W@nted

Any chance of a saddlebag or light clamp mounted on the seatpost might be damaging the pants? i am genuinely intrigued, have never seen a bib short chowed like this.

IMO that looks like either the saddle clamp chowing your assos or you are pinching/rubbing the side of the saddle with your inner thigh due to a too narrow saddle.

That wear on the bibs does not look normal. Almost looks like it is getting hooked/torn by the seat rail clamp or some other sharp/rough surface.

Have you tried connecting them only to your head unit? Cannot connect via bluetooth to 2 different systems at the same time? (Phone and head unit)

Yip. Last 2-3 years they started adding the drop bars to the mtb for this course

I read on strava that Beers had stomach issues😥

Bliksem. Swenson just demolished everyone today.

Agreed with above, especially in the lowveld I would suggest 36t or even a 34t chainring...

I had the previous gen G one RS tires, so unfortunately no feedback on the new models. The G1 definitely felt more supple than the pathfinders. I did not see an actual speed difference between them and pathfinders at 200- 250 watt power output. They just wear too quickly imo for everyday use. Definitely a fast race tire for the correct conditions. However, not suitable in loose terrain and wet conditions. The pathfnders I find just a better all round "set and forget" tire.

Same her. Done about 800 km on the new pathfinders. No issues. Good rolling, good grip and no punctures to date. Feels more solid than the Schwalbe G one RS imo. With the G one RS I was always "waiting" to puncture. The pathfinders also wear a lot better than the Schwalbes.

The secret to a great time (literally and figuratively) in any road race is riding in a fast bunch...

They are approaching the first real col...

I have memories of Thomas Voeckler turning himself inside out, trying to hold on to yellow. I believe Ben Healy will do the same

There is a bit of a difference between hills and mountains in the TdF. I am glad he survived a hilly stage in yellow. He is a better than average climber though. However, today they hit the mountains, different story to stay with the likes of Pog and Jonas in the mountains.

I would advise you to practice your race prep and not try anything new on the morning of the race. Depending on your start time, have a good breakfast 2-3 hours before your start, with enough carbs. Oats with some honey works for me, with a lekker coffee. Then drive to the start and have your pre race dump at the start in one of the portaloos. The earlier you arrive, the cleaner the portaloo will be. Then have a gel/energy bar about an half hour before you start. Just spin the legs between the parking and the start chute, as the race start is not typically that wild. Remember to sip on your hydration/carb mix between your breakfast and parking departure.

Buy one of these bikes if you need some washing powder to be sent to you...

Awesome. Hopefully also on the 2026 Revolt frame...

Just some further feedback on the Silca drip on wax (Supersecret). I have now done almost 300km since the last application, drivetrain is still quiet. I am really surprised at how well this is working. I was using Smoove for many years, buth this is just much better for me in terms of duration between application and cleanliness. I did no emersion hot wax, just stripped clean a brand new chain and started with the drip on wax. To me it provides the benefits of hot waxing without the effort. I just run a microfibre cloth under hot water for a few seconds and then wipe the chain clean before applying fresh drip on wax. So convenient.

UDH?

I am currently running the rival axs xplr groupset on my gravelbike. It really has been flawless, my only complaint being the hood ergonomics. Reviews on the new shape Red levers seem good, therefore my excitement to get my hands on (pun intended) the new shape force or rival. Hopefully at ok pricing.

I am excited for this release… Especially the brake levers… https://weightweenies.starbike.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=178052

Upgrade kits (shifter and derailleur only) available here in NL for 760 euros...

Normal hanger or UDH?

Completely agree. I think the 32mm tires on a gravelbike on the road are perfect.