Friday News And Views

The Enve MOG gravel bike (Image courtesy of ENVE)

 Enve Adds Gravel Bike:

It used to be that Enve was all about carbon wheels and a few other carbon components. Now they sell.....all kinds of stuff. It's a bit weird, but whatever. 

Last week Enve announced a new gravel bike called the MOG and a bunch of people went weak in the knees over it. It's cool and all, and there a lot of things I like about it, but there are two things I kind am bugged by concerning this bike.

One is the move that seems to be the thing to do these days in terms of increasing tire clearances to nearly 29"er sizes. I already gave my two cents on this design trend in last week's "FN&V". So, I won't delve into that anymore here. If you want to know bad enough what I think, you can click that link and read the bit about Hutchinson tires. 

The other thing that bugs me here is that the frame, fork, handle bar, seat post, stem, and head set costs $5500.00 . A cost that is pretty ridiculous, in my opinion. Sure, its got internal routing, "in bike storage", yadda, yadda, yadda. This seems pretty expensive when compared to a Trek Checkpoint SL which also has internal routing, in bike storage, and ISO Speed decouplers for 3100 bucks less. Yeah, yeah.... No handle bars, seat post, or stem, which the MOG comes with, but I think I can spend less than 3100 bucks on those items.

And then there are the websites like the one for the MOG which have TONS of marketing blah-blah which you have to scroll through and you have to click off to another page just to find out the details and pricing. To be fair, Enve is not alone in this. It is something I've noted across many websites lately and I find it annoying. 

Anyway..... Maybe I'm just being grumpy....

The Motorola Defy (Image courtesy of Motorola)

Motorola Debuts Device For Backcountry Adventurers:

Credit to my friend Ari Andonopoulous for pointing this one out to me. This is a device that looks like a key fob that connects to your smart phone and enables you to text from.....well, anywhere, I guess.

It's much like a Garmin InReach in what it does as far as communications and for working as an emergency beacon. However; it costs a lot less at $99.00 for the device and $5.00/month subscription. 

You can read all about this device here. (NOTE: Updated link. Previous link was pay-walled. Apologies for any inconveniences)

Comments: One day having everything run off satellites and internet is going to bite us. We've mostly forgotten how to survive without these things. This goes for this device in my way of thinking, but on the other hand, if it saves a life? Who can argue with that?

But in some sense, are things like this enabling us to think we're "off the hook" for considering our risk taking more seriously? I think that happens to a degree with a lot of things, not just in the case of this device. Think about cycling related things. Would you attempt that drop off on your MTB without a helmet and suspension, for instance? 

It's a thorny discussion and maybe there is no "right" answer. But a part of me is saddened for some reason every time something like this comes along. As my friend Ari said to me via a message, "We used to live in a free world."

My workbench circa 2007

New Data Showing Shop Rates/Wages For Mechanics Up:

In a recently published article in "Bicycle Retailer and Industry News" there is new data to suggest that mechanics wages and shop rates have increased since the pandemic. 

Pre-pandemic, shop rates and mechanic's wages were woefully low compared to other skilled trades. (Yes- being a bicycle mechanic is a skilled trade folks.) Riders enjoyed under-priced labor for decades when it came to shop rates and mechanic's wages. I know- It was rather jarring to go from what I made while working on cars to what I made while working on bicycles. 

In the article, shop owners were asked what they are paying now and charging consumers now for shop rates versus pre-pandemic. Rates, on average, are up just slightly over what inflation has been over the last three years. While this may make it seem like shops are being "opportunistic" and "taking advantage of consumers", (both complaints I see a lot of in comments sections now), the reality is that shop rates and labor prices have been too cheap for far too long.

Mechanically inclined riders with enough disposable income to purchase tools and parts may scoff, but realize that you are a minority, albeit a very vocal one, and that most everyone else that rides is not in your position. They rely on mechanics and shops to service complex electronic and mechanical systems found on today's road, MTB, and HPC/eBike bicycles. 

Going shop labor rates seem to be about $100-$120.00/hr for labor and pay for employees is averaging $20.00-$25.00/hr for well qualified mechanics. Beginner mechanics seem to be drawing just under $20.00 on average per hour worked. Obviously there are exceptions to this.

I had to laugh at one shop owner who stated that his shop charges $20.00 for a flat change and the tube price is extra. I'm thinking that would fly like a lead balloon here in the Waterloo/Cedar Falls area. But shouldn't it cost that much? Yes- it should cost that much. It takes years of experience and lots of insider knowledge to be a bicycle mechanic - a good one - and not just anyone can do it, or do it well. 

I never benefited from right-priced labor and shop pay. But I sure hope more bicycle mechanics do in the future.  

 "Escape"aims to revolutionize cycling media. (Image courtesy of Escape social media)

"Escape" Online Cycling Media Concern Is Unveiled:

In January, I posted in an "FN&V" that there was a new cycling media concern being hatched behind the scenes that would be "subscription based" and that would harness the talents of several recently ousted cycling media personalities. 

This new outlet is to be known as  "Escape". It will be made up of a list of some well known cycling media personalities and some maybe not quite so well known ones. 

The mission statement, I suppose, is the following from the "Escape" website: "We have a voice and responsibility to make cycling better, to hold those in power to account, and to educate and inform. We’ll provide coverage of important topics while also writing and recording things that put a smile on your face. We will not take the unserious seriously. We will take the serious seriously."

Comments: Last time I commented on this idea it spurred some passionate response and I find that a bit odd. I doubt in the least what I write here has any bearing whatsoever upon "Escape". its writers, or its fans. But be that as it may, I have my opinions and I am sticking to them since I have no reasons presented before me to change my mind. 

When I last commented on this business idea I was under the impression that there would be seven journalists, but the reality is three times that many and maybe more. (UPDATE: Here's a "Colorado Sun" story with more details. Apparently they have 8 full-time writers) The site does say that certain elements to their plan would be "unlocked" depending upon how much support that they can drum up at a $99.00/year subscription price or a one-time $1000.00 give for 'lifetime' access.

