Friday News And Views

Image courtesy of fizik

Hot & Humid FN&V!

fizik Announces Limited Edition Gravel Shoes:

Two limited edition shoes were announced on Tuesday of this week by fizik. One high-end shoe and one much more moderately priced shoe. First up we have the Atlas in "Black Mamba", a bright highlighter orange and green/yellow hue with black trim.

The Atlas features a BOA closure and a rubber coated sole for best traction off the bike. There is a TPU toe cap to help protect those toes also. The sole has a Nylon insert for stiffness but it is rated at a "5" stiffness, so it would be a shoe you could walk in some if need be. Weight is claimed at 355 grams.

Available in the usual sizes for around $169.00USD.

Image courtesy of fizik

Next up we have the Ferox in Team Amani colors. This is a carbon-soled shoe with dual retention and lighter weight. 

The Ferox has a woven upper mesh over a PU laminate. The X-1 carbon sole has a rubber covering for better grip. The stiffness rating here is "10" and again, it is available in all of fizik's usual sizes. 

Price on the Team Amani Ferox is set at $309.00USD.

You can see more at fizik.com

Comments: fizik has some pretty cool looking options for the gravel ridier. These newest ones may not appeal to more shy or conservative personalities, but I like the bold colors and the Ferox looks like it could avoid that dreaded "too hot in black" situation I was warned about by Jeff Kerkove, my co-conspirator in Trans Iowa. 

I'd love to try fizik shoes, but the thing is that I do not need new gravel shoes now. Shimano saw to that by sending me a few pairs over the years here. But someday......

Image courtesy of Ritchey Design

Ritchey Design Announces Montebello All-Road Bike:

Ritchey Design sent out a press release on Tuesday of this week detailing the new Montebello model. This is a bicycle meant for riding roads and miles and miles of them. 

Featuring clearances for up to a 40mm tire without fenders and 36mm with them, the Montebello promises a comfortable ride. It features longer chain stays (329mm 429mm) and a low bottom bracket (80mm or 78mm, depending on size) which should lend the rider a planted feel in corners and on rougher roads. 

It's steel, of course, being a Ritchey, and features Ritchey's penchant for straight 1 1/8th steer tube forks. The new fork, dubbed the WCS Carbon Brevet Fork, has porteur or lowrider mounts and a threaded hole in the fork crown for a light mount or front rack mounting. The fork also has internal routing for a dynamo light. 

A Montebello frameset will set you back $1,699,00 USD. You can see more at RitcheyLogic.com

Image courtesy of Ritchey Design.

Comments: Now this is a road bike! Not what Tour riders ride - this Montebello is it! I can get behind a bike like this for a large swath of riders that wouldn't have a lot of "gravel" to ride but who want to explore the back roads and lesser trafficked areas of wherever it is that they live. 

Plus it could do gravel, with the ability to use a 40mm tire. The geometry is great, the details make it versatile, and it isn't a touring sled that would feel wooden unladen. THIS would have been my choice for a bike that wasn't labeled "gravel" in 2011 when I was looking for a bike to do gravel roads. 

And with racks and fenders it becomes the perfect commuting rig for many. Yeah, I think Ritchey knocked this one out of the park.

Gravel Worlds recent series of videos celebrates what makes gravel special.

A Word About The Gravel Family:

The concept of riders meeting at various gravel events and having a "family reunion' of sorts was something that started back in the late 2000's. It was part of what made the early gravel scene not only special, but why it unmistakably grew the fan base for gravel into the fastest growing form of cycling in the USA. 

Gravel Worlds grabbed that idea and dubbed it the "Gravel Family". While Gravel Worlds has evolved and changed dramatically from where it came from, the organizers try to keep one foot on the ground and relate to their entire field from the fastest Pros to the back-of-the-pack riders. In an effort to show that they are putting some real equity into this they have started releasing some great videos which show some of the stories that are integral to the concept of the "Gravel Family". You can watch the one I grabbed the screen shot from HERE which features Isabel Berry.

Check that out and I think you will agree that this is what it is all about in terms of why gravel is where it is at today. 

That's a wrap on this week! Have a great weekend and thanks for reading Guitar Ted Productions!

Friday News And Views

The new SOMA Gullwing Bar. Image courtesy of SOMA.

 New "Alt-Bar" From SOMA:

Ever since I have been writing this blog, (17 years, but who's counting!), I've been into the 'alt-bar' thing. So when I see a new one, I always check it out. The latest weirdo bar is from SOMA and is called the "Gullwing Bar". 

