Recent News & Reviews
Gravel Grinder News: 12-Speed Shimano GRX Found Hiding in Plain Sight at Unbound Gravel
It’s been a full three years since Shimano introduced its groundbreaking GRX gravel groupset, so I figured something new was in the works. However, I had no concrete proof until I literally stumbled onto it while in Emporia for the Gravel Cycling Hall of Fame induction ceremony this past Wednesday.
Showers Pass Ultralight Wind Jacket: Quick Review
In the end the Showers Pass Ultralight Wind Jacket is a “good” item and mostly because it is so easy to pack away, deploy, wear, and repack, that I would choose it for any longer adventure where I was expecting cooler, windy conditions.
Redshift Sports Arclight PRO Pedals: At The Finish
The Redshift Sports Arclight PRO Pedals are a high-quality, very versatile, smooth pedal with a safety feature that is really impressive.
WTB Gravelier Saddle: A SoCal Perspective
When I first saw it upon delivery to the vast and sprawling Grannygear Rancho, I thought, “Meh…looks a bit short and such…”
Pirelli Cinturato M Tires: At The Finish
Do yourself a favor and check out Pirelli’s Cinturato Gravel range. The tires are criminally under the radar and should be on more bikes than they are now.
Velo Orange Utility Bar & Utility Rack: Getting Rolling
The Velo Orange Utility Bar and Utility Rack are a unique front bag/cargo solution for bikepacking, gravel riding, commuting, or touring.
Redshift Sports Arclight PRO Pedals: Checkpoint
The versatility, build quality, and ride performance of the Redshift Sports Arclight Pro pedals is at a high level and as of this update, it is hard to pick apart this newest offering from Redshift.
New Guitar Ted Podcast Episodes
As always, the Guitar Ted Podcast relies on its sponsors to exist and this time we’d like to thank our Presenting Sponsor The Spinistry.
Shimano S-Phyre Ridescape GR Sunglasses: At The Finish
I was dismayed by an issue with the Ridescape GR lenses that at first was baffling me.
Easton EC90 ALX Carbon Drop Bar: At The Finish
Who is this bar for? Racers who are counting every gram and want every aerodynamic advantage, or maybe if your riding is mostly paved and has random bits of gravel here and there.
Sea Otter 2023 Photo Dump
I’m at Sea Otter again this year and have a camera in hand. Here are some of the things I found interesting enough to point at and push the shutter button.
WTB Gravelier Saddle: Quick Review
Of course, all saddle reviews are subjective, but for me the Gravelier ranks right up there with my current favorite gravel saddles….
Ergon BT OrthoCell Handlebar Pads: Quick Review
In the end, I feel that amongst the options available in handle bar padding, the Ergon BT Orthocell pads are a better solution due to not only being a vibration reduction choice, but in that the pads reduce pressure points.
Pirelli Cinturato M Tires: Checkpoint
The Cinturato M’s have what Pirelli claims is a “gravel specific” compound for the rubber. Whatever “SpeedGrip” is, it works.
The Guitar Ted Podcast: Babel About Gravel Tires – Part 2
The next in a series of three episodes concerning gravel tires. Guitar Ted and N.Y. Roll discuss what they like about tires in the 43mm – 50mm sizes and add in some tips for getting the best out of your tire set up.
Easton EC90 ALX Carbon Drop Bar: Checkpoint
On the road and on the gravel, the EC90 ALX displays a touch of compliance, but I wouldn’t say it is anything that will make you comfortable or make the handling of your bike any better.
Redshift Sports Arclight PRO Pedals: Getting Rolling
The versatility of these pedals and the safety feature is what sets these apart for the gravel/back road/bikepacker cyclists out there.
Shimano S-Phyre Ridescape GR Sunglasses: Getting Rolling
Now how about those ‘magnetic lenses’? Well, they do pop off the frames with a bit of effort, and reattach with a reassuring pop.
Pirelli Cinturato Gravel M Tires: Getting Rolling
These are good looking tires with big, diagonally placed knobs and a center row which forms a solid ridge, more or less.
Gravel Grinder News: Gravel Cycling Hall of Fame Announces 2023 Class
On Wednesday, March 15th four new individuals were announced as having been selected for induction to the new Hall of Fame on May 31st, 2023 in a ceremony to be held in Emporia, Kansas.
