Friday News And Views

Image courtesy of Ridley Bicycles

You May Want A Bigger Cup Of Coffee For This FN&V!

Welcome To "Alpine Gravel":

Ridley Bicycles yesterday did a big press release for their new bike called the Ingnite GTX. A bike the presser said is "an Alpine gravel bike for the roughest terrains".

It is easy to pass this off as a "drop bar mountain bike", however, Ridley takes a different viewpoint. Here is what they say in the press release:

  "A mountain bike is focused purely on mountain biking, while a gravel bike is too limited for rough terrain, and the Ignite GTX fills the gap between these two worlds."

So something in between then? Yes, an "Alpine Gravel Bike" . Ah....I'll come back to this in the comments.

Now as for the details, this is a bicycle which has its geometry inspired by the Ridley XC racing hard tail MTB. There are "flex stays" for comfort, and room for 29" X 2.3" tires. The finishing kit for the Ignite GTX can be had with a carbon fiber "Adventure Fork" or a 100mm travel Rock Shox fork. The drive train is all SRAM with the suspension fork, featuring  a "mullet set up", and the rigid version can have a Shimano 1 X 12 drive train in a GRX "mullet" set up as well. Prices start at $3,040.00 USD.

Ridley sees this bike as something one might use in the Atlas Mountain Bike Race, Tour Divide, and other like ultra-distance, remote, and rough events and rides.

Ignite GTX here shown with the rigid carbon fork. (Image courtesy of Ridley

 Comments: I know....I know! IT"S A FREAKIN' FARGO! (Or Cutthroat, if you will) Now "Adventure by Bike" is going to be re-branded "Alpine Gravel", eh? I don't think this will happen, especially here in the USA, but of course, the Europeans may take to this moniker.

Which makes me wonder, "What about Trekking?" Is that not the original "Alpine Gravel" type bicycle in Europe? Okay, okay....Maybe not for racing, but the intentions are similar, no? My European readers can help me out here, perhaps. Let me know in the comments.

One other thing: I've said until I was blue in the face is that a 40mm travel "gravel suspension fork" was pretty much an exercise in futility. This bike zoomed right past 80mm and went to 100mm's of travel with the SID fork. Now, this is sensible for real suspension benefits, but that sure doesn't look very aero now, does it? Nope. And this is why I think trying to graft suspension on to what amounts to a road racing bike with fat tire clearance is silly.

Scott USA To Go D2C:

Another major brand is capitulating to the times and will offer a direct to consumer option from its USA website for USA customers. This will occur, according to an article in Bicycle Retailer and Industry News, by mid-April of this year. Scott will also be offering a special selection of its range on four major online retailer's sites which also will be able to be shipped direct to the consumer.

Comments: One online source wondered aloud concerning this news and stated that they thought this would become the norm for retail bicycle trade in the USA soon. Citing Canyon Bicycles as being able to beat any brick and mortar store on price, it was theorized that all bigger brands would have to reduce prices in turn to keep competitive and force brick and mortar retail out of existence, essentially. 

Will this really happen? If everything hinges upon price, then I see no other alternative. Basically all bicycles sold would eventually become commodities traded on Amazon. (This is already happening anyway) The real question is, if losing brick and mortar store fronts creates a void in the marketplace or does it not matter? If the answer to this question is "Yes, it matters", then what will fill the void left by those old bicycle shops which may vanish soon?  (See yesterday's post for ideas)

Image Courtesy of Ritchey Design

Ritchey Announces New WCS Switch Stem:

Many bicycles are showing up now with fully integrated cabling. So, Ritchey Design decided to address this with its new WCS Switch Stem. 

The stem joins Ritchey's line of Switch components which includes stem spacers with porting for cables, the Switch Adapters, and Switch Headset.

The stem cavity has enough space to accept up to three cables with their housings. There is also a hidden accessory mount which can be deployed which can be a mount for electronics, lights, and cameras.

