Friday News And Views

Image courtesy of SOMA

SOMA Introduces Big 6 Yokozuna Calipers For Road/Gravel:

An announcement via social media by SOMA Fabrications was made last week which was a bit of a surprise. SOMA is now offering a Yokozuna branded cable pull, hydraulic caliper with six pistons!

SOMA has this to say about this product:

 "Yokozuna BIG6: Quite easily the most powerful hybrid hydraulic ROAD brake from Yokozuna. Just having 6 pistons (vs 2 and 4) and bigger pads doesn’t automatically gives a brake system more power. You have to engineer the brake to push those pistons with more force, too. And the BIG6 does just that! "

The calipers feature three differently sized pistons made from 7075 aluminum. The caliper also ships with compressionless brake housing. The calipers are road pull/short pull specific. The caliper is activated by cable, but the caliper lever pushes mineral oil to activate the pistons in a hybrid type in this hybrid design. Each caliper weighs in at about 160 - 180 grams. Price for each caliper is $295.95. 

You can see more and order these from SOMA's site HERE. 

Comments: Wow! That is a pretty crazy, niche product. I can see maybe using these on a bike like my Gryphon Mk3 if I were doing loaded bikepacking/touring. I could see these coming in clutch in a scenario where you are dealing with steeper terrain and heavier loads. But I don't know if I would need this kind of (potential) power for my typical rides. 

I have a set of TRP Hy/RD calipers and a set of the State Bicycle Co. calipers on bikes which are  both hybrid cable/hydraulic set ups. My take is these types of brakes rely on the housing for the cable to be stiff and compressionless to really get the maximum benefit to this type of design. Another thing I've found is the hybrid type calipers tend to lack modulation and feel more "on - off" than I prefer. 

Also, like previous Yokozuna branded calipers, you can find nearly identical calipers branded as "Juin Tech". But unlike previous examples, the Juin Techs are actually more expensive than SOMA's price on the Big 6 calipers. 

SILCA Confirms Its Products Compatible With Clik Valve:

Thanks to reader "Steve" here, I was pointed to a video from SILCA where Josh from SILCA explains how SILCA pumps are compatible with Clik Valve. 

In my Final Review of the Clik Valve system, I hinted about the possibility of using a Presta Valve pump on a Clik Valve and how this might work.  Well, as it turns out, it does work, but there is something here I hadn't considered which is covered in the SILCA video. 

Since Clik Valve uses a spring-loaded valve, much like a Schrader valve does, the normal Presta pump has to overcome this spring pressure to get the valve open so you can inflate the tire or tube. SILCA claims this amounts to about six to seven psi. So, you have to accommodate for this if you use a straight Presta pump on a Clik Valve. 

Check out the video for the finer details, but the main point for me is the Clik Valve can be inflated with a standard Presta Valve pump. In case of an emergency, a Clik Valve tubeless set up wouldn't be at a disadvantage if you did need some air and you did not have a Clik Valve compatible pump. 

Also, it is very interesting to see SILCA playing around with Clik Valve and having positive things to say about the design. One would imagine a day very soon where SILCA does license the technology.  

Image courtesy of Castelli

Castelli Announces New Winter Glove/Shoe Covers In PolarTec AirCore™:

Last September, in an FN&V post, I wrote about a new waterproof/windproof breathable fabric development which was made in collaboration with PolarTec and Castelli.  Called AirCore™, it promises a better experience riding in wet and cold weather. 

Now this week Castelli announced additional clothing accessories to the jacket announced in September. The new Espresso 2 shoe covers and gloves utilize AirCore fabric in strategic areas to improve upon the item's ability to ward off cold winds and precipitation while remaining comfortable and easy to use. 

For instance, the glove features a YKK zipper to ease the putting on and the taking off of these gloves. The shoe covers also use a zipper with a protector to prevent Achilles irritation. Reflective elements are included in both pieces to enhance visibility in poor lighting conditions or at night.  

Learn more at Castelli's site.  

 Comments: Winter is going to be here soon, so if you want to continue to be outdoors, looking at your clothing strategies is a must. This new AirCore™ stuff seems like a game changer. I'll be keeping an eye on this for future purchases. 

 Right now it seems pretty expensive and, well.....unproven. I'd like to see how it works for others in teh meantime while I continue to use stuff I know works for me now. 

Wolf Tooth "DEL" Mini-Review:

As mentioned last week, N.Y. Roll had ordered a set of the new Wolf Tooth "DEL" pedals in for his girlfriend. Here is a mini-review on them for you straight from Mr. Roll hisself: 

"7 miles in and this is what I can say. Spindle preload is either high or the bearings need to wear in. I think the later. We did not adjustments, slapped em on an went. Her cleat tension adjust is still at factory setting. 

What I think this pedal may do, the grease and bearings will wear in and have less resistance. Also the DELs will be lighter and the riders will learn that they may have a more predictive pedal position for clipping in. I think other companies will follow."

So, there you go! Good stuff, it seems. You can learn more about this pedal and the other two pedals in Wolf Tooth's range by clicking the link HERE.  

C.O.G. 40 Happening On Sunday:

I'm looking forward to riding 40 miles of (mostly) Tama County gravel and Level B Roads this Sunday at 9:00am from Reinbeck, Iowa. This should be a great, end of season, group ride at a casual pace. 

I haven't heard from very many people so this may end up being a small group ride, unless there is a big surprise waiting for me. Who knows? I don't. 

At least the weather is going to cooperate with us with very little chances for any rain, a Sunny sky, and temperatures at the start in the mid 40's rising to a forecast high of 65°F. Light to moderate breezes from the Southeast mean we will get a tailwind for the second half of the loop. 

There will be a full report on Monday as to who showed up, what the highlights were, and what N.Y. Roll is serving at the rest stop at the halfway point. Stay tuned.....

That's a wrap for this week! get out there and ride those bicycles! Even if it is just around the block!  

Gravel Grinder News: Life Time Announces 2026 Grand Prix, Updates

Image courtesy of Life Time Events

Life Time Events Announces 2026 Grand Prix With More Payouts, Refined Selection Process:

 NOTE: All information and images provided by Life Time Events. Comments are Guitar Ted's and may not reflect the opinions of Life Time Events and their affiliates.

Thursday sees a big announcement with Life Time Events revealing its plans for the 2026 Grand Prix. This series of six events evenly split between gravel and MTB has become the premier series for professional cyclists in the USA.  

