Gravel Grinder News: New Wahoo GPS Soon?

Is this the new Wahoo GPS? (Image from Reddit)

Wahoo Rumored To Release New GPS Cycling Device Soon:

On Monday news was spreading that any day now you will see a new flagship GPS device from Wahoo. Rumored to be named "ACE", this device would be bigger than the current Elemnt ROAM with a claimed 3.8" touch screen. Yes. A touchscreen is part of this rumor. Of course, as you can see, if the ACE looks like this it will also feature the familiar buttons that Wahoo users know well.

The "big" (sorry for the pun) news here is an increased battery life, rumored to be 30 hours or so, and a wind sensor. 

The wind sensor could be used to help with power meters and rider output into headwinds and with tailwinds. Better power output in windy situations may increase performance outcomes. 

The usual suite of functions should be here as well as an aluminum mount, which I would wager is probably going to be more svelte and lighter than what would be necessary in a plastic based material for a mount to hold this large, and I am assuming heavy, device. 

Stay tuned for the official announcement to come any day now, according to posters on Reddit.

Trends And Prognostications For Gravel Bikes

Looking at what is being introduced this year for gravel bikes, which is, admittedly, not much, due to the circumstances, I am seeing a few things starting to emerge. I've written a bit about the "mountain bike-ification" of gravel bikes, and that is one thing, but not all new bikes are headed down that road.

If there is anything one can say about this "gravel category" of bikes, (can I reiterate how dumb this name was to be used for these bikes here again? ), it is that everyone, and every company, has its interpretation of what "that" means. 

It isn't like a gravel bike is one certain thing. Not like it was with say, 1990's XC MTB bikes, or French style rando bikes, or with road racing bikes. All niches of cycling that have a certain parameter that the bikes have to fit into to be "that" style. Gravel bikes still are kind of a "Wild, Wild, West" sort of genre, and that's fun. 

That said, things are pointing to a homogenization of the style and some of that is evidenced by trends I am seeing out there now. There are hints of what is to come in the future as well. This isn't going to be an all-encompassing look at all things "gravel", it is just my take on the scene. You may have a differing opinion, or some of your own examples to share. That's fine. Here are my thoughts....

Co-Op's ADV 1 650B bike (Image courtesy of REI)

650B Is Fading:

Early on in the gravel bike's developmental period, WTB introduced "Road Plus" tires which was an outgrowth of their idea from the MTB side where an optional wheel size was afforded to 29"er riders by using the 650B format. This resulted in "B+", or what has been now called "Plus Sized" tires. That idea was the basis for "Road Plus" which was an idea that would give gravel bikers an option to run a more voluminous tire in a frame normally limited to 40-42mm tires in a 700c format. 

Subsequently many gravel bikes were designed to accept either 700c or 650B tires and wheels. This "compromised" geometry choices a bit, especially when thinking about bottom bracket drop and chain stay length. However; recently designs have been put forth that handle 700c X 50mm or even slightly wider tires. This not only covers the needs of those who want volume in their gravel tires, but it works fine for 40mm-42mm tires too. This negates the "need" to accommodate 650B tires and wheels. The geometry can be tightened up and tuned for better performance with one wheel size. 

Now, that isn't to say that 650B is dead. I'm not intimating that at all here. But you are going to see less and less of that "multiple wheel size" capability in marketing and 650B will likely find its home in bike packing rigs, smaller sized gravel bikes, and niche offerings. Tire manufacturers will have a say in this as well. Less 650B offerings are already being noted. That's another indicator to me that the wheel/tire size is fading in popularity. 

The revised Santa Cruz Stigmata (Image courtesy of Santa Cruz Bikes)

Suspension & Dropper Posts:

Here is another trend. Suspension fork compatibility and dropper post routing on the same bike. These bikes, much like Santa Cruz's revised Stigmata, shown above, are "gravel bikes for mountain bikers". It's a trend I see more of, and I think it hints at something different around the corner to come. 

There is an element of folks out there that want a simpler off-road capable bike that can "do it all". Gravel bikes appeal to these folks with one big problem: They are not "off-road" bikes and that's where these folks also want to go. 

Gravel, as a concept, was never meant to be "that bike that does off-road/all-terrain". It was meant to be a bike for "all roads". Be those paved, not paved, or somewhere in between. Mountain biking, (again, another misused name if ever there was one), was thought of as being "that bike for everything off-roads". Now the gravel bike is being pushed toward that 'off-road' usage category and this will begin to morph into "something else". 

What that "something else" is, I am not sure of at this point. All I know is that 40mm of gravel suspension fork travel is a joke, and drop bars off road are not all that popular. Suspension forks on a gravel road is overkill and the forks are too heavy. Again, you can get a suspension stem and get better results than you can with a gravel suspension fork, and there is no maintenance. Suspension forks on gravel bikes is laughably inept and not a well thought-out concept for on-road or off-road usage. 

That's why I feel that at some point we will see a sea change. Suspension travel will have to increase, drop bars will make less sense, and then.... Hard tail revival? Maybe drop bars stick around and we get revised Fargos/Cutthroats? See what I mean..... 

SRAM "T" Type rear derailleur (Image courtesy of SRAM)

Drive Train Changes:

There will be a lot of changes to come in terms of drive train choices. First and foremost of these will be the death of the traditional derailleur hangar for both off-road/MTB and gravel drive trains. 

SRAM started the sea change to this new, "dual-sided" hangar type for a rear derailleur which essentially integrates the hangar into the main chassis of the derailleur, making the connection to the frame more solid. This was only made possible by through axles, and to a lesser extent, derailleur "clutches" which stabilize the pulley cage. Both these things help derailleurs become more resistant to being ripped off, bent, or damaged than the previous, flimsy designs of the past.

Shimano will adopt something similar, and frame designers are all about this change as it eliminates the need to make a derailleur hangar and it simplifies manufacturing of the frame. I see this as a win-win for consumers and manufacturers. 

Yes....old stuff won't work on new frames. (Possible exception is a UDH  hangar) But the industry has done this before. 1994: Threaded steer tubes are eliminated by "Aheadset", threadless head sets. 1 1/8th supplants 1' steer tubes at about the same time. I can go on... We all lived, and many of those old bikes are still around being ridden. It'll be fine....