The stem also features Ritchey's unique "C220 Clamp" which is a special stem face plate that allows a handlebar to have 220° of contact on the stem's body. Ritchey claims this puts less stress on the face plate and allows for lower stem face plate bolt torque. 

The new WCS Switch Stem costs $109.95 USD and is available now through Ritchey retailers.  

Image courtesy of Panaracer

Panaracer Announces 2025 Special Edition Colors:

For several years now Panaracer has offered colored tread tires in their popular Gravel King range. Each year a new pair of colors is released. This year the colors are "Honeybutter" and "Cranberry". The colors can be matched with black casings or tan walls. 

The range will include the SK, X1, SS, or the slick tread Gravel King tread patterns. 45mm and 40mm widths are offered with the exception of the slick tires where only a 40mm option exists.  No 650B tires were listed on the webpage for the 2025 Limited Edition tires in the X1, SS, or Gravel King slicks patterns, but there are 650B and 26" models on the SK page. 

All tires retail for $64.99 USD each. You can check out the range of 2025 colored tires on Panaracer's webpage for the Limited Edition tires HERE.

Comments: Hmm.... Hard pass on the Honeybutter color. I could see getting some 40mm tires in the Cranberry color and sticking those on my King Fab Honeman Flyer. But...

Every year I toy with the idea of getting a pair then I talk myself out of it. Then I see someone's bike with them on and I kick myself, sometimes, especially of the combination of colored tire and bicycle look particularly tasty. I don't know though....  If these trip your trigger get on it now and buy them. These typically sell out fairly quickly.

Image courtesy of Toolbox Wars social media

SRAM Moves All MTB Brakes To Mineral Oil:

A couple of weeks ago in this FN&V I posted an image of a new SRAM XC MTB brake called "Motiv" which was seen on Trek's team bikes. Now news has hit the internet that indeed, SRAM has a new XC MTB brake and it is based on mineral oil as I had postulated.

Not only that, but word is that all mountain bike brakes SRAM is releasing from here on out will be mineral oil based systems.

Comments: This is pretty big news. From a mechanic's point of view, all the DOT brake fluid based brakes were a total pain to deal with and this was because the fluid is toxic and special care had to be taken to deal with the DOT fluids. The move to mineral oil is a welcomed one.

The obvious question is when will we see all of SRAM's brakes move to mineral oil systems? I suspect all further drop bar groups to make this change as well. Oh! And I would be remiss if I did not mention the long-rumored mechanical Eagle 70 and Eagle 90 Transmission MTB groups. It is real and available now. Good news for those who eschew batteries on bikes.

Sea Otter is coming in less than two weeks. SRAM usually makes a big splash announcement for this festival. Plus, there should be a lot of news in the next couple of weeks related to gravel bikes and accessories. Stay tuned to this space...

Tour of Arkansas To Happen In 2026:

On Thursday a press release went out concerning the efforts on the part of All Sports Productions to put on a road event in Northwestern Arkansas called the Tour of Arkansas. The event would start out as a modest road/time trial/criterium event with the aim to expand the event, if successful, to a week long road race.

Comments: While I do not delve into road racing much, I do know there have been several attempts at getting a "Tour of (fill in the blank) " road racing type event going in the past. All have failed at some point. So, this begs the question: "How is this any different and why would this idea become what the promoters envision it to be when so many have failed at the same thing?"

I'd like to think the USA could get a week-long Pro level cycling tour going, but unless there is some massive shift in American interest in Pro road racing, I find it less than believable that it might happen in any long-term, meaningful way.  I would like to be proven wrong here, but I am skeptical at best. 

Courtesy of PinkBike social media

Maxxis Makes 32"er Official:

Way back in February I posted in this FN&V about the Dirty Sixer company's 32"er MTB which had Maxxis tires on it. This was kind of a big deal because it pointed toward OEM interest. Maxxis wasn't going to make 32"er tires for just some small, niche brand. No offense to Dirty Sixer, but companies like Maxxis are looking for big commitments to a model, especially something new and odd, like a 32" diameter MTB tire.  