This one isn't weird because of its shape, which has been done pretty similarly by others. No, this one is different because of the shape AND that it is drop-bar control standard only. 

That means- don't try this with flat bar controls. So, as with many alt-bars, the question is always, "Why?!" Read the link above for SOMA's take on it. Basically it is an answer for those who don't like drops, have a bike with drops, and want to convert to a flat bar without having to buy new levers, shifters, and probably a derailluer or two. 

Comments: I see the reason why, and I get it, but my initial reaction is "mustache bar". I mean, essentially this is a mustache bar variant. That's fine, but functionally this bar only really varies the extension angle and otherwise it doesn't really do much for me. 

It does offer some unique hand positions and it probably would be great for some folks. So, a good alt bar here, just not one I see as being something I'd want for any bikes I have. I'd strongly recommend that if you think this looks interesting that a Whiskey Winston Bar might be even better from the standpoint of being able to use MTB or road controls and you can put MTB grips on that bar. Otherwise, the Gullwing Bar is another interesting choice. 

Wheelbased showed this image by VitalMTB on their Instagram.

SRAM To Debut New "Hangarless" Rear Derailleur:

This appeared in my Instagram feed last week from @wheelbased. (A link to the Wheelbased site is on the sidebar when that blog posts new material) 

The image, showing a new design by SRAM for a rear derailleur, features a new way to attach the rear derailleur to a frame by using a hollow bolt, a yoked upper derailleur body, and the wheel's through axle pierces the derailleur mount and frame. 

The design essentially makes a yoked hangar part of the rear derailleur itself which vastly increases rear derailleur stability leading to crisper shifting and less "ghost shifts". However; you might ask yourself, "Doesn't this put the frame and derailleur at risk of being destroyed in a crash or by trail obstacles? You would be correct if you think, "yes". 

But shifting stability and performance is critical now more than ever with the finicky nature and narrow performance window of 11, 12, and 13 speed drive trains. Consider also that rear derailleur hangars rarely break, they bend, and rear derailleurs which get the least amount out of shape are now for the bin.  

So, maybe you would trash a frame using this system, but more than likely you are going to destroy the derailleur. That's a sacrifice many are willing to make for better and more stable shifts on 11,12, and 13 speed drive trains. Plus, hangars are expensive anyway, weak, and don't really do what they were meant to do anymore. 

But the question no one is asking is "How did we get here?". Well, using really big cogs, wide range cassettes, and more gears on there- that's how. Really..... But go further. How did we get here? By accepting that front derailleurs weren't a good thing and that 1X is  "better". That's how this happened, really. 

Make of that what you will.

Controversy In Women's Elite Level Racing At Gravel Worlds:

Earlier this week I found a thread in the Riding Gravel site's forum dealing with an issue with the racing at the front of the Women's field at Gravel Worlds. To be honest, this is an issue, and will continue to be an issue, until we make elite level Men's and Women's events separate from all other gravel racing. 

I referred to this again in my post earlier in the week this week as well. No need to tread all that ground again, But, it is apparent that what Pro and Elite racers need and what the "95%" of the rest of us do not want is what is being described in this blog post from the second place Women's Pro finisher at Gravel Worlds. We don't want to see team cars, team support, team leaders deriding other riders, or heckling them, or causing doubt to gain advantage over racers. We don't need a "sanctioning body" to know that all that is wrong. 

We don't need a sanctioning body, but we do need strong leadership at the time of the events. We need immediate officiating, and yeah.....that's really a big ask when you have thousands of racers. But again- rules are nothing unless they are enforced, and if you cannot do that, then don't have that big of an event- or change your event to not have that sort of competitor, or find a way to make what you are doing work. My viewpoint is that there can be a way to figure this out. First off, much of the bickering is coming from mixing fast men with women's fields who are using those "wheels" to gain an advantage. So, separating them (different courses, different days for the events) is what needs to happen and would mitigate that issue. Secondly, supporting yourself means you carry it in- you carry it out. No hand-ups, and no team cars, (which- by the way- was explicitly mentioned in the run up to Gravel Worlds.) Officiating that with a separated Pro/Elite event would be a LOT easier than running several event distances concurrently with thousands of participants.

Tragedy At Vermont Overland Results In Kenyan Cyclist's Death:

 Saturday a high-speed crash resulted in the death of  Suleiman "Sule" Kangangi. He was a member of Team AMANI who were here in the USA on a swing of gravel events which the Vermont Overland was to be the last of before returning home to Kenya. Suleiman Kangangi was 33 years of age. 

