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Why we didn't include valve caps (and why we do now).

After tires and wheel sizes, gravel bike drivetrain options are the biggest topic of our discussions with customers.  And with good reason- there are a lot of technical aspects to consider.  Add in personal preference, ergonomics, and past experiences and there is no one answer that will suit everyone.  So at the risk of inducing analysis paralysis, let's dive in.

You say you want more? Ever since the release of SRAM's AXS wireless electronic 12-speed drivetrains, we've wanted for something a bit more.  You see, the original AXS gearing options were clearly oriented toward road riding.  Not that there's anything wrong with that, but the gearing on these fantastic groups was really too tall and not nearly wide enough for gravel and adventure bikes.  With the release of "Force Wider Gearing" SRAM has 2x drivetrain with the sort range that had only been available on Shimano GRX gravel and SRAM Mullet mountain/road drivetrains. Force Wider Gearing brings a 36/30t crankset and 10-36t 12-speed...

Meet the Kegeti. It has drop bars.  Fat 29er tires.  An unusually high top tube.  Dropped seatstays.  Wait- a suspension fork?  Bottle bosses everywhere.  It's weird, and prompts a lot of questions, but people love it. Named for the first -and most significant- pass in Kyrgyzstan's 1,121-mile Silk Road ultra-endurance race, the Kegeti is the mixed-terrain, do-it-all adventure bike from Chiru.  Built from butted and cold-formed 3Al/2.5V titanium, the Kegeti was tested and refined during the Silk Road's first running in 2018 and has gone on to see countless miles in everything from the Tour Divide to after-work overnights. While it may seem odd...

I never should have sold that bike. It never fails. Whenever we attend an event or expo, several riders run their hand over one of the bikes on display, reminiscing about their experience with titanium. And if they no longer own that bicycle, they inevitably express sadness about having let it go. So what is it that makes titanium the ideal material for gravel and adventure bikes? And just what is it about riding titanium that leaves such an impression? We could do a deep dive into the material properties of titanium and make a case that its low density...