There is a lot to dig into here, so let's begin with the dates for the events in 2026. 

 Thursday, April 16: Life Time Sea Otter Classic Gravel 
Saturday, May 30: Life Time UNBOUND Gravel 200 presented by Shimano
Saturday, August 15: Life Time Leadville Trail 100 MTB presented by Kenetik
Saturday, September 19: Life Time Chequamegon Mountain Bike Festival
Sunday, October 11: Life Time Little Sugar MTB
Saturday, October 17: Life Time Big Sugar Gravel presented by Kenetik

The Money:

The Grand Prix for 2026 - according to the press release -  " ...will see record investment in athletes, including $590,000 in prize money across the series, with $350,000 dedicated to the overall Life Time Grand Prix podium, increased prize purses to $60,000 at UNBOUND Gravel and the Leadville Trail 100 MTB, and $30,000 prize purses at the remaining events."

The overall series compensation pays out from first to tenth place equally between Male and Female riders. First in Male or Female categories gets $50,000.00 and tenth will receive $7,000.00. Additionally, every Pro racer who finishes at least three of the series events, and ends up in 11th place overall in the series or beyond, will be compensated at an amount of $2,500.00. 

Additional benefits to series riders are all entry fees being covered. Under 23 athletes selected for the program after the Unbound Gravel event will also have their entry fees covered. All series athletes have free entry to Life Time events nationwide, coverage in media promoted by Life Time Fitness, and complimentary access to all of Life Time's fitness centers nationwide.

The Selection Process:

According to the press release, there will be some tweaks to the selection process. Here are some bullet points from the release:

 

Each 2026 roster will include: 

• The top five overall finishers from the 2025 Grand Prix
• The top overall U23 athlete from the 2025 series
• A minimum of 16 selected athletes (additional slots may open if one or more top-five athletes do not return)
• Three Wild Card athletes, chosen following Life Time UNBOUND Gravel 200

"Applications will be evaluated based on performances over the past 12 months at Life Time-owned and select national and international off-road events, including the Sea Otter Classic, UNBOUND Gravel, Leadville Trail 100 MTB, Chequamegon MTB Festival, The Rad Dirt Fest, Crusher in the Tushar, Lutsen 99er, and global events such as Cape Epic, BC Bike Race, and the UCI Gravel World Championships."

The Wild Card Life Time introduced for the 2025 season will again be enacted for the 2026 season with three male and three female riders being added to the Grand Prix after Unbound Gravel, as long as those six athletes meet certain criteria.  

Image courtesy of Life Time Events

Comments: 

This is an amazing development as it makes Unbound Gravel and Leadville some of the most lucrative Pro cycling events in North America. The ability to win one of these two events, or even place top-ten, will be "season makers" for those who can achieve the results. 

The Effects Of Enriching The Prize Purses: The season conclusion for the Grand Prix last weekend was marred by weather and the resulting chaos from changing course at the last minute caused some amount of fear and anxiety for the participants in the finale of the series. Making things more lucrative for the 2026 events will only enhance these emotions, even without the weather factor. 

Amping up the series by way of monetary reward will induce demands from the participants. These might range from petty desires to make things "easier" to concerns over race protocols. We've already seen the results of the monetizing of Unbound, and even before that event was monetized it was indirectly affecting athlete's abilities to score sponsorships and support. Athlete's demands which have resulted in changes to how Unbound is run include separation of Pro's from amateurs, separation of women's Pro fields from the Men's, and separated finish lines for Pro racers. 

Money on offer for performance results has dramatically changed Unbound in particular to an event where the focus has been shifted to only what the Pro riders are doing. The resulting media coverage has affected the experience for amateurs, wrecked what was once a serene, soul-stretching challenge, and affected local residents negatively. While a thriving undercurrent of amateur experiences and competition still exits at Unbound, there is also still a small amount of friction between Pro and everyone else when it comes to how things play out on the gravel. 

Every year we see and hear about how Pro riders desires for "freedom from obstruction" are hindered by roads being open to traffic, riders from the amateur ranks being on a similar course at times, and by an "unfair" support structure for Pros who are "privateers versus those who are affiliated with teams with big budgets and larger, better supplied crews.  

With more on the line than ever before, induced demands will also be on the rise from the Pros. What will the resulting changes be to Unbound, and perhaps other events influenced by Unbound, be in the future? 

Gravel Grinder News: Iowa Wind And Rock Announces Registration

From IWAR's social media

 Iowa Wind And Rock Announces 8th Annual Event:

Gravel cycling on the big stage is kind of like ultra-processed cheese product these days. It tastes okay, it's really bad for you, but you melt it over nachos anyway and eat it. It's all you find at the concession stands, so what is a person to do?  

Of course, there are still people serving up "original recipes" for gravel events and one of those events is Iowa Wind and Rock.  I should know, for reasons many of you out there are aware of. And if you are not aware, well, what rock have you just come out from under? 

Anyway... Here's what their post on social media said:

"The 8th running of Iowa Wind and Rock. Eight points on a compass. What direction will we choose this year? The only way to find out is to sign up between Nov 1 and Dec 1, 2025 and show up on April 18th, 2026.

 https://www.bikereg.com/iowa-wind-and-rock

 

Remember: You Are Responsible For You" 

Comments: Eight years?! Wow..... Time flies by and all, right? I think it is an amazing accomplishment regarding the longevity of this type of event. Some have compared this style of gravel event to the Barkley Marathon, while others say it is incredibly stupid and "not racing". But this style of event, and many others which are based upon this ideal, were how Gravel™ got where it is today. Kind of like how cheese was made on the farm, then someone decided to copy the idea, then corporations got a hold of the idea, and well, you know what happened next. 

 

Cheese Whiz. 

 

Don't eat Cheese Whiz people. Get you some of that "Real Thing". Whether it be IWAR or something cooked up by people who are following the original recipes. Don't accept substitutes!  

C.O.G. 40: Updated Route News

 The main point of this post is to point out the news of a route update. If you uploaded the route previously to seeing this post, you will want to discard the route and replace it with THIS ONE. 

The correct route is called "C.O.G. 40" so you should see that as the name on the file. If you have any troubles uploading the route file, please let me know. There will be NO CUE SHEETS, so plan accordingly. (Meaning: you can draw up your own cues like I am going to do from the route file. )

The reason for the change was due to some recently received intel from local-ish rider, Ben Petty, who has put together many routes in Grundy, Hardin, and Tama Counties and knows the area well. He warned of some nasty dogs in the beginning miles of our original route, and he suggested some changes. I actually am borrowing the opening miles of a route of his out of Reinbeck for our ride. Thanks Ben!

