Oak Twilight at Tulsa Tough
Fortunately, a couple of days before leaving for Tulsa, Wyatt (our mechanic) was able to fly over and build the first batch of Twilights. That meant I could take mine to Oklahoma.
The bike couldn’t have done a better job. I was extremely happy with its performance and how it rode. Unfortunately my body couldn’t match it due to the extreme heat but nonetheless it was a great debut for the bike.
And I got a bunch of cool shots of it racing so here ya go!
Thank you to Kai Caddy and Velovit Elite for the photos!
Link batch #8
Cool content
I had the pleasure of once again racing Tulsa Tough this past weekend where I was able to really put my Twilight through its paces. The video from day 1 is now live on my YouTube channel.
Why it’s relevant to me. It was really important for me to build and race this bike before sharing it with you guys.
Why it’s relevant to you. It’s also important to me to have you guys, the people I know and trust, test and evaluate the bike before we publicly release it, thus the pre-order.
Cool products
The Twilight is going to be a bike that is built with specific purposes in mind (certain types of racing, location, etc.). These wheels seem to be the perfect fit for some of those builds.
Why it’s relevant to me. I can’t wait to test these as China starts producing extremely high quality products (us included)
Why it’s relevant to you. Looking for very good and affordable wheels for your Twilight? Here ya go.
Link batch #7
Cool content
I haven’t been posting on my YT channel as much this year, for obvious reasons but I managed to put a video out from a race a couple of weeks ago so I figured I’d share it on here!
Why it’s relevant to me. This is a big part of my life these days. Not just racing, but the videos so it’s quite important that I push myself to keep making them, even if less often.
Why it’s relevant to you. My goal with these is to make people understand the sport better and try to pass on a bit of the adrenaline-filled feeling we love so much!
Bike nerd stuff
Another great bike fit video from James with useful information. Bike saddles are something very specific to the person and that can take years to figure out.
Why it’s relevant to me. In my opinion this is a process that is worth the investment to be done well and ASAP.
Why is relevant to you. Even if you’re not a racer, but ride a bike, saddle discomfort is probably something you’ve experienced so it might not be a bad idea to look into it…
Cool products
After many years of testing and searching I have finally found the saddle that works perfectly for me and couldn’t be happier about it.
Why it’s relevant to me. Yes, it’s not cheap but after spending hundreds and hundreds of dollars and many uncomfortable hours on saddles over the years, you almost can’t put a price on the relief of the perfect saddle for you…
Why it’s relevant to you. If you haven’t heard of this shape of saddle, this is a very popular one that is available in much cheaper versions. Worth a try.
Link batch #6
Cool content, cool products and bike nerd stuff.
Cool content
As most of you are aware, Tadej Pogacar won the Giro d’Italia yesterday and now all eyes are on the Tour de France. Netflix’s new trailer from last year’s edition threw all of us for a loop as no one thought they had gotten permission to interview Tadej himself!
Why it’s relevant to me. I’m a big Tadej fan and not having him in the first season, especially when he was a big part of the race, was a bummer. So I’m excited!
Why it’s relevant to you. If you haven’t watched season 1 of the Tour de France on Netflix, do it now as season 2 comes out on June 11!
Cool products
Not that long ago Oakley came out with their industry-breaking aero sunglasses. No one had really matched them yet until now.
Why it’s relevant to me. I’m more of a 100% user/ fan than Oakley so this has me really excited.
Why it’s relevant to you. Looking for new sunglasses? This might be your sign.
Bike nerd stuff
Riding off of the awesome Giro d’Italia we just had, and not to be sharing too many bike build videos. This really feels like quite the iconic Grand Tour winning bike.
Why it’s relevant to me. As you guys know by now, I’m a big fan of these bike build videos and they really inspire me for Oak’s content and builds themselves.
Why is relevant to you. Cool content… Ya know.
Oak’s guiding principle #1 - Family
Introducing what the brand is actually being built on—what we’re calling our brand’s guiding principles. Think of these as the “pillars” of our brand; the structure before anything visual.
The first one that I will highlight today is Family.
Introducing what the brand is actually being built on—what we’re calling our brand’s guiding principles. Think of these as the “pillars” of our brand; the structure before anything visual.
The first one that I will highlight today is Family.
As you all know by now, the name Oak comes from my middle (and my mom’s last) name, Carvalho, which means oak tree in Portuguese. That really sets the tone for a company that comes from a family to create and foster an even bigger one—a family of enthusiasts, sharing camaraderie through similar and evolving passions.
Link batch #5
Cool content, cool products, and some bike nerd stuff.
Cool content
I love motivational and emotional cycling videos, especially if they involve a record. This mini-doc by Ineos when Ganna broke the hour world record (again), is one of those.
Why it’s relevant to me. I love seeing the limits of human capabilities and knowledge pushed, and this is the perfect example of that. I can’t wait to create content like this through Oak.
