Friday News And Views

Image courtesy of State Bicycle Co.

 State Bicycle Co. Announces Monster Fork v2:

On Tuesday of this past week, State Bicycle Co. announced a version two of their Carbon Monster Fork. The new version features an all-carbon construction with a tapered steer tube. The eye-catcher here is the adjustable drop out to attain two different off sets for the fork. 

The off sets are 49mm and 55.5mm. More on this in a minute, but the user can change the offset by flipping a "chip" in the drop out cavity. The fork is compatible with 27.5" tires and 700c tires. Maximum tire size allowable is determined by the offset chosen. So, for the 49mm offset you can go up to 27.5 X 2.3" or 700 X 55mm. In the longer, 55.5mm offset you can go to a 27.5 X 2.45" or 700 X 58mm tire. The Monster Fork also has rack and fender mounts along with the triple boss sets of accessory mounting points on each fork leg. Maximum load is set at 25Kg or 55lbs. Axle to crown is 396 in the short offset and 404mm in the longer offset. The price for the Monster Fork is set at $299.99 USD.

Comments: Now, let's get back to the offset options this fork provides. The marketing copy on State's site gets this wrong, which is a commonly made mistake. I wrote an offset explainer in 2007 for the blog which you can read HERE. That was written concerning 29"ers, but the same principles apply for any wheel size and geometry. The short version is that, all else remaining the same, your shorter off sets are going to bring more stability while your longer offsets bring less stability. Many people feel that a longer offset is more stable, but that is not how bicycle front end geometry works. 

The other bit State doesn't point out is that due to the chip being at an angle to the ground when mounted to a bicycle, the flipping of the chip will minutely change your bottom bracket height, head tube angle, handle bar height, seat angle, and all that may be noticeable to some folks. Some may not ever notice it. The changes would be minimal, but it is worth noting that any axle to crown variances, which are called out in the differing axle to crown specs, will change all that other stuff as well. 

I love the idea here, of course, being a nerd about geometry. But typically swapping stuff around like offset chips isn't really a big deal to most riders, and additionally, humans are so adept at adapting, (ha!), that most riders probably would feel fine either way you set the fork up after two or three rides. (I know, I've run an experiment concerning this.)

Image courtesy of  Fusion Media.

Six USA Athletes To Compete In eSports Championships in Abu Dhabi:

Coming up on October 26th, the top 20 male and top 20 female eSports riders are convening in Abu Dhabi for the World Championship eSports sanctioned by the UCI. 

The event consists of three parts, or "races", in which the contestants will accumulate points based upon finishes. The riders with the most points at the end of the day will be crowned as World Champions. 

Six riders, three male and three female, are included from the USA. They are Kristen Kulchinsky, Jacqueline Godbe, Ellexi Snover, Hayden Pucker, Neal Fryett and Zach Nehr. 

Comments: Would this even be a thing had it not been for COVID? I wonder about that. Anyway, kudos to any athlete that competed in this format. I cannot stand indoor cycling myself, but "trainer rides to no-where" are a staple of some folks riding. I know, I know....You can do courses, compete against others, yada, yada, yada.... But the fact remains that you are still sitting in the same spot where you began at the end. I'm not down with that. 

Not that I haven't tried. I used to own Krietler rollers, I've had various stationary trainers, and I even have a "smart trainer" in the house I've never used. Probably won't ever use it. Maybe I'll donate that to someone.....or the Collective, but in the two and a half plus years I've worked there we cannot give a trainer away and we have several nice ones. Says something there to me.... 

But I'm not dissing on anyone that gets into this stuff. You do you! I'll cheer you on from outside. Literally! 

Image courtesy of Brompton Bicycle USA.

Brompton Bicycles Offers New Folding Gravel Bike:

News came out this week, and was all over the internet and social channels, concerning Brompton's new "G Line" folding 20" wheeled bicycle. It has an 8 speed Alfine internally geared hub, beefy 20" wheels, and a "revised geomeyrty" for all-road riding. Plus you can stuff the claimed 30+ lbs bike into the back of almost any car or truck for easy transportation to adventures. 

The G Line will cost $2,399.00 USD when it becomes available in 2025. There also will be an electrified version of the bike coming as well. 

Comments: Okay, neat, I guess. Here's what I know to be true. Smaller diameter wheels are at a disadvantage to larger diameter wheels. It is a physics thing. Alfine hubs are limited in gearing range and require frequent servicing to keep them alive. 