Interestingly, the site says that they are a "collective". Typically, in a business sense, that means an organization that is managed without hierarchy. I cannot speak as to how that might work for "Escape", but we will see.... 

Wishing everyone involved all the best.

In a larger sense does this signal an end to "free" professional level journalism? Paywalled articles are perhaps the only way forward for working writers, but on the other hand, it alienates a large section of the populace that won't see, or have enough funds to access, opinions and facts. I'm not sure that's a good thing, or how it will all work out, but we will be finding out sooner than later. 

Industry 9 has head sets now. (Image courtesy of Industry 9)

New Industry 9 Headsets Announced:

Industry 9 announced on Wednesday of this week that they now have an array of headset options for your bike in their typical palette of gorgeous anodized colors. 

Their design utilizes a tool-free crown race and compression ring set up for ease of installation. You can pick up one for about $195.00. They call this headset the "iRix", by the way.

Comments: Another USA made headset option here which can be utilized to customize your look on your bike. This makes what?  Four USA made colorful options for a headset now? (Industry 9, Chris King, White Industries, and Wolf Tooth. Am I missing any?)

The price on these seems a bit high, but there ya go. They aren't out of line with Chris King pricing and just a bit more than White Industries. Another option that is out there, at any rate. Pricing on premium head sets is way up these days over what they were about five years ago. It used to be that a premium, anodized head set was around $120.00. Not anymore, it would seem.

 That's all for this week. I hope everyone gets outside and I thank you for reading Guitar Ted Productions.

Friday News And Views

The Enve MOG gravel bike (Image courtesy of ENVE)

 Enve Adds Gravel Bike:

It used to be that Enve was all about carbon wheels and a few other carbon components. Now they sell.....all kinds of stuff. It's a bit weird, but whatever. 

Last week Enve announced a new gravel bike called the MOG and a bunch of people went weak in the knees over it. It's cool and all, and there a lot of things I like about it, but there are two things I kind am bugged by concerning this bike.

One is the move that seems to be the thing to do these days in terms of increasing tire clearances to nearly 29"er sizes. I already gave my two cents on this design trend in last week's "FN&V". So, I won't delve into that anymore here. If you want to know bad enough what I think, you can click that link and read the bit about Hutchinson tires. 

The other thing that bugs me here is that the frame, fork, handle bar, seat post, stem, and head set costs $5500.00 . A cost that is pretty ridiculous, in my opinion. Sure, its got internal routing, "in bike storage", yadda, yadda, yadda. This seems pretty expensive when compared to a Trek Checkpoint SL which also has internal routing, in bike storage, and ISO Speed decouplers for 3100 bucks less. Yeah, yeah.... No handle bars, seat post, or stem, which the MOG comes with, but I think I can spend less than 3100 bucks on those items.

And then there are the websites like the one for the MOG which have TONS of marketing blah-blah which you have to scroll through and you have to click off to another page just to find out the details and pricing. To be fair, Enve is not alone in this. It is something I've noted across many websites lately and I find it annoying. 

Anyway..... Maybe I'm just being grumpy....

The Motorola Defy (Image courtesy of Motorola)

Motorola Debuts Device For Backcountry Adventurers:

Credit to my friend Ari Andonopoulous for pointing this one out to me. This is a device that looks like a key fob that connects to your smart phone and enables you to text from.....well, anywhere, I guess.

It's much like a Garmin InReach in what it does as far as communications and for working as an emergency beacon. However; it costs a lot less at $99.00 for the device and $5.00/month subscription. 

You can read all about this device here. (NOTE: Updated link. Previous link was pay-walled. Apologies for any inconveniences)

Comments: One day having everything run off satellites and internet is going to bite us. We've mostly forgotten how to survive without these things. This goes for this device in my way of thinking, but on the other hand, if it saves a life? Who can argue with that?

But in some sense, are things like this enabling us to think we're "off the hook" for considering our risk taking more seriously? I think that happens to a degree with a lot of things, not just in the case of this device. Think about cycling related things. Would you attempt that drop off on your MTB without a helmet and suspension, for instance? 

It's a thorny discussion and maybe there is no "right" answer. But a part of me is saddened for some reason every time something like this comes along. As my friend Ari said to me via a message, "We used to live in a free world."

My workbench circa 2007

New Data Showing Shop Rates/Wages For Mechanics Up:

In a recently published article in "Bicycle Retailer and Industry News" there is new data to suggest that mechanics wages and shop rates have increased since the pandemic. 

Pre-pandemic, shop rates and mechanic's wages were woefully low compared to other skilled trades. (Yes- being a bicycle mechanic is a skilled trade folks.) Riders enjoyed under-priced labor for decades when it came to shop rates and mechanic's wages. I know- It was rather jarring to go from what I made while working on cars to what I made while working on bicycles. 

In the article, shop owners were asked what they are paying now and charging consumers now for shop rates versus pre-pandemic. Rates, on average, are up just slightly over what inflation has been over the last three years. While this may make it seem like shops are being "opportunistic" and "taking advantage of consumers", (both complaints I see a lot of in comments sections now), the reality is that shop rates and labor prices have been too cheap for far too long.

Mechanically inclined riders with enough disposable income to purchase tools and parts may scoff, but realize that you are a minority, albeit a very vocal one, and that most everyone else that rides is not in your position. They rely on mechanics and shops to service complex electronic and mechanical systems found on today's road, MTB, and HPC/eBike bicycles. 

Going shop labor rates seem to be about $100-$120.00/hr for labor and pay for employees is averaging $20.00-$25.00/hr for well qualified mechanics. Beginner mechanics seem to be drawing just under $20.00 on average per hour worked. Obviously there are exceptions to this.

I had to laugh at one shop owner who stated that his shop charges $20.00 for a flat change and the tube price is extra. I'm thinking that would fly like a lead balloon here in the Waterloo/Cedar Falls area. But shouldn't it cost that much? Yes- it should cost that much. It takes years of experience and lots of insider knowledge to be a bicycle mechanic - a good one - and not just anyone can do it, or do it well. 

