feed.json

{
    "version": "https://jsonfeed.org/version/1",
    "title": "Old Dog Gone Off Trail",
    "description": "",
    "home_page_url": "https://offtrail.guru",
    "feed_url": "https://offtrail.guru/feed.json",
    "user_comment": "",
    "author": {
        "name": "Patrick"
    },
    "items": [
        {
            "id": "https://offtrail.guru/mavic-cycling-shoes/",
            "url": "https://offtrail.guru/mavic-cycling-shoes/",
            "title": "Mavic Cycling Shoes",
            "summary": "<p class=\"dropcap\">I usually stay loyal to a brand when something works or fits well. When you look at my bike fleet, you’ll easily spot a bunch of those brands. There’s Rotor for cranks, SRAM for shifting, Hope for braking, and <a href=\"https://offtrail.guru/a-history-of-saddles/\">Prologo</a> for sitting. You’ll see René Herse, WTB, and Zipp on multiple bikes. I have the same brand loyalty for everything I wear on the bike. I move on to other brands from time to time, but it always happens gradually. I used to wear <a href=\"https://offtrail.guru/time-to-retire-a-few-bike-helmets/\">Giro helmets</a> exclusively in the past. While I still have two old ones, I’ve moved to Lazer for road and gravel and <a href=\"https://offtrail.guru/a-new-mountain-bike-helmet/\">Smith</a> for snow and dirt. On the opposite end of my body, my feet slip into the shoes of two brands. There’s Mavic for warm and dry days and Northwave for cold or wet days.</p>\n",
            "content_html": "<p class=\"dropcap\">I usually stay loyal to a brand when something works or fits well. When you look at my bike fleet, you’ll easily spot a bunch of those brands. There’s Rotor for cranks, SRAM for shifting, Hope for braking, and <a href=\"https://offtrail.guru/a-history-of-saddles/\">Prologo</a> for sitting. You’ll see René Herse, WTB, and Zipp on multiple bikes. I have the same brand loyalty for everything I wear on the bike. I move on to other brands from time to time, but it always happens gradually. I used to wear <a href=\"https://offtrail.guru/time-to-retire-a-few-bike-helmets/\">Giro helmets</a> exclusively in the past. While I still have two old ones, I’ve moved to Lazer for road and gravel and <a href=\"https://offtrail.guru/a-new-mountain-bike-helmet/\">Smith</a> for snow and dirt. On the opposite end of my body, my feet slip into the shoes of two brands. There’s Mavic for warm and dry days and Northwave for cold or wet days.</p>\n\n<div class=\"gallery-wrapper\"><div class=\"gallery\"  data-is-empty=\"false\" data-translation=\"Add images\" data-columns=\"6\">\n<figure class=\"gallery__item\"><a href=\"https://offtrail.guru/media/posts/97/gallery/mavic-cycling-shoes-01.jpg\" data-size=\"3264x2448\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https://offtrail.guru/media/posts/97/gallery/mavic-cycling-shoes-01-thumbnail.webp\" alt=\"2011 Mavic Tempo\" width=\"720\" height=\"540\"></a>\n<figcaption>Tempo</figcaption>\n</figure>\n<figure class=\"gallery__item\"><a href=\"https://offtrail.guru/media/posts/97/gallery/mavic-cycling-shoes-02.jpg\" data-size=\"3264x2448\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https://offtrail.guru/media/posts/97/gallery/mavic-cycling-shoes-02-thumbnail.webp\" alt=\"2011 Mavic Tempo\" width=\"720\" height=\"540\"></a>\n<figcaption>Tempo</figcaption>\n</figure>\n<figure class=\"gallery__item\"><a href=\"https://offtrail.guru/media/posts/97/gallery/mavic-cycling-shoes-03.jpg\" data-size=\"3264x2448\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https://offtrail.guru/media/posts/97/gallery/mavic-cycling-shoes-03-thumbnail.webp\" alt=\"2011 Mavic Tempo\" width=\"720\" height=\"540\"></a>\n<figcaption>Tempo</figcaption>\n</figure>\n<figure class=\"gallery__item\"><a href=\"https://offtrail.guru/media/posts/97/gallery/mavic-cycling-shoes-11.jpg\" data-size=\"3264x2448\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https://offtrail.guru/media/posts/97/gallery/mavic-cycling-shoes-11-thumbnail.webp\" alt=\"2012 Mavic Galibier\" width=\"720\" height=\"540\"></a>\n<figcaption>Galibier</figcaption>\n</figure>\n<figure class=\"gallery__item\"><a href=\"https://offtrail.guru/media/posts/97/gallery/mavic-cycling-shoes-12.jpg\" data-size=\"3264x2448\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https://offtrail.guru/media/posts/97/gallery/mavic-cycling-shoes-12-thumbnail.webp\" alt=\"2012 Mavic Galibier\" width=\"720\" height=\"540\"></a>\n<figcaption>Galibier</figcaption>\n</figure>\n<figure class=\"gallery__item\"><a href=\"https://offtrail.guru/media/posts/97/gallery/mavic-cycling-shoes-13.jpg\" data-size=\"3264x2448\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https://offtrail.guru/media/posts/97/gallery/mavic-cycling-shoes-13-thumbnail.webp\" alt=\"2012 Mavic Galibier\" width=\"720\" height=\"540\"></a>\n<figcaption>Galibier</figcaption>\n</figure>\n</div></div>\n<p>I switched to Mavic shoes in 2011 with a pair of metallic silver Tempo shoes. A bunch of different road and MTB shoes by Mavic followed. The most expensive of them all, Mavic’s Crossmax SL Pro Ultimate, is a shoe pair I rode for a whopping 8 years. While it’s still a usable pair of shoes, I decided to replace them. Only when you place an old pair of shoes next to a new pair do you realize how much they’ve aged.</p>\n<div class=\"gallery-wrapper\"><div class=\"gallery\"  data-is-empty=\"false\" data-translation=\"Add images\" data-columns=\"6\">\n<figure class=\"gallery__item\"><a href=\"https://offtrail.guru/media/posts/97/gallery/mavic-cycling-shoes-21.jpg\" data-size=\"3566x2140\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https://offtrail.guru/media/posts/97/gallery/mavic-cycling-shoes-21-thumbnail.webp\" alt=\"Mavic Cosmic Ultimate II\" width=\"720\" height=\"432\"></a>\n<figcaption>Cosmic Ultimate II</figcaption>\n</figure>\n<figure class=\"gallery__item\"><a href=\"https://offtrail.guru/media/posts/97/gallery/mavic-cycling-shoes-22.jpg\" data-size=\"4000x2248\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https://offtrail.guru/media/posts/97/gallery/mavic-cycling-shoes-22-thumbnail.webp\" alt=\"Mavic Cosmic Ultimate II\" width=\"720\" height=\"405\"></a>\n<figcaption>Cosmic Ultimate II</figcaption>\n</figure>\n<figure class=\"gallery__item\"><a href=\"https://offtrail.guru/media/posts/97/gallery/mavic-cycling-shoes-23.jpg\" data-size=\"2111x2815\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https://offtrail.guru/media/posts/97/gallery/mavic-cycling-shoes-23-thumbnail.webp\" alt=\"Mavic Cosmic Ultimate II\" width=\"720\" height=\"960\"></a>\n<figcaption>Cosmic Ultimate II</figcaption>\n</figure>\n<figure class=\"gallery__item\"><a href=\"https://offtrail.guru/media/posts/97/gallery/mavic-cycling-shoes-31.jpg\" data-size=\"4000x3000\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https://offtrail.guru/media/posts/97/gallery/mavic-cycling-shoes-31-thumbnail.webp\" alt=\"Mavic Fury\" width=\"720\" height=\"540\"></a>\n<figcaption>Fury</figcaption>\n</figure>\n<figure class=\"gallery__item\"><a href=\"https://offtrail.guru/media/posts/97/gallery/mavic-cycling-shoes-32.jpg\" data-size=\"4000x3000\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https://offtrail.guru/media/posts/97/gallery/mavic-cycling-shoes-32-thumbnail.webp\" alt=\"Mavic Fury\" width=\"720\" height=\"540\"></a>\n<figcaption>Fury</figcaption>\n</figure>\n<figure class=\"gallery__item\"><a href=\"https://offtrail.guru/media/posts/97/gallery/mavic-cycling-shoes-33.jpg\" data-size=\"4000x3000\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https://offtrail.guru/media/posts/97/gallery/mavic-cycling-shoes-33-thumbnail.webp\" alt=\"Mavic Fury\" width=\"720\" height=\"540\"></a>\n<figcaption>Fury</figcaption>\n</figure>\n</div></div>\n<table style=\"border-collapse: collapse; border: 1px solid #7e8c8d; width: 100%;\" border=\"1\">\n<thead>\n<tr style=\"background-color: #ecf0f1;\">\n<td><strong>Year</strong></td>\n<td><strong>Shoes</strong></td>\n<td><strong>Color</strong></td>\n<td><strong>Use</strong></td>\n<td><strong>Weight (8.5UK)</strong></td>\n<td><strong>Price</strong></td>\n</tr>\n</thead>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td>2011</td>\n<td>Mavic Tempo</td>\n<td>Silver/Black</td>\n<td>MTB</td>\n<td style=\"background-color: thistle;\">390 g</td>\n<td>CHF 149.99</td>\n</tr>\n<tr>\n<td>2012</td>\n<td>Mavic Galibier</td>\n<td>White/Black</td>\n<td>Road</td>\n<td>315 g</td>\n<td>CHF 120.49</td>\n</tr>\n<tr>\n<td>2014</td>\n<td>Mavic Fury</td>\n<td>Black</td>\n<td>MTB</td>\n<td style=\"background-color: lavender;\">335 g</td>\n<td style=\"background-color: mistyrose;\">CHF 275.99</td>\n</tr>\n<tr>\n<td>2016</td>\n<td>Mavic Crossmax SL Pro Ultimate</td>\n<td>Black</td>\n<td>MTB</td>\n<td style=\"background-color: lavender;\">340 g</td>\n<td style=\"background-color: lightpink;\">CHF 314.95</td>\n</tr>\n<tr>\n<td>2016</td>\n<td>Mavic Cosmic Ultimate II</td>\n<td>White/Black</td>\n<td>Road</td>\n<td style=\"background-color: lightcyan;\">240 g</td>\n<td style=\"background-color: mistyrose;\">CHF 242.49</td>\n</tr>\n<tr>\n<td>2024</td>\n<td>Mavic Crossmax Boa</td>\n<td>Green</td>\n<td>MTB</td>\n<td>300 g</td>\n<td style=\"background-color: palegreen;\">CHF 85.06</td>\n</tr>\n<tr>\n<td>2024</td>\n<td>Mavic Cosmic Boa SPD</td>\n<td>Brown</td>\n<td>Gravel</td>\n<td style=\"background-color: lightcyan;\">280 g</td>\n<td style=\"background-color: palegreen;\">CHF 68.00</td>\n</tr>\n</tbody>\n</table>\n<div class=\"gallery-wrapper\"><div class=\"gallery\"  data-is-empty=\"false\" data-translation=\"Add images\" data-columns=\"6\">\n<figure class=\"gallery__item\"><a href=\"https://offtrail.guru/media/posts/97/gallery/mavic-cycling-shoes-41.jpg\" data-size=\"4032x3024\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https://offtrail.guru/media/posts/97/gallery/mavic-cycling-shoes-41-thumbnail.webp\" alt=\"Mavic Crossmax SL Pro Ultimate\" width=\"720\" height=\"540\"></a>\n<figcaption>Crossmax SL Pro</figcaption>\n</figure>\n<figure class=\"gallery__item\"><a href=\"https://offtrail.guru/media/posts/97/gallery/mavic-cycling-shoes-42.jpg\" data-size=\"4032x3024\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https://offtrail.guru/media/posts/97/gallery/mavic-cycling-shoes-42-thumbnail.webp\" alt=\"Mavic Crossmax SL Pro Ultimate\" width=\"720\" height=\"540\"></a>\n<figcaption>Crossmax SL Pro</figcaption>\n</figure>\n<figure class=\"gallery__item\"><a href=\"https://offtrail.guru/media/posts/97/gallery/mavic-cycling-shoes-51.jpg\" data-size=\"3189x2278\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https://offtrail.guru/media/posts/97/gallery/mavic-cycling-shoes-51-thumbnail.webp\" alt=\"Mavic Cosmic Boa SPD\" width=\"720\" height=\"514\"></a>\n<figcaption>Cosmic Boa</figcaption>\n</figure>\n<figure class=\"gallery__item\"><a href=\"https://offtrail.guru/media/posts/97/gallery/mavic-cycling-shoes-52.jpg\" data-size=\"3257x2326\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https://offtrail.guru/media/posts/97/gallery/mavic-cycling-shoes-52-thumbnail.webp\" alt=\"Mavic Cosmic Boa SPD\" width=\"720\" height=\"514\"></a>\n<figcaption>Cosmic Boa</figcaption>\n</figure>\n<figure class=\"gallery__item\"><a href=\"https://offtrail.guru/media/posts/97/gallery/mavic-cycling-shoes-53.jpg\" data-size=\"3685x2211\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https://offtrail.guru/media/posts/97/gallery/mavic-cycling-shoes-53-thumbnail.webp\" alt=\"Mavic Crossmax Boa\" width=\"720\" height=\"432\"></a>\n<figcaption>Crossmax Boa</figcaption>\n</figure>\n<figure class=\"gallery__item\"><a href=\"https://offtrail.guru/media/posts/97/gallery/mavic-cycling-shoes-54.jpg\" data-size=\"2998x2141\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https://offtrail.guru/media/posts/97/gallery/mavic-cycling-shoes-54-thumbnail.webp\" alt=\"Mavic Crossmax Boa\" width=\"720\" height=\"514\"></a>\n<figcaption>Crossmax Boa</figcaption>\n</figure>\n</div></div>\n<p>There’s a lot of complaining that cycling has become an expensive sport. I don’t agree with that. Cycling is only as expensive as you want it to be. The <a href=\"https://www.mavic.com/en-us/p/cosmic-boa-spd-cr2303?variant=7223\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Cosmic</a> and <a href=\"https://www.mavic.com/en-us/p/crossmax-boa-cv2301?variant=7069\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Crossmax</a> are the cheapest cycling shoes from the seven pairs I’ve bought since 2011. Both of them are extremely similar, yet there are some subtle differences. The Crossmax Boa is marketed as an MTB shoe, whereas the Cosmic Boa’s target audience is gravel riders. They share the same upper shoe construction. The Crossmax Boa has a heavier, more aggressive rubber outsole. The Cosmic Boa has a lighter outsole, supposedly with exceptional abrasion resistance for those walks on asphalt when you stop for coffee. I’ll probably use the Crossmax Boa for gravel rides and wear the Cosmic Boa when I stay on the road.</p>",
            "image": "https://offtrail.guru/media/posts/97/mavic-cycling-shoes-00.jpg",
            "author": {