There still will be three miles of dirt, so if we have to bail out on those our "rain route" will still work and be put into effect. As of this writing, it doesn't look as though we will have to worry much about doing that. 

N.Y. Roll tells me you folks should PIN the route, and do not SAVE it. This will allow any last minute changes to be pushed to your devices. (See example shown)

I do not expect anything to change, but you never know, right? So please be aware of this detail. 

The route ended up being just a hair over 40 miles, but this is mostly due to how I have it leaving and reentering Reinbeck. On the way out, I have the route going past the park near the Southwest side of the town to make sure we do not miss anyone who may have parked there. Coming back I directed the route to Broad Street more directly so you can get back to your car without dealing with going out of your way to the park previously mentioned. (There is a direct route to the park area but you will peel off before the actual end of the route to reach the parking area.) 
 

Speaking of weather, it will be chilly to start, a pretty decent wind will be coming out of the South, and so you will want to be prepared with warm cycling gear like booties, Winter cycling shoes, gloves, or maybe even pogies if you have sensitive hands. Definitely wear gloves! 

Okay, that should wrap up the news. I have heard from a few would-be riders. So, we will at least have a small group and probably a mid-sized one if the weather holds out. I will see whomever shows up at about a half an hour before the 9:00am start time.  See all the ride details HERE. 

Two Things

Where Do I Take My Bike Now?

The city I live in is called Waterloo, Iowa. It has a population of over 67,000 people and it has zero bicycle shops as of last week. The only shop within the city limits, Waterloo Bicycle Works, closed its doors for business. I was there last week and listened as the owner was asked if he was going to relocate, or re-open at some point, and the answer was not positive. I cannot say more since I do not speak for the owner there. 

So, it looks as though we're out of luck here when it comes to a local bike shop. There are other shops nearby in Cedar Falls. One just across the city limits and one on the West side of down town Cedar Falls. There is also a big-box Scheels bike shop, but yeah.... Not really a local bike shop there, per se'. This for a metropolitan area covering 170,000 plus people in the official metropolitan statistical area. 

I hear there is an eBike shop in Waverly, a mere 12 miles North of Cedar Falls, but yeah.... This does not seem good to me. With the Cedar Valley Bicycle Collective being the only bicycle related business  in town now, I suspect I'll be hearing from more people about where to go for repairs, since we do not handle that need at the Collective. We defer to those trying to make it in retail, since we are non-profit. 

Strange days here. 

Goodbye Monstercross!

The time had come. The ol' 2011 Black Mountain Cycles Monstercross just wasn't getting any love anymore. 

Longtime blog readers know I do not like a bicycle sitting around which I don't ride, and the BMC Monstercross wasn't getting ridden at all anymore. It's too nice a bicycle to just let sit there. 

So, I think I found a 'good home' and I decided to pass it along to someone who was looking for a nice bike to get the single speed experience. I think this bike will fill this rider's desires nicely.  

Now, before anyone says, "I didn't know you were selling that!", you should also know I did not sell it. This simply was just an opportunity I found to make someone happy and help them get into a single speed who has been a very kind person to me of late.  

So, the Monstercross will get ridden, and I will remember with fondness all the adventures I had on this bicycle. The first Renegade Gents Race, the Moonlight Metric, and several gravel rides into headwinds, through melting snows, and across rutted Level B Roads. 

The bike owes me nothing. I got all the good out of it I wanted. It sold a lot of bicycles for Black Mountain Cycles as well, if what Mike Varley told me is true, and why wouldn't it be? So, old Orange Crush is off to a new life with a new owner who, hopefully, will share many a fun ride.  

Maybe I'll see it around here being enjoyed someday?  Hope so. 

Things Change

Riders approaching the Rocky Ford bridge. (Image by Jeff Kerkove)

Last weekend I saw some news which told of a bridge closing near Emporia, Kansas so a new one could be built to replace it. This typically wouldn't be "newsworthy" to myself, or anyone, for that matter. However; this was the Rocky Ford Bridge, otherwise known as the Bird Bridge, named for a famous murder which had occurred there years ago. 

It also was the bridge where the Gravel Cycling Hall of Fame members would go each year to have their picture made. I had the honor of being there in 2023 when the first two classes were feted at the first GCHoF ride. So, for both historical and personal reasons, this news hit home for me. 

It is odd, isn't it? A rickety old steel bridge built 118 years ago in the Flint Hills of Kansas has some bearing on my feelings today. On one hand, you wish the thing would stand forever, or at least be there every time you wanted it to be there. Then on the other hand, practicality forces its way in. The residents there deserve to be able to have a safe, reliable bridge in order to get around, do farming and ranch work easier, and be rid of a liability. 

The news made me consider a lot of things. Obviously my life has changed tremendously in the last couple of months. There are so many things we take for granted and maybe, when things get blown up, you become sensitive to every change. I get this could be the case with myself. 

But it is a cautionary tale. Things are changing every minute whether or not you want them to. Time marches on. You may not have your situation as you know it today by tomorrow morning. And even if you do, this is an illusion, as decay and small details of life never really ever stop changing your reality. 

It makes me want to savor every ride I get a chance to do these days. My age is advancing, and whether or not I want to admit it, this will affect me as I go on. I'm not guaranteed anything.

I was speaking with N.Y. Roll the other day about the dynamics of local group rides and local group riders here.  There are some really petty things happening which, if we're honest, won't matter one lick next week, but will affect relationships for days, months, and decades. Isn't this stupid? 

Yes. We do not have time for such malarkey. I don't have time for it anymore, I'll tell ya that much! So, maybe we'd be better off not saying negative things. Maybe we should be thinking about supporting others more and thinking about what we want less. That would precipitate change which I think we'd all want to see. But it takes swallowing your pride. Can you? 

Not all change is bad.. We can focus on what we want. I will choose the good things. Old bridges were good in their day. Let's build new, better ones for the future. 

Change Of Pace

Long time readers of the blog here probably will recall my "pilgrimage" to the Green Belt every Fall. The ride I generally do to see Fall colors and celebrate my beginnings in cycling in the Cedar Valley. I wasn't always a "gravel guy"!

