when all gravel tires were tubed. Those were the days, eh?

Anyway, I needed a tire for a wheel set test last year and the marketing person for Donnelly was amenable to having me look at the USH again. So I got my mitts on a 700c X 40mm pair of the USH tires. Skin wall ones, of course. These ended up on the Noble Bikes GX5 for a time and then they went on the BMC MCD and afterward they sat on those Irwin Cycles AON GX35 carbon wheels while other stuff got tested. Then came time for the Gravel Bus to be built and well, those wheels went on and that was that. In between I knew that I wanted those tires to stay on those wheels. 

Why? Well, it goes back to a ride I did with N.Y. Roll back in late 2019 where I was testing some lights and I just have that ride stuck in my mind because, for some strange reason, those tires and I bonded. I just thought they worked well on smoother gravel. Back into the Winter months the gravel around here gets pretty smooth and was perfect for the USH. 

Now when Spring came and gravel got thick and chunky, I wasn't thinking the USH would be what I would end up running on the Gravel Bus, but ya know what? I ended up liking them just fine at "a bit lower than I had been running pressures". (No, I have no idea what it is exactly. ) I just air them up until I see that tire squat about 'just so' and then I know what I am seeing will run about right. Pay no mind to that gauge! I probably should look sometime to see what it is, but frankly, I hate giving out psi info because that information is personal and for me. It isn't a 'gospel message' or a hard and fast rule for anyone, not even myself. But most folks don't see it that way. Whatever....

This is about the USH, and I like it a lot. It's fast, the casing feels damped, and it actually isn't as bad as I thought on rough, chunky gravel. It 'works for me', and I think it is a tire that maybe deserves a bit more attention than it gets. 

Note: Donnelly Tires sent out the 700c X 40mm Strada USH tires for test and Review to Riding Gravel in 2019. I was not paid, nor bribed for this post and I always strive to give my honest thoughts and opinions throughout.

WW4M: Donnelly USH 700 X 40mm Tires

 

The Gravel Bus with the Donnelly USH 700 X 40mm tires.

This is another "WW4M" post. That means "What Works For Me" and it may not work for you. So, take that with the following words into consideration.....

So, we have a tire review here of a tire that, frankly, I was prepared not to like very much. See, I had tried a USH from (then Clement) Donnelly Tires back when it first came out. that tire was a 'skinny' 35mm or so wide and just wasn't very impressive. Oh yeah, this was back when all gravel tires were tubed. Those were the days, eh?

Anyway, I needed a tire for a wheel set test last year and the marketing person for Donnelly was amenable to having me look at the USH again. So I got my mitts on a 700c X 40mm pair of the USH tires. Skin wall ones, of course. These ended up on the Noble Bikes GX5 for a time and then they went on the BMC MCD and afterward they sat on those Irwin Cycles AON GX35 carbon wheels while other stuff got tested. Then came time for the Gravel Bus to be built and well, those wheels went on and that was that. In between I knew that I wanted those tires to stay on those wheels. 

Why? Well, it goes back to a ride I did with N.Y. Roll back in late 2019 where I was testing some lights and I just have that ride stuck in my mind because, for some strange reason, those tires and I bonded. I just thought they worked well on smoother gravel. Back into the Winter months the gravel around here gets pretty smooth and was perfect for the USH. 

Now when Spring came and gravel got thick and chunky, I wasn't thinking the USH would be what I would end up running on the Gravel Bus, but ya know what? I ended up liking them just fine at "a bit lower than I had been running pressures". (No, I have no idea what it is exactly. ) I just air them up until I see that tire squat about 'just so' and then I know what I am seeing will run about right. Pay no mind to that gauge! I probably should look sometime to see what it is, but frankly, I hate giving out psi info because that information is personal and for me. It isn't a 'gospel message' or a hard and fast rule for anyone, not even myself. But most folks don't see it that way. Whatever....

This is about the USH, and I like it a lot. It's fast, the casing feels damped, and it actually isn't as bad as I thought on rough, chunky gravel. It 'works for me', and I think it is a tire that maybe deserves a bit more attention than it gets. 

Note: Donnelly Tires sent out the 700c X 40mm Strada USH tires for test and Review to Riding Gravel in 2019. I was not paid, nor bribed for this post and I always strive to give my honest thoughts and opinions throughout.

WW4M: Topeak Joe Blow Sport Floor Pump

For a purchase that was meant to just "get me by" on a vacation.....

This is another "WW4M" post. That means "What Works For Me" and it may not work for you. So, take that with the following words into consideration.....

Probably about 2007, I think it was, I was on a vacation with my family to see my in-laws in El Paso Texas. That trip included my first with mountain bikes to that area. I was doing reviews for "Twenty Nine Inches", and I could ride "real" mountains down there, only 17 miles away from my relative's home. It was a perfect combination of "work and play" from my perspective.

So, besides trying to coordinate getting everyone packed up and ready for the two day drive down, I also had to get my gear together to support myself down there. I would be riding alone, so I was concerned about water, food, and even first aid should I have a mishap out there in the desert. To say I had a lot going on would be an understatement.