I never benefited from right-priced labor and shop pay. But I sure hope more bicycle mechanics do in the future.  

 "Escape"aims to revolutionize cycling media. (Image courtesy of Escape social media)

"Escape" Online Cycling Media Concern Is Unveiled:

In January, I posted in an "FN&V" that there was a new cycling media concern being hatched behind the scenes that would be "subscription based" and that would harness the talents of several recently ousted cycling media personalities. 

This new outlet is to be known as  "Escape". It will be made up of a list of some well known cycling media personalities and some maybe not quite so well known ones. 

The mission statement, I suppose, is the following from the "Escape" website: "We have a voice and responsibility to make cycling better, to hold those in power to account, and to educate and inform. We’ll provide coverage of important topics while also writing and recording things that put a smile on your face. We will not take the unserious seriously. We will take the serious seriously."

Comments: Last time I commented on this idea it spurred some passionate response and I find that a bit odd. I doubt in the least what I write here has any bearing whatsoever upon "Escape". its writers, or its fans. But be that as it may, I have my opinions and I am sticking to them since I have no reasons presented before me to change my mind. 

When I last commented on this business idea I was under the impression that there would be seven journalists, but the reality is three times that many and maybe more. (UPDATE: Here's a "Colorado Sun" story with more details. Apparently they have 8 full-time writers) The site does say that certain elements to their plan would be "unlocked" depending upon how much support that they can drum up at a $99.00/year subscription price or a one-time $1000.00 give for 'lifetime' access.

Interestingly, the site says that they are a "collective". Typically, in a business sense, that means an organization that is managed without hierarchy. I cannot speak as to how that might work for "Escape", but we will see.... 

Wishing everyone involved all the best.

In a larger sense does this signal an end to "free" professional level journalism? Paywalled articles are perhaps the only way forward for working writers, but on the other hand, it alienates a large section of the populace that won't see, or have enough funds to access, opinions and facts. I'm not sure that's a good thing, or how it will all work out, but we will be finding out sooner than later. 

Industry 9 has head sets now. (Image courtesy of Industry 9)

New Industry 9 Headsets Announced:

Industry 9 announced on Wednesday of this week that they now have an array of headset options for your bike in their typical palette of gorgeous anodized colors. 

Their design utilizes a tool-free crown race and compression ring set up for ease of installation. You can pick up one for about $195.00. They call this headset the "iRix", by the way.

Comments: Another USA made headset option here which can be utilized to customize your look on your bike. This makes what?  Four USA made colorful options for a headset now? (Industry 9, Chris King, White Industries, and Wolf Tooth. Am I missing any?)

The price on these seems a bit high, but there ya go. They aren't out of line with Chris King pricing and just a bit more than White Industries. Another option that is out there, at any rate. Pricing on premium head sets is way up these days over what they were about five years ago. It used to be that a premium, anodized head set was around $120.00. Not anymore, it would seem.

 That's all for this week. I hope everyone gets outside and I thank you for reading Guitar Ted Productions.

Friday News And Views

2020 Cutthroat frame/fork

 Salsa Cycles Issues Recall Notices On Cutthroat, Cutthroat Frame sets, And Carbon Forks: 

Earlier this week Salsa Cycles issued recall notices for certain Cutthroat, Cutthroat frame sets, and after market carbon forks. See the specifics here: https://salsacycles.com/cutthroat-carbon-v2-fork-recall

The statement released by Salsa Cycles reads as follows: 

"In some instances, the fork can crack or break which could lead to a crash. Stop riding your bicycle immediately and take it to a Salsa Authorized Retailer for inspection or replacement if necessary."

The models are listed on the site at the link provided above. Be aware that you cannot identify fork batch serial numbers without removing the fork, so an outward inspection is not enough. Please follow recommendations and check out your Cutthroat at a Salsa Cycles dealer if you think it may be affected by this recall.  

The fizik Alpaca Tool Carrier as mounted to a Terra XC saddle. Image courtesy of fizik.

fizik Debuts Tool Storage Solution:

Remember in last week's "FN&V" post where I shared with you all about that 'gravel specific Terra saddle from fizik? Well, they just announced a tool storage solution to go along with those saddles also. It is called the Alpaca Tool Carrier. 

It is not completely obvious how the Alpaca Tool Carrier integrates with the Terra saddles, but fizik says in its press release that" For a secure, integrated connection, the Tool Carrier easily affixes to your Alpaca saddle with a single screw." At any rate, you get a 12 function multi-tool and a place for two CO2 cartridges. The multi-tool body does double duty as an air inflation head. You also get "removable housing for two C02 cartridges, reusable zip ties and extra space for other small essentials. "

This isn't the first integrated tool carrying solution which works with a cycling saddle. THAT distinction would go to the Brooks B-17, most likely. Those two metal tabs on the back edge of Brooks B-17's are supposed to be mounting points for a leather tool bag, which Brooks also makes, (or did until recently). 

The fizik solution may appeal to those who buy into this saddle. It's kind of a neat, streamlined way to do things if you are all about CO2 carts. I know many of you are not really fans for various reasons. I also am not, but many folks dig the idea and this may be something that appeals to your needs. 

Arc8's new 'Eero' model gravel bike. Image courtesy of Arc8

A Look At The Latest In 'Gravel' Bikes: 

You may have noticed the mainstream cycling press sounding off on a new 'gravel' bike from a Swiss company called Arc8. The model the sites were carrying on about is the Eero, which is the first name of a famous rally car driver from the past with a penchant for gravel road performances, apparently. 

At any rate, while the marketing claims and hyperbole surrounding this release is somewhat laughable, I wanted to see what, if anything, this bike has that 'gravel' bikes had back in 2014 when the Tamland came around. So with that in mind, let's scrutinize the differences, shall we?

