Recent News & Reviews

Posted in Components Drive Train Parts Gravel Grinder News Gravel News Shifters

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.

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Posted in Apparel Jackets Quick Review Reviews

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.

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Posted in Components Pedals Reviews

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.

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Posted in Components Quick Review Reviews saddles

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…”

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Posted in Components Reviews Tires

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.

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Posted in Accessories Bikepacking Components Handlebars Racks/Adapters Reviews

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.

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Posted in Components Pedals Reviews

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.

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Posted in Podcast

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.

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Posted in Apparel Eye Wear Reviews

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.

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Posted in Components Handlebars Reviews

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.

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Posted in Gravel News Show News

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.

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Posted in Components Quick Review Reviews saddles

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….

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Posted in Accessories Handle Bar Accessories Quick Review Reviews

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.

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Posted in Components Reviews Tires

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.

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Posted in Podcast

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.

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Posted in Components Handlebars

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.

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Posted in Components Pedals Reviews

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.

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Posted in Apparel Eye Wear Reviews

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.

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Posted in Components Reviews Tires

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.

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Posted in Gravel Grinder News Gravel News

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.

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Posted in Podcast

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.

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Posted in Components Gravel Grinder News Gravel News

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”.

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Posted in Components Handlebars Reviews

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.

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Tropical Breeze Shimano and Lazer products
Posted in Apparel Gravel Grinder News Gravel News Helmets Shoes

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.

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Posted in Gravel News Show News

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.

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Posted in Components Gravel Grinder News Gravel News Handlebars Shoes

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….

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Posted in Accessories Apparel Eye Wear Gravel Grinder News Gravel News Handle Bar Accessories Lights

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

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Lauf Seigla Race wireless
Posted in Gravel Bikes Long Review Reviews

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.

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Posted in Editorial

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.

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Posted in Apparel Footwear/socks Jackets Jerseys

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.

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Posted in Accessories Computer/GPS Devices Reviews

Sigma ROX 4.0 GPS Cycling Computer: At The Finish

The Sigma ROX 4.0 has an attractive price and feature set.

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Posted in Apparel Reviews Shoes

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.

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Posted in Gravel Bikes Reviews

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?

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Posted in Podcast

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.

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Posted in Components Tires

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.

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Posted in Accessories Handle Bar Accessories Handle Bar Tape Reviews

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.

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Posted in Components Reviews Wheels

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.

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Posted in Accessories Lights Reviews

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.

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State 6061 Black Label All Road
Posted in Gravel Bikes Long Review Reviews

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.

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Posted in Gravel Bikes Reviews

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.

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Posted in Sealants

Keepers: WTB Sealant

So far I am super happy with how the valve clogging issues have completely gone away.

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Posted in Apparel Reviews Shoes

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.”

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Posted in Accessories Bags Bottles/Storage Pumps Reviews Tools

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.

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Posted in Components Reviews Tires

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.

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Posted in Components Editorial Wheels

Long Live Aluminum Rims

I am a fan of alloy wheels. And by that I mean wheels built with aluminum rims.

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Posted in Accessories Bags Quick Review Reviews Tools

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.

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Posted in Apparel Reviews Shoes

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.

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Posted in Accessories Computer/GPS Devices Reviews

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.

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Posted in Apparel Footwear/socks Jackets Jerseys

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.

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Posted in Editorial Gritty Take

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.

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Posted in Components Reviews Wheels

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.

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Posted in Components Reviews Tires

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.

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Posted in Gravel Grinder News Gravel News

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.

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Posted in Accessories Bags Quick Review Reviews

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.

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Posted in Accessories Bags Bottles/Storage Pumps Reviews Tools

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….

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Posted in Apparel Eye Wear Helmets Reviews

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…

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Posted in Components Reviews Wheels

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!

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Posted in Gravel Bikes Gravel Grinder News Gravel News

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”.

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Posted in Components Reviews Tires

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.

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Posted in Podcast

“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…

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Posted in Accessories Bags Reviews Tools

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!

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Posted in Gravel Grinder News Gravel News

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.

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Posted in Accessories Racks/Adapters Reviews

OMM Elkhorn Rack: Checkpoint

I’ve been really pleased with the way the Elkhorn Rack has performed so far under loaded conditions.

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Posted in Apparel Belts Quick Review Reviews

Arcade Performance Stretch Belt: Quick Review

The Arcade Ranger Long belt is definitely a keeper.

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Posted in Accessories Lights Reviews

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.

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Posted in Components Gravel Grinder News Gravel News Wheels

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.

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Posted in Components Reviews Tires

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.

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Posted in Components Reviews Wheels

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?

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Posted in Components Reviews Tires

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.

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Posted in Apparel Bibs/Shorts Jackets Quick Review Reviews

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.

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Posted in Editorial Gravel Bikes

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…..

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Posted in Accessories Racks/Adapters Reviews

OMM Elkhorn Rack: Getting Rolling

The Elkhorn Rack is a great addition to a pack system, or a stand-alone, light touring rack.

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Posted in Podcast

“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,…

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Posted in Gravel Bikes Reviews

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.

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Posted in Components Reviews Tires

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.

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Posted in Components Reviews Tires

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.

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Posted in Accessories Pumps Reviews

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.

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Posted in Components Reviews Wheels

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.

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Posted in Apparel Components Forks Gravel Grinder News Gravel News Jackets Wheels

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.