Well, my hunch turned out to be correct as it was broadcast on PinkBike's social media that Maxxis is indeed coming out with a 32" diameter Aspen. The narrator in the short clip, (an image of which can be seen here), mentioned other possibilities for treads were being discussed and that "several OEM fork manufacturers" were interested in this as well. 

Comments: Shades of the early 00's with 29"er hate is being detected for this already. However; I think more people are being cautious and maybe a bit more open minded this time as a lot of companies and people got burned by their negativity toward 29"ers when they first appeared.

However; certain things we went through with regard to 29 inch wheels will have to be addressed again here with a 3" jump in diameter. First, we have to think about geometry all over again. 32"ers will require a rejigging of everything we already think we know in regard to "what works" in terms of geometry.

Secondly, wheels will, once again, be pushed to their limitations much more quickly in a 32" package. 29"ers forced a wider axle and a more solid connection to the frame in through axles. Will 32"ers have to be SuperBoost by default? Will front forks go to 142mm through axles? I think all this and more would have to be considered.

Then you have the problem finding who this would be for. Taller people is an obvious choice, but how many XL and XXL frames are these wheels going to sell? Where is the cutoff for shorter people? All things which would need answering, and then all these answers plugged into marketing data to see if it would make sense to sell these on a large scale. Then factor in these times where people are not spending their money and you get, what I think is, a very tenuous situation for 32"ers to make it as a viable product to sell. 

What do you think? Let me know in the comments.

That's a wrap on things for this week. Have a great weekend and ride those bicycles!

Friday News And Views

The "Truck With No Name" got new shoes.

Not Sexy News About Car Repairs:

Ever since I blew out something in the exhaust system at the C.O.G. 100 on the "Truck With No Name", I've been pretty low key on travel. Well, it wasn't just the exhaust, but it also was the fact that my tires were shot. The fronts especially. It wasn't road worthy anymore, and it was going to take a stack-o-hundies to get me back on the road again.

Bad timing for me what with taxes due and all. But I had a plan. That included selling off the Ti Mukluk. I had to get enough funds to repair the truck. Well, the plan came through, and now I'm off and running once again.

So, for those who were wondering, my exhaust broke after the first catalytic converter at a flange where two bolts held things together. I guess that connection disintegrated and was hastened to its demise by my abusive driving in gross and extreme conditions the day before the C.O.G. 100. That wasn't much to fix, but it did set off a check engine light because there is an O2 sensor downstream of where the break was. The computer needed to be reset, so that was an expense. Of course, the tires, mounting, balancing, and old tire disposal was part of that as well.

All good to go now. So, future trips are a "GO" as for now and I'm glad to have this rig at my disposal once again.

Could this become a familiar site at gravel road races. Image courtesy of Mavic's website

Growing Pains In Gravel Racing:

If there is one thing any website based media likes it is controversial subject matter. (CLICK BAIT) Of course, websites exist mostly by virtue of advertiser dollars unless, like this blogspot, the owner is not motivated by profiteering. (That or I am plain stupid, you decide.) Anyway......

Cyclo Cross Magazine ran a story about some gravel races out East that had neutral support.

They, by their own admission, say that the initial Instagram posting generated "some good discussion", so by that measure, the story was successful. I'm sure the website numbers are stacking up from the article. Good for them.

But you know why it rankles people? Because "change", that's why. Look, it is no secret that road cycling has fallen on hard times. The rise of cell phone usage, distracted driving, the issue of doping in road racing, these things have all taken the interest out of riding road racing style bikes. The theory behind exploring back roads on more capable bikes that still offer the drop bar experience has taken root amongst riders and the events based around these ideals have prospered. Is it any wonder then that Pros, brands, marketing people, and racing teams are looking at "gravel based events" as a way to enjoin these people in their ways of doing things? No..... It is not a surprise to me, at any rate. Why wouldn't these companies, Pros, and teams come to their senses and join in the fun? I have no idea why they wouldn't.