                "name": "Patrick"
            },
            "tags": [
                   "shoes",
                   "cycling"
            ],
            "date_published": "2024-11-16T11:20:43+01:00",
            "date_modified": "2024-11-16T19:22:20+01:00"
        },
        {
            "id": "https://offtrail.guru/updating-brakes-round-two/",
            "url": "https://offtrail.guru/updating-brakes-round-two/",
            "title": "Updating Brakes Round Two",
            "summary": "<p class=\"dropcap\">Back in mid-July, I updated the Hope brakes on my <a href=\"https://offtrail.guru/volagi-viaje-sl/\">Volagi Viaje</a>. I replaced the original RX4 calipers with the new and improved RX4+. Whereas the old RX4 used 2x14 mm and 2x11 mm pistons, Hope increased the pistons to 2x16 mm and 2x14 mm for the RX4+ calipers. I paid little attention to the pads then, but once out of the box, I immediately realized that RX4 and RX4+ calipers shared different brake pads. The original pads for SRAM RX4 calipers are 30.8mm wide. The width of the pads increased to 37.0mm for RX4+ calipers. That's a 20% size increase.</p>\n",
            "content_html": "<p class=\"dropcap\">Back in mid-July, I updated the Hope brakes on my <a href=\"https://offtrail.guru/volagi-viaje-sl/\">Volagi Viaje</a>. I replaced the original RX4 calipers with the new and improved RX4+. Whereas the old RX4 used 2x14 mm and 2x11 mm pistons, Hope increased the pistons to 2x16 mm and 2x14 mm for the RX4+ calipers. I paid little attention to the pads then, but once out of the box, I immediately realized that RX4 and RX4+ calipers shared different brake pads. The original pads for SRAM RX4 calipers are 30.8mm wide. The width of the pads increased to 37.0mm for RX4+ calipers. That's a 20% size increase.</p>\n\n<div class=\"gallery-wrapper\"><div class=\"gallery\"  data-is-empty=\"false\" data-translation=\"Add images\" data-columns=\"5\">\n<figure class=\"gallery__item\"><a href=\"https://offtrail.guru/media/posts/92/gallery/updating-brakes-25.jpg\" data-size=\"3487x2104\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https://offtrail.guru/media/posts/92/gallery/updating-brakes-25-thumbnail.webp\" alt=\"Volagi Viaje with new brake calipers.\" width=\"720\" height=\"435\"></a>\n<figcaption>Volagi Vuaje.</figcaption>\n</figure>\n<figure class=\"gallery__item\"><a href=\"https://offtrail.guru/media/posts/92/gallery/updating-brakes-21.jpg\" data-size=\"2854x2140\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https://offtrail.guru/media/posts/92/gallery/updating-brakes-21-thumbnail.webp\" alt=\"Front Hope RX4+ post mount caliper.\" width=\"720\" height=\"540\"></a>\n<figcaption>Front caliper.</figcaption>\n</figure>\n<figure class=\"gallery__item\"><a href=\"https://offtrail.guru/media/posts/92/gallery/updating-brakes-22.jpg\" data-size=\"3156x1894\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https://offtrail.guru/media/posts/92/gallery/updating-brakes-22-thumbnail.webp\" alt=\"Front Hope RX4+ post mount caliper.\" width=\"720\" height=\"432\"></a>\n<figcaption>Front caliper.</figcaption>\n</figure>\n<figure class=\"gallery__item\"><a href=\"https://offtrail.guru/media/posts/92/gallery/updating-brakes-23.jpg\" data-size=\"3498x2332\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https://offtrail.guru/media/posts/92/gallery/updating-brakes-23-thumbnail.webp\" alt=\"Rear Hope RX4+ post mount caliper.\" width=\"720\" height=\"480\"></a>\n<figcaption>Rear caliper.</figcaption>\n</figure>\n<figure class=\"gallery__item\"><a href=\"https://offtrail.guru/media/posts/92/gallery/updating-brakes-24.jpg\" data-size=\"3085x2057\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https://offtrail.guru/media/posts/92/gallery/updating-brakes-24-thumbnail.webp\" alt=\"Rear Hope RX4+ post mount caliper.\" width=\"720\" height=\"480\"></a>\n<figcaption>Rear caliper.</figcaption>\n</figure>\n</div></div>\n<div class=\"gallery-wrapper\"><div class=\"gallery\"  data-is-empty=\"false\" data-translation=\"Add images\" data-columns=\"2\">\n<figure class=\"gallery__item\"><a href=\"https://offtrail.guru/media/posts/92/gallery/updating-brakes-31.jpg\" data-size=\"1936x1501\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https://offtrail.guru/media/posts/92/gallery/updating-brakes-31-thumbnail.webp\" alt=\"Hope RX4+ versus RX4 pads.\" width=\"720\" height=\"558\"></a>\n<figcaption>RX4 pad on top.</figcaption>\n</figure>\n<figure class=\"gallery__item\"><a href=\"https://offtrail.guru/media/posts/92/gallery/updating-brakes-32.jpg\" data-size=\"1730x2103\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https://offtrail.guru/media/posts/92/gallery/updating-brakes-32-thumbnail.webp\" alt=\"Hope RX4+ versus RX4 pads.\" width=\"720\" height=\"875\"></a>\n<figcaption>RX4+ pad on top.</figcaption>\n</figure>\n</div></div>\n<p>When brake pads push against a rotor, they produce friction, and the kinetic energy is converted into heat. Larger pads, just like pistons, and rotors dissipate heat better. They require less braking pressure to produce the same braking force. Less pressure translates to less pad wear. The RX4+ calipers with the massive pistons also look amazingly cool. It was therefore time to treat the <a href=\"https://offtrail.guru/nordest-albarda/\">Nordest Albarda</a> to a new set of calipers. The Nordest has gone through so many updates over the years that only five things remain from the original build; the frame, the fork, the headset, the saddle, and the cranks.</p>\n<div class=\"gallery-wrapper\"><div class=\"gallery\"  data-is-empty=\"false\" data-translation=\"Add images\" data-columns=\"5\">\n<figure class=\"gallery__item\"><a href=\"https://offtrail.guru/media/posts/92/gallery/updating-brakes-01.jpg\" data-size=\"3405x2432\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https://offtrail.guru/media/posts/92/gallery/updating-brakes-01-thumbnail.webp\" alt=\"Hope RX4+ front caliper.\" width=\"720\" height=\"514\"></a>\n<figcaption>Front.</figcaption>\n</figure>\n<figure class=\"gallery__item\"><a href=\"https://offtrail.guru/media/posts/92/gallery/updating-brakes-02.jpg\" data-size=\"2893x2314\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https://offtrail.guru/media/posts/92/gallery/updating-brakes-02-thumbnail.webp\" alt=\"Hope RX4+ rear caliper.\" width=\"720\" height=\"576\"></a>\n<figcaption>Rear.</figcaption>\n</figure>\n<figure class=\"gallery__item\"><a href=\"https://offtrail.guru/media/posts/92/gallery/updating-brakes-03.jpg\" data-size=\"2436x1949\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https://offtrail.guru/media/posts/92/gallery/updating-brakes-03-thumbnail.webp\" alt=\"Hope RX4+ front caliper.\" width=\"720\" height=\"576\"></a>\n<figcaption>Front.</figcaption>\n</figure>\n<figure class=\"gallery__item\"><a href=\"https://offtrail.guru/media/posts/92/gallery/updating-brakes-04.jpg\" data-size=\"2782x1987\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https://offtrail.guru/media/posts/92/gallery/updating-brakes-04-thumbnail.webp\" alt=\"Hope RX4+ rear caliper.\" width=\"720\" height=\"514\"></a>\n<figcaption>Rear.</figcaption>\n</figure>\n<figure class=\"gallery__item\"><a href=\"https://offtrail.guru/media/posts/92/gallery/updating-brakes-05.jpg\" data-size=\"3757x2113\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https://offtrail.guru/media/posts/92/gallery/updating-brakes-05-thumbnail.webp\" alt=\"Nordest Albarda with new Hope RX4+ calipers.\" width=\"720\" height=\"405\"></a>\n<figcaption>Nordest Albarda.</figcaption>\n</figure>\n</div></div>\n<p>The RX4 flat-mount calipers I took of my Albarda are 5 years old. They still work and look like on day one. When I built the <a href=\"https://offtrail.guru/marin-gestalt-x12/\">Marin Gestalt X12</a>, budget-minded me used SRAM Rival calipers. They looked great in their all-black finish. The calipers have two quite large pistons but in comparison with Hope calipers, they have fairly small pads. Brake performance is good but not mind-blowing. Brake pad life is decent. They need adapter plates front and back. The calipers are made of two halves bolted together with two steel bolts. While elegantly shaped, this makes them a bit bulky.</p>\n<div class=\"gallery-wrapper\"><div class=\"gallery\"  data-is-empty=\"false\" data-translation=\"Add images\" data-columns=\"5\">\n<figure class=\"gallery__item\"><a href=\"https://offtrail.guru/media/posts/92/gallery/updating-brakes-11.jpg\" data-size=\"1873x2341\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https://offtrail.guru/media/posts/92/gallery/updating-brakes-11-thumbnail.webp\" alt=\"Old Hope RX4 front caliper.\" width=\"720\" height=\"900\"></a>\n<figcaption>Front.</figcaption>\n</figure>\n<figure class=\"gallery__item\"><a href=\"https://offtrail.guru/media/posts/92/gallery/updating-brakes-12.jpg\" data-size=\"3191x2279\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https://offtrail.guru/media/posts/92/gallery/updating-brakes-12-thumbnail.webp\" alt=\"Old Hope RX4 rear caliper.\" width=\"720\" height=\"514\"></a>\n<figcaption>Rear.</figcaption>\n</figure>\n<figure class=\"gallery__item\"><a href=\"https://offtrail.guru/media/posts/92/gallery/updating-brakes-13.jpg\" data-size=\"2499x1999\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https://offtrail.guru/media/posts/92/gallery/updating-brakes-13-thumbnail.webp\" alt=\"Old Hope RX4 front caliper.\" width=\"720\" height=\"576\"></a>\n<figcaption>Front.</figcaption>\n</figure>\n<figure class=\"gallery__item\"><a href=\"https://offtrail.guru/media/posts/92/gallery/updating-brakes-14.jpg\" data-size=\"3620x2172\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https://offtrail.guru/media/posts/92/gallery/updating-brakes-14-thumbnail.webp\" alt=\"Old Hope RX4 rear caliper.\" width=\"720\" height=\"432\"></a>\n<figcaption>Rear.</figcaption>\n</figure>\n<figure class=\"gallery__item\"><a href=\"https://offtrail.guru/media/posts/92/gallery/updating-brakes-15.jpg\" data-size=\"3490x1963\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https://offtrail.guru/media/posts/92/gallery/updating-brakes-15-thumbnail.webp\" alt=\"Marnin Gestalt X12 with Hope RX4 calipers.\" width=\"720\" height=\"405\"></a>\n<figcaption>Marin Gestalt X12.</figcaption>\n</figure>\n</div></div>\n<p>I retreated into the basement and replaced the SRAM calipers with the Hope RX4 calipers from my Albarda. All I had to do was cut the SRAM olives and barbs off the hoses and add the ones from Hope. In the heat of the battle, I forgot to check hose lengths. I could have shortened the front hose by another 5 to 10 mm. The Marin lost some weight (full disclaimer - I didn't weigh the two caliper pairs), gained some braking power, and looks cooler, too.</p>",
            "image": "https://offtrail.guru/media/posts/92/updating-brakes-00.jpg",
            "author": {
                "name": "Patrick"
            },
            "tags": [
                   "brakes",
                   "blog post",
                   "bike components"
            ],
            "date_published": "2024-10-13T11:07:00+02:00",
            "date_modified": "2024-10-13T13:34:17+02:00"
        },
        {
            "id": "https://offtrail.guru/dji-neo-the-perfect-cyclists-drone/",
            "url": "https://offtrail.guru/dji-neo-the-perfect-cyclists-drone/",
            "title": "DJI Neo - The Perfect Cyclist&#x27;s Drone ",
            "summary": "I got my feet wet using a drone for cycling photography in the spring of 2017 when I bought a Yuneec Breeze 4K. It showed me two things at the time. Firstly, I was able to capture some amazing photos. Secondly, drone technology wasn't ready.",
