Tuesday, September 27, 2016

GT Grade -- a great gravel grinder , but can it do single track?

I really, really like the look of the GT Grade.  But one comment from a reviewer stopped me short:
As good as it is, the Grade is not perfect. I’d like to see more tire clearance for even bigger tires (or mud clearance). But even though the bottom bracket is low and you’d have to watch what you pedaled over... 
The same reviewer raves about the fun, the versatility, and more.   He notes that GT's designers worked to make the Grade deflect a lot.  So you get, presumably, a smooth ride: so suggest many reviews, like this one.  But that BB height!  It's only 28mm. Compare that to the Cannondale Quick CX with 33.2mm height.  Sad to say it, but that's a deal breaker, because it limits how much single track one can do.  
Sadly, too many designers are keeping that bb low, which means that "adventure" bikes are limited to rough dirt paths, and not much more.  

Sunday, September 25, 2016

Off the rack: monster cross and/or Ultra CX bikes!

Monster Cross / UltraCX bikes off the rack.

We recently glanced lovingly at the Diamondback Haanjo.  Today, let's look at some similar offerings.

Omni Strada Pro
One very promising offering from BikesDirect is the Motobecane Omni Strado Pro. This aluminum-framed Turino Team has hydraulic disc brakes and a nice carbon post, but costs $200 more and has narrower rims.) The tubeless compatible WTB i23 rims are 29er rims (though with 700c hubs); they and the frame can hold up to 700 x 45 tires. They skimped on the seatpost and the mechanical disc brakes.  But at $1200US with free US shipping ($1580 CAD), this bike is quite the deal.  

Similarly, the Omni Strada Expert is the same bike with SRAM Rival, while the Omni Strada Comp is identical, but with Shimano 105 components.  Both of these bikes sell for $1000US ($1311 CAD).   You can also opt for a titanium version, a SRAM Apex version, and carbon-framed versions.
bike comes with nearly full Ultegra components.  

Framed Marquette adventure bike
A very exciting bike is the Framed Marquette adventure bike.  At $2000 US ($2633 CAD) it's not cheap, but you get a lot for the money!  You get a carbon frame with Lauf 29er forks and a SRAM Rival drivetrain. You also get Boost dimensions.  They cheaped out on the brakes, with mechanical disc brakes.  The drivetrain is a 1 x 11 set up with a 32 teeth front ring and an 11-42 cassette.  WTB i23 rims, alloy post.  It's the Lauf fork that really sets this bike apart, since that alone $990 US. ($1300 CAD). The entire bike is, of course, a mountain bike repackaged as an adventure bike, but it does look mighty fun.


Friday, September 16, 2016

The Search for Speed: MTB tires

Finding faster MTB tires.

Kudos to my Nevegal X: bombproof and grippy as hell.  But... slow.

At the very least I want to get
--a rear tire that's faster
--a set of race tires.

One interesting source: http://www.bicyclerollingresistance.com/mtb-reviews
These guys have done tests on the rolling resistance, sidewall toughness, and tread puncture resistance.  The results are a bit surprising.

At a quick read, two tires stand out: 
  • The Continental Race King Protection. 2.2 width.  Around 600grams for 27.5". ProTection, BlackChili Compound, Tubeless Ready.  $55 CAD/tire.  The website above suggests that this tire is one of the most resistant to sidewall tears and punctures.  And that it has surprisingly low rolling resistance
  • The Schwalbe Thunder Burt.  Comes in 2.1 and 2.3 wides and comes in Snakeskin or LiteSkin. Around 480grams for the Snakeskin 2.1 and only 415 grams(~!) for the LiteSkin 2.1.  Uses the PaceStar compound for speed. Tubeless ready. $54 and $52CAD.  Apparently the SnakeSkins are easier to make tubeless, and they have reinforced sidewalls, which is something I'm very drawn to.  The Thunder Burt gets a rave review as a rear from Biting Tires. 
Both tires (and their variants) are very intriguing.  Indeed, the webpage above acknowledges the debate in their strong 5/5 review of the Thunder Burt.  