The Eero has what has been termed a 'more racy gravel geometry' which is not all slacked out. Hmm.... Okay, I found that these bikes sport a 71° head angle with a 50mm fork offset. The Tamland sported a 71.5° head angle with the same 50mm offset. The Eero has a 75mm bottom bracket drop with 420mm chain stays and clearances for 'up to a 50mm tire'. The Tamland had a 72.5mm bottom bracket drop with 435mm chain stays and clearances for up to a 50mm tire. 

The Eero has a frame which is carbon fiber, with claimed stiffness in the bottom bracket and a stiffer head tube than previous models offered by Arc8. The Tamland had a Reynolds 631 frame and fork with a beautiful 'steel' ride, and not at all like a carbon bike. 

The Eero also has the now prized 'clean' look since ALL it's cables are internally routed starting at the stem. The Raleigh had traditional, external routed cables with full run housing for both front and rear brakes.  Both bikes have two water bottle bosses inside the front triangle. The Eero also has a 'bento box' mount on the top tube and an additional cage mount underneath the down tube, as did later Tamlands. 

Comments: The geometry hasn't changed all that much with the exception of 'road racer' inspired short chain stays, which some say make the bike feel 'snappier'. I don't know about that, but I do know shoving the rear wheel underneath your butt more, (especially on larger sized riders) is a recipe for a bouncier ride off pavement. It also sketches out loose gravel descents. Noted also that the stiffness of the Eero was touted. Again- not exactly what we gravel riding folks are looking to have there. 

There are no provisions for bottle mounts on the forks of either this or the Tamland. However; you probably wouldn't want to ride a really stiff bike long enough to drink five water bottles worth of fluids either.  Or maybe you would. Good luck with that. 

Anyway, this whole 'gravel' thing should really be seen as an 'anti-racing', all-road, adventure, utility bike, better than racing bikes bike. Not a super-stiff race rocket, which is pretty much what the Eero sounds like to me. Maybe I'm all wrong, but if this is what becomes of gravel bikes, well some of it is right on, but rider comfort and control are, once again, being sacrificed. Not to mention ease of maintenance with the stupid internally routed stem cables. Gah! At least the Eero has a threaded bottom bracket. 

The WTB CZR rim in 23mm internal width. Image courtesy of WTB.

WTB Announces New Carbon Rims With The CZR:

Thursday WTB released news that they had a new offering for carbon rims dubbed CZR. Coming in two internal width sizes of 23mm and 30mm, WTB is aiming at the gravel and MTB riders here. This rim is lightweight, obviously, but according to WTB's press release, the CZR rims have also been tested and found to be very tough and stiff laterally. Both very desirable traits in a rim for off-pavement usage.   

The CZR also features WTB's 4D spoke hole 'geometry', which as a wheel builder myself, having used this feature, I can tell you that it does reduce unwanted tensions on the spoke where it exits the rim. This theoretically leads to a longer spoke life. I built an aluminum rimmed wheel set using WTB's 4D spoke drilling back 8 years ago and those wheels are still going with zero spoke issues. That's one data point, but it also is something to consider. 

Now for the bad part: $569.95 for EACH rim. Ouch! But......here's how I would look at this: You build up a set here with a decent hub set, let's say you spend around $600-$700 on that, then spokes, nipples, rim tape, and these rims. For under 2G you'd have a premium set of wheels, hand built, and I would expect them to last years and years. I mean, for gravel road riding? I'd think well over ten years would be nothing. You'd replace hub bearings maybe a time or three, but that's it. So, it would make sense for someone to build up a set IF they were thinking they would be cycling seriously and a lot for many years with a bike style that would fit this wheel's MO. 

Now on the MTB side, eh......less of a long term prospect here. Why? Well, wheel standards have changed what? Three times in the last ten years?  Changed so much that hubs are completely different lengths and with completely different interfaces. So, given that history, I would be remiss if I didn't think that trend would continue. In my opinion, the gravel bike thing is less likely to change, but even so- one could re-lace these to a new hub set. So, you would have to maybe think along those lines to justify the price. 

At any rate, an interesting new carbon rim here and something that can be used to lace up to any high end hub. There is a crash replacement warranty and a limited lifetime warranty on these as well. Check it out at WTB's site.  

That's a wrap for this week. Hope you all are getting outside! 

Friday News And Views

2020 Cutthroat frame/fork

 Salsa Cycles Issues Recall Notices On Cutthroat, Cutthroat Frame sets, And Carbon Forks: 

Earlier this week Salsa Cycles issued recall notices for certain Cutthroat, Cutthroat frame sets, and after market carbon forks. See the specifics here: https://salsacycles.com/cutthroat-carbon-v2-fork-recall

The statement released by Salsa Cycles reads as follows: 

"In some instances, the fork can crack or break which could lead to a crash. Stop riding your bicycle immediately and take it to a Salsa Authorized Retailer for inspection or replacement if necessary."

The models are listed on the site at the link provided above. Be aware that you cannot identify fork batch serial numbers without removing the fork, so an outward inspection is not enough. Please follow recommendations and check out your Cutthroat at a Salsa Cycles dealer if you think it may be affected by this recall.  

The fizik Alpaca Tool Carrier as mounted to a Terra XC saddle. Image courtesy of fizik.

fizik Debuts Tool Storage Solution:

Remember in last week's "FN&V" post where I shared with you all about that 'gravel specific Terra saddle from fizik? Well, they just announced a tool storage solution to go along with those saddles also. It is called the Alpaca Tool Carrier. 

It is not completely obvious how the Alpaca Tool Carrier integrates with the Terra saddles, but fizik says in its press release that" For a secure, integrated connection, the Tool Carrier easily affixes to your Alpaca saddle with a single screw." At any rate, you get a 12 function multi-tool and a place for two CO2 cartridges. The multi-tool body does double duty as an air inflation head. You also get "removable housing for two C02 cartridges, reusable zip ties and extra space for other small essentials. "

This isn't the first integrated tool carrying solution which works with a cycling saddle. THAT distinction would go to the Brooks B-17, most likely. Those two metal tabs on the back edge of Brooks B-17's are supposed to be mounting points for a leather tool bag, which Brooks also makes, (or did until recently). 