Guitar Ted Podcast: A Texas Sized Interview With Kevin Lee of The Spinistry
Check out the latest “Guitar Ted Podcast” where Guitar Ted and N.Y. Roll interview Kevin Lee, the “Ride Host” for The Spinistry, a North Texas based events promotion/creator “club” for all who want to experience the gravel. mountain bike, and adventure cycling scene in Texas and beyond.
Gravel Grinder News: Shimano Introduces CUES – New Mid-Level Group
In a sweeping change to a well established Shimano group hierarchy, Shimano has made the announcement today that CUES (Create Unique ExperienceS) will be their mid-level group for the “everyday cyclist”.
Easton EC90 ALX Carbon Drop Bar: Getting Rolling
Easton took the racer feedback gained throughout the 2022 season and distilled it into what we have here, a gravel racing drop bar.
Gravel Grinder News: Shimano and Lazer Partner on Tropical Leaves Shoe and Helmet Combo
Shimano and Lazer have teamed up to help you shed the winter blues with a new limited-edition “Tropical Leaves” color scheme.
New Episodes of The Guitar Ted Podcast
The Riding Gravel Radio Ranch podcasts, which were a joint production between Guitar Ted and Ben of Riding Gravel, are now no longer being produced. This change has precipitated the beginning of the Guitar Ted Podcast.
Gravel Grinder News: Easton EC90 ALX Handlebar, Fox Shoes, & The Gravel Amplifier
In the news today we have a new gravel handlebar from Easton for the racer out there and news concerning some gravel events. Let’s dig in and take a look….
Gravel Grinder News: Shimano Sunglasses, Ritchey Gravel Grips, Bookman Lights
The Gravel Grinder News is back with items from Shimano, Ritchey, and a set of lights from Sweden. Let’s get started
Lauf Seigla Race Wireless: Getting Rolling
The evolution of the ‘gravel bike’ has been impressive of late, and one of the companies pushing the envelope is Lauf Cycling. First known for their distinctive leaf-spring short travel suspension forks and Icelandic origin, today Lauf is based in the U.S., and their new Seigla is redefining the capabilities of the gravel race bike.
Primal Endurance On Gravel: A View From Anthropology
If I am on the right track, we play with returning to the ancestral scheme when riding and racing gravel over long distances. Our bodies do what they do best. We improve the odds of living healthier, longer lives.
Bontrager Circuit Winter Wear: At The Finish
Lets see what I have found about the three pieces of gear I rode in over several hours and a goodly amount of miles. First, my favorite piece.
Sigma ROX 4.0 GPS Cycling Computer: At The Finish
The Sigma ROX 4.0 has an attractive price and feature set.
Shimano RX801 and RX8R Shoes: An Update
Since it is well below freezing most days now and since we’ve moved into our Winter attire for the time being, we thought we’d mention that we haven’t forgotten about this review, but we also are not done with the shoes yet.
The DARE Golden Experience: Getting Rolling
What if you could take the personal touch up a couple of levels? What if you could actually visit the folks making your bike, meet them face to face, sit down over coffee, get a proper fit done, and work it all out?
Update On The Riding Gravel Radio Ranch Podcast
n case you were wondering- and if you were not, we get it – but concerning the podcast, The “Riding Gravel Radio Ranch”, we had a big change happen ‘behind the curtains’, as it were, this past Summer.
WTB Vulpine 700 X 40mm Tires: At The Finish
So, as it stands now, WTB has a 36mm and a 40mm Vulpine that would make for a fantastic tire for racing, and maybe it would work for adventurous types and everyday gravel riders if the terrain was tamer.
Ergon BT OrthoCell Handlebar Pads: Getting Rolling
In the quest to reduce vibration induced rider fatigue, we have in for test and review the new Ergon BT OrthoCell handlebar pads.
Shimano GRX Carbon Wheels: At The Finish
They aren’t flashy, but they will get the job done reliably and with a high degree of performance.
A Spectrum Of Lights: Cutoff Beam Lights From Bontrager & Outbound Lighting
Now here is a thought. Let’s say you have a real need or desire for either one of these lights. But the shortcomings are an issue.
State Bicycle Co. 6061 Black Label All Road: At the Finish
State Bicycle Co. did a good job making the 6061 Black Label All Road look more expensive than it is. I frequently got asked about it when I’d roll up to group rides, and almost universally, folks were shocked when I told them it was a $1,400 bike. I’d have to agree. I frequently caught myself staring into the depths of the woodland green paint.
