Friday News And Views

US Patent Office image of SRAM UBM

SRAM Universal Brake Mount:

SRAM, who promoted the UDH derailleur mount, which is being widely adopted now, has patented a new MTB brake mount called Universal Brake Mount. 

The patent was granted last year, and the idea was discussed a bit in certain circles of the bike industry, but now it is seemingly gaining some traction in mentions of a near future adoption by the industry. 

The mount centers the brake mount from the axle, and everything references off this point instead of being a jig for each frame, or a different set of parameters to be used. This does make the mount dependent on an attachment point on the seat stay. 

Obviously, this idea would be a bit more difficult if we were still in a quick release world. However; since through axles are ubiquitous on MTB, road, and gravel bikes now, this idea makes sense. Obviously, this is a post mount brake standard, but perhaps a flat mount standard could be developed as well. 

I can see how the design would require extra beef on seat stays and how it might limit some full suspension designs, or designs which employ seat stays as flexing members for comfort. So, I do not believe this is a "universal" solution for everyone, but I also see how manufacturing frames would be easier and more streamlined by using this standard. Saving factories and brands more money will be the motivation for adopting this. 

Image courtesy of Zirbel Bike social media

Zirbel Bike Offers "Electronic Grip Shift" Type Shifters

Grip Shift - Remember that? It was largely forgotten after SRAM moved off of doing mechanical flat bar shifters with the introduction of AXS. 

But a company called Zirbel Bike  has adapted a wireless twist ring style shifter reminiscent of Grip Shift to operate a SRAM AXS/Transmission rear derailleur.  

They also make a trigger style ring which has minimal mass and takes up little handlebar space. The trigger can be easily operated by a thumb.  

Some riders preferred a twist style shifter due to hand issues which make using triggers painful or difficult. This Zirbel product could be a solution then for such individuals. 

Prices look to be reasonable and the shifters can be purchased as a unit complete with flat bar and stem for a mountain bike.  

Comments: Now that I've seen this, it seems odd SRAM did not attempt to go in a similar direction with AXS for MTB/flat bars. The product Zirbel offers takes up little space which is a big deal now with MTB cockpits having dropper levers and shock lockouts competing with brake levers and shifters for space on handlebars.  

Image courtesy of Jay Petervary's social media.

IDITAROD Trail Race Sunday:

One of the older ultra-distance bicycle events in North America is set to occur this Sunday. The IDITAROD Trail Invitational will send off its riders on Sunday. 

I grabbed this image of Jay Petervary's fat bike set up from his social media to show just how far things have come in bicycle design for this event. It seems a longer wheel base, slacker front end, and different width rims are the hot set-up in 2026. 

Obviously a credit to materials technology and its application to fat bike components has to be recognized here. Without carbon rims, carbon components, and lighter weight, titanium tubing a machine like this would have weighed a silly amount 20 years ago. 

I would also think recent developments in tire set ups are making machines like this even more capable. I asked Jay about the wheels here. The tires are the same but the rims are different. I find it interesting that Jay is using differing rim sizes. The rear is 105mm wide and the front is a whopping 128mm wide. This gives the tires a truly different shape and, I would imagine, a different type of performance on snowy trails.  I don't know what the thinking he has is on this is, but I would be interested to hear is take on this idea. 

What do you think of Jay's bike set-up? Let me know in the comments. 

Image courtesy of fizik

The Arione Is Back!

Almost 20 years ago fizik introduced a very long, flat, kind of tear-dropped shaped saddle which was so different you could identify the model from a distance easily. It was the fizik Arione, a saddle which pushed the limits of UCI regulations, and which many riders grew to love for its allowance for several comfortable positions across its length. 

Now the Arione is back, and it has some features which are unique. The length has been trimmed back from the original's nearly aircraft carrier deck length to a more modern length. Not surprising there. However; the flat profile remains, as does the "boat-tail" rear extension. 

Of course, there are 3D printed covers, (shown) and there are more traditional covers available as well. The range features  rail choices, from carbon to fizik's "Kium" hollow alloy rails, and the S-Alloy rails. . Top range models get the Adaptive padding while there are EVA and PU foam padded models when you move down the range, which is reflected in the price. 

Image courtesy of fizik

Interestingly, fizik addresses how many racers want there saddles positioned as forward as possible in relation to the bottom bracket by attaching the rear of the rails to the saddle base in a unique way. This allows for a very forward saddle placement which is not available in any other saddle model I am aware of currently. 

