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Arkel Seatpacker 15L. Used it on the weekend when I rode my bike 3hrs to a friend’s house, as he was having a boys night and I didn’t want to drive home. Made for two nice rides and a fun time in between. Fit in 2nd set if bike clothes, toiletries and off the bike clothes with lots of room to spare. |
Well, not technically for my bike, but for riding my bike: I wear MTB shorts almost exclusively on my gravel/adventure bike. I like to have a few secure pockets on my shorts, especially for shorter rides where I'm not using any kind of bag. But, there are very few mtb shorts that aren't long/baggy, and I'm a short scrawny guy which accentuates that even more. I can't justify the cost of some the new boutique brands coming out with gravel/urban type shorts that are shorter inseam/sleeker. So I just got some Zoic Ether 9" shorts. $65 and they tick all the boxes. Very comfy, adjustable, plenty of pockets with zippers, and FWIW they look(I think at least) "right" on my drop-bar, Cross Check gravel rig, compared to my longer/baggier MTB shorts.
https://www.backcountry.com/zoic-ether-9-short-mens?skid=ZOI009D-BK-XXL&ti=U2VhcmNoIFJlc3VsdHM6em9pYyBldGhlciBzaG9ydHM6MTo3OnpvaWMgZXRoZXIgc2hvcnRz |
Well, technically it was purchased for me as a gift... but I received the new Ultegra RD-RX800 clutch rear derailleur. It feels noticeably more precise than the 105 5800 derailleur it replaced, especially with the clutch disengaged. I love the low profile Shadow design and the clutch works as advertised. It doesn't seem to increase shifting effort appreciably either. It just seems to make shifts a touch slower. That's a small price to pay for superior chain control on rough surfaces.
https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...ee16314a10.jpg |
Topeak Micro Rocket pump and a set of folding Paselas.
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Spare tubes...which, infuriatingly, took three tries before I got the right ones. No wonder everyone is going tubeless!
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Isadore Signature, wool/poly/lycra blend, $75 at Wiggle.
Looking forward to some cooler fall gravel rides. https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...69ed6393fb.jpg |
Treated my gravel bike to a D-Fly, a Shimano EW-WU101 Wireless Unit for Di2, for wireless comms paired to my iPhone/iPad and also my Garmin Edge 1000.
https://i.imgur.com/UZNBhwQ.jpg Works great with the Shimano E-Tube app on iPhone/iPad for configuration, firmware updates and diagnostics, and with the Garmin for additional Di2 data fields. |
New set of hunt gravel disc wheels since the hubs in my factory tamland wheels are crap after less than. 1000 miles....
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Upgraded the stock saddle, which wasn't that bad, but I've had good experiences with Specialized saddles. I have the Phenom Expert on two bikes already, but decided to go with a Specialized Romin Evo Expert Gel saddle for the gravel bike.
https://i.imgur.com/vLlQ3ua.jpg https://i.imgur.com/OYc6OpR.jpg I usually get 143mm Specialized saddles, but went for a 155mm one to see if it feels better. I read a lot of reviews before deciding to get the next size up for the Romin. |
For my DB Haanjo I got a Redshift stem last month (so nice) and now I'm working on a new Amazon cart with some lights and tube sealant. I've patched 3 tubes in 10 rides from thorns.
