Riding Gravel

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.