Riding Gravel

ABOUT EPISODE #64 Get 10% off from Andy’s Bike Shop – Use code RidingGravel Andy and Guitar Ted bring you this weeks episode of The…

Basically, I likely would have moved on to another tire by now. But I have not. And that has actually been just fine with me, because although the heat and the smoke from multiple fires around California kept my miles low overall, the times I did ride the Touregs have been just really good to live with.

ABOUT EPISODE #63 Get 10% off from Andy’s Bike Shop – Use code RidingGravel Andy and Guitar Ted give you a review roundup heavy episode….

In the Northern Hemisphere, things are taking a colder turn in terms of the weather. That means as cyclists we will be reaching for our cold weather gear to extend our riding season into Fall and Winter. We recently received a kit from GORE featuring a few items that can make cold weather cycling more fun and more comfortable. Let’s take a look.

ABOUT EPISODE #62 The guys are back with guest, Dangerous Dan, to discuss his event, The Sterile Iowan. Listen in to the full story about…

Using the D1x is simple. To start, you depress the button on the side of the shifter box for about a second. The LED indicator will turn green, and then you depress either button on the remote until the LED flashes and you are good to go. Shifts are what you would expect from a well tuned cable operated system.

The inaugural Salty Lizard 100 by Salty & Stupid Cycling happened on Saturday, Oct. 3, against all the odds, in the teeth of a global pandemic, and in defiance of a relentless recession in Wendover, UT/West Wendover, NV. But it happened – it happened – and when the dust settled, a new gravel destination emerged, emptied the moon-dust out of its shoes, and passed out in a lawn chair with an unopened Coke in hand.

Recently I was tipped off to a couple of carbon fiber handle bars that Whiskey Parts was about to unleash upon the world. Whiskey Parts kindly sent them over for evaluation and review, and since now the curtain has been lifted on these, I can freely talk about them now.

The Rocketman is a bit of a mystery tire from Vee Tire Company which we hope to clear up soon. Not just in terms of specs but also in terms of on-road performance. Gravel roads, that is. Andy T will be handling the 650B side of things while I (Guitar Ted) will be testing the 700c versions.

The Atomik/Berd Ultimate wheel set is a lightweight, configurable component that can reduce vibrations to the rider which would otherwise hinder performance and handling on crushed rock roads.

All that SRAM performance is quickly and efficiently applied via the stout carbon frame which shows no hint of lateral flex under heavy pedal pressure or fork shudder under heavy braking.

The hits were definitely big here though. The standouts being the Gravel Shorts and the Orkaan Leisure Hoody. By the way, that Orkaan fabric does a great job of beading up and shedding water in misty conditions.

This is a well made garment from a company with a good reputation for foul weather gear. The Elements Jacket would make a fine piece for the commuter, gravel rider in certain situations, and for mountain bikers.

I really ended up enjoying the Cutline glasses with the Photochromic lenses over the mirrored ones. This Photochromic choice allows you to have one lens to use in most conditions. I could ride in the dark into daylight and vice versa.

ABOUT EPISODE #61 The guys get another episode to fill your gravel cycling fix. In this episode, they give an update to some more content…

So we have a set of wheels on the loading dock in SoCal fresh off the assembly line from Boyd Wheels. The Trailblazer line of carbon wheels is listed as both a gravel wheel and an MTB wheel. Interesting. It’s wide at 26mm internal, its hookless, which is the fashion of late, its adaptable, and it’s darn light.

ABOUT EPISODE #60 You’re getting a loaded week of the Riding Gravel Radio Ranch! In this episode, the guys recap some new WTB updates, Guitar…

ABOUT EPISODE #58 Guitar Ted was out of the shop, so hang with us on the audio. They wanted to keep the show moving for…

So, let the ‘aero-wars’ rage on the forums, I don’t care a lick about the minutiae involved in those discussions. The FLO Cycling G700’s are worth every penny from a rider comfort standpoint and a bike handling standpoint alone.