Why have an internally geared hub design and a tensioner that hangs down like a derailleur waiting to get ripped off in the next muddy section? This seems to be a disadvantage when internally geared hubs are a great idea partially because they allow the riddance of "dangly bits"

At 30 plus pounds (non-electrified) and at twenty-four hundred bucks? Ahh..... No. Maybe for certain people this opens up possibilities, and for them I am happy. But for most riders, in my opinion, this seems pricey and not very well thought out.

Bicycle Retail Continues To Struggle:

Getting into the last quarter of 2024 now and it seems that bicycle retail is still struggling to find its footing two years post-COVID. There are many reasons why this is happening. Among the many reasons is the anachronistic way bicycle retail is handled in the 21st Century. 

I began my journey in bicycle retail and repair in the early 1990's. I can honestly say that not much has changed in the thirty-plus  years since then. That doesn't reflect the massive change in riders, buying habits, and desires of riders in 2024 and beyond. 

I find, and have found, that certain issues have stymied advancement of bicycle retail and now that alternatives exist, bicycle retail as we have known it may on its way to becoming extinct, leaving nothing in its wake to replace it. At least nothing at scale or worthy of servicing the riders in this country. 

Of course, there are some bright spots, but they are few and far between. How will those spots be able to survive without the backing of the industry or without revolutionary changes, I am not sure. Right now the industry has done what it has done for many years, and that is to hook up its wagon to whatever trend can be the horse to pull that wagon, as broken and busted up as it is, lurching forward into the next phase of cycling that takes off. Then the industry will hitch itself to that trend and hope for better days again, like it has for a half a century. 

Here's what I see as the deficiencies of bicycle retail in 2024:

• Employee training and retention. With rampant employee turnover, it is impossible to build a knowledgeable, trustworthy employee people will want to lean on.  
• Poor Compensation: The industry practically guarantees employee turnover with its poor wages and benefits. 
• Focus on Racing: The high-end support of brands on racing in all disciplines is misplaced and takes away from what the largest portion of potential riders needs and wants. Practical bicycle safety in routes and in bicycles for everyday riding is something most brands give lip service to only, and nothing gets done in reality because of this. The response of the average citizen is predictably poor. Shops can only do so much against this and many don't do a thing at all. 

I could go on. There is a good perspective on this subject from a former colleague of mine, Arleigh Jenkins, which can be listened to on her YouTube channel HERE. 

Image courtesy of Pivot Cycles

New Pivot Vault Version Now On Offer:

Pivot Cycles announced on Thursday that a new version of their Vault model is now available. The bike has more tire clearance and more capability to carry water and accessories than before while still coming in at a lighter weight than the outgoing version. 

The frame features a decoupled seat post/seat tube arrangement which Pivot calls "ISO FLEX", which provides more rider comfort. New also is Pivot's "TOOL SHED", a cable management and storage system allowing riders to stash items inside the frame. There is also cable guides through the frame to prevent rattling over rough surfaces. There are several accessory mounting points and the frame can hold two water bottles on the top of the down tube, one underneath, and one on the seat tube. 

The frame is 2X front derailleur capable, has dropper post routing, and the frame is also suspension corrected for 40mm travel gravel suspension forks. The new Vault carbon rigid fork is designed for better compliance as well. Tire clearance is a generous 50mm in 1X mode and 47mm with a 2X crankset. 

The geometry is a bit different with sizing running longer top tube measurements than what you might be used to. Pivot advises using a short stem. The bottom bracket is not on the low side, but is pretty decent, striking a good middle ground for current gravel geometry. The head tube angle is on the slacker side with models in their five size range checking in at 70° for a small to 71° for the XL. Sizes in between range accordingly between those two extremes. The chain stay length is a tight 420mm, which is on the short side for gravel. 

Prices range from $5,649.00 to $6,149.00 using Pivot's specs for complete bikes. 

Comments: This is an interesting bike. Pivot's Vault model was originally a cyclo cross bike but now is a fully MTB influenced gravel bike design. Pivot has infused several interesting features with their water bottle capacity and that short rear end. I like that they thought of a way to introduce some compliance in the seat post area and that they thought about the fork compliance as well. And the price isn't bad compared to many other brand's high-end gravel offerings.

That's all for this week! Thank you for reading Guitar Ted Productions! Get out and ride those bikes!

Randomonium: Saturday Edition

NOTE: Okay folks, if you haven't been around long enough here to know what a "Randomonium" post is, then here is the deal. I ramble, rant, and randomly moan about all things cycling in one, incohesive, bizarre post. "Randomonium", okay?