Alchemy Bikes Offers Au Range Bikes
So what do you do when you already hand-make top flight bike frames in carbon and Ti and want to go to the next level? You add gold, of course.
Keepers: WTB Sealant
So far I am super happy with how the valve clogging issues have completely gone away.
Shimano RX801 and RX8R Shoes: Checkpoint
Maybe MG said it best when he said, “Light, stiff, comfortable… The RX8Rs have all three. I’m digging ’em.”
PRO Smart Cage System: At The Finish
The PRO Smart Cage System streamlined my bike, made room for items that used to have to be crammed in with tubes and multi-tools, and it made sense to me.
WTB Vulpine 700 X 40mm Tires: Checkpoint
So, looking at this tire as what WTB has described it as – a gravel racing tire – I have to hand it to WTB at this point.
Long Live Aluminum Rims
I am a fan of alloy wheels. And by that I mean wheels built with aluminum rims.
A Box Full Of Topeak: At The Finish
After a couple of months of living with this stuff, I have my final verdict on each product ready to go now.
Shimano RX801 and RX8R Shoes: Getting Rolling
While it may seem, on the surface of it, that the RX801 and RX8R are just “RX8’s” with different colors and one has a cuff”, that would be far too simplistic a take here.
Sigma ROX 4.0 GPS Cycling Computer: Getting Rolling
The functions I’ve accessed have all worked well so far, but the real value here will be if this device can provide turn-by-turn navigation reliably.
Bontrager Circuit Winter Wear: Getting Rolling
Cooler weather seems like it’s quite a long ways off, but maybe not. It’s getting a bit chilly at night already and the days are getting shorter, so the tipping point is likely just around the corner. Or the next corner. But soon, anyway.
The UCI Gravel World Championships: A Paper Tiger
At one time many of us in the gravel cycling community felt that the UCI would “ruin” gravel cycling. I don’t think that is the case. The UCI has just made gravel cycling a joke, and it isn’t very funny at all.
Shimano GRX Carbon Wheels: Checkpoint
The GRX Carbon wheel set is a definite contender in its price-point for carbon wheel sets meant for all-road riding.
WTB Vulpine 700 X 40mm Tires: Getting Rolling
We really liked the speed, ride feel, and grip that this ‘on the skinny side’ gravel tire had. Not surprisingly, we hoped that WTB would opt to offer a wider version of this great tire.
Gravel Grinder News: WTB & Pirelli Tires, Wolf Tooth, Mosaic Cycles
Gravel Grinder News comes at you today loaded with news from tires to tools and bikes.
Redshift Sports Kitchen Sink Handle Bar Bag: Quick Review
Today Redshift Sports introduces their Kitchen Sink Handle Bar Bag, a bag custom fit for the loop on the Kitchen Sink Handle Bar.
PRO Smart Cage System: Getting Rolling
There is a lot to break down with this set up, so this post will focus on the overall impressions of the pieces sent to us and the system set-up and how it worked on the bike….
Bolle’ Volt Glasses & ECO React MIPS Helmet: At The Finish
Bolle’ Volt Glasses & ECO React MIPS Helmet: At The Finish – by Grannygear Editor’s Note: The introduction to this Bolle’ review can be seen…
Shimano GRX Carbon Wheels: Getting Rolling
I like the inner rim width and the stance that this allows my Touaregs to have. The wheels look great, albeit maybe too generic!
Gravel Grinder News: BMC Launches Kaius Gravel Bike
Today BMC, the Swiss based bicycle company, launches a new bicycle specifically for gravel racing called “Kaius”.
Ritchey Design 700 X 40mm Speedmax WCS Tires: At The Finish
This tire seems to me to be the “mountain biker’s gravel tire”. A tire for rougher adventures, dirt roads, mountains, and even light single track.
“Episode #98 – Guest (and almost regular visitor…) Dave Pryor”
THIS EPISODE IS SPONSORED BY BIKE RAGS Dave Pryor is the most frequent guest on the podcast and he joins Guitar Ted to discuss a…
A Box Full Of Topeak: Introduction
Recently Riding Gravel was sent a box from Topeak containing a varied array of products. This post is intended to introduce to you what we have. Individual and group posts will follow with reviews. Let’s dig in now and see what was in that box!