So, you are going to get Pros visiting gravel events and racing in them. This "neutral support" thing is going to happen for those riders that are into such goofy things. Why on Earth it is considered worthy is beyond me other than to say it is easier. And we all know a LOT of people want to push the "easy button". Whatever. Their loss.......

Anyway, my advice is to not criticize this sort of thing, or pay any attention to it. Go do the events you would like to see prosper, and guess what? They will. Sit at home and bitch? Well, pretty soon the folks with all the money and power will get their way. Vote with your dollars, time, and participation. Well, that is if you give a rip one way or the other.

A former CX Pro is going to do an "Endless Gravel Summer" tour for Donnelly. Image courtesy of Donnelly.

Moar On This Changing Scene:

So, to further drive home my point, here is another example of a brand and a former Pro CX racer who have teamed up to go to a few of the top gravel events to promote gravel product from Donnelly and drive more folks to their brand. Is this a bad thing?

If you were the owner of a business like this, it is actually a smart move. Plus, Donnelly, (formerly Clement), has been on the forefront of gravel cycling for years. They are no "johnny come lately" brand. The product is well regarded by gravel riders all over and the brand is legit. So, those who don't know what they are talking about may graon when they see this, but as a business move, it is what you do. I get it.

I know it seems like everyone and their brother's sister is coming over to the gravel scene and trying to make hay. It actually seems true when you pay attention, but again- this is where the money is because people are spending it on this stuff. If gravel cycling wasn't a thing with a ton of folks, this wouldn't be happening, and I would just be some weirdo out on Burton Avenue grinding away on my Karate Monkey single speed yet. (Well......maybe I am a weirdo, but you get the picture.) So, if you are into gravel all-road cycling, look in the mirror when you feel like the "scene is getting ruined". Because you and a whole metric ton of other people that like this scene is why this stuff is happening. Take the people, and with that- the money- away, and this stuff becomes a moot point.

And That Isn't All:

In the coming days things will come to light that will further drive home that the whole gravel/all-road cycling scene has become a big deal. Changes. More changes......

Okay, so that's a wrap on this week. have a great weekend and ride those bicycles!

Friday News And Views

The "Truck With No Name" got new shoes.

Not Sexy News About Car Repairs:

Ever since I blew out something in the exhaust system at the C.O.G. 100 on the "Truck With No Name", I've been pretty low key on travel. Well, it wasn't just the exhaust, but it also was the fact that my tires were shot. The fronts especially. It wasn't road worthy anymore, and it was going to take a stack-o-hundies to get me back on the road again.

Bad timing for me what with taxes due and all. But I had a plan. That included selling off the Ti Mukluk. I had to get enough funds to repair the truck. Well, the plan came through, and now I'm off and running once again.

So, for those who were wondering, my exhaust broke after the first catalytic converter at a flange where two bolts held things together. I guess that connection disintegrated and was hastened to its demise by my abusive driving in gross and extreme conditions the day before the C.O.G. 100. That wasn't much to fix, but it did set off a check engine light because there is an O2 sensor downstream of where the break was. The computer needed to be reset, so that was an expense. Of course, the tires, mounting, balancing, and old tire disposal was part of that as well.

All good to go now. So, future trips are a "GO" as for now and I'm glad to have this rig at my disposal once again.

Could this become a familiar site at gravel road races. Image courtesy of Mavic's website

Growing Pains In Gravel Racing:

If there is one thing any website based media likes it is controversial subject matter. (CLICK BAIT) Of course, websites exist mostly by virtue of advertiser dollars unless, like this blogspot, the owner is not motivated by profiteering. (That or I am plain stupid, you decide.) Anyway......

Cyclo Cross Magazine ran a story about some gravel races out East that had neutral support.

They, by their own admission, say that the initial Instagram posting generated "some good discussion", so by that measure, the story was successful. I'm sure the website numbers are stacking up from the article. Good for them.

