Hello Riders, Yannic here. Today, I’d like to afford you a glimpse into the cogs and gears that propel us on our Scottish excursions – an insight into the technology underpinning PedalQuest.
Our Bikes: The Pillars of PedalQuest
Yannic’s Trek Domane AL3
- Gearing: 2×11 Shimano Sora Groupset
- Braking: Disc Brakes
- Added Comfort: Carbon Fork and Custom WCS Ritchey Ergonomic Carbon Handlebar for enhanced compliance
- Distance: Roughly 1800 miles traversed
- Features: Endurance aluminium frame in a sleek dark grey and yellow, equipped with magnetic induction lights, a left crank power meter, plus speed and cadence sensors.
- This setup integrates seamlessly with the Wahoo Elemnt Bolt V2 Computer using Ant+.
- Data Integration: Performance metrics collected and analysed via Strava
Allyson’s Trek Silque SL6 (Stolen)
- Construction: Full carbon build for a lighter and more responsive ride
- Braking: Rim brakes
- Finish: Aesthetically pleasing sky blue
- Ride Quality: Benefitting from Trek’s IsoSpeed decoupler for rear-end compliance
- Gearing: Shimano Tiagra 2×10 groupset
- Distance: Journeyed approximately 350 miles
Both bicycles are fitted with the reputable Schwalbe Marathon Plus tyres, celebrated for their staunch reliability and virtually unrivalled puncture resistance – a fact born out by our complete lack of flats thus far… Well actually, there was that one time I bunny-hopped and hit a curb, but we don’t talk about that, plus it wasn’t really a puncture, the tyre popped like a balloon.
Cycling Wear and Essentials
In terms of attire, we both sport Altura jackets, a brand we hold in high regard for its local roots and exceptional quality. Most importantly however, our helmets, both Giro Agilis, have integrated MIPS to keep that melon safe. Our helmets are also kitted out with the Sena Pi Intercoms for effortless communication whilst we ride.
Future Upgrades and Enhancements
Looking to the future, there is room to perfect Allyson’s setup. Her bike has rim brakes, which tend to get stuck quite easily. Although I have replaced the cables (inner and outer) twice already, they require too much maintenance and seize up almost before every ride. Additionally, the size of the frame is ever so much too big for allyson, and the shifters have too much reach for her smaller hands.
I have found a Canyon Grizl Al7 with a 1-by Shimano GRX system that would solve the size issue, and allow her to grab the brakes from the hoods, her preferred riding position; since the pivot point of the shifters has been reworked to suit a top-down grip much better and easier. After a test ride, I confirm, GRX hydraulic brakes are amazing and can even be pulled with just one finger.
This upgrade is a surprise for allyson, for her upcoming birthday, so shhh don’t tell her 😉
Do stay tuned, we are always in pursuit of building and improving our setup, all with the aim of bringing you more tales from the rugged and beautiful Scottish countryside.
Update’s end here, but the journey? That’s far from over.
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