Times have certainly changed! I recall a day when we could not get our saddles far enough back on a seat post. So, this is an interesting development in saddles and rider fit. 

Arione R 5 (Image courtesy of fziik)

The Arione is available in available in five models. The top of the range features the Arione R1 Adaptive with carbon rails. The Arione Adaptive R1 Light has EVA padding instead of a 3D printed cover. This model also features an ergonomic cutaway central channel for pressure relief. Next we have the Arione R3 Adaptive which has the same 3D printed cover as the R1 but has Kium alloy hollow rails. 

Then we move to the Arione R3 and R5 models which have the PU foam padding and differ mostly in the rail choice with the R3 having the hollow Kium alloy and the R5 having the S-Alloy rail. 

Prices range from $399.00 for the range topping Arione R1 Adaptive to $99.99 for the Arione R5. All saddles come in two widths - 145mm or a narrower 135mm. 

For more details see fizik's site HERE

Life Time Announces Wildcard Rosters

Last year the Life Time Grand prix announced a "wildcard" category which allowed racers who qualified to enter into the opener for the series, and any man or woman in the top three placings for either category would get on the Wildcard chance at Unbound to possibly race their way into the Grand Prix series. In fact, the Grand Prix Men's overall winner, Cameron Jones, came out of the Wildcard category. 

A press release received Thursday here at Guitar Ted Productions lines out the rosters for possible Wildcard entrants. There are 27 women on that side of the roster. Notably in this roster I see Haley Smith, former Canadian Olympian and Grand Prix rider. 

On the Men's side there are 59 individuals listed with several notable names in the running. Russel Finsterwald, Dylan Johnson, and Adam Roberge being but a few of the names listed . 

My reading of the press release may be off, but as I understand this, the rosters listed must race Sea Otter where the top three in Men's and Women's categories from the WildCard rosters can then compete in Unbound and then whomever is the best of the three in each category there will be added to the Grand Prix riders. 

Again- apologies if I have this wrong but the press release wasn't 100% clear to me on these points. 

So, the bigger question is, does any of this matter to you? (I already know what N.Y. Roll will say!)

Image courtesy of Surly Bikes

 

 Disc Trucker Update:

Surly released an updated Disc Trucker complete and frame set available now through your Surly dealer. As before, smaller sizes are available in 26" wheels and 56cm and up is 700c. 

The Disc Trucker is an amalgamation of old touring bikes and new technology/components. You've got that steel frame, a spoke holder, rack mounts galore, fender mounts, and good ol' touring bike geometry. 

Modernization come in the form of tubeless ready tires, disc brakes, and through axles. Honestly, all good things. 

Gotta give a shout out to the externally routed cables and dynamo routed fork. There is a nice, upright seated position here also, which is great for long, all-day riding. 

Touring nerds will probably sniff at the 2X crank set with 46T/30T gearing. Not that it doesn't provide a low enough gear with a 39T low gear in the cassette, but because you don't get that nice "transition" range with, say a 36T middle ring. Ah! ..............But triples are too confusing. Hmm..... Okay. I believe cycling is a skill set. This stuff can be learned. But I digress.... 

And did you notice you could put a set of down tube shifters on this frame? Now that is old school right there! Ha ha! Also of note: 36 spoke wheels. Nice! 

That is going to wrap things up for this week here at Guitar Ted Productions. Thank you for reading here and please, get outside and ride a bicycle this weekend!

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!

Friday News And Views

 

Image courtesy of Shimano North America

GRX717 Di2 Introduced As Shimano's Budget Gravel Group:

On December 16th, news came out regarding a new level of GRX gravel components from Shimano. This new GRX717 level is electronic, 12 speed, 1X only, and is priced to compete with  SRAM's more entry level offerings. 

The new 717 is wireless, just like its more expensive sibling. In fact, it is practically a mash-up of current 105/Deore wireless 12 speed components with GRX branding. The 717 rear derailleur features the same WideLink design, ability to reset after a blow to the cage, and the same low-profile design as Deore MTB Di2.  

Levers are essentially 105 design, lacking the grippier hoods of the top-tier GRX Di2 12 speed. It bears mentioning the hoods are textured a little bit though. 

Crank set options include a 40T and 42T option. The rear cassette is meant to be a 10-51T range 12 speed MicroSpline compatible cassette. It should be noted also that all 12 speed wireless Di2 is interchangeable. So....say you want flat bar GRX, you just add flat bar Di2 Deore shifters and you are there. Other possibilities are available as long as you stick to the Shimano 12 speed wireless Di2 ecosystem. 