Sometimes I do this ride on a fat bike, sometimes on a mountain bike. This year I pulled The OS Bikes Blackbuck off the peg, aired up the tires, and went seeking leaf-peeping opportunities on a Summer-like day in mid-October. 

So, before I get on with the story, I probably should explain this OS Bikes thing. Every time I post a picture of this bike I get questions about it, so please bear with me if you already are aware of the history. 

OS (Of Spirit) Bikes was a side project of WTB's Mark Slate. Around 2007 he designed a single speed 29"er frame and fork, had 500 units made at Maxway in Taiwan, and bought some components to sell completes and some frame sets. These became available late in 2007. I bought mine in January of 2008. 

Unfortunately for Mark, he spec'ed original Rock Shox Rebas on the completes, which by 2008 were superseded by Fox's new 51mm offset 29"er fork. It also coincided with a less favorable view of single speed 29"ers and an uptick in geared offerings. Finally, the Blackbuck was only available in a single size. The OS Bikes Blackbuck subsequently wasn't in high demand. 

Mark made a second version of the Blackbuck, made at a different factory, with three sizes available, in 2010. These are easily identified by their white "darts" paint job, where the original Blackbuck was almost all black save for a silver colored dart on each seat stay and chain stay. I've no idea how many v2 Blackbucks were made. And no....you cannot buy one new. Unless there are some NOS ones around, which I am unaware of. 

So, there ya go..... 

The OS Bikes Blackbuck as it sits now in 2025.

Now on with the ride....

I decided to head out after lunch for a quick look at the meadow where I usually go to see the Fall colors. I started from the house and took the alleys and side streets over to the dog park and then went up and over the dike to enter the Green Belt. N.Y. Roll reported the Green Belt had received its annual Fall mowing, so I knew it would be fairly clean with little debris to deal with. 

The Fall colors are a bit behind this year. Usually by the 17th we are either done, or right at peak Fall color.. With the extension of Summer into early October, I think the colors were put off until around the latter part of last week. Then I noted a big change in the neighborhood, which was the prompt for me to go check the Green Belt. 

However; once I got out there, it was pretty obvious we are not quite at the zenith of Fall colors. I'd guess it will be next weekend when we reach the peak of leaf peeping here. Barring any stupidly windy days which may strip the trees before the colors come in.

Hopefully this will coincide with the C.O.G. 40. That would be awesome to have a bit of that Fall color happening for the ride, but it would be quite late in the season for the peak. Maybe.... We'll see.

I was scheduled to meet with N.Y. Roll around 3:30pm, so I didn't have a ton of time to explore the Green Belt for more color, but the meadow did not disappoint, despite it being on the early side for colors. I stayed a while in the meadow and contemplated a few things before I set off to come back home again. 

I've had these old Kenda XC tires on this bike for ages now. They are big, voluminous, and have fast tread. They don't work great in anything other than hardpack, which is what I generally encounter if and when I ride off-road. However, with recent rains the Green Belt had some greasy spots and standing water which made the bike a bit tail happy. I could definitely feel the tires slipping a bit in some corners! 

 It was a short, but good Fall ride. It wasn't peak color, but it was a great balance of the greens of Summer with splashes of Fall color. The trails had some leaves, but it wasn't swimming in them. All in all, it was a great change of pace from the gravel I normally am out on. 

Creatures Of Gravel 40: Update

NOTE: Make sure to familiarize yourself with the announcement post which you can read HERE. 

The route file indicates three and 3/4's miles of Level B road which all occur within the first quarter of the course. With weather being the proverbial "wild card", N.Y. Roll was concerned there may be trouble. Trouble if it rains, that is. 

Looking at the State DOT maps, we have a "wet weather" option which will eliminate the dirt roads. This wiill add no extra miles, but it would take us through the village of Lincoln, Iowa, and it would add a bit of extra pavement. 

This route would only go into effect if we get any significant rain the day before or during the ride. This will be only on my written cues, and it will not be on the "official route gps file", so please note this and be aware you will have to rely on my cues for navigation. That is, IF we have to use the wet weather route. 

Right now, this doesn't look like it will be a worry, but we are far enough out the forecasts could change. Please keep an eye on the weather and monitor the blog here for updates. 

One never knows how many folks might show up to this sort of a ride. If the weather cooperates, there will be more people showing up. If it looks, or if it is, sketchy, hardly anyone will show up. With this in mind, I have a few things to share. 

One: Parking on Broad Street - If we get a ton of interest we will start to ask people to move their cars to a park located on the Southwest corner of Reinbeck just off  Park Street near the Reinbeck Aquatic Center. There are baseball diamonds adjacent to this parking lot as well. We do not want to overtake downtown Reinbeck. I do not expect this will be an issue, but......just in case. Bonus: This park is adjacent to where the gps file starts and stops the route. 

Two: N.Y. Roll is facilitating the rest stop pierogies feed. He wouldn't mind a companion/helper. So, if you are coming along, but decide last minute not to ride, or if you weren't going to ride, but are coming with someone who is, please let me know. I can hook you up and get you with N.Y. Roll to help out with things and hang with him. Not necessary for our success, but this is an idea for anyone who may not be in it for the riding part.

Three: I have no idea how many folks will be there. I have heard from a couple of folks about their intentions, but as with anything like this, last minute decisions typically are what determines attendance. (Based on weather, for one thing, no doubt!) But if you would be so kind, it would be nice for Mr. Roll if we had a rough idea of who is coming. Leave a comment here or email me at g.ted.productions@gtmail.com. Thanks! 

Four: Geared bikes are welcome! Yes, the theme of the ride is single speed, but we do not want this to be a barrier to participation. Please come if you want to with your geared bike. Just make sure it is in good condition, capable on gravel, and have repair items along with you in case of a flat tire. That is all you need.  

Five: THIS IS NOT A RACE!!  A local rider here approached N.Y. Roll with a comment to the effect saying he was glad we were putting on the race again. Despite my very clearly saying in the announcement IT IS NOT A RACE, I guess we have to be very vigilant and say it loud and clear that THIS IS NOT A RACE. 

Did you catch that this time? I hope so....  

Stay tuned and don't e shy about asking questions or leaving comments!(And don't be a smarty and ask if this is a race. Okay?) 
 

