Cardio Goth

I know David from way back in the day, but had completely forgotten about Intervals until I started at my current job in Austria where all of the seriously geeky, data-focused cyclists all swear by it as the best platform out there.

Good guide that, I can confirm that, for at least some of the cities that I've spent time in, the suggestions are spot on.

They're not cheap, but Rene Herse Fleecer Ridge are basically MTB-size gravel tyres - they roll pretty fast but still have enough grip for rough gravel.

A pretty mixed year - mostly pretty decent, but had a fair bit off the bike thanks to knee issues and illness which derailed training somewhat. Started running with the intention of doing a 50km trail race in June 2024, despite never having run more than 20kms before, but pretty much everything fell apart in November and December thanks to my knee and euro flu. Here's hoping that 2024 is a bit of a fresh start.

I swear by USWE for riding and running. A friend uses the Apidura pack and reckons it's great.

I have the Fenix 7 Pro Sapphire Solar. I cycle and run and it has more features than I could possibly use, but they're mostly fitness-related. The battery life is incredible. I'd recommend it fully, but it's not the only watch I wear.

I'd agree with you .. until I realised that 42mm is a sweet spot in tyre size. For me. On the gravel I ride here. But I've also realised that on a lot of that gravel, a hard tail with fast rolling tyres is more comfortable and, in some cases, faster. So now I split my time between them (well, not now exactly, because there's still 10cm of snow on most of my gravel routes, but you know what I'm saying). That said, I do agree that the majority of people would be happier with an endurance frame that would let them run 35mm semi-slicks.

I'd second this - I think the benefit of aerobars is more about comfort and an additional riding position than much in the way of aero benefit

Yeah, I love mine. Not cheap, but so comfy.

Beautiful autumn afternoon to log some elevation

From personal experience of long gravel rides, the comfort and aero options of drop bars motivate for a monstercross build

Coughing up the remnants of a sinus infection and battling headwinds before the rain arrived. Great morning to be out for some gravel though.

Autumn is definitely here in the northern hemisphere..

I'll be the voice of unreason here. I've been using a 1040 solar and, between the solar and the large battery, I wouldn't pick anything else for bikepacking and longer races. On a recent big day out, after 13 hours of riding (16+ hours elapsed), using navigation and an HRM, the battery was at 79%. I think I've charged it 4 times in the 6 months I've owned it. If the UX was better, it would be the perfect GPS.

Did the Jeroboam 150 gravel 'race' in Carinthia this weekend - absolutely magical day out, with some proper climbing.