WTB tire users on the mountain biking side may recognize the “SG” as being a reference to “Slash Guard”. That would be about the only similarity here though as “Slash Guard 2” is a new technology and is currently only offered on WTB’s gravel tire range.

Riding Gravel was privileged to be one of the few that were granted access to some SG2 tires for testing previous to the announcement today. This means we have some impressions to share about these tires.

From the first pedal stroke, it’s easy to feel the light weight of the Gulo wheels. At 1,296 grams for the set with tape and valves installed, the GRX-SL wheels are among the lightest wheels I’ve ridden, and they should be given their $2,625 asking price.

The Terra Carbon post looks like a standard carbon seat post, but this post has been designed with a special lay-up of carbon and has up to 18mm of vertical compliance, with the 20mm offset version, and is dependent upon the amount of seat post extension in a particular set up.

Recently we were contacted by an apparel company going by the name of Stolen Goat. being the curious type, I had to investigate this further. What I found out was that Stolen Goat was about helping people find happier and healthier lifestyles via sporting activities. Specifically cycling.

Recently I introduced the Rudy Project Cutline sunglasses which are still under review here. After a good month or so of rides, I am back to give you my thoughts on how they are performing for me

My thought is that a recovery product like Kyoku is a great way to not only reach your cycling goals faster, but it is just a better, cleaner way to eat for better health. In these times, going in this direction is understandably desirable, but leaving that behind, I felt the Kyoku product can be used as a daily enhancement to life as a cyclist.

HED Wheels today announced a new wheel to their gravel road wheel line and a name change for the range overall. The wheels formerly known as Eroica will now be known as ‘Emporia’ wheels, reflecting the grassroots beginnings of the USA’s gravel scene.

ABOUT EPISODE #56 Andy was off on vacation while the storm rolled through Iowa. But now he’s back and things are ok enough to roll…

Recently Twin Six, the apparel company from Minneapolis, Minnesota, introduced their new update to the Standard Rando, a bike we have reviewed in the past. The company, known mostly for their fashionable threads, might not be on your radar for a bicycle, but after reading this review, you may change that viewpoint.

Handske Gloves was started because the company’s founders saw a “category that was being overlooked and taken for granted”. Started in 2018 with a Kickstarter campaign, Handske Gloves exists to “design and make high-performance cycling gloves to keep you cool, comfortable, and in control for any discipline while keeping you looking great on the bike.”

It’s a compelling tire. Other than the sand issue, it’s a good sized tire, it rolls well, grips well, excels in rougher conditions, and holds air nicely.

While there is a connection to Walmart, in corporate terms, that’s where the connection ends. These Viathon bikes are high quality, serious bicycles and the team that makes up the brand reflects this with their experience in the cycling industry.

The Atomik/Berd Ultimate wheels are made with a somewhat familiar rim material, but laced with the unusual Berd spokes, which have claims of lighter weight, but more importantly, strength and damping qualities for the rider. At a starting price of $1700.00 for a wheel set and up, depending upon options spec’ed, the Atomik rims with these Berd spokes have some stiff competition, so the claims are important.

Cirrus Cycles Kinekt Stem: At The Finish – by Guitar Ted The suspension stem idea seemed to die when the mid-90’s idea of telescopic front…

The FLO Cycling G700 wheel set is perhaps the only aero wheel set specifically for gravel riding/racing now. But I do not think that this will be the last you see of aero wheels for gravel riding. Not if what I am experiencing is a common result for most folks, that is.

Rudy Project continues to innovate in the cycling eyewear space and their Cutline model is one of their most recent efforts. Suggested for cycling and running sports, the Cutline has two basic ranges- mirrored lens or the Photochromic lens types. Both have various colors and combinations available.

Long revered among touring cyclists and RAGBRAI riders, Shimano’s SPD cycling sandals are also a popular summer option for gravel cyclists.

Teravail Cannonball 700c X 47mm Tires: At The Finish – by Guitar Ted The Teravail Cannonball tires were the first product from Teravail I ever…

The collaboration with several custom frame builders resulted also in a fork with an interesting adjustable geometry, the aforementioned ‘three-pack’ bosses, and internally routed dynamo and brake line routing. Of course, the fork also uses the now ubiquitous 12mm through axle, tapered steer tube, and flat mount brake caliper mounting standard.