Gravel Grinder News: Salsa Cycles, SILCA, & Showers Pass News
Time for some news here and Gravel Grinder News has three bits from Salsa Cycles, Showers Pass, and SILCA to share today.
OMM Elkhorn Rack: Checkpoint
I’ve been really pleased with the way the Elkhorn Rack has performed so far under loaded conditions.
Arcade Performance Stretch Belt: Quick Review
The Arcade Ranger Long belt is definitely a keeper.
A Spectrum Of Lights: Planet Bike Dual Blaze 1500
So, overall what do I think? Well it is not a terrible light in many ways.
Gravel Grinder News: Logos Components Wheels Announced
Today news comes from a company called Logos Components regarding new wheels in carbon fiber featuring a recent open standard technology many of you might be familiar with.
American Classic Kimberlite 700 X 40mm Tires: At The Finish
Now with several more rides in on these tires, my impressions have only been solidified and so, it is time for a final verdict on the Kimberlite tires.
Hunt 35 Carbon Gravel Disc X Wide Hookless Wheels: At The Finish
And here is a thing to consider and debate over a flask of whiskey around a campfire: “When it comes to gravel bikes, smoother is faster.” True or?
Ritchey Design 700 X 40mm Speedmax WCS Tires: Checkpoint
I found the Speedmax to be stable on loose gravel, and capable in a bikepacking situation on deeper gravel as well.
GORE Summer 2022 Kit: Quick Review
As for the Fernflow Shorts, these are the best so far for gravel bike rides and I think they would be quite good for adventure and bikepacking outings. Now, the Lupra is a viable garment for me, as I am not so interested in wet weather protection.
Project All Road: New Life For an Old Gravel Bike- Part 2
I remember when this Warbird was my only gravel bike. It was very nice to ride and I recall thinking that it would make a quite decent road bike…..
OMM Elkhorn Rack: Getting Rolling
The Elkhorn Rack is a great addition to a pack system, or a stand-alone, light touring rack.
“Episode #97 – It’s Us, Not Them”
THIS EPISODE IS SPONSORED BY BIKE RAGS How do you pronounce BikeReg? In this episode, they discuss RAGBRAI, MIWT (Minimum Iowa Width Tires), gravel events,…
Project All Road: New Life For an Old Gravel Bike.
So what is the dealio with all my road bike dissatisfaction? Not sure. I know my wife just shakes her head and smiles. She is a patient woman and I am determined to find that ‘just right’ bike.
American Classic Kimberlite 700 X 40mm Tires: Checkpoint
It (the Kimberlite) felt less wooden and stiff than the previous versions of American Classic tires and more akin to a tire costing much more.
Goodyear County Tires: At The Finish
The County is the tire one should look to for mostly paved riding or where the unpaved roads are typically harder, smoother, and not covered in deep crushed rock.
Fanttik X8 Apex Battery Powered Air Compressor: At The Finish
I am spoiled, I think, and now a floor pump seems like a hand crank telephone in comparison.
Hunt 35 Carbon Gravel Disc X Wide Hookless Wheels: Checkpoint
I had a sneaking suspicion that I was going to find this to be a firm riding set-up, and once I got into the dirt, I was right.
Gravel Grinder News: Wilde Fork, Showers Pass, Reynolds & More News
This week, Eurobike is happening after being muted or cancelled due to the pandemic the last two years. That means a lot of news is coming out this week.
Ritchey WCS Skyline Saddle: Quick Review
Ritchey components can tend to fall under the radar, but I have seldom been disappointed in one.
Gravel Grinder News: OMM Elkhorn Rack
Old Man Mountain (OMM) racks have a stellar reputation as being very tough, durable, and very versatile.
Ergon BT Gravel Handlebar Tape: Quick Review
Ergon has done a smashing job of providing gravel/allroad riders with a tape that has grip, looks great, (as long as you are in to the earthy color palette), and provides some vibration damping.
“Episode #96 – Play the Damn Guitar Already”
THIS EPISODE IS SPONSORED BY BIKE RAGS Guitar Ted and Mr. Dave are back for some more. They’re getting crazy with some Bubly! In this…
Garmin Gravel Worlds Achieves Goal of 1000 Women For 2022 Event
According to Garmin Gravel Worlds co-promoter, Jason Strohbehn, the movement started from conversations with sponsors, who said 28% women’s participation at Gravel Worlds 2021 was nearly double the industry average.