  • The Schwalbe Rock Razor is very intriguing.  Not tested by the above website, reviewers testify to its speed.  It is highly praised as a "semi-slick," best for the rear.  At about 700 grams, it's not nearly as light. It's a 2.35 width and it promises to have more bite. Pacestar, tubeless ready, snakeskin. $57 CAD. 


Wednesday, September 14, 2016

Diamondback Haanjo: stock monster cross bike!

WISH LIST: Diamondback Haanjo

Saw this puppy in Bicycling Magazine.  A true-blue monster cross bike, off-the-shelf, carbon-framed, and at a great price.

Writes bikerumorDiamondback has just upped the game by taking their versatile alloy Haanjo gravel bike platform, which comes in drop and flat bar iterations, and giving it a shapely new carbon frame with a bad ass 27.5 x 2.1 option spec’d with a mountain taming 3×9 Shimano drivetrain. Don’t worry, 2×11 700c builds are also offered…but, just look at this thing! ...Thru axles front and rear, an XT cassette rear derailleur paired with Dura-Ace bar end shifters, Tektro brake levers, and Schwalbe tires round out the package for just $2,300 US.
I'd love to see some suspension in that fork, but at this price and with these specs, who can argue?  The 105 or "Comp" model is about the same price at $2100 US, kitted with the same wheels, but with Schwalbe G-One tires.  The trade-off with the 105 model is the crankset which, at 50/34 won't cut the climbs.  It's prettier.  I'd lean towards buying the Comp and swapping out the crankset, maybe for a triple (road).  The other option is the alloy Haanjo Comp.  Seems to be the same bike, but with an aluminum frameset.  Seen on sale for $700 US ($925 CAD) on eBay.



Writes Bikerumor:
At the top of the Haanjo Carbon lineup is the Trail model, which gets Shimano Ultegra derailleurs with Shimano’s non-series hydraulic disc brakes and levers. Those are paired with SRAM Rival wide axle cranks with 50/34 chainrings. It, along with the Haanjo Comp Carbon below, both use 700×40 Schwalbe G-One tires on HED Tomcat alloy wheels with 21mm inside width rims. Retail for the Trail model is $3,100.
Note the rounded seatstays and flattened seat tube, all designed to give the bike a bit of cush over the rough stuff.
Here's a company video to get you in the mood, albeit for adventure touring. 
For the price, you're getting such a great bike.  At this price--god forbid you find it on sale--you might have enough in the bank to buy a Lauf Grit fork.  

Saturday, September 10, 2016

The Cannondale Slate : a barrel of fun!

The Cannondale Slate : a barrel of fun! 

Road the 2016 Ultegra Slate at a demo and loved it!  

First off: I've read a lot of nasty reviews of this bike.  I really think these people don't know how or where to ride a Slate. 

Road it on single-track at Durham , just outside of Toronto.  It absolutely devoured the single-track.  Granted, these were fairly simple trails, with minimal technical challenges.  So when I say devouring, I mean that the Slate is eating up all the small roots, rocks, and bumps it can and ripping along gravel.  I was much faster than many mountain bikers with this bike (on easy single-track and double track): I was flying!  

The big tires and mildly absorptive shock really help smooth out the trail. I compare it very positively to my CX bike which gets a lot more bucked around on single track.  Every darn root or small log can be problematic on a regular cross bike. Not so for the Slate.  So too, the Slate handles beautifully on gravel and rough double track roads.  

The handling credit goes to the Lefty fork with mere 30mm travel, and the 42c tires.  Despite the low range of travel, this thing takes the bumps really well.  I felt so confident bombing down trails: the bike was so stable and calm.  (Again, compared with my classic cx bike).  

I was quite enthused, even though the size I rode was a medium, one size too small for me.  

What not to like?  I have one significant beef with the Slate: just one.  The clearance isn't great.  The bottom bracket is not much more elevated that a road bike.  I suppose it's like a cx bike.  Why does this matter? Because I was regularly banging the pedals--on rocks and roots, and in turns.  The clearance is simply a deal-breaker.   Another slight issue?  The gearing's not low enough. (52/36 x 11/28, 11-speed).  It's good, but not a great climber on single track.  
I loved the Slate though.  I could see it as an absolute beast on Ultracross rides. 