            "content_html": "<p class=\"dropcap\">I got my feet wet using a drone for cycling photography in the <a href=\"https://www.flickr.com/photos/collideous/tags/23032017\">spring of 2017</a> when I bought a Yuneec Breeze 4K. It showed me two things at the time. Firstly, I was able to capture some <a href=\"https://www.flickr.com/photos/collideous/tags/yuneec\">amazing</a> photos. Secondly, drone technology wasn't ready. I continued to follow the development of consumer drones. With <a href=\"https://www.dji.com/\">DJI</a>'s release of the <a href=\"https://www.dji.com/ch/neo\">Neo</a>, the first drone that I consider \"ready\" has arrived. If you're into flying drones and have the time and money for it, very capable drones have been available for years. But if you wanted something that does the job, and does the job quickly and easily, there was nothing remotely comparable to the Neo until now.</p>\n<hr>\n<div class=\"gallery-wrapper\"><div class=\"gallery\"  data-is-empty=\"false\" data-translation=\"Add images\" data-columns=\"5\">\n<figure class=\"gallery__item\"><a href=\"https://offtrail.guru/media/posts/96/gallery/perfect-drone-01.jpg\" data-size=\"3840x2160\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https://offtrail.guru/media/posts/96/gallery/perfect-drone-01-thumbnail.webp\" alt=\"Climbing the Romontberg.\" width=\"720\" height=\"405\"></a>\n<figcaption>Climb #1</figcaption>\n</figure>\n<figure class=\"gallery__item\"><a href=\"https://offtrail.guru/media/posts/96/gallery/perfect-drone-02.jpg\" data-size=\"3840x2160\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https://offtrail.guru/media/posts/96/gallery/perfect-drone-02-thumbnail.webp\" alt=\"Climbing the Romontberg.\" width=\"720\" height=\"405\"></a>\n<figcaption>Climb #2</figcaption>\n</figure>\n<figure class=\"gallery__item\"><a href=\"https://offtrail.guru/media/posts/96/gallery/perfect-drone-03.jpg\" data-size=\"3840x2160\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https://offtrail.guru/media/posts/96/gallery/perfect-drone-03-thumbnail.webp\" alt=\"Climbing the Romontberg.\" width=\"720\" height=\"405\"></a>\n<figcaption>Climb #3</figcaption>\n</figure>\n<figure class=\"gallery__item\"><a href=\"https://offtrail.guru/media/posts/96/gallery/perfect-drone-04.jpg\" data-size=\"3840x2160\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https://offtrail.guru/media/posts/96/gallery/perfect-drone-04-thumbnail.webp\" alt=\"Climbing the Romontberg.\" width=\"720\" height=\"405\"></a>\n<figcaption>Climb #4</figcaption>\n</figure>\n<figure class=\"gallery__item\"><a href=\"https://offtrail.guru/media/posts/96/gallery/perfect-drone-05.jpg\" data-size=\"3840x2160\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https://offtrail.guru/media/posts/96/gallery/perfect-drone-05-thumbnail.webp\" alt=\"Climbing the Romontberg.\" width=\"720\" height=\"405\"></a>\n<figcaption>Climb #5</figcaption>\n</figure>\n</div></div>\n<p>What makes it such a great drone for cycling? For one, its weight and small form factor. At <a href=\"https://www.bing.com/search?q=dji+neo+weight\">135 grams</a> and a size of <a href=\"https://www.bing.com/search?q=dji+neo+dimensions\">130×157×48.5 mm</a>, it doesn't take much room in a backpack, and you barely carry any extra weight. Next is control. The easiest way to use the Neo is through <a href=\"https://youtu.be/X8EZfvZpMnk?si=UkX8lenPUwXLip7E\">Palm Control</a>. After powering it on, you use the mode button to switch among multiple intelligent shooting modes. Follow and spotlight will be the modes you use most often for cycling.</p>\n<p><a href=\"https://youtu.be/Jyq8p0QWnnA?si=hn6FdgWX3UrXhq3C\">\n<div class=\"gallery-wrapper\"><div class=\"gallery\"  data-is-empty=\"false\" data-translation=\"Add images\" data-columns=\"5\">\n<figure class=\"gallery__item\"><a href=\"https://offtrail.guru/media/posts/96/gallery/perfect-drone-11.jpg\" data-size=\"3840x2160\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https://offtrail.guru/media/posts/96/gallery/perfect-drone-11-thumbnail.webp\" alt=\"Climbing the Romontberg.\" width=\"720\" height=\"405\"></a>\n<figcaption>Climb #1</figcaption>\n</figure>\n<figure class=\"gallery__item\"><a href=\"https://offtrail.guru/media/posts/96/gallery/perfect-drone-12.jpg\" data-size=\"3840x2160\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https://offtrail.guru/media/posts/96/gallery/perfect-drone-12-thumbnail.webp\" alt=\"Climbing the Romontberg.\" width=\"720\" height=\"405\"></a>\n<figcaption>Climb #2</figcaption>\n</figure>\n<figure class=\"gallery__item\"><a href=\"https://offtrail.guru/media/posts/96/gallery/perfect-drone-13.jpg\" data-size=\"3840x2160\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https://offtrail.guru/media/posts/96/gallery/perfect-drone-13-thumbnail.webp\" alt=\"Climbing the Romontberg.\" width=\"720\" height=\"405\"></a>\n<figcaption>Climb #3</figcaption>\n</figure>\n<figure class=\"gallery__item\"><a href=\"https://offtrail.guru/media/posts/96/gallery/perfect-drone-14.jpg\" data-size=\"3840x2160\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https://offtrail.guru/media/posts/96/gallery/perfect-drone-14-thumbnail.webp\" alt=\"Climbing the Romontberg.\" width=\"720\" height=\"405\"></a>\n<figcaption>Climb #4</figcaption>\n</figure>\n<figure class=\"gallery__item\"><a href=\"https://offtrail.guru/media/posts/96/gallery/perfect-drone-15.jpg\" data-size=\"3840x2160\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https://offtrail.guru/media/posts/96/gallery/perfect-drone-15-thumbnail.webp\" alt=\"On the way to Büren.\" width=\"720\" height=\"405\"></a>\n<figcaption>Büren #1</figcaption>\n</figure>\n</div></div>\nMobile App Control</a> is the better choice for more control and peace of mind while riding. Mount your smartphone to the handlebar, and you can keep an eye on the drone or change flight modes while the Neo remains in flight. The best thing for cyclists is Voice Control through the <a href=\"https://www.dji.com/ch/downloads/djiapp/dji-fly\">Fly App</a>. While you’re riding, you can use voice commands such as “follow,” “brake,” “higher,” “lower,” “farther,” and many more. You can keep both hands firmly on your bars, and your eyes can stay focused on the road. I use voice commands all the time.</p>\n<div class=\"gallery-wrapper\"><div class=\"gallery\"  data-is-empty=\"false\" data-translation=\"Add images\" data-columns=\"5\">\n<figure class=\"gallery__item\"><a href=\"https://offtrail.guru/media/posts/96/gallery/perfect-drone-21.jpg\" data-size=\"3840x2160\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https://offtrail.guru/media/posts/96/gallery/perfect-drone-21-thumbnail.webp\" alt=\"On the way to Büren.\" width=\"720\" height=\"405\"></a>\n<figcaption>Büren #2</figcaption>\n</figure>\n<figure class=\"gallery__item\"><a href=\"https://offtrail.guru/media/posts/96/gallery/perfect-drone-22.jpg\" data-size=\"3840x2160\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https://offtrail.guru/media/posts/96/gallery/perfect-drone-22-thumbnail.webp\" alt=\"Climbing the Romontberg.\" width=\"720\" height=\"405\"></a>\n<figcaption>Climb #1</figcaption>\n</figure>\n<figure class=\"gallery__item\"><a href=\"https://offtrail.guru/media/posts/96/gallery/perfect-drone-23.jpg\" data-size=\"3840x2160\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https://offtrail.guru/media/posts/96/gallery/perfect-drone-23-thumbnail.webp\" alt=\"Climbing the Romontberg.\" width=\"720\" height=\"405\"></a>\n<figcaption>Climb #2</figcaption>\n</figure>\n<figure class=\"gallery__item\"><a href=\"https://offtrail.guru/media/posts/96/gallery/perfect-drone-24.jpg\" data-size=\"3840x2160\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https://offtrail.guru/media/posts/96/gallery/perfect-drone-24-thumbnail.webp\" alt=\"Climbing the Romontberg.\" width=\"720\" height=\"405\"></a>\n<figcaption>Climb #3</figcaption>\n</figure>\n<figure class=\"gallery__item\"><a href=\"https://offtrail.guru/media/posts/96/gallery/perfect-drone-25.jpg\" data-size=\"3840x2160\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https://offtrail.guru/media/posts/96/gallery/perfect-drone-25-thumbnail.webp\" alt=\"Climbing the Romontberg.\" width=\"720\" height=\"405\"></a>\n<figcaption>Climb #4</figcaption>\n</figure>\n</div></div>\n<p>My <a href=\"https://www.flickr.com/photos/collideous/albums/72177720320374754\">fall 2024 photo album</a> already has close to 100 photos I’ve taken with the Neo. I’ve only pulled out my iPhone 12 or DJI Action 2 camera fourteen times to snap a photo during the <a href=\"https://www.flickr.com/photos/collideous/albums/72177720318301731\">summer</a>.</p>\n<div class=\"gallery-wrapper\"><div class=\"gallery\"  data-is-empty=\"false\" data-translation=\"Add images\" data-columns=\"5\">\n<figure class=\"gallery__item\"><a href=\"https://offtrail.guru/media/posts/96/gallery/perfect-drone-31.jpg\" data-size=\"3840x2160\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https://offtrail.guru/media/posts/96/gallery/perfect-drone-31-thumbnail.webp\" alt=\"Climbing the Romontberg.\" width=\"720\" height=\"405\"></a>\n<figcaption>Climb #1</figcaption>\n</figure>\n<figure class=\"gallery__item\"><a href=\"https://offtrail.guru/media/posts/96/gallery/perfect-drone-32.jpg\" data-size=\"3840x2160\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https://offtrail.guru/media/posts/96/gallery/perfect-drone-32-thumbnail.webp\" alt=\"Climbing the Romontberg.\" width=\"720\" height=\"405\"></a>\n<figcaption>Climb #2</figcaption>\n</figure>\n<figure class=\"gallery__item\"><a href=\"https://offtrail.guru/media/posts/96/gallery/perfect-drone-33.jpg\" data-size=\"3840x2160\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https://offtrail.guru/media/posts/96/gallery/perfect-drone-33-thumbnail.webp\" alt=\"On the way to Büren.\" width=\"720\" height=\"405\"></a>\n<figcaption>Büren #3</figcaption>\n</figure>\n<figure class=\"gallery__item\"><a href=\"https://offtrail.guru/media/posts/96/gallery/perfect-drone-34.jpg\" data-size=\"3840x2160\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https://offtrail.guru/media/posts/96/gallery/perfect-drone-34-thumbnail.webp\" alt=\"On the way to Selzach.\" width=\"720\" height=\"405\"></a>\n<figcaption>Selzach #1</figcaption>\n</figure>\n<figure class=\"gallery__item\"><a href=\"https://offtrail.guru/media/posts/96/gallery/perfect-drone-35.jpg\" data-size=\"3840x2160\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https://offtrail.guru/media/posts/96/gallery/perfect-drone-35-thumbnail.webp\" alt=\"On the way to Selzach.\" width=\"720\" height=\"405\"></a>\n<figcaption>Selzach #2</figcaption>\n</figure>\n</div></div>",
            "image": "https://offtrail.guru/media/posts/96/perfect-drone-00.jpg",
            "author": {
                "name": "Patrick"
            },
            "tags": [
                   "road cycling",
                   "drone",
                   "cycling",
                   "cameras"
            ],
            "date_published": "2024-10-11T19:16:53+02:00",
            "date_modified": "2024-10-11T19:16:53+02:00"
        },
        {
            "id": "https://offtrail.guru/my-latest-gadget-the-dji-neo/",
            "url": "https://offtrail.guru/my-latest-gadget-the-dji-neo/",
            "title": "My Latest Gadget, The DJI Neo",
            "summary": "<p class=\"dropcap\">Seven years ago, I bought a Yuneec Breeze 4K drone for cycling photography. It allowed me to snap some <a href=\"https://www.flickr.com/photos/collideous/tags/yuneec\">awesome shots</a> only a flying camera can take. It was an unreliable flying object, though. After half a year, it self-destructed. I've been following the development of consumer drones as attentively as the bike market ever since. <a href=\"https://www.dji.com/\">DJI</a> brought the Spark and the Mavic Minis. US-based <a href=\"https://www.skydio.com/\">Skydio</a> was the first company to release a drone with subject follow mode and obstacle avoidance with the R1 in 2018. They were never available to consumers in Europe. Last year, <a href=\"https://zerozerorobotics.com/\">Zero Zero Robotics</a> brought the <a href=\"https://hoverair.com/\">HoverAir X1</a> pocket-sized self-flying drone. They improved this concept this year with the <a href=\"https://hoverair.com/pages/x1-pro-and-promax\">HoverAir X1 Pro/ProMax</a>. While the 8K video-capable ProMax is a drone I could see myself owning one day, I'm getting back into drone photography on a much smaller budget with the <a href=\"https://www.dji.com/ch/neo\">DJI Neo</a>.</p>\n",