Shimano Announces 105 Di2 Group
Just like with this example of 105 Di2. It doesn’t take much imagination to see that some of these features would be welcome additions to Shimano’s GRX range.
Fanttik X8 Apex Battery Powered Air Compressor: Getting Rolling
Now when I was first approached for reviewing this item I immediately thought of Mrs. Grannygear. She does struggle a bit with some floor pumps
Ritchey Design 700 X 40mm Speedmax WCS Tires: Getting Rolling
The Ritchey Speedmax WCS 700 X 40mm tires have an iconic look, an aggressive looking tread pattern, and seem pretty stout with their Stronghold casing.
Goodyear County Tires: Checkpoint
In this post, I want to get to what I found out about the County tires on gravel, how they rolled on pavement, and anything else noteworthy.
Hunt 35 Carbon Gravel Disc X Wide Hookless Wheels: Getting Rolling
Opening the box and looking at a 25mm internal rim, they sure look wide, especially with the hookless rim design.
Bolle’ Icarus/Volt Glasses & ECO React MIPS Helmet: Getting Rolling
At Sea Otter I was able to visit the Bolle booth and look at some of the newer items they had for 2022. Here are two things we have on review.
“Episode #95 – The Radio Ranch Lives!”
THIS EPISODE IS SPONSORED BY BIKE RAGS Guitar Ted is back with a new partner-in-crime, New York Roll. It’s been quite a while since the…
Sportful Spring/Summer Wear: At The Finish
I like the direction Sportful is going with their ‘Fun Focus’ and the adventure aspects of some of the items I had were right in there.
Sportful Super Giara Puffy Short Sleeve and Hot Pack Easylight Jacket: Quick Review
During my talks with Sportful, they asked if there was anything else I wanted to try. And I thought of the times I went into my closet and reached for a lightweight jacket, not a rain piece…no, just a simple piece, almost like a vest with arms.
American Classic Kimberlite 700 X 40mm Tires: Getting Rolling
The Kimberlite is a tire that American Classic says is meant for pavement and mixed-surface rides. However; here at Riding Gravel’s home, we have found that a minimal amount of tread works fine on deeper, loose gravel.
Ergon CF Allroad Pro Carbon Setback Seatpost: Getting Rolling
The unique and long awaited gravel road capable version of the Ergon seat post is here and it looks pretty unique.
Gravel Grinder News: Gravel Cycling Hall of Fame Installs Inaugural Class
Gravel Grinder News: Gravel Cycling Hall of Fame Installs Inaugural Class – by Guitar Ted Emporia, Kansas: Last Wednesday evening in Emporia, Kansas’ Grenada Theater,…
Gravel Grinder News: Shimano Announces GRX Carbon Wheels And GRX Limited Components
Shimano has chosen this week to announce new GRX level components in conjunction with the lead-up to this coming weekend’s Unbound Gravel event.
Gravel Grinder News: Salsa Cycles Announces New Colors, Spec On Warbird, Warroad, Cutthroat
Salsa Cycles released information today on new colors and specifications for their Warbird, Warroad, and Cutthroat drop bar bikes. These represent the core of Salsa’s road, gravel, and bikepacking segments. there are no design changes nor any news on a new model in this category.
Goodyear County Tires: Getting Rolling
Okay, so we have a tire from a brand you know well, but not for bicycle tires. It looks a heck of a lot like a competitor’s tire, which we just so happen to have, and so we will be comparing the two.
Sportful Spring/Summer Wear: Getting Rolling
It was a few years ago now, when cruising through a cycling clothing shop in a small town in Italy, that I ran across Sportful as a brand name.
Gravel Grinder News: Atomik Wheels And Route Finder News
Today we have news about a new wheel set from Atomik and how Continental Tire and Trail Forks have partnered up to share gravel ride routes. Let’s go!
Showers Pass Century CC Jacket: At The Finish
I wouldn’t go looking for anything better at this price point in rain gear. In fact, this out-performs jackets I’ve tried which cost a lot more than the Century CC does.
Gravel Grinder News: Campagnolo Levante Gravel Wheels
Campagnolo has made the new Levante wheel set with carbon fiber rims, of course, but stuck with a bit more traditional based bearings using a cup and cone set up …
Redshift Sports ShockStop Pro Seat Post: At The Finish
At the end of the day, I have mixed feelings about this seat post.