How have they been to use? Steady. They are still very true. I have not had to tension them or toss them in the truing stand. That has been as I expected based on my experience with the older MTB branded version. It’s a strong wheel for gravel use.

Last time we debuted some new riding kit from Bontrager that is very applicable to gravel or light MTB riding. It is warmer weather gear, so once spring hit in So Cal, we suited up and got riding. This is what we learned.

I really like the 47mm version of the Rutland. It rides on our gravel here really well. It is stable, smooth riding, and when you need a little bite on dirt or finer hardpack, it does have grip.

This new development for gloves……is a three-dimensional, seamless and elastic palm for cycling gloves.

ABOUT EPISODE #55 Guitar Ted and Andy are back without a guest for this episode, but with plenty of good discussion. They open the episode…

Gravel Grinder News: Shimano Announces New RX8 Gravel Shoe Color – by Guitar Ted Last year Shimano introduced a new segment to their vast product…

ABOUT EPISODE #54 Guitar Ted and Andy are joined by another guest this week. They are joined by Jon Thornham of FLO Cycling. You get…

The Ehline has impressive grip qualities, so if traction is a concern, this tire should have you covered. Gravel is handled well by the Ehline and it does everything else well enough that, in my opinion, it should be highly considered for those of you who use a mountain bike as a gravel bike and as a mountain bike.

After a two plus hour ride in heavy cross winds and a bit of head wind and tail wind for good measure, I can say that- Yes- there is something to having a good aerodynamic wheel on gravel.

The idea of a suspension stem is not a new one. There are many of you out there that will immediately remember the efforts to ‘suspend the rider’ back in the 1990’s. Well, now some thirty years later and here we are with what looks like something similar. Only it is not, really…

What I wanted was a smaller light form with as little weight as I could get, and with enough intensity front and rear to be worth using on open roads. I also wanted at least 8 hours of run time on a high level flash.

SUBSCRIBE TO THE RIDING GRAVEL RADIO RANCH: APPLE | GOOGLE ABOUT THE EPISODE Guitar Ted and Andy get together for something a little special. In…

ABOUT EPISODE #51 The guys get in another episode of the Riding Gravel Radio Ranch. Finally a name for the reviews section too! Listen in…

Getting the Ranger loaded was an exercise in deciding what not to take, because you can take so much stuff! I was finally down to a tool kit, tube, mini-pump, my camera, my iPhone, and a rolled up Endura rain jacket. I hadn’t even touched the capacity of the main compartment.

Out on the gravel, the Rutland showed again why it is a great tire for rough, course gravel. The roll-over abilities this tire exhibits grants the rider more control, more comfort, and less side-to-side vibrations.

The Touareg is a true to size, all-around choice for gravel, smooth dirt, or back roads where pavement might be less than ideal, while also showing incredible speed and rolling ability on typical pavement.

Just in time for summer’s blazing heat, Shimano has launched a special 25th anniversary version of its beloved SPD sandal.

“… if all I ever did was fun, adventure based, shorter rides, I would take a pass, most likely, on these Endura shorts. But I will tell you this: If a long ride in hot weather with a lot of gravel is on my radar to tackle, these will be the first shorts out of my drawer to ride in.”

Folks who know me will tell you I’m a wheel guy. They’re one of my favorite parts of a bike, so to say I’m so stoked to be testing the GRX-SL wheels from Gulo Composites is an understatement.

ABOUT EPISODE #49 Guitar Ted and Andy give you some answers to listener feedback, chat about some recent gravel goods, and a little challenge for…

A great all-around tire here with good gravel potential. It does fall off a bit at the extreme end where gravel is loose and deep, but otherwise the Ehline seems to strike the best dirt-to-gravel balance of the three tires looked at here.

