La Genzianella Alpine Chic Hotel lives up to its name. It sits in Bormio at around 1,200 metres and shines with family warmth as much as with excellent food.
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Anton 👨🏻
Creative Director, road cyclist, Brevet enthusiast. Rides a Trek Domane and a Specialized Crux, covering more than 10,000 km a year. Writes for You, Me & Cycling about kit, long rides and workshop topics. Find him on Instagram as @antoningomar.
My AI Cycling Coach, Six Months Later
In February I built an AI cycling coach to get to know Claude Code. Six months later it is something else: a coach with a memory, with questions of its own, and with a direct line to my bike computer.
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Tire pressure: why 72 psi is almost always the wrong number
There is no single right number. Four things decide your tire pressure, and tire width moves it more than your body weight does. On top of that sits a hard ceiling most riders have never heard of.
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Electric mini pump test: CYCPLUS AS2 Ultra vs. AS2 Pro Max
Two electric mini pumps from CYCPLUS in an honest real-world test: the light AS2 Ultra against the powerful AS2 Pro Max. Weight, speed, valves, heat and hose, plus a clear recommendation.
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Latex, TPU or Tubeless? Why I stick with tubes
Latex, TPU or tubeless on gravel? My honest comparison: weight, pressure and why I stick with tubes, now with Eclipse TPU and a Schwalbe Clik valve.
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Di Blasi R20: A Legendary Italian Folding Bike, Tested Over Years
Folding bikes aren’t a Brompton-era invention. Back in the 1980s, Di Blasi already built the R20: a folder that still feels current today. Henri and I own one, bought used, and have been riding it for years. Here is what it can do and what it can’t.
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The front derailleur comparison, part 2: SRAM AXS E1 vs. the rest
Three years after D1 vs. D2: why the SRAM AXS E1 finally shifts flawlessly, and how to save money on the chainring.
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Coros Dura: the bike computer you never have to charge. Almost.
The Coros Dura has the best battery of any bike computer. With solar, you hardly ever need to charge it when the sun is out. The software still has room to grow. An honest review after several weeks in the saddle.
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Your own AI cycling coach with Claude Code
Update, August 2026: This post is from February and describes the app as it was set up back then. It has moved on a long way since. The training methodology is selectable now, the coach has a memory, it asks me questions back, and it no longer runs locally. What became of the weekend project…
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Tailfin bikepacking bags put to the test: 3 weeks across Japan
How the complete Tailfin setup performed on our Japan tour with the Lapierre Endurance road bike. A full real-world review with all pros and cons. For our bikepacking trip through Japan, we relied on Tailfin bags mounted to our Lapierre Pulsium Endurance road bikes. Why? Because we needed a setup that was lightweight, weatherproof, and…
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Bikepacking with an Extra Challenge: Going Glutenfree on the Road
If you’ve ever crawled up the final climb of the day on an empty stomach, you know: food isn’t a side note when bikepacking. It’s fuel, reward, and sometimes sheer motivation. And if you eat gluten-free — or like me, wheat-free — things get even more interesting. Gluten-free doesn’t always mean wheat-free. At first, I…
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Road bike, gravel or all-road? Which entry-level bike really suits you.
Many people want to get into cycling more seriously but aren’t quite sure yet whether they’d prefer to train on the road, explore forest roads, or simply pedal leisurely through nature. Maybe you’re looking to escape busy traffic, or perhaps you’re dreaming of fast group rides with friends. The good news is: you don’t have…
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From data to progress: How I use Athletica.ai for my cycling training
Earlier this year, I felt the need to bring more structure and purpose into my indoor training. Not just for the bike, but for my entire endurance fitness. I had used TrainerRoad before, which was great for targeted intervals, but I wanted more: strength work, running integration, and something that could adjust to my real-life…
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The Roubaix in Roubaix
The Specialized Roubaix SL8 at the Paris-Roubaix Spring Classic: A Custom Build for the Toughest Cobblestones in the World Paris-Roubaix isn’t just a race — it’s a legendary experience. With endless pavé sectors, dusty farm tracks, and tight corners, this challenge demands a bike that combines comfort, control, and reliability. I always intended to build…
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The YMC Guide to Tire Pressure for Road and Gravel Cycling
Finding the perfect tire pressure for road and gravel cycling can transform your ride, making it smoother, faster, and more controlled. Too much pressure results in a harsh ride with reduced grip, while too little increases rolling resistance and the risk of pinch flats. The ideal setup depends on your weight, terrain, and tire choice.
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Which Tires for Road and Gravel Cycling with Inner Tubes? Tubeless-ready vs. tube-type.
Cycling enthusiasts know that the right tire can make or break a ride. Whether you’re tearing up gravel trails or cruising along smooth tarmac, your tire choice is essential — especially if you use inner tubes. In this guide, I will explore the best tire options for road and gravel cycling and share some insights…
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Growtac Equal vs. TRP HY/RD: the duel of the mechanical disc brake calipers
Mechanical disc brakes are dead. Long live the mechanical disc brake. For those who want reliable braking performance and don’t want to bother with the maintenance of hydraulic systems, mechanical disc brakes are still a top choice. I’m a big fan of this technology myself, not only because I love the size of mechanical brake…
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Standert Pfadfinder: steel in ultra setup
The Standert Pfadfinder Endurance frame made of Columbus steel is made for long days in the saddle. In principle, there is of course a weight disadvantage compared to carbon frames – but a steel frame is hard to beat in terms of durability and comfort. The approximately 900 grams are also irrelevant on flat terrain.…
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Bye bye 2x, hallo 1x Rotor Universal Tooth Design
How useful is a 1x drivetrain for the road bike? There is still no right or wrong answer to this question, but the discussion has gained new momentum since the Giro and Tour 2023.
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The front derailleur comparison: SRAM AXS Force D1 vs. D2
After the surprising presentation of the new SRAM AXS Force groupset, I was full of curiosity about the updates to the D2 front derailleur. Shimano is leading the way with the current Di2 components: problems with the front derailleur don’t have to be. But did SRAM improve things here?
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