Ride Report: Riding Gravel in the Carrizo Plains
Located roughly between the farmlands of Bakersfield and the Central Coast of California is an area that I had heard of but never been to. It is not a place one would just drive by on the way to somewhere because it is pretty much in the middle of the proverbial nowhere.
Gravel Grinder News: Salsa Cycles New Journeyer Debuts
Salsa Cycles announces an all-new model today dubbed the Journeyer. This new model builds on the legacy of the Journeyman, which debuted in 2018 and was a big success for the brand.
Craft Cadence Top Tube Bag: Quick Review
The season for gravel events is getting started now, and we’ve got a review of something useful for you from Craft Cadence in their new Top Tube Bag that might make those events a bit more pleasant.
Gravel Grinder News: Sea Otter Review 2022
Sea Otter Classic, I did miss you! It had been a long time since I had trod the gravel paths and grassy patches, passing all those vendors in pop up tents, each one hoping for good return on their investment. It was, based on what I saw, a good show.
Gravel Grinder News: Lauf Introduces The Seigla Gravel Bike
Lauf decided that they wanted to be able to fit a wider tire. (700 X 57mm) So they went with a few choices to get there which are, as a group, quite a bit different than typical gravel bikes out there.
Gravel Grinder News: Gravel Cycling Hall of Fame Announces Inductees
The Gravel Cycling Hall of Fame, announced just this past January, has now unveiled the inaugural class of people associated with gravel cycling’s modern era, pioneering days. The first class of inductees are as follows:
Showers Pass Century CC Jacket: Getting Rolling
Showers Pass is a well known and respected name in cycling rain wear which is celebrating 25 years of business in 2022. To mark this occasion they chose to introduce the Century CC Jacket.
LMNT Electrolyte Additive: Quick Review
Then, last year, I was watching a YouTube video from The Move with Lance Armstrong and his merry men commenting on the Tour de France. One of the sponsors was a company called LMNT, an electrolyte additive to a water bottle.
Gravel Grinder News: Lazer Introduces KinetiCore
With the goals of producing safer, lighter, better ventilated bicycle helmets that use less plastics to produce, Lazer has introduced KinetiCore technology.
Gravel Grinder News: American Classic Tires Updated
News breaks today of updates to that range of tires. The company has a new puncture protection system and has lowered weights across the range as well as engineering in a lower rolling resistance for their tires across the range.
A Spectrum Of Lights: Outbound Lighting
You would think by this time I would have enough lights in my light box for just about anything, but no. Not quite.
Redshift Sports ShockStop Pro Seat Post: Checkpoint
So, right up front I have to address the weather. Yes- the weather. We Mid-Westerners always seem to start out conversations with chatter about the recent weather, but in this case, it really has some bearing on how the ShockStop Pro Seat Post worked for me.
Gravel Grinder News: New PCL Event & Spinergy Stands With Ukraine
Today in Gravel Grinder News we have a new commemorative PCL event from Nebraska and news from Spinergy Wheels. Let’s jump in.
Polar Breakaway Bottles: Quick Review
While bottles for your bicycle are not one of those things you might think about as being important – They are ‘just water bottles’, after all- These utilitarian devices for cyclists are a detail that could be a key part of a successful run at your next event.
Gravel Grinder News: STORMCHASER GRX 810 1X SUS Debuts
Want a geared Stormchaser? Well, your wait is now over as Salsa Cycles announced today that they have a new STORMCHASER GRX 810 1X SUS model.
Gravel Grinder News: Craft Cadence, Showers Pass, Polar Bottle & More
In today’s Gravel Grinder News we’ve got upcoming reviews to talk about on products from Showers Pass, Craft Cadence, and Polar Bottle.
Scoutset Bag Brace: Quick Review
The Scoutset Bag Brace is a unique, titanium device which stabilizes and carries bags (or maybe even other light loads) well with a simple clamp which takes the place of a steer tube spacer on a threadless steer tube set up. It makes a bicycle with no front rack mount capabilities into a front load carrying bike, or it could be that perfect stabilization device for the bike packer using a large handle bar roll.
A Spectrum Of Lights: GloWorm Alpha G1.0 RF
It (The GloWorm Alpha 1.0 RF Light) is what I would grab for a night ride that saw me out there in the dark for an hour or more.