He had participated in the SBT GRVL and Gravel Worlds before the Vermont Overland event. No further details were offered on the incident which caused Mr. Kangangi to succumb to his injuries. 

Comments: I am deeply saddened and I feel for all parties involved in this incident. Of course, my heartfelt condolences go out to Mr. Kangangi's family and friends. This is not a thing any of use want to think about happening to anyone in the gravel scene.

I've spoken of the fear I lived with that I would be presiding over an event where this sort of thing might happen, and my thoughts go out to those who run the Vermont Overland event. My hope is that everyone- the event organizers, the family and friends of Mr. Kangangi, and those close to this will find peace and comfort. 

An example of Velocity USA's "Oil Slick". Image courtesy of Velocity USA.

Velocity USA Announces Oil Slick Color Options:

Oil Slick color options were being offered quite a bit on some MTB components pre-pandemic. That sort of went away for a bit, but apparently Velocity USA is thinking that Oil Slick color is a thing again.

Only offered on complete wheel set builds, Oil Slick can be had on hubs, spokes, and brass or alloy nipples too. 

Of course, all that faux-petroleum light bending comes at a cost. You'll spend an extra 100 bucks for hubs, 28-38 bucks extra for spokes, and an extra 13-14 bucks for nipples. You can get nips, or spokes, or hubs only in Oil Slick, but again- only on custom wheel builds from Velocity. 

That's it for this week! Have a great weekend! Thanks for reading Guitar Ted Productions!

Friday News And Views

The new SOMA Gullwing Bar. Image courtesy of SOMA.

 New "Alt-Bar" From SOMA:

Ever since I have been writing this blog, (17 years, but who's counting!), I've been into the 'alt-bar' thing. So when I see a new one, I always check it out. The latest weirdo bar is from SOMA and is called the "Gullwing Bar". 

This one isn't weird because of its shape, which has been done pretty similarly by others. No, this one is different because of the shape AND that it is drop-bar control standard only. 

That means- don't try this with flat bar controls. So, as with many alt-bars, the question is always, "Why?!" Read the link above for SOMA's take on it. Basically it is an answer for those who don't like drops, have a bike with drops, and want to convert to a flat bar without having to buy new levers, shifters, and probably a derailluer or two. 

Comments: I see the reason why, and I get it, but my initial reaction is "mustache bar". I mean, essentially this is a mustache bar variant. That's fine, but functionally this bar only really varies the extension angle and otherwise it doesn't really do much for me. 

It does offer some unique hand positions and it probably would be great for some folks. So, a good alt bar here, just not one I see as being something I'd want for any bikes I have. I'd strongly recommend that if you think this looks interesting that a Whiskey Winston Bar might be even better from the standpoint of being able to use MTB or road controls and you can put MTB grips on that bar. Otherwise, the Gullwing Bar is another interesting choice. 

Wheelbased showed this image by VitalMTB on their Instagram.

SRAM To Debut New "Hangarless" Rear Derailleur:

This appeared in my Instagram feed last week from @wheelbased. (A link to the Wheelbased site is on the sidebar when that blog posts new material) 

The image, showing a new design by SRAM for a rear derailleur, features a new way to attach the rear derailleur to a frame by using a hollow bolt, a yoked upper derailleur body, and the wheel's through axle pierces the derailleur mount and frame. 

The design essentially makes a yoked hangar part of the rear derailleur itself which vastly increases rear derailleur stability leading to crisper shifting and less "ghost shifts". However; you might ask yourself, "Doesn't this put the frame and derailleur at risk of being destroyed in a crash or by trail obstacles? You would be correct if you think, "yes". 

But shifting stability and performance is critical now more than ever with the finicky nature and narrow performance window of 11, 12, and 13 speed drive trains. Consider also that rear derailleur hangars rarely break, they bend, and rear derailleurs which get the least amount out of shape are now for the bin.  

So, maybe you would trash a frame using this system, but more than likely you are going to destroy the derailleur. That's a sacrifice many are willing to make for better and more stable shifts on 11,12, and 13 speed drive trains. Plus, hangars are expensive anyway, weak, and don't really do what they were meant to do anymore. 

But the question no one is asking is "How did we get here?". Well, using really big cogs, wide range cassettes, and more gears on there- that's how. Really..... But go further. How did we get here? By accepting that front derailleurs weren't a good thing and that 1X is  "better". That's how this happened, really. 