Another thing I see coming is electronic shifting in a cheaper, more affordable format. It's being hinted at by SRAM with their sweeping range of AXS, but even more so by off-brand, Chinese manufacturers of really inexpensive electronic drive trains. We're talking a complete group set for the price of a couple of high end Shimano Di2 rear derailleurs here. The big brands (SRAM/Shimano) will have to respond at some point with entry-level, electronic 9/10/11 speed stuff that can be sold on a complete bike for less than 2k. This means that mid-level, less expensive electronic shifting bikes for gravel will also be a thing. 

Electronic CUES? I think so. SRAM will have to do something as well, but the common rider who sees an eBike/HPC as being "not where I want to go" and wants a more technologically advanced bike? I think that's a big chunk of the riding populace that would definitely bite on electronic shifting at a lower price point. Enterprising You Tubers are already showing us how it can be done and Chinese brands are only all too happy to oblige them and their subscribers. As I said- SRAM and Shimano are not going to sit idly by and watch this eat into their market share without a response. 

What do you think? Let me know in the comments. Thanks for reading Guitar Ted Productions.

Trends And Prognostications For Gravel Bikes

Looking at what is being introduced this year for gravel bikes, which is, admittedly, not much, due to the circumstances, I am seeing a few things starting to emerge. I've written a bit about the "mountain bike-ification" of gravel bikes, and that is one thing, but not all new bikes are headed down that road.

If there is anything one can say about this "gravel category" of bikes, (can I reiterate how dumb this name was to be used for these bikes here again? ), it is that everyone, and every company, has its interpretation of what "that" means. 

It isn't like a gravel bike is one certain thing. Not like it was with say, 1990's XC MTB bikes, or French style rando bikes, or with road racing bikes. All niches of cycling that have a certain parameter that the bikes have to fit into to be "that" style. Gravel bikes still are kind of a "Wild, Wild, West" sort of genre, and that's fun. 

That said, things are pointing to a homogenization of the style and some of that is evidenced by trends I am seeing out there now. There are hints of what is to come in the future as well. This isn't going to be an all-encompassing look at all things "gravel", it is just my take on the scene. You may have a differing opinion, or some of your own examples to share. That's fine. Here are my thoughts....

Co-Op's ADV 1 650B bike (Image courtesy of REI)

650B Is Fading:

Early on in the gravel bike's developmental period, WTB introduced "Road Plus" tires which was an outgrowth of their idea from the MTB side where an optional wheel size was afforded to 29"er riders by using the 650B format. This resulted in "B+", or what has been now called "Plus Sized" tires. That idea was the basis for "Road Plus" which was an idea that would give gravel bikers an option to run a more voluminous tire in a frame normally limited to 40-42mm tires in a 700c format. 

Subsequently many gravel bikes were designed to accept either 700c or 650B tires and wheels. This "compromised" geometry choices a bit, especially when thinking about bottom bracket drop and chain stay length. However; recently designs have been put forth that handle 700c X 50mm or even slightly wider tires. This not only covers the needs of those who want volume in their gravel tires, but it works fine for 40mm-42mm tires too. This negates the "need" to accommodate 650B tires and wheels. The geometry can be tightened up and tuned for better performance with one wheel size. 

Now, that isn't to say that 650B is dead. I'm not intimating that at all here. But you are going to see less and less of that "multiple wheel size" capability in marketing and 650B will likely find its home in bike packing rigs, smaller sized gravel bikes, and niche offerings. Tire manufacturers will have a say in this as well. Less 650B offerings are already being noted. That's another indicator to me that the wheel/tire size is fading in popularity. 

The revised Santa Cruz Stigmata (Image courtesy of Santa Cruz Bikes)

Suspension & Dropper Posts:

Here is another trend. Suspension fork compatibility and dropper post routing on the same bike. These bikes, much like Santa Cruz's revised Stigmata, shown above, are "gravel bikes for mountain bikers". It's a trend I see more of, and I think it hints at something different around the corner to come. 

There is an element of folks out there that want a simpler off-road capable bike that can "do it all". Gravel bikes appeal to these folks with one big problem: They are not "off-road" bikes and that's where these folks also want to go. 

Gravel, as a concept, was never meant to be "that bike that does off-road/all-terrain". It was meant to be a bike for "all roads". Be those paved, not paved, or somewhere in between. Mountain biking, (again, another misused name if ever there was one), was thought of as being "that bike for everything off-roads". Now the gravel bike is being pushed toward that 'off-road' usage category and this will begin to morph into "something else". 

What that "something else" is, I am not sure of at this point. All I know is that 40mm of gravel suspension fork travel is a joke, and drop bars off road are not all that popular. Suspension forks on a gravel road is overkill and the forks are too heavy. Again, you can get a suspension stem and get better results than you can with a gravel suspension fork, and there is no maintenance. Suspension forks on gravel bikes is laughably inept and not a well thought-out concept for on-road or off-road usage. 

That's why I feel that at some point we will see a sea change. Suspension travel will have to increase, drop bars will make less sense, and then.... Hard tail revival? Maybe drop bars stick around and we get revised Fargos/Cutthroats? See what I mean..... 

SRAM "T" Type rear derailleur (Image courtesy of SRAM)

Drive Train Changes:

There will be a lot of changes to come in terms of drive train choices. First and foremost of these will be the death of the traditional derailleur hangar for both off-road/MTB and gravel drive trains. 

SRAM started the sea change to this new, "dual-sided" hangar type for a rear derailleur which essentially integrates the hangar into the main chassis of the derailleur, making the connection to the frame more solid. This was only made possible by through axles, and to a lesser extent, derailleur "clutches" which stabilize the pulley cage. Both these things help derailleurs become more resistant to being ripped off, bent, or damaged than the previous, flimsy designs of the past.

Shimano will adopt something similar, and frame designers are all about this change as it eliminates the need to make a derailleur hangar and it simplifies manufacturing of the frame. I see this as a win-win for consumers and manufacturers. 

Yes....old stuff won't work on new frames. (Possible exception is a UDH  hangar) But the industry has done this before. 1994: Threaded steer tubes are eliminated by "Aheadset", threadless head sets. 1 1/8th supplants 1' steer tubes at about the same time. I can go on... We all lived, and many of those old bikes are still around being ridden. It'll be fine....

