Two Things

Five years worth of sealant pulled from a 26" x 4" tire.

 Sprucing Up The Ti Mik 2:

This job I had to do had been hanging over my head now for a couple of years. I kept putting it off because it is not a fun job. Last year I just shrugged, put more sealant in, and said to myself, "I'll get around to it next year for sure." 

Actually, I knew I was long overdue to peel off the tires, clean out the sealant, replace valve stems, re-tape the rims, and reinstall everything with new sealant.  

Like I said, it is a big job, and with my having to replace the oil in my Rohloff Speed Hub as well as doing the tires, this became a major deal. Fortunately pulling off the rear wheel was made easier since the cables to run the Rohloff are attached to a metal box which when the shifter is put on "7" allows me to unscrew a thumbscrew, remove the box where the cables enter, and keep the hub indexed. The front has its own difficulties because it is a dynamo hub and I have wires to disconnect via spade connectors. 

Well, as you can see here, the sealant was dried up and came out in almost one pull. I had the rear tire cleaned out in well under 15 minutes. Not as bad as I was expecting it to be! The tape job, installing a brand new valve  stem, and re-installation of the rear  tire went pretty smoothly. I was a bit surprised the Cake Eater tire went on so well after being on the bike for so long. 

Replacing the oil in a Rohloff hub is pretty easy if you've done it once, and by my count, this is the fifth time I've done it. Gotta keep this hub running smoothly and well for many more years! As for the connectors on my dynamo hub, I'd sure like to get some of those fancy co-axial connectors, but I haven't done this as of yet. It would be easier to get the front wheel off, but then again, I do not take this wheel off very often. So, maybe it is a "why bother" situation. 

Image seen on Facebook

In The "Nothing Is New" File:

I follow several bicycle related accounts on Facebook, (it isn't all garbage if you can stay disciplined), and once in a while you end up learning something. In this case, it is an adaptation for a specific niche in cycling which has found its way into gravel events over the years. 

As you can see, this Bianchi cross bike is fitted with a factory installed pair of bosses which were meant to have this sling attached to them. This allowed the rider to portage the bicycle through ravines, across streams, and up or down steeps, back when cyclo-cross was not run on manicured courses with artificial barriers. 

I also noted the geometry of this bike, which is quite a bit unlike today's cyclo cross bikes, is something which looks good for gravel. And why wouldn't it be? Early cross bikes essentially were converted road bikes. The geometry was still fairly slack in the times before the mid-20th Century, and was exactly what would work with a gravel rider.  

But what about "aero" and frame storage and wireless, blah, blah, blah? Well, maybe we don't really need all that stuff. 

Something to think about. 

Friday News And Views

 A "Trans Iowa" On Foot?

The online news source, "Axios Des Moines" reported Monday concerning a runner's attempt to beat the FKT across the state of Iowa. The runner, Paul Noble, started in Muscatine, Iowa last Sunday and was hoping to reach Sigourney that day. His itinerary from there: Sigourney to Indianola, Indianola to Messena, Messena to Council Bluffs. 

The route followed Highway 92, for the most part. Noble hoped to be done sometime on Wednesday. The time to beat? His friend, Taylor Ross holds the record to beat at 4 days, 15 hours, 32 minutes, and 41 seconds.

And Paul Noble pulled it off. "Axios Des Moines" reported yesterday that Noble made it to Council Bluffs with a total time of 94 hours and 50 minutes. Congratulations Paul Noble!

From Cannondale/CX World's social media feed.

Cannondale/CX World Ends Cyclo Cross Efforts:

On Monday a bombshell was dropped by Cannondale/CX World Team that they were ceasing operations immediately. The team had contested cyclo cross races in North America and Europe for 16 years. 

Comments: Pretty stunning news when you consider that this team was a stalwart of the North American scene and was the last big outfit doing cyclo cross in North America. 

One has to wonder if the gravel scene's rise to prestige in North America, the UCI recognizing gravel with a series, and the series like Life Time's Grand Prix are taking away riders and focus from cyclo cross now to the point that marketing is switching gears to gravel. 

If I had to venture a guess, I'd say that this has something to do with it, but there probably is more to it than just that. Supply chain shortages generally mean that niche, low selling items get cut to make way for higher value production. (Noticed a Twitter pole asking when CX riders last bought a complete CX bike at a shop. Average answer? Five years ago, and most said they never had, preferring to build up their own from frames or they bought used) Inflation pressures certainly have to be considered here. Travel and staffing costs for the team have probably been a heavy burden of late. 

But a lot of athletes are turning to the gravel scene now. So, you have to think that this- especially here in North America- is a really big issue for cyclo cross.

State Bicycle's 4130 Alouette is a fixed gear gravel bike.

Would You? Could You? Go Fixed?

State Bicycle announced this past week that they have a new fixed gear gravel bike called the 4130 Alouette. It is steel, (natch!) and can take up to a 42mm tire, comes in four color schemes, and in either a flat bar or drop bar configuration for sub-600 bucks. 

Comments: Fixed gear gravel riders are nothing new. Rare- yes - but the fixed gear gravel rider has existed for a long time. I came into contact with fixed gear via gravel during Trans Iowa. In fact, it was a bicycle you probably would never have pegged for an appearance at Trans Iowa. It was a fixed gear Rivendell with a rack and panniers ridden by Ken Yokanovich. And he finished the 300+ mile T.I.v3 course in 15th place out of the 24 official finishers that year.  

That was back in 2007. We had another fixed gear finisher in Ben Shockey two years later, and finally, the last guy to pull off the feat on a fixie in Trans Iowa was Jay Barre in T.I.v10. All did 300+ miles fixed in less than 34 hours. 

And fixed gear riders have appeared in several other gravel events as well. So, while it may seem really crazy and odd, I get it, and it is not a new thing. That State Bicycle has come out with this should only help propel the idea and I expect at least a few more folks will take up fixed gear gravel riding. 

As far as the bike- it's good enough,but the geometry they chose is just too steep and high for my liking. Too 'track-ish', if you will. I still want a fixed gear gravel bike, but it would have to be done in the geometry I prefer: Low bottom bracket (I don't lean in corners enough to worry about clipping pedals) and a slacker head tube angle. The State 4130 Alouette has a 65mm bottom bracket drop. No thank you! I'd have to have at least a 70mm drop for my way of riding, but that's just me. 

Mid-South overall winner Cole Paton (L) with Bobby Wintle (Image courtesy of Orange Seal)

Mid-South Goes Off With Dry-ish Year:

Uncharacteristically cold morning temperatures gave way to warmer, but windier weather for the Mid-South 2022 event which led to a dry-ish course for the assembled riders. Cole Paton, of the Orange Seal Off Road Team won the event overall.

Comments: Two years ago the Mid-South event marked the end of "normal affairs" for quite some time. With the COVID-19 virus moving from 'pandemic' status to 'endemic' status, the return of the Mid-South was welcomed by many gravel riders and I could sense a joy and happiness from social media posts I saw over that weekend which communicated somewhat of the atmosphere surrounding the event. 

