Friday News And Views

The Enve MOG gravel bike (Image courtesy of ENVE)

 Enve Adds Gravel Bike:

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Motorola Defy (Image courtesy of Motorola)

Motorola Debuts Device For Backcountry Adventurers:

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

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

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

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

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

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

My workbench circa 2007

New Data Showing Shop Rates/Wages For Mechanics Up:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

"Escape" Online Cycling Media Concern Is Unveiled:

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

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

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

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

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

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

Wishing everyone involved all the best.

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

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

New Industry 9 Headsets Announced:

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

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

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

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

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

Friday News And Views

The Enve MOG gravel bike (Image courtesy of ENVE)

 Enve Adds Gravel Bike:

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Motorola Defy (Image courtesy of Motorola)

Motorola Debuts Device For Backcountry Adventurers:

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

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

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

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

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

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

My workbench circa 2007

New Data Showing Shop Rates/Wages For Mechanics Up:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

"Escape" Online Cycling Media Concern Is Unveiled:

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

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

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

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

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

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

Wishing everyone involved all the best.

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

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

New Industry 9 Headsets Announced:

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

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

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

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

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

Friday News And Views

Alpen's new Basecamp Bike Capsule Image courtesy of Alpen

A Pod For Your Bike?

I get a lot of press release stuff sent my way and not all of it is relevant to gravel cycling or mountain biking. But this storage idea from Alpen called the Basecamp Bike Capsule is pretty interesting. 

It is a 'roto-molded' structure for outdoor bike storage which is lockable and weather-proof. The capsule is 'smart' in that there is an app that allows you to access the capsule without physical keys. A Hiplock fixture in the base allows you to physically attach the capsule to the cement, or flooring where the capsule is stationed. The Basecamp Bike Capsule is about $2399.00 but it may be something for vacation homes, or I think, a commercial setting. Think resorts, Air BnB's, urban areas, and the like. 

Comments: This is a cool idea. I would love to see mass installations of these at college campus dorms, urban areas, schools, libraries, grocery stores, etc. You could even charge 'parking fees' via an app as a municipality or business. But this would be a great idea which I think would enhance the use of bicycles by more people, especially HPC's (Hybrid Powered Cycles) which cost a ton and are not something you want to leave unattended for long. I'd rather see a line of these than those Bird scooters sitting around mostly unused in our city, that's for sure!

Ortlieb's new Seat-Pack QR

Ortlieb Solves Dropper/Seat Bag Compatibility With New Seat-Pack QR:

Once again with the press releases! (It is Sea Otter weekend, by the way!) Ortlieb has been a touring/bike packing bag maker for decades. The German company adds its name to a growing list of companies that are addressing the dropper post/seat bag conundrum. 

Many traditional seat packs will not work with a dropper post. But Ortlieb's Seat-Pack QR does it with a 13 liter capacity bag which quick-releases off the seat rails and stabilizes itself against a plastic collar you attach to the upper part of a dropper seat post stanchion. 

The Seat-Pack QR is waterproof, of course, since it is an Ortlieb product. It weighs in at a light 625 grams empty and is backed by a 5 year warranty. You can learn more about this here on Ortlieb's site. 

Comments:  Cool adaptation of a seat pack to a dropper post. As time goes on though, I get more interested in mini-panniers, Tailfin racks, and traditional set-ups over these seat packs. I feel like lowering that center of gravity has advantages over something wagging around off the back of my seat post. Your mileage may vary.

The first class to be inducted into the GCHoF was announced Tuesday.

Gravel Cycling Hall of Fame Inductees Announced: 

As you probably know, I was inducted into the inaugural class for the Gravel Cycling Hall of Fame this week. I have said my piece about myself, but I would be remiss if I did not comment on the others included on that prestigious list. (And Thank You to all who sent messages and comments across various channels to wish me congratulations, etc. I saw everyone of them. )

Of course, being that the aim of the GCHoF was to preserve gravel cycling history, it would only make sense that I am acquainted with some of the folks on this list. In fact, the only person I have not spoken to, or have ever seen, who is on this list is Rebecca Rusch. 

The list of people here is a good one in that it represents promoters, athletes, and events well, but I do have one comment to make here regarding some names not on this list that - in my opinion - make this list of names a bit incomplete due to their omission. 