Another thing I see coming is electronic shifting in a cheaper, more affordable format. It's being hinted at by SRAM with their sweeping range of AXS, but even more so by off-brand, Chinese manufacturers of really inexpensive electronic drive trains. We're talking a complete group set for the price of a couple of high end Shimano Di2 rear derailleurs here. The big brands (SRAM/Shimano) will have to respond at some point with entry-level, electronic 9/10/11 speed stuff that can be sold on a complete bike for less than 2k. This means that mid-level, less expensive electronic shifting bikes for gravel will also be a thing. 

Electronic CUES? I think so. SRAM will have to do something as well, but the common rider who sees an eBike/HPC as being "not where I want to go" and wants a more technologically advanced bike? I think that's a big chunk of the riding populace that would definitely bite on electronic shifting at a lower price point. Enterprising You Tubers are already showing us how it can be done and Chinese brands are only all too happy to oblige them and their subscribers. As I said- SRAM and Shimano are not going to sit idly by and watch this eat into their market share without a response. 

What do you think? Let me know in the comments. Thanks for reading Guitar Ted Productions.

Friday News And Views

The Gravaa KAPS system explained. (Image courtesy of Gravaa)

Adjustable On-The-Fly Air Pressure For Cycling In The News Again:

 Almost a year ago now in a "FN&V" I wrote about the Scope Atmoz adjustable air pressure system. Now another company is in the news touting the benefits of adjustable on-the-fly air pressure hubs. 

Gravaa has a system called KAPS (Kinetic Air Pressure System) which is also hub based and allows the rider to adjust air pressure up or down at will while riding. The system is so promising that Team Jumbo-Visma of the Pro road circuit is trying it out for the Spring classics in Europe. 

Comments: Gravaa sells the system as a wheel set which costs approximately $4700.00 US, so it likely won't be seen a lot here, but this isn't fairy dust. It's real, and with two companies at it in this space, I suspect this idea will stick. There are claimed benefits which are too big to ignore for racing, that's for sure. And we all know that racing informs what becomes available in the high-end realm of cycling. 

Fat bikes, mountain bikes, cyclo cross, and gravel bikes probably will all have this option available to them in more slickly packaged, high-tech offerings in the near future. Unless the UCI bans this, which, you know, is entirely possible. That said, no other racing that occurs with pneumatic tires has this sort of technology that I am aware of unless it is off-road vehicles, which I could totally see being applicable. Point being, if it isn't allowable in most motorsports, I can see where the UCI might be against this. But for now, it is an intriguing option on the horizon for cyclists. 

Rocky Mountain Solo Carbon 90 (Image courtesy of Rocky Mountain Bikes)

Rocky Mountain Announces Carbon Fiber Gravel Bike:

Rocky Mountain Bikes exhibited a new carbon fiber frame/.fork gravel bike on their website last week and I thought that it was interesting for a couple of reasons. The bike can be seen on their website here in case you want to check it out further. 

Comments: So, one thing that I find fascinating is how a predominantly mountain bike brand interprets a "gravel bike". Do they go with the "mountain bike-ification" of gravel, or what? Are we going to see a suspension fork, 29'er tires, and a dropper post, like what Evil Bikes or some others are doing, or will this be a straight-ahead gravel machine? 

In this case, it is not only a straight-ahead gravel bike, but it has a couple features that I found intriguing. One is that Rocky Mountain opted for a 75mm bottom bracket drop. That's low and pretty much precludes usage of 650B rubber, which some MTB brands like to allow for on their gravel rigs. Not that you couldn't use 650B, but it gets dicey when you drop the BB height that low. 

The other thing was that Rocky did not spec a telescoping suspension fork. That's interesting, and while I could not find a fork specification, it doesn't appear that Rocky Mountain intended for this model to allow for one either. 

I like the geometry, and I think Rocky Mountain hit this one out of the ball park. Nice job! 

The Focus Atlas 8.8 (Image courtesy of Focus)

Focus Debuts Atlas Range With Boost Spacing:

Focus Bikes announced earlier this week that they have a new Atlas range of carbon fiber gravel bikes out which, amongst other things, features Boost axle spacing front and rear. There also is a unique bag carrying function which wasn't clearly spelled out on the webpage, but it may be something of interest. 

Comments: Again, I typically will not feature every press release with a bike for gravel here, but this bike has an obvious change which necessitates a bit of discussion. Boost, if you are not familiar with that term, is an axle spacing utilized by almost every mountain bike now and essentially adds 10mm of width up front and another 6mm out back on a through axle set up. So, 110mm front versus the road based 100mm and 148mm out back versus the typical 142mm through axle standard, which itself is based upon 135mm quick release dimensions. 

You may ask "Why?". Well, this allows for stronger wheels, by allowing for a wider distance between hub flanges to allow for a better spoking angle from hub to rim. Focus is billing this as an adventure bike, or a bikepacking bike, if that makes more sense to you. Loads on the frame typically will handle better with a wheel that has better lateral strength. So, this makes sense to me. 

But what I think this indicates is a wider move in the near future for all gravel bikes. It will make all previous "gravel wheel sets" obsolete, but this along with a move to the so-called direct mount rear derailleur standard is going to be here in the upper end offerings, in my opinion, very soon. 

Your current gravel bikes will be supported yet for a while, but this Boost spacing and direct mount rear derailleur thing is coming and honestly, I think road bikes will also be affected. Especially with the direct mount thing. Having no replaceable hangars will be a boon to future direct-to-consumer sales and self-service bike shop retail, which I believe is the future in cycling retail coming soon. The service industry side of repair/maintenance will benefit as well. 

As seen on Twitter Tuesday

Team Movistar To Add Gravel Squad With Valverde As Lead Rider:

Tuesday on social media news broke about formerly retired Pro Road rider Alejandro Valverde and Team Movistar joining forces to launch the new gravel team for 2023. 

According to this Yahoo Sports article, the 42 year old will be joined by men and women already on Team Movistar and in its esports program. 

Riders will begin by contesting events in Spain but are also aiming at being at the UCI's Gravel World Championships in Italy this Fall. 