Make of that what you will.

Controversy In Women's Elite Level Racing At Gravel Worlds:

Earlier this week I found a thread in the Riding Gravel site's forum dealing with an issue with the racing at the front of the Women's field at Gravel Worlds. To be honest, this is an issue, and will continue to be an issue, until we make elite level Men's and Women's events separate from all other gravel racing. 

I referred to this again in my post earlier in the week this week as well. No need to tread all that ground again, But, it is apparent that what Pro and Elite racers need and what the "95%" of the rest of us do not want is what is being described in this blog post from the second place Women's Pro finisher at Gravel Worlds. We don't want to see team cars, team support, team leaders deriding other riders, or heckling them, or causing doubt to gain advantage over racers. We don't need a "sanctioning body" to know that all that is wrong. 

We don't need a sanctioning body, but we do need strong leadership at the time of the events. We need immediate officiating, and yeah.....that's really a big ask when you have thousands of racers. But again- rules are nothing unless they are enforced, and if you cannot do that, then don't have that big of an event- or change your event to not have that sort of competitor, or find a way to make what you are doing work. My viewpoint is that there can be a way to figure this out. First off, much of the bickering is coming from mixing fast men with women's fields who are using those "wheels" to gain an advantage. So, separating them (different courses, different days for the events) is what needs to happen and would mitigate that issue. Secondly, supporting yourself means you carry it in- you carry it out. No hand-ups, and no team cars, (which- by the way- was explicitly mentioned in the run up to Gravel Worlds.) Officiating that with a separated Pro/Elite event would be a LOT easier than running several event distances concurrently with thousands of participants.

Tragedy At Vermont Overland Results In Kenyan Cyclist's Death:

 Saturday a high-speed crash resulted in the death of  Suleiman "Sule" Kangangi. He was a member of Team AMANI who were here in the USA on a swing of gravel events which the Vermont Overland was to be the last of before returning home to Kenya. Suleiman Kangangi was 33 years of age. 

He had participated in the SBT GRVL and Gravel Worlds before the Vermont Overland event. No further details were offered on the incident which caused Mr. Kangangi to succumb to his injuries. 

Comments: I am deeply saddened and I feel for all parties involved in this incident. Of course, my heartfelt condolences go out to Mr. Kangangi's family and friends. This is not a thing any of use want to think about happening to anyone in the gravel scene.

I've spoken of the fear I lived with that I would be presiding over an event where this sort of thing might happen, and my thoughts go out to those who run the Vermont Overland event. My hope is that everyone- the event organizers, the family and friends of Mr. Kangangi, and those close to this will find peace and comfort. 

An example of Velocity USA's "Oil Slick". Image courtesy of Velocity USA.

Velocity USA Announces Oil Slick Color Options:

Oil Slick color options were being offered quite a bit on some MTB components pre-pandemic. That sort of went away for a bit, but apparently Velocity USA is thinking that Oil Slick color is a thing again.

Only offered on complete wheel set builds, Oil Slick can be had on hubs, spokes, and brass or alloy nipples too. 

Of course, all that faux-petroleum light bending comes at a cost. You'll spend an extra 100 bucks for hubs, 28-38 bucks extra for spokes, and an extra 13-14 bucks for nipples. You can get nips, or spokes, or hubs only in Oil Slick, but again- only on custom wheel builds from Velocity. 

That's it for this week! Have a great weekend! Thanks for reading Guitar Ted Productions!

Friday News And Views

A scene from "Gravel: A Love Letter".

 New Gravel Short Film Released:

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

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

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

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

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

Well done. You should watch it. 

Patent drawing for an electronic rear derailleur for Tektro.

A Tektro Electronic Drivetrain?

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

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

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

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

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

HPC battery concerns in the news

Recycling Lithium-Ion Batteries And Rising Costs:

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

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

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

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

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

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

Assos bibs for gravel riding. Image courtesy of Assos.

What Does "Gravel Specific" Even Mean?

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

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

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

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

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

But gravel specific needs to go away.

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

Friday News And Views

A scene from "Gravel: A Love Letter".

 New Gravel Short Film Released:

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

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

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

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

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

Well done. You should watch it. 

Patent drawing for an electronic rear derailleur for Tektro.

A Tektro Electronic Drivetrain?

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

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

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

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

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

HPC battery concerns in the news

Recycling Lithium-Ion Batteries And Rising Costs:

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

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

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

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

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

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

Assos bibs for gravel riding. Image courtesy of Assos.