But you know why it rankles people? Because "change", that's why. Look, it is no secret that road cycling has fallen on hard times. The rise of cell phone usage, distracted driving, the issue of doping in road racing, these things have all taken the interest out of riding road racing style bikes. The theory behind exploring back roads on more capable bikes that still offer the drop bar experience has taken root amongst riders and the events based around these ideals have prospered. Is it any wonder then that Pros, brands, marketing people, and racing teams are looking at "gravel based events" as a way to enjoin these people in their ways of doing things? No..... It is not a surprise to me, at any rate. Why wouldn't these companies, Pros, and teams come to their senses and join in the fun? I have no idea why they wouldn't.

So, you are going to get Pros visiting gravel events and racing in them. This "neutral support" thing is going to happen for those riders that are into such goofy things. Why on Earth it is considered worthy is beyond me other than to say it is easier. And we all know a LOT of people want to push the "easy button". Whatever. Their loss.......

Anyway, my advice is to not criticize this sort of thing, or pay any attention to it. Go do the events you would like to see prosper, and guess what? They will. Sit at home and bitch? Well, pretty soon the folks with all the money and power will get their way. Vote with your dollars, time, and participation. Well, that is if you give a rip one way or the other.

A former CX Pro is going to do an "Endless Gravel Summer" tour for Donnelly. Image courtesy of Donnelly.

Moar On This Changing Scene:

So, to further drive home my point, here is another example of a brand and a former Pro CX racer who have teamed up to go to a few of the top gravel events to promote gravel product from Donnelly and drive more folks to their brand. Is this a bad thing?

If you were the owner of a business like this, it is actually a smart move. Plus, Donnelly, (formerly Clement), has been on the forefront of gravel cycling for years. They are no "johnny come lately" brand. The product is well regarded by gravel riders all over and the brand is legit. So, those who don't know what they are talking about may graon when they see this, but as a business move, it is what you do. I get it.

I know it seems like everyone and their brother's sister is coming over to the gravel scene and trying to make hay. It actually seems true when you pay attention, but again- this is where the money is because people are spending it on this stuff. If gravel cycling wasn't a thing with a ton of folks, this wouldn't be happening, and I would just be some weirdo out on Burton Avenue grinding away on my Karate Monkey single speed yet. (Well......maybe I am a weirdo, but you get the picture.) So, if you are into gravel all-road cycling, look in the mirror when you feel like the "scene is getting ruined". Because you and a whole metric ton of other people that like this scene is why this stuff is happening. Take the people, and with that- the money- away, and this stuff becomes a moot point.

And That Isn't All:

In the coming days things will come to light that will further drive home that the whole gravel/all-road cycling scene has become a big deal. Changes. More changes......

Okay, so that's a wrap on this week. have a great weekend and ride those bicycles!

Steve Tilford, 57, Dies In Traffic Accident

Steve Tilford (L) on the 2015 Gravelleur's Raid podium. Image courtesy of the Gravelluer's Raid Facebook Page

An American cycling icon died today in a traffic accident on the Utah/Colorado border when Steve Tilford's van was involved in what has been described as a chain reaction accident involving two semi-tractor trailers and Tilford's Mercedes Benz van. You can get details on Steve Tilford, his accomplishments, and the tragic accident from this Cyclingtips article here.

I did not have the honor of ever meeting Steve Tilford, but as a mountain biker and gravel road riding enthusiast, if you were paying attention at all, you knew about Steve Tilford. His racing career was long and prolific and, no doubt, will be celebrated for years to come. I was not so much a student of Tilford's results or his races, but what I was impressed by were the stories that are legend amongst cyclists I knew back in the days of my earliest mountain biking riding and racing. Stories about Tilford's prowess on a bike off road, including cyclo cross. His stitching himself up after getting badly gashed. Stories of seemingly epic nature.