Comments: So, is this where old roadies go out to pasture, or....? I think it would be easy to say that, but I think it has a way of giving the series and racing in Europe more legitimacy to the average European rider. Let's not forget that gravel racing is an American invention, at least in its current form, and traction amongst European cyclists for this genre is not anywhere near the fever pitch it is here in America.  

It also is a pathway for the UCI to grow the segment into the sort of professional stature that they are hoping it to become, with similar sponsorship opportunities and ties to the big organizers of cycling events in Europe. "Grassroots" organizing simply is far too difficult there in Europe and this will be how gravel racing is done in the future there, if it continues at all. So, expect similar types of racing, eventually, that you are familiar with on the paved side, if this takes off over there. 

Image courtesy of Panaracer

Panaracer Announced New Limited Edition Colors:

By now you probably are aware that Panaracer releases some colored rubber tires every year. This year's colors are Sunset Orange and Turquoise. You can get these in three models, the Gravel King SK, Gravel King SS, or Gravel King.  Sidewalls are in black or brown. Widths run from 32mm, 38mm, or 43mm. Price is $59.99 each.

You can check them out here. 

Comments: Is this the bicycle fanatic's version of Easter eggs? I mean, they released these on Thursday before Easter. Anyway..... Yeah....these are not my cuppa. Maybe this turns you on? Okay, I'm alright with that, but I find colored tires to be an acquired taste in most cases. Now, I would take a hard look at white or a cream colored tire. Maybe that red that Ritchey used to use, or maybe the Michelin green, so I'm not 100% against the idea. I just don't care for these at all. That's maybe just me....

I will say that I think the slick being named "Gravel King" is pretty goofy. For my money, the SK is where it is at, but those center blocks can have a tendency to fling gravel, so you have to watch out for that around anyone that rides a Gravel King SK.
 

That's it for this week. have a great Easter Weekend!

Friday News And Views

The Gravaa KAPS system explained. (Image courtesy of Gravaa)

Adjustable On-The-Fly Air Pressure For Cycling In The News Again:

 Almost a year ago now in a "FN&V" I wrote about the Scope Atmoz adjustable air pressure system. Now another company is in the news touting the benefits of adjustable on-the-fly air pressure hubs. 

Gravaa has a system called KAPS (Kinetic Air Pressure System) which is also hub based and allows the rider to adjust air pressure up or down at will while riding. The system is so promising that Team Jumbo-Visma of the Pro road circuit is trying it out for the Spring classics in Europe. 

Comments: Gravaa sells the system as a wheel set which costs approximately $4700.00 US, so it likely won't be seen a lot here, but this isn't fairy dust. It's real, and with two companies at it in this space, I suspect this idea will stick. There are claimed benefits which are too big to ignore for racing, that's for sure. And we all know that racing informs what becomes available in the high-end realm of cycling. 

Fat bikes, mountain bikes, cyclo cross, and gravel bikes probably will all have this option available to them in more slickly packaged, high-tech offerings in the near future. Unless the UCI bans this, which, you know, is entirely possible. That said, no other racing that occurs with pneumatic tires has this sort of technology that I am aware of unless it is off-road vehicles, which I could totally see being applicable. Point being, if it isn't allowable in most motorsports, I can see where the UCI might be against this. But for now, it is an intriguing option on the horizon for cyclists. 

Rocky Mountain Solo Carbon 90 (Image courtesy of Rocky Mountain Bikes)

Rocky Mountain Announces Carbon Fiber Gravel Bike:

Rocky Mountain Bikes exhibited a new carbon fiber frame/.fork gravel bike on their website last week and I thought that it was interesting for a couple of reasons. The bike can be seen on their website here in case you want to check it out further. 

Comments: So, one thing that I find fascinating is how a predominantly mountain bike brand interprets a "gravel bike". Do they go with the "mountain bike-ification" of gravel, or what? Are we going to see a suspension fork, 29'er tires, and a dropper post, like what Evil Bikes or some others are doing, or will this be a straight-ahead gravel machine? 

In this case, it is not only a straight-ahead gravel bike, but it has a couple features that I found intriguing. One is that Rocky Mountain opted for a 75mm bottom bracket drop. That's low and pretty much precludes usage of 650B rubber, which some MTB brands like to allow for on their gravel rigs. Not that you couldn't use 650B, but it gets dicey when you drop the BB height that low. 

The other thing was that Rocky did not spec a telescoping suspension fork. That's interesting, and while I could not find a fork specification, it doesn't appear that Rocky Mountain intended for this model to allow for one either. 

I like the geometry, and I think Rocky Mountain hit this one out of the ball park. Nice job! 

The Focus Atlas 8.8 (Image courtesy of Focus)

Focus Debuts Atlas Range With Boost Spacing:

Focus Bikes announced earlier this week that they have a new Atlas range of carbon fiber gravel bikes out which, amongst other things, features Boost axle spacing front and rear. There also is a unique bag carrying function which wasn't clearly spelled out on the webpage, but it may be something of interest. 

Comments: Again, I typically will not feature every press release with a bike for gravel here, but this bike has an obvious change which necessitates a bit of discussion. Boost, if you are not familiar with that term, is an axle spacing utilized by almost every mountain bike now and essentially adds 10mm of width up front and another 6mm out back on a through axle set up. So, 110mm front versus the road based 100mm and 148mm out back versus the typical 142mm through axle standard, which itself is based upon 135mm quick release dimensions. 

You may ask "Why?". Well, this allows for stronger wheels, by allowing for a wider distance between hub flanges to allow for a better spoking angle from hub to rim. Focus is billing this as an adventure bike, or a bikepacking bike, if that makes more sense to you. Loads on the frame typically will handle better with a wheel that has better lateral strength. So, this makes sense to me. 

But what I think this indicates is a wider move in the near future for all gravel bikes. It will make all previous "gravel wheel sets" obsolete, but this along with a move to the so-called direct mount rear derailleur standard is going to be here in the upper end offerings, in my opinion, very soon. 

Your current gravel bikes will be supported yet for a while, but this Boost spacing and direct mount rear derailleur thing is coming and honestly, I think road bikes will also be affected. Especially with the direct mount thing. Having no replaceable hangars will be a boon to future direct-to-consumer sales and self-service bike shop retail, which I believe is the future in cycling retail coming soon. The service industry side of repair/maintenance will benefit as well. 