Those names are, specifically, Jim Cummins and Joel Dyke. Two men that started the ball rolling in Emporia, Kansas and created, what was for many years, the premier gravel event in the world, most likely. Now- it should be pointed out that their names may be missing because that was requested. The nomination process was such that any name mentioned had to be approved by that individual who was named, or as with the case of Joel Dyke, his family. (Joel died tragically in an at home accident several years ago) So, there very well may be a good reason those two are not on the list this time, because they would have- they should have been- shoe-ins to get in on the first class. 

Until they are in the GCHoF, (if those folks want in that represent those names), there will be a glaring 'hole' in the history that hall of fame represents. But I don't run the GCHoF, I just point these things out because history matters. You should realize that the founders of perhaps one of the, if not THE, most influential gravel events ever, are not in the GCHoF. If you think that is hyperbole, well, besides Chris Skogen, myself and the others have direct ties to the DK event. You'd think the founders of that event would be in this deal, but as I say- maybe they declined to be nominated. I do not know. 

And as for Chris Skogen, you may not know, but he was the director of perhaps the most grassroots of grassroots gravel events, the Almanzo 100. He was one of the first, if not the first, to organize a gravel event series, The AGRS, back in the late 2000's. Those events were the Almanzo 100, The Ragnorok 105, "The Gentleman's Ride", The Heck Of The North, and the lone Iowa event, CIRREM.

Of course, Corey Godfrey is one of the originators of Gravel Worlds, but did you also know he competed in 11 Trans Iowa events, finishing 4, and  won the DK200, finished several Almanzo events, and has been a fundraiser for Gravel Worlds raising tens of thousands of dollars for charities? Dan Hughes is a 4 time winner of the DK, a Gravel Worlds winner, and a Trans Iowa winner. Kristi Mohn has been an event co-organizer in Emporia for many years besides being a racer as well. Bobby Wintle is basically the Mid-South, and without him, well....does that event exist? And finally, Rebecca Rusch, who really needs no introduction, but also is a former winner of several events in Emporia and has her own well known event in Idaho, Rebecca's Private Idaho. 

So, I am humbled to have been included amongst such pillars of gravel cycling. Congratulations to all the others on this list. 

And that's about it for this week! have a fantastic weekend!

Friday News And Views

Alpen's new Basecamp Bike Capsule Image courtesy of Alpen

A Pod For Your Bike?

I get a lot of press release stuff sent my way and not all of it is relevant to gravel cycling or mountain biking. But this storage idea from Alpen called the Basecamp Bike Capsule is pretty interesting. 

It is a 'roto-molded' structure for outdoor bike storage which is lockable and weather-proof. The capsule is 'smart' in that there is an app that allows you to access the capsule without physical keys. A Hiplock fixture in the base allows you to physically attach the capsule to the cement, or flooring where the capsule is stationed. The Basecamp Bike Capsule is about $2399.00 but it may be something for vacation homes, or I think, a commercial setting. Think resorts, Air BnB's, urban areas, and the like. 

Comments: This is a cool idea. I would love to see mass installations of these at college campus dorms, urban areas, schools, libraries, grocery stores, etc. You could even charge 'parking fees' via an app as a municipality or business. But this would be a great idea which I think would enhance the use of bicycles by more people, especially HPC's (Hybrid Powered Cycles) which cost a ton and are not something you want to leave unattended for long. I'd rather see a line of these than those Bird scooters sitting around mostly unused in our city, that's for sure!

Ortlieb's new Seat-Pack QR

Ortlieb Solves Dropper/Seat Bag Compatibility With New Seat-Pack QR:

Once again with the press releases! (It is Sea Otter weekend, by the way!) Ortlieb has been a touring/bike packing bag maker for decades. The German company adds its name to a growing list of companies that are addressing the dropper post/seat bag conundrum. 

Many traditional seat packs will not work with a dropper post. But Ortlieb's Seat-Pack QR does it with a 13 liter capacity bag which quick-releases off the seat rails and stabilizes itself against a plastic collar you attach to the upper part of a dropper seat post stanchion. 

The Seat-Pack QR is waterproof, of course, since it is an Ortlieb product. It weighs in at a light 625 grams empty and is backed by a 5 year warranty. You can learn more about this here on Ortlieb's site. 

Comments:  Cool adaptation of a seat pack to a dropper post. As time goes on though, I get more interested in mini-panniers, Tailfin racks, and traditional set-ups over these seat packs. I feel like lowering that center of gravity has advantages over something wagging around off the back of my seat post. Your mileage may vary.

The first class to be inducted into the GCHoF was announced Tuesday.