Hammerhead Update:

Following up on what happened with the Hammerhead Karoo 2 unit I panned in my final take on it a while back. Well, as promised I sent it back to Hammerhead HQ with a hand written note describing my displeasure with the unit. 

I heard back about a week, week and a half ago from Hammerhead customer service. I received a very apologetic response and a promise to send out another unit to check out.

They want me to call a representative and have them "walk me through the set-up procedure". While that is uncommonly kind, and I do not expect that from them, here is my problem with that: If this unit is so intuitive, why would I have to have someone essentially hold my hand through the set-up? 

That strikes me as odd. This "step-by-step walk through from a Hammerhead rep" is not a requirement when you purchase a new Hammerhead Karoo 2, so why would that be necessary now? I feel like this says the reason why is that I was the problem here, not the Karoo 2*. If that's the case it's insulting. (Or it is an admission that their instructions are poor?) Maybe I'm wrong? Let me know in the comments. This all just strikes me as being very weird. A kind offer- but why should it be necessary? (*Note- It was brought to my attention in the comments section for this post that I did not make it clear that part of my recent frustration is that the Hammerhead rep did not indicate at all that the unit could be at fault here. So, that's a big part of my dissatisfaction with their response as well.)

In the news, Hammerhead was forced by Shimano to drop its integrations with Di2 after SRAM bought Hammerhead. Now, despite words from Hammerhead to the contrary, Hammerhead is going to pursue more integration with SRAM AXS and other SRAM owned features. Why wouldn't they, right? So, since that is not appealing to me, as I am more apt to be using Shimano stuff, this is another blow for my using a Hammerhead product. 

And yes- The whole ordeal still can get me frustrated and feeling as though Hammerhead's Karoo 2 is not what it is cracked up to be. So, there is that underlying the issues here as well. I admit this colors any future interactions with the brand's products, at least in the short term. 

More soon.....

Shimano's new EP-8 motor and XTdi2 (Image courtesy of Shimano)

Technological Conundrums:

Last week Shimano and Trek announced new advancements in electronic assist and control of bicycles. While these advancements are - on the surface of things - amazing, my question is "How does this affect cycling as a practical/recreational activity going forward?"

On the one hand, making things easier is always seen as a 'good thing' for people. (I don't necessarily subscribe to this notion, by the way) Breaking down barriers to using two-wheeled, (mostly) human powered transportation is a noble goal. But is there a point where we cross a line and technology starts to become the barrier to human health and enjoyment? 

The TQ Robotics eMTB motor found in Trek's newest Full Sus. (Image courtesy of TQ)

The new Trek Fuel EXe full suspension bike has a new e-motor developed by German company, TQ Robotics which promises lighter weight and better integration in the application of electric motors on bicycles. Integrated with this are computer functions, while being basic now, they could easily be expanded upon. Thinking about this and Shimano's new XT Di2 functions, where a rider can have the system shift for you based upon predictive sensor technology, it doesn't take much effort (pun intended) to see that this takes a lot of the complexity and- some would say- skill, out of riding. 

Lighter, more efficient motors with integrated computer tech. More system operated functionality that used to be the realm of the human rider. Where does it end? Is there a "line" to cross at all? What if this technology gets in the way by means of price to buy, maintenance costs, and availability? Does technology like this open more doors for cycling, or does it actually exclude a huge portion of the cycling public? What, if any, environmental impact does this technology have, both good and bad?

Thorny questions to consider going forward....... 

The Wayfarer fork - Image courtesy of Wilde Bicycle Co.

Wilde Bicycle Co. Wayfarer Fork:

One of my past frustrations when setting up my early gravel bikes was the inability to ditch some serious weight with a carbon fiber fork. Straight steer tube carbon forks were kind of a unicorn once the road bike world went for tapered steer tubes in the early 2000's.

There is a significant difference between an OEM fork in steel and an aftermarket carbon one. I am pretty sure my steel Tamland fork went around 12-1300 grams. The Wilde Wayfarer weighs about 500 grams with an uncut steer tube. That's a significant weight savings right there!

Comments: I know that there are many who won't ever give up on metal forks, but carbon fiber has been used on road bike forks since the 1990's. So that design and materials technology in the Wayfarer fork has a lot of years of advancements in technology and design to lean upon. Would it concern me if I got one to try? Yeah, because there is a weight limitation on the fork and I exceed that. So, you have to use your head and be aware that not every lightweight thing will work for every person. 