The fizik solution may appeal to those who buy into this saddle. It's kind of a neat, streamlined way to do things if you are all about CO2 carts. I know many of you are not really fans for various reasons. I also am not, but many folks dig the idea and this may be something that appeals to your needs. 

Arc8's new 'Eero' model gravel bike. Image courtesy of Arc8

A Look At The Latest In 'Gravel' Bikes: 

You may have noticed the mainstream cycling press sounding off on a new 'gravel' bike from a Swiss company called Arc8. The model the sites were carrying on about is the Eero, which is the first name of a famous rally car driver from the past with a penchant for gravel road performances, apparently. 

At any rate, while the marketing claims and hyperbole surrounding this release is somewhat laughable, I wanted to see what, if anything, this bike has that 'gravel' bikes had back in 2014 when the Tamland came around. So with that in mind, let's scrutinize the differences, shall we?

The Eero has what has been termed a 'more racy gravel geometry' which is not all slacked out. Hmm.... Okay, I found that these bikes sport a 71° head angle with a 50mm fork offset. The Tamland sported a 71.5° head angle with the same 50mm offset. The Eero has a 75mm bottom bracket drop with 420mm chain stays and clearances for 'up to a 50mm tire'. The Tamland had a 72.5mm bottom bracket drop with 435mm chain stays and clearances for up to a 50mm tire. 

The Eero has a frame which is carbon fiber, with claimed stiffness in the bottom bracket and a stiffer head tube than previous models offered by Arc8. The Tamland had a Reynolds 631 frame and fork with a beautiful 'steel' ride, and not at all like a carbon bike. 

The Eero also has the now prized 'clean' look since ALL it's cables are internally routed starting at the stem. The Raleigh had traditional, external routed cables with full run housing for both front and rear brakes.  Both bikes have two water bottle bosses inside the front triangle. The Eero also has a 'bento box' mount on the top tube and an additional cage mount underneath the down tube, as did later Tamlands. 

Comments: The geometry hasn't changed all that much with the exception of 'road racer' inspired short chain stays, which some say make the bike feel 'snappier'. I don't know about that, but I do know shoving the rear wheel underneath your butt more, (especially on larger sized riders) is a recipe for a bouncier ride off pavement. It also sketches out loose gravel descents. Noted also that the stiffness of the Eero was touted. Again- not exactly what we gravel riding folks are looking to have there. 

There are no provisions for bottle mounts on the forks of either this or the Tamland. However; you probably wouldn't want to ride a really stiff bike long enough to drink five water bottles worth of fluids either.  Or maybe you would. Good luck with that. 

Anyway, this whole 'gravel' thing should really be seen as an 'anti-racing', all-road, adventure, utility bike, better than racing bikes bike. Not a super-stiff race rocket, which is pretty much what the Eero sounds like to me. Maybe I'm all wrong, but if this is what becomes of gravel bikes, well some of it is right on, but rider comfort and control are, once again, being sacrificed. Not to mention ease of maintenance with the stupid internally routed stem cables. Gah! At least the Eero has a threaded bottom bracket. 

The WTB CZR rim in 23mm internal width. Image courtesy of WTB.

WTB Announces New Carbon Rims With The CZR:

Thursday WTB released news that they had a new offering for carbon rims dubbed CZR. Coming in two internal width sizes of 23mm and 30mm, WTB is aiming at the gravel and MTB riders here. This rim is lightweight, obviously, but according to WTB's press release, the CZR rims have also been tested and found to be very tough and stiff laterally. Both very desirable traits in a rim for off-pavement usage.   

The CZR also features WTB's 4D spoke hole 'geometry', which as a wheel builder myself, having used this feature, I can tell you that it does reduce unwanted tensions on the spoke where it exits the rim. This theoretically leads to a longer spoke life. I built an aluminum rimmed wheel set using WTB's 4D spoke drilling back 8 years ago and those wheels are still going with zero spoke issues. That's one data point, but it also is something to consider. 

Now for the bad part: $569.95 for EACH rim. Ouch! But......here's how I would look at this: You build up a set here with a decent hub set, let's say you spend around $600-$700 on that, then spokes, nipples, rim tape, and these rims. For under 2G you'd have a premium set of wheels, hand built, and I would expect them to last years and years. I mean, for gravel road riding? I'd think well over ten years would be nothing. You'd replace hub bearings maybe a time or three, but that's it. So, it would make sense for someone to build up a set IF they were thinking they would be cycling seriously and a lot for many years with a bike style that would fit this wheel's MO. 

Now on the MTB side, eh......less of a long term prospect here. Why? Well, wheel standards have changed what? Three times in the last ten years?  Changed so much that hubs are completely different lengths and with completely different interfaces. So, given that history, I would be remiss if I didn't think that trend would continue. In my opinion, the gravel bike thing is less likely to change, but even so- one could re-lace these to a new hub set. So, you would have to maybe think along those lines to justify the price. 

At any rate, an interesting new carbon rim here and something that can be used to lace up to any high end hub. There is a crash replacement warranty and a limited lifetime warranty on these as well. Check it out at WTB's site.  

That's a wrap for this week. Hope you all are getting outside! 

Friday News And Views

Low profile lock ring (L) and typical Shimano style (R)

A Close Shave:

I decided it was high time to get a move on and check out some stuff I have in for review and testing for RidingGravel.com . I had been waiting on the wheels I was supposed to be getting, but there are delays, and then shipping, and yada,yada,yada....... Time is getting short in the review world in the Upper Mid-West when it comes to gravel road travel. Soon we will have ice and snow, or one would think, and then that's that for doing anything meaningful with regard to this gig on RidingGravel.com for me.

Anyway.... I digress as usual. The thing is, all this other stuff I had was waiting on those wheels and it's been weeks now. So, an executive decision was made and I swapped out to my Irwin Cycling carbon wheels to stand in for the wheels I was supposed to be getting. That unlocks a dam of accessory stuff I used to set up the tires tubeless and the tires themselves are a review as well.