What Does "Gravel Specific" Even Mean?

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

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

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

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

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

But gravel specific needs to go away.

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

It's All Settled Then

Well, it looks like we're gettin' 'the band' back together again and goin' ta Gravel our Worlds this August again around Lincoln, Nebraska. This likely will be the only event I do all year this year.

There was a possibility of doing the Gent's Race but members of the team are away doing other things and well, that streak is broken. So, we'll not be doing that this year. That left Gravel Worlds. I am signed up, but I hadn't had the chance to talk to Tony about it, he being my usual traveling companion for this event for several years now. Anyway, Friday he came into the shop and we got the game plan in place. We'll be there, usual place, usual time.

So, I've got some work yet to do. This has me thinking now about the bike I'll use, how I will approach this one, and what I need to get done in the meantime. It'll be hot, humid, and likely windy. No big surprises with weather. Been there, done that a bunch of times. While I've tried this event several times, I've only ever finished it once- in 2016, so I would dearly like to finish it again.

The last go-round with Gravel Worlds, I used the Fargo, which is the bike I used the only time I've finished this deal in '16. Things were going great, until they weren't. I got to the Malcom General Store and I was cooked. 

The long road back to Lincoln was one filled with shame and regret for not knowing quite how or why my battle with heat never seems to go my way in this- or some other Summer events I've tried. But yeah.... I think it is an electrolyte issue I have. Sleepiness, bonking, just plain running out of energy. My body seems to just quit on me at this event, and I guess I need to really work a bit more on the area of being properly 'balanced' during these hot weather efforts. 

And to be completely fair to myself, I've changed a lot of things since 2019. I quit drinking almost entirely. Still might have a beer or two on the weekend, but maybe not. I changed up my diet again. I've lost a bit of weight since 2019 and I feel better than I have in heat in years. I understand a bit better when it comes to what I need to do with hydration, and the doesn't mean drinking more, it has to do with what I am drinking. I had been using an electrolyte for years, but in the last several years I got away from that. Bad decision. 

I'm leaning toward taking this bicycle for the Gravel Worlds voyage.

As far as the gear, I also have learned a lot. That Fargo was set up a bit differently in '16 and while those parts and pieces are not around now, I have a very similar choice in those regards with the way I currently have the pink MCD set up. So, I think a few very minor tweaks from what you see up above here is all it will take to get me Gravel Worlds ready in terms of the bike. 

Anyway, there is some time yet to do those tweaks, ride a lot, and try some of these newer ideas for nutrition out, and then point all of that towards knocking out a 150 miles around Lincoln come mid-August. I look forward to it, and most of all, to seeing old friends once again.

It's been far too long...........

It's All Settled Then

Well, it looks like we're gettin' 'the band' back together again and goin' ta Gravel our Worlds this August again around Lincoln, Nebraska. This likely will be the only event I do all year this year.

There was a possibility of doing the Gent's Race but members of the team are away doing other things and well, that streak is broken. So, we'll not be doing that this year. That left Gravel Worlds. I am signed up, but I hadn't had the chance to talk to Tony about it, he being my usual traveling companion for this event for several years now. Anyway, Friday he came into the shop and we got the game plan in place. We'll be there, usual place, usual time.

So, I've got some work yet to do. This has me thinking now about the bike I'll use, how I will approach this one, and what I need to get done in the meantime. It'll be hot, humid, and likely windy. No big surprises with weather. Been there, done that a bunch of times. While I've tried this event several times, I've only ever finished it once- in 2016, so I would dearly like to finish it again.

The last go-round with Gravel Worlds, I used the Fargo, which is the bike I used the only time I've finished this deal in '16. Things were going great, until they weren't. I got to the Malcom General Store and I was cooked. 

The long road back to Lincoln was one filled with shame and regret for not knowing quite how or why my battle with heat never seems to go my way in this- or some other Summer events I've tried. But yeah.... I think it is an electrolyte issue I have. Sleepiness, bonking, just plain running out of energy. My body seems to just quit on me at this event, and I guess I need to really work a bit more on the area of being properly 'balanced' during these hot weather efforts. 

And to be completely fair to myself, I've changed a lot of things since 2019. I quit drinking almost entirely. Still might have a beer or two on the weekend, but maybe not. I changed up my diet again. I've lost a bit of weight since 2019 and I feel better than I have in heat in years. I understand a bit better when it comes to what I need to do with hydration, and the doesn't mean drinking more, it has to do with what I am drinking. I had been using an electrolyte for years, but in the last several years I got away from that. Bad decision. 