Oddly enough, or maybe not...Mid-South doesn't crack the door open much in the endemic cycling media. Mid-South, for as 'big' as it has gotten, still seems to carry that stigma of being a 'not-a-race' race where there is certainly worthy competition for media coverage but it gets either zero (Velo News) or it gets pushed down the page in a hurry. 

Whatever. I'm here for it and I hope that Mid-South keeps it real. If anything, I think it would be great to see that event take an even more focused slant toward the 'everyman' riders and the Pro teams and riders can go do those other fancy-pants events. But I know that is probably a very unrealistic viewpoint these days. And furthermore- It isn't my event. So, my opinion here- that's all....... But I do appreciate Bobby Wintle's efforts to celebrate everyone and not just focus on the prestigious front runners.

SILCA Tubeless Tire Sealant Announced:

Sporting a foaming latex formula laced with 6mm, 9mm, and 12mm carbon fibers reclaimed from carbon wheels, F-1 racing parts, and airplane carbon fiber, SILCA Ultimate Tubeless Sealant claims to easily seal up to a "6+mm" puncture. 

The sealant is so effective at coagulating that it must be introduced to the tire by pouring the sealant in at the time of tire mounting. SILCA claims it will easily plug up any injector or valve stem.

Comments: Hmm.... " Must be poured into the tire during tire install!" (Copy quoted directly from marketing material provided by SILCA) Okay, well that means that I'd have to crack open a bead after the claimed wet period for this sealant which is 160-180 days to reintroduce more sealant? That is about six months, which I would be surprised to find to be true, but let's say that pans out. Well, can you wear out your tire in six months? Maybe some of you would,but for those that would not, then you have to go through the hassle of remounting a bead, and sometimes that can be a crap shoot. Tires stretch, and sometimes rim to tire fit is loose anyway. Sometimes you have a puncture protected belt that makes mounting a nightmare anyway. 

If you could just crack open that valve stem and reintroduce sealant, it would alleviate any potential headaches. But if you buy into the SILCA Ultimate sealant, well, sorry..... Now you have that trade off. Maybe for some it will be worth it. And one has to wonder- Will this clog my valve stem more easily anyway? I'd recommend airing up with your valve stem at 10 o'clock or two o'clock to help prevent just that.

Meanwhile, there are at least six other really good sealants that you don't have that compromise to deal with. That leaves me to think that this is for that person that wants to feel like they have the ultimate sealing sealant, and the marketing guys at SILCA made sure you will with the name. (See what they did there?)

Hmm.... As for me? I just don't see the advantage for my riding here. 

That's a wrap for this week! Have a great weekend and get out and ride!

Friday News And Views

 A "Trans Iowa" On Foot?

The online news source, "Axios Des Moines" reported Monday concerning a runner's attempt to beat the FKT across the state of Iowa. The runner, Paul Noble, started in Muscatine, Iowa last Sunday and was hoping to reach Sigourney that day. His itinerary from there: Sigourney to Indianola, Indianola to Messena, Messena to Council Bluffs. 

The route followed Highway 92, for the most part. Noble hoped to be done sometime on Wednesday. The time to beat? His friend, Taylor Ross holds the record to beat at 4 days, 15 hours, 32 minutes, and 41 seconds.

And Paul Noble pulled it off. "Axios Des Moines" reported yesterday that Noble made it to Council Bluffs with a total time of 94 hours and 50 minutes. Congratulations Paul Noble!

From Cannondale/CX World's social media feed.

Cannondale/CX World Ends Cyclo Cross Efforts:

On Monday a bombshell was dropped by Cannondale/CX World Team that they were ceasing operations immediately. The team had contested cyclo cross races in North America and Europe for 16 years. 

Comments: Pretty stunning news when you consider that this team was a stalwart of the North American scene and was the last big outfit doing cyclo cross in North America. 

One has to wonder if the gravel scene's rise to prestige in North America, the UCI recognizing gravel with a series, and the series like Life Time's Grand Prix are taking away riders and focus from cyclo cross now to the point that marketing is switching gears to gravel. 

If I had to venture a guess, I'd say that this has something to do with it, but there probably is more to it than just that. Supply chain shortages generally mean that niche, low selling items get cut to make way for higher value production. (Noticed a Twitter pole asking when CX riders last bought a complete CX bike at a shop. Average answer? Five years ago, and most said they never had, preferring to build up their own from frames or they bought used) Inflation pressures certainly have to be considered here. Travel and staffing costs for the team have probably been a heavy burden of late. 

But a lot of athletes are turning to the gravel scene now. So, you have to think that this- especially here in North America- is a really big issue for cyclo cross.

State Bicycle's 4130 Alouette is a fixed gear gravel bike.

Would You? Could You? Go Fixed?

State Bicycle announced this past week that they have a new fixed gear gravel bike called the 4130 Alouette. It is steel, (natch!) and can take up to a 42mm tire, comes in four color schemes, and in either a flat bar or drop bar configuration for sub-600 bucks. 

Comments: Fixed gear gravel riders are nothing new. Rare- yes - but the fixed gear gravel rider has existed for a long time. I came into contact with fixed gear via gravel during Trans Iowa. In fact, it was a bicycle you probably would never have pegged for an appearance at Trans Iowa. It was a fixed gear Rivendell with a rack and panniers ridden by Ken Yokanovich. And he finished the 300+ mile T.I.v3 course in 15th place out of the 24 official finishers that year.  

That was back in 2007. We had another fixed gear finisher in Ben Shockey two years later, and finally, the last guy to pull off the feat on a fixie in Trans Iowa was Jay Barre in T.I.v10. All did 300+ miles fixed in less than 34 hours. 

And fixed gear riders have appeared in several other gravel events as well. So, while it may seem really crazy and odd, I get it, and it is not a new thing. That State Bicycle has come out with this should only help propel the idea and I expect at least a few more folks will take up fixed gear gravel riding. 

As far as the bike- it's good enough,but the geometry they chose is just too steep and high for my liking. Too 'track-ish', if you will. I still want a fixed gear gravel bike, but it would have to be done in the geometry I prefer: Low bottom bracket (I don't lean in corners enough to worry about clipping pedals) and a slacker head tube angle. The State 4130 Alouette has a 65mm bottom bracket drop. No thank you! I'd have to have at least a 70mm drop for my way of riding, but that's just me. 

Mid-South overall winner Cole Paton (L) with Bobby Wintle (Image courtesy of Orange Seal)

Mid-South Goes Off With Dry-ish Year:

Uncharacteristically cold morning temperatures gave way to warmer, but windier weather for the Mid-South 2022 event which led to a dry-ish course for the assembled riders. Cole Paton, of the Orange Seal Off Road Team won the event overall.

Comments: Two years ago the Mid-South event marked the end of "normal affairs" for quite some time. With the COVID-19 virus moving from 'pandemic' status to 'endemic' status, the return of the Mid-South was welcomed by many gravel riders and I could sense a joy and happiness from social media posts I saw over that weekend which communicated somewhat of the atmosphere surrounding the event. 