Friday News And Views

Image courtesy of Mavic

Mavic Introduces New AllRoad Wheelset In Carbon

The news about a carbon rimmed Mavic wheel set for gravel was released last Monday. Called the ALLROAD SL Carbon, this wheel set has a 25mm internal rim width and a 42mm deep rim profile. Featuring 24 aero, double butted spokes with a 2X lacing pattern on aluminum Mavic hubs, this wheel set weighs a claimed 1,550 grams. 

The rims feature a hookless design. They are built to Mavic's UST dimensions. Mavic claims these rims are compatible with tire widths from 30mm - 64mm in width. (64mm is approximately equivalent to a 2.5" wide tire)

The hubs are 100mm/142mm through axle front/rear.. The wheels can be ordered with a SRAM XDR or Shimano HG freehub. The wheel set retails for $1,889.00USD. 

Comments: This is a difficult wheel set to make sense out of for myself. I've no issues with much of the specifications, and Mavic makes a fine product. However; hookless design - as stated here before - seems like an unnecessary feature which has shown risks in usage. Then you have the price. It seems a bit dear when you can pick up similar wheels for less or spend about the same and get lighter wheels. (Based upon research done on offerings by Specialized/Roval and Trek/Bontrager)

Original image courtesy of Gary Fisher

So, What About This 32"er Nonsense?

I've been curious about all the 32" wheel news coming out and I've not seen any real, rational takes on this wheel size until recently. And I was not surprised to find the source for this clear-minded take. It was from Mike Curiak, of course. 

Mike is perhaps the quintessential "thinkerer" when it comes to bicycle tech and especially design and tech outside of current thinking. 32 inch wheels certainly qualifies as such a thing.  Mike, unsurprisingly, has been testing 32" wheels on a Lenz full suspension bike.   

If you have any curiosity for this subject, you might want to head on over to Mike's blog and check it out HERE.  

In other 32"er news, Zinn Cycles is showing a 32" full suspension mountain bike designed for taller folks. Zinn has been in the business of making bicycles and components for taller folks for quite some time, so this comes as no surprise. Many would probably guess that 32"ers would most likely work best for people over 6 foot in height. 

However; it is also interesting to note Mike Curiak is right around six feet, and he rides a Medium sized bike. So, reading what he had to say maybe will change your mind if you are one to think this 32 inch nonsense is only for taller riders. I know I am rethinking this a bit.  

Image courtesy of SILCA

SILCA Offers TPU Tubes:

News came out on Tuesday from SILCA on their newest product. They now offer TPU tubes which feature mechanically connected, threaded aluminum valve stems with a traditional Presta Valve nut to affix the stem to a rim more securely. (Or you can leave the nut off, it is an option.)

SILCA is sourcing these TPU tubes from Germany and they are made from dye-free TPU material. The site for the tubes on SILCA's page does not indicate whether or not the valve core is removable. 

SILCA offers two sizes in these TPU tubes with ranges of 24mm - 43mm. or 44mm - 64mm for tire width. The narrower tubes come in either a 50mm or 70mm length valve stem. The wider TPU tube only comes in a 50mm long valve. Each tube comes with an alcohol wipe and TPU patch. Tubes sell for $39.00 each USD. 

Comments: I like the valve stem design except for the core. SILCA doesn't say if it is removable or no, but looking at their image on the TPU page, I'd guess it is not removable. This isn't a deal-breaker, but as long as you are doing an aluminum valve there seems to be no reason not to offer a removable core. 

These are still kind of pricey, but as a reliable back-up for a tubeless set up, carrying around a tube which weighs far less than 100 grams seems pretty appealing. If you have bought into TPU tubes, this offering seems better than much of what the competition is offering mainly based upon the valve stem design. 

 Image courtesy of Wolf Tooth Components

Wolf Tooth Components Pedals:

Last week this news came out, but it was too late to make the FN&V.  But we did talk about these on the latest "Guitar Ted Podcast". Wolf Tooth has a three pedal range called "CTRL", "ALT", and "DEL", which represent computer keyboard keys. In Wolf Tooth's pedal line, "CTRL" is their trail pedal. "ALT" is their take on a standard SPD pedal. Finally, "DEL" is a stripped back clipless pedal with one side entry and the lightest weight of the range at just a bit over 200 grams a pair. 

All three are machined and assembled in Wolf Tooth's facility in Minnesota. The range also all cost the same at $219.00 USD each. The pedals all can be ordered in black or purple.  Wolf Tooth claims the range provides the rider with a better pedaling platform and a closer shoe-to-pedal interface than the competition.  Finally, the "Q" factor of these pedals is adjustable. 

Comments: N.Y. Roll ordered the ALT (Actually it is the DEL he ordered) model for his girlfriend, Morgan. Hopefully I can get a ride report once she has used them a bit. Of all the various SPD-clone type pedals in existence, the Wolf Tooth offerings do promise a little something different. Now it will all hinge upon whether or not these can have a reasonable lifespan in comparison to Shimano SPD pedals which are nearly bombproof.  

That is a wrap for this week! Thanks for reading Guitar Ted Productions and get out there and ride those bicycles! 

We Need More Stories About Fun On Bicycles

From the Victory Ride in 2024

 I'm going to go out on a limb and say most cycling media outlets are anti-fun. I say this because these outlets keep pushing racing coverage and articles with titles like "The Key to Riding Faster Is Lactate Threshold Training....", or "4 tips to make your indoor training more realistic ".

None of which sound like "fun". Racing is fine, but one site I follow only posts about racing, and almost always about the most niche races no one knows about. Then another site I follow is always posting about techniques to get faster or whatever, and it points out how "you aren't good enough yet, but do this...." I mean, this is their messaging, as I see it. 

Then you have the ever-present tech articles which appeal to the bike-nerds like myself, but to the average cyclist? All this super-spendy tech seems to only force folks into feeling the cycling industry is a rip-off. 

Again, none of this sounds like fun. Maybe this is why most US citizens are looking online and getting their cycling stuff off Amazon or from big-box online and brick and mortar retailers. They don't have to clear gate-keepers, understand technology they've likely never heard of in their daily lives, or deal with uninformed or snooty clerks at bicycle shops. 

Bicycles were supposed to be fun. Freedom, fitness, and adventures were the main reasons to purchase a two-wheeled contraption when I was young. Heck, I never even heard about a racing bike until the Summer of my junior year in high school. I managed to fall in love with cycling despite my ignorance of FTP, carbon fiber, and carbon monoxide rebreathing. 