The trip went well, and when I had time to unpack down there, I realized I had forgotten my floor pump, an old, barely functional Blackburn one. Well, I had to have a floor pump. So, my brother in law suggested I go see Crazy cat Cyclery in El Paso. I found the shop, and told my wife I'd only be inthere a minute. I ran in, asked the clerk for a "decent floor pump", and he handed me this mustard colored Topeak job which went for about $25.00. "Perfect! I can make that work for the short time I'm here", I thought to myself. 

The rest of that trip was uneventful, I got my test riding in the mountains done, and when it came time to leave, I offered to leave the pump with my brother in law, as he was talking about maybe getting back into cycling. I thought, ya know, it was a cheap pump and I need one better than this anyway. However, my brother in law insisted I take it home, so I did.

Battered and beaten, but still pumping after all these years.

And that pump has been used, abused, and it still is kicking. I just cannot kill this thing. What is equally as amazing as this pump's long term performance is the fact that I have never had to install a single replacement part yet. No gaskets, no seals, no hoses. Nothing.

I've taken this pump on more El Paso trips, vacations, trips for races, and trips for testing gear. It's been down in the Lab pumping up tubeless tire set ups, fat bike tires, and I've used it to pump up my car and truck tires on numerous occasions.

One day I heard a weird hissing noise coming from the pump and I thought, well......this is it. This pump is finally done. However; after a short time of inspection I found the cause. A loose fitting, and once I tightened it, I was all good to go again. That's the only issue I've ever had with this pump.

Now you gotta figure that after having this pump for 13 years that the thought that this was just a purchase to get me by for a week was selling this pump short. I mean, it was 25 bucks! I've probably pumped up well over a thousand tires with this thing in that time. Maybe a couple thousand. I don't know, but I do know that for all the times I've knocked this thing around, and for a total lack of maintenance, I am pretty sure I got my money's worth. This thing has done all my tire testing work, since I use the gauge as a relative measure for my reviews, and I have done a boatload of tire reviews. So, if you ask me if this pump was worth it?.......

Yep. Pretty sure about that!

Anyway, I see no reason that this pump won't go a handful more years at the least. I do mix it up, as far as usage, with that new fangled Silca  pump I got about a year ago or so. That will help extend the life of this pump. But even so, I would expect this pump to be around a long time here. By the way, they do make replacement parts for the high wear parts on this pump, and I have the rebuild kit, because I figured I'd need it sooner or later. But that may be a long time from now!

Also a testament to the design- Topeak still makes this model floor pump. It's about $50.00 now, but ya gotta figure that if Topeak is using similar design, that $50.00 investment will last you well over ten years. That's a LOT of tire pumping. I should know.

Note: I bought the Topeak Joe Blow sport pump with my own money. I was not paid nor bribed for this review and I strive to give my honest thoughts and views throughout.

WW4M: Topeak Joe Blow Sport Floor Pump

For a purchase that was meant to just "get me by" on a vacation.....

This is another "WW4M" post. That means "What Works For Me" and it may not work for you. So, take that with the following words into consideration.....

Probably about 2007, I think it was, I was on a vacation with my family to see my in-laws in El Paso Texas. That trip included my first with mountain bikes to that area. I was doing reviews for "Twenty Nine Inches", and I could ride "real" mountains down there, only 17 miles away from my relative's home. It was a perfect combination of "work and play" from my perspective.

So, besides trying to coordinate getting everyone packed up and ready for the two day drive down, I also had to get my gear together to support myself down there. I would be riding alone, so I was concerned about water, food, and even first aid should I have a mishap out there in the desert. To say I had a lot going on would be an understatement.

The trip went well, and when I had time to unpack down there, I realized I had forgotten my floor pump, an old, barely functional Blackburn one. Well, I had to have a floor pump. So, my brother in law suggested I go see Crazy cat Cyclery in El Paso. I found the shop, and told my wife I'd only be inthere a minute. I ran in, asked the clerk for a "decent floor pump", and he handed me this mustard colored Topeak job which went for about $25.00. "Perfect! I can make that work for the short time I'm here", I thought to myself. 

The rest of that trip was uneventful, I got my test riding in the mountains done, and when it came time to leave, I offered to leave the pump with my brother in law, as he was talking about maybe getting back into cycling. I thought, ya know, it was a cheap pump and I need one better than this anyway. However, my brother in law insisted I take it home, so I did.

Battered and beaten, but still pumping after all these years.

And that pump has been used, abused, and it still is kicking. I just cannot kill this thing. What is equally as amazing as this pump's long term performance is the fact that I have never had to install a single replacement part yet. No gaskets, no seals, no hoses. Nothing.

I've taken this pump on more El Paso trips, vacations, trips for races, and trips for testing gear. It's been down in the Lab pumping up tubeless tire set ups, fat bike tires, and I've used it to pump up my car and truck tires on numerous occasions.

One day I heard a weird hissing noise coming from the pump and I thought, well......this is it. This pump is finally done. However; after a short time of inspection I found the cause. A loose fitting, and once I tightened it, I was all good to go again. That's the only issue I've ever had with this pump.