Comments: Prediction - Shimano sees more spec with this offering. They had ceded this segment of the market to SRAM by not having a more budget friendly option for electronic 12 speed shifting. Now that this is out there, Shimano only is missing a top-tier, super light Di2 gravel racing group. 

Special Statement Concerning The Virtual Turkey Burn Ride Challenge:

I was made aware of a VTBRC report which may have been sent and was received in the spam folder of my email instead of the regular email folder. Now I am aware this is a possibility, and now I have to wonder if other reports went to the same folder. The thing is, I never look at what is in the folder, I simply delete the whole thing every day. 

So, from comments left on the blog it seems at least one report met this fate and perhaps others have as well. I apologize for this! I was not thinking such a thing would become a problem, but there it is. 

So, in the future I will be more careful when deleting the spam file during times I expect reports on rides like the VTBRC. I sincerely hope those of you who sent in reports will forgive me of this oversight and I would be 100% good with publishing those reports if you let me know you'd like to do this. 

This little machine saved my bacon

Fixed Gear Build:

The Standard Rando v2 is being converted into a fixed gear bike and things have been progressing slowly with this build all December long. 

I ran into a situation which had me in a bit of a pickle. I was building the front wheel when I discovered one spoke was not accepting a nipple. This after I had everything laced up and ready to tension. 

To make matters worse, it was the only silver spoke I had which would fit this application, and I did not have access to a bike shop, as this happened at an odd time. 

So, I grabbed my Hozan Spoke Screwing Machine, an extra long silver spoke, and got to work. I first cut the spoke down to the proper length. Then I mounted the Spoke Screwing machine in my vise. A few minutes later and I had a replacement spoke ready to install. Problem solved!  

These little machines can be a life saver. While one could thread spokes for an entire wheel build with this little guy, I wouldn't recommend it. This is best suited for spoke replacements running up to a handful of spokes in number. More than a half dozen and you'll get real tired, real fast of the tediousness of the process. You have to be patient with this machine! 

These are still available, so if you think you'd like one, you should be able to find one easily enough. By the way, I'll have a lot more on this build coming up here on the blog soon.  

L.O.G. Ride  Logo Updated:

I received an email a while back here from Jesse Petersen, a reader of these digital pages and a graphic designer, by the looks of it. He took my caveman drawing of the L.O.G. Ride logo, "cleaned it up a bit", and sent it my way so it can be used by the promoters of the ride. 

(That is right, I'm not in charge of this ride. I just came up with an idea for a logo)

If you want to know more about the Legends Of Gravel Ride, seek the page out on Facebook for all the news. And thank you Jesse for an awesome "clean up" job on my artwork! 

I did get confirmation that the registration should be up by now, or any day now. The Legends of Gravel will have two levels you can sign up for. One: Anyone wanting to stay at the Lodge, and Two: Those staying elsewhere, but wanting to join the ride. Sorry, this is all I know at this time, but you can check out BikeReg and search "Legends of Gravel" to learn more, or go to the Facebook group page for this event.  

Adventure Cycling Debuts Golden Gravel Trail Route:

The Adventure Cycling organization is about to celebrate its 50th year. To do this they decided to draw up a mostly gravel road route from Oregon to the Mississippi River on Missouri's border. The route will total 3,700 miles and will be released to the public in March of this year on their Ride With GPS  account. 

Route diagram courtesy of Adventure Cycling

The route is described on the Adventure Cycling blog page (HERE) as being somewhat similar to the Great Divide Route (Tour Divide), and riders should expect similar experiences. 

Adventure Cycling reminds riders who want to ride this route that it is not going to be 100% perfect and will likely need tweaking in its infancy. 

Comments: Obviously this is what Adventure Cycling is all about, but also it is noteworthy they chose a mostly (reportedly 70% gravel) gravel route. NOT a paved route. Also notable is their West-East routing versus what the Great Plains Gravel Route does, which is to meander North-South. Also, The Spinistry is developing a route which will traverse the entire nation East to West on mostly unpaved roads, (See the next story for more). So, the Adventure Cycling folks are not the only group doing things like this. 

It stands to reason a route like this would be done, as gravel is more safely traversed these days due to distracted drivers on paved roads. But then again - You need to know even in the remotest places you could still get smoked by an inattentive driver. Just ask Jay Petervary. 