Astral O.N.S. Seatpost : Quick Review
Okay, so having an emergency kit- is this an idea for you? That’s the number one question to answer here, in my opinion. I think that answer is “Yes” for some riders, but with some qualifications.
Featured Event: The Theoi
Much like the sacred battles on Olympus, The Theoi is designed to challenge participants both physically and mentally. There are three parts to this event: an intermediate-distance triathlon, a near-vertical gravel time trial (bike) up the mountain, and a demanding off-road/gravel bike race.
Q & A With Enduro Bearings’ Matt Harvey
Q & A With Enduro Bearings’ Matt Harvey – by Grannygear Enduro BearingsBearings. Those hidden, greasy, spinning balls of mystery. Who can really know them?…
Astral Handle Bar Bag: Quick Review
“…the Astral handle bar bag is really quite good. It is easy to get into and is a very useful size.”
WTB Sealant: At The Finish
So, once again I see a sealant product with great initial set up traits, longevity in terms of use, but with a question mark in terms of its tire sealing capabilities.
Gravel Grinder News: Grinder Nationals, Gravel Worlds News & More
The news keeps coming and first up we have event news from Grinder Nationals. Plus Gravel Worlds gets a title sponsor, doping controls make their debut in the gravel scene, and more.
Redshift Sports ShockStop Pro Seat Post: Getting Rolling
Redshift Sports could have kept on doing what they were doing and could have considered the ShockStop Seat Post a success, but they didn’t. They went straight away in to finding ways to improve upon the idea ….
Gravel Grinder News: Moots Debuts Routt ESC Model
Today Moots announces a new titanium gravel/adventure bike dubbed the Routt ESC. This new model is a 700c wheeled rig set for those riders which like to go from the gravel to a bit of single track and back again.
Gravel Grinder News: Gravel Cycling Hall of Fame Announced
Today it has been announced that a “Gravel Cycling Hall of Fame” organization, and in the future, a physical home for the hall, will operate out of Emporia, Kansas
WTB Vulpine Tires: At The Finish
This tire is kind of an oddball in WTB’s line up. The other SG2 cut protected tires I’ve tried are good, but this Vulpine is so much nicer riding
Bontrager Circuit WaveCel Helmet: Quick Review
The Bontrager Circuit WaveCel helmet is a lighter, sleeker offering with the added protection that the WaveCel liner affords a rider.
Finish Line FiberLink Sealant: At The Finish
Okay, so FiberLink seems to have an impressive lifespan, it seems to have a pretty good ability to clog a sealant injector nozzle, so I assume a good performance in the field, and it seals up tire casings quite nicely. But, is it a better choice than the most popular brands?
GORE C5 GTX Thermo Jacket: Quick Review
What don’t I like? It’s black and that scares me a bit for daytime use on trafficked roads although it sure looks good. And at my age, I need all the sexy I can get. But not DEAD sexy.
Riding Gravel RX
From time to time, I have experienced great joy along when mountaineering or riding gravel…. but this summer took such experiences to another level.
Lead Out Bags: Quick Review
A hundy gets you a couple of bags from a small US company looking to make a dent in the industry, seemingly off to a good start.
Kenda Alluvium Pro Tires: At The Finish
But I really would like to try these with a good sprinkling of ‘pixie dust’ on them. A dust that would allow the tire to give me a more compliant ride across all conditions.
Grepp Handle Bar Tape: At The Finish
Grepp Handle Bar Tape: At The Finish – by Guitar Ted The unusual Grepp Handle Bar Tape has been used on three different bicycles in…
A Spectrum Of Lights: The Amazon Lights
A causal search of Amazon for bike lights will show a huuuuge availability of lights…small to large…pretty much all from China, and at reduced prices compared to the mainstream brands. Like really reduced.
Ergon SR Allroad Core Comp Saddle: At The Finish
Folks looking for a better saddle in 2022 and beyond really need to make an effort to try out these Allroad saddles from Ergon. They are not like the old Ergon saddles, (which is good), and they deliver on the promise of great fit and comfort on gravel.
State Bicycle Co. 6061 Black Label All-Road: Getting Rolling
In 2020, State launched the bike we have in for review – the 6061 Black Label All-Road. Designed as a lighter, faster, yet still affordable option, the 6061 Black Label All-Road features a heat-treated alloy frame, full carbon fork and unique State-branded 1×11-speed drivetrain.