Helmets though, are seldom upgraded. I mean it’s still up there, right? Sitting on my head, doing it’s thing. It is not ugly and I have not crashed in it (well, not much anyway), and helmets are expensive. It’s not like they wear out anyway. Well, not so fast there Danger Dan…..

I liked these tires enough that I am probably going to run them out on this bike they are on. They aren’t as aggressively treaded as the other two models are that I am testing and with the varying conditions we see on gravel here, I feel the Terreno XC fits my needs best.

Where I was delighted with the Cannonball was on deteriorated gravel. finer gravel, or on dirt that was firm and fast. Here the Cannonball outright flew and was a blast to ride. The small, aggressive file tread bit into the harder dirt and found purchase on finer gravel which made cornering and climbing fun as well.

Right as winter was ending and a so far, quite warm spring, was hitting the balmy shores of So Cal, a big bag of mixed items from GORE showed up for review. Once we worked through some sizing issues, we got into the items enough to get a feel for the performance of each one and we can now report.

ABOUT EPISODE #48 Guitar Ted gives some more detailed of his Salsa Stormchaser after a long ride. What’s up with the gravel summits? A little…

The Hutchinson Kraken tires would be my choice in a situation where I lived where dirt trails and/or mountains were available to ride, but my bike had to pull gravel road duties as well.

ABOUT EPISODE #46 You’re getting a double dose of the Riding Gravel Radio Ranch. In episode #46, the guys discuss the natural inclusivity of gravel…

The demand for aftermarket thru axles has grown steadily in recent years. Robert Axle Project has been at the forefront of this trend, and it offers a wide range of thru axle solutions in sizes to fit nearly any bicycle.

You have to see the value in the purpose of the Stormchaser to get the most out of this bike. Those who just don’t see riding in bad weather, cannot understand single speeding, or those who cannot buy into the unique characteristics of the Stormchaser should steer well clear of this bike.

Every year for the past several years, I have posted a “State of the Gravel Scene” series in January giving my personal opinions on where we’ve been and where we are going in terms of the gravel scene. When I opened up my look at the gravel scene in 2020 and beyond this past January, these were the first words I posted:

The profile of this tire, which is a low, peaked one, allows the Terreno XC to ride and conform right over crushed stones, making for a really smooth, controlled ride

ABOUT THE EPISODE The guys get on it for another week. You get the usual format – a discussion of some of the recent news…

Gravel Grinder News: Cannondale Debuts ’21 Topstone Carbon Lefty- Carbon Gravel E-Bike – by Guitar Ted Just about a year ago, Cannondale upended the gravel…

Teravail has a wide range of gravel and mountain biking tires available, but these three represent some of their better choices for gravel travel, along with the narrower Rutlands already reviewed.

In the intro’s ‘First Impressions’ segment I shared that I thought these tires were very damped feeling. This is to say that the Kraken really feels smooth and helps to cut down on vibrations. That to me is the best quality of this tire yet.

If you have a larger head size, as I do, now you have something that will not only fit better, but takes no prisoners in terms of protection, which previous “big-headed’ helmet options often did compromise on. Plus, it doesn’t cost a small fortune to buy into WaveCel with the Starvos. Well done, Bontrager!

It’s amazing how good gravel tires are today, and these new Continental tires are great examples of the progress we’ve made. They’re not much heavier than a road tire, yet are true 40c semi-knobbies that can confidently be ridden in nearly any gravel conditions.

<Back to Podcast Home | ABOUT EPISODE #43 Special Double Feature release of the Riding Gravel Radio Ranch. In the first episode, the guys contemplate…

Panaracer Gravelking tires have been some of the most popular tires used for gravel riding and racing for several years. The tires have been used to claim several important victories on the gravel racing circuit in the U.S. Panaracer now announces an addition to the Gravelking family of tires with the new Gravelking SS and SS+ models.

What a mixed bag of results! The sealant is really top shelf stuff. Orange Seal has a high reputation with many riders and deservedly so. I can heartily recommend the sealant.