Gravel Cycling Hall of Fame Inductees Announced: 

As you probably know, I was inducted into the inaugural class for the Gravel Cycling Hall of Fame this week. I have said my piece about myself, but I would be remiss if I did not comment on the others included on that prestigious list. (And Thank You to all who sent messages and comments across various channels to wish me congratulations, etc. I saw everyone of them. )

Of course, being that the aim of the GCHoF was to preserve gravel cycling history, it would only make sense that I am acquainted with some of the folks on this list. In fact, the only person I have not spoken to, or have ever seen, who is on this list is Rebecca Rusch. 

The list of people here is a good one in that it represents promoters, athletes, and events well, but I do have one comment to make here regarding some names not on this list that - in my opinion - make this list of names a bit incomplete due to their omission. 

Those names are, specifically, Jim Cummins and Joel Dyke. Two men that started the ball rolling in Emporia, Kansas and created, what was for many years, the premier gravel event in the world, most likely. Now- it should be pointed out that their names may be missing because that was requested. The nomination process was such that any name mentioned had to be approved by that individual who was named, or as with the case of Joel Dyke, his family. (Joel died tragically in an at home accident several years ago) So, there very well may be a good reason those two are not on the list this time, because they would have- they should have been- shoe-ins to get in on the first class. 

Until they are in the GCHoF, (if those folks want in that represent those names), there will be a glaring 'hole' in the history that hall of fame represents. But I don't run the GCHoF, I just point these things out because history matters. You should realize that the founders of perhaps one of the, if not THE, most influential gravel events ever, are not in the GCHoF. If you think that is hyperbole, well, besides Chris Skogen, myself and the others have direct ties to the DK event. You'd think the founders of that event would be in this deal, but as I say- maybe they declined to be nominated. I do not know. 

And as for Chris Skogen, you may not know, but he was the director of perhaps the most grassroots of grassroots gravel events, the Almanzo 100. He was one of the first, if not the first, to organize a gravel event series, The AGRS, back in the late 2000's. Those events were the Almanzo 100, The Ragnorok 105, "The Gentleman's Ride", The Heck Of The North, and the lone Iowa event, CIRREM.

Of course, Corey Godfrey is one of the originators of Gravel Worlds, but did you also know he competed in 11 Trans Iowa events, finishing 4, and  won the DK200, finished several Almanzo events, and has been a fundraiser for Gravel Worlds raising tens of thousands of dollars for charities? Dan Hughes is a 4 time winner of the DK, a Gravel Worlds winner, and a Trans Iowa winner. Kristi Mohn has been an event co-organizer in Emporia for many years besides being a racer as well. Bobby Wintle is basically the Mid-South, and without him, well....does that event exist? And finally, Rebecca Rusch, who really needs no introduction, but also is a former winner of several events in Emporia and has her own well known event in Idaho, Rebecca's Private Idaho. 

So, I am humbled to have been included amongst such pillars of gravel cycling. Congratulations to all the others on this list. 

And that's about it for this week! have a fantastic weekend!

Robot Noises For (Almost) Any Bike

The D1x shifter unit.

Recently RidingGravel.com was sent a little black box. No......nothing top secret. This little black box came with some other stuff and is actually a shifter unit. An electronically controlled shifter unit. Yep. And right about now you are saying, "So what. That's nothing new for bikes." And that much is true. But- Can your Di2 be programmed to run 9 speed? Can your AXS electronic shifter shift through a 10 speed cassette? No? 

Well, the Archer Components D1x can. That's what I got to check out. While this is for a flat bar now, word is that they are working on a drop bar solution. In the meantime, I figured I'd give this gizmo a shot. It is all electronically controlled with the exception of about 4-5 inches of Bowden cable and housing back to your rear derailleur. (No front controller exists now, but y'all have been going nuts for 1X so most folks probably don't care)

Anyway, it works. It is a bit different than other electronic devices made for shifting because you have to turn it on when you first start out. Auto-shut off is adjustable from 'never' down to five minutes with a couple other choices in between of 30 or 15 minutes. That is all adjustable, along with other things, from the Archer Components app on a smart phone, either Android or iOS. 

The cool thing is that it uses what you have, is easily installed, and costs less than $400.00. Plus you can move it from bike to bike, adjust it to run 9,10.11, or 12 speed systems, and you can tune in each gear. Yep! Upon set up, you can fine tune each cog, if necessary. I didn't find that necessary, but hey! You could compensate for two or three worn cogs and still use the entire cassette. Neato! 

