W@nted

If that is the case, the frame might be too small, or you have a zero setback seatpost? The balance test (Neil Stanbury) is a better indication on your saddle for/after for me. Seat back as far possible to allow you to let go of the handles (While in the normal hoods position) and not let your face fall to the handles. Only using your core to keep your upper body in position. That gives a good ball park indication of your centre position on the bike. If you are too far forward, you will experience pressure on your hands and you will not have sufficient hamstring engagement, which can lead to sore quads during/after cycling.

He has many videos on the different aspects like seat for/after, tilt, reach etc.

For a good start at setting up your own bike, I have used Neil Stanburys methods.

Some further feedback on the new pathfinders... I dropped the pressures to 24 psi and I really like how confidence inspiring they are on most surfaces. I have done almost 300km on mostly tar, singletrack and cobbles, and there is almost 0 indication of any wear. Even on the rear wheel the "new" little rubber spikes look brand new. Will give more feedback on how they handle the cobbles of Roubaix tomorrow.

I love how the technology in tires is evolving. 2 years ago "rolling resistance" was a term not used by many. We are spoilt for choice.

Well done! Jeez what a comeback by Swenson after his horrid Epic experience. He really is hard to beat on US turf.

Rain forecast has shifted to 6mm rain at 4am on sunday morning. So some wind and wet cobbles possibly during their race. I read that MvdP was ill during last week, hence not on top form during Ronde. I hope he is fully recovered come sunday… These flats will suite Mads P and Ganna. Not sure if Pogi will be able to drop them on the flats.

Current predictions only for 1 mm rain in the morning, but it might change. The wind will be present, though....

Makes sense, thank you! well done on your silver! Beast! Now we wait for an in depth race report...

Jeez, only 38 finishers in the 168km event. Quite a few non starters, possibly due to the weather/conditions? Or is this an indication of a further decline in racing numbers? Not even a single word on bikehub on the maluti double 90, which also happened last weekend... I expected more participants, looking at the "growth" of gravel racing. Or are the fun rides like race to the sun preferred?

So how was the race?

We Ride Flanders done yesterday. What an awesome event! So much respect to the pros and the speed they do these cobbles at! Gravelbike was the perfect weapon. Was almost 30 min faster than on the road bike last year.

I wonder how is the puncture protection of say air trak vs pathfinder in 45mm, especially sidewall protection.

Might try them after the set of pathfinders i just bought. Must say, I am down to 25 psi on the pathfinders, very plush tire.

The difficult thing about gravel tires is to have the best tire for the terrain. Surely these wide mtb tires roll better on gravel, but the issue is when you do many kms on tar with the tires as well. Or when using the same tire/wheelset for everyday training and races, then the gravel tires make more sense to me.