But that doesn't mean there are no options. I used a Fyxation carbon fork on my Tamland Two which weighs around 750 grams, and that still is a significant weight savings. Plus, I don't have to worry about any rider weight limitations. 

I applaud Wilde Bicycle Co. for trying to go all-out on design and see what could be done. But I would also say that I wish that Wilde, and companies that make super-lightweight stuff, would also give heavier riders options. And I think many riders within the weight limitations might even choose to use a heavier option, if one were provided, out of an abundance of caution. 

Is the Tour going to be forced to "Go Green"?

Climate Criticisms Leveled At le Tour:

I've noted a spate of reports and social media posts leveling criticisms at the Tour de France for being environmentally unfriendly. Some point out that all the team follow cars are impacting the climate with carbon emissions. Some point out the crowds the event attracts as being a contributor to this as well as having an effect in terms of litter and more. There was even a stoppage of one of the stages by protesters this year who were upset about the Tour's carbon footprint.

Is it time for le Tour to "Go Green"? Certainly, it could be a big help if team cars were forced to be electric and if support vehicles for the Tour, such as motos, nuetral service cars, and the like, were electric as well. At least from a "tailpipe emissions" standpoint. You can argue the second tier, less noticeable carbon impacts of battery production and electricity generation, but I think the "electrification" of the Tour would go a long way toward a goal of having less of an environmental impact. 

But if you really want to lower the impact, you would have to bite the bullet and go radical. As in, really radical, and take away any team cars and reduce the moto following vehicles to a minimum to run the event. Restricting crowds and where they could gather along the route might also be measures which one could take to help conserve energy and lessen the impact on the climate the event has. 

A true, self-supported tour would be awesome, in my view, and by using drones and carefully placed cameras, the event could still be "televised", (would "streamed" be a better term nowadays?), and people could pay for a feed to watch it, so you'd get revenues that way. 

It'll never happen, but wow! I think I'd watch that. I'm not watching the Tour at all anymore at this point. That doping thing really soured me on watching that event anymore. 

Anyway, I look for something to come of this climate criticism, and what the Tour will do in the future.

That's it for this edition of Randomonium!

Randomonium: Saturday Edition

NOTE: Okay folks, if you haven't been around long enough here to know what a "Randomonium" post is, then here is the deal. I ramble, rant, and randomly moan about all things cycling in one, incohesive, bizarre post. "Randomonium", okay?

Hammerhead Update:

Following up on what happened with the Hammerhead Karoo 2 unit I panned in my final take on it a while back. Well, as promised I sent it back to Hammerhead HQ with a hand written note describing my displeasure with the unit. 

I heard back about a week, week and a half ago from Hammerhead customer service. I received a very apologetic response and a promise to send out another unit to check out.

They want me to call a representative and have them "walk me through the set-up procedure". While that is uncommonly kind, and I do not expect that from them, here is my problem with that: If this unit is so intuitive, why would I have to have someone essentially hold my hand through the set-up? 

That strikes me as odd. This "step-by-step walk through from a Hammerhead rep" is not a requirement when you purchase a new Hammerhead Karoo 2, so why would that be necessary now? I feel like this says the reason why is that I was the problem here, not the Karoo 2*. If that's the case it's insulting. (Or it is an admission that their instructions are poor?) Maybe I'm wrong? Let me know in the comments. This all just strikes me as being very weird. A kind offer- but why should it be necessary? (*Note- It was brought to my attention in the comments section for this post that I did not make it clear that part of my recent frustration is that the Hammerhead rep did not indicate at all that the unit could be at fault here. So, that's a big part of my dissatisfaction with their response as well.)

In the news, Hammerhead was forced by Shimano to drop its integrations with Di2 after SRAM bought Hammerhead. Now, despite words from Hammerhead to the contrary, Hammerhead is going to pursue more integration with SRAM AXS and other SRAM owned features. Why wouldn't they, right? So, since that is not appealing to me, as I am more apt to be using Shimano stuff, this is another blow for my using a Hammerhead product. 

And yes- The whole ordeal still can get me frustrated and feeling as though Hammerhead's Karoo 2 is not what it is cracked up to be. So, there is that underlying the issues here as well. I admit this colors any future interactions with the brand's products, at least in the short term. 

More soon.....

Shimano's new EP-8 motor and XTdi2 (Image courtesy of Shimano)

Technological Conundrums:

Last week Shimano and Trek announced new advancements in electronic assist and control of bicycles. While these advancements are - on the surface of things - amazing, my question is "How does this affect cycling as a practical/recreational activity going forward?"