Everything went well except for when I dumped the entire cassette/free hub assembly right off the hub onto the floor as I was doing the tubeless set up. Doh! Fortunately it fell in such a way that the free hub wasn't damaged, but......a couple of those itty-bitty pawls came out!  Where did they go?!! A full blown freak-out was averted when I almost immediately found the two rascals. Then it took 15 minutes to coax it all back together and finally, I was able to get back to what I had intended on doing. NOTE: The Irwin Cycling Aon GX 35 Carbon Wheels have a free hub that has a tool-less removal. (Got it!)

Next up was to fit the wheels into the test bike, the Noble Bikes GX5. Well, the back wasn't a problem. A little derailleur adjustment and "bingo!". Spot on. I put the front in, screwed in the through axle bolt, and tightened it. The wheel would barely turn. "Ah!", I thought, "Probably needs a caliper adjustment." I loosened the caliper and.....what? The wheel wasn't turning. But the brake pads are not even touching the rotor??

Then it dawned on me. Something is dragging on a stationary part. I've had IS adapter bolts drag on rotors, and similar issues, but this was a new one on me. The lock ring for the center lock rotor was dragging on the "bulge" which accommodated the threaded insert to accept the lower flat mount caliper fixing bolt. (See image above for differences in lock rings.) The original wheels had a low profile lock ring while the Irwin ones used a traditional Shimano style lock ring.

The green arrow points to the minuscule amount of clearance for the lock ring on the rotor.

Okay, so swap lock ring, done, bing,bam,boom! Right? Not so fast....... The low profile lock ring on the Irwin wheel would not engage the Center Lock rotor unless I used a spacer. (By the way, I see now looking at my own picture that the spacer isn't centered. Yeah.... Still works, but I'll likely fix that.)

Once spacer and low-pro lock ring are on there I have a freely spinning wheel. Yay! I look at the clearance. What?! A close shave there, but it worked. All it has to do is clear that part of the fork. I maybe could look for a thinner spacer(s), and I probably will, but at least I got the thing to work now.

So, when your mechanic says that there was an issue swapping wheels on your fancy-pants bike, maybe you might recall this, and then think twice about it before you let him/her have what for. Standards? HA! It's always something, I tell ya........

C.O.G. 100 Course Drawn Up:

So, a little news today on the course for the C.O.G. 100 coming up in March of next year. I got a preliminary course drawn up and now we will see about reconning it. That is, if it ever stops raining around here. 

So, here's the deal. You C.O.G. 100 freaks weren't too pleased when I gave you 11 bonus miles for your single speed pleasure last Spring, so I've cut the bonus miles down to three.  THREE! That means the course, tentatively speaking, will be 103 miles in length. We may be able to shave it closer to 100 after we recon the thing, but I doubt it.

The next thing I recall folks getting all screwed up about was where the resupply point was. So, guess what? It is- again, this is tentative, subject to change without warning, and all that- at about FORTY EIGHT MILES INTO THE COURSE! Can you believe it? Now watch......someone will say that doesn't work for them. Just wait. Someone will complain about this. Anyway.......

So, there is ANOTHER chance to resupply- albeit off course on a hard top road about 3/4's of a mile from the course- at about 67 miles in. How about that? TWO chances to resupply. I don't know, but that sounds pretty good to me. Oh! And if you avail yourself of the second chance at resupply, YOU GET MORE BONUS SINGLE SPEEDING! (No charge, completely free and optional!)

Now, there will be Level B Road sections. Yes, plural. BUT.....the total should be 1 mile. The first section is really pretty short. Maybe a quarter mile. The next one looks to be about , (you guessed it!), 3/4's of a mile. Unlike last Spring, these will be later into the course, within the last third, I'd say now. Again, that could change. We haven't done ANY recon yet, so keep your mind open to possible changes.

Oh yeah.....there will be a few hills. I wouldn't worry much about that part.

That's it for today folks! Get out and ride those bicycles!

Friday News And Views

Low profile lock ring (L) and typical Shimano style (R)

A Close Shave:

I decided it was high time to get a move on and check out some stuff I have in for review and testing for RidingGravel.com . I had been waiting on the wheels I was supposed to be getting, but there are delays, and then shipping, and yada,yada,yada....... Time is getting short in the review world in the Upper Mid-West when it comes to gravel road travel. Soon we will have ice and snow, or one would think, and then that's that for doing anything meaningful with regard to this gig on RidingGravel.com for me.

Anyway.... I digress as usual. The thing is, all this other stuff I had was waiting on those wheels and it's been weeks now. So, an executive decision was made and I swapped out to my Irwin Cycling carbon wheels to stand in for the wheels I was supposed to be getting. That unlocks a dam of accessory stuff I used to set up the tires tubeless and the tires themselves are a review as well.

Everything went well except for when I dumped the entire cassette/free hub assembly right off the hub onto the floor as I was doing the tubeless set up. Doh! Fortunately it fell in such a way that the free hub wasn't damaged, but......a couple of those itty-bitty pawls came out!  Where did they go?!! A full blown freak-out was averted when I almost immediately found the two rascals. Then it took 15 minutes to coax it all back together and finally, I was able to get back to what I had intended on doing. NOTE: The Irwin Cycling Aon GX 35 Carbon Wheels have a free hub that has a tool-less removal. (Got it!)

Next up was to fit the wheels into the test bike, the Noble Bikes GX5. Well, the back wasn't a problem. A little derailleur adjustment and "bingo!". Spot on. I put the front in, screwed in the through axle bolt, and tightened it. The wheel would barely turn. "Ah!", I thought, "Probably needs a caliper adjustment." I loosened the caliper and.....what? The wheel wasn't turning. But the brake pads are not even touching the rotor??

Then it dawned on me. Something is dragging on a stationary part. I've had IS adapter bolts drag on rotors, and similar issues, but this was a new one on me. The lock ring for the center lock rotor was dragging on the "bulge" which accommodated the threaded insert to accept the lower flat mount caliper fixing bolt. (See image above for differences in lock rings.) The original wheels had a low profile lock ring while the Irwin ones used a traditional Shimano style lock ring.