I'm leaning toward taking this bicycle for the Gravel Worlds voyage.

As far as the gear, I also have learned a lot. That Fargo was set up a bit differently in '16 and while those parts and pieces are not around now, I have a very similar choice in those regards with the way I currently have the pink MCD set up. So, I think a few very minor tweaks from what you see up above here is all it will take to get me Gravel Worlds ready in terms of the bike. 

Anyway, there is some time yet to do those tweaks, ride a lot, and try some of these newer ideas for nutrition out, and then point all of that towards knocking out a 150 miles around Lincoln come mid-August. I look forward to it, and most of all, to seeing old friends once again.

It's been far too long...........

Volunteering At The Spotted Horse Gravel Ultra

Old DX gas station in Murray. Iowa.

 5:00am Saturday, October 24th, 2020: The alarm goes off on my iPhone and I jump up out of bed, careful not to awake Mrs. Guitar Ted, but not quiet enough for Minka The Cat. She accompanies me downstairs where I immediately feed the ravenous creature its breakfast. Then I get to making my own meal before getting kitted out to do my turn at the Spotted Horse Gravel Ultra. This event, in its fifth year, happens to be down South of me about a three hour drive away. So, I have to be quick about things to be able to hit the road by 6:00am or earlier, if I can. My turn to serve starts at 10:00am, but they wanted me to show up by 9:30am. 

My destination is Murray, Iowa, a small village West of Osceola, Iowa on US 34. Wikipedia says the population, as of 2010, was 756 people. Hmm.....I'd believe it if it was less than that. Anyway, I'd never been there, or even heard of the village, until my assignment was given via e-mail to me from Race Director, Sarah Cooper. I was to be paired up with another of the RD's, Dori, and the lead at the checkpoint was Amanda. I knew Dori and Sarah from Trans Iowa, but I had never met Amanda before. 

The Spotted Horse is a 150 mile or 200 mile event which had been modified this year due to COVID-19, and was run (kind of) concurrently with the postponed from April Iowa Wind And Rock, the 300+ mile event which was strongly influenced by Trans Iowa. I wasn't sure what to expect, since these sorts of gravel ultras are hard to train for and what with 2020 being what it has been, I wasn't even going to venture any guesses as to what the attendance might be. Added to this was the fact that it was forecast to be raw, cold, and grey for the weekend, and I wasn't thinking this was a recipe for a large turnout. But who knows?

Some Murray, Iowa flavor. I don't know how smaller villages like this hang on these days.

Besides a public school and a Casey's convenience store, this was the best maintained building in town.

I arrived a half an hour early, you know, like a good Mid-Western boy should, and sat around getting the stink-eye from locals gathering at the public area we were to set up the checkpoint at. They were gathering with their elementary school aged children for a bit of a soccer game. I have to say that I was duly impressed by the turnout. There must have been 30 children of various ages running amok at one point. Anyway, me being an outsider with non-Clarke County plates, well, I was a stranger and therefore to be suspected of.....well, I'd rather not guess what. I'm sure it wasn't 'good'. 

The forlorn streets were mostly devoid of activity, with the exception of a stray cat and dog.

I had my picture made with (From L-R) Dori, Steve, myself, and Sarah. (Image taken by Amanda)

Not long after I arrived a silver VW sedan with a bike rack turned around the corner up the street from me. Ah! The 'bike people' are arriving! It was Dori. We said our hellos and got to setting up the checkpoint. Dori is one of the RD's of the Spotted Horse and a very inspirational person to be around. Not long after this, Amanda arrived, and we were ready to go. Then Steve and Sarah, the other RD's of the event, arrived and we had a few more folks stop by as well, including the couple from Bottom Bracket Biking and Lisa, who was banged up and recovering from a bicycle accident earlier this year. 

This is always my favorite part of events like this where you get to chat for a time with folks you only see at gravel events. It's where the term, "Gravel Family" comes from, and it's a big reason why the grassroots gravel scene is so popular. 

Siphamandia Simelane came in second to Checkpoint #1

Dori's self-described "bitchy notes" for the riders at the checkpoint

As volunteers we were instructed to be wearing masks and to have riders take off water bottle tops, hand the bottles to us, and we would fill them from the spigot. This worked marvelously well, and all riders I helped were very compliant with the protocols. Other than this small inconvenience, this was basically like any other aid station/checkpoint experience I have had. 

