Posted in Components Reviews Shifters

Archer Components’ D1x Trail Shifting System: Checkpoint

The Archer Components D1x has been easy to use after the somewhat confusing instructions were navigated upon set up. I loved that I had an easy to operate system which could be tweaked in the field. Shifting is great, maybe not as fast as some premier electronic systems, but as good as any fresh mechanical system and this with old, tired parts.

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Posted in Components Reviews Wheels

Atomik/Berd Ultimate Gravel Wheels: At The Finish

The calling card for this wheel set is the promise of a smoother ride. In that the Atomik/Berd Ultimate wheel delivers upon that promise. The Berd spokes are unique and their qualities are what gives this otherwise fairly plain wheel set its appeal.

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Posted in Components Reviews Tires

WTB SG2 Gravel Tires: Raddler Checkpoint

This tire isn’t a ‘bad’ tire, but for the MidWest it isn’t a tire that lights a fire underneath me when I ride it. It does the job well enough, sure, but with its slightly harsher ride quality and lack of volume, it isn’t on the same plane as the Resolute or the Byway, both of which we are testing in this series of SG2 reviews.

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Posted in Components Reviews Tires

WTB SG2 Gravel Tires: Resolute Checkpoint

This was the model I was most concerned about going into this review. Since the standard Resolute is still my #1 gravel tire, I was really hopeful that the SG2 model would at least approximate what I liked about this tire.

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Posted in Gravel Bikes Reviews

Viathon G1 Bike: At The Finish

So, what we have here is an interesting sales model and a fine bike for those who crave the ultimate in efficiency that carbon fiber can bring to the table. As a straight-up road bike, we’d have no issues with the Viathon G1.

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Posted in Components Reviews Tires

Hutchinson Touareg Tires: At The Finish

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.

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Posted in Components Reviews Shifters

Archer Components’ D1x Trail Shifting System: Getting Rolling

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.

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Posted in Gravel Races Ride report

Salty Lizard 100 Recap

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.

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Posted in Gravel Bikes Reviews

Viathon G1 Bike: Checkpoint

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.

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Posted in Apparel Bibs/Shorts Footwear/socks Headwear/Hats/Caps Jerseys Long Review Reviews

Stolen Goat Apparel: At The Finish

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.

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