So, when will the race be announced? (Only half kidding)

TUBA Trail: The Longest Off-Pavement Route Being Developed:

In other long route news of the unpaved sort, N.Y. Roll and I were able to pin down the industrious Kevin Lee of the Spinistry for a chat. Our conversation centered around the newest off-pavement route for bike packing and touring, the TUBA Trail. 

Kevin and The Spinistry are no strangers to long off-pavement routes. They have developed the RAT 1000, a route across Texas and have been maintaining it for several years already. In fact, the RAT 1000 route idea is the genesis for the idea for the TUBA Trail. 

I won't dive into too much of the detail on this new trail route, but you can check out the conversation we had with Kevin by listening to the latest Guitar Ted Podcast HERE. (Spotify home page link, but you can find the show on most major podcast platforms.) 

I enjoyed hearing about how Kevin pays attention to details which I related to having routed Trans Iowa over the years I did that. I also appreciated Kevin's mentioning the costs involved in doing route finding, a thing most riders tend not to appreciate.  

I also wanted to thank Kevin again for his time and for sharing the news of the TUBA Trail, which is set to be completed sometime this year.  

Image courtesy of Singular Cycles

The 32" Watch: One More For The Album:

Singular Cycles posted this image on their socials and asked for names for this new model with 32" wheels. Most Singular models are named for avians, so the bulk of the suggestions were of this nature. 

Comments: This is a good look at what this model may look like in production. If I had to guess, this appears to be titanium. I hope Sam Alison is thinking about a steel version because a titanium version would be quite pricey. Nice, but expensive for sure. 

I've no idea for a name for this, but I'm sure it will be appropriately named. One thing you can always count on from Singular Cycles, and that is they have always done things with class. From aesthetics to the names for their models, it is hard to find fault with anything the company has done. Not that Singular is perfect, mind you. Far from it. I will only say other "big wheeled" purveyors do not have the same level of attention to detail when it comes to how their products are presented and perceived in the marketplace. It doesn't hurt any to have bicycles which handle and ride nicely also, and Singular has a reputation for this as well. 

So, I expect nothing less than a really well sorted and classy looking 32"er from Singular. My proclivities run more toward trying a 32 inch wheel out in a drop bar format. Maybe Sam could name it the  "Hræsvelgr". I think that would be appropriate. 

Give me that and a reissued Luxy Bar. I might have to get rid of a bike to bring one like this in.  

Thanks for reading! Get out and put in your first ride of 2026, if you have not already!

Randomonium: Saturday Edition

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

Hammerhead Update:

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

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

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

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

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

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

More soon.....

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

Technological Conundrums:

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Wayfarer fork - Image courtesy of Wilde Bicycle Co.

Wilde Bicycle Co. Wayfarer Fork:

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

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

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

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

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

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

Climate Criticisms Leveled At le Tour:

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

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

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

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

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

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

That's it for this edition of Randomonium!

Randomonium: Saturday Edition

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

Hammerhead Update:

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

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

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

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

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

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

More soon.....

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

Technological Conundrums:

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Wayfarer fork - Image courtesy of Wilde Bicycle Co.

Wilde Bicycle Co. Wayfarer Fork:

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

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

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

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

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

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

Climate Criticisms Leveled At le Tour:

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

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

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

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

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

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

That's it for this edition of Randomonium!

Robot Noises For (Almost) Any Bike - Part 3

The Archer Components D-1X unit on the Snow Dog

A while back I tried to ride the Snow Dog, my 2011 Salsa Cycles Mukluk, and I forgot something. I forgot that I had installed the Archer Components D-1X electronic shifting mod on it and the batteries were dead. No wonder! I had the stuff since 2020 and I had never charged the batteries! 

Well, as an update to the previous post I did back at the end of 2020, (HERE), and as a way to actually, you know, get to ride that bike again, I decided I had better learn how this recharging works. 

Frankly, I had no idea that it had been over a year since I last had written up anything on the system, but that is the case. So, here is your update- finally- and a few words about the charging aspect of the system. 

First off, these Archer D-1X's run off special batteries which are sized like AA and AAA batteries, but don't try those! The Archer batteries are a special voltage and your garden variety battery is not recommended. There are two of these batteries in the main "box" on the seat stay of my bike and one in the remote shifter. The battery hatch for the main 'box' is an easily removed - a screw off cap which is located at the front of the 'box', opposite of where the cable exits the unit. Hint: A telescoping, 'pencil' magnet tool will help you extract the batteries without trying to tip the bike oddly.