You mean you can have fun on a bicycle?

Fun needs to be focused on again. Especially if we are to actually grow cycling. We "nerds" in here all understand this bit about fun. We get the health benefits of mind and body which cycling can bring a person. But does any of this get translated by cycling media? 

The barriers to getting into gravel races was a big deal starting with post-COVID gravel events. Socially conscientious event directors began to push for inclusion of minorities and for gender equality. It's sad the cycling industry itself doesn't think in terms of removing barriers. It is painfully obvious this doesn't matter.

Raising the ceiling on prices, posting on the latest tech which costs an arm and a leg, focusing on racing which only pertains to a infinitesimally small portion of cyclists-  All of this alienates the common person who might just want something else. Something like escape from this mad world, a good time, and ease of getting involved. 

Can all the latest Winter cycling garb tests, the banter about aero helmets, and wireless transmissions on 10K+ bicycles. It creates barriers to entry. Maybe focus efforts on cycling infrastructure, how you can enjoy cycling while wearing Chuck Taylors, or make yourself calmer and more healthy by spinning wheels around the blocks in your neighborhood. 

Or, maybe just say cycling is a hoot, and you are missing out on it if you didn't partake in the sport. Put people in ads who look like they are enjoying a ride, and not squinting through pain while sprinting for a finish line. Make cycling fun again. 

Or....just continue to churn out the same tired messaging the industry has trotted out for the past 40+ years. 

I know how that  works. Ha! 

Clik Valves, Cores, and Pump Head: Final Review

 Note: Guitar Ted received a suite of products from Clik Valve for test and review at no charge. Guitar Ted is not being bribed nor paid for this review. All opinions are Guitar Ted's.

Clik Valve, a new valve type for bicycles, was introduced last year. Earlier this year I received a set of valves, valve cores, and accessories to test out. My last update on Clik Valve product in April was quite a while ago, so you may want to go back and click the hyperlink to catch up on things. 

If you are a long-time, regular reader of this blog, you probably have already seen my mentions about the Clik Valve over the course of this year. You might have a good guess as to what I think about the Click Valve overall already. But if you are new to this blog and the review of Clik Valve products, read on. 

Another New "Standard"

Yeah....I know it is wearisome and it seems "The Industry" is out to get you to buy something The "Marketing Machine" cooked up. I see your commentary about other so-called innovations and I know how many of you feel. Why do we need another valve standard? Presta is "good enough", and "I'm not changing everything over just because it is a new thing". 

Yep! I get it. However; believe it or not, this valve system is better. Not by just a little bit either. It exceeds the functionality of previous Presta and Schrader valves and it is exceedingly easier to use. This mostly due to how Clik Valve interfaces with inflation devices equipped with compatible Clik Valve pump heads. 

Long-Term Performance:

I've used this new Clik Valve exclusively on one of my gravel bikes while keeping everything else I own the same. Day-in, day-out, Clik Valve is just so much easier to live with, it is simply no contest. On this basis alone I would swap everything over to Clik Valves. 

Kind of Presta, kind of Schrader, uniquely Clik

But in terms of riding, air retention, and maintenance, this valve system is as good or better than Presta in every way. No wonder, since it really is kind of an evolution of the Presta valve when you get a look at how Clik Valve works. 

Downside:

Like anything new which requires specialized accessories, Clik Valve is still a bit of a drag. You cannot just go buy a Clik Valve pump anywhere, although more brands are offering a Clik Valve compatible option. Gauges are available, but again, you just cannot pick one up anywhere. 

The same goes for parts. Valve cores can be purchased for Presta and Schrader vales almost anywhere. Heck, you can scavenge valve cores from old tubes. Clik Valve is still so new and not as ubiquitous as the other two entrenched valve standards.  

However; if Clik Valve continues the momentum it has garnered since its introduction, I see no reason why Clik Valve wouldn't be the preferred inflation valve for cycling within the next decade. Time will tell if brands will support Clik Valve and if consumers demand it. 

Brands like Wolf Tooth (shown) and Lezyne have started offering Clik Valve

Final Verdict:

Clik Valve is a superior system for the inflation of bicycle inner tubes and tubeless systems. Period. There just is no way anyone can convince me otherwise. I wish all bicycles had Clik Valves and were this easy to maintain air pressure. 

Yes, it will be an uphill grind to displace the current entrenched valve standards. But it would be well worth doing so, especially for new and casual cyclists who are often frustrated by Presta valves.  

If you want to give Clik Valve a go, you can get cores which replace your current Presta valve cores and a pump head from Clik Valve. It probably is the least expensive way to check this system out if you have a pump you can dedicate to the system. Or you could purchase a Lezyne, Wolf Tooth, or SKS pump. Some have said a normal Presta valve pump will also work, but those will not "click" easily on the valve and you may as well just be using a Presta Valve at that point. Half the benefit of Clik Valve is the design itself which makes inflation so much easier. But it is nice to know that in a pinch, a Presta valve pump might bail you out. 

As for myself, I will likely start to transition my fleet to Clik Valve. Especially my Surly Big Dummy, which has a rear tire that is frustrating to inflate with the current Presta valve tubes. I'm betting if you give Clik Valve an honest try, you'll be as impressed as I am.  

Youth In Bicycle Retail Positions Needed

The latest Guitar Ted Podcast show is out and you can find it anywhere you get your podcast feed from. You can also listen to it from our host Spotify page HERE. 

In the latest episode we do not talk about the dearth of youthful owners and workers in bicycle retail, but this was a topic suggested to me by a listener and friend of mine. 

I ran the idea by my friend Ari Andonopoulos who is a bicycle mechanic in a Chicago area suburb. He felt this was a topic worthy of discussion, so we are going to bring Ari in on our next recording to chat about this topic. 

From my viewpoint. I have seen many older owners retire, sell their shops, and in some cases they close up, never to return. In others, a person buys the business. However; there seems to be a lack of young folks being trained up as mechanics by these outgoing folks. This is somewhat concerning as there is a wealth of knowledge which is going to disappear in the coming decade and it won't be passed on to younger mechanics. 

My question to you dear readers is this: Do you see this as being an issue where you reside? Are there examples you can point to where young owners and mechanics are taking over and thriving? I'd be very interested in any thoughts any of you might like to share on this subject. 

Maybe we won't need to have mechanics with "old school knowledge" if the 'device-a-fication' of bicycles gets to a point where bicycles become  expendable objects when they fail. I mean, we already kind of do this on the low end bicycles which are so poorly made with such awful materials they are not worth fixing. 

