Month: December 2022

It’s no secret that I like to take pictures of bikes in nature. Nothing pleases me more that to be out on a ride and come across the perfect place to snap a photo of my bike. Whether it’s in the rain, drenched in sunshine or even in the snow, bikes are the perfect complement to humans traveling across from one side of the forest to the other.

Being a roadie for most of my adult life, I never really paid attention to what’s really out there. Gravel riding the last nine years has opened up a whole new world. It brings me through areas in my hometown that I did not know existed.

I’ve pedaled on hiking trails, fire roads, farm roads, snowmobile and ATV trails as well as logging routes and farms. The possibilities are endless as are the opportunities for scenic photos. When you see that spot that you immediately see as a prime photo spot, all bets are off for a speedy rip through the woods.

What is the best method for snapping pictures from your bike? I’ve taken many shots with various versions of the IPhone and I have to say that the IPhone 13 has an incredible camera. The only thing it lacks is the ability to zoom and really focus in. I’ve also tried a mirror less DSLR camera. These take incredible pictures, but are bulky to carry on the bike, especially if you have multiple lenses.

For now, I’m going to use the winter to take some classes and hone my photographic skills, and save my camera for a time when I can come up with the best method to keep it on the ready while safely storing it on the bike.

I hope you like taking pictures as much as I do, because I really enjoy seeing every bicycle in nature. These pics can make and old beat up bike look special.

What’s playing (what am I listening to while writing or what’s dancing around in my head while riding), today – The Cars – It’s All I Can Do

Let me start by saying that this is an independent review. While I have reviewed another bike and some Velo Orange components, I am in no way associated with the company. I am simply a happy customer.

That said, lets dive into what turns me on about this bike. First, by now, you know I prefer steel, for comfort, aesthetics, nostalgia and simplicity. Second, I’ve read numerous reviews and have seen every kind of setup you can imagine, so I knew this was going to be a versatile bike. Third, it rides like an absolute dream!

When I finally pulled the trigger and purchased the frameset, I immediately started cultivating the build. I wanted a Grand Cru headset and cockpit, as well as a Grand Cru crankset. So, I purchased the headset and crank as well as the Growtac Equal flat mount brakes with the frame and stripped another bike for the matching silver Nouveau Randonneur handlebar, Grand Cru stem and seatpost. I added some Bontrager carbon wheels and SRAM Force derailleurs paired with SRAM Red shifters and a SRAM 11 speed 11-32 cassette.

The build came together pretty flawlessly. The Growtac brakes are by far, the strongest mechanical disc brake calipers that I have ever used and the easiest to instal. I’ve made some modifications. I swapped the Brooks saddle for a Bontrager Arvada and changed headset spacers to titanium, simply for aesthetics.

I’ve only been able to put just over two hundred miles in so far, but I think I can make a pretty fair assessment. While many people have built this frame up with flat bars, the geometry begs for drop bars. From the first ride, it felt fast. I haven’t made a determination as to whether the bike just has a super smooth ride, allowing you to pick up the pace or the geometry puts you in a position to fly. I think it’s a little bit of both. It climbs exceptionally well, but that may be the sub compact 50.4 46/30 crankset.

Honestly, I wish winter was a long way off. I’ll have to ride my gravel bike for a few months and wait until March to enjoy the Pass Hunter. This will be my go to road bike for years to come.