The Snow Dog set up with the Archer D-1X. You can see the main shifting 'box' on the seat stay

Okay, now to extract the single, smaller sized battery from that remote. It is behind a 'door' located on the bottom side of the remote and held on by two, small hex tool compatible bolts. No big deal, right? just remove those two bolts and grab the battery. Well, it is easy if you have a 1.5mm hex key! 

Who uses 1.5mm hex key head bolts? Archer Components, that's who!

This precipitated a search for said odd-ball tool. That led to a feng shui session in my shop. This felt great, and I was better organized than ever, but I still did not have a 1.5mm hex key! 

Who the heck uses 1.5mm hex socket bolts anyway! 2mm hex keys? I have them all day long. But 1.5mm? Really?!

Anyway, I finally found one on a Park Tool hex key set I had misplaced in another drawer. Hallelujah! Now on to getting these batteries recharged. I wondered how long that would take. 

Well, I never found out via the Archer Components website. It wasn't in the instruction manual that came with the unit. It wasn't with the instructions for the special charger either. Wow! You'd think that might be an important bit for a user of the system to know. Anyway......

The charger works great, but it is a little kludgy.

Only one way to find out how long the batteries take to charge, and that was to observe a charge cycle in real time. That's what I did, not knowing if this would be an hour or three. 

Good news was that the two larger batteries charged up in about one hour. The little battery? Wow! That battery took maybe 20 minutes to charge. And I am pretty sure all the batteries were drained. I am not sure if this adversely affects battery life, or not, but I was good to go in under two hours. 

Conclusions: I'm okay with this system but for a couple weird things that it has going on with it. One: You have to physically turn on and off the shift box or battery life is adversely affected. Two: Those dratted 1.5mm bolts on the remote shifter battery door. Why? There is no good reason for that. Give me some Phillips head screws, or 2mm bolts, but not this odd-ball size that most cyclist won't have a wrench for. 

Go read the link back for more about riding with the D-1X system. It works well, and it is easy to adjust, once you get used to it. I should note that Archer has a new, paddle shifter for flat bars now and the drop bar remote is available as well. This works with 5 speed freewheels all the way up to 11 speed cassettes. It doesn't care if you have a SRAM rear derailleur and a Campy cassette. Whatever. You can make it go, so I think it makes sense from the aspect that you can swap a single set up around to different bikes and enjoy crisp, electronic shifting with no worries about cables and housings. 

And then again, you can always just ride a single speed! 

 NOTE: Archer Components sent over the D1X shifting system to Riding Gravel for test and review at no charge. I am not being paid, nor bribed, to post this here. See the Standard Disclaimer Page.

Robot Noises For (Almost) Any Bike - Part 3

The Archer Components D-1X unit on the Snow Dog

A while back I tried to ride the Snow Dog, my 2011 Salsa Cycles Mukluk, and I forgot something. I forgot that I had installed the Archer Components D-1X electronic shifting mod on it and the batteries were dead. No wonder! I had the stuff since 2020 and I had never charged the batteries! 

Well, as an update to the previous post I did back at the end of 2020, (HERE), and as a way to actually, you know, get to ride that bike again, I decided I had better learn how this recharging works. 

Frankly, I had no idea that it had been over a year since I last had written up anything on the system, but that is the case. So, here is your update- finally- and a few words about the charging aspect of the system. 

First off, these Archer D-1X's run off special batteries which are sized like AA and AAA batteries, but don't try those! The Archer batteries are a special voltage and your garden variety battery is not recommended. There are two of these batteries in the main "box" on the seat stay of my bike and one in the remote shifter. The battery hatch for the main 'box' is an easily removed - a screw off cap which is located at the front of the 'box', opposite of where the cable exits the unit. Hint: A telescoping, 'pencil' magnet tool will help you extract the batteries without trying to tip the bike oddly.

The Snow Dog set up with the Archer D-1X. You can see the main shifting 'box' on the seat stay

Okay, now to extract the single, smaller sized battery from that remote. It is behind a 'door' located on the bottom side of the remote and held on by two, small hex tool compatible bolts. No big deal, right? just remove those two bolts and grab the battery. Well, it is easy if you have a 1.5mm hex key! 

Who uses 1.5mm hex key head bolts? Archer Components, that's who!