            "content_html": "<p class=\"dropcap\">Seven years ago, I bought a Yuneec Breeze 4K drone for cycling photography. It allowed me to snap some <a href=\"https://www.flickr.com/photos/collideous/tags/yuneec\">awesome shots</a> only a flying camera can take. It was an unreliable flying object, though. After half a year, it self-destructed. I've been following the development of consumer drones as attentively as the bike market ever since. <a href=\"https://www.dji.com/\">DJI</a> brought the Spark and the Mavic Minis. US-based <a href=\"https://www.skydio.com/\">Skydio</a> was the first company to release a drone with subject follow mode and obstacle avoidance with the R1 in 2018. They were never available to consumers in Europe. Last year, <a href=\"https://zerozerorobotics.com/\">Zero Zero Robotics</a> brought the <a href=\"https://hoverair.com/\">HoverAir X1</a> pocket-sized self-flying drone. They improved this concept this year with the <a href=\"https://hoverair.com/pages/x1-pro-and-promax\">HoverAir X1 Pro/ProMax</a>. While the 8K video-capable ProMax is a drone I could see myself owning one day, I'm getting back into drone photography on a much smaller budget with the <a href=\"https://www.dji.com/ch/neo\">DJI Neo</a>.</p>\n\n<div class=\"gallery-wrapper\"><div class=\"gallery\"  data-is-empty=\"false\" data-translation=\"Add images\" data-columns=\"3\">\n<figure class=\"gallery__item\"><a href=\"https://offtrail.guru/media/posts/95/gallery/dji-neo-01.jpg\" data-size=\"3840x2160\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https://offtrail.guru/media/posts/95/gallery/dji-neo-01-thumbnail.webp\" alt=\"Climbing the Bözingenberg.\" width=\"720\" height=\"405\"></a>\n<figcaption>Climb.</figcaption>\n</figure>\n<figure class=\"gallery__item\"><a href=\"https://offtrail.guru/media/posts/95/gallery/dji-neo-02.jpg\" data-size=\"3840x2160\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https://offtrail.guru/media/posts/95/gallery/dji-neo-02-thumbnail.webp\" alt=\"Riding across the Bözingenberg.\" width=\"720\" height=\"405\"></a>\n<figcaption>Pasture.</figcaption>\n</figure>\n<figure class=\"gallery__item\"><a href=\"https://offtrail.guru/media/posts/95/gallery/dji-neo-03.jpg\" data-size=\"3840x2160\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https://offtrail.guru/media/posts/95/gallery/dji-neo-03-thumbnail.webp\" alt=\"Riding under trees.\" width=\"720\" height=\"405\"></a>\n<figcaption>Tree.</figcaption>\n</figure>\n</div></div>\n<p>The Neo is DJI's lightest and most compact drone to date. It weighs a measly 135 grams. You can buy the drone alone with a single battery for <a href=\"https://store.dji.com/ch/product/dji-neo\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">199 €</a> or as a Fly More Combo for <a href=\"https://store.dji.com/ch/product/dji-neo-fly-more-combo\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">349 €</a> that includes a remote controller, three batteries, and a two-way charging hub. The Neo takes off and lands on your palm. You can select six intelligent shooting modes, or QuickShots, with a mode button on the drone or <a href=\"https://www.dji.com/ch/downloads/djiapp/dji-fly\">DJI’s Fly app</a> on your phone. The Neo can also be paired with all existing DJI remote controllers and goggles.</p>\n<div class=\"gallery-wrapper\"><div class=\"gallery\"  data-is-empty=\"false\" data-translation=\"Add images\" data-columns=\"3\">\n<figure class=\"gallery__item\"><a href=\"https://offtrail.guru/media/posts/95/gallery/dji-neo-04.jpg\" data-size=\"3840x2160\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https://offtrail.guru/media/posts/95/gallery/dji-neo-04-thumbnail.webp\" alt=\"Top of the Bözingenberg.\" width=\"720\" height=\"405\"></a>\n<figcaption>Top.</figcaption>\n</figure>\n<figure class=\"gallery__item\"><a href=\"https://offtrail.guru/media/posts/95/gallery/dji-neo-05.jpg\" data-size=\"3840x2160\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https://offtrail.guru/media/posts/95/gallery/dji-neo-05-thumbnail.webp\" alt=\"The woods of the Bözingenberg.\" width=\"720\" height=\"405\"></a>\n<figcaption>Woods.</figcaption>\n</figure>\n<figure class=\"gallery__item\"><a href=\"https://offtrail.guru/media/posts/95/gallery/dji-neo-06.jpg\" data-size=\"3840x2160\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https://offtrail.guru/media/posts/95/gallery/dji-neo-06-thumbnail.webp\" alt=\"More speed, more distance.\" width=\"720\" height=\"405\"></a>\n<figcaption>Speed.</figcaption>\n</figure>\n</div></div>\n<p>It’s an awesome little tool for vloggers and videographers, which I’m not. When I bought my first action camera, I created about a dozen videos I uploaded to YouTube. One of those received in the neighborhood of 20’000 views. I quickly realized that good videos take an awful lot of time to produce, both while outside capturing interesting footage and back inside stitching it all together with video editing software. I couldn’t give video editing a couple of hours of my day. Since then, I’ve been using my action cameras to capture short videos of me riding so that I can export photo snapshots out of those short clips at home. I used the Yuneec Breeze the same way and will use the Neo for the same purpose.</p>\n<div class=\"gallery-wrapper\"><div class=\"gallery\"  data-is-empty=\"false\" data-translation=\"Add images\" data-columns=\"3\">\n<figure class=\"gallery__item\"><a href=\"https://offtrail.guru/media/posts/95/gallery/dji-neo-07.jpg\" data-size=\"3840x2160\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https://offtrail.guru/media/posts/95/gallery/dji-neo-07-thumbnail.webp\" alt=\"Entering a section of forest.\" width=\"720\" height=\"405\"></a>\n<figcaption>Forest.</figcaption>\n</figure>\n<figure class=\"gallery__item\"><a href=\"https://offtrail.guru/media/posts/95/gallery/dji-neo-08.jpg\" data-size=\"3840x2160\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https://offtrail.guru/media/posts/95/gallery/dji-neo-08-thumbnail.webp\" alt=\"Taking more speed.\" width=\"720\" height=\"405\"></a>\n<figcaption>Fast.</figcaption>\n</figure>\n<figure class=\"gallery__item\"><a href=\"https://offtrail.guru/media/posts/95/gallery/dji-neo-09.jpg\" data-size=\"3840x2160\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https://offtrail.guru/media/posts/95/gallery/dji-neo-09-thumbnail.webp\" alt=\"Across pastures.\" width=\"720\" height=\"405\"></a>\n<figcaption>Pasture.</figcaption>\n</figure>\n</div></div>\n<p>For <a href=\"https://www.strava.com/activities/12467048094\">Saturday’s MTB ride</a>, I brought the Neo along. Before I pulled the trigger on one, I watched a bunch of <a href=\"https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=dji+neo\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">YouTube videos</a> about the DJI Neo. I already had a good idea of what this tiny little drone can and cannot do. It is impressive for a drone that has no obstacle avoidance. The Neo followed me across pastures and <a href=\"https://www.flickr.com/photos/collideous/54012785643\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">through the woods</a>. You have to know the Neo’s limitations and think about the drone when picking your lines. Don’t ride too fast, or the drone can’t keep up. Slow down in the woods so that the Neo can exactly follow your path without taking shortcuts. On Saturday, the Neo never lost me and never hit anything. Truly amazing!</p>\n<p>This little drone will sell like hotcakes and replace people’s selfie sticks to be everyone’s selfie drone. On Saturday’s ride, I passed several hikers with the Neo in tow. The response was amazement and curiosity. Such reactions are going to change, though. Once every rider zooms by with a selfie drone a few meters behind, and every hiker TikToks his or her adventure with a flying camera, people will get annoyed. Such drones will become a real nuisance once tourists use them like they use selfie sticks now. I won’t be surprised to see more “no drone” signs popping up at tourist hotspots. There’s a good chance the Neo is going to replace the selfie stick.</p>",
            "image": "https://offtrail.guru/media/posts/95/dji-neo-00.jpg",
            "author": {
                "name": "Patrick"
            },
            "tags": [
                   "drone",
                   "cameras"
            ],
            "date_published": "2024-09-23T11:53:36+02:00",
            "date_modified": "2024-09-24T09:06:13+02:00"
        },
        {
            "id": "https://offtrail.guru/spexcel-cycling-apparel/",
            "url": "https://offtrail.guru/spexcel-cycling-apparel/",
            "title": "Spexcel Cycling Apparel",
            "summary": "<p class=\"dropcap\">Other than a review on <a href=\"https://thebidon.com/review/my-spexcel-cycling-review-haul/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">theBidon</a> blog and a few Reddits, there's very little online about Shenzhen-based cycling apparel brand <a href=\"https://spexcel.cc/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Spexcel</a>. I first ran across Spexcel on AliExpress in 2023. I bought a few windproof vests and two bibs for the fall and winter seasons. The quality and workmanship were outstanding. In 2024, I revisited their <a href=\"https://spexcel.aliexpress.com/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">AliExpress store</a> multiple times. I bought a half dozen jerseys, several bib shorts, and a thin, windproof vest. I have a drawer full of jerseys, some old, some newer; what I was missing were short-sleeve jerseys made from extremely lightweight materials for hot summer days. By hot, I mean 24-28°C. No jersey in the world would make cycling fun at 30 °C. Spexcel had just what I needed.</p>\n",
            "content_html": "<p class=\"dropcap\">Other than a review on <a href=\"https://thebidon.com/review/my-spexcel-cycling-review-haul/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">theBidon</a> blog and a few Reddits, there's very little online about Shenzhen-based cycling apparel brand <a href=\"https://spexcel.cc/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Spexcel</a>. I first ran across Spexcel on AliExpress in 2023. I bought a few windproof vests and two bibs for the fall and winter seasons. The quality and workmanship were outstanding. In 2024, I revisited their <a href=\"https://spexcel.aliexpress.com/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">AliExpress store</a> multiple times. I bought a half dozen jerseys, several bib shorts, and a thin, windproof vest. I have a drawer full of jerseys, some old, some newer; what I was missing were short-sleeve jerseys made from extremely lightweight materials for hot summer days. By hot, I mean 24-28°C. No jersey in the world would make cycling fun at 30 °C. Spexcel had just what I needed.</p>\n\n<div class=\"gallery-wrapper\"><div class=\"gallery\"  data-is-empty=\"false\" data-translation=\"Add images\" data-columns=\"4\">\n<figure class=\"gallery__item\"><a href=\"https://offtrail.guru/media/posts/91/gallery/spexcel-clothing-01.jpg\" data-size=\"2377x2377\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https://offtrail.guru/media/posts/91/gallery/spexcel-clothing-01-thumbnail.webp\" alt=\"Spexcel short-sleeve cycling jerseys.\" width=\"720\" height=\"720\"></a>\n<figcaption>Jerseys.</figcaption>\n</figure>\n<figure class=\"gallery__item\"><a href=\"https://offtrail.guru/media/posts/91/gallery/spexcel-clothing-02.jpg\" data-size=\"2351x2351\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https://offtrail.guru/media/posts/91/gallery/spexcel-clothing-02-thumbnail.webp\" alt=\"Spexcel short-sleeve cycling jerseys.\" width=\"720\" height=\"720\"></a>\n<figcaption>Jerseys.</figcaption>\n</figure>\n<figure class=\"gallery__item\"><a href=\"https://offtrail.guru/media/posts/91/gallery/spexcel-clothing-03.jpg\" data-size=\"2532x2532\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https://offtrail.guru/media/posts/91/gallery/spexcel-clothing-03-thumbnail.webp\" alt=\"Spexcel vests.\" width=\"720\" height=\"720\"></a>\n<figcaption>Vests.</figcaption>\n</figure>\n<figure class=\"gallery__item\"><a href=\"https://offtrail.guru/media/posts/91/gallery/spexcel-clothing-04.jpg\" data-size=\"2522x2522\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https://offtrail.guru/media/posts/91/gallery/spexcel-clothing-04-thumbnail.webp\" alt=\"Spexcel vests.\" width=\"720\" height=\"720\"></a>\n<figcaption>Vests.</figcaption>\n</figure>\n</div></div>\n<p>I'm 176 cm, with normal proportions, muscular rather than skinny. At the moment, I have a bit more fat around my waist than I would normally have. I buy the bib shorts in medium and the jerseys in large. Once I can slim back to my normal weight, the jerseys should still be good. The vests in size large are a little tight and will fit perfectly once I drop a few kilos.</p>\n<div class=\"gallery-wrapper\"><div class=\"gallery\"  data-is-empty=\"false\" data-translation=\"Add images\" data-columns=\"4\">\n<figure class=\"gallery__item\"><a href=\"https://offtrail.guru/media/posts/91/gallery/spexcel-clothing-05.jpg\" data-size=\"2446x3425\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https://offtrail.guru/media/posts/91/gallery/spexcel-clothing-05-thumbnail.webp\" alt=\"Spexcel bib-shorts.\" width=\"720\" height=\"1008\"></a>\n<figcaption>Bibs.</figcaption>\n</figure>\n<figure class=\"gallery__item\"><a href=\"https://offtrail.guru/media/posts/91/gallery/spexcel-clothing-06.jpg\" data-size=\"2160x3840\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https://offtrail.guru/media/posts/91/gallery/spexcel-clothing-06-thumbnail.webp\" alt=\"Spexcel bib-shorts.\" width=\"720\" height=\"1280\"></a>\n<figcaption>Bibs.</figcaption>\n</figure>\n<figure class=\"gallery__item\"><a href=\"https://offtrail.guru/media/posts/91/gallery/spexcel-clothing-07.jpg\" data-size=\"2587x2587\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https://offtrail.guru/media/posts/91/gallery/spexcel-clothing-07-thumbnail.webp\" alt=\"Spexcel insulated vest.\" width=\"720\" height=\"720\"></a>\n<figcaption>Shoulder print.</figcaption>\n</figure>\n<figure class=\"gallery__item\"><a href=\"https://offtrail.guru/media/posts/91/gallery/spexcel-clothing-08.jpg\" data-size=\"4032x2268\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https://offtrail.guru/media/posts/91/gallery/spexcel-clothing-08-thumbnail.webp\" alt=\"Spexcel insulated vest.\" width=\"720\" height=\"405\"></a>\n<figcaption>Chest print.</figcaption>\n</figure>\n</div></div>\n<p>What's to like:</p>\n<ul>\n<li>excellent construction</li>\n<li>comfortable high-end fabrics</li>\n<li>stylish colors (zippers in the same color)</li>\n<li>small unobtrusive logos</li>\n<li>unbeatable value for money</li>\n</ul>\n<div class=\"gallery-wrapper\"><div class=\"gallery\"  data-is-empty=\"false\" data-translation=\"Add images\" data-columns=\"4\">\n<figure class=\"gallery__item\"><a href=\"https://offtrail.guru/media/posts/91/gallery/spexcel-clothing-09.jpg\" data-size=\"4032x2268\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https://offtrail.guru/media/posts/91/gallery/spexcel-clothing-09-thumbnail.webp\" alt=\"Spexcel short-sleeve cycling jersey.\" width=\"720\" height=\"405\"></a>\n<figcaption>Chest print.</figcaption>\n</figure>\n<figure class=\"gallery__item\"><a href=\"https://offtrail.guru/media/posts/91/gallery/spexcel-clothing-10.jpg\" data-size=\"2188x1563\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https://offtrail.guru/media/posts/91/gallery/spexcel-clothing-10-thumbnail.webp\" alt=\"Spexcel short-sleeve cycling jersey.\" width=\"720\" height=\"514\"></a>\n<figcaption>Pocket print.</figcaption>\n</figure>\n<figure class=\"gallery__item\"><a href=\"https://offtrail.guru/media/posts/91/gallery/spexcel-clothing-11.jpg\" data-size=\"4032x2268\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https://offtrail.guru/media/posts/91/gallery/spexcel-clothing-11-thumbnail.webp\" alt=\"Spexcel folded bib-shorts.\" width=\"720\" height=\"405\"></a>\n<figcaption>Bibs.</figcaption>\n</figure>\n<figure class=\"gallery__item\"><a href=\"https://offtrail.guru/media/posts/91/gallery/spexcel-clothing-12.jpg\" data-size=\"3243x2316\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https://offtrail.guru/media/posts/91/gallery/spexcel-clothing-12-thumbnail.webp\" alt=\"Spexcel folded bib-shorts.\" width=\"720\" height=\"514\"></a>\n<figcaption>Bibs.</figcaption>\n</figure>\n</div></div>\n<p>If you're looking for comfortable, well-made performance clothing that doesn't cost an arm and a leg, check them out. Riding on a tight budget that keeps the wife happy and leaves some spare dollars for your kid's college fund or your retirement has never been easier.</p>",