Then recently I became aware of Tilford's gravel racing exploits. It should be well noted by any cyclist that Mr. Tilford was good, really good, at any form of cycling competition he chose to focus on. Mountain biking, road racing in all its forms, cyclo cross, and gravel racing were all disciplines that Tilford excelled at. It is my opinion he was the best all-around American cyclist ever.

Finally, as a blogger I have noted that Tilford's blog was a place where he expressed all sorts of well regarded opinions and especially those on doping. It was, and is, a highly popular blog, and his writings will be sorely missed.

I extend my sincere condolences to the family and friends of Steve Tilford upon this news of his death.

Steve Tilford, 57, Dies In Traffic Accident

Steve Tilford (L) on the 2015 Gravelleur's Raid podium. Image courtesy of the Gravelluer's Raid Facebook Page

An American cycling icon died today in a traffic accident on the Utah/Colorado border when Steve Tilford's van was involved in what has been described as a chain reaction accident involving two semi-tractor trailers and Tilford's Mercedes Benz van. You can get details on Steve Tilford, his accomplishments, and the tragic accident from this Cyclingtips article here.

I did not have the honor of ever meeting Steve Tilford, but as a mountain biker and gravel road riding enthusiast, if you were paying attention at all, you knew about Steve Tilford. His racing career was long and prolific and, no doubt, will be celebrated for years to come. I was not so much a student of Tilford's results or his races, but what I was impressed by were the stories that are legend amongst cyclists I knew back in the days of my earliest mountain biking riding and racing. Stories about Tilford's prowess on a bike off road, including cyclo cross. His stitching himself up after getting badly gashed. Stories of seemingly epic nature.

Then recently I became aware of Tilford's gravel racing exploits. It should be well noted by any cyclist that Mr. Tilford was good, really good, at any form of cycling competition he chose to focus on. Mountain biking, road racing in all its forms, cyclo cross, and gravel racing were all disciplines that Tilford excelled at. It is my opinion he was the best all-around American cyclist ever.

Finally, as a blogger I have noted that Tilford's blog was a place where he expressed all sorts of well regarded opinions and especially those on doping. It was, and is, a highly popular blog, and his writings will be sorely missed.

I extend my sincere condolences to the family and friends of Steve Tilford upon this news of his death.

Yeah, That's What I'm Talkin' About!

Wrong for most people.

The road racing bike. Let me first say that there is not anything inherently wrong with that. It is a bicycle, after all, and these types of bikes are really good at the task they are focused on- road racing. Most cyclists are road racers, right? 

Well, we all know the answer to that is "no", they are not. So, why are road racing style bikes selling so much, and as a mechanic, I would add, why are we having to modify them to peoples real intentions. (Which, by the way, is not for road racing. )

Here is a great article that says a lot better than I ever could why most cyclists shouldn't have to buy a road racing bike, and why most cyclists shouldn't consider one. See James Huang's article here.

Basically Huang states that mountain bikes have diversified from XC racing hard tails and have catered to "real rider's needs" for years now. Why don't you see this with road bikes? He says most folks would benefit from more comfort oriented and practical features that road racing bikes simply do not deliver on. Furthermore, he states even Pro level racers are starting to back off from the "mean, nasty" racing geometry and lack of creature comforts.

More Practical- More Versatile-More Comfortable!

My Take:

Mr. Huang pretty much nails it: The bicycle industry, for the most part, has left roadies with road racing bikes, then "fitness hybrids", and....pretty much nothing else. Sure- some companies are "getting it", but most of the big companies have left road racing bikes as the one and only road bike offering from entry level to high end and these bikes all are based on racing. It is odd when you stop to consider this.