This precipitated a search for said odd-ball tool. That led to a feng shui session in my shop. This felt great, and I was better organized than ever, but I still did not have a 1.5mm hex key! 

Who the heck uses 1.5mm hex socket bolts anyway! 2mm hex keys? I have them all day long. But 1.5mm? Really?!

Anyway, I finally found one on a Park Tool hex key set I had misplaced in another drawer. Hallelujah! Now on to getting these batteries recharged. I wondered how long that would take. 

Well, I never found out via the Archer Components website. It wasn't in the instruction manual that came with the unit. It wasn't with the instructions for the special charger either. Wow! You'd think that might be an important bit for a user of the system to know. Anyway......

The charger works great, but it is a little kludgy.

Only one way to find out how long the batteries take to charge, and that was to observe a charge cycle in real time. That's what I did, not knowing if this would be an hour or three. 

Good news was that the two larger batteries charged up in about one hour. The little battery? Wow! That battery took maybe 20 minutes to charge. And I am pretty sure all the batteries were drained. I am not sure if this adversely affects battery life, or not, but I was good to go in under two hours. 

Conclusions: I'm okay with this system but for a couple weird things that it has going on with it. One: You have to physically turn on and off the shift box or battery life is adversely affected. Two: Those dratted 1.5mm bolts on the remote shifter battery door. Why? There is no good reason for that. Give me some Phillips head screws, or 2mm bolts, but not this odd-ball size that most cyclist won't have a wrench for. 

Go read the link back for more about riding with the D-1X system. It works well, and it is easy to adjust, once you get used to it. I should note that Archer has a new, paddle shifter for flat bars now and the drop bar remote is available as well. This works with 5 speed freewheels all the way up to 11 speed cassettes. It doesn't care if you have a SRAM rear derailleur and a Campy cassette. Whatever. You can make it go, so I think it makes sense from the aspect that you can swap a single set up around to different bikes and enjoy crisp, electronic shifting with no worries about cables and housings. 

And then again, you can always just ride a single speed! 

 NOTE: Archer Components sent over the D1X shifting system to Riding Gravel for test and review at no charge. I am not being paid, nor bribed, to post this here. See the Standard Disclaimer Page.

Friday News And Views

A scene from "Gravel: A Love Letter".

 New Gravel Short Film Released:

If you hadn't heard about it yet, last Saturday a new short film about the gravel scene was released in conjunction with Pearl Izumi called "Gravel: A Love Letter".

The approximately 28 minute film describes what it means to ride gravel and what "gravel" means to those who ride on it. It features members of the Pirate Cycling League, scenes from Gravel Worlds, and the SBT GRVL event amongst other cycling luminaries like Marley Blonsky and Leonard Zinn. 

Comments: I watched this last weekend once it had been made available. Short review: I liked it.  

Longer Review: It captures the essence of what I think makes the gravel scene so popular. I'm not 100% sure that the premise laid out in the opening of the piece was necessary, but I get the addition of it as being a part for the 'antagonist'. Trouble is that this is not developed further and unless you are reminded of that bit at the front end you probably will forget it.  (So, why have it in there, right?) That's my only criticism of the piece as a 'story'. 

Otherwise this film should make you smile if you care about gravel from a grassroots perspective. The film focuses on the aspects that veer away from the big-time production feel of the events that sections of the work were filmed at. I thought that was clever. You can watch this and pretty much not know a thing about how the events the piece was filmed at are done and feel like, and you get totally immersed in the parts that these events still have that hearken back to the roots of this modern-day gravel thing. It's - in my opinion - a look at big gravel at a granular level. That the piece talks about how the individual is celebrated, (even solo gravel rides are mentioned), really makes this work something impactful on a personal level. 

Well done. You should watch it. 

Patent drawing for an electronic rear derailleur for Tektro.

A Tektro Electronic Drivetrain?

Recently, a "Bicycle Retailer and Industry News" article detailed Tektro's recent patent filing 'frenzy' regarding electronically controlled derailleur and shifter designs. 

While patent filings do not necessarily mean physical specimens on bicycles, this recent news seems to be indicating an imminent introduction of electronic shifting bits from Tektro. 