            "image": "https://offtrail.guru/media/posts/91/spexcel-clothing-00.jpg",
            "author": {
                "name": "Patrick"
            },
            "tags": [
                   "road cycling",
                   "cycling",
                   "clothing",
                   "blog post"
            ],
            "date_published": "2024-08-05T19:59:30+02:00",
            "date_modified": "2024-08-11T18:03:07+02:00"
        },
        {
            "id": "https://offtrail.guru/updating-brakes-round-one/",
            "url": "https://offtrail.guru/updating-brakes-round-one/",
            "title": "Updating Brakes Round One",
            "summary": "<p class=\"dropcap\">I owned a lovely set of red Formula R1 brakes since 2010. They went onto my singlespeed <a href=\"https://www.flickr.com/photos/collideous/albums/72157624709981871/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Niner Air9 Carbon</a>, moved to my black <a href=\"https://www.flickr.com/photos/collideous/albums/72157632448649049/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">44 Kid Dangerous</a> in 2013, and then to my <a href=\"https://offtrail.guru/fortyfour-marauder/\">44 Marauder</a> in 2017; fourteen years of service and still working perfectly. It was time to treat the Marauder to a new set of brakes. I was just waiting for a worthy replacement to appear on the market. This happened recently with Hope’s release of the <a href=\"https://www.hopetech.com/products/brakes/xc/xcr-pro-e4/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">XCR brakes</a> in anodized colors and the option of two, or four-piston calipers. Hope is essentially the only manufacturer that still offers disc brakes in a variety of colors. The XCR with E4 calipers were the brakes I was waiting for.</p>\n",
            "content_html": "<p class=\"dropcap\">I owned a lovely set of red Formula R1 brakes since 2010. They went onto my singlespeed <a href=\"https://www.flickr.com/photos/collideous/albums/72157624709981871/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Niner Air9 Carbon</a>, moved to my black <a href=\"https://www.flickr.com/photos/collideous/albums/72157632448649049/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">44 Kid Dangerous</a> in 2013, and then to my <a href=\"https://offtrail.guru/fortyfour-marauder/\">44 Marauder</a> in 2017; fourteen years of service and still working perfectly. It was time to treat the Marauder to a new set of brakes. I was just waiting for a worthy replacement to appear on the market. This happened recently with Hope’s release of the <a href=\"https://www.hopetech.com/products/brakes/xc/xcr-pro-e4/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">XCR brakes</a> in anodized colors and the option of two, or four-piston calipers. Hope is essentially the only manufacturer that still offers disc brakes in a variety of colors. The XCR with E4 calipers were the brakes I was waiting for.</p>\n\n<p>The lever is gorgeously CNC-machined, is rather minimalist, and therefore light-weight. The E4 caliper offers a cleaner hose routing than the old Formula R1. The caliper is CNC'd in one piece from high-grade forged aluminum billet. This pair of brakes should have more bite than my old R1s; the only negative - is DOT. The <a href=\"https://www.rideformula.com/products/mtb-brakes/cura4/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Curas</a> on my <a href=\"https://offtrail.guru/stooge-mk5/\">Stooge</a> and <a href=\"https://offtrail.guru/fortyfour-snakedriver/\">Snakedriver</a> use mineral oil. All my road and gravel bikes use DOT fluid, so it is just one more bike requiring that brake fluid. Not a huge deal.</p>\n<div class=\"gallery-wrapper\"><div class=\"gallery\"  data-is-empty=\"false\" data-translation=\"Add images\" data-columns=\"5\">\n<figure class=\"gallery__item\"><a href=\"https://offtrail.guru/media/posts/90/gallery/upgrading.brakes.01.jpg\" data-size=\"4032x2268\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https://offtrail.guru/media/posts/90/gallery/upgrading.brakes.01-thumbnail.webp\" alt=\"Hope XCR brake lever.\" width=\"720\" height=\"405\"></a>\n<figcaption>Left lever.</figcaption>\n</figure>\n<figure class=\"gallery__item\"><a href=\"https://offtrail.guru/media/posts/90/gallery/upgrading.brakes.02.jpg\" data-size=\"2958x1664\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https://offtrail.guru/media/posts/90/gallery/upgrading.brakes.02-thumbnail.webp\" alt=\"Hope XCR E4 rear caliper.\" width=\"720\" height=\"405\"></a>\n<figcaption>Rear caliper.</figcaption>\n</figure>\n<figure class=\"gallery__item\"><a href=\"https://offtrail.guru/media/posts/90/gallery/upgrading.brakes.03.jpg\" data-size=\"4032x2268\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https://offtrail.guru/media/posts/90/gallery/upgrading.brakes.03-thumbnail.webp\" alt=\"Hope XCR brake lever.\" width=\"720\" height=\"405\"></a>\n<figcaption>Right lever.</figcaption>\n</figure>\n<figure class=\"gallery__item\"><a href=\"https://offtrail.guru/media/posts/90/gallery/upgrading.brakes.04.jpg\" data-size=\"4032x2268\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https://offtrail.guru/media/posts/90/gallery/upgrading.brakes.04-thumbnail.webp\" alt=\"Hope XCR E4 front caliper.\" width=\"720\" height=\"405\"></a>\n<figcaption>Front caliper.</figcaption>\n</figure>\n<figure class=\"gallery__item\"><a href=\"https://offtrail.guru/media/posts/90/gallery/upgrading.brakes.05.jpg\" data-size=\"4032x2268\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https://offtrail.guru/media/posts/90/gallery/upgrading.brakes.05-thumbnail.webp\" alt=\"Hope XCR brake lever.\" width=\"720\" height=\"405\"></a>\n<figcaption>Right lever.</figcaption>\n</figure>\n</div></div>\n<p>When placing my order for the XCR brakes, I also got a pair of post-mount <a href=\"https://www.hopetech.com/products/brakes/gravel-cx/rx4-caliper/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">RX4+ calipers</a> for my <a href=\"https://offtrail.guru/volagi-viaje-sl/\">Volagi Viaje</a>. The bike was already equipped with previous generation RX4 calipers. In our old, very humid basement, I always had issues with galvanic corrosion of aluminum components, particularly when they were exposed to sweat during a ride. I always had to clean my front hubs with WD40 before putting the bike in the basement, if sweat had dripped on them during hot summer rides. That’s a bit harder to do to a brake caliper bolted to the fork. The RX4 caliper corroded in one spot, which bothered me a little. It didn’t bother me enough to replace it, but with the RX4+ Hope <a href=\"https://www.hopetech.com/_repository/1/documents/RX4_Technical_Specs_2021.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">refined</a> these road calipers in several ways. All of the changes benefitted my Volagi Viaje. The hose-inlet angle on the old caliper had a sharp 20º angle. This pushed the hose against the chainstay in the back and caused a sharp bend of the hose up front. Hope reduced this angle to 10º allowing the hoses to be straighter. I also reached the sideways adjustment limit when trying to center the rear caliper. With the RX4+, Hope increased the adjustment from 2.5 to 3.5 mm. Lastly, Hope increased the piston diameters from 2x14 mm and 2x11 mm to 2x16 mm and 2x14 mm. I am certain that this will be noticeable.</p>\n<div class=\"gallery-wrapper\"><div class=\"gallery\"  data-is-empty=\"false\" data-translation=\"Add images\" data-columns=\"5\">\n<figure class=\"gallery__item\"><a href=\"https://offtrail.guru/media/posts/90/gallery/updating-brakes-06.jpg\" data-size=\"3820x2015\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https://offtrail.guru/media/posts/90/gallery/updating-brakes-06-thumbnail.webp\" alt=\"Hope RX4+ black calipers.\" width=\"720\" height=\"380\"></a>\n<figcaption>Hope RX4+.</figcaption>\n</figure>\n<figure class=\"gallery__item\"><a href=\"https://offtrail.guru/media/posts/90/gallery/updating-brakes-07.jpg\" data-size=\"3667x2272\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https://offtrail.guru/media/posts/90/gallery/updating-brakes-07-thumbnail.webp\" alt=\"Hope RX4+ black calipers.\" width=\"720\" height=\"446\"></a>\n<figcaption>Hope RX4+.</figcaption>\n</figure>\n<figure class=\"gallery__item\"><a href=\"https://offtrail.guru/media/posts/90/gallery/updating-brakes-08.jpg\" data-size=\"3748x2167\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https://offtrail.guru/media/posts/90/gallery/updating-brakes-08-thumbnail.webp\" alt=\"Hope RX4+ and RX4 calipers.\" width=\"720\" height=\"416\"></a>\n<figcaption>RX4+ vs. RX4.</figcaption>\n</figure>\n<figure class=\"gallery__item\"><a href=\"https://offtrail.guru/media/posts/90/gallery/updating-brakes-09.jpg\" data-size=\"1936x1501\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https://offtrail.guru/media/posts/90/gallery/updating-brakes-09-thumbnail.webp\" alt=\"RX4+ verus RX4 brake pads.\" width=\"720\" height=\"558\"></a>\n<figcaption>Brake pads.</figcaption>\n</figure>\n<figure class=\"gallery__item\"><a href=\"https://offtrail.guru/media/posts/90/gallery/updating-brakes-10.jpg\" data-size=\"1730x2103\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https://offtrail.guru/media/posts/90/gallery/updating-brakes-10-thumbnail.webp\" alt=\"RX4+ verus RX4 brake pads.\" width=\"720\" height=\"875\"></a>\n<figcaption>Larger pads.</figcaption>\n</figure>\n</div></div>\n<p>On May 7th, Chris King introduced their <a href=\"https://chrisking.com/blogs/news/gen-4-hub-system\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Gen 4 hub system</a> with the main changes being universalized drivers and axles. The goal was to make parts cross-compatible, easily swappable, less expensive, and backward-compatible. I’ve had several pairs of <a href=\"https://www.flickr.com/photos/collideous/tags/r45d\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">R45D</a> hubs. If you wanted to swap an HG drive shell for XDR on an old hub, you also had to buy a new axle. Now, all drive shells and axles are cross-compatible. One bummer is that Chris King is still not making a <a href=\"https://chrisking.com/collections/all-small-parts/gen4+r45d-centerlock\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">135x10mm QR axle</a> for R45D hubs. I understand that all modern road and gravel bikes use thru-axles these days but there are still plenty of QR-equipped bikes being ridden and custom builders still make them now and then. Industry 9 and Hope offer QR end caps for their latest generation hubs. It would be a simple thing to add such an axle.</p>",
            "image": "https://offtrail.guru/media/posts/90/upgrading.brakes.00.jpg",
            "author": {
                "name": "Patrick"
            },
            "tags": [
                   "brakes",
                   "blog post",
                   "bike components"
            ],
            "date_published": "2024-07-19T09:02:00+02:00",
            "date_modified": "2024-08-22T09:28:42+02:00"
        },
        {
            "id": "https://offtrail.guru/another-round-of-changes/",
            "url": "https://offtrail.guru/another-round-of-changes/",
            "title": "Another Round Of Changes",