As seen on Twitter Tuesday

Team Movistar To Add Gravel Squad With Valverde As Lead Rider:

Tuesday on social media news broke about formerly retired Pro Road rider Alejandro Valverde and Team Movistar joining forces to launch the new gravel team for 2023. 

According to this Yahoo Sports article, the 42 year old will be joined by men and women already on Team Movistar and in its esports program. 

Riders will begin by contesting events in Spain but are also aiming at being at the UCI's Gravel World Championships in Italy this Fall. 

Comments: So, is this where old roadies go out to pasture, or....? I think it would be easy to say that, but I think it has a way of giving the series and racing in Europe more legitimacy to the average European rider. Let's not forget that gravel racing is an American invention, at least in its current form, and traction amongst European cyclists for this genre is not anywhere near the fever pitch it is here in America.  

It also is a pathway for the UCI to grow the segment into the sort of professional stature that they are hoping it to become, with similar sponsorship opportunities and ties to the big organizers of cycling events in Europe. "Grassroots" organizing simply is far too difficult there in Europe and this will be how gravel racing is done in the future there, if it continues at all. So, expect similar types of racing, eventually, that you are familiar with on the paved side, if this takes off over there. 

Image courtesy of Panaracer

Panaracer Announced New Limited Edition Colors:

By now you probably are aware that Panaracer releases some colored rubber tires every year. This year's colors are Sunset Orange and Turquoise. You can get these in three models, the Gravel King SK, Gravel King SS, or Gravel King.  Sidewalls are in black or brown. Widths run from 32mm, 38mm, or 43mm. Price is $59.99 each.

You can check them out here. 

Comments: Is this the bicycle fanatic's version of Easter eggs? I mean, they released these on Thursday before Easter. Anyway..... Yeah....these are not my cuppa. Maybe this turns you on? Okay, I'm alright with that, but I find colored tires to be an acquired taste in most cases. Now, I would take a hard look at white or a cream colored tire. Maybe that red that Ritchey used to use, or maybe the Michelin green, so I'm not 100% against the idea. I just don't care for these at all. That's maybe just me....

I will say that I think the slick being named "Gravel King" is pretty goofy. For my money, the SK is where it is at, but those center blocks can have a tendency to fling gravel, so you have to watch out for that around anyone that rides a Gravel King SK.
 

That's it for this week. have a great Easter Weekend!

Friday News And Views

Scope is a company from the Netherlands who make this air pressure adjusting hub.

 On-Bike Air Pressure Adjusting Hub To Debut In Paris-Roubaix:

The Dutch company, Scope, has a new hub accessory for bicycles which can adjust air pressure on the bike and give real-time read-out via Bluetooth on a computer head. 

Dubbed the "Atmoz", the system is "hub mounted" and does not alter a wheel system. A hose attached to a spoke runs from the device to a tubeless valve stem. Sensors monitor air pressure and relay the information to the rider who can adjust- up or down- the air pressure via two buttons electronically connected by wireless to the device. Apparently, it is reported that there are no moving parts, compressors, or the like in this design. Just how it works seems to be a closely guarded secret, as of now. 

That may change as a prominent Pro Road team is reportedly using the Atmoz in this weekend's Paris-Roubaix road race.Want it for your bike? Cough up $4,340.95 US and it is yours. (Not clear if that is per wheel or for both)

Comments: Correct me if I am wrong, but I could swear I've seen this idea on a fat bike somewhere before. That said, this is something that would be a prime candidate for SRAM to grab up and file under their AXS umbrella of electronic components. If that happens, don't be surprised! 

Paris-Roubaix has perennially been an event where future-tech for bicycles debuts. Think about road bike suspension like the new FOX AX StepCast fork. Or think about electronically shifted derailleurs. Those ideas appeared in Paris-Roubaix in the 90's. So, while it may not happen right away, if this idea works, I would not at all be surprised to see an add-on device for fat bikes, mountain bikes, and gravel bikes in the future.

SEIDO Spade tire

SEIDO Components And Accessory Brand Debuts:

Bombtrack Bikes, the Germanic company who are best known for adventure style bikes, are announcing a component/accessory brand for their range of bikes and available separately dubbed SEIDO. 

The range will cover everything from hardware like crank sets, wheels, and handle bars all the way to items like tires, bar tape, and saddles. 

Their debut product will be a carbon fork and they plan on releasing more things as the year progresses. 

Comments: After a quick perusal of the site I think it is fair to say that what Bombtrack is doing here is officially releasing their "in-house" component brand into the wild. Typically you don't see much of that from the cycling industry where the big exceptions to that rule are Bontrager (Trek) and Roval (Specialized). Normally those more basic, yeoman parts are only found on whatever brand of bikes they support. 

And typically a 'deeper dive' will reveal that these sorts of components and accessories are what is known in the cycling industry as 'catalog parts'. Meaning that Far East Asia companies who contract out to the cycling brands have a literal catalog of accessories and parts that any brand can have private labeled, manufactured, and installed on bikes made overseas. Those parts are then not typically made for individual sales outside of those brands. (However e-Bay, Alibaba and Amazon will net you access to such companies here) 

I'm not castigating Bombtrack, SEIDO, or the idea of this in any negative way, but I'm probably not far off the mark here. And, these parts look nice enough, honestly. But pricing is not known and no one has anything to really weigh in on quality levels, performance, and the like yet. So, this bears watching. It could be a good deal, or it might be just another 'no-big-deal' thing.

Planet Bike's Dual Blaze light.

Planet Bike Debuts New Dual Blaze Light:

LED light technology is amazing. It is a constantly changing thing, and what you could get for lights, even five years ago, is out of date today- unless you spent the big bucks on something really premium. But that's the thing- you don't have to spend the big bucks.....

Case in point: The new Planet Bike Dual Blaze light with 1500 lumen of Samsung lithium battery powered, Nichia NVSW319BT high powered LED brightness. 

Now, when I shop LED lights, I don't shop for the high-powered beam settings. Nope. I look at what 'medium' settings offer and what their run times are. 1-2 hours of blinding light is cool sounding, and maybe 'just right' for a mountain bike ride, but if I am doing a gravel ride at night, we are talking 2+ hours and most high beams are going to deplete my battery life at those ride times. So, a great lumen output at medium, with a lot of run-time 'headroom', if you will, is what I want in a light. 