Anyway, I've got it, (and something top secret yet) mounted to a bike I have and I will be getting that all dirty here soon. Stay tuned to RidingGravel.com for more, and I'll mention it here too. 

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.

Robot Noises For (Almost) Any Bike

The D1x shifter unit.

Recently RidingGravel.com was sent a little black box. No......nothing top secret. This little black box came with some other stuff and is actually a shifter unit. An electronically controlled shifter unit. Yep. And right about now you are saying, "So what. That's nothing new for bikes." And that much is true. But- Can your Di2 be programmed to run 9 speed? Can your AXS electronic shifter shift through a 10 speed cassette? No? 

Well, the Archer Components D1x can. That's what I got to check out. While this is for a flat bar now, word is that they are working on a drop bar solution. In the meantime, I figured I'd give this gizmo a shot. It is all electronically controlled with the exception of about 4-5 inches of Bowden cable and housing back to your rear derailleur. (No front controller exists now, but y'all have been going nuts for 1X so most folks probably don't care)

Anyway, it works. It is a bit different than other electronic devices made for shifting because you have to turn it on when you first start out. Auto-shut off is adjustable from 'never' down to five minutes with a couple other choices in between of 30 or 15 minutes. That is all adjustable, along with other things, from the Archer Components app on a smart phone, either Android or iOS. 

The cool thing is that it uses what you have, is easily installed, and costs less than $400.00. Plus you can move it from bike to bike, adjust it to run 9,10.11, or 12 speed systems, and you can tune in each gear. Yep! Upon set up, you can fine tune each cog, if necessary. I didn't find that necessary, but hey! You could compensate for two or three worn cogs and still use the entire cassette. Neato! 

Anyway, I've got it, (and something top secret yet) mounted to a bike I have and I will be getting that all dirty here soon. Stay tuned to RidingGravel.com for more, and I'll mention it here too. 

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.

Friday News And Views

Walton Heirs Move Rapha From Portland To Bentonville:

News dropped on Wednesday that cycling apparel company, Rapha, based in the UK, was moving its Portland, Oregon based US operations to Bentonville, Arkansas. The move is believed to be motivated by the Walton brothers, heirs of the WalMart fortune, who own the parent company of Rapha.

It has been widely reported that the Walton heirs are cycling fans and that they have built up the Bentonville area into a destination spot for mountain bikers, and now are bringing assets that will attract road and gravel cyclists to the area as well. Related to the Rapha move is the relocation of Allied Cycles, also owned by a company which is owned itself by the Waltons. Allied, in case you weren't aware, makes high end US carbon road and gravel bikes. The Waltons are also involved in the WalMart brand, Viathon, which is also selling higher end carbon road and mountain bikes via WalMart outlets and online.

To say that the Walton heirs have transformed the Bentonville area into an attractive place for cycling companies to relocate is a mild understatement. There are rumblings of other cycling companies wanting to come to this area as well. Lower housing costs for employees, lower cost of living, and centralized shipping are reasons stated for this, but you have to figure that the investments made by the Walton heirs are the key here.

Keep in mind that Life Time events' new Big Sugar gravel event is based out of this area, and that the recent USAC-Gravel pow-wow was held in the town as well. The Walton money is central to all this activity. Question: What happens when the money dries up? Well, nobody knows you when you are down and out, right Portland?

The Robert Axle Project "Drive Thru" chain management tool

Gizmo Alert: Robert Axle Project's Drive Thru:

You may have heard of the Robert Axle Project, (no! it isn't a band!), and if you have, you know that they do axles, (duh!), and through axles of various thread pitches and lengths are their game. Well, they just came out with this new gizmo called a "Drive Thru". It's kind of like the Pedros Chain Keeper, only for through axles, and a lot better made too.

This particular one will work on my gravel bikes with the 12mm X 1.0 thread pitch through axle standard. They have these in 1.5 and 1.75 thread pitches as well. There is no reason these wouldn't work for mountain and road bikes as well.

Here's the thing- The obvious use is for when you are cleaning your bike and don't want the chain slapping all around your chain stay. But there are other reasons to have this too. Transporting your bike without wheels? Or how about while you are doing rear tire swaps, or maintenance on the drive train and don't want to get chain cleaning/lube spooge on your tires? I'm sure you can come up with other ideas here.