Why it’s relevant to you. If you’re not into cycling, this is something really easy to get excited about. If you are, you will 100% love this piece of content.
Cool products
With every cyclist focusing more and more on aero products, shoe covers have become almost a must-have while racing. These happen to be Van Der Peel and I’s favorite.
Why it’s relevant to me. I like to keep my feet (shoes, socks, covers…) all white while riding and it’s hard to find an all-white, minimal option for show covers.
Why it’s relevant to you. Maybe you’ve also been looking for something like this. Yes, it’s pretty niche.
Bike nerd stuff
Everyone in the bike world is talking about the new SRAM Red groupset. I’m not a fan of how this brand’s group sets work but I’m a huge fan of innovation and American brands. This podcast was, in my opinion, the video that best broke down all the details of the release.
Why it’s relevant to me. As we prepare our fully built Oak bikes, group sets, especially from the big 3, need to be evaluated and considered.
Why is relevant to you. If you’re interested or considering upgrading to this groupset, there’s some really good points here.
Not cycling related
Ok so I’m not usually a fan of these types of videos (I get bored easily I guess), but the information on this video about traveling with infants is so good, informative and inspiring.
Why it’s relevant to me. Katelyn and I plan on traveling a lot with our kid, starting early, and these are the types of tips we would actually use and share with other people!
Why it’s relevant to you. If you need a little push to get out there with your kiddo or think the whole thing is more of a headache than it actually is, this might inspire you too!
The first-ever criterium-specific bike
Today I will start sharing some nerdy details on this bike—geometry.
This isn’t for everyone. Even some people interested in bikes and buying them, don’t care for these details but I feel like they’re relevant and educating customers on them can open them to a whole new world!
Today I will start sharing some nerdy details on this bike—geometry.
This isn’t for everyone. Even some people interested in bikes and buying them, don’t care for these details but I feel like they’re relevant and educating customers on them can open them to a whole new world!
Below is a chart of the geometry details, followed by an explanation on what some of the numbers mean.
First off, the shorter head tube provides a more aggressive yet still comfortable geometry. Overall, the tubes on the frame are stiffer than most road bikes, providing more confident and sturdy handling (all while not closing flex on the parts that need it most, just as the seat tube), not just through corners but throughout the whole riding experience. As you can see in the drawing/ numbers, the frame has an aero design to cut through the air better, saving watts at higher speeds (which is achieved by the wider down tube, wider fork and wheel-wrapping seat tube).
Link batch #4
Cool content, cool products, and some bike nerd stuff
Cool content
This is still one of my favorite videos on YT because of its approach to the cycling world + the “mix” of cinematography/ longer form content and the vlog/ BTS-style of shooting.
Why it’s relevant to me. Watching this video (several times) inspired me to try to match this experience, which is available to everyone through InGamba, and I can say it changed my life.
Why it’s relevant to you. This year we had our first ULTRAPASS team training camp and it was such a great experience to everyone there that we wished more people would have the opportunity! So, maybe we’ll create those opportunities…
Cool products
Cyclists get nerdy about really small things that not that long ago, no one cared about. OSPWs (oversized pulley wheels) are one of those things. $600+ for a couple “spinny wheels” sounds silly, but it can really make a difference. Anyways, Ceramic Speed’s new OSPW RS is a thing of beauty I’ve been dreaming of recently.
Why it’s relevant to me. I’m not trying to justify such a purchase but it’s an investment I made about 4 years ago that I still benefit from. Until a few days ago, I thought the fact that the parts in it are ceramic (which makes them spin really fast) was the only benefit (aside from looking cool). I now know that the fact the wheels are bigger than the standard ones on bikes also makes everything be smoother and more efficient!
Why it’s relevant to you. This isn’t something that I or any other bike brand can equip stock bikes with because of its price but it will definitely be part of the list of upgrades we’ll share with our customers that can help them increase the performance of their bikes.
Bike nerd stuff
Another bike fit trend that has been surfacing since the beginning to the 20’s (2020’s, of course), is hood position. This video on that, put this YouTuber on the map and he has some really good points & tips!
Why it’s relevant to me. I too tilt my shifters in for comfort and have been doing so for years, but I do think it’s a personal thing that should be tested and not forced.
Why is relevant to you. Here’s another thing for you to play with on your bike fit. It too could help make you more comfortable and/or more efficient on the bike!
Not cycling related
I’m a sucker for minimalistic yet high quality fashion and the show “The Bear” agrees with that. They’ve introduced me to a new brand, that I’m falling in love with.
Why it’s relevant to me. As most of you know, I usually wear a black t-shirt. What you don’t know is that I have and do try many different brands to find what is most comfortable, breathable yet heavy and looks good! Just like in bikes those details matter (to me).
Why it’s relevant to you. Maybe you’re looking for a more minimalistic approach to your closet, or were wondering what “Carmy” wore on the show!