Indeed the Slate got me very interested in front suspension.  One tremendously intriguing option: the Cannondale Quick CX, which does (I checked the catalog) have great clearance and only 50mm of front travel.  Add some drop bars and put some, say, Ultegra brifters on this bike and I think you have a real winner.  

Scouting Ultra Cross / CX wheelsets

Scouting Ultra Cross / CX wheelsets



--Questions: rim-brake or disc? 
--Tubeless? 
--Capacity to handle large tires (even 40mm)?
  • Williams 31 wheelset.  Wide rim. Rim brake. 28/32 spoke count costs $589 US (about $767 CAD in 2016)(direct from manufacturer).  Tubeless ready (per email with Keith Williams, President). 1660 grams/pair. 31mm tall (semi-aero), 24mm width is quite wide--likely equates to 21mm internal width.  Lots of impressive sounding claims about the hubs, bearings, spokes.  Compares itself to HED Ardennes.  
  • VELOCITY wheels.  
    • If one has hubs/spokes, ordering rims is a possibility (A23, Quill, Aerilon).
    • Great thing about these wheels is they seem to come with Velocity Race Hubs, which are really nice (often an upgrade on custom builds).  So those hubs could be a deal-maker. 
    • A23 Comp or Pro.  Wide 23mm external.  Comp is 1700grams/pr. and $595US.
    • Velocity sells rim and disc brake options. All seem to be tubeless ready. 
    • The Quill Pro comes in at 1400 grams per wheelset, with a 21.1mm internal width.  Rim brakes, tubeless ready.  $829 US
    • The Quill Comp is 1600 grams/pr. with the same specs as the Pro otherwise. 24/28 spokes. $599 US.  At 24.5mm deep, the Quills have an aero profile and are for rim brakes.  $639/US with tubeless kits installed. 
    • Tubeless kit (tape and stems) is a solid deal at $33.  
    • Might be worth checking Velocity's specials page
  • American Classic wheelsets.  The TCX tubeless (disc-brakes) is $499US (about $660CAD).  Boasting a massive 22mm internal width (26mm outer), these are wide wheels. In quick release and thru-axle options, for both front and rear (could mix/match as needed). 1900grams/pair. Rear axle comes in 135 and 142 width options. 
  • Clement Ushuaia.  This wheel is new and rather untested, and Clement's known for tires, not wheels, but...  Disc-only. 1620gr./pair. Tubeless ready. 23mm internal width!  (26mm outer) and 25mm tall. 28 spokes front and rear. Tubeless valves and rim tape included at $650 US.  Solid review here
    Clement Ushuaia

Considering all of the wheels above, the Williams 31 and the Quill Comp are quite impressive for rim-braking wheels.  The TCX offers interesting options, if one needed to, say, run a thru-axle up front and a QR in the back, but is otherwise a bit heavy.  The Williams have a taller profile vs. the Quills, and are a tad heavier.  Velocity has, one presumes, more experience: the Quills update A23s.  Velocity has disc-brake options

Although it's possibly worth the effort to scour eBay, getting wheels direct from one of these manufacturers is likely the ticket.

At the cheap end of the spectrum, there's another option: the WTB ST i19 wheelset.  Inner rim width of 19mm (ergo the name).  Disc-brake ready, it's usually sold for 29ers, but can be found with 700c spacing.  E.g. PlanetX is selling the pair for $173US. (about $228 CAD) 1900 grams/set, tubeless ready.  The website brags about the Selcof hubs.  Might be interesting to try in and find WTB ST i23 wheels with road hubs/spacing.

The main factor to consider: going to disc-brakes.  It's just hard to get adequate braking with canti brakes.  When I compare the disc-braking on my mtb to the canti-braking on my CX bike, there's really no comparison.  So it's quite likely that when I make the big wheel purchase, it will be simultaneous with the changeover to disc brakes.   