But there probably will be things which are decades old still getting ridden for decades to come, as long as the parts are available. So, who will know all the little tricks and bits of arcane knowledge which can extend the life cycle of those old bicycles w=once the oldies are gone and the youth haven't been around to learn those things? Maybe make them memorize Sutherland's manuals and read a chapter of St. Sheldon's gospel of bicycles every week? 

Those are my quick thoughts on the matter. Stay tuned for the podcast..... 

Thanks For Checking In

 I wanted to take a bit of space here to address something I feel needs to be addressed. Many of you are aware of what happened in early August when my son, Jacob died unexpectedly. Losing a son for reasons unknown is unusual, I know, and this has been something not only hard on me, obviously, but it has been difficult for many of you. Maybe "uncomfortable" is a better way to put this. At any rate, I have been getting questions about how I am doing, and if there is anything someone can do for a person in a situation as I find myself in. Additionally, I need to acknowledge something which has been happening lately as well. First: how I am doing....

There is really no way to tell you how I am other than to state the facts. I miss Jacob.  I struggle at times. Lately I have been encouraged by having days when I don't cry. Sometimes two in a row, but this is rare. I find I am most prone to being sad and feel deep grief when I am alone. So, I try not to be alone. But this isn't always possible. Ironically, I am fine if I am riding a bicycle alone. Mostly..... 

This leads me to my second, and most important point for me today and that is to acknowledge those of you who have taken on the task of being someone who checks in with me on a somewhat regular basis. There are several of you who have been doing this, and let me tell you - it means a LOT to me that you are doing this. I was contacted by phone or via messages by three different people on Saturday, when my wife and daughter were out of town. These folks did not know I was alone, but I needed those calls and messages. Thank you for those. 

It is but one example of how these people, and others, who are sending messages and calls are so encouraging and timely for myself. But I also need to acknowledge others here. You folks who pray, think about me, or will in the future. I "feel" this as well. Thank you for your thoughts and prayers. Yes....it matters. 

Finally, I want to encourage all of you. You may be reading this with a bit of detachment. This maybe seems unreal to you, or so unneeded in your life right now that the significance of a call, text, or prayer are lost on you. Can I encourage you and say you may want to just reach out to someone who has been on your mind?  There is a reason for this, and maybe you will be that person who calls or messages just at the right time. You'll never know unless you take a chance....

And you also never know if you'll be the one, who like me, really needs those encouragements someday. Thank you for reading this. I hope you find some things here to think about and take action on, not for me, necessarily, but for all of us. We need each other. 

Back to more bicycle stuff tomorrow.  

My Bike For The C.O.G. 40 & More

 Thursday I posted the information for the C.O.G. 40, so if you missed the announcement, click teh hyperlink there and go check it all out. 

I teased this event on Facebook as well ahead of the announcement. It was plain to see several folks thought this was going to be a race, because they were posting comments which gave this vibe. However; it is merely a group ride for fun. I said I was done organizing such events, and I meant what I said. 

Plus, I am not doing all the legwork for this either. I'm "promoting it", sure, but N.Y. Roll is the one doing the route, the logistics, etc. I merely am showing up to ride a bicycle and hang with friends. That's all. 

Well, with this said, I am going to also give a shout out to those who live far away who have indicated they are considering coming to this ride. This means a lot to me. I do not take it lightly that several who live multiple hours away from Reinbeck want to share a ride with me.  Your consideration and possible commitment to drive this far for a 40 mile gravel ride with me is amazing, even if you do not show up. I marked your comments, and I am very thankful. 

Now, since this is a single speed event, (but if you don't have a single speed, and want to ride, you can!), I am not riding the Peregrine Mk4. I know several of you would have liked to have seen the bike with your own two eyes, but it is geared, so no.  I'll be riding this bike instead, (of course!)......

The Honeman Flyer. Now with zero offset seat post. (Again!) 

Yes, it is the Honeman Flyer! I will be riding this one and it is all set to go for this little adventure. For the SS gear nerds out there, I am running a 42T/20T set up. This gets me a bit slower gear than many single speed gravel riders use, but it eases the climbing efforts and is fast enough on the flats. At least for my type of riding, it is. 

I rode this same gearing on the Victory Ride last year and that course had some pretty big hills. This course won't be as bad for hills, although it will have a fair amount of rollers. So, I feel pretty confident in my ability to roll this around Tama County for 40 miles. 

My tires are Ritchey SpeedMax 700 x 40's which are 43+ wide on my Velocity Blunt SS wheel set. These are severely underrated tires which I feel more people should be looking into. They are fast, light, comfortable, and grippy. They have performed flawlessly as tubeless tires, holding air quite well, and never weeping sealant. 

The Redshift ShockStop stem is there to take the edge off the stiff Salsa Cycles Waxwing fork. (Purchased post recall, by the way). The newest seat post, of which there have been several in this bike, is the Thompson silver anodized zero offset post. This may last a while until the silver bugs me enough to get a black zero offset post! 

So, that's the rig for the ride on the 26th. If you have any questions or comments about the C.O.G. 40, let me know in the comments section or email me @g.ted.productions@gmail.com. 
 

Two Things

Five years worth of sealant pulled from a 26" x 4" tire.

 Sprucing Up The Ti Mik 2:

This job I had to do had been hanging over my head now for a couple of years. I kept putting it off because it is not a fun job. Last year I just shrugged, put more sealant in, and said to myself, "I'll get around to it next year for sure." 

Actually, I knew I was long overdue to peel off the tires, clean out the sealant, replace valve stems, re-tape the rims, and reinstall everything with new sealant.  

Like I said, it is a big job, and with my having to replace the oil in my Rohloff Speed Hub as well as doing the tires, this became a major deal. Fortunately pulling off the rear wheel was made easier since the cables to run the Rohloff are attached to a metal box which when the shifter is put on "7" allows me to unscrew a thumbscrew, remove the box where the cables enter, and keep the hub indexed. The front has its own difficulties because it is a dynamo hub and I have wires to disconnect via spade connectors. 

Well, as you can see here, the sealant was dried up and came out in almost one pull. I had the rear tire cleaned out in well under 15 minutes. Not as bad as I was expecting it to be! The tape job, installing a brand new valve  stem, and re-installation of the rear  tire went pretty smoothly. I was a bit surprised the Cake Eater tire went on so well after being on the bike for so long. 