Oddly enough, or maybe not...Mid-South doesn't crack the door open much in the endemic cycling media. Mid-South, for as 'big' as it has gotten, still seems to carry that stigma of being a 'not-a-race' race where there is certainly worthy competition for media coverage but it gets either zero (Velo News) or it gets pushed down the page in a hurry. 

Whatever. I'm here for it and I hope that Mid-South keeps it real. If anything, I think it would be great to see that event take an even more focused slant toward the 'everyman' riders and the Pro teams and riders can go do those other fancy-pants events. But I know that is probably a very unrealistic viewpoint these days. And furthermore- It isn't my event. So, my opinion here- that's all....... But I do appreciate Bobby Wintle's efforts to celebrate everyone and not just focus on the prestigious front runners.

SILCA Tubeless Tire Sealant Announced:

Sporting a foaming latex formula laced with 6mm, 9mm, and 12mm carbon fibers reclaimed from carbon wheels, F-1 racing parts, and airplane carbon fiber, SILCA Ultimate Tubeless Sealant claims to easily seal up to a "6+mm" puncture. 

The sealant is so effective at coagulating that it must be introduced to the tire by pouring the sealant in at the time of tire mounting. SILCA claims it will easily plug up any injector or valve stem.

Comments: Hmm.... " Must be poured into the tire during tire install!" (Copy quoted directly from marketing material provided by SILCA) Okay, well that means that I'd have to crack open a bead after the claimed wet period for this sealant which is 160-180 days to reintroduce more sealant? That is about six months, which I would be surprised to find to be true, but let's say that pans out. Well, can you wear out your tire in six months? Maybe some of you would,but for those that would not, then you have to go through the hassle of remounting a bead, and sometimes that can be a crap shoot. Tires stretch, and sometimes rim to tire fit is loose anyway. Sometimes you have a puncture protected belt that makes mounting a nightmare anyway. 

If you could just crack open that valve stem and reintroduce sealant, it would alleviate any potential headaches. But if you buy into the SILCA Ultimate sealant, well, sorry..... Now you have that trade off. Maybe for some it will be worth it. And one has to wonder- Will this clog my valve stem more easily anyway? I'd recommend airing up with your valve stem at 10 o'clock or two o'clock to help prevent just that.

Meanwhile, there are at least six other really good sealants that you don't have that compromise to deal with. That leaves me to think that this is for that person that wants to feel like they have the ultimate sealing sealant, and the marketing guys at SILCA made sure you will with the name. (See what they did there?)

Hmm.... As for me? I just don't see the advantage for my riding here. 

That's a wrap for this week! Have a great weekend and get out and ride!

Why I Would Not Choose A Cyclo Cross Bike

Cannondale Super X (Image courtesy of Cannondale)

 NOTE: Large doses of "my opinion" will be handed out in gloppy dollops today. You've been forewarned.....

This past weekend the World Championships for the discipline of cyclo cross was held in the USA. I thought since that is - perhaps - top of mind yet, it might be fun to compare and contrast cyclo cross bikes with "gravel bikes" and see where they are different and why I would not choose to use one for gravel riding. I also want to point out some 'slight of hand' that some companies are using in the gravel bike market. Okay, let's jump in!

The Purpose Of The Bike: Before I get into details, it may behoove ourselves to look at what the intentions for a cyclo cross bike are versus a gravel bike. This is stop 'Number One' on the way to understanding why I, and many other early gravel riders, were not satisfied with cyclo cross bikes. 

The purpose of a cyclo cross bike is very specific. It needs to be a quick handling bike. This means that on a continuum of handling from "Stable" to "Unstable", a cyclo cross bike is going to lean a bit toward the "Unstable" side. That is what "quick handling" means. This does not mean the bike is unrideable! So, don't read into this in that manner. Going too far in the "quick handling/Unstable" direction can lead you to a bike that is nervous, hard to handle in demanding situations, and cause more rider fatigue due to the effort necessary to keep a bicycle like that on-line. But when done correctly, a bicycle with a bent toward the "Unstable" side can cut corners in a faster, better way, and will react to rider input with less energy and will reward you with faster cornering speeds. 

Cyclo cross bikes also need to be able to be pedaled in deep ruts due to the demands of sandy or muddy courses. They also need to be good at 'hopping' techniques and be able to clear barriers when hopped. A higher bottom bracket from the ground aids the rider in this manner. Generally we see this expressed in "Bottom Bracket Drop", which is the distance from a line drawn through the axles of the wheels when looking at the side view of a bike, and then measuring from that centerline to the centerline of the bottom bracket spindle. Less "drop" means better at hopping, clearing ruts, and barriers. 

Cyclo cross bikes also tend to have shorter wheel bases for - again- deft handling through corners. Cyclo cross courses often have hair pin corners and a cyclist in a CX event needs to be able to cut around those corners in the quickest manner possible. 

Partial view of a geometry chart for Canyon's CX bike. (Image courtesy of Canyon Bikes)

Specifics: Now let's take a look at exactly where and how a cyclo cross bike achieves its design intentions versus a 'gravel bike'. First off I want to draw your attention to the head tube angle in the chart. This is for a Canyon cyclo cross bike.. Typically we see a steeper head tube angle, (nominally around the 72+ degree range here) and that is done to keep the wheel base short and to keep the over-all "trail figure" lower. Both aid in keeping the bike good at tight cornering. (More toward the "Unstable" side of the spectrum) The Cannondale- above- takes a different route to the same over all trail figure range by having a slightly slacker head tube angle, but a lot of fork offset, which brings that handling back toward where the Canyon's is. (Confused by the whole "fork trail thing"? Hit this link for my explanation of it)

Next I wanted to point out the bottom bracket drop. Here we see it is listed as being "bottom bracket offset", but it is the same measurement. You'll notice that it is around the 66mm range. Great for hopping and clearing barriers. On the Cannondale, it is around 68mm. 

Next- Stand over height. This determines if you can straddle your bike without touching the top tube with your crotch. On the examples I am using here, I would strike the top tube in a quick get-off in the size bike I am suited for. (Around a size Large/58cm) And I have fairly long legs compared to my torso. This would be a far more worrisome issue if I were built with short legs/longer torso. 

Finally, cyclo cross bikes are meant for short duration efforts where a pit area is available and therefore rider support is assumed. So- you are typically not going to get all the accoutrements of a gravel bike like fender mounts, rack mounts, multiple water bottle mounts, or a top tube bag mount. You also probably are not going to get a bicycle made to be comfortable and easy to handle on long, grueling rides. 

In 2012 I advised Raleigh designers to make what became the Tamland model.

