A quick thought that just popped into my head in case I've given anyone the wrong impression.
My anecdote about the XTR debut should in no way be taken as me throwing shade at Shimano. Their launch plans were already set when I debuted this Substack, and even then, I don't think they knew how to handle privateer media like this (hell, I'm not sure *I* know how to handle it, either).
Every brand will make the decisions they think make the most sense for them in terms of their marketing/PR/outreach/etc., and I don't begrudge them for it in the least. I've been around the block enough times to understand that I'm not owed anything, and I sure as hell know better than to take things personally (because it usually isn't).
Yes, as you point out, many other cycling media sources have covered the new wireless XTR. I have already read many of them.
However, I remain eager to read *your* review — you consistently provide more depth and attention to the details that matter most to us as potential purchasers.
In general: I'm interested in _your_ review and don't care if it is the first review to hit the internet.
In the case of the new XTR, I'm not in this market at this time anyway, and it is easy to be patient. Now for the new Campy gruppo, I'm very interested in your thoughts there whenever you can write a well-considered and thoughtful review.
That saddle looks REALLY interesting and I had not seen it mentioned anywhere else. Nice share. I also think that PACE handlebar would do well on the aftermarket (if it fit normal steerer tubes).
One thing I forgot to mention in the Selle SMP review: they operate a whole bunch of test centers/dealers where you can try out a few different models for a certain period of time. Definitely no better way to know if something works or not than by riding it!
Thank goodness, full wireless from Shimano! If I was going to go for a wireless groupset, I would want it to be tried-and-true Shimano -- they're so careful and deliberate, and it inspires trust in their product.
Likewise, if this newsletter is careful, deliberate, and takes time to review new groupsets, and it takes longer than the usual "review cycle", that's just fine by me.
Agree with the take on XTR, hope you get your hands on a kit in the future. The only 2 reviews I read were from sources who were actually testing the stuff for a few months, it was interesting that one review was positive and the other underwhelmed (they prefer AXS). I think XTR is exactly that, it gives riders more choice based on their preference. Personally I don't think my mechanical XTR can be any better for the money, or I'll wait and see what XT Di2 prices out at or look at a mullet setup on my gravel bike, etc. Still waiting on that GRX 1x12...
Agree about your Campagnolo review. It was definitely different enough and far more interesting and thoughtful than another major cycling website’s regurgitation of the marketing material. Write ups like that are why I subscribe. Keep (the road) content coming! 😉
James re. your intro I actually find it refreshing you aren’t always on the embargo review bandwagon as none of this stuff is “breaking news.” I read N-1 (and subscribe) because you are thorough and concise with a healthy dose of skepticism for marketing hype. But mostly I can trust your reviews and you have earned that trust. You and Ben Delaney are the Cronkite and Brokaw of cycling media (Leonard Zinn too).
As a hard headed solo 24 hr racer back in the day, I punished my taint w/ a no pain / no gain attitude. I was in my early 30's when I learned a word that I wish I had not: Prostatitis. Trust me that you do not want to learn this word. Anyway, this made me search out SMP saddles. They offered me the ability to ride again. Yes, they look ugly (or at least different from the status quo) but they do what they advertise: You support your body primarily by your bones when you ride. My favorite for years was the Glider on the road and the Lite 209 on the MTB. Recently I tested and fell in love with the VT 30c Gel. Shorter and flatter, it seemed ever better. The New EVO20C offers "a top-level cycling experience, where superior performance and comfort are integrated into a high-performance design." How can that be bad??
A quick thought that just popped into my head in case I've given anyone the wrong impression.
My anecdote about the XTR debut should in no way be taken as me throwing shade at Shimano. Their launch plans were already set when I debuted this Substack, and even then, I don't think they knew how to handle privateer media like this (hell, I'm not sure *I* know how to handle it, either).
