NBD + first impressions

Build: Ventum GS 1 w/ Force xplr 1×13 drivetrain, 42T front ring. Zipp 303 xplr s wheelset with Goodyear xplr inters 45mm

Size: M/L (I am 5’11”, 172lbs)
Weight (with pedals): 18.3lbs

Maiden voyage today of 44 miles, 1750ft of climbing on typical Midwest gravel, 12mph wind

Initial thoughts: the ride is very comfortable. I was a bit worried I may be stretched too much for my comfort but wasn’t the case at all. I still need to make a few adjustments to the fit as I ride more but overall I have no complaints. Wheels and tires easily handled washboard sections and rutted dirt roads with ease. The shorter chain stays and overall geometry make for a nice nimble bike. It felt zippy but never unstable under foot.

The new Force XPLR 1×13 is great. Running a 42t chainring I did run out of gears on a couple descents with a tailwind but spent most of the time comfortably in the middle of the cassette. Gaps between gears didn’t feel too large at all and I am coming from a 2x 105 mech. Shifts are crisp. The bonus buttons automatically recognized my comp and switched easily between pages.

This bad boy wants to MOVE. I felt like it was begging to go faster and responds so quickly to power into the pedal. With a tailwind I felt like I was slicing down the road and into a headwind I didn’t feel dragged down. Despite the deep rims, the wheels never felt like sails in a crosswind.

I don’t know what to make of the power meter yet. I was using Favero Assioma power pedals on my other bike and after this ride my training app detected an FTP increase of 4 watts. So either I need to recalibrate the new meter or this bike geometry is much more suited to power delivery than my previous bike.

Overall first impressions are very positive, which is such a relief considering how much time I spent trying to decide which bike would be best for me.