What Is A Gravel Bike?: So, what makes a gravel bike a......well, a gravel bike? You are probably catching on here to a few traits that are NOT what a cyclo cross bike has. So yes- A slacker head angle with not so much fork offset, leading to a handling package which tends toward the "Stable" side of the handling spectrum. I am not seeing terrain that requires hopping, riding in deep, muddy ruts, or sand, so a high bottom bracket is of no use to me. A lowered bottom bracket lends stability, and takes less effort to keep going straight on fast, loose down hill runs. So, a bottom bracket drop of 70mm or more is preferable. 

A bit longer wheel base figures are okay. Again, for down hill stability, but also for easing the chain stays out wider and getting bigger tires in there. For instance, while a 'legal' cyclo cross bike has a maximum specified tire width of 33m, that is NOT going to cut it around here, so I needed something that could handle a 42mm tire. Add in clearances for possibly muddy riding and that means a pretty specific frame design for gravel. Most cyclo cross bikes can not handle a tire that large and have great mud clearances. 

I also need water, and fenders at times, and maybe a place to mount a bag. I need 'compliance', not a large main triangle for shouldering a bike, so a sloping top tube with plenty of exposed seat post was better. All things not at all wanted for a cyclo cross bike. 

Before there were gravel bikes, CX bikes were used at Trans Iowa. (Image by J Kerkove)

So, here's something else that needs to be understood: Of course you can use a cyclo cross bike for gravel riding. Don't even hop on the comments telling me you've used a CX bike for years on gravel with no problems. I get it- Some people use fat bikes on gravel, some use MTB's, some ride unicycles. (Somewhere there has to be a uni-cyclist on gravel. I know it!) What you can ride is NOT the point here. What is better for me? Yes. THAT is the point. It just so happens that what I thought would work does work for many, many others. 

Finally I wanted to point out something I thought was all over with, but it has crept back into the conversation again. That is companies using the same geometry for gravel and cross. Typically I've seen the CX bike geo foisted off as being gravel bike goodness. It is definitely NOT as good as true 'gravel bike' geometry. I also know of a few companies using gravel bike geo and saying it is great CX geo. It definitely is NOT. Don't fall into the trap that this is good. Be careful when you look at gravel bikes or CX bikes to determine if the company you are checking out is just saving pennies by using one bike for both categories. Because that is what they are doing- cutting costs and making supply easier on them. It isn't doing the customer right.

I hope that points out the differences for those of you who may be newer to the gravel scene. I decided many years ago that a cyclo cross bike wasn't optimized for gravel riding, but that a cyclo cross bike is for what a cyclo cross bike is designed for. They are NOT specifically designed for back roads, gravel roads, or the like. A cyclo cross bike IS a very specifically designed tool for a purpose, so to those who say, or did say, that a cyclo cross bike is "good enough for gravel", I say phooey! You are not thinking about this equally. If you don't need a 'specific tool' for gravel, than the same logic applies to cyclo cross bikes. You know? Just use an old road bike, like the original cyclo crossers did. 

But thankfully we don't have to use poorly applied designs for purposes they weren't meant for. Thankfully we do have cyclo cross AND gravel bikes, (and triathlon bikes, BMX bikes, tricycles, and whatever else you can think of that needs a specific design.) I mean, really now.......we all could be riding penny farthings. Right? (sarcasm alert)

Of course we need gravel bikes for riding allroads. And yes- the name is dumb, but there is no going back now. 

Thanks for reading!

Why I Would Not Choose A Cyclo Cross Bike

Cannondale Super X (Image courtesy of Cannondale)

 NOTE: Large doses of "my opinion" will be handed out in gloppy dollops today. You've been forewarned.....

This past weekend the World Championships for the discipline of cyclo cross was held in the USA. I thought since that is - perhaps - top of mind yet, it might be fun to compare and contrast cyclo cross bikes with "gravel bikes" and see where they are different and why I would not choose to use one for gravel riding. I also want to point out some 'slight of hand' that some companies are using in the gravel bike market. Okay, let's jump in!

The Purpose Of The Bike: Before I get into details, it may behoove ourselves to look at what the intentions for a cyclo cross bike are versus a gravel bike. This is stop 'Number One' on the way to understanding why I, and many other early gravel riders, were not satisfied with cyclo cross bikes. 

The purpose of a cyclo cross bike is very specific. It needs to be a quick handling bike. This means that on a continuum of handling from "Stable" to "Unstable", a cyclo cross bike is going to lean a bit toward the "Unstable" side. That is what "quick handling" means. This does not mean the bike is unrideable! So, don't read into this in that manner. Going too far in the "quick handling/Unstable" direction can lead you to a bike that is nervous, hard to handle in demanding situations, and cause more rider fatigue due to the effort necessary to keep a bicycle like that on-line. But when done correctly, a bicycle with a bent toward the "Unstable" side can cut corners in a faster, better way, and will react to rider input with less energy and will reward you with faster cornering speeds. 

Cyclo cross bikes also need to be able to be pedaled in deep ruts due to the demands of sandy or muddy courses. They also need to be good at 'hopping' techniques and be able to clear barriers when hopped. A higher bottom bracket from the ground aids the rider in this manner. Generally we see this expressed in "Bottom Bracket Drop", which is the distance from a line drawn through the axles of the wheels when looking at the side view of a bike, and then measuring from that centerline to the centerline of the bottom bracket spindle. Less "drop" means better at hopping, clearing ruts, and barriers. 

Cyclo cross bikes also tend to have shorter wheel bases for - again- deft handling through corners. Cyclo cross courses often have hair pin corners and a cyclist in a CX event needs to be able to cut around those corners in the quickest manner possible. 

Partial view of a geometry chart for Canyon's CX bike. (Image courtesy of Canyon Bikes)

Specifics: Now let's take a look at exactly where and how a cyclo cross bike achieves its design intentions versus a 'gravel bike'. First off I want to draw your attention to the head tube angle in the chart. This is for a Canyon cyclo cross bike.. Typically we see a steeper head tube angle, (nominally around the 72+ degree range here) and that is done to keep the wheel base short and to keep the over-all "trail figure" lower. Both aid in keeping the bike good at tight cornering. (More toward the "Unstable" side of the spectrum) The Cannondale- above- takes a different route to the same over all trail figure range by having a slightly slacker head tube angle, but a lot of fork offset, which brings that handling back toward where the Canyon's is. (Confused by the whole "fork trail thing"? Hit this link for my explanation of it)

Next I wanted to point out the bottom bracket drop. Here we see it is listed as being "bottom bracket offset", but it is the same measurement. You'll notice that it is around the 66mm range. Great for hopping and clearing barriers. On the Cannondale, it is around 68mm. 

Next- Stand over height. This determines if you can straddle your bike without touching the top tube with your crotch. On the examples I am using here, I would strike the top tube in a quick get-off in the size bike I am suited for. (Around a size Large/58cm) And I have fairly long legs compared to my torso. This would be a far more worrisome issue if I were built with short legs/longer torso. 

Finally, cyclo cross bikes are meant for short duration efforts where a pit area is available and therefore rider support is assumed. So- you are typically not going to get all the accoutrements of a gravel bike like fender mounts, rack mounts, multiple water bottle mounts, or a top tube bag mount. You also probably are not going to get a bicycle made to be comfortable and easy to handle on long, grueling rides. 