Every brand will make the decisions they think make the most sense for them in terms of their marketing/PR/outreach/etc., and I don't begrudge them for it in the least. I've been around the block enough times to understand that I'm not owed anything, and I sure as hell know better than to take things personally (because it usually isn't).
I'll get my hands on this stuff eventually. NBD.
Yes, as you point out, many other cycling media sources have covered the new wireless XTR. I have already read many of them.
However, I remain eager to read *your* review — you consistently provide more depth and attention to the details that matter most to us as potential purchasers.
In general: I'm interested in _your_ review and don't care if it is the first review to hit the internet.
In the case of the new XTR, I'm not in this market at this time anyway, and it is easy to be patient. Now for the new Campy gruppo, I'm very interested in your thoughts there whenever you can write a well-considered and thoughtful review.
Thanks for the vote of confidence! And for the reminder that I need to follow up with Campagnolo.
Happy for post irregularity as the trade-off for more opinion and review stuff. It's your insight that makes these columns interesting
That saddle looks REALLY interesting and I had not seen it mentioned anywhere else. Nice share. I also think that PACE handlebar would do well on the aftermarket (if it fit normal steerer tubes).
One thing I forgot to mention in the Selle SMP review: they operate a whole bunch of test centers/dealers where you can try out a few different models for a certain period of time. Definitely no better way to know if something works or not than by riding it!
Oh wow. I'm going to look into that. Thank you.
If you're in the U.S., Albabici, who import SMP saddles, will send you up to 3 to try out. It's very helpful, as you can imagine. Send them an email:
https://www.albabici.com/selle/tech-info/choose-smp-saddle.htm#gsc.tab=0
Thank goodness, full wireless from Shimano! If I was going to go for a wireless groupset, I would want it to be tried-and-true Shimano -- they're so careful and deliberate, and it inspires trust in their product.
Likewise, if this newsletter is careful, deliberate, and takes time to review new groupsets, and it takes longer than the usual "review cycle", that's just fine by me.
Agree with the take on XTR, hope you get your hands on a kit in the future. The only 2 reviews I read were from sources who were actually testing the stuff for a few months, it was interesting that one review was positive and the other underwhelmed (they prefer AXS). I think XTR is exactly that, it gives riders more choice based on their preference. Personally I don't think my mechanical XTR can be any better for the money, or I'll wait and see what XT Di2 prices out at or look at a mullet setup on my gravel bike, etc. Still waiting on that GRX 1x12...
I found the poll almost impossible to answer since I like everything! Probably your honest take on everything is what I enjoy the most. Keep it up!
Agree about your Campagnolo review. It was definitely different enough and far more interesting and thoughtful than another major cycling website’s regurgitation of the marketing material. Write ups like that are why I subscribe. Keep (the road) content coming! 😉
The Sam’s Pants sounds similar in intent to the Fairlight Secan. Hmmmm…..
James re. your intro I actually find it refreshing you aren’t always on the embargo review bandwagon as none of this stuff is “breaking news.” I read N-1 (and subscribe) because you are thorough and concise with a healthy dose of skepticism for marketing hype. But mostly I can trust your reviews and you have earned that trust. You and Ben Delaney are the Cronkite and Brokaw of cycling media (Leonard Zinn too).
As a hard headed solo 24 hr racer back in the day, I punished my taint w/ a no pain / no gain attitude. I was in my early 30's when I learned a word that I wish I had not: Prostatitis. Trust me that you do not want to learn this word. Anyway, this made me search out SMP saddles. They offered me the ability to ride again. Yes, they look ugly (or at least different from the status quo) but they do what they advertise: You support your body primarily by your bones when you ride. My favorite for years was the Glider on the road and the Lite 209 on the MTB. Recently I tested and fell in love with the VT 30c Gel. Shorter and flatter, it seemed ever better. The New EVO20C offers "a top-level cycling experience, where superior performance and comfort are integrated into a high-performance design." How can that be bad??
Eek, didn't even need to look that one up; the -itis pretty much says it all right there. Ouch!
Glad you found a way to keep going.