On the one hand, making things easier is always seen as a 'good thing' for people. (I don't necessarily subscribe to this notion, by the way) Breaking down barriers to using two-wheeled, (mostly) human powered transportation is a noble goal. But is there a point where we cross a line and technology starts to become the barrier to human health and enjoyment? 

The TQ Robotics eMTB motor found in Trek's newest Full Sus. (Image courtesy of TQ)

The new Trek Fuel EXe full suspension bike has a new e-motor developed by German company, TQ Robotics which promises lighter weight and better integration in the application of electric motors on bicycles. Integrated with this are computer functions, while being basic now, they could easily be expanded upon. Thinking about this and Shimano's new XT Di2 functions, where a rider can have the system shift for you based upon predictive sensor technology, it doesn't take much effort (pun intended) to see that this takes a lot of the complexity and- some would say- skill, out of riding. 

Lighter, more efficient motors with integrated computer tech. More system operated functionality that used to be the realm of the human rider. Where does it end? Is there a "line" to cross at all? What if this technology gets in the way by means of price to buy, maintenance costs, and availability? Does technology like this open more doors for cycling, or does it actually exclude a huge portion of the cycling public? What, if any, environmental impact does this technology have, both good and bad?

Thorny questions to consider going forward....... 

The Wayfarer fork - Image courtesy of Wilde Bicycle Co.

Wilde Bicycle Co. Wayfarer Fork:

One of my past frustrations when setting up my early gravel bikes was the inability to ditch some serious weight with a carbon fiber fork. Straight steer tube carbon forks were kind of a unicorn once the road bike world went for tapered steer tubes in the early 2000's.

There is a significant difference between an OEM fork in steel and an aftermarket carbon one. I am pretty sure my steel Tamland fork went around 12-1300 grams. The Wilde Wayfarer weighs about 500 grams with an uncut steer tube. That's a significant weight savings right there!

Comments: I know that there are many who won't ever give up on metal forks, but carbon fiber has been used on road bike forks since the 1990's. So that design and materials technology in the Wayfarer fork has a lot of years of advancements in technology and design to lean upon. Would it concern me if I got one to try? Yeah, because there is a weight limitation on the fork and I exceed that. So, you have to use your head and be aware that not every lightweight thing will work for every person. 

But that doesn't mean there are no options. I used a Fyxation carbon fork on my Tamland Two which weighs around 750 grams, and that still is a significant weight savings. Plus, I don't have to worry about any rider weight limitations. 

I applaud Wilde Bicycle Co. for trying to go all-out on design and see what could be done. But I would also say that I wish that Wilde, and companies that make super-lightweight stuff, would also give heavier riders options. And I think many riders within the weight limitations might even choose to use a heavier option, if one were provided, out of an abundance of caution. 

Is the Tour going to be forced to "Go Green"?

Climate Criticisms Leveled At le Tour:

I've noted a spate of reports and social media posts leveling criticisms at the Tour de France for being environmentally unfriendly. Some point out that all the team follow cars are impacting the climate with carbon emissions. Some point out the crowds the event attracts as being a contributor to this as well as having an effect in terms of litter and more. There was even a stoppage of one of the stages by protesters this year who were upset about the Tour's carbon footprint.

Is it time for le Tour to "Go Green"? Certainly, it could be a big help if team cars were forced to be electric and if support vehicles for the Tour, such as motos, nuetral service cars, and the like, were electric as well. At least from a "tailpipe emissions" standpoint. You can argue the second tier, less noticeable carbon impacts of battery production and electricity generation, but I think the "electrification" of the Tour would go a long way toward a goal of having less of an environmental impact. 

But if you really want to lower the impact, you would have to bite the bullet and go radical. As in, really radical, and take away any team cars and reduce the moto following vehicles to a minimum to run the event. Restricting crowds and where they could gather along the route might also be measures which one could take to help conserve energy and lessen the impact on the climate the event has. 

A true, self-supported tour would be awesome, in my view, and by using drones and carefully placed cameras, the event could still be "televised", (would "streamed" be a better term nowadays?), and people could pay for a feed to watch it, so you'd get revenues that way. 

It'll never happen, but wow! I think I'd watch that. I'm not watching the Tour at all anymore at this point. That doping thing really soured me on watching that event anymore. 

Anyway, I look for something to come of this climate criticism, and what the Tour will do in the future.

That's it for this edition of Randomonium!