And checking out the specs here on the Dual Blaze, I see it has a claimed run time of 6 hours at 800 lumen. That'll do it! But check out that claimed run time on high- 2.5 hours?! That's pretty crazy! 1500 lumen for 2 and a half hours is nuts. I cannot even think of a light that was out five years ago that would do that for $100.00. Yes- you read that right. A hundred bucks!

Now this may not have a fancy-pants interface, or the kind of run time indicators some lights have. Nor does it have the feature of being able to be controlled from a computer head, or app. But hey! For a hundy, that seems like quite a good value on a light that would likely be too bright on high for many gravel travelers. 800 lumen is plenty! 

Sea Otter 2022:

While I have not been to Sea Otter since 2009, I have had the pleasure of seeing it through the eyes of my friend from SoCal, Grannygear, many a year since. However; even he stopped going about five years ago, and of course, the last two years it wasn't possible anyway.

So, with the way things are now, the reunion-of-sorts at Sea Otter took place and I- once again- was able to see the festival through Grannygear's eyes. (RidingGravel.com report here)

Grannygear pretty much was taken most by the Turner Bikes Cyclosys titanium frame and I must say, I agree. With a 71° head angle and 73mm bottom bracket drop matched up with a 430mm chain stay length, it seems to be right in my wheel house. And, of course, it is a titanium frame. 

While it only has clearance for up to a claimed 45mm tire, that's plenty for my needs in most cases, and I have other bikes that would go beyond there, so I would be okay with that. $2600.00 sounds about right these days for a quality made, low production number titanium framed bike. While I am sure I could find something similar, we're talking what was at Sea Otter, and I think I'm with Grannygear here- That would be the bike I would have come home with from this year's show.

That's a wrap on this week! Stay warm and Have a Blessed Easter if you observe that day.

Friday News And Views

Scope is a company from the Netherlands who make this air pressure adjusting hub.

 On-Bike Air Pressure Adjusting Hub To Debut In Paris-Roubaix:

The Dutch company, Scope, has a new hub accessory for bicycles which can adjust air pressure on the bike and give real-time read-out via Bluetooth on a computer head. 

Dubbed the "Atmoz", the system is "hub mounted" and does not alter a wheel system. A hose attached to a spoke runs from the device to a tubeless valve stem. Sensors monitor air pressure and relay the information to the rider who can adjust- up or down- the air pressure via two buttons electronically connected by wireless to the device. Apparently, it is reported that there are no moving parts, compressors, or the like in this design. Just how it works seems to be a closely guarded secret, as of now. 

That may change as a prominent Pro Road team is reportedly using the Atmoz in this weekend's Paris-Roubaix road race.Want it for your bike? Cough up $4,340.95 US and it is yours. (Not clear if that is per wheel or for both)

Comments: Correct me if I am wrong, but I could swear I've seen this idea on a fat bike somewhere before. That said, this is something that would be a prime candidate for SRAM to grab up and file under their AXS umbrella of electronic components. If that happens, don't be surprised! 

Paris-Roubaix has perennially been an event where future-tech for bicycles debuts. Think about road bike suspension like the new FOX AX StepCast fork. Or think about electronically shifted derailleurs. Those ideas appeared in Paris-Roubaix in the 90's. So, while it may not happen right away, if this idea works, I would not at all be surprised to see an add-on device for fat bikes, mountain bikes, and gravel bikes in the future.

SEIDO Spade tire

SEIDO Components And Accessory Brand Debuts:

Bombtrack Bikes, the Germanic company who are best known for adventure style bikes, are announcing a component/accessory brand for their range of bikes and available separately dubbed SEIDO. 

The range will cover everything from hardware like crank sets, wheels, and handle bars all the way to items like tires, bar tape, and saddles. 

Their debut product will be a carbon fork and they plan on releasing more things as the year progresses. 

Comments: After a quick perusal of the site I think it is fair to say that what Bombtrack is doing here is officially releasing their "in-house" component brand into the wild. Typically you don't see much of that from the cycling industry where the big exceptions to that rule are Bontrager (Trek) and Roval (Specialized). Normally those more basic, yeoman parts are only found on whatever brand of bikes they support. 

And typically a 'deeper dive' will reveal that these sorts of components and accessories are what is known in the cycling industry as 'catalog parts'. Meaning that Far East Asia companies who contract out to the cycling brands have a literal catalog of accessories and parts that any brand can have private labeled, manufactured, and installed on bikes made overseas. Those parts are then not typically made for individual sales outside of those brands. (However e-Bay, Alibaba and Amazon will net you access to such companies here) 

I'm not castigating Bombtrack, SEIDO, or the idea of this in any negative way, but I'm probably not far off the mark here. And, these parts look nice enough, honestly. But pricing is not known and no one has anything to really weigh in on quality levels, performance, and the like yet. So, this bears watching. It could be a good deal, or it might be just another 'no-big-deal' thing.

Planet Bike's Dual Blaze light.

Planet Bike Debuts New Dual Blaze Light:

LED light technology is amazing. It is a constantly changing thing, and what you could get for lights, even five years ago, is out of date today- unless you spent the big bucks on something really premium. But that's the thing- you don't have to spend the big bucks.....

Case in point: The new Planet Bike Dual Blaze light with 1500 lumen of Samsung lithium battery powered, Nichia NVSW319BT high powered LED brightness. 

Now, when I shop LED lights, I don't shop for the high-powered beam settings. Nope. I look at what 'medium' settings offer and what their run times are. 1-2 hours of blinding light is cool sounding, and maybe 'just right' for a mountain bike ride, but if I am doing a gravel ride at night, we are talking 2+ hours and most high beams are going to deplete my battery life at those ride times. So, a great lumen output at medium, with a lot of run-time 'headroom', if you will, is what I want in a light. 

And checking out the specs here on the Dual Blaze, I see it has a claimed run time of 6 hours at 800 lumen. That'll do it! But check out that claimed run time on high- 2.5 hours?! That's pretty crazy! 1500 lumen for 2 and a half hours is nuts. I cannot even think of a light that was out five years ago that would do that for $100.00. Yes- you read that right. A hundred bucks!