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Motobecance WhipShot Ti
Just bought, assembled, tuned and got my first ride with this bad boy.FrameCycloCross Disc Brake 700C Butted / Multi-shaped Advanced Heat Treated 3/2.5 Titanium, 2xH2O mounts, Wide Tires Fit, 68mm threaded BB Shell, Headtube TITANIUM UPPER 1-1/8"/LOWER 1.5" TAPER (46x42/55x52.1mm) L: 50/53/55/58/61CM=125/145/160/180/200mm, DROPOUTS(DO) TITANIUM VERTICAL W/REPLACEABLE HANGER, W/FLAT DISC MOUNT . O.L.N: (142MM THRU-AXLE Equipped) Rear rack brazeons.ForkCARBON ( UD WEAVE ) BLADE 700C, Steerer: CARBON 1-1/8" to 1.5" Taper ( I.D.:23.6) CROWN: 57mm, BLADE: CARBON STRAIGHT ( 25.7x56.9mm ) W/FLAT DISC MOUNT FOR 160 ROTOR .W/45mm OFFSET W/FORGED DROPOUTS,12mm THROUGH HOLE /M12xP1.5, Customers report Fork Fits most tires up to 700x40c (29x1.6in)CranksetSRAM FORCE1 24MM XSYNC 42T Carbon Crank 170/172.5/175mm for 50-53/ 55 /58-61CMBottom BracketSRAM BB GXP XR ROAD68/WIDE AXLE73PedalsRC-713 ALLOY POWDER COAT BLK ROAD PEDAL W/9/16" CNC CRMO AXLEFront Derailleurn/aRear DerailleurSRAM FORCE1 LONG CAGE ( Max tooth : 42T )ShiftersSRAM Shifter/Brake Force Hydraulic, rear caliper, right control, rear shifter, 20mm Flat MountCassette/FreewheelSRAM PG 1170 11-36TChainSRAM PC1170 110 LINKS WITH POWER LOCK 11 SPEEDWheelsetDT SWISS C 1800 SPLINE db 23 " WHEELSET, 700C ALLOY BLACK ANOD. SLEEVED TUBLESS READY W/FV
SPOKE DT SWISS STRAIGHTPULL NEW AERO & AERO COMP, BLACK, F/R: 24/24PCS S.S. 2 CROSS W/DT ALUMINUM NIPPLES F/HUB DT SWISS SPLINE ALLOY ROAD BLACK db HUB 24H. ( CENTER LOCK ) OL: 12x100MM, F/HUB THROUGHAXLE QR264F 12mm, ANODIZED BLACK, L:M12xP1.5x118.5mm R/HUB DT SWISS SPLINE ALLOY ROAD BLACK db HUB 24H. ( CENTER LOCK ) W/ 3 PAWL SYSTEM , OL: 12x142MM, COMPATIBLE SRAM 11-SPD, R/HUB THROUGHAXLE QR269R 12mm, ANODIZED BLACK, L:M12xP1.75x174mm TiresCHALLENGE GRIFO RACE 700X33C, 120tpi , FOLDABLE, BLACKBrakesF/BRAKE SRAM DB Force Hydraulic Disc CX1, front caliper, left control, 20mm Flat Mount W/FLAT DISC MOUNT R/BRAKE SRAM INCLUDING IN SB-Force-HydraulicRoadDisc-A1 Shifters/ Hydraulic Disc Brake ROTOR SRAM CENTERLINE 160 ROUNDHandlebarRITCHEY ROAD WCS EVOCURVE Alloy 7050 D.B. BUTTED B/CENTER:31.8mm 400/420/440mm FOR 50-53/ 55 /58-61CM, D/R:128/83mm, BB BLKStem/ HeadsetRITCHEY WCS C-220 84/6D ALLOY 3D Forged ALU2014 / SS Bolts. EXT:(-6°)70/80/90mm FOR 50-53/55 /58-61CM, C/S:31.8/28.6x42mm, BB BLKTape/GripMotobecane Black Gel EVA Synthetic CorkSaddleWTB SL8 127x263, Nylon Fiber Base, CroMoly Rail, Microfiber Cover, DNA Super Light PaddingSeat PostRITCHEY WCS 1B 20mm offset 6061 ALLOY BB BLK, 27.2 X 350MMSeat ClampAluminum with bolt |
Just put a brooks saddle, panaracer gravel kings in 700x40 and a lauf grit to my niner rlt-9.... its like a new bike, loving it! |
Trying out a Fizik Aliante R3 Open saddle in regular width and the limited edition white colour on my gravel bike. Feels good, but it's very early days.
https://i.imgur.com/AKqsjnb.jpg https://i.imgur.com/GhOSnIV.jpg https://i.imgur.com/nzDNCEj.jpg |
seems pretty angled down for an aliante, they are meant to be ridden slightly nose up
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Originally Posted by redlude97
(Post 20506441)
seems pretty angled down for an aliante, they are meant to be ridden slightly nose up
Aliante levelling is at the 2:33 mark. I tried to follow that but then did my own thing! |
I fixed the saddle angle today and got some supplies for my tool bottle toolkit.
https://i.imgur.com/sbM66Kd.jpg Patch kit, missing link, multitool, pump, tyre levers, chain hook all to go in a Vittoria tool bottle. I was a bit disappointed with the quality of the Vittoria tool bottle as I have another one from a few years ago which is of much higher quality. The one I received today is very thin and flimsy and deforms easily when I put it into the bottle cage. I may end up getting a plastic tool bottle that isn't so soft. The multitool is a Crank Brothers F15, the patch kit is a Lezyne Smart Kit, the tyre levers are Silca ones that are supposed to work well with carbon rims, and the pump is a Zefal Air Profil Micro Mini Road Pump. I've got a few more bits to get before the toolkit is complete (CO2 inflator, CO2 cartridges and inner tubes). |
Loving my Gravel King 32mms. Fast and tough enough for light off roading. Perfect go anywhere tires.