            "summary": "<p class=\"dropcap\">Just about when the pandemic started, our two cats were diagnosed with chronic kidney disease. The disease was already advanced in <a href=\"https://www.flickr.com/photos/collideous/51942832047\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">one</a> of the <a href=\"https://www.flickr.com/photos/collideous/51942832097\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">two girls</a>. She lived longer than the vets had given her but passed away two years ago. Her <a href=\"https://www.flickr.com/photos/collideous/51942832082\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">sister</a>, now 19 years old, is hanging in there. She is only still around because we are doing everything to give her the best quality of life for the time she still wants to soldier on. Care-taking, whether it is for an elderly parent, a disabled child, or in our case, aging cats with a progressing chronic disease, requires a big part of one’s time. My <a href=\"https://lookerstudio.google.com/embed/reporting/60bb91ce-3be9-4296-badb-cd114501fac7/page/p_43xyf0plrc\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">riding</a> has dropped from a peak of 8’700 km in 2018 to 3’000 km last year. Because of that, a couple of my bikes have not put on more miles. Since I had to be at home a lot for caretaking, I had time to take care of my dormant bike fleet. I replaced and updated components, instead of riding and replacing my bikes as I normally would.</p>\n",
            "content_html": "<p class=\"dropcap\">Just about when the pandemic started, our two cats were diagnosed with chronic kidney disease. The disease was already advanced in <a href=\"https://www.flickr.com/photos/collideous/51942832047\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">one</a> of the <a href=\"https://www.flickr.com/photos/collideous/51942832097\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">two girls</a>. She lived longer than the vets had given her but passed away two years ago. Her <a href=\"https://www.flickr.com/photos/collideous/51942832082\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">sister</a>, now 19 years old, is hanging in there. She is only still around because we are doing everything to give her the best quality of life for the time she still wants to soldier on. Care-taking, whether it is for an elderly parent, a disabled child, or in our case, aging cats with a progressing chronic disease, requires a big part of one’s time. My <a href=\"https://lookerstudio.google.com/embed/reporting/60bb91ce-3be9-4296-badb-cd114501fac7/page/p_43xyf0plrc\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">riding</a> has dropped from a peak of 8’700 km in 2018 to 3’000 km last year. Because of that, a couple of my bikes have not put on more miles. Since I had to be at home a lot for caretaking, I had time to take care of my dormant bike fleet. I replaced and updated components, instead of riding and replacing my bikes as I normally would.</p>\n\n<div class=\"gallery-wrapper\"><div class=\"gallery\"  data-is-empty=\"false\" data-translation=\"Add images\" data-columns=\"4\">\n<figure class=\"gallery__item\"><a href=\"https://offtrail.guru/media/posts/89/gallery/another-round-changes-01.jpg\" data-size=\"3672x2066\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https://offtrail.guru/media/posts/89/gallery/another-round-changes-01-thumbnail.webp\" alt=\"Nordest Albarda with SRAM Force XPLR AXS.\" width=\"720\" height=\"405\"></a>\n<figcaption>Latest update.</figcaption>\n</figure>\n<figure class=\"gallery__item\"><a href=\"https://offtrail.guru/media/posts/89/gallery/another-round-changes-02.jpg\" data-size=\"3644x2050\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https://offtrail.guru/media/posts/89/gallery/another-round-changes-02-thumbnail.webp\" alt=\"Nordest Albarda with SRAM Force XPLR AXS.\" width=\"720\" height=\"405\"></a>\n<figcaption>Drive side.</figcaption>\n</figure>\n<figure class=\"gallery__item\"><a href=\"https://offtrail.guru/media/posts/89/gallery/another-round-changes-03.jpg\" data-size=\"4032x2268\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https://offtrail.guru/media/posts/89/gallery/another-round-changes-03-thumbnail.webp\" alt=\"SRAM Force XPLR AXS rear derailleur.\" width=\"720\" height=\"405\"></a>\n<figcaption>Derailleur.</figcaption>\n</figure>\n<figure class=\"gallery__item\"><a href=\"https://offtrail.guru/media/posts/89/gallery/another-round-changes-04.jpg\" data-size=\"4032x2268\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https://offtrail.guru/media/posts/89/gallery/another-round-changes-04-thumbnail.webp\" alt=\"SRAM Force AXS brake/shift lever.\" width=\"720\" height=\"405\"></a>\n<figcaption>Lever.</figcaption>\n</figure>\n</div></div>\n<p>Some cyclists ride a bike for a year and get a new one. There are obvious advantages to doing that. If you own a bike for only a year, you won’t need to do a lot of maintenance. You will replace brake pads, maybe the chain, and you may go through a few tires depending on your mileage. It is unlikely that you will replace anything else. I am not like that. If I like a bike, it will be with me for several years. Many of my bikes have undergone multiple transformations in those years. My <a href=\"https://offtrail.guru/old-mountain-bikes/\">44 Big Boy</a> fat bike went through four wheelsets, three cranksets, and two forks. Only the frame kit, calipers, saddle, and cranks are still original on my <a href=\"https://offtrail.guru/nordest-albarda/\">Nordest Albarda</a>. It went from 2x11, 2x12 to 1x12 SRAM Force AXS, and I have ridden it on three different wheelsets.</p>\n<div class=\"gallery-wrapper\"><div class=\"gallery\"  data-is-empty=\"false\" data-translation=\"Add images\" data-columns=\"5\">\n<figure class=\"gallery__item\"><a href=\"https://offtrail.guru/media/posts/89/gallery/another-round-changes-05.jpg\" data-size=\"3705x2084\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https://offtrail.guru/media/posts/89/gallery/another-round-changes-05-thumbnail.webp\" alt=\"Ritte Snod Disc in a 2x12 setup.\" width=\"720\" height=\"405\"></a>\n<figcaption>2x12 setup.</figcaption>\n</figure>\n<figure class=\"gallery__item\"><a href=\"https://offtrail.guru/media/posts/89/gallery/another-round-changes-06.jpg\" data-size=\"3635x2045\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https://offtrail.guru/media/posts/89/gallery/another-round-changes-06-thumbnail.webp\" alt=\"Ritte Snob Disc 2024 edition.\" width=\"720\" height=\"405\"></a>\n<figcaption>2024 edition.</figcaption>\n</figure>\n<figure class=\"gallery__item\"><a href=\"https://offtrail.guru/media/posts/89/gallery/another-round-changes-07.jpg\" data-size=\"4032x2268\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https://offtrail.guru/media/posts/89/gallery/another-round-changes-07-thumbnail.webp\" alt=\"SRAM Red AXS derailleur.\" width=\"720\" height=\"405\"></a>\n<figcaption>Derailleur.</figcaption>\n</figure>\n<figure class=\"gallery__item\"><a href=\"https://offtrail.guru/media/posts/89/gallery/another-round-changes-08.jpg\" data-size=\"4032x2268\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https://offtrail.guru/media/posts/89/gallery/another-round-changes-08-thumbnail.webp\" alt=\"Rotor Aldhu cranks and chainrings.\" width=\"720\" height=\"405\"></a>\n<figcaption>Chainrings.</figcaption>\n</figure>\n<figure class=\"gallery__item\"><a href=\"https://offtrail.guru/media/posts/89/gallery/another-round-changes-09.jpg\" data-size=\"4032x2268\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https://offtrail.guru/media/posts/89/gallery/another-round-changes-09-thumbnail.webp\" alt=\"SRAM Red AXS brake/shift levers.\" width=\"720\" height=\"405\"></a>\n<figcaption>Levers.</figcaption>\n</figure>\n</div></div>\n<p>In October, I updated both my <a href=\"https://offtrail.guru/nordest-albarda-2023-update/\">Nordest Albarda</a> and my <a href=\"https://offtrail.guru/volagi-viaje-2024-update/\">Volagi Viaje</a>. This month, I realized that it would only take a <span style=\"color: #e03e2d;\">small investment</span> to upgrade my <a href=\"https://offtrail.guru/ritte-snob-disc/\">Ritte Snob Disc</a> from 2x11 to 2x12. So, I did. What had to be done?</p>\n<ul style=\"list-style-type: square;\">\n<li><a href=\"https://offtrail.guru/volagi-viaje-sl/\">Volagi Viaje</a> (first built in March 2019)</li>\n</ul>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"list-style-type: none;\">\n<ul style=\"list-style-type: none;\">\n<li>SRAM Red AXS rear derailleur ➡️ Ritte Snob Disc</li>\n<li>➡️ SRAM Red XPLR AXS rear derailleur from Nordest Albarda</li>\n</ul>\n</li>\n</ul>\n<ul style=\"list-style-type: square;\">\n<li><a href=\"https://offtrail.guru/nordest-albarda/\">Nordest Albarda</a> (first built in October 2019)</li>\n</ul>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"list-style-type: none;\">\n<ul style=\"list-style-type: none;\">\n<li>SRAM Red XPLR AXS rear derailleur ➡️ Volagi Viaje</li>\n<li>SRAM Red AXS brake/shift levers ➡️ Ritte Snob Disc</li>\n<li>➡️ <span style=\"color: #e03e2d;\">New</span> SRAM Force AXS brake/shift levers</li>\n<li>➡️ <span style=\"color: #e03e2d;\">New</span> SRAM Force XPLR AXS rear derailleur</li>\n</ul>\n</li>\n</ul>\n<ul style=\"list-style-type: square;\">\n<li><a href=\"https://offtrail.guru/ritte-snob-disc/\">Ritte Snob Disc</a> (first built in October 2015)</li>\n</ul>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"list-style-type: none;\">\n<ul style=\"list-style-type: none;\">\n<li>ROTOR Q-Rings Direct Mount DM Oval Spidering, 2x, 50-34T ➡️ <span style=\"color: #169179;\">sold on eBay</span></li>\n<li>SRAM XG-1190 11-26T 11-speed cassette ➡️ <span style=\"color: #169179;\">sold on eBay</span></li>\n<li>SRAM Red eTap HRD 2x11-speed hydraulic brake/shift levers ➡️ <span style=\"color: #169179;\">sold on eBay</span></li>\n<li>SRAM Red eTap front derailleur, FD-RED-E-A1 with chain catcher ➡️ <span style=\"color: #169179;\">sold on eBay</span></li>\n<li>SRAM Red eTap rear derailleur, RD-RED-E-A2 ➡️ <span style=\"color: #169179;\">sold on eBay</span></li>\n<li>➡️ SRAM Red AXS brake/shift levers from Nordest Albarda</li>\n<li>➡️ SRAM Red AXS rear derailleur from Volagi Viaje (previously Nordest)</li>\n<li>➡️ SRAM Red AXS front derailleur out of spare parts cabinet (previously Nordest)</li>\n<li>➡️ SRAM XG-1290, 10-28T cassette out of spare parts cabinet (previously Nordest)</li>\n<li>➡️ Rotor 48-35T Q-Rings out of spare parts cabinet (originally bought for Nordest)</li>\n<li>➡️ <span class=\"s1\" style=\"color: #e03e2d;\">New</span> SRAM Flattop chain</li>\n<li>➡️ <span class=\"s1\" style=\"color: #e03e2d;\">New</span> XDR freehub for Industry Nine rear wheel</li>\n</ul>\n</li>\n</ul>\n<p>Overall cost: <span style=\"color: #e03e2d;\">CHF 900.00</span>, which I fully covered by selling a bunch of used bike parts on eBay. Total eBay sales from the above, a wheelset, and some other spare parts <span style=\"color: #169179;\">CHF 2’166.00</span>. My bikes are in better shape, and my piggy bank gained a little bit of weight. That cash will go towards a pair of red <a href=\"https://www.hopetech.com/news/more-xcr-pro-options-e4-colours/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Hope XCR Pro E4</a> brakes for my <a href=\"https://offtrail.guru/fortyfour-marauder/\">44 Marauder</a>.</p>",
            "image": "https://offtrail.guru/media/posts/89/another-round-changes-00.jpg",
            "author": {
                "name": "Patrick"
            },
            "tags": [
                   "road bikes",
                   "gravel bikes",
                   "blog post",
                   "bike components"
            ],
            "date_published": "2024-03-29T10:55:00+01:00",
            "date_modified": "2024-05-11T10:54:09+02:00"
        },
        {
            "id": "https://offtrail.guru/new-wheels-for-my-marin-gestalt-x12/",
            "url": "https://offtrail.guru/new-wheels-for-my-marin-gestalt-x12/",
            "title": "New Wheels For My Marin Gestalt X12",
            "summary": "<p class=\"dropcap\">Huh? Another set of hoops? Didn't the bike already get <a href=\"https://offtrail.guru/marin-gestalt-x12-on-new-wheels/\">new ones</a> in November? Yes, but they didn't work well with the tires I wanted to use on the <a href=\"https://offtrail.guru/marin-gestalt-x12/\">MGX12</a>. So, I spent a week <a href=\"https://offtrail.guru/wheel-and-tire-testing/\">testing</a> between the holidays and concluded that I needed to build a new set of wheels with Light Bicycle <a href=\"https://www.lightbicycle.com/AR25-Disc-Carbon-Gravel-Bike-Rim-700c-24mm-Wide-25mm-Deep.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">AR25</a> low-profile rims. The new wheels:</p>\n<ul>\n<li>Light Bicycle AR25 rims, paintless UD carbon, 28H, drain holes, laser engraving</li>\n<li>Light Bicycle 25mm rim tape</li>\n<li>Sapim CX-Ray spokes</li>\n<li>Red aluminum nipples</li>\n<li>Red tubeless valves</li>\n<li>Hope Pro 5 Centerlock front hub, 28H, 100x12mm, red</li>\n<li>Hope Pro 5 Centerlock rear hub, 28H, 142x12mm, XDR, red</li>\n<li>Hope Centerlock lockrings, red</li>\n<li>Bucklos RT-MT760 Centerlock rotors, 160mm</li>\n<li>SRAM XPLR XG-1251 cassette, 10-44T</li>\n<li>René Herse Antelope Hill 700C x 55 TC tires, standard casing, tan sidewalls</li>\n<li>Orange Seal regular sealant</li>\n</ul>\n",
