I’m deep into the riding season up here in the northern plains of the US and I thought I’d take a moment to call out things that have been real standouts for me so far this year.
I’m doing this especially because it’s wildly hot here for the next few days and I don’t want to contend with heat stroke for no reason. Instead, I’ll sit inside and write about bike stuff.
I should note that I bought all these items, except the hills. I don’t own any of those.
Twin Six
I picked up a lone Twin Six jersey last year and I was immediately impressed by how it was super comfortable. That was a bonus – I really only wanted it because they (Twin Six) seem to crank out jersey patterns that nobody else is really coming close to imitating (as far as I know).
This year, I grabbed another one. I think they did a redesign at some point and this new one is equally comfortable but it seems to be a bit more breathable. It still has an awesome pattern and that’s a real selling point.
They’ve got the standard three pockets on the back and stuff seems to sit in them really nicely, with no threat of bouncing out or feeling uncomfortable.
The jerseys have held up well in the wash, but I don’t run them through the dryer. It seems like that’s asking for trouble.
I definitely have my eye on more from them. Plus, they’re also from Minnesota and that’s a bonus.
WTB Raddler Tires
I was dissatisfied with my previous gravel tire choice. I won’t tell you what they were, because I’d rather talk about how much I’ve been enjoying the Raddlers. I’m several hundred miles deep on them right now and I’ve noticed that they seem to roll quite a bit better. They exhibit no weird behavior when the gravel gets thick and loose.
I have them set up tubeless right now and I’m very pleased with the ride quality. They seem to make a bike really comfortable.
I found out about these tires from this resource right here. Based on my anecdotal observations, the conclusions they reached are accurate.
Profile Design 50a Flip Aerobars
I set myself up with these because I wanted to feel, for myself, what a more aerodynamic position would be like. You can read about changes in position and how it affects speed and whatnot but there’s something special about experiencing the change in wind resistance.
These did everything that I would’ve wanted. They’re easy to install and adjust. The armrests are spring-loaded and get out of the way automatically when you’re not using them. This gives you unfettered access to the tops of your handlebars so you don’t have to give up a hand position.
The only thing I don’t like is that since they’re spring-loaded, they sort of rattle and clack a little bit but it’s not really that big of a problem. In fact, you should be using them to go fast as often as possible and that’ll reduce the amount of time you spend listening to the noise they make.
We’ll call it “incentive.”
Hills
Hills are just straight-up superior to wind. Sometimes you’ll get a tailwind, but that’s only going to be 50% of your ride at best. Usually, you’re encountering a crosswind or a headwind. I’m grinding out my mileage in the mostly flat parts of Minnesota and the wind here is special in that it’s constant because we don’t really have things to block it. I’m often on a highway or gravel road completely at the mercy of the wind.
Hills, on the other hand, are great. They give you something to look at while you ride toward them. You can go up them and then down them and each is thrilling for different reasons. Also, as a bonus, you get the potential for a neat view at the top of the hill.
Gradually Faster 