Kom

The increase in gravel bike classifieds is great news, but seems to be new activity rather than the decline of other bike types i.e dual sus MTB only down 7%, not sure you can count hardtail MTB as its a lower LSM completely.

Going to add my experience to this thread of mixing SRAM Eagle Gen 1 components with a new SRAM Gen 2 T-Type AXS Rear derailleur. My aim was to just change to an AXS T-Type (Transmission) rear derailleur from my gen 1 GX AXS rear derailleur, still of the hanger fitted type. The TL:DR is that it works perfectly! The journey: 1-Removing the hanger and fitting the T-TYPE RD can be weird, it doesnt lock in until you actually fit the rear wheel and thread the thru axle into the mount, otherwise the hanger seems quite sloppy. 2-You need to lookup the key setting for installing the RD, SRAM have a web page for this configuration which advises on the key (A/B), Chain Length and which cog on the cassette to tighten the RD up on for removing slack. 3-my first hack-i used the AXS thumb shifter from my Gen 1 RD, pairs perfectly, works per normal 4-my second hack-ive kept my OG Eagle 10-50t cassette, 12-speed chain and 32t chainring, but this doesnt actually work-the new T-Type cassettes now have a 2.5mm offset - but with some invention, a 2.5mm shim does adjust the older cassette to index perfectly. Thats it! Some Notes: - the shim behind the cassette compromises the total purchase of the mount, SRAM would say this could lead to failure (so far its working fine for me, have inspected after a couple of rides with no visible wear) - the firmware on the t-type RD is meant to synchronise with specific pickup points on the new t-type cassettes which allow for smoother shifting. in my experience the way ive installed it is seemless, if not better than my previous AXS RD. - rapid fire shifting on the t-type RD is no where near as fast as my previous RD, it does this weird laggy change if you fire too many shifts.

There were a couple of SRAM deals yesterday for black friday that i somehow got shipped (avoiding ZA geo block). hope y'all be on imported cheap AXS soon for ZA mechanical prices!

ive never tried them, but the mechanics make sense, there is literally no lag on the line, so its an immediate hydraulic actuation. You never have to bleed lines etc There is a minor weight penalty, but vs the price of replacing the entire groupset, a decent solution.

i still rate their deal on the Carbon Comp as an excellent one Id then wait for a couple of these to come up - and presto you have a semi decent bike to gravel with. The tire clearance on the Switch is really good, mountain bike tyre good.

Anyone know where the pre-start team pics from the stage are being kept? Been looking at Jetline but doesnt seem like part of their coverage.

Another consideration is that your fenix 5 supports "extended display". the Garmin Edge 130 can run in a display mode paired to your fenix which will show nav prompts and a replica of your watch data fields. as pointed earlier, a phone mount and cover will probably run close to the cost of a 130 and to me a much better solution.

Have you considered getting a HRM strap and rather shifting the fenix 5(assume x?) to your handlebar for route tracking? Beyond all the issues with using a phone already mentioned, the most important is poor battery life (screen and GPS running continuous might give you alot less endurance than you're expecting).

😁

Are there GPX files for the route yet?

Bumping this one

Maanskyn around the corner also had great truth coffee 👏🏼

Did the 80km, what a jol! Is the whole route open for a potential re-ride? Aware we road through some farms that might not be open tomorrow?

https://www.printables.com/model/886111-4iiii-precision-powermeter-battery-cover Is it this one? Can print one for you if you're not sorted yet.

after a few years riding 1x on Gravel and MTB, im considering a return to 2x: 1 - Efficiency: 1x drivetrains are typically less efficient than 2x drivetrains because the chain runs at more extreme angles, higher speeds, and higher tensions. 2 - Gear range: 1x drivetrains may not have as extensive a gearing range as 2x drivetrains. (Bigger Jumps) 3 - Component wear: 1x drivetrains experience increased component wear. (Chain monitoring is important) 4 - Chainline: 1x drivetrains have an angled chainline, which can be less efficient. (try rotating your crankset in reverse when the chain is on the top gear, that resistance is real). I think the most underestimated bargain is the new GRX 2x 12-speed Di-2 which is available for cheap money on certain magician labelled web sites who have excellent service 🫣