            "content_html": "<p class=\"dropcap\">Huh? Another set of hoops? Didn't the bike already get <a href=\"https://offtrail.guru/marin-gestalt-x12-on-new-wheels/\">new ones</a> in November? Yes, but they didn't work well with the tires I wanted to use on the <a href=\"https://offtrail.guru/marin-gestalt-x12/\">MGX12</a>. So, I spent a week <a href=\"https://offtrail.guru/wheel-and-tire-testing/\">testing</a> between the holidays and concluded that I needed to build a new set of wheels with Light Bicycle <a href=\"https://www.lightbicycle.com/AR25-Disc-Carbon-Gravel-Bike-Rim-700c-24mm-Wide-25mm-Deep.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">AR25</a> low-profile rims. The new wheels:</p>\n<ul>\n<li>Light Bicycle AR25 rims, paintless UD carbon, 28H, drain holes, laser engraving</li>\n<li>Light Bicycle 25mm rim tape</li>\n<li>Sapim CX-Ray spokes</li>\n<li>Red aluminum nipples</li>\n<li>Red tubeless valves</li>\n<li>Hope Pro 5 Centerlock front hub, 28H, 100x12mm, red</li>\n<li>Hope Pro 5 Centerlock rear hub, 28H, 142x12mm, XDR, red</li>\n<li>Hope Centerlock lockrings, red</li>\n<li>Bucklos RT-MT760 Centerlock rotors, 160mm</li>\n<li>SRAM XPLR XG-1251 cassette, 10-44T</li>\n<li>René Herse Antelope Hill 700C x 55 TC tires, standard casing, tan sidewalls</li>\n<li>Orange Seal regular sealant</li>\n</ul>\n\n<div class=\"gallery-wrapper\"><div class=\"gallery\"  data-is-empty=\"false\" data-translation=\"Add images\" data-columns=\"3\">\n<figure class=\"gallery__item\"><a href=\"https://offtrail.guru/media/posts/84/gallery/new-wheels-mgx12-01.jpg\" data-size=\"4032x2268\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https://offtrail.guru/media/posts/84/gallery/new-wheels-mgx12-01-thumbnail.webp\" alt=\"Marin Gestalt X12 on new wheels.\" width=\"720\" height=\"405\"></a>\n<figcaption>New wheels.</figcaption>\n</figure>\n<figure class=\"gallery__item\"><a href=\"https://offtrail.guru/media/posts/84/gallery/new-wheels-mgx12-02.jpg\" data-size=\"4032x2268\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https://offtrail.guru/media/posts/84/gallery/new-wheels-mgx12-02-thumbnail.webp\" alt=\"Hope Pro5 Centerlock front hub.\" width=\"720\" height=\"405\"></a>\n<figcaption>Front hub.</figcaption>\n</figure>\n<figure class=\"gallery__item\"><a href=\"https://offtrail.guru/media/posts/84/gallery/new-wheels-mgx12-03.jpg\" data-size=\"4032x2268\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https://offtrail.guru/media/posts/84/gallery/new-wheels-mgx12-03-thumbnail.webp\" alt=\"Hope Pro5 Centerlock rear hub.\" width=\"720\" height=\"405\"></a>\n<figcaption>Rear hub.</figcaption>\n</figure>\n</div></div>\n<p><u><i>Off-topic</i></u>: I have been lusting after a new frameset for a couple of months. The manufacturer had already created the product page for the 2024 model but made those pages unavailable to general website visitors. Somehow, however, Google's search engine crawler managed to index it. I stumbled upon it while doing an image search. I liked the bike in its previous iterations and absolutely love the <a href=\"https://www.marinbikes.com/bikes/2024-headlands-frame-kit\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">colors</a> they picked for 2024. Since I have reached my “N+1” limit, currently <strong>seven</strong>, I thought about sending my <a href=\"https://offtrail.guru/nordest-albarda/\">Nordest Albarda</a> frame into temporary retirement and using its components to build the new bike. I changed my mind. The Nordest Albarda, with its recent 1x12 <a href=\"https://offtrail.guru/nordest-albarda-2023-update/\">update</a>, is still a sweet-looking bike. With the additional AR25 wheels, I now have a total of four wheelsets that can be mounted to either the MGX12 or the Nordest. Now that the Nordest no longer has a front derailleur, I can mount larger 700C tires. The limit of the frame is probably 48mm. The fork, surprisingly, can accept a 55mm Antelope Hill. I will keep a sharp eye on that frame kit, however. If an online retailer has my size and massively drops the price at the end of the season, I might swoop one up.</p>\n<div class=\"gallery-wrapper\"><div class=\"gallery\"  data-is-empty=\"false\" data-translation=\"Add images\" data-columns=\"4\">\n<figure class=\"gallery__item\"><a href=\"https://offtrail.guru/media/posts/84/gallery/new-wheels-mgx12-04.jpg\" data-size=\"3705x2084\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https://offtrail.guru/media/posts/84/gallery/new-wheels-mgx12-04-thumbnail.webp\" alt=\"Hope Pro5 Centerlock front hub.\" width=\"720\" height=\"405\"></a>\n<figcaption>Front hub.</figcaption>\n</figure>\n<figure class=\"gallery__item\"><a href=\"https://offtrail.guru/media/posts/84/gallery/new-wheels-mgx12-05.jpg\" data-size=\"3469x1951\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https://offtrail.guru/media/posts/84/gallery/new-wheels-mgx12-05-thumbnail.webp\" alt=\"Laser edged LB logo.\" width=\"720\" height=\"405\"></a>\n<figcaption>LB logo.</figcaption>\n</figure>\n<figure class=\"gallery__item\"><a href=\"https://offtrail.guru/media/posts/84/gallery/new-wheels-mgx12-06.jpg\" data-size=\"3502x1970\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https://offtrail.guru/media/posts/84/gallery/new-wheels-mgx12-06-thumbnail.webp\" alt=\"Hope Pro5 Centerlock rear hub.\" width=\"720\" height=\"405\"></a>\n<figcaption>Rear hub.</figcaption>\n</figure>\n<figure class=\"gallery__item\"><a href=\"https://offtrail.guru/media/posts/84/gallery/new-wheels-mgx12-07.jpg\" data-size=\"4032x2268\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https://offtrail.guru/media/posts/84/gallery/new-wheels-mgx12-07-thumbnail.webp\" alt=\"The bike in its latest setup.\" width=\"720\" height=\"405\"></a>\n<figcaption>Latest setup.</figcaption>\n</figure>\n</div></div>\n<p><u><i>Tool-topic</i></u>: To install the Hope Centerlock lockring on the rear hub, the black thru-axle end cap needs to be removed. Unlike many other hubs, the end cap can be taken off and installed while the brake rotor and lockring are in place. However, it can be quite challenging to remove the end cap with just two fingers, and there is nothing for a tool to safely grip onto. To solve this problem, I purchased a Wheels Manufacturing <a href=\"https://wheelsmfg.com/presses-tools/bearing-extractors/6001-6801-6901-12mm-sealed-bearing-extractor.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">12mm bearing extractor</a>, which can grab the end cap from the inside. It is extremely simple to pull the end cap off with such an extractor. I should have bought one a long time ago.</p>",
            "image": "https://offtrail.guru/media/posts/84/new-wheels-mgx12-00.jpg",
            "author": {
                "name": "Patrick"
            },
            "tags": [
                   "wheels",
                   "tires",
                   "gravel bikes"
            ],
            "date_published": "2024-03-10T12:14:00+01:00",
            "date_modified": "2024-03-11T18:13:29+01:00"
        },
        {
            "id": "https://offtrail.guru/dream-bike-or-one-that-does-the-job/",
            "url": "https://offtrail.guru/dream-bike-or-one-that-does-the-job/",
            "title": " Dream Bike Or One That Does The Job",
            "summary": "<p class=\"dropcap\">When I first got into cycling in the mid-80s, entry-, mid-level, and high-end bikes were not tremendously far apart. Mountain bikes had no suspension, and frames were made from steel or aluminum. Groupsets were the primary difference between bikes. An entry-level bike had Shimano LX, a mid-level bike was equipped with DX, and a top-of-the-line bike came with XT. I started on an entry-level bike, moved to a mid-level Specialized Stumpjumper, and soon rode a World-Cup-level Muddy Fox with a full Shimano XT groupset. Even seat posts were part of such groupsets back then. XT came with a nice black steel seat post. You read that right: a seat post made out of steel. A few years later, I spent a small fortune owning a Merlin Titanium with XTR derailleurs and many boutique components. For much of my cycling career, I bought or built nice bikes that cost a lot. They were never outrageously expensive, but more than I needed.</p>\n",
            "content_html": "<p class=\"dropcap\">When I first got into cycling in the mid-80s, entry-, mid-level, and high-end bikes were not tremendously far apart. Mountain bikes had no suspension, and frames were made from steel or aluminum. Groupsets were the primary difference between bikes. An entry-level bike had Shimano LX, a mid-level bike was equipped with DX, and a top-of-the-line bike came with XT. I started on an entry-level bike, moved to a mid-level Specialized Stumpjumper, and soon rode a World-Cup-level Muddy Fox with a full Shimano XT groupset. Even seat posts were part of such groupsets back then. XT came with a nice black steel seat post. You read that right: a seat post made out of steel. A few years later, I spent a small fortune owning a Merlin Titanium with XTR derailleurs and many boutique components. For much of my cycling career, I bought or built nice bikes that cost a lot. They were never outrageously expensive, but more than I needed.</p>\n\n<div class=\"gallery-wrapper\"><div class=\"gallery\"  data-is-empty=\"false\" data-translation=\"Add images\" data-columns=\"3\">\n<figure class=\"gallery__item\"><a href=\"https://offtrail.guru/media/posts/88/gallery/dream-bike-job-01.jpg\" data-size=\"4096x2304\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https://offtrail.guru/media/posts/88/gallery/dream-bike-job-01-thumbnail.webp\" alt=\"Through the woods.\" width=\"720\" height=\"405\"></a>\n<figcaption>The woods.</figcaption>\n</figure>\n<figure class=\"gallery__item\"><a href=\"https://offtrail.guru/media/posts/88/gallery/dream-bike-job-02.jpg\" data-size=\"3820x2149\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https://offtrail.guru/media/posts/88/gallery/dream-bike-job-02-thumbnail.webp\" alt=\"Starting the Romontberg climb.\" width=\"720\" height=\"405\"></a>\n<figcaption>Begin of climb.</figcaption>\n</figure>\n<figure class=\"gallery__item\"><a href=\"https://offtrail.guru/media/posts/88/gallery/dream-bike-job-03.jpg\" data-size=\"3184x1791\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https://offtrail.guru/media/posts/88/gallery/dream-bike-job-03-thumbnail.webp\" alt=\"One of many turns.\" width=\"720\" height=\"405\"></a>\n<figcaption>Turn.</figcaption>\n</figure>\n</div></div>\n<p>Now that I'm in my mid-50s, I've gotten wiser. I have a <a href=\"https://offtrail.guru/nordest-albarda/\">Nordest Albarda</a> with SRAM Red XPLR AXS and a <a href=\"https://offtrail.guru/marin-gestalt-x12/\">Marin Gestalt</a> X with equivalent Rival components. There is no functional difference between the two. Red looks a little different and is a bit lighter. That's it for twice the price. I paid EUR 699.00 for a <a href=\"https://offtrail.guru/volagi-viaje-sl/\">Volagi Viaje</a> frameset and CHF 1'600.00 for a complete Marin Gestalt X10. I built two of my best road/gravel bikes with those. I see no need to spend an arm and a leg on a carbon bike. They may offer improved aerodynamics, light weight, maximum stiffness, a few watts, and ultimate performance. Does it matter to a rider like myself? For a professional cyclist who aims to win the Tour, every marginal gain counts. However, for the average Joe like myself, shedding a few pounds of belly fat will have a much greater impact than investing thousands of dollars in a UCI-approved race bike.</p>\n<div class=\"gallery-wrapper\"><div class=\"gallery\"  data-is-empty=\"false\" data-translation=\"Add images\" data-columns=\"3\">\n<figure class=\"gallery__item\"><a href=\"https://offtrail.guru/media/posts/88/gallery/dream-bike-job-04.jpg\" data-size=\"3751x2110\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https://offtrail.guru/media/posts/88/gallery/dream-bike-job-04-thumbnail.webp\" alt=\"Romontberg, here I come.\" width=\"720\" height=\"405\"></a>\n<figcaption>Climbing.</figcaption>\n</figure>\n<figure class=\"gallery__item\"><a href=\"https://offtrail.guru/media/posts/88/gallery/dream-bike-job-05.jpg\" data-size=\"3733x2100\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https://offtrail.guru/media/posts/88/gallery/dream-bike-job-05-thumbnail.webp\" alt=\"Time for some tailwind.\" width=\"720\" height=\"405\"></a>\n<figcaption>Tailwind.</figcaption>\n</figure>\n<figure class=\"gallery__item\"><a href=\"https://offtrail.guru/media/posts/88/gallery/dream-bike-job-06.jpg\" data-size=\"3594x2022\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https://offtrail.guru/media/posts/88/gallery/dream-bike-job-06-thumbnail.webp\" alt=\"A few more meters to climb.\" width=\"720\" height=\"405\"></a>\n<figcaption>Reaching the top.