Riding Gravel

Part of the “DNA”, if you will, of a gravel bike’s make-up is a flared drop bar. Traditional styled drop bars are used on many gravel/all-road bikes, certainly, but it is the flared drop bar that you will see most often. These types of drop bars were once rare, and not many people were aware of them until Salsa Cycles started producing them for their seminal bike, the Fargo.

I am willing to bet that many of us rarely think too much about our socks. If you are one of these folks, you don’t know what you are missing. A great pair of socks can make your ride so much better.

Back in May, we introduced you to the Cannondale Topstone 105 we have in for testing, and today it’s time to update you on our experience with the bike so far.

While the PBO spokes may cause you to raise an eyebrow, keep in mind that these spokes have been around for two decades and have a good reputation for durability. The rest of the Spinergy wheel from the hubs to the rims seem to be top notch stuff now. I see no reason to fear the technology and I would gladly ride these wheels off into the Sunset if Spinergy would let me.

Easton EA70 AX Handle Bars: Quick Review – by Guitar Ted Easton Cycling has made a few items specifically aimed at gravel/all-road cycling. We’ve tested…

In the end I liked the USWE Airborne 3 very much and was happy every time I used it. As long as you can live with the limitations in storage and if the close, movement free strap system rings true with you, then I expect you would be happy with it too.

Many bikes are coming out as “dual wheel size” compatible rigs, and if you wanted the 650B wheels, (or the other way around if the new bike was set up with 650B), this option would be high on my list. It provides a solid performing package at a good value. Besides going around and holding up your tires, what more do we really need?

Silca Viaggio Travel Pump: Quick Review – by Grannygear When I was at Sea Otter I was shown the Silca Viaggio Travel floor pump.  Designed…

GT Bicycles announced the introduction of its all-new Grade gravel bikes. Available in both carbon and alloy frame models, GT says the new Grade is built for adventure out of the box. It’s more compliant, versatile and adjustable than ever before, with a leaner look and a purposeful redesign of GT’s iconic Triple Triangle frame design.