I generally feel like it’s a bad idea to make changes when you’re trying to go above and beyond, but I’ve always been a tweaker. I felt it was time to try drops again, with the amazing May Seattle both-way wind. When I got them on, the basket became unwieldy. There is just not much leverage with drops, and the bag I use (Rivendell Shop Sack) is bumping the hoods, so I decided to go rando mode, again…

Since I was changing things, I also put some nice light tires on to see if I could feel a difference. I went with Grand Bois 700c x 30mm Cypres. They are definitely light, and measure in at about 31mm on my Synergy rims. I have them at 65psi rear, and 50 front. They definitely feel nice so far. The gravel road handling is just fine with these tires. They climb right up the short steep dirt part of my commute, and I didn’t have any slippage. So far, I love em. They look great, too. Not as unique as the Jack Browns, but great just the same.

I’m still unsure about the drops. Less control, but more aero position is definitely a tradeoff. My neck is feeling a bit tired at the end of the day, and I haven’t had that happen since the last time I was on drops. I’m hoping I get used to it. I did have a zen moment a few times on the ride home tonight while gripping right where the flats curve forward into the hoods. It felt right.