The green arrow points to the minuscule amount of clearance for the lock ring on the rotor.

Okay, so swap lock ring, done, bing,bam,boom! Right? Not so fast....... The low profile lock ring on the Irwin wheel would not engage the Center Lock rotor unless I used a spacer. (By the way, I see now looking at my own picture that the spacer isn't centered. Yeah.... Still works, but I'll likely fix that.)

Once spacer and low-pro lock ring are on there I have a freely spinning wheel. Yay! I look at the clearance. What?! A close shave there, but it worked. All it has to do is clear that part of the fork. I maybe could look for a thinner spacer(s), and I probably will, but at least I got the thing to work now.

So, when your mechanic says that there was an issue swapping wheels on your fancy-pants bike, maybe you might recall this, and then think twice about it before you let him/her have what for. Standards? HA! It's always something, I tell ya........

C.O.G. 100 Course Drawn Up:

So, a little news today on the course for the C.O.G. 100 coming up in March of next year. I got a preliminary course drawn up and now we will see about reconning it. That is, if it ever stops raining around here. 

So, here's the deal. You C.O.G. 100 freaks weren't too pleased when I gave you 11 bonus miles for your single speed pleasure last Spring, so I've cut the bonus miles down to three.  THREE! That means the course, tentatively speaking, will be 103 miles in length. We may be able to shave it closer to 100 after we recon the thing, but I doubt it.

The next thing I recall folks getting all screwed up about was where the resupply point was. So, guess what? It is- again, this is tentative, subject to change without warning, and all that- at about FORTY EIGHT MILES INTO THE COURSE! Can you believe it? Now watch......someone will say that doesn't work for them. Just wait. Someone will complain about this. Anyway.......

So, there is ANOTHER chance to resupply- albeit off course on a hard top road about 3/4's of a mile from the course- at about 67 miles in. How about that? TWO chances to resupply. I don't know, but that sounds pretty good to me. Oh! And if you avail yourself of the second chance at resupply, YOU GET MORE BONUS SINGLE SPEEDING! (No charge, completely free and optional!)

Now, there will be Level B Road sections. Yes, plural. BUT.....the total should be 1 mile. The first section is really pretty short. Maybe a quarter mile. The next one looks to be about , (you guessed it!), 3/4's of a mile. Unlike last Spring, these will be later into the course, within the last third, I'd say now. Again, that could change. We haven't done ANY recon yet, so keep your mind open to possible changes.

Oh yeah.....there will be a few hills. I wouldn't worry much about that part.

That's it for today folks! Get out and ride those bicycles!

Friday News And Views

Tour Divide Issues Precipitate Dismissal Of Jay-P:

Well, if you haven't been paying attention to Tour Divide this year, (and for the record, I have already said I wasn't paying attention anymore), there were controversial actions by a few individuals that precipitated the letting go of Jay Petervary as a sponsored athlete of Salsa Cycles (and related QBP brands as well). There is a LOT of conjecture and opinion already floating around the internet about this, and I am not going to add to that.

As I have said- I have a pretty solid opinion on Tour Divide. Read that bit if you want to get the background on what I am about to share here today.

Tour Divide, as an organization, is barely that. In fact, if there ever were an event with almost no rules, no oversight, and no current updates, it would be Tour Divide. Their webpage was last updated in 2014, and the Facebook page is a ghost town. The RD does communicate via e-mail, as far as I can tell, but as far as any oversight, it seems, well..... Pretty lax, that would be my characterization of it.

And in my opinion, this is what leads to the alleged actions we are reading about now. I have run an ultra-endurance event, and I have somewhat of a feel for what could have happened had I not been vigilant, had rules, and made them as well known and explained as I have over the course of the years. In my opinion, expectations not set ahead of time regarding actions of participants, in a very direct, explicit way, leaves the barn door wide open for crazy stuff to be thought up and to have those thoughts be acted upon. I know. I've had some very weird requests and people who tried to interpret my rules in unforeseen ways, which I had to act on in a very decisive way.

There should be expectations set ahead of time. From the research I have done on the matters regarding this Tour Divide, I haven't yet been convinced anything of the like was done. That, to my way of thinking, should be the central point of focus regarding this controversy. And that's all I have to say about that.

The new Cervelo Aspero gravel racing bike.

Getting All Racy:

The Cervelo company has had a decidedly racing focus for as long as I have been aware of the brand. So, it shouldn't come as a surprise that their latest bicycle is a racing bike, but this time it is all about gravel racing.

I also was immediately reminded that Cervelo was co-founded by Gerard Vroomen, who happens to be co-founder of OPEN Cycles, who also have done a very similar bike to the new Cervelo which is called the OPEN WI.DE.

OPEN have been in the gravel scene for several years now. I remember seeing my first OPEN UP's at the 2015 Dirty Kanza 200. So, the Cervelo seems a bit derivative, and the fact that both companies have a connection in founder is maybe irrelevant, but still kind of odd. Anyway, both bikes are pretty much lean, mean racing steeds and while that is fine, this isn't the sort of rig that will be right for most folks.

For one thing, they both are chasing the "long front/center, short rear end" thing. Short chain stays are generally less apt to flex, and they place the rider right close to being over the top of the rear axle. Both things that do not make for smoother riding. That's something that is important for many folks, and just hold on to those "bigger tire" comments for a minute. While the OPEN can handle pretty big tires, the new Cervelo is limited to 40's, if you want any mud clearances, and that isn't going to be enough tire for many places.

The other thing these short chain stays do is that they make the rear center less stable. So, to sort of counteract this, both the OPEN WI.DE. and the Cervelo have deep bottom bracket drops. Okay- so what? Well, to get you the bigger tires for comfort, you need to move to 650B's. Guess what? That lowers the bottom bracket a bit more. Yep.......pedal strikes. I know. I've tried 650B with a bike that had 75mm and 72.5mm of BB drop. So, maybe all this getting racy isn't right for everyone. (And I haven't even mentioned the fragility of carbon when mud, sand, and rocks get ground against it in muddy conditions.)

