GCN: Gravel Bikes

There are road, mountain, touring, cyclocross, and even monstercross bikes, but nowadays it's all about the gravel bikes.  Please check out the below videos for information about gravel bikes:

GCN: Why Rim Brakes Will Be Extinct In 2 Years

This video is from Nov. 8, 2018, and today is Oct. 28, 2019, which means rim brakes will be extinct in a about a year or so instead of two.  I just bought a used Serotta with rim brakes last week, but as I've said before, hydraulic disc brakes are hard to maintain, heavier, and more expensive.  To be fair, disc brakes perform better in wet conditions.  I am not a pro, so I preferred something that's simpler and cheaper.  Here's a video if you are interested:

Fizik Arione Saddle

I just bought a used Fizik Arione Saddle on Craigslist for $30.  It will go on to my Serotta when it arrives.

GCN: Disc vs Rim Brakes

In my previous post, I talked about getting an old road bike with rim brakes vs almost all road bikes nowadays (Oct. 2019) came with disc brakes.  Here's is a video clip, which talk about road disc brake vs rim brake:

 

Just bought a used Serotta Fierte on Ebay

I just bought a used 2005 52cm Serotta Fierte on EBay.  It's another steel bike.  Don't know why, but I just love steel.  As much as steel is real, next time maybe I am going to get a Moots titanium bike.  I know, I know, it's 2019 and almost all new road bikes come with disc brakes.  It doesn't make too much sense to buy a bike with caliper brakes.  To be honest, I have a hybrid bike with hydraulic disc brakes, but I find it a hassle to have to bleed the brakes all the time (very hard to maintain).  I also didn't find that big of a difference performance wise.  I am sure hydraulic brakes perform better, but caliper is adequate.  Another thing about this bike is I am 5'7" and should fit a road bike that's 52cm-54cm.  This is the first time I have a 52cm, and I am kind of worried this bike will be a bit small for me, but we'll see.  The bike hasn't arrived yet, but here are some pics posted on the EBay listing:

Here's a break of how much the Serotta Fierte cost:

Order total

Subtotal	$600.00
Shipping	$100.00
Tax	$58.50

Total

$758.50

EBay now charges tax for second hand item for some reasons. I still liked EBay; it still sells a lot of things you couldn't find in both offline and other online stores. However, for those of you who want to buy something used on EBay, think twice.

Jones Handlebar

Look what I got?  The Jones Loop Bar.  I always wanted one.  Someone was selling it used on Craigslist for $60, and I couldn't pass this deal.  It looks so cool.  This handlebar will be installed on my Surly Ogre.  Now, I just need a stem with a 31.8mm clamp.