The first riders did not show up until the stroke of ten o'clock, so we had about a half an hour of chatting freely with Steve and Sarah before they had to move along and get up the road. I found out that the situation in the Iowa Wind And Rock event had caused everyone to fall away until one was left standing- or riding, in this case. It was, no surprise to me, Greg Gleason. The two-time Trans Iowa winner was riding IWAR single speed, and some of the stories shared by Steve and Sarah concerning Greg's performance were fun to hear about. 

The situation with some of the other riders was also shared with me, which was very kind of them, and of course, told in confidence. I wouldn't say anything, but they never asked me not to. That sort of trust is rare. I appreciated their confidence greatly and always will. Anyway, Greg ended up winning and being the only finisher. Amazing! 

We were graced by a visit from the Burger King. Who knew that he lived in Murray Iowa? Crazy!

Past Spotted Horse events have been noted for their derailleur-destroying conditions. Many single speeders showed up this year as a result.

As I said, the first two riders we saw come in showed up at the stroke of 10;00am. By this time the soccer brigade had cleared out and left the forlorn streets of Murray, Iowa to us bike freaks. We went about our business, seeing cyclists come in pairs every so often, until we heard a train blow its lonesome call. A big freight train, by the sounds of it, and I was wondering, along with the others, if it was holding up some of the rider's progress to our position. 

As the rumble of the iron wheels faded we saw a slug of riders headed our way, the biggest pack we would see all morning, and sure enough, they related to us that the train had caused them all to bunch back together. We moved quickly as we could from rider to rider to service their needs and one by one they eventually all made their way back on down the road. 

Amanda was our leader and record keeper. It was great to get to know her during my time there.

A few riders getting ready to head out to checkpoint #2.

Eventually riders stopped trickling in. 11:30am came and went with no further activity. Technically speaking, we were to be done then, but we all agreed to stay on until noon to make sure no straggler was left behind. As the noon hour approached we packed up most everything and I said goodbye to Dori and Amanda, the only two left there, and made my way back home. 

While turn out wasn't spectacular for either event, everyone was stoked to be there and riding. I saw a lot of happy faces and it was good to be out doing something kind of normal for once. Oh......yeah. This is the first time I've traveled out of town for anything social since before the pandemic. It was odd, but not weird. If that makes any sense. I had a bit of anxiety about it, but overall, I am okay. I think the event was done right and we were safe, as far as you can be. 

Anyway, besides that I was very glad to be giving back to the gravel community again in a bit different role than I have before. I might have to do this volunteering thing again someday. It was pretty fun.

Volunteering At The Spotted Horse Gravel Ultra

Old DX gas station in Murray. Iowa.

 5:00am Saturday, October 24th, 2020: The alarm goes off on my iPhone and I jump up out of bed, careful not to awake Mrs. Guitar Ted, but not quiet enough for Minka The Cat. She accompanies me downstairs where I immediately feed the ravenous creature its breakfast. Then I get to making my own meal before getting kitted out to do my turn at the Spotted Horse Gravel Ultra. This event, in its fifth year, happens to be down South of me about a three hour drive away. So, I have to be quick about things to be able to hit the road by 6:00am or earlier, if I can. My turn to serve starts at 10:00am, but they wanted me to show up by 9:30am. 

My destination is Murray, Iowa, a small village West of Osceola, Iowa on US 34. Wikipedia says the population, as of 2010, was 756 people. Hmm.....I'd believe it if it was less than that. Anyway, I'd never been there, or even heard of the village, until my assignment was given via e-mail to me from Race Director, Sarah Cooper. I was to be paired up with another of the RD's, Dori, and the lead at the checkpoint was Amanda. I knew Dori and Sarah from Trans Iowa, but I had never met Amanda before. 

The Spotted Horse is a 150 mile or 200 mile event which had been modified this year due to COVID-19, and was run (kind of) concurrently with the postponed from April Iowa Wind And Rock, the 300+ mile event which was strongly influenced by Trans Iowa. I wasn't sure what to expect, since these sorts of gravel ultras are hard to train for and what with 2020 being what it has been, I wasn't even going to venture any guesses as to what the attendance might be. Added to this was the fact that it was forecast to be raw, cold, and grey for the weekend, and I wasn't thinking this was a recipe for a large turnout. But who knows?

Some Murray, Iowa flavor. I don't know how smaller villages like this hang on these days.

