W@nted

I used lime juice

I have tried the sugar mix recipe. My only issue was replacing the electrolytes and salt lost through sweat. Adding salt to the mixture throws the taste off for me. I also battled to stomach the sugar mix, especially on rides longer than 3.5 hours. It was just too sweet. Made a potent gel in a soft flask as well, with a shot of espresso. But still, just too sweet for me after 3 hours. So I am back on the maltodextrin products. On another note, I am really battling to gauge my fluid intake from my USWE pack. Any tips? I end up drinking too little from the pack, due to fear of running out of drink too soon. Just due to the fact that I cannot see how much is left in the USWE. My plan is to measure how much "a sip" is for me and then time the intake. But that seems like al ot of hassle.

To which value may you go shopping now? Full insured amount? New frame? New wheels?

After trying hot waxing about a year ago, it was just too much fiddling to my liking. I used a paraffin wax and PTFE powder mixture. Used to run silent for about 150 km of use before being noisy. I then reverted back to Smoove, which resulted in good mileage on my road and mtb chains. With Smoove, I typically re-lube the chain every 100km, let it dry overnight and then wipe off the excess, but this causes quite some build up, resulting in a dirty drivetrain. Fast forward a year and I managed to get my hands on a Silca Super Secret drip on wax and cleaner. I decided to try it when I replaced my chains on the road and gravel bike. I must say that I am pleasantly surprised! Stripped the new chains with the cleaner and applied the drip on wax. Did a 20 min ride and re applied wax again (adding another layer). The chain really feels as smooth and clean as a dipped, waxed chain, but without the hassle. I have done 200km since the second application, and the chain is still quiet. Mixture of road and gravel rides on the gravelbike. There was some flaking of excess wax, but the drivetrain is much cleaner than with Smoove. The consistency of the Silca is quite watery, but it dries to a more prominent wax coating, compared to Smoove. It also flows better into the chain links from my perspective. Only downside is the price, as it retails for 25 euros per bottle (100 ml) here. But I am sold on it for now, based on the ease of use and quiet, clean drivetrain.

Best option for cadence and power measurement will be a set of power meter pedals. Install the pedals for each session and take your wahoo/garmin with for recording.

Hi. From my knowledge foot pods only work while running on a treadmill. No shoe based pod will calculate power/cadence and speed while on a gym bicycle. I might be wrong though.

Agreed. Not a common failure. Check you cassette and front chainring for any bent teeth.

Just to add, I also moved over to xx1 chains, mileage possible on the GX eagle chains were just not worth it. I also had a bad experience with a Sram Red 11 speed chain on my road bike. Was shot after 4000km. Usually I get +- 10 k km on the KMC X11.

I have had some bad wear on GX eagle chains. Was worn to .75 within 2500km. When I replaced the chain with a new gx eagle chain, it was slipping on the bottom 3 cogs (new chain and worn cassette combo). But I have not experienced a failure like your chain. What is your FTP?

Awesome! Glad it is working well for you! Just a note, do not drop your apple tv remote during a sprint for the win... I was using the play/pause button to activate an aero powerup during a sprint and dropped the remote on the floor (Luckily in a silicone case). As murphy would have it, the remote landed on the button and it closed/minimised zwift! I was in the lead with 150m to go in a B class WTRL race. I frantically hopped off the bike to get the remote and open zwift again, only to realise that my avatar paused with 80m to go. Finished the race in 3rd place... That resulted in some aggressive language...

According to Meta AI, the Kamberg Classic is recommended as a beginner and family friendly event. Fact.

I have been using my apple tv with zwift for almost 2 years. Never had any dropouts or issues. Just note the apple tv can only take 2 (might be wrong) bluetooth connections. Then you need to pair the rest using the companion app. This only becomes an issue when pairing zwift controls/smartbike controls/steering etc. I only pair my trainer and my HR monitor, therefore no issue for me.

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.