Newsletter Issue No. 1177
June 12, 2025
Shimano Releases Q’AUTO: Self-Powered Di2 Automatic Shifting for Everyday Bikes
Jim’s Tech Talk
By Jim Langley
According to Wikipedia, Shimano first released a Di2 electronic shifting system in 2001 but they didn’t make it available to the public until 2009. In case you didn’t know, Di2 stands for Digital Integrated Intelligence. 2009 is about when I got my first Di2 component group, put it on my Cervelo and reviewed it for you here in Tech Talk. Read more.
2025 Unbound Gravel 100: The Final Chapter
By Sheri Rosenbaum
As the two-week countdown to Unbound Gravel kicks into high gear, I find myself buried in a checklist that’s as long as the race itself. I love making lists. It’s my secret weapon against the overwhelming chaos of pre-race prep. Emporia, Kansas, here I come! Read more.
SaltStick FastChews – Quick Review
By Sheri Rosenbaum
I can confidently say that SaltStick FastChews were a lifesaver during Unbound and saved me from a DNF. The company sent me samples in late February, but the temperatures in Chicagoland made it impossible to test the product. I waited for the weather to warm up, and then Unbound arrived. Read more.
Bike Touring and the Kindness of Strangers
By Stan Purdum
In my response last week to a question about the possibility of self-supported touring by ebike, I mentioned in passing that “many of the unexpected problems that happen while touring are, in fact, solved through the kindness of strangers.” You can read my full response here.
Here, I want to give some examples of spontaneous kindness shown to me by strangers while touring. Read more.
Should You Breathe Through Your Nose or Your Mouth When You Exercise?
Just about everyone with an unobstructed nose will breathe through their nose when at rest or during casual activities, but most people will breathe through their mouth during exercise. The more intensely you exercise, the more likely that you will have to breathe through your mouth because you may not be able to get enough air through your nose to feel comfortable. Read more.
Question of the Week
Do you ever set your bike upside down on the ground to work on it?
Other Cool Things to Read
People.com: Cyclist’s Throat Cut and Another’s Head Sliced By Kite String on N.Y.C. Bridge
Idaho News 6: Adaptive athletes showcase skills in thrilling mountain bike race at Bogus Basin
Cycling Weekly: Cervélo doubles down on S5’s Aero creds to create what must be one fast gravel bike
Most Clicked Last Week
First Look: Event Gear’s Simplyfast Cube Rub-On Wax Lube
End Notes