Now this may not have a fancy-pants interface, or the kind of run time indicators some lights have. Nor does it have the feature of being able to be controlled from a computer head, or app. But hey! For a hundy, that seems like quite a good value on a light that would likely be too bright on high for many gravel travelers. 800 lumen is plenty! 

Sea Otter 2022:

While I have not been to Sea Otter since 2009, I have had the pleasure of seeing it through the eyes of my friend from SoCal, Grannygear, many a year since. However; even he stopped going about five years ago, and of course, the last two years it wasn't possible anyway.

So, with the way things are now, the reunion-of-sorts at Sea Otter took place and I- once again- was able to see the festival through Grannygear's eyes. (RidingGravel.com report here)

Grannygear pretty much was taken most by the Turner Bikes Cyclosys titanium frame and I must say, I agree. With a 71° head angle and 73mm bottom bracket drop matched up with a 430mm chain stay length, it seems to be right in my wheel house. And, of course, it is a titanium frame. 

While it only has clearance for up to a claimed 45mm tire, that's plenty for my needs in most cases, and I have other bikes that would go beyond there, so I would be okay with that. $2600.00 sounds about right these days for a quality made, low production number titanium framed bike. While I am sure I could find something similar, we're talking what was at Sea Otter, and I think I'm with Grannygear here- That would be the bike I would have come home with from this year's show.

That's a wrap on this week! Stay warm and Have a Blessed Easter if you observe that day.

Robots Are The Future- Or Are They?

Diagram showing key components of Rock Shox's Flight Attendant. (Image courtesy of SRAM)

News hit the digital ether yesterday concerning a new technology advancement from Rock Shox/SRAM for mountain bikes. It is what they call "Flight Attendant". Essentially it is a computer algorithm which decides how to adjust your full suspension on the fly based upon inputs from key sensors at the bottom bracket and shocks. Of course, that is a very simplistic look at this. Go hit the link if you want to nerd-out on the specifics. 

I watched a decently long video concerning the new Flight Attendant, (again- what's with these weird names for components?), and it is pretty impressive. Impressive from a technological standpoint, from a novelty standpoint, and it is equally impressively expensive since it comes, for the time being, on only four range-topping bikes from four companies. 

So what? Who cares if these are only going to be seen on the racks of the rich and sponsored? Well, it is the way that the technology was derived for Flight Attendant that matters. It is based off AXS technology, and eTap AXS groups already use the same wireless technology and batteries that Flight Attendant uses. 

Trek's ISO Speed decoupler is passive....for now. (Image courtesy of Trek)

Many attempts are being made at trying to reduce vibrations to riders, and many companies are starting to push 'gravel bikes' into light MTB areas. Who is to say that an eTap AXS system wouldn't be developed which could take the complexity of suspension set up, make it 'automatic', and do the job? 

The fact that SRAM has chosen to milk as many applications for this AXS technology as it can shows me that this idea isn't as far-fetched as it might seem. However; there is one thing holding that back. Conformity. 

Unless SRAM can get some brands to buy into a fork, or a stem/seat post idea that could be affixed to any bike, I don't see it happening. Frame mounted suspension components for MTB bikes are a bit less of a crap shoot to organize a technology around. Almost everyone does telescopic, dual legged forks, and shocks are also telescopic units with standardized lengths and strokes, to some degree. The way those shocks are fitted to bikes is very similar, brand to brand. The gravel bike world doesn't have these restrictions so you get things like Canyon's dual plane handle bar and integrated stem, and Specialized's suspension stem which is integrated, and Trek's ISO Speed decouplers, which are proprietary. 

Rounding up a way to use this AXS/Flight Attendant idea for gravel would be like herding cats, at least for now. (I am sure of this because I have a cat!) But I don't think we've seen the last of suspension for gravel bikes. Robotically controlled or no, I bet something will surface in the next five years that will blow our minds and be really expensive!

Robots Are The Future- Or Are They?

Diagram showing key components of Rock Shox's Flight Attendant. (Image courtesy of SRAM)

News hit the digital ether yesterday concerning a new technology advancement from Rock Shox/SRAM for mountain bikes. It is what they call "Flight Attendant". Essentially it is a computer algorithm which decides how to adjust your full suspension on the fly based upon inputs from key sensors at the bottom bracket and shocks. Of course, that is a very simplistic look at this. Go hit the link if you want to nerd-out on the specifics. 

I watched a decently long video concerning the new Flight Attendant, (again- what's with these weird names for components?), and it is pretty impressive. Impressive from a technological standpoint, from a novelty standpoint, and it is equally impressively expensive since it comes, for the time being, on only four range-topping bikes from four companies. 

So what? Who cares if these are only going to be seen on the racks of the rich and sponsored? Well, it is the way that the technology was derived for Flight Attendant that matters. It is based off AXS technology, and eTap AXS groups already use the same wireless technology and batteries that Flight Attendant uses. 

Trek's ISO Speed decoupler is passive....for now. (Image courtesy of Trek)

Many attempts are being made at trying to reduce vibrations to riders, and many companies are starting to push 'gravel bikes' into light MTB areas. Who is to say that an eTap AXS system wouldn't be developed which could take the complexity of suspension set up, make it 'automatic', and do the job? 

The fact that SRAM has chosen to milk as many applications for this AXS technology as it can shows me that this idea isn't as far-fetched as it might seem. However; there is one thing holding that back. Conformity. 

Unless SRAM can get some brands to buy into a fork, or a stem/seat post idea that could be affixed to any bike, I don't see it happening. Frame mounted suspension components for MTB bikes are a bit less of a crap shoot to organize a technology around. Almost everyone does telescopic, dual legged forks, and shocks are also telescopic units with standardized lengths and strokes, to some degree. The way those shocks are fitted to bikes is very similar, brand to brand. The gravel bike world doesn't have these restrictions so you get things like Canyon's dual plane handle bar and integrated stem, and Specialized's suspension stem which is integrated, and Trek's ISO Speed decouplers, which are proprietary. 

Rounding up a way to use this AXS/Flight Attendant idea for gravel would be like herding cats, at least for now. (I am sure of this because I have a cat!) But I don't think we've seen the last of suspension for gravel bikes. Robotically controlled or no, I bet something will surface in the next five years that will blow our minds and be really expensive!

Friday News And Views

Rendering of the Canyon pedal-car concept taken from the web.