Replacing the oil in a Rohloff hub is pretty easy if you've done it once, and by my count, this is the fifth time I've done it. Gotta keep this hub running smoothly and well for many more years! As for the connectors on my dynamo hub, I'd sure like to get some of those fancy co-axial connectors, but I haven't done this as of yet. It would be easier to get the front wheel off, but then again, I do not take this wheel off very often. So, maybe it is a "why bother" situation. 

Image seen on Facebook

In The "Nothing Is New" File:

I follow several bicycle related accounts on Facebook, (it isn't all garbage if you can stay disciplined), and once in a while you end up learning something. In this case, it is an adaptation for a specific niche in cycling which has found its way into gravel events over the years. 

As you can see, this Bianchi cross bike is fitted with a factory installed pair of bosses which were meant to have this sling attached to them. This allowed the rider to portage the bicycle through ravines, across streams, and up or down steeps, back when cyclo-cross was not run on manicured courses with artificial barriers. 

I also noted the geometry of this bike, which is quite a bit unlike today's cyclo cross bikes, is something which looks good for gravel. And why wouldn't it be? Early cross bikes essentially were converted road bikes. The geometry was still fairly slack in the times before the mid-20th Century, and was exactly what would work with a gravel rider.  

But what about "aero" and frame storage and wireless, blah, blah, blah? Well, maybe we don't really need all that stuff. 

Something to think about. 

Friday News And Views

Image courtesy of the UCI. From the 2024 Gravel World Championships

Gravel Season Ending On The Professional Level:

This weekend and next weekend mark the end of the Pro gravel season for the riders of Life Time Grand Prix and for the UCI Gravel World Series. 

Up this weekend we have the UCI event, held in the Netherlands. We will see the women and all age group riders set off on Saturday while the Men's Elite category will tackle 111 miles in 3,5 laps of a loop course. The women and age group riders will do less miles with only 2.5 laps. 

Meanwhile, next  weekend  in Bentonville, Arkansas, the Big Sugar Classic will end the Life Time Grand Prix series with a 100 mile course in the Ozarks. Of course, the Grand Prix isn't all gravel events, but it is seen as one of the bigger gravel series from a Pro perspective regardless, mostly due to the wealth of the prize purse for participation and getting good results.  

Trans Iowa v14 Image by Celeste Mathias

Pro Events Are "Watered Down Gravel":

As I peruse what the UCI, Life Time, and even events like the much vaunted Traka 560 have for courses, I am left wanting. Why? Because most of these events have less than 3/4's of the distances as "gravel" and several are barely over 50% "gravel". And I use the term "gravel" in quotes because what many of these events have to use for courses just do not measure up to the same level as what is on offer in the USA.  

This is why you'll notice several European riders who come to Unbound say it is an amazing, tough course, because it is mostly gravel. I know, for many of you dear readers this seems silly to even think about, but a gravel event, in my opinion, should be at least 80% gravel, or more, to be considered a "true gravel event". 

Maybe you think this is a harsh judgement? Well, what if we had a UCI XC MTB course which was 45% paved? Does this even make sense? Or how about a UCI DH MTB course which was 50% flat? You'd hear about this, and people would say it was a farce. 

Well, I'm pretty much saying the same about these "big time" gravel events which feature LOTS of pavement. You might counter with something like, "Well, they have to put a lot of pavement in to connect the gravel sectors.". Well, that is true. Maybe those places are not all that great for actual gravel events which would challenge Pro riders on courses which were 80% gravel or more. 

Good, Pro-level events deserve the best courses. Not a compromised version of gravel racing. There are places this could be done. You know.....like they do at Gravel Worlds in Nebraska? (And elsewhere) 

Image courtesy of Shimano

 Shimano Offers Limited Edition CUES 10/11 Speed Components:

Shimano released news earlier this week concerning a new hue for CUES components. Silver polish will now be offered for a limited time in their 11 speed and 10 speed  range for CUES. 

Previously Shimano had done a limited run of silver anodized GRX components. The CUES signals a less expensive way to get in on some silver components. 

The limited silver edition CUES includes a crank, levers, the rear derailleur, hydraulic flat mount calipers, a front derailleur, and a cassette. (Standard  CUES cassettes are black)

Comments: Is Shimano now going to start offering silver anodized/polished parts more often? This bears watching from a fashion standpoint. I can see older, aging cyclists digging it as it would remind them of bicycles of days gone by. 

But younger folks will drive the market, and from what I have been seeing, younger folks are not showing as much interest in cycling as they once had when silver was common for components. Maybe if Shimano made electric scooter parts in silver..... 

Image courtesy of Ari Bikes

Ari Bikes Shows Off Shafer V3 Gravel Bike:

Ari Bikes (Formerly Fezzari Bikes), the direct-to-consumer brand, has just released their version 3 of the Shafer gravel bike. Boasting revised geometry, room for 29" x 2.2" tires, and in-frame storage, the new Shafer is on-point with regard to today's gravel bike trends. 

The Shafer can be configured in several ways to suit most budgets. There are plenty of accessory mounts and Ari has also boosted the stack height on the Shafer per customer requests. 

The head tube angle is a slack - for garvel bikes - 69° and the bottom bracket drop is a healthy 78mm, which means the Shafer is not a good choice for skinny tires or 650B wheel sets.  Interestingly, the chain stays are size-specific on the Shafer, which you do not see normally, especially in carbon fiber. 

Starting with prices for complete bikes at $2,549.00 and topping out with the Shafer Pro at $8,499.00, there are several ways to get into this bike. You can also purchase a frame set for $ 1,999.00. 

Comments: This trend for fatter tires and slacker angles up front now is getting to the point where we are entering Fargo/Cutthroat territory. In fact, the new Shafer is very much like a Cutthroat. The main difference is the Cutthroat's 8mm higher bottom bracket, lack of in-frame storage, and larger, 2.4" tire clearance. 

And Just Because It Is Beautiful.....

Singular Kite Ti which will be at the Bespoked Dresden Show this weekend. (Image courtesy of Singular(

  Gotta give a shout-out to Sam Alison Singular Cycles for this special Kite Ti which will be at the Brooks booth for the Bespoked Dresden bicycle show this weekend. 

That is a wrap for this week! Thank you for reading Guitar Ted Productions! Get out and do some Fall bicycle rides!