The Drive Thru has a wheel and it does rotate, and it can slide back and forth on the axle. So, you could check shifting without the rear wheel in the bike, or fool around with your front derailleur without a rear wheel. It's made from aluminum and a sort of plastic, maybe nylon reinforced? Not sure because the site doesn't tell us. But it is another level above a Pedros Chain Keeper and obviously, that tool is for a quick release anyway. Yes, it costs $35.00, but it is something you'll have around for years and something you probably will find really useful.

Note: The Robert Axle Project sent over the Drive Thru for test and review to RidingGravel.com at no charge. I was not bribed nor paid for this review and I will always strive to give my honest thoughts and opinions throughout. 

Too chunky for the UCI?  Image from the T.I.v9 course

 The UCI Sets Guidelines For Gravel Road Sectors In Pro Events: 

Recently, "Velo News" ran this article which tells how the UCI, (Pro Cycling's governing arm) is going to set guidelines for the inclusion of gravel sectors in Pro level road events.

You can go read the details, but essentially what this means is that the UCI can summarily veto any gravel sector in an event that they deem as being unsafe or that hinders spectators and follow cars from being used. They have also informed promoters that they will even go so far as to not register events as sanctioned on their calendar if the protocols are not followed.

I'm going to make a few observations. First- this is a good hint at what would happen should there ever be a Pro level gravel series in the U.S.A. run by USAC. Secondly, I bet there are a LOT of people that won't see any issues with the directives, especially the ones that talk about rider safety. But here's the thing- what is "safe" in their domain? Hard to say from what we can read here, but I'm betting this would be a very arbitrary, subjectively applied rule. I mean, what are they going to do? Measure gravel with a gauge to insure the correct grind? This would be an impossible task, by the way, since gravel conditions can, and often do, change by the mile. Look at my image here. It's from the course of Trans Iowa v9.

This image shows a section of about a mile, mile and a half, where the depth, size of rock, and roughness of those stones was exemplary. Just about the chunkiest gravel I've ever seen on a road, with the exception of a mile of fist sized rocks strewn across about a mile plus of the original Dirty Kanza course in 2006. The riders did this section, and no one was injured. But how would the UCI see that? I'm betting they wouldn't accept it. Too hard. 

But again, I don't know for sure. I'm spit-ballin' here, but my point is that the sanitization of sectors of gravel, or the outright elimination of them, since it will be such a pain to include them, in Pro Tour events is going to happen. First of all, the whole "follow car" thing is such a backwards deal. We ride bicycles to get away from cars, but here are about 20 of them, plus motos, screaming around the course. It's an anathema for gravel cycling folk here. We don't want that. It's not the vibe we all went for when we decided to start riding gravel events. Self-support means you don't have to have that garbage out there. Those rolling trains of machinery are not necessary.

I could go on, but this points out, to me at least, one of the main reasons why the UCI can buzz off. They don't get it, and I, for one, don't care about seeing Pro level gravel racing under their stranglehold. It would instantly become exactly what gravel cycling is not.

But.......there already is a Gravel Worlds!

 But Wait! There's More Craziness!

Thursday a story broke that the founder of the Eroica events, rides that feature vintage road bikes, riders wearing vintage apparel, and often ridden on unimproved roads, wants to instigate a "Gravel Worlds". Apparently, the Eroica founder, Giancarlo Brocci, approached the UCI with his ideas in January this year.

Mr. Brocci's ideas are pretty interesting and very non-traditional from a UCI perspective, so I do not know how far they will get towards putting on this event. Eroica events have some pretty strict rules regarding the types of bikes and apparel to be worn, but obviously those would not be in play for this "Gravel Worlds" idea Mr. Brocci proposes. What is in play is almost unbelievable. Mr. Brocci suggests a minimum body fat rating for riders so they cannot go below a level which would promote doing unhealthy things. He also advocates drinking in moderation for the participants. He even goes as far as saying he wants to ban computers and power meters. (!!) But some of his ideals seem very in tune with the core U.S. gravel scene.

Things like self-supported racing, a keen eye towards banning cheaters, no doping, and his Gravel Worlds would be at least 300K and start at night. (Now that's my kind of thinking right there!) So, who knows? I feel like this man has his heart in the right place, but I also feel like his take on things is 180° opposite of the UCI's, and with current established Euro promoters. I could be all wrong, but I just don't see it happening with these two groups.