</figcaption>\n</figure>\n</div></div>\n<p>The bike industry is in crisis. Warehouses are filled with unsold bikes. Despite heavily discounted prices for new bikes, there is no demand. BMC has recently <a href=\"https://road.cc/content/news/bmc-applies-cut-hours-its-remaining-staff-306681\">requested</a> state wage subsidies. Many others are struggling, with some even having filed for <a href=\"https://www.bicycleretailer.com/industry-news/2023/02/09/parlee-cycles-files-chapter-11-bankruptcy-protection\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">bankruptcy</a>. While there are multiple factors contributing to this situation, bike prices are certainly a major issue. Charging over $8000 for carbon bikes with integrated cable routing? Sorry, but no thanks. The road bikes I ride cost less than half of that. They do the job, and they do it well. The development of hiding brake hoses and shifter cables inside the handlebar, stem, and fork over the past couple of years has undoubtedly created some clean-looking bikes. However, I don’t particularly like the massive stems and spacers that come along with it, especially on top of a steel or titanium frame. The clean look was achieved at the expense of ease of maintenance and adjustability. Changing a stem or cleaning the internals of a headset are jobs that can easily be done in under half an hour. On a fully integrated bike, such a simple job now requires several hours. As a bike mechanic, such a bike will never be the bike of my dreams but rather the bike of my nightmares.</p>\n<div class=\"gallery-wrapper\"><div class=\"gallery\"  data-is-empty=\"false\" data-translation=\"Add images\" data-columns=\"3\">\n<figure class=\"gallery__item\"><a href=\"https://offtrail.guru/media/posts/88/gallery/dream-bike-job-07.jpg\" data-size=\"3624x2038\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https://offtrail.guru/media/posts/88/gallery/dream-bike-job-07-thumbnail.webp\" alt=\"The turnaround point.\" width=\"720\" height=\"405\"></a>\n<figcaption>Turnaround.</figcaption>\n</figure>\n<figure class=\"gallery__item\"><a href=\"https://offtrail.guru/media/posts/88/gallery/dream-bike-job-08.jpg\" data-size=\"4096x2304\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https://offtrail.guru/media/posts/88/gallery/dream-bike-job-08-thumbnail.webp\" alt=\"Climbing in Plagne.\" width=\"720\" height=\"405\"></a>\n<figcaption>Plagne.</figcaption>\n</figure>\n<figure class=\"gallery__item\"><a href=\"https://offtrail.guru/media/posts/88/gallery/dream-bike-job-09.jpg\" data-size=\"4096x2304\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https://offtrail.guru/media/posts/88/gallery/dream-bike-job-09-thumbnail.webp\" alt=\"The sky in many colors.\" width=\"720\" height=\"405\"></a>\n<figcaption>Colors.</figcaption>\n</figure>\n</div></div>\n<p>Although it may not be the conventional choice for a road bike, my Marin Gestalt X12 is the best one I have built. If I could have any bike, it would be a titanium replica of it. It would not offer any performance improvement compared to the aluminum version. It would only cost a lot more and be cool. And sometimes, it's all right to slaughter one's piggy bank to realize cool things. These past couple of years, I have found a new challenge, though. It is to build awesome bikes on a reasonable budget. It is easy to put together a jaw-droppingly cool bike on a large budget. It takes more time to plan, search, and compare to do the same on a limited budget. With the cost of living on the rise and my retirement approaching, I will likely opt for bikes that simply do the job. Dream bikes will be the things to drool over on Instagram.</p>",
            "image": "https://offtrail.guru/media/posts/88/dream-bike-job-00.jpg",
            "author": {
                "name": "Patrick"
            },
            "tags": [
                   "road bikes",
                   "gravel bikes",
                   "cycling",
                   "blog post"
            ],
            "date_published": "2024-02-11T09:57:10+01:00",
            "date_modified": "2024-02-24T16:53:07+01:00"
        },
        {
            "id": "https://offtrail.guru/fat-biking-to-start-2024/",
            "url": "https://offtrail.guru/fat-biking-to-start-2024/",
            "title": "Fat-Biking To Start 2024",
            "summary": "<p class=\"dropcap\">On the weekend of January 13th and 14th, snow covered the trails almost to my house. I did a <a href=\"https://www.strava.com/activities/10548483878\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">3-hour ride</a> across the Bözingenberg on Saturday, the 13th, and a <a href=\"https://www.strava.com/activities/10556521608\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">4-hour loop</a> across Plagne and the Stierenberg on Sunday, the 14th. Warm weather and rain during the week pushed the snowline up several hundred meters. Luckily, the mercury dropped below zero on Friday and remained there for the weekend.</p>\n",
            "content_html": "<p class=\"dropcap\">On the weekend of January 13th and 14th, snow covered the trails almost to my house. I did a <a href=\"https://www.strava.com/activities/10548483878\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">3-hour ride</a> across the Bözingenberg on Saturday, the 13th, and a <a href=\"https://www.strava.com/activities/10556521608\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">4-hour loop</a> across Plagne and the Stierenberg on Sunday, the 14th. Warm weather and rain during the week pushed the snowline up several hundred meters. Luckily, the mercury dropped below zero on Friday and remained there for the weekend.</p>\n\n<div class=\"gallery-wrapper\"><div class=\"gallery\"  data-is-empty=\"false\" data-translation=\"Add images\" data-columns=\"3\">\n<figure class=\"gallery__item\"><a href=\"https://offtrail.guru/media/posts/87/gallery/fat-biking-2024-01.jpg\" data-size=\"4096x2304\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https://offtrail.guru/media/posts/87/gallery/fat-biking-2024-01-thumbnail.webp\" alt=\"I love icy patches.\" width=\"720\" height=\"405\"></a>\n<figcaption>Icy patches.</figcaption>\n</figure>\n<figure class=\"gallery__item\"><a href=\"https://offtrail.guru/media/posts/87/gallery/fat-biking-2024-02.jpg\" data-size=\"3983x2240\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https://offtrail.guru/media/posts/87/gallery/fat-biking-2024-02-thumbnail.webp\" alt=\"Love the sun so low.\" width=\"720\" height=\"405\"></a>\n<figcaption>Low sun.</figcaption>\n</figure>\n<figure class=\"gallery__item\"><a href=\"https://offtrail.guru/media/posts/87/gallery/fat-biking-2024-03.jpg\" data-size=\"3932x2211\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https://offtrail.guru/media/posts/87/gallery/fat-biking-2024-03-thumbnail.webp\" alt=\"Chasseral here I come.\" width=\"720\" height=\"405\"></a>\n<figcaption>On the way.</figcaption>\n</figure>\n</div></div>\n<p>On the 20th, I had to catsit all day and worked on my <a href=\"https://offtrail.guru/nordest-albarda/\">Nordest Albarda</a>. The bike received the <a href=\"https://offtrail.guru/marin-gestalt-x12-on-new-wheels/\">new 700C wheels</a> and seatpost from my Marin. I also exchanged the Zipp Service Course SL stem. An older gloss-black one made room for a new one in matte-black. I also installed new rotors - the <a href=\"https://bucklos.co/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Bucklos</a> Centerlock rotors I mentioned in my <a href=\"https://offtrail.guru/centerlock-rotor-comparison/\">previous post</a>. I am stoked about the result. The bike went through several <a href=\"https://offtrail.guru/nordest-albarda-2021-update/\">iterations</a> since 2019, and this is the best one yet. On Sunday, I had to do something about my cabin fever. I drove to Prés d’Orvin before sunrise to fat-bike the snow-covered mountains. It was an <a href=\"https://www.strava.com/activities/10600090821\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">epic morning</a>. I did not see another human being for several hours. I had that icy winter wonderland all to myself. A bluish sky to the north and a cloudy one to the south created some unreal colors.</p>\n<div class=\"gallery-wrapper\"><div class=\"gallery\"  data-is-empty=\"false\" data-translation=\"Add images\" data-columns=\"3\">\n<figure class=\"gallery__item\"><a href=\"https://offtrail.guru/media/posts/87/gallery/fat-biking-2024-04.jpg\" data-size=\"4096x2304\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https://offtrail.guru/media/posts/87/gallery/fat-biking-2024-04-thumbnail.webp\" alt=\"Windy and icy as heck.\" width=\"720\" height=\"405\"></a>\n<figcaption>Wind and ice.</figcaption>\n</figure>\n<figure class=\"gallery__item\"><a href=\"https://offtrail.guru/media/posts/87/gallery/fat-biking-2024-05.jpg\" data-size=\"4096x1917\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https://offtrail.guru/media/posts/87/gallery/fat-biking-2024-05-thumbnail.webp\" alt=\"Love that sun.\" width=\"720\" height=\"337\"></a>\n<figcaption>That sun.</figcaption>\n</figure>\n<figure class=\"gallery__item\"><a href=\"https://offtrail.guru/media/posts/87/gallery/fat-biking-2024-06.jpg\" data-size=\"4004x2251\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https://offtrail.guru/media/posts/87/gallery/fat-biking-2024-06-thumbnail.webp\" alt=\"I'm almost there.\" width=\"720\" height=\"405\"></a>\n<figcaption>Almost there.</figcaption>\n</figure>\n</div></div>\n<p>Utilizing my expertise in reading snow, intimate knowledge of the terrain, and keen awareness of how the wind shapes, moves, and hardens the large snow surfaces to the north of the peak, I navigated my way to the Chasseral. This is the ultimate essence of fat-biking for me. It is not sufficient to just be a skilled mountain biker who studies GPS tracks, elevation profiles, and maps to fully enjoy fat-biking in a country that has never fully embraced the sport. Understanding how the winter alters the local environment is crucial. This element of the sport is something you don’t need on the road, on gravel, or dirt. However, it is a huge part of what makes fat-biking so addictive.</p>\n<div class=\"gallery-wrapper\"><div class=\"gallery\"  data-is-empty=\"false\" data-translation=\"Add images\" data-columns=\"3\">\n<figure class=\"gallery__item\"><a href=\"https://offtrail.guru/media/posts/87/gallery/fat-biking-2024-07.jpg\" data-size=\"3945x2218\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https://offtrail.guru/media/posts/87/gallery/fat-biking-2024-07-thumbnail.webp\" alt=\"That's why I fat-bike.\" width=\"720\" height=\"405\"></a>\n<figcaption>Fat-biking.</figcaption>\n</figure>\n<figure class=\"gallery__item\"><a href=\"https://offtrail.guru/media/posts/87/gallery/fat-biking-2024-08.jpg\" data-size=\"4096x2304\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https://offtrail.guru/media/posts/87/gallery/fat-biking-2024-08-thumbnail.webp\" alt=\"The Crest Trail is best ridden in the winter.\" width=\"720\" height=\"405\"></a>\n<figcaption>Crest Trail.</figcaption>\n</figure>\n<figure class=\"gallery__item\"><a href=\"https://offtrail.guru/media/posts/87/gallery/fat-biking-2024-09.jpg\" data-size=\"3726x2096\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https://offtrail.guru/media/posts/87/gallery/fat-biking-2024-09-thumbnail.webp\" alt=\"Just me and the Chasseral antenna.\" width=\"720\" height=\"405\"></a>\n<figcaption>Antenna.</figcaption>\n</figure>\n</div></div>\n<p>I have stopped doing <a href=\"https://offtrail.guru/year-2020-in-review/\">end-of-year</a> reviews. There just aren’t any epic adventures to look back to since I cannot venture beyond my local area to explore new trails or roads. While I used to go on 56-57 fat-bike rides <a href=\"https://offtrail.guru/cycling-statistics/ride-type-statistics/\">annually</a> from 2017 to 2019, I have only done three snow rides in 2023. The difference? I used to be able to load my <a href=\"https://offtrail.guru/tags/fat-biking/\">fat bike</a> into the car and drive 10-30 minutes to trailheads at higher elevations. In terms of the total number of rides I took in 2023, I only managed 100, which is a far cry from my peak between <a href=\"https://offtrail.guru/cycling-statistics/annual-stats-by-month/\">2016 and 2018</a>, when I averaged 165 rides per year. Out of those 100 rides, 72 were on pavement, sometimes with a bit of gravel mixed in. My annual ride distance and time have reached an all-time low, with only 3,147 kilometers and 193 hours, compared to my peak in 2018 when I rode 8,752 kilometers and spent a staggering 586 hours in the saddle. My goal for the years ahead is to gradually get back to that level, maybe as early as 2026.</p>",
            "image": "https://offtrail.guru/media/posts/87/fat-biking-2024-00.jpg",
            "author": {
                "name": "Patrick"
            },
            "tags": [
                   "offtrail riding",
                   "fat biking",
                   "cycling"
            ],
            "date_published": "2024-01-23T18:05:04+01:00",
            "date_modified": "2024-08-27T20:27:51+02:00"
        }
    ]
}