Author: Grannygear

In recent times we have noticed that there are more and more folks looking for a gravel bike. They are seeking advice and looking for tips on how to go about this. In this post, and the following, Grannygear walks us through the process of how he and Mrs. Grannygear found a gravel bike that would work for Mrs. Grannygear’s needs. Then we will also get a look at what upgrades they made to tailor the bike for her.

When the label says “When performance is a priority and water fastness isn’t”, you know they are speaking my language. In So Cal, from fall into winter, we can get rain of course, but mostly we get cold winds. So having a layer that is wind blocking is key to happy riding.

Once again I was impressed with how the unique spoking of the Rolf-Prima Sojourns gave the wheels a lively feel, the weight per cost is quite good, and the width buys you more tire volume and the potential for lower tire pressures without giving away handling. And for $699.99, that ain’t hay.

So here is the thing with drop bars. We have been used to riding bars that are basically round tubes bent into a shape and formed for their intended purpose. Now the reach and sweep and width and drop, etc, may vary, but what you are grabbing with your hands is basically a round tube. And that is both good and bad.

What do I expect from these new bits of rubber? WTB has a nice casing on their tires, or at least all I have been on. They ride well and have decent durability, running well tubeless. I expect the Byway to be a solid all-road tire, the Venture to be a grippy little thing on hard dirt and I have a 70 mile mixed surface loop in mind with tons of climbing that the 36c Exposure ought to be excellent for.

I just do not feel that they hook up exceptionally well on dirt paths, although as a mixed surface tire, and on smoother surfaces, they do OK. The strong points of the Overide are what seems to be a long life to the tread and a fast rolling nature.

Now then…the ride quality. It is smoother under sharp impacts than any alloy bar I have used. It is noticeable.

So far they have been what I remembered them to be…solid performing wheels. Pick up is not the snappiest thing I have felt, but I am comparing them to wheels 300g lighter and almost twice as much money. Compared to the stock wheel set, they are like pulling off logging boots and stepping into sneakers.

When I get back to riding, I will be moving this to my road bike to get longer miles on it, but so far, as a gravel bike bar, I think it is very, very good and could be a total winner for someone who struggles with hand or wrist issues.

It’s Castelli, and this is a race type jersey, so the cut is slim and I upped things to an XL just to make sure I could wear it with some of my pride intact. The fit for me was very good unless I zipped the jersey all the way up, then it felt odd and tugged across the front of the jersey. Even unzipping a little bit made that go away.