Beware, with Bontrager TLR rims they are INCREDIBLY tough to get on and off. I pinched 3 tubes, bike shop 2. |
Originally Posted by EpicTwiglet
(Post 20508375)
Loving my Gravel King 32mms. Fast and tough enough for light off roading. Perfect go anywhere tires.
Beware, with Bontrager TLR rims they are INCREDIBLY tough to get on and off. I pinched 3 tubes, bike shop 2. |
Originally Posted by taz777
(Post 20508161)
I fixed the saddle angle today and got some supplies for my tool bottle toolkit.
https://i.imgur.com/sbM66Kd.jpg Patch kit, missing link, multitool, pump, tyre levers, chain hook all to go in a Vittoria tool bottle. I was a bit disappointed with the quality of the Vittoria tool bottle as I have another one from a few years ago which is of much higher quality. The one I received today is very thin and flimsy and deforms easily when I put it into the bottle cage. I may end up getting a plastic tool bottle that isn't so soft. The multitool is a Crank Brothers F15, the patch kit is a Lezyne Smart Kit, the tyre levers are Silca ones that are supposed to work well with carbon rims, and the pump is a Zefal Air Profil Micro Mini Road Pump. I've got a few more bits to get before the toolkit is complete (CO2 inflator, CO2 cartridges and inner tubes). https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...?ie=UTF8&psc=1 |
@Jakedatc - thanks for that link. I’ll try to locate one in the UK. The Vittoria one that I received must be a new design. Whilst very light, it’s too flimsy.
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Last year I upgraded my Rocky MTN, Sherpa to a SRAM 1X 11 speed. I have steep hills outside my new backdoor in North, GA. My Focus Mares CX with Shimano 105 (46/36t front, 11-28t rear) was a royal pain to get up all the hills. The roads are sort of paved with a great deal of loose gravel on them, which can result in skids on the turns. Based on the fact that my 27.5+ MTB with the 1X (32t x 10-42t) was making the hills without issues I decided to upgrade the Focus bike as well. We were able to get 700-40c WTB Nano tires on it with good clerance. Went with Stan’s Grail rims so I could go tubless. The original rims now have Continental 28mm tires, for regular paved roads and hard packed gravel... I read some very good reports on the new SRAM GX Eagle 12 speed group sets. I decided to convert the Focus bike to the newer technology. North, GA trails and gravel roads can be very steep and technical. I thought I might enjoy a bike geared even lower than the MTB. At age 69 I am not interested in riding fast anyway. I may end up with a 30t chain ring on the MTB. I measue about 5’ 7.5” with a 30-31 inseam, and a 32-33 sleeve. Now I am in the process of getting all the Eagle components put on the bike. I have tools but not every thing I would need to do this job, so the bike is at my local REI. I decided to go with a carbon riser handlebar as my hands and arms were occasionally going numb from the constant vibration on my local roads. I was also interested in trying out SRAM grip shifters. Sometimes it is nice to be able to shift through a bunch of gears rapidly, which I think the grip shifters will allow for. Now I am working on a better saddle and double water bottle holder. I think I will end up with a bike that will be good on my local technical gravel roads and trails. |
Oh and i got some rotor shims to make my 2nd set of wheels fit without having to adjust the calipers (will come in handy if i need a pit wheel or swap tire tread for CX) . And ordered some new rim tape so I can put my chunky BOS tires on one set for CX grip :)
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I finally got round to using the Zefal Air Profil Micro Mini Road Pump and Silca Premio tyre levers.
https://i.imgur.com/7OQhYpM.jpg The levers are fine for the job and the pump worked surprisingly well, despite a few negative reviews on the Internet. You do need quite a bit of stamina to pump up your tyres to a rideable pressure but the trade-off is the very compact size and stealth looks when using the supplied bottle cage mount. It's hardly noticeable against the bike's black frame and sits neatly tucked away. https://i.imgur.com/ybltDnm.jpg |
Placed an order for Spesh Hover Flare Drop Bars in 46cm width for my Giant Toughroad GX. Using the rise as a replacement for my 20 degree rise stem So I can go back to my 8 degree stem. Plus the drops are shallower so I can use them more often.
https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...f65c4e66ce.jpg |
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