In 2012 I advised Raleigh designers to make what became the Tamland model.

What Is A Gravel Bike?: So, what makes a gravel bike a......well, a gravel bike? You are probably catching on here to a few traits that are NOT what a cyclo cross bike has. So yes- A slacker head angle with not so much fork offset, leading to a handling package which tends toward the "Stable" side of the handling spectrum. I am not seeing terrain that requires hopping, riding in deep, muddy ruts, or sand, so a high bottom bracket is of no use to me. A lowered bottom bracket lends stability, and takes less effort to keep going straight on fast, loose down hill runs. So, a bottom bracket drop of 70mm or more is preferable. 

A bit longer wheel base figures are okay. Again, for down hill stability, but also for easing the chain stays out wider and getting bigger tires in there. For instance, while a 'legal' cyclo cross bike has a maximum specified tire width of 33m, that is NOT going to cut it around here, so I needed something that could handle a 42mm tire. Add in clearances for possibly muddy riding and that means a pretty specific frame design for gravel. Most cyclo cross bikes can not handle a tire that large and have great mud clearances. 

I also need water, and fenders at times, and maybe a place to mount a bag. I need 'compliance', not a large main triangle for shouldering a bike, so a sloping top tube with plenty of exposed seat post was better. All things not at all wanted for a cyclo cross bike. 

Before there were gravel bikes, CX bikes were used at Trans Iowa. (Image by J Kerkove)

So, here's something else that needs to be understood: Of course you can use a cyclo cross bike for gravel riding. Don't even hop on the comments telling me you've used a CX bike for years on gravel with no problems. I get it- Some people use fat bikes on gravel, some use MTB's, some ride unicycles. (Somewhere there has to be a uni-cyclist on gravel. I know it!) What you can ride is NOT the point here. What is better for me? Yes. THAT is the point. It just so happens that what I thought would work does work for many, many others. 

Finally I wanted to point out something I thought was all over with, but it has crept back into the conversation again. That is companies using the same geometry for gravel and cross. Typically I've seen the CX bike geo foisted off as being gravel bike goodness. It is definitely NOT as good as true 'gravel bike' geometry. I also know of a few companies using gravel bike geo and saying it is great CX geo. It definitely is NOT. Don't fall into the trap that this is good. Be careful when you look at gravel bikes or CX bikes to determine if the company you are checking out is just saving pennies by using one bike for both categories. Because that is what they are doing- cutting costs and making supply easier on them. It isn't doing the customer right.

I hope that points out the differences for those of you who may be newer to the gravel scene. I decided many years ago that a cyclo cross bike wasn't optimized for gravel riding, but that a cyclo cross bike is for what a cyclo cross bike is designed for. They are NOT specifically designed for back roads, gravel roads, or the like. A cyclo cross bike IS a very specifically designed tool for a purpose, so to those who say, or did say, that a cyclo cross bike is "good enough for gravel", I say phooey! You are not thinking about this equally. If you don't need a 'specific tool' for gravel, than the same logic applies to cyclo cross bikes. You know? Just use an old road bike, like the original cyclo crossers did. 

But thankfully we don't have to use poorly applied designs for purposes they weren't meant for. Thankfully we do have cyclo cross AND gravel bikes, (and triathlon bikes, BMX bikes, tricycles, and whatever else you can think of that needs a specific design.) I mean, really now.......we all could be riding penny farthings. Right? (sarcasm alert)

Of course we need gravel bikes for riding allroads. And yes- the name is dumb, but there is no going back now. 

Thanks for reading!

Friday News And Views

Gravel Events Leveraged For Social Change Issues:

If you hadn't noticed, there is a big issue regarding the proposed World Cup level event for cyclo cross in Arkansas this Fall and how that state has passed some anti-transgender legislation. Social issues are being leveraged against the organizer, USAC, to influence that organization to pull the event from the state of Arkansas. Many athletes who planned on attending the event have cancelled their plans in light of the new legislation and their support for LGBTQ+ issues. 

A "Bicycle Retailer and Industry News" article has more details and links for further reading here. 

There have also been calls to boycott Arkansas based cycling companies and I even saw a lob at the Unbound Gravel event, since Kansas is also considering similar anti-transgender legislation. So, this is where the big gravel events are getting drug into this conversation, and why when I got an e-mail from the Arkansas based event, Big Sugar NWA, that the image posted here was front and center in that e-mail. 

Comments: I expect that if Kansas does pass this sort of legislation, we can expect to see more leverage brought to bear upon the Unbound Gravel event, as well as any other 'big' gravel events with corporate backing. Let's face it, if you are after social change and want to make an impact you are not going after the little events. The aim that I see is that the events that stand a chance to be hurt economically, if they are tagged with the 'boycott', are the events that will be used to bring a light to what the people behind these issues want. 

I took a look at the Arkansas laws and I feel they are really dumb and based out of fear. There shouldn't be anything like them on the books. I also think 'boycotting'  events is not all that effective in making change in this area either. But this does shine a light, for sure. I mean look- I'm writing about it, as are many others, so it is effective in that, at least. So, corporate gravel events, and obviously cyclo cross events, can be credited with engendering at least that much activity in this socially charged issue. Plus there are the things listed in the image, which Big Sugar NWA is undertaking for their event. So, I guess there is that..... But the average citizens who vote in Arkansas? Hmm...... I dunno about that. 

Cracking Down On Speed:

It looks as though Iowa may be limiting any HPC rig to 20mph speed limits. The amendment to the law was recently passed by the Iowa Senate and is going back to the House of Representatives for approval. This hasn't taken effect yet, but there are no indications that it will not be passed into law.

So? Is this a big deal? Maybe...... Many so-called "Class 3 e-bikes" are pedal assisted up to 28mph. Other classes of HPC rigs are limited to 20mph already, excepting the "Class 4" category, which can go faster than 28mph and requires a license and registration. All is 'good in the hood', right? Just follow the laws and we'll all get along just fine. Except when people don't follow the laws, and they don't.......a lot! 

Example: Just the other day at Andy's Bike Shop, where I work, a customer was in telling of a friend's electrified Schwinn Sierra which could hit top speeds in excess of 30mph. Not pedal assisted, of course, because what would be the point in that? (And yes- there may have been a bit of a 'fish story' element to that, but still...)

Another example; We had a guy in last year who owns an old klunker 26"er with a gas engine conversion which he claims can go 55mph and he pretty much rides it wherever he wants, bike paths included. I've seen another one like it around as well. (Note- I do not distinguish between motor types- gas, electric, whatever. If they have pedals and a motor, they qualify. They all are HPC's which is Hybrid Powered Cycles if you are wondering) There are more examples which are not modified that are all over the internet for sale and can go in excess of the so-called 28 mph limits.