But again, a very interesting development and as I said earlier- 2020 seems to be starting up hot as the year "gravel" reaches the top levels of sport in cycling. Yeah..... Just as with 29"ers, I never saw this coming. I find the whole thing surreal. (Is it April 1st?)


Okay, that's it for this week! Get out and ride those bikes and thanks for reading!

Friday News And Views

Walton Heirs Move Rapha From Portland To Bentonville:

News dropped on Wednesday that cycling apparel company, Rapha, based in the UK, was moving its Portland, Oregon based US operations to Bentonville, Arkansas. The move is believed to be motivated by the Walton brothers, heirs of the WalMart fortune, who own the parent company of Rapha.

It has been widely reported that the Walton heirs are cycling fans and that they have built up the Bentonville area into a destination spot for mountain bikers, and now are bringing assets that will attract road and gravel cyclists to the area as well. Related to the Rapha move is the relocation of Allied Cycles, also owned by a company which is owned itself by the Waltons. Allied, in case you weren't aware, makes high end US carbon road and gravel bikes. The Waltons are also involved in the WalMart brand, Viathon, which is also selling higher end carbon road and mountain bikes via WalMart outlets and online.

To say that the Walton heirs have transformed the Bentonville area into an attractive place for cycling companies to relocate is a mild understatement. There are rumblings of other cycling companies wanting to come to this area as well. Lower housing costs for employees, lower cost of living, and centralized shipping are reasons stated for this, but you have to figure that the investments made by the Walton heirs are the key here.

Keep in mind that Life Time events' new Big Sugar gravel event is based out of this area, and that the recent USAC-Gravel pow-wow was held in the town as well. The Walton money is central to all this activity. Question: What happens when the money dries up? Well, nobody knows you when you are down and out, right Portland?

The Robert Axle Project "Drive Thru" chain management tool

Gizmo Alert: Robert Axle Project's Drive Thru:

You may have heard of the Robert Axle Project, (no! it isn't a band!), and if you have, you know that they do axles, (duh!), and through axles of various thread pitches and lengths are their game. Well, they just came out with this new gizmo called a "Drive Thru". It's kind of like the Pedros Chain Keeper, only for through axles, and a lot better made too.

This particular one will work on my gravel bikes with the 12mm X 1.0 thread pitch through axle standard. They have these in 1.5 and 1.75 thread pitches as well. There is no reason these wouldn't work for mountain and road bikes as well.

Here's the thing- The obvious use is for when you are cleaning your bike and don't want the chain slapping all around your chain stay. But there are other reasons to have this too. Transporting your bike without wheels? Or how about while you are doing rear tire swaps, or maintenance on the drive train and don't want to get chain cleaning/lube spooge on your tires? I'm sure you can come up with other ideas here.

The Drive Thru has a wheel and it does rotate, and it can slide back and forth on the axle. So, you could check shifting without the rear wheel in the bike, or fool around with your front derailleur without a rear wheel. It's made from aluminum and a sort of plastic, maybe nylon reinforced? Not sure because the site doesn't tell us. But it is another level above a Pedros Chain Keeper and obviously, that tool is for a quick release anyway. Yes, it costs $35.00, but it is something you'll have around for years and something you probably will find really useful.

Note: The Robert Axle Project sent over the Drive Thru for test and review to RidingGravel.com at no charge. I was not bribed nor paid for this review and I will always strive to give my honest thoughts and opinions throughout. 

Too chunky for the UCI?  Image from the T.I.v9 course

 The UCI Sets Guidelines For Gravel Road Sectors In Pro Events: 

Recently, "Velo News" ran this article which tells how the UCI, (Pro Cycling's governing arm) is going to set guidelines for the inclusion of gravel sectors in Pro level road events.

You can go read the details, but essentially what this means is that the UCI can summarily veto any gravel sector in an event that they deem as being unsafe or that hinders spectators and follow cars from being used. They have also informed promoters that they will even go so far as to not register events as sanctioned on their calendar if the protocols are not followed.

I'm going to make a few observations. First- this is a good hint at what would happen should there ever be a Pro level gravel series in the U.S.A. run by USAC. Secondly, I bet there are a LOT of people that won't see any issues with the directives, especially the ones that talk about rider safety. But here's the thing- what is "safe" in their domain? Hard to say from what we can read here, but I'm betting this would be a very arbitrary, subjectively applied rule. I mean, what are they going to do? Measure gravel with a gauge to insure the correct grind? This would be an impossible task, by the way, since gravel conditions can, and often do, change by the mile. Look at my image here. It's from the course of Trans Iowa v9.