Besides a public school and a Casey's convenience store, this was the best maintained building in town.

I arrived a half an hour early, you know, like a good Mid-Western boy should, and sat around getting the stink-eye from locals gathering at the public area we were to set up the checkpoint at. They were gathering with their elementary school aged children for a bit of a soccer game. I have to say that I was duly impressed by the turnout. There must have been 30 children of various ages running amok at one point. Anyway, me being an outsider with non-Clarke County plates, well, I was a stranger and therefore to be suspected of.....well, I'd rather not guess what. I'm sure it wasn't 'good'. 

The forlorn streets were mostly devoid of activity, with the exception of a stray cat and dog.

I had my picture made with (From L-R) Dori, Steve, myself, and Sarah. (Image taken by Amanda)

Not long after I arrived a silver VW sedan with a bike rack turned around the corner up the street from me. Ah! The 'bike people' are arriving! It was Dori. We said our hellos and got to setting up the checkpoint. Dori is one of the RD's of the Spotted Horse and a very inspirational person to be around. Not long after this, Amanda arrived, and we were ready to go. Then Steve and Sarah, the other RD's of the event, arrived and we had a few more folks stop by as well, including the couple from Bottom Bracket Biking and Lisa, who was banged up and recovering from a bicycle accident earlier this year. 

This is always my favorite part of events like this where you get to chat for a time with folks you only see at gravel events. It's where the term, "Gravel Family" comes from, and it's a big reason why the grassroots gravel scene is so popular. 

Siphamandia Simelane came in second to Checkpoint #1

Dori's self-described "bitchy notes" for the riders at the checkpoint

As volunteers we were instructed to be wearing masks and to have riders take off water bottle tops, hand the bottles to us, and we would fill them from the spigot. This worked marvelously well, and all riders I helped were very compliant with the protocols. Other than this small inconvenience, this was basically like any other aid station/checkpoint experience I have had. 

The first riders did not show up until the stroke of ten o'clock, so we had about a half an hour of chatting freely with Steve and Sarah before they had to move along and get up the road. I found out that the situation in the Iowa Wind And Rock event had caused everyone to fall away until one was left standing- or riding, in this case. It was, no surprise to me, Greg Gleason. The two-time Trans Iowa winner was riding IWAR single speed, and some of the stories shared by Steve and Sarah concerning Greg's performance were fun to hear about. 

The situation with some of the other riders was also shared with me, which was very kind of them, and of course, told in confidence. I wouldn't say anything, but they never asked me not to. That sort of trust is rare. I appreciated their confidence greatly and always will. Anyway, Greg ended up winning and being the only finisher. Amazing! 

We were graced by a visit from the Burger King. Who knew that he lived in Murray Iowa? Crazy!

Past Spotted Horse events have been noted for their derailleur-destroying conditions. Many single speeders showed up this year as a result.

As I said, the first two riders we saw come in showed up at the stroke of 10;00am. By this time the soccer brigade had cleared out and left the forlorn streets of Murray, Iowa to us bike freaks. We went about our business, seeing cyclists come in pairs every so often, until we heard a train blow its lonesome call. A big freight train, by the sounds of it, and I was wondering, along with the others, if it was holding up some of the rider's progress to our position. 

As the rumble of the iron wheels faded we saw a slug of riders headed our way, the biggest pack we would see all morning, and sure enough, they related to us that the train had caused them all to bunch back together. We moved quickly as we could from rider to rider to service their needs and one by one they eventually all made their way back on down the road. 

Amanda was our leader and record keeper. It was great to get to know her during my time there.

A few riders getting ready to head out to checkpoint #2.

Eventually riders stopped trickling in. 11:30am came and went with no further activity. Technically speaking, we were to be done then, but we all agreed to stay on until noon to make sure no straggler was left behind. As the noon hour approached we packed up most everything and I said goodbye to Dori and Amanda, the only two left there, and made my way back home. 

While turn out wasn't spectacular for either event, everyone was stoked to be there and riding. I saw a lot of happy faces and it was good to be out doing something kind of normal for once. Oh......yeah. This is the first time I've traveled out of town for anything social since before the pandemic. It was odd, but not weird. If that makes any sense. I had a bit of anxiety about it, but overall, I am okay. I think the event was done right and we were safe, as far as you can be. 

Anyway, besides that I was very glad to be giving back to the gravel community again in a bit different role than I have before. I might have to do this volunteering thing again someday. It was pretty fun.