So, 20mph limit? Sounds fine to me, but no one is cracking down on what is already out there AND is illegal, so what makes anyone think that a speed limit law is enforceable? It is not enforceable. The manpower required to enforce such speed limits doesn't exist, and you know, we do such a great job cracking down on speeding cars too. Yeah..........

So this 'law' is malarkey. Doesn't mean anything, just like those "class" regulations of HPC's are meaningless. It's the Wild, Wild, West out there when it comes to these things, and I am afraid nothing is going to happen until people start getting hurt, suing, and/or dying. 

Studies are finding that moderate exercise helps with COVID survival

Exercise Helps- So Why Aren't We Pushing The Message?

I think many of us that are fans of cycling kind of 'get this' already, but more studies are being undertaken which are pointing to physical inactivity as being associated with a much higher risk of hospitalization and death due to COVID-19. 

At RidingGravel.com, we were honored to have a contribution from 80 year old gravel rider (!) John Ingham with a message and references given which also pointed to similar conclusions. (Read that here) So, seeing that consistency in data, I am thinking that if you are pedaling, or exercising on a regular basis, you are doing 'it' right, in terms of disease prevention and minimizing risks with respect to diseases and mental health issues. 

So, it baffles me, and it saddens me as to why our government and why our policy makers are not prioritizing some simple measures by enabling folks to - you know - exercise regularly in safe places where being mowed down by motorists piloting plastic, steel, and rubber cages at ridiculous speeds is not a fear and an issue. Not to mention making exercise a priority to help fight the ever growing healthcare issues this country faces. 

I dunno.......maybe I'm the crazy one here. But it seems to me that this is so easy to understand that it flies right over most people's heads. Am I wrong? With what I see going on around me, I have to wonder if I'm not from another planet. The disconnect I see surrounding the issues of health seem astounding to me. 

Iowa Wind And Rock Happens This Weekend:

The ultra-distance gravel event that took its cues from the event I used to put on, Trans Iowa, happens this weekend out of the Winterset, Iowa area. Iowa Wind And Rock is a 300+ mile, cue sheet navigated, time limited event that takes in some of the gnarliest roads in South Central Iowa. 

This would make the third edition of this event. Last year's COVID-modified and postponed event happened in October, and was run in conjunction with the Spotted Horse event, which I volunteered for. This date is the 'traditional' date for such an event in Iowa though. 

I just wanted to take a moment here and wish all the riders, volunteers, and organizers of Iowa Wind And Rock a safe, fun, and successful event. I hope all travel associated with the event is safe, and that nothing is left afterward but epic memories and stories that will be told. 

SRAM AXS Rival

SRAM Finally Reveals AXS Rival:

Lots of people knew it was going to happen, but yesterday SRAM finally let everyone know- and see - the new Rival version of its wireless AXS shifting group. You've probably already have seen this blasted around the internet yesterday, so I won't bore you with all the fine details. 

Comments: My first impressions were that this is the BEST looking SRAM road group ever. The shift levers look almost Shimano-like. (Probably not a mistake there) The crank looks a lot less like a department store level bike crankset  than some of their other offerings. Okay, so aesthetically, good. Very good. 

I did get the press release yesterday which was on the day it was released for public consumption. So, I have only had a brief moment or two to browse the 34 page FAQ (!) besides the other marketing hoo-ha that came along with it. I found that the reason the levers look so good is because SRAM deleted the 'contact feature' (I assume pad contact adjustment) and the remote shifter capabilities. This FAQ also stated that no- Force and Red will not have these sleeker, nicer looking levers. There are no plans to do that with Red or Force levers at this time.You Red and Force users are stuck with those ugly, clunky levers for the near future, at least. 

There are also a few other surprises that I came across. Did you know that you have to use 12 speed compatible chain tools and chain checkers with SRAM flat top chains? (Yes- SRAM says don't try any other tools or else!) Also, Eagle and AXS flat top chains? Not cross compatible. 12 speed quick links? One time use only. And don't you ever spray your AXS equipped bike with water to clean it. Says so right in the FAQ. (But of course, people will do this)

It's a lot of reading, but I'll get through it soon. Oh, and if you want this group they say it'll be available this month. Complete set ups are around $1600.00. Good luck getting your hands on a group. My guess is that these will go like hotcakes and be on back order for a long while. Maybe I'm wrong about that, but maybe not......

More soon after I've digested all this techno-babble......
 

That's all for this edition of the FN&V. Have a fantastic weekend.

Friday News And Views

Gravel Events Leveraged For Social Change Issues:

If you hadn't noticed, there is a big issue regarding the proposed World Cup level event for cyclo cross in Arkansas this Fall and how that state has passed some anti-transgender legislation. Social issues are being leveraged against the organizer, USAC, to influence that organization to pull the event from the state of Arkansas. Many athletes who planned on attending the event have cancelled their plans in light of the new legislation and their support for LGBTQ+ issues. 

A "Bicycle Retailer and Industry News" article has more details and links for further reading here. 

There have also been calls to boycott Arkansas based cycling companies and I even saw a lob at the Unbound Gravel event, since Kansas is also considering similar anti-transgender legislation. So, this is where the big gravel events are getting drug into this conversation, and why when I got an e-mail from the Arkansas based event, Big Sugar NWA, that the image posted here was front and center in that e-mail. 

Comments: I expect that if Kansas does pass this sort of legislation, we can expect to see more leverage brought to bear upon the Unbound Gravel event, as well as any other 'big' gravel events with corporate backing. Let's face it, if you are after social change and want to make an impact you are not going after the little events. The aim that I see is that the events that stand a chance to be hurt economically, if they are tagged with the 'boycott', are the events that will be used to bring a light to what the people behind these issues want. 

I took a look at the Arkansas laws and I feel they are really dumb and based out of fear. There shouldn't be anything like them on the books. I also think 'boycotting'  events is not all that effective in making change in this area either. But this does shine a light, for sure. I mean look- I'm writing about it, as are many others, so it is effective in that, at least. So, corporate gravel events, and obviously cyclo cross events, can be credited with engendering at least that much activity in this socially charged issue. Plus there are the things listed in the image, which Big Sugar NWA is undertaking for their event. So, I guess there is that..... But the average citizens who vote in Arkansas? Hmm...... I dunno about that. 

Cracking Down On Speed:

It looks as though Iowa may be limiting any HPC rig to 20mph speed limits. The amendment to the law was recently passed by the Iowa Senate and is going back to the House of Representatives for approval. This hasn't taken effect yet, but there are no indications that it will not be passed into law.

So? Is this a big deal? Maybe...... Many so-called "Class 3 e-bikes" are pedal assisted up to 28mph. Other classes of HPC rigs are limited to 20mph already, excepting the "Class 4" category, which can go faster than 28mph and requires a license and registration. All is 'good in the hood', right? Just follow the laws and we'll all get along just fine. Except when people don't follow the laws, and they don't.......a lot! 

Example: Just the other day at Andy's Bike Shop, where I work, a customer was in telling of a friend's electrified Schwinn Sierra which could hit top speeds in excess of 30mph. Not pedal assisted, of course, because what would be the point in that? (And yes- there may have been a bit of a 'fish story' element to that, but still...)

