Two Things

Cannondale Topstone Carbon 2 (Image courtesy of Cannondale)

Integration And The Future Of Bicycles:

The big feature being leveraged in today's top cycling brands is integration. Now for many of you, this may conjure up the image of seeing a lack of external cabling on a bicycle. While this is maybe the most obvious and well understood form of integration, there is more happening out there which falls under this term. 

Take for instance Cannondale's "Smart Sense" system. It is an integration of drive train, accessories, and your smart phone into an ecosystem which could be leveraged to do many things. Younger folks seem to have no aversion to "apps", and charging cables, but some of what Smart Sense does is troubling to this old codger. In my opinion, we are losing cycling's simplicity which has been central to finding escape and joy from modern world trappings.  

Smart Sense runs off a battery, of course it does! And it is USB C type compatible. Right! As it should be. You must charge the system if you use the rear radar and lights, right? No big deal. But did you know that Smart Sense uses a cable which runs from the battery in the down tube of the frame to the AXS rear derailleur because they are integrating the system using SRAM's e-Bike type AXS battery which, on an e-Bike, is running off the main battery pack? Crazy stuff there.... 

Anyway, I think you can see how my bicycle, with no batteries to recharge, might be a bit simpler and quicker to get on and, you know.....ride? Take a look at this page on Cannondale's site regarding Smart Sense and count the steps involved in going for a ride with Smart Sense on. Not easy. Not how I define easy, at any rate! 

And you know Cannondale is tracking your rides, right? The Smart Sense uses the app to send "maintenance reminders" and probably could be doing more stuff which we aren't quite aware of as well. I could see this becoming a system with a subscription to receive updates. And even if updates were free, what happens when your software is no longer supported? See that drawer with all your old phones and cables? Now imagine this as being a garage with old, unsupported e-Bikes and "integrated bikes" with no means to reverse the tech to run mechanical group sets.  

I just have an issue when technology causes more steps and more complications. Bicycles are amazing machines which are simple and efficient. Additional technology hasn't done much but make things more complicated and less sustainable. It has gone in a bad direction, in my opinion.  

Hmm..... Bicycles becoming "devices"? I'm not down, sorry..... 

Stained glass window art in Notre Dame Church, Cresco, Iowa

 On Being Recognized:

First of all, my uncle on my mother's side died Tuesday January 20th. I was called to be a pall bearer. As I was in attendance at this event, I was amazed by a couple of relatives who stated that they read these digital pages nearly daily. 

I am always taken aback by these encounters because, well.....I am amazed anyone would read what I am doing here. And to be reminded publicly that people actually do read these ramblings of mine, well, I am surprised every time. 

Surprised in a way which I react thusly: "Oh! This person actually reads my blog?!!" Wow! I really find it kind of surreal even after all this time. I always figure someone is going to say they read my blog and then give me some grief over something they didn't like, or say I'm trash, or worse, but so far...(looks for wood to knock)...this has not happened.....yet. 

Anyway, a funeral was the last place I would have ever suspected to hear compliments about this blog. So, Tom, if you are reading this, Thanks. George also mentioned he keeps up with me here. Thanks man! I know my cousin Dave also reads this stuff from time to time as well. It's just not something I take in as being a real thing, and maybe I should. Maybe I'm just not comfortable with being recognized, I don't know....  

I'll try working on that in the future, but in the meantime, just know I am very thankful for each and everyone of you who check this out. Whether it is one time or on a daily basis. Thank you!

Will Portable Electronic Pumps Change How We Repair Tires?

Are pumps like these outdated now?

Times change. The way we used to do things changes with the times. This is something I have come to know over the course of my lifetime. Sometimes this is good, sometimes not so much.

I was reminded of this when I was considering my presentation I will be making to some hopeful RAGBRAI riders coming up soon. I am to give a talk on flat repair, which in my opinion is the 'Number One' topic that most average cyclists need to know about and is the most helpful to understand for any cyclist. 

You know, as I was thinking about a "flat repair kit", it dawned on me that, as with many things, devices have crept in and started taking over what was once a manual labor job. I am speaking of the new onset of digital read-out, mini-sized electronic air compressors/pumps. 

No longer do you have to risk breaking off your Presta valve stem as you furiously pump away with a mini-pump until your sweaty face makes it appear as though you might be doing something illicit on the side of the roadway. No longer do you have to risk not getting it right with a fussy CO2 cart. (or deal with empty CO2 canisters) Nope! Now you can whip out your electronic pump, set it to your desired pressure, hit "go", and sit back and relax for maybe 90 seconds as the device does all the dirty work for you.

Are these any good? I'll be finding out soon enough.(Image courtesy of Amazon)

If you've not seen these new mini-inflators that have multiple functions, hit Amazon and be amazed. We did a review on one such device on Riding Gravel once. So, I've been aware of such devices for a while, but to see how far these have come in terms of miniaturization and features is pretty amazing. And you can score one for under $100.00. Well under. 

When a decent mini-pump goes for about the same price as these new-fangled devices, it's time to reconsider the landscape of flat repair equipment choices. Especially so when the device can not only read current air pressure, but be set to a desired pressure and stop at that setting. Add in the ability to act as a recharging brick, a light, and a car tire inflator, well, it's hard to say that a standard mini-pump is a smart choice anymore. That is "if the device works as advertised", and of course, it has to be reasonably lightweight and compact enough to consider carrying it around. 

Stay tuned because next week I'm going to start to investigate one such device.

Will Portable Electronic Pumps Change How We Repair Tires?

Are pumps like these outdated now?

Times change. The way we used to do things changes with the times. This is something I have come to know over the course of my lifetime. Sometimes this is good, sometimes not so much.

I was reminded of this when I was considering my presentation I will be making to some hopeful RAGBRAI riders coming up soon. I am to give a talk on flat repair, which in my opinion is the 'Number One' topic that most average cyclists need to know about and is the most helpful to understand for any cyclist. 

You know, as I was thinking about a "flat repair kit", it dawned on me that, as with many things, devices have crept in and started taking over what was once a manual labor job. I am speaking of the new onset of digital read-out, mini-sized electronic air compressors/pumps. 

No longer do you have to risk breaking off your Presta valve stem as you furiously pump away with a mini-pump until your sweaty face makes it appear as though you might be doing something illicit on the side of the roadway. No longer do you have to risk not getting it right with a fussy CO2 cart. (or deal with empty CO2 canisters) Nope! Now you can whip out your electronic pump, set it to your desired pressure, hit "go", and sit back and relax for maybe 90 seconds as the device does all the dirty work for you.

Are these any good? I'll be finding out soon enough.(Image courtesy of Amazon)

If you've not seen these new mini-inflators that have multiple functions, hit Amazon and be amazed. We did a review on one such device on Riding Gravel once. So, I've been aware of such devices for a while, but to see how far these have come in terms of miniaturization and features is pretty amazing. And you can score one for under $100.00. Well under. 

When a decent mini-pump goes for about the same price as these new-fangled devices, it's time to reconsider the landscape of flat repair equipment choices. Especially so when the device can not only read current air pressure, but be set to a desired pressure and stop at that setting. Add in the ability to act as a recharging brick, a light, and a car tire inflator, well, it's hard to say that a standard mini-pump is a smart choice anymore. That is "if the device works as advertised", and of course, it has to be reasonably lightweight and compact enough to consider carrying it around. 

Stay tuned because next week I'm going to start to investigate one such device.

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.