What is more, as a mechanic, I see customers buying into "this bike will make me faster" snake oil and then they laden the bike with all sorts of gee-gaws, (not that there are anything wrong with accessories, but bear with me), and fit fixes that are all in direct opposition to the intentions of the bike. It would be similar to having a Porsche 911 Carrera and putting a Class 3 hitch on it, pulling an Airstream, and putting a snow plow on the front of it. You and I know what a Porsche 911 is for. It isn't for practical driving, and it isn't a versatile auto in the sense that it can do many tasks. That's why there are lots of different kinds of automobiles and trucks. But yet folks are stuck with road racing style bikes and want a rack, a trunk bag, extra brake levers, (cause they'll never use those "too low" drops), and grouse because you can not put a kickstand on the thing. (I probably sound like Grant from Rivendell about right now, but he's got a good point as well.)

Anyway, so they go out and find less than stellar comfort, wheels that are troublesome, pinch flats cause their tires are too narrow, and they have a heavy bike in the end anyway. Bah! I see this all the time. The worst part is many folks will argue till they are blue in the face that this is "right" and road racing style bikes are "the perfect bike" for the job cause they have those "faster tires" and whatnot. (I suggest that these people take a good hard look at the link in Mr. Huang's article.)

So, there ya go. a bit bigger tires, nicer geometry, and built in versatility which would give you options, or go with a bike meant to do one thing with (mostly) a disregard for comfort, no versatility, and all for a purpose most cyclists will never pursue. You choose. I know which I will take every time.....

Yeah, That's What I'm Talkin' About!

Wrong for most people.

The road racing bike. Let me first say that there is not anything inherently wrong with that. It is a bicycle, after all, and these types of bikes are really good at the task they are focused on- road racing. Most cyclists are road racers, right? 

Well, we all know the answer to that is "no", they are not. So, why are road racing style bikes selling so much, and as a mechanic, I would add, why are we having to modify them to peoples real intentions. (Which, by the way, is not for road racing. )

Here is a great article that says a lot better than I ever could why most cyclists shouldn't have to buy a road racing bike, and why most cyclists shouldn't consider one. See James Huang's article here.

Basically Huang states that mountain bikes have diversified from XC racing hard tails and have catered to "real rider's needs" for years now. Why don't you see this with road bikes? He says most folks would benefit from more comfort oriented and practical features that road racing bikes simply do not deliver on. Furthermore, he states even Pro level racers are starting to back off from the "mean, nasty" racing geometry and lack of creature comforts.

More Practical- More Versatile-More Comfortable!

My Take:

Mr. Huang pretty much nails it: The bicycle industry, for the most part, has left roadies with road racing bikes, then "fitness hybrids", and....pretty much nothing else. Sure- some companies are "getting it", but most of the big companies have left road racing bikes as the one and only road bike offering from entry level to high end and these bikes all are based on racing. It is odd when you stop to consider this.

What is more, as a mechanic, I see customers buying into "this bike will make me faster" snake oil and then they laden the bike with all sorts of gee-gaws, (not that there are anything wrong with accessories, but bear with me), and fit fixes that are all in direct opposition to the intentions of the bike. It would be similar to having a Porsche 911 Carrera and putting a Class 3 hitch on it, pulling an Airstream, and putting a snow plow on the front of it. You and I know what a Porsche 911 is for. It isn't for practical driving, and it isn't a versatile auto in the sense that it can do many tasks. That's why there are lots of different kinds of automobiles and trucks. But yet folks are stuck with road racing style bikes and want a rack, a trunk bag, extra brake levers, (cause they'll never use those "too low" drops), and grouse because you can not put a kickstand on the thing. (I probably sound like Grant from Rivendell about right now, but he's got a good point as well.)

Anyway, so they go out and find less than stellar comfort, wheels that are troublesome, pinch flats cause their tires are too narrow, and they have a heavy bike in the end anyway. Bah! I see this all the time. The worst part is many folks will argue till they are blue in the face that this is "right" and road racing style bikes are "the perfect bike" for the job cause they have those "faster tires" and whatnot. (I suggest that these people take a good hard look at the link in Mr. Huang's article.)

So, there ya go. a bit bigger tires, nicer geometry, and built in versatility which would give you options, or go with a bike meant to do one thing with (mostly) a disregard for comfort, no versatility, and all for a purpose most cyclists will never pursue. You choose. I know which I will take every time.....