Another example; We had a guy in last year who owns an old klunker 26"er with a gas engine conversion which he claims can go 55mph and he pretty much rides it wherever he wants, bike paths included. I've seen another one like it around as well. (Note- I do not distinguish between motor types- gas, electric, whatever. If they have pedals and a motor, they qualify. They all are HPC's which is Hybrid Powered Cycles if you are wondering) There are more examples which are not modified that are all over the internet for sale and can go in excess of the so-called 28 mph limits.

So, 20mph limit? Sounds fine to me, but no one is cracking down on what is already out there AND is illegal, so what makes anyone think that a speed limit law is enforceable? It is not enforceable. The manpower required to enforce such speed limits doesn't exist, and you know, we do such a great job cracking down on speeding cars too. Yeah..........

So this 'law' is malarkey. Doesn't mean anything, just like those "class" regulations of HPC's are meaningless. It's the Wild, Wild, West out there when it comes to these things, and I am afraid nothing is going to happen until people start getting hurt, suing, and/or dying. 

Studies are finding that moderate exercise helps with COVID survival

Exercise Helps- So Why Aren't We Pushing The Message?

I think many of us that are fans of cycling kind of 'get this' already, but more studies are being undertaken which are pointing to physical inactivity as being associated with a much higher risk of hospitalization and death due to COVID-19. 

At RidingGravel.com, we were honored to have a contribution from 80 year old gravel rider (!) John Ingham with a message and references given which also pointed to similar conclusions. (Read that here) So, seeing that consistency in data, I am thinking that if you are pedaling, or exercising on a regular basis, you are doing 'it' right, in terms of disease prevention and minimizing risks with respect to diseases and mental health issues. 

So, it baffles me, and it saddens me as to why our government and why our policy makers are not prioritizing some simple measures by enabling folks to - you know - exercise regularly in safe places where being mowed down by motorists piloting plastic, steel, and rubber cages at ridiculous speeds is not a fear and an issue. Not to mention making exercise a priority to help fight the ever growing healthcare issues this country faces. 

I dunno.......maybe I'm the crazy one here. But it seems to me that this is so easy to understand that it flies right over most people's heads. Am I wrong? With what I see going on around me, I have to wonder if I'm not from another planet. The disconnect I see surrounding the issues of health seem astounding to me. 

Iowa Wind And Rock Happens This Weekend:

The ultra-distance gravel event that took its cues from the event I used to put on, Trans Iowa, happens this weekend out of the Winterset, Iowa area. Iowa Wind And Rock is a 300+ mile, cue sheet navigated, time limited event that takes in some of the gnarliest roads in South Central Iowa. 

This would make the third edition of this event. Last year's COVID-modified and postponed event happened in October, and was run in conjunction with the Spotted Horse event, which I volunteered for. This date is the 'traditional' date for such an event in Iowa though. 

I just wanted to take a moment here and wish all the riders, volunteers, and organizers of Iowa Wind And Rock a safe, fun, and successful event. I hope all travel associated with the event is safe, and that nothing is left afterward but epic memories and stories that will be told. 

SRAM AXS Rival

SRAM Finally Reveals AXS Rival:

Lots of people knew it was going to happen, but yesterday SRAM finally let everyone know- and see - the new Rival version of its wireless AXS shifting group. You've probably already have seen this blasted around the internet yesterday, so I won't bore you with all the fine details. 

Comments: My first impressions were that this is the BEST looking SRAM road group ever. The shift levers look almost Shimano-like. (Probably not a mistake there) The crank looks a lot less like a department store level bike crankset  than some of their other offerings. Okay, so aesthetically, good. Very good. 

I did get the press release yesterday which was on the day it was released for public consumption. So, I have only had a brief moment or two to browse the 34 page FAQ (!) besides the other marketing hoo-ha that came along with it. I found that the reason the levers look so good is because SRAM deleted the 'contact feature' (I assume pad contact adjustment) and the remote shifter capabilities. This FAQ also stated that no- Force and Red will not have these sleeker, nicer looking levers. There are no plans to do that with Red or Force levers at this time.You Red and Force users are stuck with those ugly, clunky levers for the near future, at least. 

There are also a few other surprises that I came across. Did you know that you have to use 12 speed compatible chain tools and chain checkers with SRAM flat top chains? (Yes- SRAM says don't try any other tools or else!) Also, Eagle and AXS flat top chains? Not cross compatible. 12 speed quick links? One time use only. And don't you ever spray your AXS equipped bike with water to clean it. Says so right in the FAQ. (But of course, people will do this)

It's a lot of reading, but I'll get through it soon. Oh, and if you want this group they say it'll be available this month. Complete set ups are around $1600.00. Good luck getting your hands on a group. My guess is that these will go like hotcakes and be on back order for a long while. Maybe I'm wrong about that, but maybe not......

More soon after I've digested all this techno-babble......
 

That's all for this edition of the FN&V. Have a fantastic weekend.

Minus Ten Review 2009-9

I had a cyclo cross bike once. Once......

Ten years ago here on the blog this week I was revealing the silly purchase I made of a Raleigh Rainier single speed cyclo cross bike. Cyclo cross bike? Yes. I bought and owned a true-blue cyclo cross rig for a very short period of time.

You see, in 2009 there were no "gravel bikes", no geometry made specifically for riding gravel roads, and certainly nothing in the way of real tires for this pursuit. To wit- I was trying to run some IRC 42's on this bike, which were one of the only "non-hybrid" tires this size you could find. Then I found out 42's weren't a good fit in the back and I had to size down to a 35mm tire. But that wasn't the biggest issue I had with the bike in the end.

The Rainier was a fantastic cyclo cross bike. Steep-ish head tube angle, high bottom bracket, and quick feeling when you stomped on the pedals. But I had absolutely zero intentions of ever doing a cyclo cross race. I admire the niche and those who are into that, well, good on ya. It just isn't anything I ever wanted to try. No appeal at all for me. So, what in the heck was I doing with a single speed cyclo cross bike? 

Well, having put on a few Trans Iowas by this time, I noted that cyclo cross bikes were the rig of choice. I figured I had better check this out. They were lighter than a single speed 29"er, and some said faster too. I had to find out for myself. What I found out was that cyclo cross geometry was not right for gravel travel. Of course, this revelation was met with much resistance when I spoke of it later. I was called crazy and worse by many commenters. Well, as they say, who's laughing now? I could, but I am not that guy. I just knew back ten years ago that this CX thing wasn't the best thing for gravel travel.

So, this bike wasn't around long. I maybe had it a year. Maybe..... Can't remember. But I know I sold it off to a guy by the name of George and maybe he still has it. Dunno.... It was a cool looking rig, anyway, and if you were into CX, well, it probably was a great rig. Again.....Dunno for sure, but I bet it was.

Minus Ten Review 2009-9

I had a cyclo cross bike once. Once......