This image shows a section of about a mile, mile and a half, where the depth, size of rock, and roughness of those stones was exemplary. Just about the chunkiest gravel I've ever seen on a road, with the exception of a mile of fist sized rocks strewn across about a mile plus of the original Dirty Kanza course in 2006. The riders did this section, and no one was injured. But how would the UCI see that? I'm betting they wouldn't accept it. Too hard. 

But again, I don't know for sure. I'm spit-ballin' here, but my point is that the sanitization of sectors of gravel, or the outright elimination of them, since it will be such a pain to include them, in Pro Tour events is going to happen. First of all, the whole "follow car" thing is such a backwards deal. We ride bicycles to get away from cars, but here are about 20 of them, plus motos, screaming around the course. It's an anathema for gravel cycling folk here. We don't want that. It's not the vibe we all went for when we decided to start riding gravel events. Self-support means you don't have to have that garbage out there. Those rolling trains of machinery are not necessary.

I could go on, but this points out, to me at least, one of the main reasons why the UCI can buzz off. They don't get it, and I, for one, don't care about seeing Pro level gravel racing under their stranglehold. It would instantly become exactly what gravel cycling is not.

But.......there already is a Gravel Worlds!

 But Wait! There's More Craziness!

Thursday a story broke that the founder of the Eroica events, rides that feature vintage road bikes, riders wearing vintage apparel, and often ridden on unimproved roads, wants to instigate a "Gravel Worlds". Apparently, the Eroica founder, Giancarlo Brocci, approached the UCI with his ideas in January this year.

Mr. Brocci's ideas are pretty interesting and very non-traditional from a UCI perspective, so I do not know how far they will get towards putting on this event. Eroica events have some pretty strict rules regarding the types of bikes and apparel to be worn, but obviously those would not be in play for this "Gravel Worlds" idea Mr. Brocci proposes. What is in play is almost unbelievable. Mr. Brocci suggests a minimum body fat rating for riders so they cannot go below a level which would promote doing unhealthy things. He also advocates drinking in moderation for the participants. He even goes as far as saying he wants to ban computers and power meters. (!!) But some of his ideals seem very in tune with the core U.S. gravel scene.

Things like self-supported racing, a keen eye towards banning cheaters, no doping, and his Gravel Worlds would be at least 300K and start at night. (Now that's my kind of thinking right there!) So, who knows? I feel like this man has his heart in the right place, but I also feel like his take on things is 180° opposite of the UCI's, and with current established Euro promoters. I could be all wrong, but I just don't see it happening with these two groups.

But again, a very interesting development and as I said earlier- 2020 seems to be starting up hot as the year "gravel" reaches the top levels of sport in cycling. Yeah..... Just as with 29"ers, I never saw this coming. I find the whole thing surreal. (Is it April 1st?)


Okay, that's it for this week! Get out and ride those bikes and thanks for reading!

Shimano Sport Cam CM-2000

The Shimano Sport Cam CM-2000

The march into the 21st Century for me continues. I have a sport action camera now. But first, before I delve in to all of the gizmo-tastic details, I must tell the story of how this happened, because....trust me...I wasn't planning on getting anything like this. I still haven't totally figured out my Olympus TG-3 or my Lezyne Super GPS yet, and adding another gizmo to the mix only sets me deeper into the knowledge gathering rabbit hole.

Anyway, as a mechanic, I am entitled to access the Shimano "S-Tec" site which gives me all the details and technical know-how to work on Shimano's stuff. Okay, so they came out with the new Ultegra 8000 series of components recently and I decided to check that out and see the video presentation Shimano had on S-Tec. There is a quiz you can take afterward which I did and passed. That automatically entered me in to a drawing for the Tour de France promotion which Shimano was doing. They are giving away two prizes daily to mechanics who took the Ultegra 8000 module. Well, on the first day, I won a Sport Cam CM-2000.

Weird.....

Anyway, it showed up last week and I have just gotten around to unboxing it and getting it charged up. The general specs show this camera has some impressive features, if you geek out on such things. First of all, it can record on the command of certain Bluetooth generated parameters like your heart rate, speed, or power out put. This means that, let's say, you have a very steep descent on a mountain bike trail. This might be a section you want recorded, so you can set the camera to start recording at a threshold of a certain speed and above, then shut off after that speed threshold has been gone under again. Or, maybe this raises your heart rate, so you could do the recording by that. Power output could be used to set off the camera recording on a climb, for instance. The theory being that you only get footage of parts that are worth watching.

