New Bike + Pipe Dream
Sure I remember the Pythagorean theorem, quadratic formula, y=mx+b but, just like most of us said, we would never use those again in our lives outside of grade school. However, there is one formula that I still find myself using to this day and that is N+1. The formula can be broken down by n (the number of bikes you own)+ 1 ( one more bike). You may also go about getting the same answer by rewriting the equation: S-1. S (the number of bikes that would result in your partner leaving) - 1 (one bike). If you find yourself reworking the equation and doing the finances to squeeze in one more bike just know, you're not alone. I find myself scrolling through Instagram playing ‘hot or not' with bikes just dreaming about the day I eventually give in and solve the answer to N+1.
Coming out of seasonal depression in the PNW and into the glory days of daylight savings is like giving a cyclist a box of happiness. Needless to say, I’ve spent some time dreaming how I would dial in a gravel/ bike packing set up if I could partake in N+1. Without further ado, let me introduce you to her…. Canyon’s Grizl 6 AL
Isn’t she sexy? She’s bright and cool for those days in the PNW that are filled with gray goodness. She’s comfy, aluminium, geometrically perfect– and ready to send through some single track. She’s got the 11-34 T Shimano HG500 for climbing up my worst nightmare. She’s fully stocked with all the mounts you could possibly need to bring along all the bikepacking gear. I would do a few minor upgrades to give this thing of beauty my personal touch.
First Upgrade: Let’s slap some Panaracer GravelKing SK 700 X 43mm tan wall tires on her so she’s ready for any type of gravel that is thrown under her wheels. This particular tire seems to be a PNW favorite based on its ability to take a beating. (The bike doesn’t come stocked with tan walls)
Second Upgrade: Bar tape is hands down the easiest way to add some character to your bike. I’d wrap Lizard Skins’ finest DSP Bar Tape to keep the tacky feel in the midst of misty pnw fog or sweaty summer palms. The color choice you ask? Of course, Olive Green matches the mystical moss growing throughout the PNW.
Third Upgrade: Everyone needs a spot to store their snacks, spare tubes, camera, CO2 cartridges, and all those goodies. The classy stem bag will hold all my nearest and dearest belongings for the long days in the mountains. The best part about this grab bag is it’s a single-handed open and closure. Swift Industries is based out of Seattle meaning all of their products have been tested in our backyard, even more, the reason to love em!
Fourth Upgrade: Last but not least the final touch would be a headset stem cap. Supporting a Bellingham native and local artist, I chose the final touch to the cockpit.
Welp for now this gravel setup is just merely a pipe dream until the day I pull the N+1 trigger and anxiously await a giant brown box at my apartment doorstep.