Ten years ago here on the blog this week I was revealing the silly purchase I made of a Raleigh Rainier single speed cyclo cross bike. Cyclo cross bike? Yes. I bought and owned a true-blue cyclo cross rig for a very short period of time.

You see, in 2009 there were no "gravel bikes", no geometry made specifically for riding gravel roads, and certainly nothing in the way of real tires for this pursuit. To wit- I was trying to run some IRC 42's on this bike, which were one of the only "non-hybrid" tires this size you could find. Then I found out 42's weren't a good fit in the back and I had to size down to a 35mm tire. But that wasn't the biggest issue I had with the bike in the end.

The Rainier was a fantastic cyclo cross bike. Steep-ish head tube angle, high bottom bracket, and quick feeling when you stomped on the pedals. But I had absolutely zero intentions of ever doing a cyclo cross race. I admire the niche and those who are into that, well, good on ya. It just isn't anything I ever wanted to try. No appeal at all for me. So, what in the heck was I doing with a single speed cyclo cross bike? 

Well, having put on a few Trans Iowas by this time, I noted that cyclo cross bikes were the rig of choice. I figured I had better check this out. They were lighter than a single speed 29"er, and some said faster too. I had to find out for myself. What I found out was that cyclo cross geometry was not right for gravel travel. Of course, this revelation was met with much resistance when I spoke of it later. I was called crazy and worse by many commenters. Well, as they say, who's laughing now? I could, but I am not that guy. I just knew back ten years ago that this CX thing wasn't the best thing for gravel travel.

So, this bike wasn't around long. I maybe had it a year. Maybe..... Can't remember. But I know I sold it off to a guy by the name of George and maybe he still has it. Dunno.... It was a cool looking rig, anyway, and if you were into CX, well, it probably was a great rig. Again.....Dunno for sure, but I bet it was.

Friday News And Views

Nick will be at Interbike signing copies of this book, in case you are there next week.

Book Signing At Interbike:

Next week Interbike starts and it will be the last time it will happen in Las Vegas. (More about that starting Monday)

If you are going, and I know not many of you are, but if you are, Nick Legan will be there signing copies of his new book, "Gravel Cycling".

Again, I have no skin in this game, but I am one of the resources Nick tapped for the book and there is a chapter about Trans Iowa, I understand. So, anyone that is coming here that has an interest in that event might like this book. I know Nick and he is a good writer and he has researched the book well. Check it out in more detail HERE.

I have a book on pre-order so I should have it in hand by the end of the month or the first week of October. Expect a review shortly afterward. Yes......a book review. I've actually written one before. So, this is not unprecedented.

A "psycho-cross" bike

Jingle Cross Is This Weekend:

Okay, I'm going to say it- The whole idea of a "Jingle Cross" before Thanksgiving ruffles my feathers." I just cannot wrap my mind around why this event just doesn't change its name to something more appropos.

But besides that, the pinacle of the "psycho-cross" season at the beginning of the Iowa CX scene instead of at the end, which seemed "appropriate", seems........like a mistake. Previosuly, all the events in Iowa led up to that final crescendo in Iowa city- the famed Jingle Cross! Cold, wet, and sometimes even snowy, Jingle Cross was a fitting cap to the season here. Now?

Now it is like eating dessert first. Why bother with the rest of it? You'll have seen the best and it won't be any better than that. Well.......if you like your CX Summer-like, that is. There won't be any mud, rain, and definitely no snow. The Mt Krumpit and Grnchy Santa will look so out of place it will be silly. But whatever. I don't pretend to get CX at all.

Party on Garth.........

Hoping to go long on this......

Weekend Plans:

Okay, so I am thinking of doing a big, long ride on the Pofahl single speed this weekend. It all depends on how my health is doing. The cold I have is getting better, but I also have ridden nary a lick in two weeks besides commuting and my single track ride on Wednesday.

The idea is to do a century on a single speed. I am not sure if that will happen Saturday or what. We'll see how I feel. I have a route all planned out and the Pofahl is ready and waiting.

It pretty much will be the set up you see here with the addition of the modified cue sheet holder which is a rearranged Bar Yak set up. Water bottles will number four, with one in the Chaff Bag. I had envisioned a different arrangement for water bottles when this bike was built but that detail didn't transfer to reality. I suppose that could be rectified at some point, but that won't happen in time for the single speed century.

Whenever that happens...... Hopefully soon.

Have a great weekend and ride some bicycle while you are at it!

Friday News And Views

Nick will be at Interbike signing copies of this book, in case you are there next week.

Book Signing At Interbike:

Next week Interbike starts and it will be the last time it will happen in Las Vegas. (More about that starting Monday)

If you are going, and I know not many of you are, but if you are, Nick Legan will be there signing copies of his new book, "Gravel Cycling".

Again, I have no skin in this game, but I am one of the resources Nick tapped for the book and there is a chapter about Trans Iowa, I understand. So, anyone that is coming here that has an interest in that event might like this book. I know Nick and he is a good writer and he has researched the book well. Check it out in more detail HERE.

I have a book on pre-order so I should have it in hand by the end of the month or the first week of October. Expect a review shortly afterward. Yes......a book review. I've actually written one before. So, this is not unprecedented.

A "psycho-cross" bike

Jingle Cross Is This Weekend:

Okay, I'm going to say it- The whole idea of a "Jingle Cross" before Thanksgiving ruffles my feathers." I just cannot wrap my mind around why this event just doesn't change its name to something more appropos.

But besides that, the pinacle of the "psycho-cross" season at the beginning of the Iowa CX scene instead of at the end, which seemed "appropriate", seems........like a mistake. Previosuly, all the events in Iowa led up to that final crescendo in Iowa city- the famed Jingle Cross! Cold, wet, and sometimes even snowy, Jingle Cross was a fitting cap to the season here. Now?

Now it is like eating dessert first. Why bother with the rest of it? You'll have seen the best and it won't be any better than that. Well.......if you like your CX Summer-like, that is. There won't be any mud, rain, and definitely no snow. The Mt Krumpit and Grnchy Santa will look so out of place it will be silly. But whatever. I don't pretend to get CX at all.

Party on Garth.........

Hoping to go long on this......

Weekend Plans:

Okay, so I am thinking of doing a big, long ride on the Pofahl single speed this weekend. It all depends on how my health is doing. The cold I have is getting better, but I also have ridden nary a lick in two weeks besides commuting and my single track ride on Wednesday.

The idea is to do a century on a single speed. I am not sure if that will happen Saturday or what. We'll see how I feel. I have a route all planned out and the Pofahl is ready and waiting.

It pretty much will be the set up you see here with the addition of the modified cue sheet holder which is a rearranged Bar Yak set up. Water bottles will number four, with one in the Chaff Bag. I had envisioned a different arrangement for water bottles when this bike was built but that detail didn't transfer to reality. I suppose that could be rectified at some point, but that won't happen in time for the single speed century.

Whenever that happens...... Hopefully soon.

Have a great weekend and ride some bicycle while you are at it!