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Thanks for the feedback.

Regarding the cassette, it is VERY flat where I am racing, the 36 was for a 'just in case' and to try and be a bit of a cheapskate. Suppose it makes sense to just spend the extra £200 and build something for all terrain.

Have to admit, I'm hesitant about getting into the AXS ecosystem, mainly for the limited chainrings, but it looks like rotor etc do options. The XDR will also reduce flexibility with swapping wheelsets easily. Brakes aren't a concern, but I had no idea the AXS RD was so large.

I was considering Di2, but the cabling concerns me, and I don't want to rely on others to fit/fix. I probably should just learn...Also, there are still shift cables between the frame/cockpit which makes travel slightly harder I guess.

7100/8100 seems a good option, but there doesn't appear to be any option for a wireless cockpit for TT (though a blipbox type thing).

After being a staunch mechanical/maximum 11 speed fan, I'm looking to modernise for a new TT build. Rival AXS seems a pretty good deal, looks like it would make bike packing (into a box) easier, and the 1x (48 and 10-36) option would be more than enough range for where I'm racing. But I'm a noob and have questions as there are new scary standards and stuff. My current shopping list is:

2 x pairs blips
AXS Blipbox (this is quite a bit more expensive than expected)
AXS charger
Rival AXS rear derailleur
Flat top Force axs 12sp chain
AXS 11-36 cassette
Rotor Vegast cranks with Rotor 1 x AXS chainring (have BB86 so imagine DUB sketchy)
XDR freehub body

Am I missing anything there to get a functional 1 x system? Feels quite simple compared to what I would need to buy for Di2.

Would like the tt levers and blips if dibs falls through!

I have a Bontrager Aeolus XXX6 wheelset that is in pretty nice condition, but there is quite significant wear on the braking surface. The 'laser control' track is completely worn away, and I can see weave (but there are no loose strands coming through). It's quite hard to show this wear in pictures, but I can really feel the ridge when I run my finger over it. No idea where the limit is on this kind of thing.

I'd prefer not to bin them, but also would quite like not to die (I know this is inevitable, but a Trek-related passing wouldn't be very cool).

Had loads of Unos and they have all been great.

Effetto Mariposa Carogna tubular glue remover is my recommendation for graphics removal. Smear a thin layer over, wait a few minutes, and then just easily wipe off with kitchen roll. Easier than nail polish remover I find (but probably not worth buying unless you plan to use tubulars or remove lots of graphics!).

@gbj_tester I fitted the BR12 and everything is fine, so thanks for that.

Now having a bit of a challenge with the rear brake under the BB/chainstay. The original solution I thought would work doesn't, and I'm lost as to what will. The manual suggests TRP 822-1, but I can't find them or (assumed successor) 922-1 anywhere. Have emailed Argon 18 for guidance but no luck yet.

The bit that is confusing me is that the frame is 'direct mount' but actually comes fitted with posts for the brakes with holes for tension springs. I have only seen this before with cantis or v brakes. I don't appear to be able to remove these posts and I cannot find any kind of alternative caliper that would fit (I don't even really know what the description would be to search for it). Do you have any suggestions for an alternative? TIA.

Just got a Yoeleo H9 if that counts. Arrived within 10 days and to my non-expert eyes, the finish looks great and much better than various 3T bars I own. $215 with Garmin mount.

Ha! I did wonder if I could just put a caliper at the front, but dismissed the idea for some reason. The BR12 is perfect and I would have had no idea they were the same. Many thanks both.

This seems like the best place to ask...

For some bizarre reason, some time ago, I decided to sign up to an Ironman 70.3. I didn't want to spend loads on equipment I may not use again, so managed to secure an Argon 18 E80 frameset for <£200 and am finishing it off with some bits from the parts bin and some very cheap alu aero bars.

I've now discovered that the frame doesn't come with the brakes, which appears to be a bit of a PITA. They are Tektro R725 side/horizontal-pull things and I cannot find any for sale online. I'm also struggling to find a similar alternative. Does anybody know of a solution? High probability of me being thick and the solution is an obvious one.

I now have them on 2 bikes after a recommendation on here and think they are great.

I'm a heavy rider and they just did very well on a 2 week trip to the alps with steep descents and baggage.

Dibs ISM saddle please!

It all depends if you are a member of the gravel biking generation

Woodrup's 'path racer' reimagines the fixie for the gravel biking generation and we want one

Leeds brand recreates the type of bike that was designed for unpaved roads as well as track racing in the 19th century - and it's surprisingly relevant

Looking for something cheap and cheerful like a Planet X Exocet etc. Doesn't have to be very new or mint condition. Bonus if it comes with cockpit.

Would need to be posted I imagine.

No gravel at all in France. Lots of big rocks that made me wish for a full suspension MTB. On another note, e-Gravel bikes are amazing and have allowed my partner to join me on some challenging rides.

I was staying in Versoix for the night so did Barillette. Was tougher than expected and quite warm...Very quiet and a lovely view of Mont Blanc from the top though.

I'm currently in Annecy and this guy's website is so helpful. 4 and 9 are to be done over the next 10 days.

Thanks. Did 20km around the lake and it wasn't very interesting as you say. Ended up not bothering and did a climb instead.

I thought that Red 10 speed was commonly accepted as the most HH group?

Weight>>>>functionality

The possibility of seeing Cav in Rapha x Palace EF Crocs is now the most important thing in my life.

This is amazing.

Pog to cry?

This seems as good a place to ask...

Have two weeks in the Alps coming up and bafflingly booked my flight to Geneva a day before I should have. This means I have around 24 hours free before my partner arrives. I've booked a hotel in Versoix for the night and was considering a very early start to do the 175km round Lac Léman. I read some positive words about the route, but (dated in fairness) street view imagery makes it look like it could be a bit faffy with a decent amount of traffic. Has anybody done the route?

Alternative is a climb into the Jura which will be quieter, but I will have two weeks with no option but to climb, so thinking a flat lake route would make a nice gentle intro.

£1,730 for a third tier groupset? Madness.

I remember that! Was very interested, but just too big for me.

Think it was one of the frames that made me want to get a respray...beautiful.

In terms of the new paint, I always loved the chromaflair look (love Kleins), but it seems to be everywhere at the moment, so maybe the moment has passed for that. I also always wanted a very stealth bike. I've tried to combine these two things into one, so have asked for the frame to be sprayed in matte black, with the decals and details in gloss black with Didspade Kosmos Supershift Flake. Hopefully, it will come out not too in-your-face but with a bit of something different! I first saw the flake on Kustom Flow's Instagram. I would love him to do the respray, but it just won't work logistically unfortunately.