Now you gotta figure that after having this pump for 13 years that the thought that this was just a purchase to get me by for a week was selling this pump short. I mean, it was 25 bucks! I've probably pumped up well over a thousand tires with this thing in that time. Maybe a couple thousand. I don't know, but I do know that for all the times I've knocked this thing around, and for a total lack of maintenance, I am pretty sure I got my money's worth. This thing has done all my tire testing work, since I use the gauge as a relative measure for my reviews, and I have done a boatload of tire reviews. So, if you ask me if this pump was worth it?.......

Yep. Pretty sure about that!

Anyway, I see no reason that this pump won't go a handful more years at the least. I do mix it up, as far as usage, with that new fangled Silca  pump I got about a year ago or so. That will help extend the life of this pump. But even so, I would expect this pump to be around a long time here. By the way, they do make replacement parts for the high wear parts on this pump, and I have the rebuild kit, because I figured I'd need it sooner or later. But that may be a long time from now!

Also a testament to the design- Topeak still makes this model floor pump. It's about $50.00 now, but ya gotta figure that if Topeak is using similar design, that $50.00 investment will last you well over ten years. That's a LOT of tire pumping. I should know.

Note: I bought the Topeak Joe Blow sport pump with my own money. I was not paid nor bribed for this review and I strive to give my honest thoughts and views throughout.

WW4M: redshift Sports ShockStop Stems

The Redshift Sports ShockStop Stem

This is another "WW4M" post. That means "What Works For Me" and it may not work for you. So, take that with the following words into consideration.....

Many of you that have frequented the blog may know that I reviewed a Redshift Sports ShockStop stem for RidingGravel.com in 2017.  Actually, if you want all the lowdown on this stem, read this review. It was the one where I talked about all the techy stuff.

So, I've had that stem, which Redshift let me keep, by the way, in continuous use since then. I'm pretty convinced that the construction, design, and durability of this stem is very good. People ask me about the elastomeric springs, if they get softer with time, or are they affected by weather, or if they get stiffer with age, and on and on. The answer is that this stem feels as good now as it did nearly three years ago. Only one problem with it on the main bike I use it on......

It was a tic too short.

I've been using it on the Black Mountain Cycles MCD over the second half of the time I've had this stem and the fit needs to be tweaked a hair. I did some pretty detailed calculations when I set that bike up, and for a while, I was good, but the longer, lower Noble Bikes GX5 has altered my feelings about my fit and now I'm transferring a bit of what I've learned there over to the MCD. This stem is a 100mm one vs the 90mm one I had.

Now for a bit of transparency: Redshift provided me with this stem and did not charge me for it. That said I am not being paid, nor bribed here. In fact, I would have gladly paid for it. I even asked for a price from them, so now you know.

Everything that matters is hidden inside.

Here's why I'd buy one of these stems: They do what they claim to, are durable, and most importantly, they look normal. In fact, most people that see my bike have no clue I am using a shock absorbing stem. Add to that the fact that I can transfer the component from bike to bike, and well, you can easily understand how different and elegant this solution is. I don't have a funky weird looking fork, I don't have a proprietary spring system, and I don't have the weight and complexity of a suspension fork.

Also, the thing with this is that it sucks up the stuff you need to have dealt with- higher frequency vibrations. Gravel can cause a lot of the sort of rattling that this stem can damp out. Oh, and did I mention that the stem comes with five different durometer elastomers to fine tune the ride with? Yep. Want it soft and compliant, or stiffer and have it give only over really harsh stuff? Well, you can get both and in between too. You can set it up to account for a handlebar bag, or you can have 'sag" or no sag, or whatever. It is easy to tune with the provided elastomeric springs which are color-coded and marked with a numeral which coincides with a chart in the instructions. That shows you how to swap elastomers and how to install the stem as well.

And like I say, it's nearly invisible and seems to be a really long term part that needs little to no maintenance. I have to check the fasteners from time to time, like you would any stem, (or you should be if you aren't), so nothing special here to have to consider in terms of feeding and care. There is one downside, and of course, that is weight. Given that almost anything else you do will also add weight, complexity, and if it doesn't add those two, it will add cost. The ShockStop Stem costs $149.99 retail. So, it is a bargain in the vibration damping world that actually works.

If you didn't know, you'd be hard pressed to tell I have a suspension device on this bike.

On gravel this thing is working over the chunky rock the entire time. the ShockStop will even take the edge off potholes and soak up depressions in the surface. Essentially, I have become accustomed to this stem and it just has become something I don't want to ride without all the time. Some of the time? yeah, I still can ride a "direct" stem, but more and more I am riding the ShockStop. It works for me, and I get it, it may not work for you.

My initial misgivings about this thing were that it was going to do what every stem with a pivot does- they get sloppy and loose. But this stem shows zero inclinations of getting loose. It feels solid. You can get out of the saddle, rock the bars, and it feels completely natural. So, I'm sold on it. That's why I got another one, and teh one i took off I'll likely put on my Fargo, because it will fit there.

NOTE: Once again, I did not pay for this second ShockStop Stem and I was not sent the thing to write about it, so I am not being compensated for this. I just am passing along my experiences on a component I feel would be beneficial to many gravel riders.