The display and function buttons are pretty simple.

The cam is certainly outdoors friendly being waterproof and dust proof. There is a lens cover included which has a treated glass which can help shed water which may get splashed up on it for better video results.

The water and dust proofed access door to the battery, SD card slot, and USB connection. Here also is the mount provided.

There are the usual accessory mounting options which are available separately. I may pick up a handlebar and chest mounted one. For now, it'll go on my helmet. I actually already have a mount which this should work on for my Bell Super helmet. So, that is probably where I'll start out with this.

So, here we go down another gizmo rabbit hole..........

Shimano Sport Cam CM-2000

The Shimano Sport Cam CM-2000

The march into the 21st Century for me continues. I have a sport action camera now. But first, before I delve in to all of the gizmo-tastic details, I must tell the story of how this happened, because....trust me...I wasn't planning on getting anything like this. I still haven't totally figured out my Olympus TG-3 or my Lezyne Super GPS yet, and adding another gizmo to the mix only sets me deeper into the knowledge gathering rabbit hole.

Anyway, as a mechanic, I am entitled to access the Shimano "S-Tec" site which gives me all the details and technical know-how to work on Shimano's stuff. Okay, so they came out with the new Ultegra 8000 series of components recently and I decided to check that out and see the video presentation Shimano had on S-Tec. There is a quiz you can take afterward which I did and passed. That automatically entered me in to a drawing for the Tour de France promotion which Shimano was doing. They are giving away two prizes daily to mechanics who took the Ultegra 8000 module. Well, on the first day, I won a Sport Cam CM-2000.

Weird.....

Anyway, it showed up last week and I have just gotten around to unboxing it and getting it charged up. The general specs show this camera has some impressive features, if you geek out on such things. First of all, it can record on the command of certain Bluetooth generated parameters like your heart rate, speed, or power out put. This means that, let's say, you have a very steep descent on a mountain bike trail. This might be a section you want recorded, so you can set the camera to start recording at a threshold of a certain speed and above, then shut off after that speed threshold has been gone under again. Or, maybe this raises your heart rate, so you could do the recording by that. Power output could be used to set off the camera recording on a climb, for instance. The theory being that you only get footage of parts that are worth watching.

The display and function buttons are pretty simple.

The cam is certainly outdoors friendly being waterproof and dust proof. There is a lens cover included which has a treated glass which can help shed water which may get splashed up on it for better video results.

The water and dust proofed access door to the battery, SD card slot, and USB connection. Here also is the mount provided.

There are the usual accessory mounting options which are available separately. I may pick up a handlebar and chest mounted one. For now, it'll go on my helmet. I actually already have a mount which this should work on for my Bell Super helmet. So, that is probably where I'll start out with this.

So, here we go down another gizmo rabbit hole..........

Gizmo Update

Mounts for the Gizmo

It has been some time since I have spoken about the new GPS gizmo thing-a-matron I have gotten to record my ride data with. Specifically, the device is named a Lezyne Super GPS. Just exactly how "super" it is will be determined later. Right now it seems to be a pretty snazzy little unit to keep track of things with.

So, I took the next step in regard to getting comfortable with this thing and that was to get myself more mounts. Mounts for GPS computers are nothing but special clamps with proprietary key-wayed slotted bases which work off of tension created by a cross member in the base. They aren't anything that awesome, but they cost like they are. Oh well, what are ya gonna do? 3D print yer own? Oh!.......wait.......

Okay, lacking a 3D printer of my own, I went ahead and purchased two more mounts made by Lezyne. So, these are "official" and all. Just to be clear.....

Anyway, I mounted one on the Tamland, one on the Twin Six Standard Rando, and the original is on the Black Mountain Cycles rig. The "O" ring mount is on the Gen I Fargo.......I think. I'll have to go check on that. It's somewhere anyway. So, I'll have four mounts to swap the GPS head into and out of. This will make the so-called "Super GPS" a bit more, well.........super. I'll be more apt to use it a lot more often.

The next two steps will involve more functions of the unit. One will be turn-by-turn directions, which are supposedly now available with the Super GPS units, and the other is to mount the sensor on one of the bikes to see how the cadence function works. But the latter function will only be used to verify it works. I am definitely not using cadence. 

Stay tuned for an update on this GPS deal sooner than later......