British Mud And Minnesota Pavement

British Mud: I was recently contacted by one David Atkinson regarding a little film project he recently finished up. It was about the 29"er company, Singular Cycles and their experiences racing at the 2010 "Dusk 'Til Dawn" event in the U.K.

I've often heard about how it can be very wet, very muddy, and messy for off roaders in Britain. I think David's film shows us that don't know a bit of how it really is there....


Singular at Dusk 'Til Dawn from David Atkinson on Vimeo.


This also is about Sam at Singular Cycles too, and since I own a Singular Gryphon, it maybe is a bit more interesting to me from that perspective. At any rate, hope ya enjoy that....

Minnesota Pavement: My good friend in Minnesota, Ben Witt, runs Milltown Cycles, and every 4th Of July, his shop sponsors a criterium on the streets of Ben's hometown of Northfield, Minnesota.

Race Flyer- Click To Enlarge

I needed to get myself and Mrs. Guitar Ted up to visit Ben and his wife, so I thought, "Hey! Why not volunteer to help out with this deal?"

So, I called Ben and asked if he needed some help. He obviously said yes, and so I will be doing something in Northfield on the 4th of July to help out with this thing.

It can't be all bad, I mean, it has to do with bicycles, right? Plus, I figured it was another good way to give something back to the sport of cycling, which I love.

Now, while watching grown men and women go speeding around a closed course is very fun to watch, I wouldn't want to be "them". Just sayin'. I have adopted the saying of my old co-worker, Jeff Kerkove, who used to say all the time: "The Road Is The Devil." Yup, and I'd go along with that, at least for my tastes in cycling, but it is cool if ya'all like it out there. I get that. I might like it better if they'd get rid of those pesky cars and trucks, what clogs up the works, and get used as weapons......

Cowards.

But I digress... I'll be looking forward to seeing my friends, and if you have a mind to grind some gravel, I am bringing a bike, and maybe....... We'll see. It should be a blast either way.

British Mud And Minnesota Pavement

British Mud: I was recently contacted by one David Atkinson regarding a little film project he recently finished up. It was about the 29"er company, Singular Cycles and their experiences racing at the 2010 "Dusk 'Til Dawn" event in the U.K.

I've often heard about how it can be very wet, very muddy, and messy for off roaders in Britain. I think David's film shows us that don't know a bit of how it really is there....


Singular at Dusk 'Til Dawn from David Atkinson on Vimeo.


This also is about Sam at Singular Cycles too, and since I own a Singular Gryphon, it maybe is a bit more interesting to me from that perspective. At any rate, hope ya enjoy that....

Minnesota Pavement: My good friend in Minnesota, Ben Witt, runs Milltown Cycles, and every 4th Of July, his shop sponsors a criterium on the streets of Ben's hometown of Northfield, Minnesota.

Race Flyer- Click To Enlarge

I needed to get myself and Mrs. Guitar Ted up to visit Ben and his wife, so I thought, "Hey! Why not volunteer to help out with this deal?"

So, I called Ben and asked if he needed some help. He obviously said yes, and so I will be doing something in Northfield on the 4th of July to help out with this thing.

It can't be all bad, I mean, it has to do with bicycles, right? Plus, I figured it was another good way to give something back to the sport of cycling, which I love.

Now, while watching grown men and women go speeding around a closed course is very fun to watch, I wouldn't want to be "them". Just sayin'. I have adopted the saying of my old co-worker, Jeff Kerkove, who used to say all the time: "The Road Is The Devil." Yup, and I'd go along with that, at least for my tastes in cycling, but it is cool if ya'all like it out there. I get that. I might like it better if they'd get rid of those pesky cars and trucks, what clogs up the works, and get used as weapons......

Cowards.

But I digress... I'll be looking forward to seeing my friends, and if you have a mind to grind some gravel, I am bringing a bike, and maybe....... We'll see. It should be a blast either way.