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Posted in Components Quick Review Reviews saddles

Ritchey WCS Skyline Saddle: Quick Review

Ritchey components can tend to fall under the radar, but I have seldom been disappointed in one.

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Posted in Accessories Bikepacking Gravel Grinder News Gravel News Racks/Adapters Touring

Gravel Grinder News: OMM Elkhorn Rack

Old Man Mountain (OMM) racks have a stellar reputation as being very tough, durable, and very versatile.

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Posted in Accessories Handle Bar Accessories Handle Bar Tape Quick Review Reviews

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.

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Posted in Podcast

“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…

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Posted in Advocacy Gravel News

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.

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Posted in Brakes Components Drive Train Parts Gravel News Shifters

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.

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Posted in Accessories Pumps Reviews

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

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Posted in Components Reviews Tires

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.

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Posted in Components Reviews Tires

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.

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Posted in Components Reviews Wheels

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.

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Posted in Apparel Eye Wear Helmets Reviews

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.

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Posted in Podcast

“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…

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Posted in Apparel Base Layers Bibs/Shorts Jerseys

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.

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Posted in Apparel Bikepacking Jackets Quick Review Reviews

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.

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Posted in Components Reviews Tires

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.

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Posted in Components Reviews Seat Post

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.

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Posted in Gravel Grinder News Gravel News

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,…

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Posted in Components Drive Train Parts Gravel Bikes Gravel Grinder News Gravel News Wheels

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.

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Posted in Gravel Grinder News Gravel News

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.

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Posted in Components Reviews Tires

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.

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Posted in Apparel Bibs/Shorts Jackets Jerseys Reviews

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.

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Posted in Components Gravel Grinder News Gravel News Wheels

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!

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Posted in Apparel Jackets Reviews

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.

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Posted in Components Gravel Grinder News Gravel News Wheels

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 …

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Posted in Components Reviews Seat Post

Redshift Sports ShockStop Pro Seat Post: At The Finish

At the end of the day, I have mixed feelings about this seat post.

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Posted in Gravel Riding Ride report

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.

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Posted in Gravel Bikes Gravel Grinder News Gravel News

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.

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Posted in Accessories Bags Quick Review Reviews

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.

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Posted in Gravel Grinder News Gravel News Show News

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.

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Posted in Gravel Bikes Gravel Grinder News Gravel News

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.

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Posted in Gravel News

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:

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Posted in Uncategorized

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.

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Posted in Hydration/Electrolyte Nutrition Quick Review Reviews

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.

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Posted in Apparel Gravel Grinder News Gravel News Helmets

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.

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Posted in Components Gravel Grinder News Gravel News Tires

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.

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Posted in Accessories Lights Reviews

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.

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Posted in Components Reviews Seat Post

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.

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Posted in Gravel Grinder News Gravel News

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.

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Posted in Bottles/Storage

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.

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Posted in Gravel Bikes Gravel Grinder News Gravel News

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.

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Posted in Accessories Apparel Bags Bottles/Storage Gravel Grinder News Gravel News Jackets Quick Review Reviews

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.

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Posted in Accessories Quick Review Racks/Adapters Reviews

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.

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Posted in Accessories Lights Reviews

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.

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Posted in Components Quick Review Reviews

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.

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Posted in Featured Event

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.

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Posted in Components Interviews

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?…

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Posted in Accessories Bags Quick Review Reviews

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.”

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Posted in Accessories Reviews Sealants

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.

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Posted in Gravel Grinder News Gravel News

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.

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Posted in Components Reviews Seat Post

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 ….

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Posted in Bikepacking Gravel Bikes Gravel Grinder News Gravel News

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.

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Posted in Gravel Grinder News Gravel News

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

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Posted in Components Reviews Tires

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

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Posted in Apparel Helmets Quick Review Reviews

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.

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Posted in Accessories Reviews Sealants

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?

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Posted in Apparel Jackets Quick Review Reviews

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.

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Posted in Uncategorized

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.

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Posted in Accessories Bags Handle Bar Accessories Quick Review Reviews

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.

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Posted in Components Reviews Tires

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.

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Posted in Accessories Handle Bar Accessories Handle Bar Tape Reviews

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…

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Posted in Accessories Lights Reviews

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.

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Posted in Components Reviews saddles

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.

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State Bicycle Co. Black Label 6061 All-Road
Posted in Gravel Bikes Reviews

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.

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Posted in Gravel Grinder News Gravel News

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.

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Posted in Components Reviews Tires

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.

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Posted in Accessories Bags Tools

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.

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Posted in Components Reviews Wheels

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.

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Posted in Uncategorized

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.

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Posted in Components Reviews Tires

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.

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Posted in Components Reviews Tires

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.

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Posted in Components Handlebars

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?

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Posted in Accessories Lights Reviews

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.

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Posted in Accessories Bags Quick Review Reviews

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.

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Posted in Components Reviews Tires

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.

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Posted in Components Reviews Tires

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.

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Posted in Accessories Lights Reviews

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.

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Posted in Components Reviews saddles

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.

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Posted in Accessories Handle Bar Accessories Reviews

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.

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Posted in Uncategorized

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.

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Posted in Accessories Bags Reviews

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.

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Posted in Gravel Races Ride report

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

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Posted in Podcast

“Episode #94 – Bobby Kennedy of the Salty Lizard 100”