Tuesday, September 06, 2016

Ultra Cross (Ultra CX) notes

Notes on riding Ultra Cross, such as the Eager Beaver 100:

  • Use gearing that can truly climb.  My 40/28 SLX crankset enabled me to climb the worst hills (including the dreaded Mudderhorn), while countless other riders had to walk.  I'll bet a lot of those guys could have pedaled to the top with better gearing.  I believe that this change to my bike--one of the cheapest in the peloton--makes my bike one of the best for an UltraCross ride. 
  • Be careful not to run tires at too low pressure.  The number of people who flatted in the first 10k of the Eager Beaver was stunning.  Hazard to guess that low pressures over really rough gravel contributed to a lot of flats.  I rode at 80psi, a rough ride, but no pinch flats!   I also had incredible climbing power, even at high pressure, thanks to the 40/28 crankset.  
  • If it looks like rain, run some sort of defense.  I had a Forward Deflector on front, which helped keep a lot of mud and water out of my face.  On the back I ran an Ass Saver and a Polisport rear fender.  These kept untold liters of water and mud off of my backside.  
  • Carry a tube, patch-kit, and pump.  Who's gonna help you out there when you flat?  Best to be able to help yourself and let others ride by.  Be self-sufficient, and be prepared.  
  • Carry a multi-tool, to tighten something loose, fix a brake, adjust a derailleur, etc. 
  • Mental note: carry a chainbreak and learn how to use it.  I dread the day when I break a chain out in the middle of nowhere.  
  • Eat a huge breakfast, and do so 2 hrs before the ride.  Eat a bit more just before the ride: a banana, e.g.  For breakfast, I like to eat power porridge (oats, buckweat groats, 8-grain, seeds, nuts, spices, almond milk, coconut, raisins).  
  • Carry a lot of bars, gels, etc.  Calories are your friend.  
  • Carry a lot of liquid: hydration is your friend.
  • Bottle cages: man---how many people lose their bottles in an UltraCross race??  At the EB100, I'm guessing that at least 25% of riders lost a bottle or two.  Maybe even 30%.  Bottles everywhere!  Indeed, I lost mine.  I nearly panicked, before realizing that I just had to wait for the next rough descent, whereupon--sure enough--I scored a replacement bottle.  You should have metal (alloy or steel) cages and these should be bent beforehand to reduce the chance of a bottle bouncing out.  Sooooo easy: just take the top lip and bend it towards the frame.  It should be a bit of an effort to get the bottle in and out.  
  • Sun.  Sunglasses, sunscreen, lip balm. 
  • When the going gets tough, try to smile.  Really!  Shake your head and grin.  Turn to someone near you.  Smile and say something like: "Man, this is kicking my ass!"  or "We must be crazy!"  or "It's easy the rest of the way, right?"  I find that the act of smiling really helps recharge me.  Instead of "this sucks," my attitude becomes more like: "Wow, this is nuts, in a good way."  

Notes on TIRES for monster cross, cyclocross, gravel, and ultra cross

Notes on TIRES for monster cross, cyclocross, gravel, and ultra cross...


