Workshop

- Shimano Shadow+ levers on GRX and Cues rear derailleurs activate a damping mechanism that reduces chain slap and keeps the chain more securely on the sprockets.
- When riding, the lever should be set to ‘On’; when fitting or removing the rear wheel, set it to ‘Off’, as this allows the derailleur cage to move more freely.
- The lever does not increase chain tension, but merely dampens the movement of the derailleur cage; the new generation of GRX uses Shadow ES without a lever, which provides greater damping.

The key to happiness: Why gravel cyclists need to know about Shadow+

- From August 2026, Maxxis will be launching Maxx Seal, its own synthetic latex sealant, for its range of tubeless tyres.  
- The ammonia-free liquid is designed to be gentle on materials, seal punctures of up to 7 mm and function reliably from -20 °C to +55 °C.  
- Maxx Seal is compatible with CO₂ and inserts, and is available in recycled PET bottles (250 ml, 500 ml, 1 l) as well as in 5-litre canisters.

Maxxis Maxx Seal: A new sealant for gravel riding without the worry of punctures?

- On two occasions within four months, a tubeless valve broke during group rides, presumably caused by twigs getting caught in the spokes.
- In both cases, no puncture could be found in the tyre; the fault lay with the valve – which had been partially or completely torn off – from different manufacturers.
- Repair on the go: lift up one side of the tyre, wipe out the sealant, insert the inner tube, and pump it up again; carrying a spare valve is being considered.

Fault of the Year?: When the tubeless valve simply snaps off

- The loud freewheels on expensive gravel bikes come across as an acoustic show of power and status symbols, much like a Rolex or a Porsche key.  
- Certain hubs and tuning (less grease, thin oil, high rims) amplify the whirring to the point of creating an intimidating soundscape.  
- The text asks whether a loud freehub is a sign of style or tacky, and whether a quieter freehub isn’t the true expression of composure.

​Dominance through hub screeching: On the psychology of the freewheel. Or: My freewheel is a real pain!

- Step-by-step instructions for changing tubeless tyres: Deflate, loosen tyre bead, remove tyre from rim with jacks
- Fitting new tyres: Clean the rim, check the running direction, fit one side of the tyre, fill with sealant, fit the second side, pop in the tyre
- Common problems and solutions: tyres that are difficult to fit, lack of "plop", air loss due to valve, bead, rim tape or dried-out sealant

Tubeless step by step: Changing tyres on a gravel bike

- Hydraulic disc brakes adjust automatically, so pad wear often goes unnoticed and can cause expensive disc damage.  
- Check the pads regularly by visual inspection and measurement, replace them when there is approx. 1 mm of residual friction material and stop riding if there is metallic scratching.  
- Check brake discs for minimum thickness using calipers, replace if there are grooves, discolouration or warping and replace pads together with worn discs.

Disc brakes: detecting wear on the brake disc and brake pad

Screwdriver tips

- With Tom (touring/commuting) and Mia (sporty riders), SKS Germany is launching two multitool series manufactured in Germany.  
- Tom models (8, 11, 14, 22 tools, € 19.99-35.99) are flat, versatile and designed for jersey or saddle bags.  
- Mia models (8 and 12 tools, €29.99/€44.99) are smaller, lighter, focussed on the essentials and aimed at the weight-conscious.

Slim and flat tools for travelling: the MIA and TOM multi-tools from SKS Germany

- The hexagon socket was patented by William G. Allen in 1910 to enable flush, secure screw connections.
- "Inbus" is a brand name and stands for "Innensechskant Bauer und Schaurte"; the correct name for the tool is Allen key.
- The Allen key is central to bicycle construction: a few spanner sizes are sufficient, recessed screws save weight and space and make maintenance easier.

Tool history: Why is it actually called an "Allen key"?

- Electric air pumps are technically superfluous, but offer a noticeable gain in comfort, especially with several discs on long tours.  
- Torque spanners are useful for carbon bikes on bikepacking tours, but are usually unnecessary for aluminium bikes and short tours.  
- Hydration waistcoats are useful for ultra-long, low-supply gravel races, but tend to be superfluous accessories for normal after-work use.

Totally superfluous: 3 things you don't need when gravel riding - or do you?

Tool

Workshop tips, tricks and instructions for screwing on a road bike and the right tools for repairs

Workshop:Tools

Workshop:Wrenching tips

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Workshop

The key to happiness
Why gravel cyclists need to know about Shadow+

Maxxis Maxx Seal
A new sealant for gravel riding without the worry of punctures?

Fault of the Year?
When the tubeless valve simply snaps off

Screwdriver tips

Dominance through hub screeching
On the psychology of the freewheel. Or: My freewheel is a real pain!

Tubeless step by step
Changing tyres on a gravel bike

Disc brakes
Detecting wear on the brake disc and brake pad

Tool

Slim and flat tools for travelling
The MIA and TOM multi-tools from SKS Germany

Tool history
Why is it actually called an "Allen key"?

Totally superfluous
3 things you don't need when gravel riding - or do you?

Workshop

The key to happinessWhy gravel cyclists need to know about Shadow+

Maxxis Maxx SealA new sealant for gravel riding without the worry of punctures?

Fault of the Year?When the tubeless valve simply snaps off

Screwdriver tips

​Dominance through hub screechingOn the psychology of the freewheel. Or: My freewheel is a real pain!

Tubeless step by stepChanging tyres on a gravel bike

Disc brakesDetecting wear on the brake disc and brake pad

Tool

Slim and flat tools for travellingThe MIA and TOM multi-tools from SKS Germany

Tool historyWhy is it actually called an "Allen key"?

Totally superfluous3 things you don't need when gravel riding - or do you?

The key to happiness
Why gravel cyclists need to know about Shadow+

Maxxis Maxx Seal
A new sealant for gravel riding without the worry of punctures?

Fault of the Year?
When the tubeless valve simply snaps off

Dominance through hub screeching
On the psychology of the freewheel. Or: My freewheel is a real pain!

Tubeless step by step
Changing tyres on a gravel bike

Disc brakes
Detecting wear on the brake disc and brake pad

Slim and flat tools for travelling
The MIA and TOM multi-tools from SKS Germany

Tool history
Why is it actually called an "Allen key"?

Totally superfluous
3 things you don't need when gravel riding - or do you?