Comments: In another article in the same "BRAIN" issue, Tektro is also developing a 9 speed cassette for HPC's (ebikes) and concentrating the design to address consumers tendencies to only use the three smallest cogs on cassettes where motor assist is available. (Leading to my assertion all along that these will end up becoming motorcycles at some point, but that's another subject)

So, with that HPC development, and adding in that electrification of bicycles is HUGE in Europe, I wouldn't be surprised if a lot of what Tektro is up to will be electric bike specific. The story I read does not indicate whether or not this would be an 11/12 speed set up, or if it is meant for human powered bicycles, or not. 

I think we would be remiss in thinking that Tektro wouldn't address the human powered end of this, but I feel as though the bigger manufacturing numbers are going to be found on the electric bike end, so I'm not super convinced that this would be anything for typical riders of gravel, MTB, and road bikes, but I'm not ruling it out. Whatever happens, it will be a welcome addition to the choices we have now in high-end electronic drive trains.

HPC battery concerns in the news

Recycling Lithium-Ion Batteries And Rising Costs:

Two news items appeared this week which both have to do with the batteries used for electrified bicycles. Concerns over recycling used batteries and costs of raw materials to produce the batteries are the subjects in focus here. First, the recycling news.

Of course, with the proliferation of HPC bikes with their requisite battery packs, we have to start thinking about the end-of-service-life issues that these devices will inevitably have. The disposal of the battery being paramount to that discussion.

Thankfully a voluntary program dubbed Call2Recycle seems to be gaining traction with many brands, both "LBS" brands and consumer direct. The link takes you to their site with all the resources for brands to get involved provided there.

Comments: This is great news. I would suggest that if you are in the market for an electrified bike that you strongly consider the brands on the list there. Notable exceptions to the program are Trek and Cannondale. (Note- Those brands may have there own in-hose recycling efforts, but I still think a "one-stop" solution for consumers carries more chances for success.)

Price Hikes; The second bit of the battery news is that due to huge increases in pressure on supplies for the chemicals and minerals needed to produce Lithium-Ion batteries, you can expect big jumps in the prices for HPC/ebikes in the near future, according to a recent "BRAIN" editorial. Prices for some of the major components for these batteries has skyrocketed. For example, the "BRAIN" editorial stated that lithium carbonate prices are up 712% over the last two years in China. That's where the vast majority of that mineral goes, by the way. 

Furthermore; with expected increases in Lithium-Ion battery usage for automobiles, trucks, and Agricultural equipment on the horizon, the bicycle industry, which is but a blip on the screen compared to those behemoths, will only get scraps from the table. I suspect that prices for HPC bikes will be up- way up- and that may have a very negative effect on their popularity, both here and abroad, very soon.  

Assos bibs for gravel riding. Image courtesy of Assos.

What Does "Gravel Specific" Even Mean?

Recently I spied a release from the clothing company, Assos, which was touting their latest "gravel specific" bib shorts, shorts, and jersey. I checked into the products, both the bibs and the jersey, and I left wondering why these things are 'gravel specific', and what that even means. 

First off- I have zero concerns that these pieces wouldn't be really nice for cycling. Assos has an impeccable reputation for quality and performance. Also, I know Assos is not the only brand offering 'gravel specific' clothing, so this is not a commentary on Assos, the brand, or their products in a negative light. I just question the reasons why features like mesh pockets and side zippered jersey pockets are related to gravel. Aren't these just features? Aren't these unrelated to any specific form of cycling? 

I'd say, yes- these are more of a feature set that, usefulness and utility aside, are there for marketing purposes. I mean, we have three-pocket jerseys which have been developed over the course of almost a century which would probably be considered to be the ultimate evolution of cycling utility in jerseys we're ever going to get. 

Weird, fiddly zippered jersey side pockets, to my mind, are less functional. Now, I have to say that the two mesh pockets, and pockets like them on other brand's bibs, down on the legs of bib shorts is kind of a good thing. An evolution towards more functionality. Specifically, a great place to stash those used gel-packs and energy bar wrappers many "serious" gravel racers tend to discard on our pristine rural roads in events. If only we could get those knuckleheads to use them..... 

Anyway, the whole 'gravel specific' marketing spiel is getting pretty old. I don't have a lot of patience with it anymore and I think brands need to rethink using that tag for features that really don't do a dang thing for 'just gravel riding'. I mean, there really is no such thing as 'gravel specific' when you get down to it. All-roads? Sure..... General Purpose Riding? (Not sexy or exciting, but what 'gravel' should be) Maybe... "Road" and "Off-Road"? Probably the best...

But gravel specific needs to go away.

That's a wrap for this week. Have a great weekend!