Gravel Grinder News: Wilde Bicycle Co. Debuts
Today a new U.S. based company has been announced called Wilde Bicycle Co. The company is headed up by former All City Bikes founder and leader for 11 years, Jeff Frane.
WTB Vulpine Tires: Checkpoint
Oddly, the Vulpine isn’t as fast a rolling tire on gravel which is loose, chunky, and deep as other tires with similar width. However; once you get out of situations where the terrain is loose and deep, the Vulpine begins to show up as a fast, controllable tire.
Topeak Gravel Gear Bag: Quick Review
Just what the heck is this thing? It has straps like a frame bag, but it isn’t really a frame bag, or a bag at all. It has elements of a tool roll, but it doesn’t go under your saddle. It is shaped like an overgrown wallet, but the permanently attached front strap kind of takes it out of that category.
Astral Wanderlust Wheels: At The Finish
Maybe what we want is a wheel to cross a county on. Or a continent on. Or a world. And so flash is second to longevity, value, and solid, long days in the saddle. And I do think that the Wanderlusts hit that mark.
Craft Cadence Recycled Performance Jersey: At The Finish
The recycled fabric seems tough, stretchy, and washes well in the laundry. I have no issues with the fabric and the recycled element to it makes me feel good about my impact on the environment.
Kenda Alluvium Pro Tires: Getting Rolling
I liked the tread pattern. It looked right up my alley, an alley paved with asphalt mixed with dirt roads.
American Classic Tires: At The Finish
So, in the end, I come back to that old adage: “You get what you pay for”. In terms of the American Classic Wentworths, that’s not saying they are bad.
Whisky Parts Co. Spano Drop Bar: At The Finish
It is the bar for those who don’t like the weird, laid-out levers look, and for those who don’t want a lot of flare to the drops. It’s the flared drop bar that looks ‘normal’. It’s the drop bar that takes advantage of what carbon fiber can bring to the table where other carbon handle bars have not. It’s got great ergonomic features, and it rides really well. What more could you ask for in a drop handle bar for gravel riding?
A Spectrum Of Lights: Bontrager Ion Elite R
Moving on with our light review round-up, we have the light from Bontrager. As we mentioned in the intro post, what I received from Trek was the Ion Elite R which is one step down from the top of the line light.
Craft Cadence Cycling Wallet: Quick Review
The Craft Cadence Cycling Wallet is a fine way to protect sensitive smart phones and to carry things like money, credit cards, keys, and more in an organized, safe way.
WTB Vulpine Tires: Getting Rolling
What we have here is a new tire from WTB with an old name that has a new mission: Be fast on gravel.
American Classic Tires: Checkpoint
Remembering that these are $35.00 tires (each) means that we probably should not be looking at the American Classic offerings as being equal to, or better than tires costing more, despite what “direct-to-consumer” marketing may seem to indicate here.
A Spectrum Of Lights: NiteRider Lumina 1100 Boost
The NiteRider Lumina 1100 (and likely the 1200 version) would be my pick for road focused or higher speed gravel rides as well as city cruising.
Ergon SR Allroad Core Comp Saddle: Checkpoint
Every time I did this I felt like I could not feel as much- or any- vibrations coming through the saddle like I was through my hands and my feet. It did not seem to matter if I had a chamois on or if I was in my street clothes, this seemed to me to be the case. That Infinergy® stuff really seems to knock down the higher frequency stuff really well.
Grepp Handle Bar Tape: Checkpoint
Grepp tape is reusable, washable, and recyclable which makes this tape unique amongst the category. I found that it seems to have durability and a stable nature on the handle bar.
A Spectrum Of Lights: Light and Motion VIS Pro 1000 Trail
The VIS Trail Pro is my choice of the test for a light that is mostly used in the dirt and at speeds under 30mph. The warm color tint and the useful UI; the quality build with high levels of water resistance…it’s a very nice light.
Craft Cadence Handle Bar Bag: At The Finish
The Craft Cadence Handle Bar Bag is a very sturdy, well made bag which has a lot of versatility and is simple to use.
Race Report: Salty Lizard 100
This race report is brought to you by the Salty Lizard 100’s Race director, Bobby Kennedy. The Salty Lizard 100 just took place in October