The tires feel light and pliable in the hand. The sidewalls on these are a bit more brown than tan, but the tires look handsome none the less. The resemblance to the Terreno Dry 40mm tires is unmistakable. This bodes well, in my opinion, because those tires are some of my favorites in that size class.

Teravail admits in its marketing that these are not the fastest rolling tires out there, but that they motor on though where those tires might fail. I think that summation of what the Rutland is about tells us all we need to know. The ride performance bears this out, in my opinion.

<Back to Podcast Home | ABOUT THE EPISODE Guitar Ted and Andy bring you an episode filled with some more in-depth and “behind the scenes”…

The Stormchaser’s mission is to perform well in the worst of conditions, and I think it has the characteristics to make a name for itself in those situations. But let’s face it- This bike also has to hold up as a gravel bike in normal situations as well. I feel that, besides a couple of quirks in the handling and fit departments, yes, this bike does gravel well.

There was no floor pump in existence that was going to seat that tire and it was air compressor time. But, the Tubibooster X came through like a boss.
Award it a silver medal.

<Back to Podcast Home | ABOUT THE EPISODE Big news in Iowa with RAGBRAI. Guitar Ted and Andy get to answering a question. The guys…

MG called the ShockStop seat post a ‘game changer’, and I would agree. It hits all points: Good looking, effective, and easily set up. If you’ve been shying away from riding gravel due to the roughness and vibrations, get the Redshift ShockStop post and match it with a ShockStop stem. You’ll be amazed at what control and comfort that set up will give you. Game changer indeed.

I’ve been riding our 2020 Grade Carbon Pro long-term test bike for about eight months now, and it’s time to offer up my final impressions of the bike.

Gravel Grinder News: Pirelli Tires, I-9, PEdALED – by Guitar Ted Although the cycling industry is reeling from the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic worldwide,…

<Back to Podcast Home | ABOUT THE EPISODE Guitar Ted sits down Andy from Andy’s Bike Shop to get the second episode in the shop…

Hutchinson Kraken 29″ X 2.3″ Tires: Getting Rolling – by Guitar Ted The title of this review might cause you to look strangely at your…

If you are not a big fan of Lycra or you tend toward more casual options, then technical clothing like this Adventure line from Bontrager falls into the gap between hucking and crits. This approach of a snug fitting short, not loose like a full baggie, and good looking enough to wear around town, when combined with casual looking jerseys or shirts in high tech fabrics…well it reminds me a lot of what was called ‘Touring Clothing’ in days gone by.

Coronavirus Protection, With Notes for Gravel Riders – by John Ingham Note: This post is concerned with prevention and should not be taken as a…

<Back to Podcast Home | ABOUT THE EPISODE Guitar Ted sits down Andy from Andy’s Bike Shop to kick off the start of shows right…

Salsa Cycles Stormchaser: Getting Rolling – by Guitar Ted Recently we learned of a new bike coming from Salsa Cycles, a single speed gravel bike….

Tubeless Set Ups With Guitar Ted – by Guitar Ted This is the post, as promised in Grannygear’s tubeless set up post, which will feature…

The Oreo Roubaix Gravel Ride is a supported road and gravel ride featuring three distance rides that all begin and end at the November 14th,…

The 2020 Conasauga Crusher Gravel Grind will be based out of the Ocoee Retreat Center in Ocoee, TN. As far as the course, expect mostly…

Strade Boro takes place on the dirt roads of Bulloch County Georgia, near the city of Statesboro. Bulloch County is home to hundreds of miles…

Wrap up the 2020 cycling season with the ultimate backwoods challenge on Saturday, NOVEMBER 7th at MULBERRY GAP! The route – an 88-mile gravel grinder…

The Mt Lemmon Gravel Grinder is held annually on the last Saturday in October and leverages the 3C Ranch to provide a complete family-friendly experience….

A Gravel Grinder style endurance biking event like no other, in the majestic lands of the Sierra Tarahumara, home to the world’s greatest endurance running…

The Lowell 50 is a classic old world style gravel road race. You’ll race along the banks of the Flat River and through rural Ionia…