  • Vittoria XL Pro.  My favourite tire so far.  700 x 33.  Nice and wide, with lots of tread, but the center line rolls well. 150TPI. Folding.  Wish it came in a larger size.  Has an amazing capacity to absorb rocks.  Tough sidewalls, flat resistant.  Not as long wearing as I'd like.  
  • Vittoria XG Pro.  700 x 33. A nice 2nd to the XL.  A tad grippier than the XL, but rolls less smoothly.  It's my front tire for those reasons.  I like the traction but wouldn't buy it again, only b/c its really not suited to asphalt, dirt roads, gravel.  More bite than I need.
  • Interested in this NEW, not-yet-released tire: the MAXXIS RAVAGER.  700 x 40.  I like the EXO sidewall protection, the look of the tread (fast yet grippy?), its tubelessreadyness, and its intended use (singletrack and gravel).  The weight is not great--give/take 500 grams per tire, depending on the 60tpi or 120tpi options; the 60tpi model is bit heavier and includes the SS or "silk shield" feature for more protection from flats and sidewall tears. Guessing these are going to be a bit costly.  
  • Interested in this NEW, not-yet-released tire: the Panaracer Regacross, 700 x 35, tubeless ready and needs no sealant.  Here's a full review with specs. Looks like it will be $55US.  
  • Intrigued by this NEW tire: the Ritchey Megabite. 700x 38.  Very grippy, folding, 442 grams.
  • WTB Cross Wolf, 700 x 32.  A tad narrow.  Nice tire, though.  Used only once.  
  • Clement X'Plor USH Folding Gravel Tire. 700 x 35.  Looks good for tarmac and gravel, but not grippy enough for trails. 
  • Clement Crusade PDX Folding CX Tire. 700 x 33. Looks great.  Very similar to Vittoria XL Pro.  Too bad it's not wider.  120TPI, folding.  Nice center line, with knobby sides.
  • Clement X'Plor MSO Folding Gravel Tire. 700 x 36 or 700 x 40.  Can you mount a 40c tire to more or less regular road wheels? 60TPI.    The 40c is 485 grams, I think: heavy.
  • Clement LAS Folding CX Tire.  700 x 33.  File tread.  Faster on asphalt and gravel, but can these climb on dirt?   I think not.
  • Schwalbe Sammy Slick Folding Cyclocross.  700 x 35.  Looks super promising, but for the reviews, which suggest rapid wear.  TPI 67. 365 grams. 
  • Schwalbe G-One Evo MicroSkin TL. 700 x 35 or 700 x 38.  This new tire looks very promising!  127 TPI.  400 grams for the 35, 465 grams for the 38c.  Designed for gravel, yet looks like it has some grip. Tubeless ready, so factor that vis a vis the higher weight.  Weight may be higher than advertised, however. Until the price drops... $73CAD!  One review says the sidewalls shred in rocky conditions, so this tire is not good for me. 
  • Schwalbe X-One tubeless.  700 x 33.  370 grams for a tubeless?  Looks good.  Boasting "Microskin" and "OneStar" compound, Schwalbe claims it's one of the fastest CX tires ever.  If true that would be most excellent, as these have a lot of knobbiness on them.  This guy suggests that going tubeless with these tires requires no compressor.  Wish this tire was sold in a wider size!  Other than that, this looks like a seriously great tire.  $57 CAD per tire (!).  
  • Continental Speed Folding Cyclocross. 700 x 35.  Looks good and long lasting, though perhaps not grippy enough for trails.  180TPI, 350grams. $29CAD at Merlin. 
  • WTB Nano Race Cyclo Cross. 700 x 40. 60TPI. 485 in the no-tubeless version, $43CAD.  The tubeless ready version is 685 grams.  Tempting to try, just for the sheer volume. 
  • Kenda Happy Medium Pro.  700 x 35 or 700 x 40.  DTC (dual tread compound) and tubeless ready. Weights: 386±19(700x35c Folding), 496±25(700x35c KSCT), 469±22(700x40c Folding) (Pictured).  Looks like a much faster rolling tire, yet still with side knobs for cornering and traction.  Available at Jenson or at Evans UK. $38 CAD. 
  • Challenge Gravel Grinder Plus.  700 x 38. 400 grams. Folding. $39 CAD.  Not intended to go tubeless. High praise on gravel here.  Reviewer says these really last.  
  • Kenda Tomac Small Block 8. 700x 35. Stunningly--only $19 CAD with free ship on Amazon.ca. 350grams. DTC (hard center, soft sides). 120tpi.  Update: bought one and put it on the rear.  It's not a true 35mm!  It's notably smaller than the Vittoria tires I've been using--less volume and narrower.  Good grip, but it doesn't strike me as overly fast.  So far it feels like a step down from the Vittoria XL that was on the rear.  But $19 CAD?  That's dirt cheap for this tire. :)
  • Kenda Kommando. 700 x 35.  Intriguing.  A bit hard to find.