Good thing there are a LOT of choices in gravel/all road bikes these days.

As seen in 2017.

Fargo Resurrection....Again!

I have been looking at my Fargo Gen I sitting in the Lab forlorn and unridden for far too long now. I am itching to get back on it again. But.....I am wanting to swap out tires, and this rig is still stuck in 9 speed mode, which isn't a bad thing, but in terms of wheel swaps and what not, it is way off the back when all my other stuff is 11 speed.

I have a line on some Vittorias but that keeps slipping away and time is running out. Plus, I want to ride this bike for the GTDRI in a week or so. I had better figure it out real quick-like or it isn't going to happen and another whole year will slip by wthout many, or maybe any, miles put on that old thing.

Big problem, I know, when I have great bikes at my disposal to ride around on. I could always just use my Black Mountain Cycles MCD, or my Tamland, and I'd be just fine. I still have the Noble Bikes GX5 around, which is very light, and I always could ride the Ti Muk 2. So, I shouldn't whine on and on, but in my opinion, if you have a bicycle, you should use it, or get rid of it. I sure do not want to get rid of that Fargo though! So, we'll see. Maybe a set of tires will get slipped on yet this weekend.

That's a wrap for now. Thanks for reading and please get out and ride those bicycles. ALL of them!

Friday News And Views

Tour Divide Issues Precipitate Dismissal Of Jay-P:

Well, if you haven't been paying attention to Tour Divide this year, (and for the record, I have already said I wasn't paying attention anymore), there were controversial actions by a few individuals that precipitated the letting go of Jay Petervary as a sponsored athlete of Salsa Cycles (and related QBP brands as well). There is a LOT of conjecture and opinion already floating around the internet about this, and I am not going to add to that.

As I have said- I have a pretty solid opinion on Tour Divide. Read that bit if you want to get the background on what I am about to share here today.

Tour Divide, as an organization, is barely that. In fact, if there ever were an event with almost no rules, no oversight, and no current updates, it would be Tour Divide. Their webpage was last updated in 2014, and the Facebook page is a ghost town. The RD does communicate via e-mail, as far as I can tell, but as far as any oversight, it seems, well..... Pretty lax, that would be my characterization of it.

And in my opinion, this is what leads to the alleged actions we are reading about now. I have run an ultra-endurance event, and I have somewhat of a feel for what could have happened had I not been vigilant, had rules, and made them as well known and explained as I have over the course of the years. In my opinion, expectations not set ahead of time regarding actions of participants, in a very direct, explicit way, leaves the barn door wide open for crazy stuff to be thought up and to have those thoughts be acted upon. I know. I've had some very weird requests and people who tried to interpret my rules in unforeseen ways, which I had to act on in a very decisive way.

There should be expectations set ahead of time. From the research I have done on the matters regarding this Tour Divide, I haven't yet been convinced anything of the like was done. That, to my way of thinking, should be the central point of focus regarding this controversy. And that's all I have to say about that.

The new Cervelo Aspero gravel racing bike.

Getting All Racy:

The Cervelo company has had a decidedly racing focus for as long as I have been aware of the brand. So, it shouldn't come as a surprise that their latest bicycle is a racing bike, but this time it is all about gravel racing.

I also was immediately reminded that Cervelo was co-founded by Gerard Vroomen, who happens to be co-founder of OPEN Cycles, who also have done a very similar bike to the new Cervelo which is called the OPEN WI.DE.

OPEN have been in the gravel scene for several years now. I remember seeing my first OPEN UP's at the 2015 Dirty Kanza 200. So, the Cervelo seems a bit derivative, and the fact that both companies have a connection in founder is maybe irrelevant, but still kind of odd. Anyway, both bikes are pretty much lean, mean racing steeds and while that is fine, this isn't the sort of rig that will be right for most folks.

For one thing, they both are chasing the "long front/center, short rear end" thing. Short chain stays are generally less apt to flex, and they place the rider right close to being over the top of the rear axle. Both things that do not make for smoother riding. That's something that is important for many folks, and just hold on to those "bigger tire" comments for a minute. While the OPEN can handle pretty big tires, the new Cervelo is limited to 40's, if you want any mud clearances, and that isn't going to be enough tire for many places.

The other thing these short chain stays do is that they make the rear center less stable. So, to sort of counteract this, both the OPEN WI.DE. and the Cervelo have deep bottom bracket drops. Okay- so what? Well, to get you the bigger tires for comfort, you need to move to 650B's. Guess what? That lowers the bottom bracket a bit more. Yep.......pedal strikes. I know. I've tried 650B with a bike that had 75mm and 72.5mm of BB drop. So, maybe all this getting racy isn't right for everyone. (And I haven't even mentioned the fragility of carbon when mud, sand, and rocks get ground against it in muddy conditions.)

Good thing there are a LOT of choices in gravel/all road bikes these days.

As seen in 2017.

Fargo Resurrection....Again!

I have been looking at my Fargo Gen I sitting in the Lab forlorn and unridden for far too long now. I am itching to get back on it again. But.....I am wanting to swap out tires, and this rig is still stuck in 9 speed mode, which isn't a bad thing, but in terms of wheel swaps and what not, it is way off the back when all my other stuff is 11 speed.

I have a line on some Vittorias but that keeps slipping away and time is running out. Plus, I want to ride this bike for the GTDRI in a week or so. I had better figure it out real quick-like or it isn't going to happen and another whole year will slip by wthout many, or maybe any, miles put on that old thing.

Big problem, I know, when I have great bikes at my disposal to ride around on. I could always just use my Black Mountain Cycles MCD, or my Tamland, and I'd be just fine. I still have the Noble Bikes GX5 around, which is very light, and I always could ride the Ti Muk 2. So, I shouldn't whine on and on, but in my opinion, if you have a bicycle, you should use it, or get rid of it. I sure do not want to get rid of that Fargo though! So, we'll see. Maybe a set of tires will get slipped on yet this weekend.

That's a wrap for now. Thanks for reading and please get out and ride those bicycles. ALL of them!