 Canyon Unveils Concept Evolution Of HPC Vehicle:

The electrification of bicycles continues to evolve toward the end states that (maybe) are inevitable and Canyon recently unveiled a concept further pointing to this. Two wheeled vehicles with motors are going to shed the pedals in this evolution. Canyon, with this 'car-like' HPC, have also pointed out why things are going to go the total electric motor route. Car or motorcycle- this is where it will end up someday. 

The electric motor assisted pedal-car is essentially Canyon's answer to "what do riders need in four season climates, or demanding climates, to feel more comfortable using a HPC?" Well, apparently they need four wheels instead of two, for starters. But something Canyon said in their press release is telling:

"How do you bring total weather protection to an e-bike? This is the question our designers and engineers had to answer with the Future Mobility Concept. The solution is a totally-sealable passenger compartment surrounded by an innovative, panoramic capsule that strikes the perfect blend of form and function."

On one hand, you can't blame Canyon. European cities are far more compact, with smaller spaces for vehicles, than America. The electrification of bicycles is wildly popular there with units sold figures consistently breaking records year-to-year. Business is booming. Finding ways to encourage the extension of this wave of HPC popularity then only makes sense from a business standpoint. 

Rendering showing interior concept.

On the other hand, it seems silly to make a four wheeled, recumbent hybrid powered cycle (HPC) which is fully enclosed unless you ditch the exercise bit and go fully motorized. Why? Because motorcars have been a proven concept for well over a century and deal with things like humidity, for one, quite efficiently. Electric powered cars would handle such a challenge far better than having a sweat producing component of providing forward motion involved in the design. Imagine how fogged up the interior of this pedal-car gets on a cool, rainy day, for instance.  

Are there solutions to help overcome humidity and other concerns? Probably- yes. This is merely a concept, and as such, not a working, or even final prototype. Obviously it may never come to fruition. The obvious answer is 'just go to the end game' and make it a motorcar. Also, these vehicles already exist in many forms. They've been available on-line for years. Canyon just happens to be the first big bicycle company to hop in this space. 

Obvious comparisons to Cannondale's failed moto cross bike are not really good ones, but yeah.... The competition for this space- electric cars- is going to be intense and Canyon would be but an insect sized player on the field of behemoths. In my opinion, this never happens, but it is interesting to see Canyon's take on such a vehicle.  

HED Wheels Renames Gravel Wheel Line "Emporia":

The new HED wheels Emporia logo

In a surprise move yesterday, HED Wheels made it known that their "Eroica" line of gravel/back road wheels will now be renamed "Emporia", reflecting the heritage of gravel grinding in the U.S.A. and the influence that "The Event Formerly Known As Dirty Kanza" has had over this genre. Of course, Emporia, Kansas is the home of that now unnamed event. HED said in a press release that: "This change is being made out of respect to the international ride series “L’Eroica”." 

That ride series is focused upon an old school style, European racing bike heritage and while much of what L'Eroica does is off-pavement, it isn't the crushed rock style racing we have come to know in the U.S.A. "Emporia" does seem more fitting then. So, okay.......HED renamed their wheels, (and introduced a carbon rimmed one-  the Emporia GC3 Pro, a claimed 1395 gram wheel set with a 26mm internal rim dimension), but what about the event? Does HED using "Emporia" point to anything here? 

You've got to think that the city of Emporia knows about this deal HED Wheels is doing, right? And in asking about using that name, you'd have to think that there may have been a bit of communication with the DK event folks, right? Maybe, maybe not. I'm spit-ballin' here, but "The Emporia 200" does have a certain ring to it, no?  It is a name that would fit the event and benefit the town, certainly, and it sounds like a race name. It isn't goofy, like "Mid-South", (sorry folks, I am not a fan), and it seems that it shouldn't offend many folks. (There ALWAYS will be someone offended, right? ) 

Check out what else HED said in the presser: 
"In our opinion, no one has done more to promote gravel riding and adventure culture than the people and city of Emporia, KS. From the creation of gravel racing’s most well-known events to introducing many of us to the beauty of the Flint Hills, Emporia has left its mark on American cycling and we’re excited to celebrate the city through the new name of our gravel line."

Anyway, that name for the event seems logical to me. I know......I'm a crazy person. Never mind.  

 

From a recent Instagram story

LeMond Bikes To Restart Again(?): 

The troubled tale of LeMond Bikes has been a tale of strange accusations, lawsuits, and stop-and-go production since Greg LeMond was still racing back in the late 80's/early 90's. Now it would appear that bicycles bearing the three time Tour de France champ's name will be available again.  

Wednesday, on social media accounts belonging to LeMond, it was teased that the brand would be offering bicycles again soon. And it was stated that they may not be the types of bicycles one would expect from LeMond. Of course, that is the sort of cagey vaguery one might expect to raise expectations. However; if recent posts on social media are clues, (and one would suspect that they should be), then we might make a couple of guesses here. 

Greg showed up at the Chequamegon Fat Tire 40 one year and won on a mountain bike. This has been brought up again recently and why? Also, a Greg LeMond liveried cyclo cross bike has appeared on social media as well. Finally, during the surfacing of LeMond bicycles in 2013, it was hinted at that gravel bikes were on their radar. Seven years later and one might say that this gravel bike idea would be a good one to pursue. 

Obviously, road racing bikes have to be in the mix. I mean, this is Greg LeMond we are speaking of here, right? But when they say, "bicycles you might not expect from Greg LeMond", mountain bikes, cyclo cross bikes, and gravel rigs might be a few items that make the cut. Heck, I recall the Poprad, a very popular bike in the early gravel scene, and obviously this would be a cyclo cross bike offering, but you know LeMond is looking around and seeing all this gravel bike stuff. I'd be really surprised if they didn't offer something for gravel. 

Maybe even electrified bicycles as well. That's the other big mover in the industry now. Ya gotta think something with an electric motor is also on their radar. 

Anyway, I'm keeping my eyes on this. LeMond has always had a penchant for a slightly different take on things which may be a facet of the newest edition of LeMond bikes. Let's hope so. Another "me-too" offering is not what anyone wants to see from Greg LeMond.  

That's it for this week. Have a great weekend- It's Labor Day Weekend in the USA, so get out and ride!